(Quality Control) Growlithe (BW2 Revamp) [QC 3/3]

The Unlucky one · Dec 9th, 2012, 1:57:00 PM

Alright so I think blara approved and Woodchuck allowed me to take over so i'm on this right now. Just taking Woodchuck's skeleton and may expound a bit on it as I tested Growlithe quite a bit. I'm not sure that iss' QC check counts after the changes though.
---

Send in the K-9 unit!

Current Stage: In the process of typing up
QC: iss, Hawkstar, Chrarmander
GP: None, None

Skeleton

[OVERVIEW]

With piercing eyes and a nose that can sniff out its prey from miles away, Growlithe comes into this metagame with the same cocky smirk it has always had. Growlithe is a rather unappreciated Fire-type simply for the reason that it's outclassed by every other Fire-type available. Ponyta and Darumaka are better physical attackers, and Houndour is a better special attacker. Even as a wall, it still faces trouble as a wall sometimes thanks to Fire being a bad defensive typing. However, Growlithe is an excellent defensive check to physical attackers thanks to the combination of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp, which provides a double Attack drop for threats that stay in. Don't underestimate Growlithe, because his bite is worse than his bark.

[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Wild Charge / Return
move 3: Morning Sun
move 4: Will-o-Wisp
item: Eviolite
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 116 Atk / 196 Def / 196 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to Intimidate, Growlithe can be a decent defensive pivot for some teams. Sadly, it doesn't have much of a good movepool to back up its amazing ability in Intimidate. He can force a switch with Intimidate, and use his good coverage of Flare Blitz and Wild Charge. Another option over Wild Charge is Return. Return lets Growlithe dent Chinchou. Sadly, it will have a lot more neutral coverage than super effective coverage with Return. Morning Sun is on Growlithe to give it some form of recovery, which prevents it from being worn down by the Pokemon it is supposed to wall. Lastly, Will-O-Wisp helps you Burn the physical attacking threats that you can wall, such as Croagunk and Bulky Mienfoo.

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

The EV investment lets Growlithe cover both physical and special attacks with a stat spread of 19 Def / 22 SDef with Intimidate to back it up. The rest of the EVs are placed in the Attack stat to damage the opponent as much as possible with its STAB and its coverage move. Growlithe faces a lot of issues with Stealth Rock, this means a spinner is nearly necessary when including Growlithe in your team. Staryu is the main spinner that works here because it also helps Growlithe deal with Ground and Rock-types, something Growlithe struggles against. Growlithe is also rather weak to sand teams. While Snover hampers Growlithe's recovery, Shroomish works as an excellent partner to Growlithe as it can check sand teams without hampering his recovery. Growlithe, Staryu, and Shroomish can form a good Fire-Water-Grass core. 

[Other Options]
Growlithe can't really do a lot of things without being outclassed by another Fire-Type. First of all Flash Fire can help if you are weak to Fire-types, but it faces massive competition from Ponyta in that role. Flame Charge can also be used to increase your speed but Growlithe's only niche is in the defensive field so that doesn't really work out very much. Sunny Day can also help to increase the power of Flare Blitz and give more recovery in Morning Sun, while possibly stopping opposing sand teams. Lastly, Flamethrower and Fire Blast can be used over Flare Blitz but it is rather weak and they don't really stay in after Intimidate.

[Checks and Counters]
Growlithe isn't that hard to counter as it is rather weak. A good amount of Water-types can live a Wild Charge and retaliate back with a super-effective Water-type move. The Pokemon that stands out here is Chinchou, who is immune to Wild Charge and is resistant to Flare Blitz. Growlithe also struggles against sand teams as he is weak to Earthquake. Stone Edge Mienfoo may surprise Growlithe who thinks he can come in on bulky Variants. Lastly, Timburr can set-up on it taking a boost from Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts.

TrollFreak · Dec 9th, 2012, 2:24:18 PM

Could a defensive set work? Intimidate, WoW, Morning Sun, and Eviolite sounds like a good idea, with the merit over Ponyta is Intimidate. Ofc, haven't tried it out yet, but just throwing it out there.

~~Oiawesome~~ · Dec 9th, 2012, 5:48:18 PM

I think you should add a bulky offensive pivot(intimidate) set. Also add CB since its the only varient that can secure the 2HKO on most bulky waters like slowpoke. Meybe try a mixed set w/ F-Blast/Hidden Power/CC/Wild Charge

Gengan · Dec 9th, 2012, 7:40:42 PM

CB is really redundant, and a mixed set just sounds bad honestly. I can test the defensive pivot version though.

**mikel** · Dec 9th, 2012, 8:25:39 PM

I'm just wondering, does Growlithe need a full revamp? I can't see anything significant that it has gained, and it's not as if the metagame shifted vastly with BW2. IMO a quick SCMS edit changing the main item to Life Orb and shuffling the set a little would be easier and just as effective.

On topic to the thread, a Life Orb will secure the 2HKO on Slowpoke after Stealth Rock damage 100% of the time, and 2HKO without Stealth Rock approximately 12% of the time. As such, Choice Band doesn't really help it enough to justify not being able to switch attacks, and being locked into Wild Charge is awful in Little Cup, as it opens up Drilbur and Sandshrew to set up and quite possibly sweep your team.

iss · Dec 9th, 2012, 8:33:36 PM

Is offensive Growlithe really worth it? I just don't see how it has any advantages over Ponyta, which completely outclasses it BST-wise. Close Combat doesn't really hit anything notable, considering how rare Rock-types are in this metagame. If anything, a defensive set is probably the best choice, as Intimidate gives it a small niche over Ponyta.

Gengan · Dec 10th, 2012, 4:44:36 PM

A defensive set is being tested. I'll remove Offensive as no one seems to like it.

EDIT: Removed Offensive and replace it with a Pivot set.

**blarajan** · Dec 24th, 2012, 3:20:00 PM

I'm a fan of a Life Orb Flame Charge set...Gengan, I want you to test it for me in this meta, since you are free labor.

Growlithe (M) @ Life Orb Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 196 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SDef / 196 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Flame Charge
- Flare Blitz
- Close Combat
- Wild Charge

Test it with Eviolite too please. It's the only thing I can think of for Growlithe that isn't horrendously outclassed by Ponyta, and as such is the only thing I'd honestly allow on the analysis.

Gengan · Dec 27th, 2012, 1:06:09 PM

free labor :c

I'll test it a bit, but even that set seems outclassed by Ponyta.

The Agonist · Dec 30th, 2012, 12:16:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Gengan

[Checks and Counters]- Chinchou is neutral to Wild Charge and can OHKO with Hydro Pump / Surf

Wild Charge just heals Chinchou because of Volt Absorb.

**blarajan** · Dec 30th, 2012, 6:04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Gengan

free labor :c

I'll test it a bit, but even that set seems outclassed by Ponyta.

Close Combat's lack of recoil and more reliable manner of dispatching Scraggy and Rock-type Pokemon along with Intimidate differentiate it. The Growlithe set must have Close Combat.

I think in all honesty it's better with Eviolite than Life Orb. It's actually kind of cool.

Gengan · Dec 31st, 2012, 5:32:52 PM

Alright, I'll test it when I have more time. And thanks Agonist, completely missed that.

Gengan · Jan 10th, 2013, 4:18:09 PM

I know I was supposed to be testing this and stuff but you can pass it onto someone who's more interested in it. I'm extremely busy and probably will take a bit longer to finish Archen, and there's no way I can get to Growlithe if I'm still this swamped.

Woodchuck · Jan 24th, 2013, 9:28:09 PM

boom
(i'm taking this over)
upon initial testing LO flame charge Growlithe is interesting but appears to die quickly and hates priority / drilbur. maybe good for cleanup sweeping, so i'll work on a team to support it.

iss · Feb 9th, 2013, 1:35:06 PM

okay fine

QC Approved 1/2

Charmander · Mar 7th, 2013, 4:56:59 PM

definitely slash Return with Wild Charge. Being able to hit Chinchou is awesome, and being able to do damage without taking recoil is equally awesome. Growlithe can even kinda deal with Murkrow if you can Intimidate it, and being able to break its subs without hurting yourself is something you want, and hitting Dragons is awesome too. Wild Charge is probably better but Return deserves a slash

The Unlucky one · Apr 1st, 2013, 5:47:57 AM

Alright im taking over this thread due to it being rather inactive (i got approval). Im not on computer now but i will add stuff to it and it will be re-ready for QC checks! Will do a write up after two QC checks

The Unlucky one · Apr 12th, 2013, 10:05:01 AM

just a quick bump to get it out there. any thoughts on it?

Good_Luck! · Apr 12th, 2013, 3:26:59 PM

Mention Scarf Porygon as a teammate to handle Sand, Growlithe can force Fighting-types not named Timburr out because of the Att Drop and risk of WoW. MB Drilbur can also help in spinning as it apreciates the opposing team burned and can defeat all rock-types.

Just my thoughts :).

iss · Apr 13th, 2013, 12:55:06 PM

My old stamp still stands. This is good.

Hawkstar · Apr 13th, 2013, 11:22:18 PM

The only thing I'd like to say is to remove mentions of using Flash Fire. Without Intimidate, Growlithe is Ponyta lite version, down to running almost the exact same set, which is what we are trying to avoid.

Good stuff, go ahead and write it up!

QC Approved 2/2

The Unlucky one · Apr 26th, 2013, 3:48:24 AM

alright wrote it up so let's go

Charmander · May 3rd, 2013, 2:43:39 PM

QC Approved 3/3

Rohail17 · May 3rd, 2013, 4:44:20 PM

Amcheck :)
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Dec 9th, 2012, 1:57:00 PM	#1
The Unlucky one Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 499 Philippines	Growlithe (BW2 Revamp) [QC 3/3] Alright so I think blara approved and Woodchuck allowed me to take over so i'm on this right now. Just taking Woodchuck's skeleton and may expound a bit on it as I tested Growlithe quite a bit. I'm not sure that iss' QC check counts after the changes though. --- Send in the K-9 unit! Current Stage: In the process of typing up QC: iss, Hawkstar, Chrarmander GP: None, None Skeleton [OVERVIEW] <p>With piercing eyes and a nose that can sniff out its prey from miles away, Growlithe comes into this metagame with the same cocky smirk it has always had. Growlithe is a rather unappreciated Fire-type simply for the reason that it's outclassed by every other Fire-type available. Ponyta and Darumaka are better physical attackers, and Houndour is a better special attacker. Even as a wall, it still faces trouble as a wall sometimes thanks to Fire being a bad defensive typing. However, Growlithe is an excellent defensive check to physical attackers thanks to the combination of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp, which provides a double Attack drop for threats that stay in. Don't underestimate Growlithe, because his bite is worse than his bark.</p> [SET] name: Pivot move 1: Flare Blitz move 2: Wild Charge / Return move 3: Morning Sun move 4: Will-o-Wisp item: Eviolite ability: Intimidate nature: Careful evs: 116 Atk / 196 Def / 196 SpD [SET COMMENTS] - Intimidate is invaluable in Little Cup - Really sucks that it can't get U-turn - Flare Blitz / Wild Charge give it decent coverage - Flare Blitz / Return grants better neutral coverage hitting things like Chinchou neutrally. You hit less things super-effectively though. Lack of recoil also really helps with Return/ - Intimdate + WoW burn means that physical attackers are dropped to the dirt - Allows Growlithe to cover SpD - Morning Sun heals off damage and provides longevity - It's Fire typing really doesn't let it resist much, Fire is a better Offensive typing than a defensive one. [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] - 19 Def / 22 SpD with Eviolite - Stealth Rock hinders, so a spinner is necessary - Also struggles with Ground-types - Staryu handles both of these problems very well - Growlithe has problems with Sand Teams, and Snover hampers it's recovery, this makes Shroomish an excellent partner for dealing with sand without ruining it's recovery. Foongus also helps vs Timburr if you prefer that. - This allows the three pokemon to form a strong Fire-Water-Grass core that gives a strong pivoting core to abuse. [Other Options] - If your team is weak to Fire-types, Flash Fire is a good alternative to absorb them - Flame Charge raises speed but this is defensive so - Sunny Day to aid Morning Sun, power-up Flare Blitz, and stop Sand - Flamethrower or Fire Blast if you want to surprise physically-defensive threats, but it'll be really weak and they won't stay in after Intimidate [Checks and Counters] - Growlithe isn't strong, so Water-types can survive Wild Charge - Chinchou is immune to Wild Charge and can OHKO with Hydro Pump / Surf - Ground-types like Hippopotas or Drilbur - Stealth Rock wears down switching - Stone Edge Mienfoo may surprise Growlithe who thinks he can come in on bulky Variants - Timburr can set-up on it taking a boost from Will-O-Wisp thanks to guts. [OVERVIEW] <p>With piercing eyes and a nose that can sniff out its prey from miles away, Growlithe comes into this metagame with the same cocky smirk it has always had. Growlithe is a rather unappreciated Fire-type simply for the reason that it's outclassed by every other Fire-type available. Ponyta and Darumaka are better physical attackers, and Houndour is a better special attacker. Even as a wall, it still faces trouble as a wall sometimes thanks to Fire being a bad defensive typing. However, Growlithe is an excellent defensive check to physical attackers thanks to the combination of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp, which provides a double Attack drop for threats that stay in. Don't underestimate Growlithe, because his bite is worse than his bark.</p> [SET] name: Pivot move 1: Flare Blitz move 2: Wild Charge / Return move 3: Morning Sun move 4: Will-o-Wisp item: Eviolite ability: Intimidate nature: Careful evs: 116 Atk / 196 Def / 196 SpD [SET COMMENTS] <p>Thanks to Intimidate, Growlithe can be a decent defensive pivot for some teams. Sadly, it doesn't have much of a good movepool to back up its amazing ability in Intimidate. He can force a switch with Intimidate, and use his good coverage of Flare Blitz and Wild Charge. Another option over Wild Charge is Return. Return lets Growlithe dent Chinchou. Sadly, it will have a lot more neutral coverage than super effective coverage with Return. Morning Sun is on Growlithe to give it some form of recovery, which prevents it from being worn down by the Pokemon it is supposed to wall. Lastly, Will-O-Wisp helps you Burn the physical attacking threats that you can wall, such as Croagunk and Bulky Mienfoo.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>The EV investment lets Growlithe cover both physical and special attacks with a stat spread of 19 Def / 22 SDef with Intimidate to back it up. The rest of the EVs are placed in the Attack stat to damage the opponent as much as possible with its STAB and its coverage move. Growlithe faces a lot of issues with Stealth Rock, this means a spinner is nearly necessary when including Growlithe in your team. Staryu is the main spinner that works here because it also helps Growlithe deal with Ground and Rock-types, something Growlithe struggles against. Growlithe is also rather weak to sand teams. While Snover hampers Growlithe's recovery, Shroomish works as an excellent partner to Growlithe as it can check sand teams without hampering his recovery. Growlithe, Staryu, and Shroomish can form a good Fire-Water-Grass core. </p> [Other Options] <p>Growlithe can't really do a lot of things without being outclassed by another Fire-Type. First of all Flash Fire can help if you are weak to Fire-types, but it faces massive competition from Ponyta in that role. Flame Charge can also be used to increase your speed but Growlithe's only niche is in the defensive field so that doesn't really work out very much. Sunny Day can also help to increase the power of Flare Blitz and give more recovery in Morning Sun, while possibly stopping opposing sand teams. Lastly, Flamethrower and Fire Blast can be used over Flare Blitz but it is rather weak and they don't really stay in after Intimidate.</p> [Checks and Counters] <p>Growlithe isn't that hard to counter as it is rather weak. A good amount of Water-types can live a Wild Charge and retaliate back with a super-effective Water-type move. The Pokemon that stands out here is Chinchou, who is immune to Wild Charge and is resistant to Flare Blitz. Growlithe also struggles against sand teams as he is weak to Earthquake. Stone Edge Mienfoo may surprise Growlithe who thinks he can come in on bulky Variants. Lastly, Timburr can set-up on it taking a boost from Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts.</p> __________________ 252+ SpA Choice Specs Magikarp Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 84 SpD Ho-Oh in rain: 228-270 (54.93 - 65.06%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock you may know me as "superwii64cube" too Last edited by The Unlucky one; May 5th, 2013 at 10:22:01 AM.

Dec 9th, 2012, 2:24:18 PM	#2
TrollFreak (╮°-°)╮┳━┳ (╯°□°)╯ ┻━┻ Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 1,245 New York born, New York proud	Could a defensive set work? Intimidate, WoW, Morning Sun, and Eviolite sounds like a good idea, with the merit over Ponyta is Intimidate. Ofc, haven't tried it out yet, but just throwing it out there. __________________ Work Ever wanted to contribute to Smogon? Visit the Contributions and Corrections forum! ~SNOVERS~

Dec 9th, 2012, 7:40:42 PM	#4
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	CB is really redundant, and a mixed set just sounds bad honestly. I can test the defensive pivot version though. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not!

Dec 9th, 2012, 8:25:39 PM	#5
mikel hear me roar Moderator Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 610 buttralia Mentor	I'm just wondering, does Growlithe need a full revamp? I can't see anything significant that it has gained, and it's not as if the metagame shifted vastly with BW2. IMO a quick SCMS edit changing the main item to Life Orb and shuffling the set a little would be easier and just as effective. On topic to the thread, a Life Orb will secure the 2HKO on Slowpoke after Stealth Rock damage 100% of the time, and 2HKO without Stealth Rock approximately 12% of the time. As such, Choice Band doesn't really help it enough to justify not being able to switch attacks, and being locked into Wild Charge is awful in Little Cup, as it opens up Drilbur and Sandshrew to set up and quite possibly sweep your team. __________________ pokemon showdown \| contributions and corrections \| little cup \| pm/vm for a gp check [2013-02-13T17:59:26.637Z] (lobby) Blue Kirby was banned by Joim. (Smog Nominee Award Joim invites you to kindly take a time off of his website, banned user: BlueKirby) [3:33:40 PM] <~bmelts> inasmuch as this is the crux of the aforementioned set

Dec 9th, 2012, 8:33:36 PM	#6
iss perpetual semifinalist Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,969 sirndpt <3	Is offensive Growlithe really worth it? I just don't see how it has any advantages over Ponyta, which completely outclasses it BST-wise. Close Combat doesn't really hit anything notable, considering how rare Rock-types are in this metagame. If anything, a defensive set is probably the best choice, as Intimidate gives it a small niche over Ponyta. __________________ "Mienfoo is a shitty Pokemon." - blarajan

Dec 9th, 2012, 5:48:18 PM	#3
~~Oiawesome~~ Banned deucer. Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 165	I think you should add a bulky offensive pivot(intimidate) set. Also add CB since its the only varient that can secure the 2HKO on most bulky waters like slowpoke. Meybe try a mixed set w/ F-Blast/Hidden Power/CC/Wild Charge

Dec 10th, 2012, 4:44:36 PM	#7
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	A defensive set is being tested. I'll remove Offensive as no one seems to like it. EDIT: Removed Offensive and replace it with a Pivot set. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not! Last edited by Gengan; Dec 10th, 2012 at 5:29:39 PM.

Dec 24th, 2012, 3:20:00 PM	#8
blarajan no abuse pls Moderator Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 2,712 Mentor	I'm a fan of a Life Orb Flame Charge set...Gengan, I want you to test it for me in this meta, since you are free labor. Growlithe (M) @ Life Orb Trait: Intimidate EVs: 196 Atk / 76 Def / 36 SDef / 196 Spd Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk) - Flame Charge - Flare Blitz - Close Combat - Wild Charge Test it with Eviolite too please. It's the only thing I can think of for Growlithe that isn't horrendously outclassed by Ponyta, and as such is the only thing I'd honestly allow on the analysis. __________________ Team Babby: Little Cup in Ubers RMT

Dec 27th, 2012, 1:06:09 PM	#9
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	free labor :c I'll test it a bit, but even that set seems outclassed by Ponyta. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not!

Dec 31st, 2012, 5:32:52 PM	#12
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	Alright, I'll test it when I have more time. And thanks Agonist, completely missed that. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not!

Jan 10th, 2013, 4:18:09 PM	#13
Gengan Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 545 We bought boobs	I know I was supposed to be testing this and stuff but you can pass it onto someone who's more interested in it. I'm extremely busy and probably will take a bit longer to finish Archen, and there's no way I can get to Growlithe if I'm still this swamped. __________________ Pokemon LP Center \| My Analysis \| Best Thread 2012 \| Feebas, the Mighty <Gengan> .qm Will you marry me NOW? <QMark> Gengan: Eww, you're a squishy human. Of course not!

Jan 24th, 2013, 9:28:09 PM	#14
Woodchuck <Feranfell> punbot irl aka virginity protector Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,646 us best	boom (i'm taking this over) upon initial testing LO flame charge Growlithe is interesting but appears to die quickly and hates priority / drilbur. maybe good for cleanup sweeping, so i'll work on a team to support it. __________________

Feb 9th, 2013, 1:35:06 PM	#15
iss perpetual semifinalist Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,969 sirndpt <3	okay fine QC Approved 1/2 __________________ "Mienfoo is a shitty Pokemon." - blarajan

Mar 7th, 2013, 4:56:59 PM	#16
Charmander Mission Complete Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2,688 Great Falls, VA Mentor	definitely slash Return with Wild Charge. Being able to hit Chinchou is awesome, and being able to do damage without taking recoil is equally awesome. Growlithe can even kinda deal with Murkrow if you can Intimidate it, and being able to break its subs without hurting yourself is something you want, and hitting Dragons is awesome too. Wild Charge is probably better but Return deserves a slash __________________

Apr 1st, 2013, 5:47:57 AM	#17
The Unlucky one Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 499 Philippines	Alright im taking over this thread due to it being rather inactive (i got approval). Im not on computer now but i will add stuff to it and it will be re-ready for QC checks! Will do a write up after two QC checks __________________ 252+ SpA Choice Specs Magikarp Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 84 SpD Ho-Oh in rain: 228-270 (54.93 - 65.06%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock you may know me as "superwii64cube" too

Apr 12th, 2013, 10:05:01 AM	#18
The Unlucky one Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 499 Philippines	just a quick bump to get it out there. any thoughts on it? __________________ 252+ SpA Choice Specs Magikarp Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 84 SpD Ho-Oh in rain: 228-270 (54.93 - 65.06%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock you may know me as "superwii64cube" too

Apr 12th, 2013, 3:26:59 PM	#19
Good_Luck! Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 177 Mexico	Mention Scarf Porygon as a teammate to handle Sand, Growlithe can force Fighting-types not named Timburr out because of the Att Drop and risk of WoW. MB Drilbur can also help in spinning as it apreciates the opposing team burned and can defeat all rock-types. Just my thoughts :).

Apr 13th, 2013, 12:55:06 PM	#20
iss perpetual semifinalist Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,969 sirndpt <3	My old stamp still stands. This is good. __________________ "Mienfoo is a shitty Pokemon." - blarajan

Apr 13th, 2013, 11:22:18 PM	#21
Hawkstar Are you hanging by a thread or swinging from the rope? Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 627 Western Pennsylvania	The only thing I'd like to say is to remove mentions of using Flash Fire. Without Intimidate, Growlithe is Ponyta lite version, down to running almost the exact same set, which is what we are trying to avoid. Good stuff, go ahead and write it up! QC Approved 2/2 __________________ Art thread! [22:11] Helias: FUCK YOU HAWKSTAR THAT'S NOT MY NAME

Apr 26th, 2013, 3:48:24 AM	#22
The Unlucky one Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 499 Philippines	alright wrote it up so let's go __________________ 252+ SpA Choice Specs Magikarp Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 84 SpD Ho-Oh in rain: 228-270 (54.93 - 65.06%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock you may know me as "superwii64cube" too

May 3rd, 2013, 2:43:39 PM	#23
Charmander Mission Complete Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 2,688 Great Falls, VA Mentor	QC Approved 3/3 __________________

May 3rd, 2013, 4:44:20 PM	#24
Rohail17 Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 67 Ontario, Canada	Amcheck :) ADD REMOVE COMMENTS ... [OVERVIEW] <p>With piercing eyes and a nose that can sniff out its prey from miles away, Growlithe comes into this metagame with the same cocky smirk it has always had. Growlithe is a rather unappreciated Fire-type simply for the reason that it's outclassed by every other Fire-type available. Ponyta and Darumaka are better physical attackers, and Houndour is a better special attacker. Even as a wall, (RC) it still faces trouble, (AC) as a wall sometimes thanks to Fire being a bad defensive typing. However, Growlithe is an excellent defensive check to physical attackers thanks to the combination of Intimidate and Will-oO-Wisp, which provides a double Attack drop for threats that stay in. Don't underestimate Growlithe, because his bite is worse than his bark.</p> [SET] name: Pivot move 1: Flare Blitz move 2: Wild Charge / Return move 3: Morning Sun move 4: Will-oO-Wisp item: Eviolite ability: Intimidate nature: Careful evs: 116 Atk / 196 Def / 196 SpD [SET COMMENTS] <p>Thanks to Intimidate, Growlithe can be a decent defensive pivot for some teams. Sadly, it doesn't have much of a good movepool to back up its amazing ability: (Add Colon) in Intimidate. He can force a switch with Intimidate, and use his good coverage of Flare Blitz and Wild Charge to hit the incoming switch in. Another option over Wild Charge is Return. (RP), (AC) as Return lets Growlithe dent Chinchou. Sadly, it will have a lot more neutral coverage than super effective coverage with Return. Return has more neutral coverage, while Wild charge has more super effective coverage. Morning Sun is on gives Growlithe to give it some form of recovery, which prevents it from being worn down by the Pokemon it is supposed to wall. Lastly, Will-O-Wisp helps you Burn the physically attacking threats that you Growlithe can walls, such as Croagunk and Bulky Mienfoo.</p> [ADDITIONAL COMMENTS] <p>The EV investment lets Growlithe cover tank both physical and special attacks with a stat spread of 19 Def / 22 SDef by reaching 19 Defense and 22 Special Defense with Intimidate to back it up. The rest of the EVs are placed in the Attack stat to damage hit the opponent as much hard as possible with its STAB and its coverage move. Growlithe faces a lot of issues with Stealth Rock, (RC). (AP) this means a spinner is nearly necessary compulsory when including using Growlithe ion your team. Staryu is the main best spinner that works here because it also helps Growlithe deal with Ground- (Hyphen) and Rock-types, something Growlithe struggles against. Growlithe is also rather weak to sand teams. While Snover hampers Growlithe's recovery, Shroomish works as an excellent partner to Growlithe as it can easily check sand teams without hampering his recovery. Growlithe, Staryu, and Shroomish can form a good Fire-Water-Grass core. </p> [Other Options] <p>Growlithe can't really do a lot of things without being outclassed by another Fire-Type. First of all, (AC) Flash Fire can help if you are weak to Fire-types, but it faces massive competition from Ponyta in that role. Flame Charge can also be used to increase your speed but Growlithe's only niche is in the defensive field and Flame Charge doesn't help to sufficiently improve Growlithe's job at that niche, therefore not being viable enough to receive its own moveslot. so that doesn't really work out very much. (Feel free to put that into your own words) Sunny Day can also help to increase the power of Flare Blitz and give it more recovery in with Morning Sun, while possibly stopping opposing sand teams. Lastly, Flamethrower and Fire Blast can be used over Flare Blitz but it is they are rather weak and they don't really stay in after Intimidate. (I have no clue of what you were trying to say there. Don't remove it if you feel you could reword it to get your point across.)</p> [Checks and Counters] <p>Growlithe isn't that hard to counter as it is rather weak. A good amount of Water-types can live a Wild Charge and retaliate back with a super- (Remove Hyphen)effective Water-type move. The Pokemon that stands out here is Chinchou, who is immune to Wild Charge and is resistant to Flare Blitz. Growlithe also struggles against sand teams as he is weak to Earthquake, and they lessen the amount Morning Sun will recover. Stone Edge Mienfoo may surprise a Growlithe who thinks he can come in on bulky Vvariants. Lastly, Timburr can set-up on it, while also getting taking a boost from Will-O-Wisp thanks to Guts.</p> __________________ Currently working on a UU Sigilyph analysis Also an Amchecker. Congratulations, you're officially done reading my signature.