Lickitung

Using Lickitung in a Playthrough

The Lickitung line is a slow Normal-type line whose principal strengths are bulk, an unusually broad movepool, and the ability to adapt to whatever coverage a team is missing. Lickitung's offensive stats are modest, so access to many TMs does not automatically make it a strong attacker, but Lickilicky improves considerably with 110 HP, solid defenses, and a more usable 85 Attack. Lickitung evolves into Lickilicky by leveling up while knowing Rollout, making the final evolution unavailable in generations before Diamond and Pearl and in some later games where Lickilicky itself is absent. Lickilicky can function as a bulky generalist with Normal STAB and broad physical or special coverage, but its extremely low Speed means it usually takes a hit before acting and its pure Normal typing offers few resistances to help it switch safely.

Lickitung in Competitive Pokémon

Lickilicky's competitive niche has primarily been that of a bulky Normal-type support Pokemon or slower physical attacker. Its 110 HP and balanced 95 Defense and Special Defense give it substantial mixed bulk, while its broad movepool has supported defensive utility as well as offensive options such as Swords Dance, Return or Body Slam, Knock Off, and Earthquake depending on generation. Some formats have also made use of Cloud Nine to suppress weather effects, providing a specialized role that more conventional Normal-types cannot duplicate. Its low Speed, limited defensive resistances, and lack of consistently convenient recovery have generally kept it in lower tiers despite its versatility.

Lickitung in Nuzlockes

Lickitung's Nuzlocke value changes dramatically once Lickilicky is available. In FireRed and LeafGreen, Lickitung is particularly poor value because it can only be obtained through an in-game trade that requires surrendering a Golduck or Slowbro, arrives late, has mediocre offenses, and competes with superior Normal-type tanks such as Snorlax. In Platinum, Lickilicky's improved bulk makes the family substantially more usable, although community evaluations still criticize its low Speed, mediocre Attack relative to dedicated attackers, and lack of easy reliable recovery. Its strength is flexibility rather than dominance: if a team has lost a specific coverage option, Lickilicky can often learn an appropriate move and survive neutral attacks well enough to fill the vacancy.

Lickitung has a prehensile tongue more than twice the length of its body, with nerves extending throughout its entire length. It uses the tongue to capture Bug Pokemon, collect Berries, explore unfamiliar objects, fight, and clean itself or other things. Sticky saliva coating the tongue can produce tingling or rashes on skin and can be cooked into a strong adhesive. Lickitung also uses taste and texture as an important form of memory and sensory investigation, and its tongue is powerful enough to lift a human.