[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Mach Punch
move 4: Thunder Punch / U-turn
item: Eviolite / Life Orb
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Close Combat is the strongest Fighting-type STAB move at Monferno's disposal, and it hits every Pokemon that doesn't resist it for high damage, at the cost of a drop in its Defense and Special Defense. Flare Blitz is the strongest Fire-type STAB move that Monferno has access to, but it will cause recoil damage after its use. Mach Punch provides needed priority to finish off weakened faster Pokemon. Thunder Punch allows Monferno to hit Pelipper and Swanna, which would otherwise wall the set. U-turn gives Monferno the ability to deal with Grumpig and grab momentum on an opposing switch-in.
Set Details
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The given EV spread along with an Adamant nature allows Monferno to hit as hard as possible and outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon such as Stoutland and hit Pokemon below base 80 Speed. Iron Fist gives Mach Punch and Thunder Punch a boost in power. Eviolite gives to Monferno some needed bulk even when running an offensive set, while Life Orb gives Monferno a further increase in power, though it makes it more easily worn down.
Usage Tips
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Monferno performs best mid-game, where it can be useful to open holes into the opposing team, and late-game, when foes have been weakened and it can attempt a clean. Monferno shouldn't be switched in on strong attackers, as its bulk isn't that good even with Eviolite and it doesn't have space to run a recovery move, so it's worn down quickly. Monferno should rather be brought in on the field by a slow Volt Switch or U-turn, or it should be brought in to revenge kill after a teammate gets KOed. Monferno can also be used as a check to Grass-, Dark-, and Fire-types such as Leafeon, Mightyena, Pawniard, and Simisear. Close Combat and Flare Blitz are the preferred moves to use, as they are able to deal high damage to most Pokemon in the tier, though they should be used carefully, as they both have drawbacks. U-turn should be used to gain momentum when Monferno has a favorable matchup and the foe is going to switch, though it is rather risky. Thanks to its access to Mach Punch, Monferno can also act as a revenge killer against weakened Pokemon or others such as Ursaring and Choice Scarf Sawsbuck.
Team Options
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This Monferno fits best on offensive teams, as it can manage to keep momentum while being able to pull off high damage and open holes for teammates. Entry hazard support allows Monferno to net KOs on bulkier Pokemon such as physically defensive Pelipper while also allowing Monferno to perform better as a revenge killer with Mach Punch. Examples of entry hazard setters are Golem, Probopass, Roselia, and Whirlipede. Entry hazard control provided by Defog and Rapid Spin users such as Pelipper and Armaldo is also good when paired with Monferno, as it is easily worn down and susceptible to entry hazards. Grass-types such as Roselia have good synergy with Monferno and can deal with bulky Water-types such as Poliwrath and Carracosta that bother it. Psychic-types such as Duosion and Beheeyem struggle against Dark-types, such as Pawniard and Mightyena, so they appreciate Monferno as a partner, as it is able to check them. Electric-types such as Raichu and Zebstrika appreciate Monferno's ability to lure in Water-types such as Poliwrath and Pelipper and KO them if Monferno is running U-turn. Wallbreakers such as Simipour and Stoutland help Monferno with dealing with physical walls that trouble it such as Togetic and Carracosta. Monferno works nicely with VoltTurn cores, as they wear down foes and are able to bring in Monferno with safety for the most part. VoltTurn cores are commonly formed by Pokemon such as Probopass, Pelipper, Ninjask, and Raichu.
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