Why is Black Sludge better than Leftovers on poison types?

Question

I mean, is there a difference between the two other than only poison types can properly use Black Sludge?

Answer 1

Because Black Sludge damages non-Poison types, it discourages the use of Trick or Switcheroo. This not only allows Poison types to keep their reliable recovery, but also prevents other Pokemon from gaining their benefits like they might do with Leftovers.

Trick and Switcheroo are somewhat uncommon competitively, but any advantage is a good advantage, and that's why Poison types prefer Black Sludge.

Comments

That makes sense.

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It also allows you to get a "second" Leftovers in formats that prevent you from using multiples of the same item.