|
-
Blaze
- Boosts power of Fire-type moves 50% when at 1/3 HP or less.
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Iron Fist
- Increases the power of punching moves by 20%.
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Level 5 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
76
|
- |
24 |
27 |
- |
| Atk |
104
|
14 |
16 |
20 |
22 |
| Def |
71
|
11 |
13 |
16 |
17 |
| SpA |
104
|
14 |
16 |
20 |
22 |
| SpD |
71
|
11 |
13 |
16 |
17 |
| Spe |
108
|
15 |
17 |
20 |
22 |
Overview
Infernape's mixed attacking talents are no longer the pinnacle of wallbreaking as they were in DPP. The name of the game in BW2 is all-out offense, which for an attacker generally means do one thing and do it well. On the physical side, offensive teams with only one dedicated physical wall are consistently broken by Rock Gem Terrakion, which boasts far stronger physical attacks and much higher usable bulk when used in sand. On the special side, Infernape consistently struggles with rain teams, which are both effective and prevalent in the metagame; Pokemon such as Tentacruel ensure that Infernape will never pull off a sweep, or even leave lasting damage. If you attempt to counteract the weather with your own, you run into the problem of Venusaur, Victini, and Darmanitan being better sun abusers. In the early days of BW1, Infernape was effective against stall, stacking physical walls to deal with Terrakion often lead them to being weak to Infernape's mixed prowess. Sun stall suffered the most, particularly those that used Sableye, as Infernape, which can 2HKO all members of most sun teams, could not be stopped with Will-O-Wisp. However, stall is not a significant part of BW2, and the chances of finding a proper place for Infernape in your team are now slim.
The Mixed Attacker, one of Infernape's signature sets in DPP, returns largely unchanged in the BW metagame. Its great offensive coverage and the constant pressure it puts onto opposing teams allow it to retain its status as Infernape's most threatening set. Close Combat is a staple here, as it provides Infernape with a reliable STAB attack; the sheer force of the move after the boosts from STAB and Life Orb grants Infernape much of its wallbreaking capability. Likewise, Overheat also acts as a powerful special STAB move, and unlike Close Combat, it focuses on the task of dealing as much damage as possible in a single, powerful blow. U-turn allows Infernape to keep up any offensive momentum your team may have created, as it will allow you to make sure that you have a desirable match-up; also, U-turn can be used to scout for sets the opponent's Pokemon may be running, or the items they may hold. However, Grass Knot can be used to help deal with bulky Ground- and Water-types that switch in expecting a resisted Fire-type attack; therefore, Grass Knot provides great coverage alongside Infernape's dual STABs. The final moveslot is dependent on your preference, as although Stone Edge provides additional coverage with Infernape's other attacking moves, hitting Pokemon such as Gyarados, Mach Punch can be used to better deal with Pokemon Infernape does not outrun, such as Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Terrakion. Lastly, Hidden Power Ice can be used to deal with the likes of Gliscor, Landorus, and Dragonite, as Infernape will be able to KO all three of them after Stealth Rock damage.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The recommended EVs ensure that Infernape is able Speed tie with Terrakion, Virizion, and opposing maximum-Speed Infernape; the remainder of the EVs are distributed in Infernape's Attack stats to further amplify the power of its physical attacking options. A Naive or a Hasty nature is recommended, and the choice between the two comes down to your preference, as both natures let Infernape reach the required Speed whilst lowering one of Infernape's defenses. A Life Orb is used mainly to power up Infernape's moves, at the cost of some HP, while also securing a couple of KOs, including the OHKO on 252 HP / 252 Def Chansey holding an Eviolite after Stealth Rock damage. Swords Dance can be used on this set to boost the power of Infernape's Close Combat to tremendous levels, while keeping the ability to heavily damage Pokemon such as Gliscor with Overheat.
Although Infernape has an amazing movepool, it's badly affected by four-moveslot syndrome, as Infernape could easily be classified as the most devastating sweeper in existence if only it had one more moveslot. Alas, this was not to be; instead, its entire list of counters depend on which moves Infernape chooses to use. For example, if Infernape decides to use Grass Knot instead of Stone Edge, Pokemon such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite will all be able to counter it, and if Infernape were to use Stone Edge instead of Grass Knot, Pokemon such as Quagsire and Jellicent would have a field day against Infernape. Therefore, it's extremely important that when using Infernape to first look at the threats the rest of your team has covered, then decide which moves to use on Infernape. Moving on, due to the fact that Infernape is able to lure out and severely weaken physical walls, physically based sweepers make ideal partners to MixApe, as with their counters and checks weakened, they'll have an easy time sweeping through the remainder of an opponent's team; examples of such Pokemon include Dragon Dance Salamence and other physically based Dragon-types, as they share great synergy with Infernape, while also benefiting from Infernape's unique support.
Courtesy of Infernape's great Attack and vast physical movepool, it's able to use a Choice Band to great effect. With a Choice Band, Infernape becomes an excellent wallbreaker, capable of punching through even the bulkiest Pokemon. Close Combat and Flare Blitz are staples on this set, as they provide powerful and reliable forms of STAB for Infernape to use; they're capable of OHKOing or 2HKOing the majority of the OU tier due to their high Base Power, which is further boosted by STAB. Gyarados and Dragonite are among the few Pokemon which can remain standing after two consecutive Close Combats or Flare Blitzes, so Stone Edge can be used to OHKO both easily. However, Mach Punch can be used to revenge kill a multitude of faster threats, which may have set up and threaten your team. Lastly, U-turn is recommended as it allows Infernape to bypass its checks and counters, while also helping to build up momentum, and put constant pressure on the opponent's team.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EVs recommended are pretty straightforward, as they maximize Infernape's Attack and Speed stats, making it more effective as a offensive Pokemon. Although an Adamant nature greatly increases Infernape's attacking force and makes its attacks much more powerful, a Jolly nature makes sure that with the recommended EVs, Infernape is at least able to Speed tie with Terrakion, Virizion, and opposing Infernape. It should be noted that Infernape can utilize ThunderPunch to deal more damage to bulky Water-types such as Jellicent, Vaporeon, and Gyarados, although with multiple Stone Edges and Flare Blitzes, the aforementioned Pokemon shouldn't be large problems for Infernape.
Pokemon that were threats to the previous sets will almost never be able to switch in on Choice Band Infernape, and will be forced to revenge kill it, as the sheer power Infernape's attacks possess, with the boost from a Choice Band, is truly frightening. Starmie and Gengar will both have to think twice about switching in on Infernape, as they'll easily be KOed (or 2HKOed) by one of its STABs. However, these threats will have a much easier time dealing with Infernape if they revenge kill it, as then they will be able to outpace, and KO it. Pokemon such as Dragonite and Gyarados can easily set up on Infernape if it is locked into either Flare Blitz or Close Combat, although both of these Pokemon have to watch out for Stone Edge—or ThunderPunch, in Gyarados's case. Due to the aforementioned counters, Infernape will appreciate entry hazard support to gradually wear them down; also, pairing Infernape with a strong user of Pursuit will be beneficial, as something like Scizor or Tyranitar will be able to eliminate Starmie and Gengar, two major threats to Infernape.
Infernape's great base 104 Attack and 108 Speed stats, coupled with its amazing physical movepool and excellent STABs make it a terrific candidate for a Swords Dance set. Close Combat is a staple on the set as it provides Infernape with a reliable and powerful STAB attack that is able to tear through even the bulkiest of Pokemon after a single Swords Dance boost. Just like Close Combat, Fire Punch is able to KO any Pokemon with a weakness to Fire-type attacks after a Swords Dance; Flare Blitz is generally inferior to Fire Punch, but can be used to hit hard even without any boosts. Stone Edge rounds off the set, defeating Pokemon that may sport resistances to Infernape's STAB attacks, such as Gyarados. However, Mach Punch can be used in place of Stone Edge as it helps Infernape deal with faster Pokemon that would otherwise end its sweep, such as Choice Scarf Terrakion.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The recommended EVs are very straightforward: max Attack and Speed investment maximize Infernape's offensive potential, and the remaining 4 EVs are thrown into Special Defense. A Jolly nature is recommended as it allows Infernape to Speed tie with Terrakion, Virizion, and opposing Infernape, which are all Pokemon that will beat Infernape should it sacrifice its Speed. There aren't really many alternative attacking options for Infernape. ThunderPunch can be used as a way to deal with Gyarados and other bulky Water-types, although Stone Edge and Close Combat already deal heavy damage to these targets when backed by a Swords Dance boost. Fire Blast or Focus Blast could be run on the set to surprise physical walls hoping to sponge Infernape's attacks, but Swords Dance Infernape sadly suffers from four-moveslot syndrome and can't afford to lose any of its moveslots.
Bulky Ground-types with healing moves, such as Hippowdon and Quagsire, are the greatest of Infernape's counters, so it makes sense to pair it up with a Grass-type such as Celebi or Virizion. Celebi or Virizion will also be able to help deal with defensive Water-types such as Suicune and Slowbro, who are able to survive Infernape's attacks even after a Swords Dance boost, and KO back with STAB Water-type attacks. Infernape also cherishes entry hazard support, so pairing it up with Skarmory, Ferrothorn, or Forretress would greatly help Infernape sweep. Forretress gets a special mention here because it can also provide Toxic Spikes support, which is a huge boon when dealing with enemy bulky Water-types.
Just like the MixApe set, this set is a reincarnation of one of Infernape's signature, and most effective sets in DPP: Nasty Plot Infernape. Fire Blast is a staple on this set, as it grants Infernape a reliable STAB move to exploit after a boost from Nasty Plot, as after said boost, it will be able to dent even the bulkiest foes; Flamethrower can be used here if the shaky accuracy of Fire Blast is deemed unreliable for the user. Focus Blast serves as Infernape's secondary STAB attack, although Close Combat can be used in this moveslot to help Infernape bypass Pokemon that will often switch in after seeing Nasty Plot, such as Chansey and Blissey, while also being more accurate than Focus Blast. Lastly, Grass Knot can be used to help deal with bulky Water-types, common switch-ins to specially based Infernape, including Jellicent and Vaporeon; however, Vacuum Wave can be used to deal with faster foes attempting to revenge kill Infernape, as well as Pokemon such as Terrakion that Speed tie with maximum-Speed Infernape.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EVs are self-explanatory: max Speed investment, along with either a Timid or a Naive nature, maximizes Infernape's Speed stat, allowing it to outpace any Pokemon under a Speed stat of 346, while granting Infernape the ability to tie with other base 108s, including opposing max Speed Infernape, Terrakion and Virizion. The decision between Timid and Naive depends on whether Infernape is to run Close Combat; Focus Blast goes with Timid and Close Combat with Naive. A Life Orb is recommended, as it will bolster the power of Infernape's attacks, thus making Infernape more efficient as a sweeper. Lastly, it should be noted that if necessary, Infernape can run Hidden Power in its moveset to deal with threats, although in most cases, a Hidden Power is not needed; for example, although Hidden Power Electric can be run to better deal with Gyarados, Infernape will already be able to 2HKO defensive variants with Fire Blast (or Focus Blast) after a boost from Nasty Plot.
Due to Infernape's rather mediocre defenses, anything that can outpace it (and survive a boosted Vacuum Wave, if applicable) will easily be able to remove it from the battle. Starmie is an excellent example of such a Pokemon, as not only is it able to outpace Infernape with its superior base 115 Speed stat, but it also has a Water-type STAB which hits Infernape for super effective damage. Though Suicune has trouble taking a boosted Grass Knot and Vaporeon a boosted Focus Blast, both of these Pokemon can easily finish off Infernape with their STAB Water-type moves. Therefore, Pokemon such as Virizion and other offensive Grass-types like Celebi, and to an extent, Shaymin, make great offensive partners to Infernape, as they can easily set up on and break through bulky Water-types, such as the aforementioned Suicune and Vaporeon, while also sharing great synergy with Infernape and benefiting from the wallbreaking capabilities it possesses. Lastly, Infernape should be paired up with Pokemon that can eliminate the likes of Starmie and Gengar, as both present large problems for an Infernape sweep; Tyranitar, Scizor, and even Snorlax do magnificently in this regard.
This set does not possess the Choice Band set's immediate destructive power, the Nasty Plot and Swords Dance sets' sweeping potential, nor the mixed attacker's wallbreaking capabilities. It is, however, one of the most versatile revenge killers in the metagame, thanks to Infernape's unmatched coverage and its breakneck Speed. Furthermore, Choice Scarf Infernape can easily ravage opposing teams late game. If they have been sufficiently weakened beforehand, all those pesky walls will fall before Infernape's blazing fists.
Close Combat pummels monsters such as Terrakion, Tyranitar, and Heatran, while Fire Blast scorches the likes of Jirachi, Scizor, and Celebi. If you'd like to go with a more physically oriented set or simply don't like Fire Blast's accuracy, feel free to bust the doors open with Flare Blitz. While the recoil damage is troublesome, the ability to OHKO threats such as Volcarona in the sun is certainly worth the tradeoff. Hidden Power Ice is often run alongside Flare Blitz, as it takes out those Dragons that resist Infernape's STAB combination. However, if you opt not to run Flare Blitz and have no other options against Volcarona, consider using Stone Edge instead. Rounding off the set is the trusty scouting move U-turn, which can bail Infernape out of unfavorable matchups.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
In order to maximize Infernape's Speed but not hinder its damage output, use either a Naive or Hasty nature; it doesn't really matter since Infernape won't be taking many hits anyway. The given EV spread guarantees an unconditional OHKO against Terrakion with Close Combat, as well as an OHKO against Dragonite, Salamence, and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock. If all attacks are physical, switch to 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe and a Jolly nature. You could drop the Speed EVs to 200 to outpace Choice Scarf Landorus, but not being able to Speed tie a Terrakion could leave you kicking yourself over and over again. ThunderPunch, Overheat, and Grass Knot are all other moves that could be considered, but Infernape is the poster boy of four moveslot syndrome and should only use these moves to fulfill specialized roles.
Ninetales is one of Infernape's most common teammates, and for good reason: it fuels Infernape's Fire STABs to devastatingly high levels. While Infernape mostly uses U-turn to avoid its checks and counters, it is still a good idea to carry a Pokemon such as Blissey, Chansey, or Ferrothorn to deal with Latias, Latios, Starmie, and other troublesome Pokemon. Scizor is an excellent partner to lure in Heatran and Magnezone, allowing Infernape to demolish them, and the metal bug returns the favor by disposing of the Lati twins. It is also beneficial to carry around a Rotom-W, as the washing machine takes out bulky Waters such as Tentacruel, while Son Goku ignites Ferrothorn, Breloom, and other Pokemon that trouble Rotom-W. Keep in mind that Infernape is incredibly frail, and even resisted priority moves such as Bullet Punch will deal decent damage. A sturdy wall such as Skarmory can usually take those hits for it.
Other Options
Due to Infernape's massive movepool and great base stats in both offenses, it is able to run a few additional sets, although most of these are outclassed by other Pokemon. Flame Charge is an option Infernape can use, as it will help it defeat previously faster Pokemon. Work Up is another option which will further improve Infernape's wallbreaking capabilities. Also, an Encore set could be pulled off, but this is very situational; other Pokemon do this job better and Infernape has better offensive options to choose from. In terms of optional moves, Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave can be run on any of the sets to help Infernape defeat faster opponents. Infernape can also run Stealth Rock effectively without being fodder. However, it is generally not worth giving up a coverage move for Stealth Rock as Infernape should play a primarily attacking role, and is already starved for moveslots as it is. Lastly, Hidden Power Electric (or another Hidden Power) can be used to bypass Pokemon such as Gyarados, although this move will be unnecessary if you're running Stone Edge or a setup move. In terms of abilities, Infernape can also use Iron Fist to boost some of its attacks such as Fire Punch.
Checks and Counters
Although Infernape is excellent at playing the role of a sweeper, its defensive stats are meager, so it has to watch out for bulky Pokemon which can take a shot and retaliate, along with faster Pokemon and those which carry priority attacks. However, Infernape's specific counters and checks depend on which set it is using. For example, if Infernape is using a physically based set, such as MixApe or Choice Band, Pokemon such as Gyarados and Salamence will spell doom for Infernape due to Intimidate and their resistances to Infernape's STAB attacks. Latios and Latias are also magnificent checks due to their respectable bulk, great Speed, and well placed resistances. Bulky Water-types also do magnificently at checking Infernape, as long as they do not switch into a boosted Close Combat or Focus Blast, as they can take advantage of their resistance to Fire Blast and Flare Blitz and dispose of Infernape with a super effective Water-type attack. Tentacruel, however, can even take the Fighting-type STAB attacks and KO back with Scald. Finally, priority attack users such as Conkeldurr threaten Infernape; due to its frailty, their priority moves will quickly and efficiently end an Infernape sweep.
