[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Flare Blitz / Blaze Kick
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Mach Punch / Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Band, Infernape's physical attacks no longer have power issues and generally at least 2HKO foes that don't resist them. Flare Blitz is its most powerful Fire-type move, OHKOing even physically defensive Skarmory after Stealth Rock. It also manipulates Infernape into Blaze range earlier, letting it get off an even stronger attack before fainting. It can even potentially 2HKO bulky resistant Pokemon, such as defensive Latias in Blaze range after Stealth Rock. As Infernape faints very quickly with Flare Blitz, Blaze Kick is another option that still hits hard, but beware of its imperfect accuracy. Close Combat hits especially hard with a Choice Band, 2HKOing walls such as specially defensive Hippowdon, Milotic, Suicune after Stealth Rock, and Swampert. U-turn 2HKOes even physically defensive Latias and Starmie, and it can even OHKO offensive versions of the latter after Stealth Rock. The increased damage from U-turn allows Infernape to 2HKO defensive Flying-types such as Gyarados and Zapdos once they come in again through Stealth Rock. Mach Punch OHKOes Dragon Dance Tyranitar after Stealth Rock and deals a lot of damage to Lucario, Agility Empoleon, and Choice Scarf Heatran. Stone Edge is a useful alternative that allows Infernape to hit Dragonite, Gyarados, and Zapdos hard, potentially KOing them with Stealth Rock up.
Set Details
========
Infernape should use 252 Attack EVs and Speed EVs, as it has very little survivability for running defensive EVs. Infernape can use an Adamant nature, as it prominently 2HKOes offensive Gyarados with Close Combat after Intimidate and Stealth Rock, as well as potentially OHKOing offensive Latias after Stealth Rock with U-turn. However, it sorely misses outspeeding Flygon, offensive Jirachi, slower Latias, and Zapdos.
Usage Tips
========
Infernape should generally get in early-game before lots of entry hazards are up and use U-turn on something it forces out, such as Tyranitar, Skarmory, or Clefable. This will generally put most of its checks in 2HKO range of its powerful attacks after Stealth Rock when it comes in again. Infernape often only has a few turns to maximize its impact, so do not be afraid to predict switches or stay in on Pokemon that heavily damage Infernape, as it can generally survive at least one neutral attack at full health. Make sure to manage Infernape's health properly; Blaze-boosted Flare Blitz has immense power and will generally OHKO or come close on anything that doesn't resist it after Stealth Rock, including physically defensive Zapdos, specially defensive Hippowdon, and Gliscor.
Team Options
========
Spikes is a natural fit with Choice Band Infernape, as it helps to wear down potential checks to Infernape, such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Starmie; Infernape can pivot out with U-turn against these Pokemon before bringing in an answer to them, forcing them back out again. Spikes wearing down the opposing team also makes it easier for Infernape to break through it and pick up KOs. Roserade and Skarmory both are great partners for Infernape in this regard. The former can clear Toxic Spikes and resists Water-type attacks, while the latter can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Infernape, and it can thwart setup sweepers with Counter and Whirlwind. Scizor and Tyranitar also make for great partners to Pursuit trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Latias, Starmie, and Gengar that threaten Infernape, though be mindful that sand from the latter will leave Infernape worn down more quickly. Infernape having U-turn makes this combination especially effective, as it can lure in these checks before switching out and bringing in its Pursuit-using partner. Scizor additionally can form a U-turn-chaining core with Infernape, with them luring in checks for each other, forcing said checks to take entry hazard damage, and then getting themselves out with U-turn.
Choice Scarf Latias also makes for a great partner to this Infernape set, as it can revenge kill some of Infernape's main checks in Dragonite and Gyarados, though it has to be wary of a boosted Extreme Speed from the former. Infernape can potentially lure in Dragonite and Gyarados and force them to take Stealth Rock damage before pivoting out into Latias, too. It also greatly appreciates Healing Wish support from Latias, as it will get worn down quickly. Alternatively, Choice Scarf Rotom could be used for its immunity to Extreme Speed from Dragonite and ability to KO even Wacan Berry Gyarados with Stealth Rock up, and it additionally can block attempts to spin away hazards. Swampert and Bronzong also pair well with Infernape for setting up Stealth Rock, and they provide additional measures against Dragon Dance Tyranitar so that Infernape isn't over-relied on. The latter also provides a nice Ground immunity and Dragon resistance for it, while the former can pair well with Infernape to break through common defensive cores while offensively taking advantage of Ground-types. Other offensive Water-types that appreciate pairing with Infernape are Empoleon, Calm Mind Suicune, and Dragon Dance Gyarados. Empoleon can set up Stealth Rock and resist Dragon- and Water-type moves for it, and it appreciates Infernape breaking through defensive teams. Suicune and Gyarados similarly appreciate Infernape's wallbreaking capabilities, alongside it potentially putting Latias in KO range of +1 Ice-type moves. They also take great advantage of Ground-type Pokemon that scare Infernape, especially Gyarados thanks to its Ground immunity.
name: Choice Band
move 1: Flare Blitz / Blaze Kick
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Mach Punch / Stone Edge
item: Choice Band
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
With a Choice Band, Infernape's physical attacks no longer have power issues and generally at least 2HKO foes that don't resist them. Flare Blitz is its most powerful Fire-type move, OHKOing even physically defensive Skarmory after Stealth Rock. It also manipulates Infernape into Blaze range earlier, letting it get off an even stronger attack before fainting. It can even potentially 2HKO bulky resistant Pokemon, such as defensive Latias in Blaze range after Stealth Rock. As Infernape faints very quickly with Flare Blitz, Blaze Kick is another option that still hits hard, but beware of its imperfect accuracy. Close Combat hits especially hard with a Choice Band, 2HKOing walls such as specially defensive Hippowdon, Milotic, Suicune after Stealth Rock, and Swampert. U-turn 2HKOes even physically defensive Latias and Starmie, and it can even OHKO offensive versions of the latter after Stealth Rock. The increased damage from U-turn allows Infernape to 2HKO defensive Flying-types such as Gyarados and Zapdos once they come in again through Stealth Rock. Mach Punch OHKOes Dragon Dance Tyranitar after Stealth Rock and deals a lot of damage to Lucario, Agility Empoleon, and Choice Scarf Heatran. Stone Edge is a useful alternative that allows Infernape to hit Dragonite, Gyarados, and Zapdos hard, potentially KOing them with Stealth Rock up.
Set Details
========
Infernape should use 252 Attack EVs and Speed EVs, as it has very little survivability for running defensive EVs. Infernape can use an Adamant nature, as it prominently 2HKOes offensive Gyarados with Close Combat after Intimidate and Stealth Rock, as well as potentially OHKOing offensive Latias after Stealth Rock with U-turn. However, it sorely misses outspeeding Flygon, offensive Jirachi, slower Latias, and Zapdos.
Usage Tips
========
Infernape should generally get in early-game before lots of entry hazards are up and use U-turn on something it forces out, such as Tyranitar, Skarmory, or Clefable. This will generally put most of its checks in 2HKO range of its powerful attacks after Stealth Rock when it comes in again. Infernape often only has a few turns to maximize its impact, so do not be afraid to predict switches or stay in on Pokemon that heavily damage Infernape, as it can generally survive at least one neutral attack at full health. Make sure to manage Infernape's health properly; Blaze-boosted Flare Blitz has immense power and will generally OHKO or come close on anything that doesn't resist it after Stealth Rock, including physically defensive Zapdos, specially defensive Hippowdon, and Gliscor.
Team Options
========
Spikes is a natural fit with Choice Band Infernape, as it helps to wear down potential checks to Infernape, such as Hippowdon, Swampert, and Starmie; Infernape can pivot out with U-turn against these Pokemon before bringing in an answer to them, forcing them back out again. Spikes wearing down the opposing team also makes it easier for Infernape to break through it and pick up KOs. Roserade and Skarmory both are great partners for Infernape in this regard. The former can clear Toxic Spikes and resists Water-type attacks, while the latter can switch in on Ground-type attacks aimed at Infernape, and it can thwart setup sweepers with Counter and Whirlwind. Scizor and Tyranitar also make for great partners to Pursuit trap Dark-weak Pokemon such as Latias, Starmie, and Gengar that threaten Infernape, though be mindful that sand from the latter will leave Infernape worn down more quickly. Infernape having U-turn makes this combination especially effective, as it can lure in these checks before switching out and bringing in its Pursuit-using partner. Scizor additionally can form a U-turn-chaining core with Infernape, with them luring in checks for each other, forcing said checks to take entry hazard damage, and then getting themselves out with U-turn.
Choice Scarf Latias also makes for a great partner to this Infernape set, as it can revenge kill some of Infernape's main checks in Dragonite and Gyarados, though it has to be wary of a boosted Extreme Speed from the former. Infernape can potentially lure in Dragonite and Gyarados and force them to take Stealth Rock damage before pivoting out into Latias, too. It also greatly appreciates Healing Wish support from Latias, as it will get worn down quickly. Alternatively, Choice Scarf Rotom could be used for its immunity to Extreme Speed from Dragonite and ability to KO even Wacan Berry Gyarados with Stealth Rock up, and it additionally can block attempts to spin away hazards. Swampert and Bronzong also pair well with Infernape for setting up Stealth Rock, and they provide additional measures against Dragon Dance Tyranitar so that Infernape isn't over-relied on. The latter also provides a nice Ground immunity and Dragon resistance for it, while the former can pair well with Infernape to break through common defensive cores while offensively taking advantage of Ground-types. Other offensive Water-types that appreciate pairing with Infernape are Empoleon, Calm Mind Suicune, and Dragon Dance Gyarados. Empoleon can set up Stealth Rock and resist Dragon- and Water-type moves for it, and it appreciates Infernape breaking through defensive teams. Suicune and Gyarados similarly appreciate Infernape's wallbreaking capabilities, alongside it potentially putting Latias in KO range of +1 Ice-type moves. They also take great advantage of Ground-type Pokemon that scare Infernape, especially Gyarados thanks to its Ground immunity.
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