Typhlosion @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs:252 SAtk / 4 SpD / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Eruption
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Rock
- Fire Blast
Unlike the other Pokemon listed in this thread, I don't think there was a point in time where Typhlosion was
ever good in RU. It was extremely common howeveri. I can't really blame users for using Typhlosion at first; you see that Eruption and decent base speed, and think its a match made in heaven; RU doesn't have as many bulky waters / Tyranitar, so Typhlosion
should succeed. Right? Right? The main problem with Choice Scarf Typhlosion is that keeping Typhlosion at max HP
AND getting his counters out of the way isn't feasible. Typhlosion can't sweep with a perfect Eruption because SR of almost always getting set up early in the match. RU doesn't have that many good spinners, and with Cofagrigus being the most ubiquitous Pokemon in the tier not being able to spin is more common than you'd think. (I'm not saying spinning is impossible however; you should focus on spinning for a Pokemon that can actually kick ass like Moltres or Entei!)
Even if Rocks are off the field for most of the game,Typhlosion still isn't going to sweep because RU is home to Slowking, arguably one of the best bulky-waters in the
game. Even if you remove Scarf Typhlosion's counters several prominent Pokemon (Moltres & Entei) can always act as last minute checks if they're health. Choice Scarf Typhlosion is just too high maintenance, and even if you put the work into making him work, its still not impressive. Outside of Choice Scarf, it's simply outclassed by every relevant Fire-type in the tier (Entei, Moltres, etc) and even outclassed by the not-so-relevants (Charizard). It's a disappointing Pokemon that still gets used a lot (its #27 in usage...)