Malamar PvP IV Deep-Dive

Given that Malamar is a top performer in the Psychic Cup and Willpower Cup in Season 12 of GO Battle League in Pokemon GO, along with the Inkay Research Day Event, now may be better than ever to start thinking about building a Malamar. To help trainers build their best possible Malamar, we threw together the Malamar PvP IV Deep Dive, highlighting Malamar’s most relevant stat checks and PvP IVs. If you were thinking about trading all your Research IV Floor Malamar with a friend, you may want to check this guide first. The Atk weights are quite significant. 

This guide discusses the hidden true stats of Pokemon in Pokemon GO. In order to see these true stats you need to use an IV checking app (CalcyIV, Pokegenie) or an IV checking website (GOStadium, PvPIVs.com, or PvPoke itself). To make things simple, the guide also features PvP IV tables. 

If you’re not familiar with PvP IVs, check out this PvP IVs Simplified video:

The table below features the IV spread that meets some of the more important stat checks highlighted in the article. It’s important to review the guide itself to make sure you’re getting what you want out of your Malamar. For example, you may want even more Atk for greater Charge Move Priority consistency.

Atk Malamar, Research/Raid IV Floor (120.23 Atk, 111.2 Def, 136 HP)

• 137 HP is preferred
• 120.23 Atk covers 89.35% of Victini, 120.46 covers 96.76%, 121 covers 99.54%

Atk Malamar, No IV Floor (120.23 Atk, 111.2 Def, 136 HP)

• Higher HP is preferred
• 120.23 Atk covers 89.35% of Victini, 120.46 covers 96.76%, 121 covers 99.54%

In the Great League, Malamar appears to prefer having a high Atk weight, of at least 119.94 Atk. This Atk, coupled with at least 111.2 Def, enables Malamar to flip the Medicham 1-1, Trevenant 1-1, Galarian Stunfisk 0-0, and Registeel 0-0 (even when debuffed). To add, this Atk weight can also get Malamar Charge Move Priority (CMP) against Talonflame and Victini, giving it more control in these fights. Given that this is no short list of big meta matchups with the king of the Psychic Cup (Victini) on top of it, it’s safe to say that Atk weighted Malamar is THE Malamar. 

To keep Malamar consistent, it is recommended to go for a higher Atk weight of 120.23 Atk to cover more CMP scenarios. Given that Victini is a 1 time Research Pokemon, players have no control over their Victini IVs. Therefore, Victini’s Atk ranges spontaneously from 117.55 to 121.55 Atk. 120.23 Atk covers 89.35% of Victini, 120.46 covers 96.76%, and 121 covers 99.54%. Also, Malamar will want at least 136 HP for general consistency and to better overcome Faint Attack Bronzong in the 0-1 shield scenario. Why FA Bronzong? Psychic Cup. 

This makes Malamar’s overall recommended stats 120.23-121 Atk with 111.2 Def and 136+ HP. 

While Malamar appears to mostly benefit from an Atk weight, Malamar is still a goofy Cup focused Pokemon. There is always a chance it finds itself in a format that could favor a higher Bulk weight. Therefore, you should make sure to star and save your optimal Atk weight Malamar, but still try to trade for lower Atk weights too, just in case. 

Given how neutral Malamar could be, don’t just hoard for stat product/bulk, but hoard for higher Def values as well.

Malamar is yet another Pokemon that prefers its Research/Raid/Egg Hatch IV floor over going for a high stat product build. While high bulk always has its place in the world, there’s no denying that a Psycho Cut Breakpoint on Medicham, or being able to manage Trevenant, Registeel, or Galarian Stunfisk more consistently has value. Then there’s good old Victini in the Psychic Cup. Who would’ve thought Malamar could get CMP?

Anyways, happy hunting!