Infernape @ Life Orb
Trait: Blaze
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Nasty Plot
- Close Combat
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
Infernape has a lot of potential in this metagame. Its status as a fast wall breaker allows it to tear up the common Rotom-W / Jirachi / Gliscor - centric balanced cores that see so much use. With Nasty Plot and an excellent mixed move pool, Infernape can easily eliminate many crucial team members found on opposing cores.
This set is frail and can't be played carelessly. Infernape should come in on a safe turn against something it'll force out, such as Tyranitar. You can then either set up a Nasty Plot or predict according to your opponent's team. After a single boost, Infernape becomes extremely threatening on the special side. For example, Jellicent, one of the best paper counters to Infernape, takes 111.88% - 131.68% from a +2 Grass Knot - more than enough to OHKO. Slowbro meets an identical fate. Ferrothorn and Jirachi are both OHKOed by a boosted Fire Blast (the former actually being taken out without a Nasty Plot), and Rotom-W can't switch in safely without risking a 2HKO from Close Combat.
This set is frail and can't be played carelessly. Infernape should come in on a safe turn against something it'll force out, such as Tyranitar. You can then either set up a Nasty Plot or predict according to your opponent's team. After a single boost, Infernape becomes extremely threatening on the special side. For example, Jellicent, one of the best paper counters to Infernape, takes 111.88% - 131.68% from a +2 Grass Knot - more than enough to OHKO. Slowbro meets an identical fate. Ferrothorn and Jirachi are both OHKOed by a boosted Fire Blast (the former actually being taken out without a Nasty Plot), and Rotom-W can't switch in safely without risking a 2HKO from Close Combat.
Infernape has issues with Dragon-types. Tyranitar can trap Latios and Latias, opening up holes for Infernape to sweep through. Having something to check Dragonite is also a necessity, as it sets up practically for free on this set. Outside of these few counters, the only thing many teams can do against Infernape is sacrifice something and bring in a revenge killer. By making the most of Infernape's sweeping ability, you can cause opponents to lose crucial team members that cover members of your own team.
I hadn't even thought of that. I suppose that is better.
ReplyDeleteNever mind. You can go Hasty to get the same effect, but I'd prefer the extra Defense because a lot of common priority is physical.
ReplyDeleteI think an alternate spread of 60 Atk / 252 SpA / 196 Spe would be preferable.It still allows you to outspeed Landorus and t he only notable Pokemon in the 102-109 base speed range are Terrakion (whom you don't want to risk speed tying with)and Mienshao, who'll bypass speed issues with Fake Out.
ReplyDeleteWhat pokemon does this set work well with?
ReplyDelete