What is a good moveset for Malamar?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Malamar, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for its pre-evolutions, if any, can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Malamar Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Comments

I predict either RU or UU.

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NU, and in the least used of the NU. Except Contrary Superpower and Topsy-Turvy, this thing can not make any uses. It has a very bad typing. Superior to Spinda, inferior to any bug. Disappointing...

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I don't want to go too in-depth here, I'm just gonna say that I think it will be RU, and see usage in UU and possibly OU.

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just wanted to note that  i have a special wall malamar but it sucks. don't try it.

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actual tier: NU atm. didn't really get why as this is a really great pokemon. its gonna see much use in NU though as both topsy-turvy and contrary is great for the current meta. contrary fuggs up sticky web while topsy turvy really stops all those set-up sweepers

Answer 1

Malmar @Expert Belt
Ability: Contrary
Adamant Nature
252 Attack/252 HP/4 Sp. Def
Superpower
Aerial Ace
Psycho Cut
Foul Play

Watch out for Pokemon with bug type moves, but no bug type typing!

Answer 2

Ability: Contrary
Nature: Adamant
EVs: Attack and speed
Item: Quick Claw
Moveset:
Night Slash-STAB
Psycho Cut-STAB
Superpower-Because of contrary, the Pokemon's attack and defence is raised instead of lowered.
Topsy-turvy-Weakens the enemy if its stats are raised.

Answer 3

Gen 8

Malamar @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 232 HP / 84 SpD / 192 Spe or 248 HP / 188 SpD / 72 Spe
Jolly / Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Psycho Cut / Rest
- Substitute / Sleep Talk

Knock Off is STAB and removes the opponent's item. Superpower is to boost your attack and defense stat thanks to Contrary. Psycho Cut is STAB. Substitute is to help you set up and avoid potential status moves such as Will-o-Wisp and Toxic if you're not running Rest and Sleep Talk.

Move and EV spread Alteratives
You can use Rest instead of Psycho Cut and use Sleep Talk instead of Substitute if you want to use RestTalk Malamar. If you want to run RestTalk Malamar, run Careful Nature instead of Jolly nature and 248 HP / 188 SpD / 72 Spe as the EV spread. (For RestTalk Malamar)

Answer 4

Malamar @ Quick Claw /Choice Scarf
Nature: Adamant/ Jolly
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 Atk/ 4 Hp/ 252 Spe

Superpower (Great for Malamar, due to Contrary.)

Foul Play (Better move than Night Slash, send Pokemon with high attack stats to to their grave.)

Psycho Cut (Another reason to call Malamar a psychopatic threat.)

Topsy-Turvy(Malamar sends Belly Drum users to hell.)

This moveset worked great for me in USUM. Superpower boosted his attack to great levels, Foul Play kills strong Pokemon like Gengar, Golurk etc, Psycho Cut has a high critical ratio, paired with Topsy-Turvy, a semmingly innocent move that send set-up like Excadrill, Gallade and may more Pokemon to therapy land. I recommend using the Quick Claw on him, but if you are true competitive players, use the Choice Scarf.

Answer 5

Malamar @ Leftovers (Gen 9 RU)
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 Defense/252 Special Defense/4 Attack
Bold Nature

-Protect
-Foul Play
-Psycho Cut
-Superpower

This is a more defensive Malamar set, which is why I have the EVs that way. Protect is so you can get more Leftovers recovery. Psycho Cut and Foul Play are for STAB. Superpower is to get Attack and Defense boosts to get even more bulk. I hope you enjoy this set!