Munkidori

Munkidori first appeared in Generation IX, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask. Its appearance is based on a small-bodied monkey, with features reminiscent of the Japanese macaque and certain yokai from Japanese tradition. The upper tuft calls to mind a traditional topknot, while the chain on its forehead resembles a ceremonial ribbon.

In Kitakami, it was revered because people believed its presence brought prosperity and that everything would be “hunky-dory”. The story adds some nuance to that image: before coming into contact with the Toxic Chain, it was clumsy and not particularly bright, but its desire to become more intelligent led it to gain extraordinary wisdom. This mental change explains its Poison and Psychic typing, as well as its preference for special attacks.

It is part of the Loyal Three alongside Okidogi and Fezandipiti, under the influence of Pecharunt. It has no evolutions or alternate forms. It is 1 m tall and weighs 12.2 kg.

Munkidori does have a defined competitive role, although it does not fit every team equally well. Its 130 Special Attack is the central figure of the set, backed up by 106 Speed and 90 Special Defense. Its 88 HP helps a little, but its 66 Defense makes it clear that it should not take strong physical hits. The total of 555 is heavily concentrated on the special side.

Toxic Chain is its signature Ability: the moves it uses can badly poison the target. It does not need to spend a turn on Toxic to wear down opposing switches, which gives extra value to offensive or pivoting moves such as U-turn. Frisk provides information about the opposing Pokémon’s held item, but gives up the constant pressure of Toxic Chain.

Poison and Psychic let it attack with Sludge Wave and Psychic, an effective combination against Fairy-, Grass-, Poison-, and Fighting-type opponents. Defensively, it resists Fighting, Fairy, Grass, and Poison. In return, it is weak to Dark, Ghost, and Ground, while Steel types can stop its main attacks and are immune to Toxic Chain’s poisoning.

In NU, it appears as a special attacker, pivot, and Nasty Plot user. It can also run Focus Blast, Shadow Ball, or Trick to cover specific switch-ins. Its low physical Defense, faster opponents, priority attacks, and Dark- or Steel-type Pokémon that can switch into its usual moves without fear all hold it back.

Munkidori is obtained in The Teal Mask downloadable content for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is a Legendary species, belongs to the Undiscovered Egg Group, and cannot be obtained through breeding. The female ratio is 0%, so all specimens are male.

Its catch rate is 3, a very low value that makes it difficult to catch even after weakening it. It is worth saving Ultra Balls, inflicting a status condition, and bringing a Pokémon capable of lowering its HP without knocking it out. Egg Moves are not part of obtaining it, and there is no evolution condition to meet: Munkidori appears as an independent species from the moment it is obtained.

Its Egg cycles are 50, equivalent to approximately 13,005 steps using the usual formula, but that figure has no practical application because it does not produce Eggs. It also has no wild habitat where it can be encountered as a common species; its availability is tied to the Kitakami episode.