QC: Anty / dodmen / Tone114
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Monferno is one of two relevant Fighting-types in PU, and it is a very versatile threat with access to utility moves like Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Will-O-Wisp. Its ability to use Eviolite and useful resistances to Grass-, Ice-, and Dark-type moves make it a key switch-in against threats like Leafeon, Mightyena, and Pawniard. Monferno fits on a wide variety of teams and primarily runs offensive sets, but it is also able to pull off defensively oriented sets to beat Rotom-F. Monferno can easily threaten the opposition with its dual STAB, high-Base Power moves in Close Combat and Flare Blitz, especially when they're boosted by Life Orb or Swords Dance. However, despite its access to such moves, offensive sets can still be walled by bulky Pokemon, like Stunfisk, or beaten by foes that resist its STAB-boosted moves, like Altaria. Monferno's mediocre Speed tier also means it is highly dependent on Mach Punch, so faster Pokemon with their own priority like Floatzel or those that resist Mach Punch like Mr. Mime can easily check it. Nevertheless, Monferno is still overall an advantageous choice for any type of team, given its ability to revenge kill weakened threats with Mach Punch, as well as its potential to break down defensive teams with its powerful dual STAB attacks.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Mach Punch
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite / Life Orb
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is Monferno's hardest-hitting Fighting-type STAB attack and does considerable damage to the Pokemon that don't resist it, at the cost of a drop in both Special Defense and Defense, and scores OHKOs on Pokemon like Stoutland and Bouffalant after Stealth Rock damage. Flare Blitz is Monferno's most powerful physical Fire-type move, but the recoil can wear Monferno down quickly. Mach Punch provides Monferno with priority, letting it finish off faster, weakened Pokemon or slower Pokemon with access to priority like Pawniard. U-turn enables Monferno to pick up momentum for its teammates and severely damage Psychic-type switch-ins like Grumpig. Stealth Rock is a final option that can be used in the last slot over U-turn to wear down switch-ins over the course of a match.
Set Details
========
Eviolite boosts Monferno's bulk and allows it to check physical attackers like Pawniard and Mightyena more reliably, while Life Orb boosts Monferno's damage output at the cost of some bulk. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature lets Monferno hit as hard as possible, while 252 Speed EVs allow Monferno to outspeed neutral-natured base 80s such as Stoutland, Altaria, and Arbok. Using a Jolly nature is optional and lets Monferno U-turn on Timid Grumpig before being hit by Psychic. Iron Fist boosts the power of Mach Punch by 20%.
Usage Tips
========
Monferno can be used at any point in a match, whether it be early-game to beat anti-leads like offensive Quilladin and Bullet Seed Leafeon, mid-game to take threats down with its powerful dual STAB attacks, or late-game to clean up with Mach Punch. Monferno's unique Speed tier can be used to revenge kill powerful wallbreakers like Adamant Stoutland with its STAB Close Combat. All-out attacker Monferno should use U-turn against predicted Altaria and Grumpig switch-ins and switch out to Pokemon that can handle these threats appropriately. Even with Eviolite, Monferno lacks the bulk to continually switch into strong attacks, meaning it will be worn down quickly over the course of a match. Monferno can be switched into Pokemon like Pawniard and Leafeon; however, it dislikes losing its Eviolite to Knock Off.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers like Bouffalant and Metang are able to switch into and trap faster Psychic-types like Mr. Mime and Kadabra for Monferno, letting it clean late-game with Mach Punch uninhibited. Offensively, Monferno partners well with offensive Ice-types like Cryogonal, Regice, and Rotom-F that can whittle down its checks and counters, like Stunfisk, Vullaby, and Altaria. Monferno appreciates entry hazard setters that are able to weaken opposing teams to the point it can clean with Mach Punch, making Pokemon with access to Spikes like Quilladin and Roselia ideal partners. At the same time, they are able to use Stunfisk that may switch into Monferno as setup fodder for Spikes or wear it down with their respective Grass-type moves. Stealth Rock setters like Golem on offensive teams and Metang and Relicanth on balanced teams are adept at wearing down foes for Monferno. Given that it can be worn down easily over the course of a match, Mr. Mime's Healing Wish can be used to revive Monferno. Additionally, Mr. Mime can complete a momentum core with its Baton Pass and Monferno's U-turn. Fast Electric-types like Electabuzz and Zebstrika are also able to form momentum cores with Monferno, and they can check the offensive Water-types that beat Monferno, as well as Flying-types like Altaria and Jumpluff. Pokemon that can switch into offensive Water-types like Basculin and Floatzel are useful for preserving Monferno, meaning bulky Grass-types and Pokemon with immunities to Water-type attacks like Politoed are excellent partners.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Mach Punch
item: Life Orb / Eviolite
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance doubles Monferno's Attack, letting it function as a sweeper. Close Combat is a strong and reliable STAB option that severely damages anything that doesn't resist it, but it comes at the cost of lowered defenses. Monferno's STAB Flare Blitz hits a large portion of the tier for heavy damage, but its recoil can be detrimental to Monferno's longevity. While less powerful than Flare Blitz, an Iron Fist-boosted Fire Punch can be used over Flare Blitz to preserve Monferno, as the recoil from both Flare Blitz and Life Orb has the potential to end its sweep prematurely. Mach Punch is a priority move boosted by Iron Fist that allows Monferno to deal with faster threats.
Set Details
========
Its EV spread and nature maximize Monferno's Attack, while the given Speed lets Monferno outspeed neutral-natured base 80s. A Jolly nature is optional and lets Monferno outspeed Timid Grumpig, Modest Articuno, Glalie, positive-natured base 80s like Jolly Stoutland, and Klang after a Shift Gear. Iron Fist is Monferno's ability of choice and boosts the power of Mach Punch. Life Orb further boosts its power, while the bulk from Eviolite allows it to set up with Swords Dance more reliably.
Usage Tips
========
Monferno should set up with Swords Dance mid- to late-game once faster Pokemon that can check it have been dispatched or put in range of Monferno's Mach Punch, like Mr. Mime. Monferno can use Swords Dance on the turn it forces out a threat it beats, like Pawniard or Mightyena. Pokemon like Grumpig, Stunfisk, and Altaria need to be weakened significantly before attempting a sweep. Monferno should switch out of faster Pokemon with priority, like Floatzel and Basculin given their ability to OHKO Monferno with Aqua Jet. A Life Orb-boosted Mach Punch can be used to pick off faster threats after some prior damage, like Rock Polish Regice, Sand Rush Stoutland, and Choice Scarf Sawsbuck.
Team Options
========
Strong Pursuit trappers like Murkrow, Stoutland, Dodrio, and Metang are all useful for beating Psychic-types for Monferno so that it can sweep mid- to late-game with its Mach Punch. Stealth Rock users that can weaken opposing teams for Monferno to clean make for ideal partners; Steel-types like Probopass and Metang are especially effective for this, as Probopass gives Monferno a free switch with its slow Volt Switch, while Metang can Pursuit trap weaker Psychic-types that can stop a Monferno sweep like Kadabra. Hyper offensive leads with access to entry hazards are able to pressure foes to the point Monferno can clean with a Life Orb-boosted Mach Punch, like Golem, Glalie, and Venipede. Monferno's bulk with a Life Orb is lackluster, and therefore it enjoys Defog or Rapid Spin support to keep opposing entry hazards at bay. Vibrava is able to switch into Stunfisk, one of Monferno's checks, and Defog reliably, while Lumineon is able to switch into Water-types that threaten Monferno and Defog afterward. Fast Electric-types like Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-F are ideal partners, as they check threats to Monferno like Floatzel and Altaria. Finally, Sticky Web support from Leavanny is useful, as this allows Monferno to outspeed faster, grounded threats, which would check Monferno otherwise.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Monferno is able to run a Choice Band over Eviolite on its all-out attacker set for more immediate power. However, doing so means it's no longer able to switch between its dual STAB attacks and priority, which makes it easier to play around, and simultaneously limits its bulk. Hidden Power Ice and Rock Slide are both usable options for hitting Altaria harder, but they come at the cost of missing out on either Swords Dance or U-turn, which are arguably superior options. Fake Out can also be used instead of Swords Dance or U-turn for the purpose of revenge killing frail threats and deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes before attacking. A mixed set with Fire Blast is another alternative to hit physically defensive targets like Tangela, Gourgeist-XL, and Avalugg much harder without incurring recoil damage from Flare Blitz, but it is less useful overall without some investment in Special Attack. Using Flame Charge over U-turn lets Monferno act as a late-game sweeper with Flare Blitz and Close Combat, letting it outspeed faster Pokemon like Zebstrika, Dodrio, and Jumpluff without having to rely on Mach Punch. A lead set with both Taunt and Stealth Rock is viable on offensive teams, but it faces competition as an anti-lead from Pokemon more suited to beating Golem leads early-game, such as Misdreavus and Taunt Quilladin. Slack Off and a physically or specially defensive build can be used to switch into Pokemon like Pawniard and Rotom-F more reliably without being whittled down over the course of a match. Finally, specially offensive sets with Nasty Plot can be used to take physically defensive answers like Stunfisk by surprise, but they are completely walled by Grumpig thanks to its ability Thick Fat and are generally inferior to sets with Swords Dance.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Priority**: Floatzel's and Basculin's Aqua Jet both outspeed Monferno's Mach Punch and are able to do severe damage to it, especially if Monferno is running Life Orb over Eviolite.
**Flying-types**: Altaria resists everything in Monferno's arsenal outside of a Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Ice and can hit back with a powerful Dragon-type move or Earthquake. Swanna hates switching into Monferno repeatedly, but it also resists Monferno's Fire- and Fighting-type moves and can OHKO it with Scald.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Lumineon and Politoed are able to tank a hit from Close Combat and hit back with a STAB-boosted Scald. Faster Water-types like Basculin, Floatzel, and Simipour can also revenge kill Monferno.
**Psychic-types**: Grumpig is able use its resistances to Fighting and Fire to switch into Monferno's STAB moves and check it with Psychic in return, although Grumpig should be careful of switching into U-turn. Mr. Mime is able to revenge kill Monferno thanks to its Psychic STAB moves and its 4x resistance to Mach Punch.
**Ground-types**: Stunfisk is able to survive any hit from Monferno, including a Swords Dance- and Life Orb-boosted Close Combat, and can OHKO Life Orb variants back with an uninvested Earth Power. Gabite, if run with maximum Defense, can do the same with its STAB Earthquake. If running an offensive set, Gabite outspeeds Monferno and can OHKO it via Earthquake.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Monferno is one of two relevant Fighting-types in PU, and it is a very versatile threat with access to utility moves like Taunt, Stealth Rock, and Will-O-Wisp. Its ability to use Eviolite and useful resistances to Grass-, Ice-, and Dark-type moves make it a key switch-in against threats like Leafeon, Mightyena, and Pawniard. Monferno fits on a wide variety of teams and primarily runs offensive sets, but it is also able to pull off defensively oriented sets to beat Rotom-F. Monferno can easily threaten the opposition with its dual STAB, high-Base Power moves in Close Combat and Flare Blitz, especially when they're boosted by Life Orb or Swords Dance. However, despite its access to such moves, offensive sets can still be walled by bulky Pokemon, like Stunfisk, or beaten by foes that resist its STAB-boosted moves, like Altaria. Monferno's mediocre Speed tier also means it is highly dependent on Mach Punch, so faster Pokemon with their own priority like Floatzel or those that resist Mach Punch like Mr. Mime can easily check it. Nevertheless, Monferno is still overall an advantageous choice for any type of team, given its ability to revenge kill weakened threats with Mach Punch, as well as its potential to break down defensive teams with its powerful dual STAB attacks.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Mach Punch
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite / Life Orb
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Close Combat is Monferno's hardest-hitting Fighting-type STAB attack and does considerable damage to the Pokemon that don't resist it, at the cost of a drop in both Special Defense and Defense, and scores OHKOs on Pokemon like Stoutland and Bouffalant after Stealth Rock damage. Flare Blitz is Monferno's most powerful physical Fire-type move, but the recoil can wear Monferno down quickly. Mach Punch provides Monferno with priority, letting it finish off faster, weakened Pokemon or slower Pokemon with access to priority like Pawniard. U-turn enables Monferno to pick up momentum for its teammates and severely damage Psychic-type switch-ins like Grumpig. Stealth Rock is a final option that can be used in the last slot over U-turn to wear down switch-ins over the course of a match.
Set Details
========
Eviolite boosts Monferno's bulk and allows it to check physical attackers like Pawniard and Mightyena more reliably, while Life Orb boosts Monferno's damage output at the cost of some bulk. Maximum investment in Attack with an Adamant nature lets Monferno hit as hard as possible, while 252 Speed EVs allow Monferno to outspeed neutral-natured base 80s such as Stoutland, Altaria, and Arbok. Using a Jolly nature is optional and lets Monferno U-turn on Timid Grumpig before being hit by Psychic. Iron Fist boosts the power of Mach Punch by 20%.
Usage Tips
========
Monferno can be used at any point in a match, whether it be early-game to beat anti-leads like offensive Quilladin and Bullet Seed Leafeon, mid-game to take threats down with its powerful dual STAB attacks, or late-game to clean up with Mach Punch. Monferno's unique Speed tier can be used to revenge kill powerful wallbreakers like Adamant Stoutland with its STAB Close Combat. All-out attacker Monferno should use U-turn against predicted Altaria and Grumpig switch-ins and switch out to Pokemon that can handle these threats appropriately. Even with Eviolite, Monferno lacks the bulk to continually switch into strong attacks, meaning it will be worn down quickly over the course of a match. Monferno can be switched into Pokemon like Pawniard and Leafeon; however, it dislikes losing its Eviolite to Knock Off.
Team Options
========
Pursuit trappers like Bouffalant and Metang are able to switch into and trap faster Psychic-types like Mr. Mime and Kadabra for Monferno, letting it clean late-game with Mach Punch uninhibited. Offensively, Monferno partners well with offensive Ice-types like Cryogonal, Regice, and Rotom-F that can whittle down its checks and counters, like Stunfisk, Vullaby, and Altaria. Monferno appreciates entry hazard setters that are able to weaken opposing teams to the point it can clean with Mach Punch, making Pokemon with access to Spikes like Quilladin and Roselia ideal partners. At the same time, they are able to use Stunfisk that may switch into Monferno as setup fodder for Spikes or wear it down with their respective Grass-type moves. Stealth Rock setters like Golem on offensive teams and Metang and Relicanth on balanced teams are adept at wearing down foes for Monferno. Given that it can be worn down easily over the course of a match, Mr. Mime's Healing Wish can be used to revive Monferno. Additionally, Mr. Mime can complete a momentum core with its Baton Pass and Monferno's U-turn. Fast Electric-types like Electabuzz and Zebstrika are also able to form momentum cores with Monferno, and they can check the offensive Water-types that beat Monferno, as well as Flying-types like Altaria and Jumpluff. Pokemon that can switch into offensive Water-types like Basculin and Floatzel are useful for preserving Monferno, meaning bulky Grass-types and Pokemon with immunities to Water-type attacks like Politoed are excellent partners.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Mach Punch
item: Life Orb / Eviolite
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance doubles Monferno's Attack, letting it function as a sweeper. Close Combat is a strong and reliable STAB option that severely damages anything that doesn't resist it, but it comes at the cost of lowered defenses. Monferno's STAB Flare Blitz hits a large portion of the tier for heavy damage, but its recoil can be detrimental to Monferno's longevity. While less powerful than Flare Blitz, an Iron Fist-boosted Fire Punch can be used over Flare Blitz to preserve Monferno, as the recoil from both Flare Blitz and Life Orb has the potential to end its sweep prematurely. Mach Punch is a priority move boosted by Iron Fist that allows Monferno to deal with faster threats.
Set Details
========
Its EV spread and nature maximize Monferno's Attack, while the given Speed lets Monferno outspeed neutral-natured base 80s. A Jolly nature is optional and lets Monferno outspeed Timid Grumpig, Modest Articuno, Glalie, positive-natured base 80s like Jolly Stoutland, and Klang after a Shift Gear. Iron Fist is Monferno's ability of choice and boosts the power of Mach Punch. Life Orb further boosts its power, while the bulk from Eviolite allows it to set up with Swords Dance more reliably.
Usage Tips
========
Monferno should set up with Swords Dance mid- to late-game once faster Pokemon that can check it have been dispatched or put in range of Monferno's Mach Punch, like Mr. Mime. Monferno can use Swords Dance on the turn it forces out a threat it beats, like Pawniard or Mightyena. Pokemon like Grumpig, Stunfisk, and Altaria need to be weakened significantly before attempting a sweep. Monferno should switch out of faster Pokemon with priority, like Floatzel and Basculin given their ability to OHKO Monferno with Aqua Jet. A Life Orb-boosted Mach Punch can be used to pick off faster threats after some prior damage, like Rock Polish Regice, Sand Rush Stoutland, and Choice Scarf Sawsbuck.
Team Options
========
Strong Pursuit trappers like Murkrow, Stoutland, Dodrio, and Metang are all useful for beating Psychic-types for Monferno so that it can sweep mid- to late-game with its Mach Punch. Stealth Rock users that can weaken opposing teams for Monferno to clean make for ideal partners; Steel-types like Probopass and Metang are especially effective for this, as Probopass gives Monferno a free switch with its slow Volt Switch, while Metang can Pursuit trap weaker Psychic-types that can stop a Monferno sweep like Kadabra. Hyper offensive leads with access to entry hazards are able to pressure foes to the point Monferno can clean with a Life Orb-boosted Mach Punch, like Golem, Glalie, and Venipede. Monferno's bulk with a Life Orb is lackluster, and therefore it enjoys Defog or Rapid Spin support to keep opposing entry hazards at bay. Vibrava is able to switch into Stunfisk, one of Monferno's checks, and Defog reliably, while Lumineon is able to switch into Water-types that threaten Monferno and Defog afterward. Fast Electric-types like Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-F are ideal partners, as they check threats to Monferno like Floatzel and Altaria. Finally, Sticky Web support from Leavanny is useful, as this allows Monferno to outspeed faster, grounded threats, which would check Monferno otherwise.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Monferno is able to run a Choice Band over Eviolite on its all-out attacker set for more immediate power. However, doing so means it's no longer able to switch between its dual STAB attacks and priority, which makes it easier to play around, and simultaneously limits its bulk. Hidden Power Ice and Rock Slide are both usable options for hitting Altaria harder, but they come at the cost of missing out on either Swords Dance or U-turn, which are arguably superior options. Fake Out can also be used instead of Swords Dance or U-turn for the purpose of revenge killing frail threats and deactivating Sturdy and Focus Sashes before attacking. A mixed set with Fire Blast is another alternative to hit physically defensive targets like Tangela, Gourgeist-XL, and Avalugg much harder without incurring recoil damage from Flare Blitz, but it is less useful overall without some investment in Special Attack. Using Flame Charge over U-turn lets Monferno act as a late-game sweeper with Flare Blitz and Close Combat, letting it outspeed faster Pokemon like Zebstrika, Dodrio, and Jumpluff without having to rely on Mach Punch. A lead set with both Taunt and Stealth Rock is viable on offensive teams, but it faces competition as an anti-lead from Pokemon more suited to beating Golem leads early-game, such as Misdreavus and Taunt Quilladin. Slack Off and a physically or specially defensive build can be used to switch into Pokemon like Pawniard and Rotom-F more reliably without being whittled down over the course of a match. Finally, specially offensive sets with Nasty Plot can be used to take physically defensive answers like Stunfisk by surprise, but they are completely walled by Grumpig thanks to its ability Thick Fat and are generally inferior to sets with Swords Dance.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Priority**: Floatzel's and Basculin's Aqua Jet both outspeed Monferno's Mach Punch and are able to do severe damage to it, especially if Monferno is running Life Orb over Eviolite.
**Flying-types**: Altaria resists everything in Monferno's arsenal outside of a Life Orb-boosted Hidden Power Ice and can hit back with a powerful Dragon-type move or Earthquake. Swanna hates switching into Monferno repeatedly, but it also resists Monferno's Fire- and Fighting-type moves and can OHKO it with Scald.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Lumineon and Politoed are able to tank a hit from Close Combat and hit back with a STAB-boosted Scald. Faster Water-types like Basculin, Floatzel, and Simipour can also revenge kill Monferno.
**Psychic-types**: Grumpig is able use its resistances to Fighting and Fire to switch into Monferno's STAB moves and check it with Psychic in return, although Grumpig should be careful of switching into U-turn. Mr. Mime is able to revenge kill Monferno thanks to its Psychic STAB moves and its 4x resistance to Mach Punch.
**Ground-types**: Stunfisk is able to survive any hit from Monferno, including a Swords Dance- and Life Orb-boosted Close Combat, and can OHKO Life Orb variants back with an uninvested Earth Power. Gabite, if run with maximum Defense, can do the same with its STAB Earthquake. If running an offensive set, Gabite outspeeds Monferno and can OHKO it via Earthquake.
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