Growlithe (Analysis)

Diana

This isn't even my final form
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Growlithe



Status: Done.
QC checks: ShinyAzelf, comatthew6
GP checks: NixHex, jc104


[Overview]

<p>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.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Wild Charge
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Growlithe is an effective revenge killer when holding a Choice Scarf and a solid wallbreaker with a Choice Band, meaning that 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, who otherwise wall this set.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>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.</p>

<p>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 that should be considered 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.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Growlithe has a good few 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 Speed, but Growlithe 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.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>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 who lack a Choice Band, as it survives two hits from Wild Charge otherwise.</p>
 

Crux

Banned deucer.
No Scarf set? Scarf Growlithe is still good this Gen. The other set is OO at best or not even worth mention due to SRock weakness, Fire being a terrible typing and it still being frail even with Eviolite and Intimidate.
 

Diana

This isn't even my final form
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
After seeing that and talking on IRC I'm basically completely changing this up. A Choice set is going to be the only set now, with other things moving to OO.
 

Diana

This isn't even my final form
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I listed Scarf first but then I went with Band because it OHKOes Scraggy but okay I'll switch it back.
 
- You should mention Flash Fire (and probably even make it the designated ability) since a +1 Flare Blitz can do a lot of damage.
- Return should have an OO mention if only to get a neutral hit on Chinchou & Wooper EDIT: can't Return be slashed over Toxic? Or does it not do enough damage?

after that,

QC APPROVED 2/2

congrats you're my first stamp ^^
 

Diana

This isn't even my final form
is a Researcher Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
I'll mention Flash Fire but Intimidate is its main niche over Ponyta. Seems like good AC material though.

Return's main use would be to hit those two without lowering your defenses but yeah, I guess that's OO-worthy. I'll write this up... Sometime, hopefully soon.

Edit: This is written.
 

Lemonade

WOOPAGGING
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis an Artist Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
unoffish still
ready
ok ima stop postflooding now

[Overview]

<p>Growlithe comes into the fifth generation as an interesting Pokemon for sure. It sports good attacking stats and as well as 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's not all good for Growlithe, however. While it is a bit outclassed by Ponyta and Darumaka, though Growlithe's movepool is its niche. It also has unfortunate weaknesses to common types such as Water and Ground, which hold the fire puppy back. 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.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Wild Charge
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Growlithe is an effective revenge killer when holding a Choice Scarf and a solid wallbreaker with a Choice Band, meaning that these items are key to Growlithe's success. Flare Blitz is Growlithe's most powerful STAB move. Close Combat is an important second move;[semicolon], with a Choice Scarf, Growlithe can OHKO Houndour. gaining an OHKO on Houndour with Choice Scarf. 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 usually landing [letter] a 2HKO on Slowpoke with Choice Band. In the last spot, Toxic hits Chinchou and Wooper, who otherwise wall this set.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability to allow 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. problem when using it.</p>

<p>Chinchou can take all of Growlithe's attacking moves and hits[deletion] back with Scald or Hydro Pump. Therefore, a 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 that should be considered as well. Dwebble is a useful teammate to set up entry hazards, [comma] which helps Growlithe break through tough walls. Lastly, Staryu has good synergy with Growlithe, and provides Rapid Spin which that can really add to Growlithe's longetivity.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Growlithe has a good few 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 Speed, but Growlithe 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 it has the same Special Attack stat as its Attack, its physical movepool is far better. Morning Sun is interesting, as it can provide solid healing, though Growlithe usually should 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.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>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 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 Wild Charge otherwise.</p>
 

Nix_Hex

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[Overview]

<p>Growlithe comes into the fifth generation as an interesting Pokemon for sure. It sports good attacking stats and an improved movepool,(comma) 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.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Wild Charge
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Growlithe is an effective revenge killer when holding a Choice Scarf and a solid wallbreaker with a Choice Band, meaning that 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,(comma) it usually lands a 2HKO on Slowpoke. In the last spot, Toxic hits Chinchou and Wooper, who otherwise wall this set.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability to allow 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.</p>

<p>Chinchou can take all of Growlithe's attacking moves attacks and hit back with Scald or Hydro Pump. Therefore, a 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 that should be considered 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, that can really add adding to Growlithe's longetivity. longevity.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Growlithe has a good few 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 Speed, but Growlithe 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 it has the same Special Attack stat as its Attack, its physical movepool is far better. Morning Sun is interesting, as it can provide solid healing, though Growlithe usually should 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.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>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,(comma) 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 who lack a Choice Band, as it survives two hits from Wild Charge otherwise.</p>[/QUOTE]

Just added stuff over V0x's check, which was good as usual. So...



[GP 1/2]
 

jc104

Humblest person ever
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
[Overview]

<p>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.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Wild Charge
move 4: Toxic
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Band
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly
evs: 76 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Growlithe is an effective revenge killer when holding a Choice Scarf and a solid wallbreaker with a Choice Band, meaning that 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, who otherwise wall this set.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Intimidate is the preferred ability, allowing
to allow 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.</p>

<p>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 that should be considered as well. Dwebble is a useful teammate to set up entry hazards, which help
s Growlithe break through tough walls. Lastly, Staryu has good synergy with Growlithe, and provides Rapid Spin support, adding to Growlithe's longevity.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Growlithe has a good few 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 Speed, but Growlithe 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
has the same Special Attack stat as 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.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>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 who lack a Choice Band, as it survives two hits from Wild Charge otherwise.</p>
GP 2/2
 
I don't quite understand the rationale for having Toxic over Return or Crunch on that fourth slot. If it was a non-choice set, or if it didn't have any other attacking options, (IE Band Escavalier) I wouldn't think it to be such an issue, but it DOES have other options and Toxic isn't really something that's fun to be locked into. What was the reasoning for that?
 
STAB Flare Blitz hits basically everything harder that Crunch would hit super effectively, thus, Toxic is a good option to cripple switch-ins that resist everything, like Chinchou.
 

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