What it does
Clangorous Soul raises the user's Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by one stage each, then deducts one-third of its maximum HP. All five stats, one move, one turn. There's no gradual ramp — it's the full package immediately.
The HP cost is real. After using it, Kommo-o is sitting at roughly 67% HP, which tightens KO thresholds across the board. The opponent knows exactly how much HP you burned, and they'll try to exploit it. At the same time, +1 to all stats is transformative: damage output rises, Speed may outpace new threats, and physical and special bulk both improve.
The move is a calculated bet. You spend HP for the setup and trust your partner — and your own read of the situation — to make that investment pay off before you get knocked out.
Who runs it
Kommo-o at 83% is the primary user. Its stat spread is balanced enough that every +1 matters: Speed helps it outpace threats it previously couldn't, Attack and Special Attack open two offensive lines simultaneously, and the defensive gains patch the durability it lacks naturally. After setup, Kommo-o can threaten with both Clanging Scales on the special side and Fighting-type moves on the physical side.
How to use it
Timing is everything. The turn you use Clangorous Soul, you need to know the opponent can't KO you before you finish — because if they can, you spent HP for nothing.
In doubles, you need a partner who creates that safe window. A Follow Me or Rage Powder user redirects attacks so Kommo-o can set up undisturbed. A Fake Out user can flinch one opponent, cutting their threat in half for that turn.
After setup, you're at reduced HP with elevated stats. Weakness Policy can stack on top of the boosts if the opponent manages to hit a super-effective move — risky, but the payoff is substantial. More conservative pairings use support moves or partners that handle the types Kommo-o struggles against.
Tips & strategy
The HP cost doesn't recover. That one-third is gone for the battle — factor it into your damage-taken calculations from the moment you click the move.
The Speed +1 is more meaningful than it looks. If Kommo-o sits just below a common Speed tier, +1 might flip the speed tie or let it outrun a threat it previously couldn't. Calculate the Speed thresholds before you commit to bringing it.
Taunt stops Clangorous Soul cold — it's a status move. Encore can trap it into a dead repeat. If you read either coming, abandon the setup plan and pivot to direct offense.