The GBL update in the GO Max Out season has been bonkers with several buffs and nerfs to prominent moves. The Pokémon GO combat scene has completely changed as trainers have to deal with an unchartered meta.

Among the many changes is the humble Fighting type Fast attack Karate Chop, and there’s one particular Pokémon that has turned into a red-alert threat with the new version of this move – Shadow Machamp.

While regular Machamp also enjoys the fresh and upgraded Karate Chop, it’s the Shadow that truly gives justice to the attack. 

With that being said, let’s chop up Karate Chop’s shenanigans, the best moves to pair with it, and how it turns Shadow Machamp into a deadlier monster.

The Karate Chop buff

Karate Chop received +1 to its energy gain in PvP

Move

Damage

Cooldown

Old energy gain

New energy gain

DPT

Old EPT

New EPT

Karate Chop

5

1.00sec (2 turns)

8

9

2.50

4.00

4.50

Remember that DPT stands for Damage Per Turn while EPT stands for Energy Per Turn. Karate Chop’s [DPT/EPT] is now [2.50/4.50].

To give you a perspective, the brand new version of Mud Shot is [2.00/4.00], which is also a 2-turn move. So, Karate Chop hits 50% harder and is 50% faster than the infamous Mud Shot, a move synonymous with quick energy gains.

Shadow Machamp with Karate Chop – Ideal Moveset

The 4.50 EPT is outstanding and bound to make any low-cost Charged attack extremely spammy. Even though the 2.50 DPT is great for a speedy Fast attack, Shadow Machamp’s 20% damage boost makes it way more threatening than a regular Machamp.

Now, with Karate Chop set in stone for Shadow Machamp in PvP, what about its Charge attacks?

Cross Chop costs only 35 energy, deals a respectable 55 damage, and gains STAB, making it Shadow Machamp’s go-to Charged attack. It baits shields and thanks to the Shadow bonus multiplier of 1.2 to its offenses, it hits quite hard.

Yes, Dynamic Punch and Close Combat are great for dealing high damage but Cross Chop is more consistent. Besides, being a Shadow, its bulk takes a 0.833 multiplier nerf. Like any Shadow, Machamp appreciates a low-cost Charge attack with no secondary effects like Close Combat’s severe Defense nerf.

Coming to its second Charge attack, Rock Slide (65 damage, 45 energy) and Stone Edge (100 damage, 55 energy) are both viable options. Rock Slide is cheaper and is usually the move of choice for regular Machamp. But, after Karate Chop’s insane energy buff, Stone Edge with 55 energy is easily attainable. Moreover, 100 damage is too good to resist and gives it nuking potential.

Fun fact: Rock Slide was nerfed as well this season, toning down its damage output from 75 to 65  

So, Stone Edge it is.

In terms of energy:

• You’ll need only four Karate Chop to use Cross Chop

• You’ll need seven Karate Chop to use Stone Edge. Also, if you use one Stone Edge, the next will only need six Karate Chop

What is best PvP moveset for Shadow Machamp?

The best PvP moveset for Machamp in Pokémon GO is Karate Chop combined with Cross Chop and Stone Edge.

Bear in mind that Karate Chop and Stone Edge are both legacy moves, and you’ll need Elite TMs to unlock them.

While an argument can be made for Rock Slide, Karate Chop is a must for Shadow Machamp to rise and shine. Ultimately, it is worth using both an Elite Fast TM and an E;ite Charge TM to get Karate Chop and Stone Edge.

Shadow Machamp in the Great League

Ideal stats: Level 18.5 and 0/14/11

Shadow Machamp impresses in the Great League, sporting a formidable performance in all shield scenarios.
Source: pvpoke.com

In addition, it also claims wins over Sableye (regular + Shadow), Crabink, Skeledirge, Lanturn, Goodra, Charjabug, and Shadow Alolan Marowak. Quite impressive, eh?

Stone Edge’s sheer power is instrumental in this format, helping Shadow Machamp beat unlikely mons like Skeledirge, Mandibuzz, and Shadow Alolan Marowak.

Shadow Machamp in the Ultra League

Ideal stats: Level 31 and 0/15/14

Shadow Machamp is a bigger threat in the Ultra League, boasting a fearsome display that ranks it at #9!
Source: pvpoke.com

While it struggles against heavyweights like Cresselia, Tapu Fini, and Giratina Altered, it rakes up wins against the likes of Pangoro, Ampharos, Poliwrath, Shadow Feraligatr, Shadow Dragonite, and even the new and improved Gastrodon. 

Its UL outing depends a lot on exploiting Stone Edge, so farm energy in (2-2) scenarios, and burst out no-holds-barred Charge attacks when its shields are down. Don’t forget that a second Stone Edge will need only six Karate Chop, not seven.

Shadow Machamp in the Master League

Ideal stats: Level 50 and 15/15/15

You’d expect Shadow Machamp to falter in the big, bad ML meta, and while it’s not as good as in GL and UL, it’s no slouch here!
Source: pvpoke.com

While it obviously won’t be making huge waves, it adopts a brute mentality to slay some of the biggest threats in this format – Dialga (both regular and Origin), Melmetal, Excadrill, Metagross, Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Dragonite!

Even in losing matchups, it can freak out some of ML’s most formidable threats. For instance, it barely loses to the mighty Dusk Mane Necrozma and can flip the matchup with extra energy (which isn’t too much of a challenge).

The key is to use quick farming to your advantage and trouble even unfavorable matchups with Stone Edge.

Conclusion

Shadow Machamp with Karate Chop, Cross Chop, and Stone Edge is a well-furnished beast that is menacing in the PvP meta. Using Elite TMs to unlock its double legacy moves is totally worth it, and will pay huge dividends in your GBL matches.

Have fun and all the best, trainers!

The post PvP Analysis of Shadow Machamp with Karate Chop appeared first on Pokémon GO Hub.