Chandelure
-Credits also goes to PK Gaming for making the skeleton for this analysis and getting it through QC, before I took over to write it.
[Overview]
<p>Chandelure is a Pokemon with massive firepower. It boasts a ridiculous base 145 Special Attack stat, which makes Chandelure able to at least 2HKO a huge portion of the tier. Chandelure also has a good defensive typing, giving it a range of resistances, and two immunities, which becomes three, thanks to Flash Fire, and the ability to spinblock—something other Fire-types do not possess. Though there's no questioning its offensive power, Chandelure does have some drawbacks. Chandelure only has mediocre bulk; though its Defense and Special Defense stats are good, Chandelure's HP stat is really disappointing. Furthermore, it is weak to the common Ground-, Water-, Dark-, Ghost, and Rock-type moves, which limits its defensive prowess. Chandelure's middling Speed stat hinders its sweeping capabilities, but with a combination of Substitute and Pain Split, Chandelure can run circles around its usual counters, and with tools such as Choice Scarf and Calm Mind, Chandelure is an offensive threat everyone should look out for.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSplit
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is Chandelure's strongest set and is very difficult to straight-up counter. Substitute allows Chandelure to scout the opponent, and is useful for putting the opponent in a disadvantageous position should they think that they're facing a Choice Scarf Chandelure. Pain Split is a semi-reliable recovery move, and when in combination with Substitute, Life Orb, and Chandelure's already low HP stat, it easily ruins most special walls by taking away a huge portion of their HP. The combination of Substitute and Pain Split will let Chandelure easily deal with its usual counters, especially Chansey and Snorlax; with Toxic Spikes support, this set is able to beat almost any wall single-handed. Fire Blast and Shadow Ball are Chandelure's STAB moves of choice. Fire Blast is incredibly strong, and crushes pretty much anything that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball patches up the coverage, leaving only Snorlax, Porygon2, and Houndoom untouched.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Toxic Spikes support is almost a must to get the best out of this set. Roserade is the best partner for Chandelure to lay entry hazards; it can counter most of Chandelure's common checks, while being able to set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Spikes and Stealth Rock make Chandelure even more difficult to counter. A Rapid Spinner is recommended, as Chandelure is weak to Stealth Rock, which will cause residual damage from Life Orb and Substitute to stack up even more. Blastoise is the best choice for this, as it can effectively check most of Chandelure's counters, while being able to rack up damage with Roar when entry hazards are in play. Porygon2 and Snorlax are problematic, especially when they are paired with a cleric or a Poison-type that absorbs Toxic Spikes, as they resist or are immune to both of Chandelure's STAB moves and hard counter it. Machamp makes an ideal partner as it has no trouble handling the two, easily KOing both with its DynamicPunch. On top of that, Machamp is also incredibly hard to counter itself, and can even take Rock-type moves for Chandelure.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast / Overheat
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Energy Ball / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Choice Specs
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set all about power, and Chandelure is able to blow through everything in the tier with Choice Specs. This set has better coverage than the SubSplit set, being able to hit Pokemon it normally couldn't a lot harder as well. Energy Ball will 2HKO all bulky Water- and Rock-types in the tier, whereas Hidden Power Fighting allows Chandelure to break through any Snorlax that doesn't heavily invest in Special Defense, and OHKO Porygon2 without any Special Defense investment. The choice between Fire Blast and Overheat is one of preference. Overheat gives Chandelure much more firepower, while Fire Blast is a more reliable, albeit slightly less powerful option, as it doesn't harshly lower Chandelure's Special Attack. Flamethrower offers Chandelure another, safer STAB option if the power isn't needed to KO something, and Chandelure can't take the risk of missing with the aforementioned moves.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Rapid Spin support is necessary, as Chandelure is going to be switching a lot. Blastoise is the prime choice here, as it can check most of Chandelure's counters and phaze out any stat boosters. Entry hazard support is greatly recommended, but not a must, due to the already intense power output of this set. Toxic Spikes help in dealing with Pokemon such as Chansey, Snorlax, and Porygon2, and Roserade makes the best choice to lay them. Roserade is able to counter most Ground- and Water-type Pokemon and set up on them, which is helpful for Chandelure. As stated, Snorlax and Porygon2 are big roadblocks for Chandelure; Machamp can easily deal with both of them, as well as Rock-types, as it resists STAB moves from the latter. Sun support is a plus, as in sun, Chandelure is able to cleanly 2HKO Chansey and Snorlax.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although not as powerful as the Choice Specs set, Choice Scarf patches up Chandelure's average Speed, enabling it to check Pokemon that are naturally faster than Chandelure, such as Alakazam and Darmanitan. Fire Blast and Shadow Ball are mandatory STAB moves that have good power. Energy Ball covers the Water- and Rock-types that resist Chandelure's Fire Blast and might outlive Shadow Ball. Hidden Power Fighting deals decent damage to Snorlax and Porygon2, who resist Chandelure's STAB moves, while easily KOing Houndoom as well.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Just like the Choice Specs set, this set really needs Rapid Spin support, as it's going to switch around a lot. Blastoise is able to check various counters to Chandelure, and can phaze the opposing Pokemon, making it the best choice. Entry hazard support is appreciated, mainly because Choice Scarf Chandelure doesn't have as much power as Choice Specs. Roserade can handle Ground- and Water-types for Chandelure, while also being able to set up both Toxic Spikes and Spikes in their face. Though not as good as Roserade, Nidoqueen can also set up Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock. Even though it packs Hidden Power Fighting, Chandelure still has issues with Porygon2 and Snorlax, and Machamp is the best Pokemon for the job. Machamp can easily KO both of them with its STAB DynamicPunch, while also resisting Rock-type moves for Chandelure.</p>
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Substitute / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Calm Mind, Chandelure is able to boost its already sky-high Special Attack and its decent Special Defense, turning it into a tank that can kill almost everything in sight. This set also has the ability to set up on most of its best checks, namely Porygon2 and Chansey. The choice between Flamethrower and Fire Blast is as always based on your own preference. Fire Blast gives it maximum power, while Flamethrower is a more reliable option and still hits hard after some boosts, making it the superior choice in most cases. Substitute prevents blocks status moves, and is a great move on a boosting sweeper such as Chandelure. However, you can forego Substitute for Hidden Power Fighting, to hit Snorlax, Porygon2, and Houndoom super effectively. If Snorlax lacks Crunch or the opponent mispredicts your move, Chandelure can actually beat Snorlax 1 on 1.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Entry hazard support is useful as usual, as without any boosts, Chandelure can have tough time dealing with certain Pokemon. Roserade is as always the best option, as it can set up Toxic Spikes and Spikes, while taking care of Ground- and Water-types for Chandelure. Though it doesn't have as good synergy with Chandelure, Nidoqueen another great teammate that can set up Stealth Rock alongside Toxic Spikes. Rapid Spin support is also much appreciated, as it's wise to keep Chandelure's health as high as possible whilst setting up, especially due to the fact that this set lacks any recovery and often uses Substitute. Snorlax can still reliably stop this set cold even if Chandelure carries Hidden Power Fighting, and even more so if it has Substitute instead. Sun support is useful for Chandelure, as nothing can take a +1 sun-boosted Fire Blast comfortably; even Chansey and Snorlax are 2HKOed. The sun also weakens Water-type moves, which is can be useful when Chandelure gets a couple of Special Defense boosts.</p>
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Energy Ball
move 3: Shadow Ball / Taunt
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Flash Fire
nature: Modest
evs: 240 HP / 168 Def / 40 SpA / 80 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Despite being a Ghost-type with lackluster defenses, Chandelure can still be a potent defensive wall, due to its good defensive typing and ridiculous power. With this set, Chandelure is now capable of checking Pokemon such as Heracross and Machamp, as well as countering Pokemon such as Escavalier; something that Chandelure couldn't do with the other sets. Flamethrower, being more reliable than Fire Blast, is the STAB Fire-type move of choice on this set. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and helps Chandelure take physical hits better, while Pain Split keeps Chandelure healthy. The combination of the two moves lets Chandelure run circles around certain teams, especially slower defensive stall teams. Shadow Ball is a reliable secondary STAB move, giving it it extra coverage, whereas Taunt lets Chandelure shut down walls and prevents status and set up moves. While Will-O-Wisp adds to Chandelure's bulk and is often the superior option, Energy Ball gives Chandelure a way to hit bulky Water- and Rock-types that give it trouble.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Rapid Spin is mandatory when using this set, and one would put Chandelure's life on the line if one didn't use a Rapid Spinner, as Chandelure needs to keep its HP intact. Blastoise is recommended due to its ability to beat one of the strongest entry hazards users in the tier, namely Froslass, and has access to both Foresight and Roar. Entry hazards, mostly Toxic Spikes, is helpful in dealing with certain threats. Roserade can provide both Toxic Spikes and Spikes, while also handling Ground- and Water-types quite well. Nidoqueen is a lesser option for setting up Toxic Spikes, but can also set up Stealth Rock alongside it. Also, cleric support is appreciated. Chansey provides great support with her huge Wishes and Aromatherapy, and can handle most special attackers, especially Ghost-types, for Chandelure.</p>
<p>Depending on what moves you opt to use on Chandelure, certain teammates can be helpful. Houndoom, Porygon2, and Snorlax still give this set trouble in some way. Houndoom resists Shadow Ball and Energy Ball, and is immune to Flamethrower. This makes bulky Water- or Rock-types a good choice to handle it, while Hidden Power Fighting is an option to hit Houndoom super effectively. Snorlax and Porygon2 either resist or are immune to Chandelure's STAB moves, and they take little damage from Energy Ball and Hidden Power Fighting. Taunt, Will-O-Wisp, and Pain Split shut them down, but if Chandelure lacks those moves, they can wall it all day. Machamp makes a great counter to both of them, hitting them hard with DynamicPunch.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>The number one move that comes to mind when looking at Chandelure's other moves is Flame Charge. However, Flame Charge is not a wise move to use on Chandelure; it never works out in practice, you're wasting a moveslot, and the majority of all Choice Scarf users in the tier still outspeed Chandelure. You're better off just using Substitute, as it usually provides you with the most advantages. Hex is good option over Shadow Ball, if you can either keep Toxic Spikes on the field or use Will-O-Wisp. However, Hex is unreliable and it's better to stick with Shadow Ball, especially if you rely on Toxic Spikes, as airbourne enemies will be unaffected. Memento can lower the opponents stats, and allow one of Chandelure's teammates to set up, but there are more potent users of this move in the tier. Air Balloon is an option to give Chandelure a fourth immunity until it's hit, and helps Chandelure to spinblock against Donphan, and check Choice item users that are locked into a Ground-type move.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>In general, anything that resists its STAB moves and is bulky enough can take Chandelure on. Normal-types, more specifically Chansey, Snorlax, and Porygon2, give Chandelure trouble. Chansey is immune to Shadow Ball, and takes little damage from most of its Fire-type moves, while Snorlax and Porygon2 either resist or are immune to both of Chandelure's STAB moves. Snorlax's Thick Fat halves the damage from Fire-type moves and Porygon2 absorbs them with its Traced Flash Fire. Bulky Water-types and defensive Rock-types, especially if the latter is in sandstorm, are also huge obstacles for Chandelure. Milotic and Suicune are the most notable Water-types, especially Milotic with its greater Special Defense and access to Recover. Empoleon also gets a special mention, who resists Shadow Ball, and is often specially defensive. All three of the aforementioned Pokemon can phaze Chandelure, either racking up residual damage or removing any Calm Mind boosts. Notable Rock-types that can take on Chandelure are Rhyperior, Regirock, and Cradily, and all can hit Chandelure hard with their Rock-type STABs, easily KOing it. As stated before, sandstorm is almost required for them survive, especially if Chandelure is carrying Energy Ball. Aerodactyl also gets a special mention as it's faster, doesn't need sandstorm to deal with Chandelure, and is immune to Toxic Spikes. Also, faster Pokemon in general, with strong STAB moves or super effective moves, can easily deal with Chandelure. Such examples include Flygon, Alakazam, and Heracross. However, they can't switch in on an attack from Chandelure, due to their frailty.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Chandelure receives Shadow Tag as its Dream World ability. Shadow Tag is an amazing ability, giving Chandelure the ability to trap any Pokemon it wants, and KO it as it can't switch. This also allows Chandelure to set up with Substitute and Calm Mind on Pokemon such as Chansey, who can't do anything back to it.</p>
