Best Toxapex Moveset: Competitive Guide & Strategy

Toxapex has established itself as a staple in competitive Pokémon battles, thanks to its incredible defensive capabilities and versatile movepool. Whether you’re building a stall team or looking for a bulky support Pokémon for your squad, Toxapex excels in both roles. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best Toxapex movesets for various competitive scenarios, giving you all the tools you need to dominate with this fan-favorite Water/Poison-type Pokémon.
Pro Tip: You can check out our random Pokémon generator to generate more Pokémon like Toxapex.
Why Toxapex is a Top Choice for Competitive Battling
Toxapex stands out due to its
- Impressive Defensive Stats: With a base defense of 152 and special defense of 142, it can tank hits from both physical and special attackers.
- Reliable Recovery Options: Moves like recover and toxic spikes make it a stalwart in stalling tactics.
- Utility Moves: Access to moves such as Scald and Haze lets it support teammates and counter setup sweepers effectively.
Now, let’s dive into the best Toxapex movesets for competitive play.
1. Best Toxapex Defensive Moveset (Standard Set)
This set focuses on Toxapex’s ability to act as an unbreakable defensive wall. It’s perfect for players looking to stall out opponents and provide vital support to their team.
Toxapex Moveset:
- Ability: Regenerator
- Item: Black Sludge / Leftovers
- Nature: Bold (+Defense, -Attack) or Calm (+Special Defense, -Attack)
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves:
- Scald: A powerful Water-type move with a 30% chance to burn, making it invaluable for burning physical attackers.
- Toxic Spikes: Lay down entry hazards to wear down opposing teams over time.
- Recover: Keep Toxapex in fighting shape, letting it recover HP consistently throughout the match.
- Haze: Removes stat changes from both you and your opponent, preventing setup sweepers from running wild.
Why This Moveset Works:
- Regenerator lets Toxapex heal by switching out, ensuring it remains durable throughout the match.
- Toxic spikes and Scald work in tandem to apply pressure and cripple physical attackers.
- Recover ensures that Toxapex can sustain itself for long periods, while Haze shuts down opponents who attempt to boost their stats.
2. Stall Toxapex (Supportive Set)
If you’re running a stall team, Toxapex is a perfect candidate. This moveset focuses on crippling the opponent’s setup options and controlling the tempo of the game.
Toxapex Moveset:
- Ability: Regenerator
- Item: Rocky Helmet / Black Sludge
- Nature: Bold or Calm
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves:
- Toxic: Toxapex’s main tool for crippling opposing Pokémon over time.
- Haze: Completely resets any stat boosts, preventing setup sweepers from getting out of hand.
- Recover: Provides Toxapex with reliable healing to keep it on the field longer.
- Liquidation/Scald: Liquidation offers stronger offensive pressure, while Scald provides a reliable burn chance.
Why This Moveset Works:
This set maximizes Toxapex’s stalling ability while also preventing setup sweepers from boosting their stats. Toxic keeps the pressure on, while Haze ensures that stat buffs are negated. Recovery keeps Toxapex healthy while taking down opposing threats.
3. Offensive Toxapex Moveset (Special Attacker)
While Toxapex is usually known for its defensive play, it can also catch opponents off guard with an offensive set. This moveset takes advantage of Toxapex’s surprisingly decent Special Attack stat to deal damage while still retaining some defensive utility.
Toxapex Moveset:
- Ability: Regenerator
- Item: Leftovers / Black Sludge
- Nature: Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack)
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Moves:
- Scald: This special Water-type attack can burn foes and deal significant damage to many Pokémon.
- Toxic: For added support, especially against bulky Pokémon that try to stall.
- Sludge Bomb: A reliable STAB move that can deal serious damage to fairy and grass types.
- Recover: Provides healing to keep Toxapex in the battle for longer.
Why This Moveset Works:
Despite its primary defensive role, Toxapex’s Special Attack allows it to put pressure on special attackers and recover with Recover. Sludge Bomb provides offensive coverage, while Scald can burn and threaten physical attackers.
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4. Anti-Lead Toxapex Moveset (Utility Lead)
This set is designed for players looking to lead with Toxapex and establish control early in the match. It’s ideal for setting up hazards or applying status conditions before switching to your main offensive Pokémon.
Toxapex Moveset:
- Ability: Regenerator
- Item: Focus Sash
- Nature: Bold
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Moves:
- Toxic Spikes: Set up entry hazards right from the start.
- Scald: For early game pressure and the chance to burn opposing leads.
- Toxic: To punish bulky leads and stall them out.
- Haze: prevents stat boosts from setup sweepers.
Why This Moveset Works:
With Focus Sash, Toxapex can reliably set up hazards or apply status conditions before fainting. Toxic spikes help wear down the opponent’s team, while Haze can stop setup leads from gaining an advantage.
EV Spreads & Nature for Toxapex
When building your Toxapex, make sure to choose the appropriate EV spreads and nature for the role you want it to fulfill.
- Standard Defensive Set: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold or Calm nature.
- Offensive Set: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD with a Modest nature.
- Stall Set: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with a Bold nature.
Conclusion:
Toxapex is a powerful and versatile Pokémon in competitive play. Whether you need a wall for your stall team, a supportive utility Pokémon, or even a surprise offensive threat, Toxapex delivers. By using the recommended movesets and adjusting to your team’s needs, you can make the most of Toxapex’s incredible defensive and utility potential.
Pro Tip: Toxapex works incredibly well on teams that appreciate entry hazards and defensive synergy. Pair it with fast offensive threats to create a balanced team that can handle a variety of situations.
Let us know your favorite Toxapex moveset in the comments below, or feel free to share your strategies for maximizing its effectiveness in competitive battles!