|
-
Intimidate
- Lowers the foe's Attack one stage. Decreases wild encounter rate.
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Flash Fire
- Grants immunity to Fire-type moves and increases the power of Fire-type moves by 50% when hit by a Fire-type move.
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Justified
- Raises Attack one stage when hit by a Dark-type move.
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Level 5 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
55
|
- |
22 |
25 |
- |
| Atk |
70
|
11 |
13 |
16 |
17 |
| Def |
45
|
9 |
11 |
14 |
15 |
| SpA |
70
|
11 |
13 |
16 |
17 |
| SpD |
50
|
9 |
11 |
14 |
15 |
| Spe |
60
|
10 |
12 |
15 |
16 |
Overview
Growlithe comes into the fifth generation as an interesting Pokemon for sure. It sports good attacking stats and an improved movepool, with access to Close Combat and Wild Charge. Intimidate is a great ability as well, granting Growlithe easier switches into powerful opponents. While its niche lies in its movepool, not all is good for Growlithe. First of all, it is a bit outclassed by Ponyta and Darumaka. It also has unfortunate weaknesses to common types such as Water and Ground that hold it back. Overall, Growlithe won't be sweeping entire teams anytime soon, but it can still be a solid attacker worthy of a spot on a Little Cup team.
Growlithe is an effective revenge killer when holding a Choice Scarf and a solid wallbreaker with a Choice Band, meaning these items are key to Growlithe's success. Flare Blitz is Growlithe's most powerful STAB move. Close Combat is an important second move; with a Choice Scarf, Growlithe can OHKO Houndour. With Choice Band, it does the same to Scraggy, and with Stealth Rock on the field, Munchlax is cleanly KOed. Wild Charge is Growlithe's choice to hit Water-types, as with Choice Band, it usually lands a 2HKO on Slowpoke. In the last spot, Toxic hits Chinchou and Wooper, which otherwise wall this set.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Intimidate is the preferred ability, allowing Growlithe to switch in more easily on physical attackers. Flash Fire is viable in its place, as a boosted Flare Blitz can deal a ton of damage. Ponyta mostly outclasses it when using Flash Fire, which is a major factor to consider.
Chinchou can take all of Growlithe's attacks and hit back with Scald or Hydro Pump. Therefore, Ferroseed is a good teammate for Growlithe to beat versions without Hidden Power Fire, while Dratini can check those without Ice Beam. Chinchou itself also works as a solid teammate, as it can act as a check to Slowpoke. Faster Pokemon with super effective moves, such as Staryu, can revenge kill Growlithe, so they should be taken into consideration as well. Dwebble is a useful teammate to set up entry hazards, which helps Growlithe break through tough walls. Lastly, Staryu has good synergy with Growlithe, and provides Rapid Spin support, adding to Growlithe's longevity.
Other Options
Growlithe has a few good other options to consider. Return is a decent move to hit Chinchou and Wooper neutrally without lowering Growlithe's defenses, but it usually isn't worth the moveslot. Crunch can hit Ghost-types, though most are hit harder by Growlithe's other moves. Reversal is a gimmicky option, but Close Combat is far more reliable. Agility is an option to raise Growlithe's Speed, but it is usually better off attacking instead of setting up. Howl suffers from the same problem. Fire Blast, Flamethrower, and Hidden Power are the extent of Growlithe's special movepool, and while its Special Attack stat is equal to its Attack, its physical movepool is far better. Morning Sun is interesting, as it can provide solid healing, though Growlithe should usually be using those turns to attack. Roar is a good phazing move, though other Pokemon do the job better. Will-O-Wisp is another status option that Growlithe can consider over Toxic, though it isn't as devastating to most of its counters. Finally, Safeguard can support the team, but it would cost a valuable moveslot on a supporting set.
Checks and Counters
Chinchou is one of Growlithe's biggest counters, as it takes everything but Toxic effectively. Staryu is a good option as well, but it needs to tread carefully, as Growlithe usually carries Wild Charge. Drilbur outspeeds Growlithe and lands a clean KO in sand, but can't switch in on Flare Blitz. Slowpoke is good against Growlithe that lack a Choice Band, as it survives two hits from non-Choice Band Wild Charge.
