Lanturn

Lanturn's unique set of resistances allows it to check specially offensive Electric-, Flying-, Water-, and Fire-types like Rotom-F, Oricorio-G, Swanna, and Simisear. Its large HP stat coupled with serviceable Special Defense, which can be further augmented through the use of an Assault Vest, grants it a niche in PU as a blanket check to a large portion of the tier's special attackers. In addition to defensive sets, with the use of Assault Vest or support moves like Heal Bell, Lanturn can also viably run offensive sets thanks to its wide movepool and usable Special Attack stat, which means Pokemon that are able to set up on or take advantage of defensive Lanturn, like Ferroseed, cannot always switch into Lanturn directly. Lanturn's ability to control momentum in battles is exceptional; not only is it able to block the opponent's attempts at gaining momentum with Volt Switch thanks to its ability Volt Absorb, but its own Volt Switch in conjunction with its low Speed stat is also an effective tool for grabbing momentum as well as bringing in frail teammates like Simisear and Jynx safely. Despite Lanturn's lower Speed stat being useful in this context, it is also harmful in certain matchups, as faster offensive Pokemon with a type advantage like Victreebel and Alolan Dugtrio are able to outspeed and OHKO Lanturn. While Lanturn sports only two weaknesses, Ground- and Grass-type coverage moves are commonplace in PU and are regularly run by Pokemon that Lanturn switches into like Omastar and Simisear. This combined with Lanturn's vulnerability to entry hazards, its lack of reliable recovery, and its lackluster Defense stat can cause Lanturn to be worn down quickly over the course of a battle. Despite these weaknesses, however, Lanturn is still an overall advantageous choice for many different team archetypes, owing to both its ability to run offensive and defensive sets and the unparalleled team support that it provides.