Hilomilo
High-low My-low
[OVERVIEW]
Fire
========
Infernape's fantastic Speed tier and high-Base Power STAB moves allow it to excel as a revenge killer when equipped with a Choice Scarf, notably revenge killing big threats to Fire teams in Terrakion and Choice Scarf Nihilego. Infernape can also perform well as a wallbreaker with a Choice Band, thanks to its expansive physical movepool, which allows it to nail typical Fire-type switch-ins like Toxapex and Mantine with super effective coverage. Its typing is also quite helpful, allowing Infernape to ease Fire's matchup against Rock, Dark, and Normal teams, alongside giving it a neutrality to Stealth Rock. Unfortunately, Infernape is hampered by its pitiful defenses, which, in tandem with its weaknesses to common attacking types like Water and Ground, prevent it from defensively providing for Fire at all. Infernape can also struggle to break past Pokemon that often prove troublesome to Fire, such as Azumarill, Tapu Fini, Landorus-T, and Dragonite, and it thus needs to be played with caution. Its general reliance on Choice items can also hinder it, since being locked into a move makes it easy to be countered. Lastly, Infernape's Speed, while not bad, still leaves it outsped and heavily threatened by common threats in Greninja, Latios, and Choice Scarf Excadrill if it isn't holding a Choice Scarf itself.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Stone Edge / Earthquake
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is a powerful STAB attack that Infernape can use to revenge kill various boosted sweepers, such as Magearna, Bisharp, and Mimikyu. Close Combat provides excellent coverage alongside Flare Blitz, allowing Infernape to hit Rock-types like Terrakion, Tyranitar, and Omastar super effectively while also doing heavy damage to others, like Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego. It also nails Heatran, which is immune to Flare Blitz due to Flash Fire, and Normal-types like Porygon2. U-turn is a good move for Infernape to use when predicting switches to Pokemon that can check it, such as Latios and Tapu Fini, and is useful for generating momentum. Stone Edge can be used to adequately revenge kill Flying and Fire-types, including Zapdos, Dragonite, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard X. Earthquake is an option over Stone Edge that is useful for OHKOing Nihilego 100% of the time while also doing heavy damage to Electric-types like Xurkitree and Tapu Koko.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack is important for maximizing Infernape's offensive presence even with a neutral nature. Maximum investment in Speed is also quite important, as with a Choice Scarf, it gives Infernape the ability to outrun the entire unboosted metagame and function as a reliable revenge killer. Blaze is the preferred ability, as it has situational use in that it can increase Flare Blitz's power when Infernape is at low health.
Usage Tips
========
This set's best function is as a revenge killer, which means that it should be used after a teammate has been sacrificed to dispose of threats like Tapu Bulu, Bisharp, Porygon-Z, and Nihilego. However, due to Infernape's poor damage output, it is important to make sure this set isn't being used to take care of defensive threats. Due to the nature of Choice Scarf, it is important to carefully predict while using Infernape. For example, if Infernape is predicting the switch to a Pokemon that walls it, such as Suicune or Slowbro, it is best to pivot out of play with U-turn to avoid losing momentum. The same can be said with hitting various switch-ins hard with super effective coverage, such as Toxapex with Earthquake and Mantine with Stone Edge. Unnecessary residual damage from entry hazards and poison should be avoided, as they will keep Infernape from putting either Choice Scarf or Flare Blitz to full use. Paralysis is also important to avoid, since Infernape's revenge killing capabilities will be compromised if its Speed is lowered. When using this set, Defense and Special Defense drops from Close Combat are also something to be wary about, as they can leave Infernape even more susceptible to priority or faster attackers. Infernape can attempt using this set to clean up late-game. However, it is important that all of its checks are either removed or heavily weakened if it does try to clean up, due to the drawbacks of its STAB attacks.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that appreciate the removal of sweepers that heavily pressure them, such as Choice Band Victini, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcanion, which is particularly useful for its Water-type immunity, enjoy having Infernape as a teammate due to its revenge killing capabilities. Setup sweepers like Volcarona and Mega Charizard X also appreciate Infernape as a teammate, as it can pave way for them by taking out opposing sweepers. Pokemon that can switch into or pressure Water-types, such as Volcanion, Mega Charizard Y, and Victini, are often useful to Infernape as teammates. Infernape also likes being paired with Pokemon that can cover its Flying-type weakness, which makes Rotom-H and Heatran good options as teammates. Entry hazard support from the likes of Torkoal and Heatran can aid Infernape in punishing switch-ins and breaking past foes more reliably. Torkoal can also remove entry hazards to prevent Infernape from taking residual damage, and Heatran can also help deal with Mega Diancie and Nihilego, which takes some weight off of Infernape's shoulders. Rotom-H can form a VoltTurn core with Infernape as well as bring it into play safely with slow pivoting. It also provides an immunity to Ground-type attacks, which is crucial for both Infernape and its other teammates. Torkoal and Mega Charizard Y's Drought can power up Infernape's Flare Blitz, which can be potentially useful late-game. Lastly, Choice Band Entei can finish off Pokemon that Infernape may not be able to late-game, such as Mega Diancie and Choice Scarf Nihilego, assuming they survive Close Combat.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Mach Punch / Stone Edge / Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Iron Fist / Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is Infernape's most powerful physical Fire-type STAB move, hitting most foes that don't resist it for impressive damage. Close Combat hits typical Fire-type switch-ins, such as Heatran, Swampert, and Garchomp, for impressive damage, OHKOing the former and 2HKOing the latter two after Stealth Rock. U-turn pivots Infernape out of unfavorable matchups and adequately dents some of its switch-ins, most notably Latios and Slowbro. Mach Punch is powerful priority when boosted by Iron Fist, being able to aid Infernape in picking off weakened threats, such as Greninja, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Mega Sharpedo. Stone Edge can be used over Mach Punch, as it provides valuable coverage against bulky Flying-types like Zapdos and Mantine. Earthquake is also an option for hitting bulky Poison-types like Toxapex and Nidoking quite hard.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack gives Infernape considerable power, which is boosted to extremely impressive levels with a Choice Band. Full investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Infernape to outpace a good portion of the metagame, including common threats in Manaphy, Garchomp, and unboosted Volcarona. Iron Fist is the preferred ability, as it boosts the power of Mach Punch. However, if Infernape opts to run a different move in its fourth slot, Blaze is the better pick for increasing Flare Blitz's power once Infernape is low on health.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used with the intention of breaking past the opposing team's walls in order to pave way for a teammate's sweep. U-turn should be used as much as possible early-game, as this will allow Infernape to whittle down the opposing team and frequently generate momentum. Mach Punch should be utilized against weakened threats like Mega Sharpedo and Greninja, as they will be easily picked off and kept from further threatening Infernape's team. This set must use proper prediction in order to be used to as much success as possible. If Infernape is running Stone Edge or Earthquake, and a foe that takes super effective damage from these attacks, such as Mantine or Toxapex, is predicted to switch in, Infernape should use its super effective coverage to deal heavy damage to these Pokemon. Lastly, Infernape should be wary of faster threats when utilizing this set, due to its subpar bulk and lesser Speed than the Choice Scarf set. Even Pokemon that Infernape Speed ties with, like Keldeo and Terrakion, should be looked out for due to their ability to OHKO it if they win the tie.
Team Options
========
Setup sweepers like Volcarona and Mega Charizard X make good teammates, since they appreciate Infernape's ability to weaken opposing teams and give them an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that have trouble dealing with specially defensive Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Blissey, such as Volcanion and Heatran, also make good teammates due to Infernape's ability to adequately pressure their checks. These two also have good uses themselves, as Volcanion provides a switch-in to Water-type attacks while Heatran can easily take on Nihilego, which Infernape has more trouble doing with this set. Stealth Rock setters like Torkoal and Heatran allow Infernape to break past foes more easily, while also punishing switch-ins. Rotom-H can set up Reflect and Light Screen for Infernape to alleviate its poor defenses, while also forming a potent VoltTurn core with it and bringing it into play safely. Drought users like Torkoal and Mega Charizard Y can help power up Infernape's Flare Blitz, which becomes devastatingly powerful under sun. Pokemon capable of pressuring bulky Water-types, like Rotom-H, Mega Charizard Y, and Victini, which can use a Choice Scarf to keep faster foes in check that Infernape loses to with this set, can help circumvent Infernape's weakness to Pokemon like Azumarill and Tapu Fini.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fire
--------
Infernape can attempt sweeping with either Swords Dance or Nasty Plot, given its good mixed offensive stats, high Speed, and diverse movepool. However, Swords Dance sets are more or less outclassed by Mega Charizard X due to its higher Attack and ability to boost Speed, while Nasty Plot sets face heavy competition from Volcarona, which is also more powerful and covers more of the metagame with its coverage. A suicide lead set with Focus Sash that looks to set up Stealth Rock can be used, but it is generally not preferred due to the existence of more reliable entry hazard setters in Torkoal and Heatran and due to Infernape's much better consistency as a Choice Scarf or Choice Band attacker. A mixed attacking set with Life Orb is also an option, thanks to Infernape's good movepool and offensive stats, though it will often be worn down quite easily due to Life Orb recoil and won't compare to its listed sets in terms of power. Lastly, Thunder Punch is an option on either set for nailing most Water-type switch-ins, but this usually gives up the better coverage provided by either Stone Edge or Earthquake or the ability to pick off weakened threats with Mach Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
Fire
--------
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Toxapex, Mantine, and Mega Slowbro may fear super effective coverage, but more often than not they will tank Infernape's attacks and threaten to wear it down with STAB Scald. Offensive Water-types like Manaphy, Keldeo, and Gyarados are also quite threatening to Infernape due to their ability to take a Close Combat and retaliate with powerful STAB moves, though all must be wary of super effective coverage. Azumarill and Tapu Fini are two particularly troublesome Water-types for Infernape to deal with, as their additional Fairy typing gives them resistances to Close Combat and U-turn, while both can also usually shrug off Earthquake or Stone Edge.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types like Landorus-T, Dragonite, Zapdos, and Togekiss can tank a hit and in return KO Infernape with their powerful STAB attacks. Some, however, should be wary of Stone Edge.
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can come in on Infernape's Fighting-type attacks and proceed to either set up or threaten it out with super effective STAB attacks. Examples include Latios, which is particularly troublesome due to its Dragon typing providing a Fire resistance, and Mew, which can use Infernape as setup fodder.
**Faster Pokemon**: Unless it's holding a Choice Scarf, Infernape is outsped and heavily threatened by common threats such as Mega Alakazam, Tapu Koko, Dugtrio, and Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain. Even when holding a Choice Scarf, it is still threatened by faster users of the item, such as Greninja, Latios, and Gengar.
**Mega Diancie**: Mega Diancie is capable of taking any attack from Choice Scarf Infernape, including Earthquake, and OHKOing it in return with a powerful STAB Moonblast.
**Residual Damage**: The combination of Flare Blitz recoil, entry hazard damage, and potentially poison damage can whittle Infernape down extremely quickly, which makes it easier to pick off with priority or faster Choice Scarf users.
**Paralysis**: Paralysis from moves like Thunder Wave and Stun Spore will often cripple Infernape, as its lowered Speed will either keep it from sufficiently revenge killing with Choice Scarf or from outspeeding and offensively pressuring foes with Choice Band.
Fire
========
Infernape's fantastic Speed tier and high-Base Power STAB moves allow it to excel as a revenge killer when equipped with a Choice Scarf, notably revenge killing big threats to Fire teams in Terrakion and Choice Scarf Nihilego. Infernape can also perform well as a wallbreaker with a Choice Band, thanks to its expansive physical movepool, which allows it to nail typical Fire-type switch-ins like Toxapex and Mantine with super effective coverage. Its typing is also quite helpful, allowing Infernape to ease Fire's matchup against Rock, Dark, and Normal teams, alongside giving it a neutrality to Stealth Rock. Unfortunately, Infernape is hampered by its pitiful defenses, which, in tandem with its weaknesses to common attacking types like Water and Ground, prevent it from defensively providing for Fire at all. Infernape can also struggle to break past Pokemon that often prove troublesome to Fire, such as Azumarill, Tapu Fini, Landorus-T, and Dragonite, and it thus needs to be played with caution. Its general reliance on Choice items can also hinder it, since being locked into a move makes it easy to be countered. Lastly, Infernape's Speed, while not bad, still leaves it outsped and heavily threatened by common threats in Greninja, Latios, and Choice Scarf Excadrill if it isn't holding a Choice Scarf itself.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Stone Edge / Earthquake
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is a powerful STAB attack that Infernape can use to revenge kill various boosted sweepers, such as Magearna, Bisharp, and Mimikyu. Close Combat provides excellent coverage alongside Flare Blitz, allowing Infernape to hit Rock-types like Terrakion, Tyranitar, and Omastar super effectively while also doing heavy damage to others, like Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego. It also nails Heatran, which is immune to Flare Blitz due to Flash Fire, and Normal-types like Porygon2. U-turn is a good move for Infernape to use when predicting switches to Pokemon that can check it, such as Latios and Tapu Fini, and is useful for generating momentum. Stone Edge can be used to adequately revenge kill Flying and Fire-types, including Zapdos, Dragonite, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard X. Earthquake is an option over Stone Edge that is useful for OHKOing Nihilego 100% of the time while also doing heavy damage to Electric-types like Xurkitree and Tapu Koko.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack is important for maximizing Infernape's offensive presence even with a neutral nature. Maximum investment in Speed is also quite important, as with a Choice Scarf, it gives Infernape the ability to outrun the entire unboosted metagame and function as a reliable revenge killer. Blaze is the preferred ability, as it has situational use in that it can increase Flare Blitz's power when Infernape is at low health.
Usage Tips
========
This set's best function is as a revenge killer, which means that it should be used after a teammate has been sacrificed to dispose of threats like Tapu Bulu, Bisharp, Porygon-Z, and Nihilego. However, due to Infernape's poor damage output, it is important to make sure this set isn't being used to take care of defensive threats. Due to the nature of Choice Scarf, it is important to carefully predict while using Infernape. For example, if Infernape is predicting the switch to a Pokemon that walls it, such as Suicune or Slowbro, it is best to pivot out of play with U-turn to avoid losing momentum. The same can be said with hitting various switch-ins hard with super effective coverage, such as Toxapex with Earthquake and Mantine with Stone Edge. Unnecessary residual damage from entry hazards and poison should be avoided, as they will keep Infernape from putting either Choice Scarf or Flare Blitz to full use. Paralysis is also important to avoid, since Infernape's revenge killing capabilities will be compromised if its Speed is lowered. When using this set, Defense and Special Defense drops from Close Combat are also something to be wary about, as they can leave Infernape even more susceptible to priority or faster attackers. Infernape can attempt using this set to clean up late-game. However, it is important that all of its checks are either removed or heavily weakened if it does try to clean up, due to the drawbacks of its STAB attacks.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that appreciate the removal of sweepers that heavily pressure them, such as Choice Band Victini, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcanion, which is particularly useful for its Water-type immunity, enjoy having Infernape as a teammate due to its revenge killing capabilities. Setup sweepers like Volcarona and Mega Charizard X also appreciate Infernape as a teammate, as it can pave way for them by taking out opposing sweepers. Pokemon that can switch into or pressure Water-types, such as Volcanion, Mega Charizard Y, and Victini, are often useful to Infernape as teammates. Infernape also likes being paired with Pokemon that can cover its Flying-type weakness, which makes Rotom-H and Heatran good options as teammates. Entry hazard support from the likes of Torkoal and Heatran can aid Infernape in punishing switch-ins and breaking past foes more reliably. Torkoal can also remove entry hazards to prevent Infernape from taking residual damage, and Heatran can also help deal with Mega Diancie and Nihilego, which takes some weight off of Infernape's shoulders. Rotom-H can form a VoltTurn core with Infernape as well as bring it into play safely with slow pivoting. It also provides an immunity to Ground-type attacks, which is crucial for both Infernape and its other teammates. Torkoal and Mega Charizard Y's Drought can power up Infernape's Flare Blitz, which can be potentially useful late-game. Lastly, Choice Band Entei can finish off Pokemon that Infernape may not be able to late-game, such as Mega Diancie and Choice Scarf Nihilego, assuming they survive Close Combat.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Mach Punch / Stone Edge / Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Iron Fist / Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flare Blitz is Infernape's most powerful physical Fire-type STAB move, hitting most foes that don't resist it for impressive damage. Close Combat hits typical Fire-type switch-ins, such as Heatran, Swampert, and Garchomp, for impressive damage, OHKOing the former and 2HKOing the latter two after Stealth Rock. U-turn pivots Infernape out of unfavorable matchups and adequately dents some of its switch-ins, most notably Latios and Slowbro. Mach Punch is powerful priority when boosted by Iron Fist, being able to aid Infernape in picking off weakened threats, such as Greninja, Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Mega Sharpedo. Stone Edge can be used over Mach Punch, as it provides valuable coverage against bulky Flying-types like Zapdos and Mantine. Earthquake is also an option for hitting bulky Poison-types like Toxapex and Nidoking quite hard.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack gives Infernape considerable power, which is boosted to extremely impressive levels with a Choice Band. Full investment in Speed with a Jolly nature allows Infernape to outpace a good portion of the metagame, including common threats in Manaphy, Garchomp, and unboosted Volcarona. Iron Fist is the preferred ability, as it boosts the power of Mach Punch. However, if Infernape opts to run a different move in its fourth slot, Blaze is the better pick for increasing Flare Blitz's power once Infernape is low on health.
Usage Tips
========
This set should be used with the intention of breaking past the opposing team's walls in order to pave way for a teammate's sweep. U-turn should be used as much as possible early-game, as this will allow Infernape to whittle down the opposing team and frequently generate momentum. Mach Punch should be utilized against weakened threats like Mega Sharpedo and Greninja, as they will be easily picked off and kept from further threatening Infernape's team. This set must use proper prediction in order to be used to as much success as possible. If Infernape is running Stone Edge or Earthquake, and a foe that takes super effective damage from these attacks, such as Mantine or Toxapex, is predicted to switch in, Infernape should use its super effective coverage to deal heavy damage to these Pokemon. Lastly, Infernape should be wary of faster threats when utilizing this set, due to its subpar bulk and lesser Speed than the Choice Scarf set. Even Pokemon that Infernape Speed ties with, like Keldeo and Terrakion, should be looked out for due to their ability to OHKO it if they win the tie.
Team Options
========
Setup sweepers like Volcarona and Mega Charizard X make good teammates, since they appreciate Infernape's ability to weaken opposing teams and give them an easier time sweeping. Pokemon that have trouble dealing with specially defensive Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Blissey, such as Volcanion and Heatran, also make good teammates due to Infernape's ability to adequately pressure their checks. These two also have good uses themselves, as Volcanion provides a switch-in to Water-type attacks while Heatran can easily take on Nihilego, which Infernape has more trouble doing with this set. Stealth Rock setters like Torkoal and Heatran allow Infernape to break past foes more easily, while also punishing switch-ins. Rotom-H can set up Reflect and Light Screen for Infernape to alleviate its poor defenses, while also forming a potent VoltTurn core with it and bringing it into play safely. Drought users like Torkoal and Mega Charizard Y can help power up Infernape's Flare Blitz, which becomes devastatingly powerful under sun. Pokemon capable of pressuring bulky Water-types, like Rotom-H, Mega Charizard Y, and Victini, which can use a Choice Scarf to keep faster foes in check that Infernape loses to with this set, can help circumvent Infernape's weakness to Pokemon like Azumarill and Tapu Fini.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fire
--------
Infernape can attempt sweeping with either Swords Dance or Nasty Plot, given its good mixed offensive stats, high Speed, and diverse movepool. However, Swords Dance sets are more or less outclassed by Mega Charizard X due to its higher Attack and ability to boost Speed, while Nasty Plot sets face heavy competition from Volcarona, which is also more powerful and covers more of the metagame with its coverage. A suicide lead set with Focus Sash that looks to set up Stealth Rock can be used, but it is generally not preferred due to the existence of more reliable entry hazard setters in Torkoal and Heatran and due to Infernape's much better consistency as a Choice Scarf or Choice Band attacker. A mixed attacking set with Life Orb is also an option, thanks to Infernape's good movepool and offensive stats, though it will often be worn down quite easily due to Life Orb recoil and won't compare to its listed sets in terms of power. Lastly, Thunder Punch is an option on either set for nailing most Water-type switch-ins, but this usually gives up the better coverage provided by either Stone Edge or Earthquake or the ability to pick off weakened threats with Mach Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
Fire
--------
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Toxapex, Mantine, and Mega Slowbro may fear super effective coverage, but more often than not they will tank Infernape's attacks and threaten to wear it down with STAB Scald. Offensive Water-types like Manaphy, Keldeo, and Gyarados are also quite threatening to Infernape due to their ability to take a Close Combat and retaliate with powerful STAB moves, though all must be wary of super effective coverage. Azumarill and Tapu Fini are two particularly troublesome Water-types for Infernape to deal with, as their additional Fairy typing gives them resistances to Close Combat and U-turn, while both can also usually shrug off Earthquake or Stone Edge.
**Flying-types**: Flying-types like Landorus-T, Dragonite, Zapdos, and Togekiss can tank a hit and in return KO Infernape with their powerful STAB attacks. Some, however, should be wary of Stone Edge.
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types can come in on Infernape's Fighting-type attacks and proceed to either set up or threaten it out with super effective STAB attacks. Examples include Latios, which is particularly troublesome due to its Dragon typing providing a Fire resistance, and Mew, which can use Infernape as setup fodder.
**Faster Pokemon**: Unless it's holding a Choice Scarf, Infernape is outsped and heavily threatened by common threats such as Mega Alakazam, Tapu Koko, Dugtrio, and Alolan Raichu in Electric Terrain. Even when holding a Choice Scarf, it is still threatened by faster users of the item, such as Greninja, Latios, and Gengar.
**Mega Diancie**: Mega Diancie is capable of taking any attack from Choice Scarf Infernape, including Earthquake, and OHKOing it in return with a powerful STAB Moonblast.
**Residual Damage**: The combination of Flare Blitz recoil, entry hazard damage, and potentially poison damage can whittle Infernape down extremely quickly, which makes it easier to pick off with priority or faster Choice Scarf users.
**Paralysis**: Paralysis from moves like Thunder Wave and Stun Spore will often cripple Infernape, as its lowered Speed will either keep it from sufficiently revenge killing with Choice Scarf or from outspeeding and offensively pressuring foes with Choice Band.
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