[OVERVIEW]
Magmar is not a terrible Pokemon in the PU tier, he just gets overshadowed by other Offensive Fire-types like Rapidash and Simisear. The 93 base Speed stat is decent, however it's outspeed by Water-types such as Basculin and Simipour. The movepool however is far from decent. It misses out on Thunderbolt and Earthquake which Magmortar gets, only leaving it with a few coverage moves and the rest being Fire attacks. He does have a minor blessing in his Hidden Ability, which allows him to freely switch into Sleep Powder Butterfree.
[SET]
Physical Set
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Thunderpunch
move 4: Flame Charge/Power-Up Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Adamant/Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk, 252 Spe, 4 Def
Move Details
========
Flare Blitz is Magmar's hardest hitting STAB move. Cross Chop and Thunderpunch are for coverage.
Last moves are set-ups which passes Taunt, Flame Charge allows you to outspeed most of Magmars threats, while Power-Up Punch challanges Walls.
Set Details
========
252 Attack EVs maximizes Magmars damage output, while 252 Speed makes him as fast as possible.
Adamant nature is recommended for a Flame Charge variant, and Jolly for Power-Up Punch.
Eviolite gives Magmar some needed bulk, allowing it to set up easier.
Usage Tips
========
Magmar is best played on a free switch, allowing it to either set up or KO it's opponent. The most important factor is to know when to set up and when to switch out. Even with the Eviolite in hand, he gets OHKOed by most super effective attacks.
Team Options
========
Cryogonal is a good teammate for Magmar, being able to switch in on Ground moves, and rapid spinning Stealth Rocks away. Another good choice is a pokemon with Water resistance/immunity such as Lapras or Politoad.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
As mentioned above Magmar's movepool is rather lacking, especially in the Special Attack department.
He does have access to Belch, which can be combined with a Sitrus Berry. While this would give Magmar more needed coverage, he loses his Eviolite bulk and cannot use the move until the Berry has been eaten. Knock Off would also destroy this set.
Checks and Counters
===================
Stealth Rock is Magmar's worst enemy, since it needs to be able to switch in at the perfect set-up moment. It also allows him to be KOed by super effective Priority Attacks.
Water-types: Magmars medium speed allows him to be outspeed by Simipour and Basculin.
And with only 95 Base Attack, Thunderpunch is not gonna KO any bulkier Water-types.
Ground-types: Gabite, Camerupt and Golem completely walls Magmar, the Latter OHKOing it with Earthquake.
Magmar is not a terrible Pokemon in the PU tier, he just gets overshadowed by other Offensive Fire-types like Rapidash and Simisear. The 93 base Speed stat is decent, however it's outspeed by Water-types such as Basculin and Simipour. The movepool however is far from decent. It misses out on Thunderbolt and Earthquake which Magmortar gets, only leaving it with a few coverage moves and the rest being Fire attacks. He does have a minor blessing in his Hidden Ability, which allows him to freely switch into Sleep Powder Butterfree.
[SET]
Physical Set
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Thunderpunch
move 4: Flame Charge/Power-Up Punch
item: Eviolite
ability: Vital Spirit
nature: Adamant/Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk, 252 Spe, 4 Def
Move Details
========
Flare Blitz is Magmar's hardest hitting STAB move. Cross Chop and Thunderpunch are for coverage.
Last moves are set-ups which passes Taunt, Flame Charge allows you to outspeed most of Magmars threats, while Power-Up Punch challanges Walls.
Set Details
========
252 Attack EVs maximizes Magmars damage output, while 252 Speed makes him as fast as possible.
Adamant nature is recommended for a Flame Charge variant, and Jolly for Power-Up Punch.
Eviolite gives Magmar some needed bulk, allowing it to set up easier.
Usage Tips
========
Magmar is best played on a free switch, allowing it to either set up or KO it's opponent. The most important factor is to know when to set up and when to switch out. Even with the Eviolite in hand, he gets OHKOed by most super effective attacks.
Team Options
========
Cryogonal is a good teammate for Magmar, being able to switch in on Ground moves, and rapid spinning Stealth Rocks away. Another good choice is a pokemon with Water resistance/immunity such as Lapras or Politoad.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
As mentioned above Magmar's movepool is rather lacking, especially in the Special Attack department.
He does have access to Belch, which can be combined with a Sitrus Berry. While this would give Magmar more needed coverage, he loses his Eviolite bulk and cannot use the move until the Berry has been eaten. Knock Off would also destroy this set.
Checks and Counters
===================
Stealth Rock is Magmar's worst enemy, since it needs to be able to switch in at the perfect set-up moment. It also allows him to be KOed by super effective Priority Attacks.
Water-types: Magmars medium speed allows him to be outspeed by Simipour and Basculin.
And with only 95 Base Attack, Thunderpunch is not gonna KO any bulkier Water-types.
Ground-types: Gabite, Camerupt and Golem completely walls Magmar, the Latter OHKOing it with Earthquake.
