[OVERVIEW]
Infernape has a unique niche in NU thanks to its phenomenal set diversity and excellent Speed tier. However, it usually opts for two sets, Choice Scarf and Choice Specs, both of which have many upsides. Specifically, Choice Scarf allows Infernape to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Munkidori, Barraskewda, and Kilowattrel, while Choice Specs sets capitalize on Infernape's set ambiguity by unleashing a powerful Overheat or Fire Blast on the physical walls that Choice Scarf Infernape forces in. Additionally, Choice Scarf sets outspeed most other Choice Scarf users, such as Flygon, Munkidori, and Flamigo. However, Infernape faces competition against these exact Choice Scarf users due to them fitting on more teams easily. Additionally, Choice Specs sets can struggle to break through Pokemon like Altaria, Chandelure, and Basculegion-M due to their decent bulk and ability to take both of Infernape's STAB moves comfortably. Infernape also fights for a slot on teams with other Fighting-types, since Toxicroak reliably beats Water-types, Flamigo has access to recovery, Paldean Tauros-W can switch into Incineroar without fear of Knock Off due to being less item reliant than Infernape, and Paldean Tauros-F can easily fit Stone Edge to hit would-be checks like Altaria and Chandelure.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 2: Overheat / Grass Knot / Scorching Sands
move 3: Focus Blast / Aura Sphere
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Grass Knot / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
tera type: Fire
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
Flamethrower is preferred for its reliability, but Fire Blast is stronger, allowing Infernape to 2HKO foes like Gligar and Munkidori. Overheat allows Infernape to break through common walls like Galarian Slowbro and Gligar; however, Grass Knot offers a coverage move that hits Rhyperior, Swampert, and Basculegion-M super effectively. Focus Blast allows it to 2HKO foes like Porygon2 and Swampert, while Aura Sphere can be used for improved accuracy. Scorching Sands allows it to threaten Chandelure, which otherwise walls it, as well as bulky Poison-types like Galarian Slowbro. Infernape can run Vacuum Wave to pick off weakened targets like Flygon and Inteleon, while Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls like Galarian Slowbro, Altaria, and Bellibolt. U-turn can also be used to ease prediction, allowing Infernape to do some chip damage and bring a partner in against threats like Rhyperior and Diancie. Tera Fire allows Infernape's Fire-type attacks to do major damage on threats like Munkidori and Tornadus while giving it the ability to OHKO foes like Gligar and Galarian Slowbro with Overheat.
Infernape appreciates Grass-types such as Tsareena, Amoonguss, and Decidueye that beat Water- and Ground-types like Vaporeon, Paldean Tauros-W, and Flygon. Infernape pairs nicely with wallbreakers like Substitute Basculegion-M, Flygon, and Toxtricity, since they handle special walls like Vaporeon, Diancie, and Milotic. Psychic- and Ghost-types like Munkidori, Galarian Slowbro, Scream Tail, Chandelure, and Basculegion-M can easily KO Infernape; thus, Dark-types like Overqwil, Incineroar, Scrafty, and Wo-Chien make for good partners, as they can easily handle them. Infernape appreciates entry hazard removers like Altaria and Tsareena, as they allow it to not be worn down by hazards, though they are not outright necessary because Infernape can intentionally use hazards to lower its HP into Blaze range. Due to Altaria, Basculegion-M, and Chandelure resisting or being immune to both of Infernape's STAB attacks, Infernape requires teammates that can threaten them like Sylveon, Toxtricity, and Diancie, respectively. Choice Scarf users like Flygon, Munkidori, and Flamigo can easily revenge kill Infernape, so it partners with switch-ins like Bronzong, Rhyperior, and Bellibolt to handle them. Pivots like Flygon, Munkidori, and Bellibolt pair well with Infernape, since they can draw in Steel-types like Copperajah and Bronzong.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Knock Off / Stone Edge / Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
tera type: Fighting / Dark
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
U-turn gives Infernape the ability to pivot while letting it chip down defensive tanks like Galarian Slowbro, Swampert, and Porygon2. Knock Off allows it to pressure foes like Rhyperior and Kilowattrel that rely on their items, as well as hitting both Chandelure and Basculegion-M, while Stone Edge allows Infernape to beat Chandelure as well as Flying-types like Altaria, Galarian Articuno, and Tornadus. Switcheroo lets it cripple defensive tanks like Amoonguss, Bellibolt, and Vaporeon. Infernape can use Thunder Punch alongside Iron Fist, letting it threaten Water- and Flying-types like Barraskewda, Basculegion-M, and Flamigo. Tera Fighting enables Infernape to threaten a 2HKO on Diancie and Flygon with Close Combat. Tera Dark allows Infernape to tank Psychic- and Ghost-type attacks from Munkidori, Uxie, Chandelure, Decidueye, and Brambleghast.
Choice Scarf Infernape often draws in Fighting-resistant foes like Galarian Slowbro, Gligar, and Sylveon, so it best partners with Toxtricity, Barraskewda, and Munkidori to check these switch-ins. Infernape can form a VoltTurn core with other pivots like Kilowattrel, Flygon, and Barraskewda, since they can pressure defensive tanks like Vaporeon, Diancie, and Amoonguss. Additionally, they bring in foes like Bronzong and Amoonguss that Infernape can take advantage of. Bulky Water-types like Vaporeon and Swampert can act as blanket checks to its attacks and threaten Infernape back with their STAB attacks; thus, it pairs with Grass-types like Decidueye, Amoonguss, and Tsareena to check them. Steel- and Dark-types like Bronzong, Klefki, and Overqwil are great partners for Infernape, since they can beat Psychic-types like Munkidori, Uxie, and Galarian Articuno. Entry hazard removers like Altaria, Cramorant, and Tsareena allow Infernape to continuously switch in without getting worn down by hazards.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Infernape can run a Choice Band set, letting it break through defensive tanks like Galarian Slowbro and Overqwil, but it's largely outclassed by other Fighting-types like Flamigo, Toxicroak, and the Paldean Tauros formes. Infernape can run a Swords Dance or Nasty Plot set, making it a excellent setup sweeper; however, it struggles to run all of the moves that it needs and is easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users like Munkidori, Chandelure, and Flygon. A lead set of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor or Encore / Mach Punch or Knock Off with a Focus Sash can be run on hyper offense teams to aid in both setting up and preventing entry hazards. Infernape can run a mixed set of Fire Blast or Overheat / Close Combat / U-turn or Grass Knot or Stone Edge / Knock Off with a Life Orb, allowing it to threaten many walls like Avalugg, Galarian Slowbro, Vaporeon, and Gligar; however, it gets revenge killed by faster foes like Kilowattrel, Munkidori, and Choice Scarf Flamigo, and due to EV constraints, it often is a weaker and worse off wallbreaker than a fully physical or special set.
Checks and Counters
====
**Faster Threats and Priority Users**: Barraskewda, Kilowattrel, and Scream Tail can outspeed Infernape and destroy it with their attacks, but none of them enjoy switching into Infernape's STAB attacks. Choice Scarf users such as Flygon, Munkidori, and Chandelure are able to outpace and destroy non-Choice Scarf variants of Infernape. Infernape can be picked off by priority users like Shadow Sneak Decidueye and Aqua Jet Basculegion-M.
**Fire-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Water-types like Vaporeon can fairly tank Infernape's attacks and threaten it back with their attacks, but none can repeatedly switch into its Fighting-type attacks. Offensive Water-types like Barraskewda and Paldean Tauros-W can KO Infernape with their attacks, and they can pick it off with Aqua Jet. Chandelure is immune to both of its STAB attacks and easily destroys it; however, Chandelure doesn't enjoy switching directly into Scorching Sands and Knock Off. Basculegion-M can tank Infernape's Fire-type attacks and blank its Fighting-type attacks, but it doesn't enjoy tanking Grass Knot and Knock Off. While Altaria doesn't enjoy switching into Stone Edge variants, it can easily resist both of Infernape's STAB attacks and KO it. Diancie walls Infernape's Fire-type attacks and Choice Specs sets, but it doesn't enjoy switching into Close Combat repeatedly.
**Ground-types**: Flygon, Rhyperior, and Swampert can easily OHKO Infernape with Earthquake or freely set up entry hazards; however, none of them enjoy directly switching into Infernape's Fighting-type attacks. Gligar is notable for tanking Infernape's physical attacks very well and destroying Infernape with Earthquake, but it can be lured and punished by Choice Specs sets.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pika134.609709/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/shengineer.312113/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096
Infernape has a unique niche in NU thanks to its phenomenal set diversity and excellent Speed tier. However, it usually opts for two sets, Choice Scarf and Choice Specs, both of which have many upsides. Specifically, Choice Scarf allows Infernape to revenge kill faster Pokemon like Munkidori, Barraskewda, and Kilowattrel, while Choice Specs sets capitalize on Infernape's set ambiguity by unleashing a powerful Overheat or Fire Blast on the physical walls that Choice Scarf Infernape forces in. Additionally, Choice Scarf sets outspeed most other Choice Scarf users, such as Flygon, Munkidori, and Flamigo. However, Infernape faces competition against these exact Choice Scarf users due to them fitting on more teams easily. Additionally, Choice Specs sets can struggle to break through Pokemon like Altaria, Chandelure, and Basculegion-M due to their decent bulk and ability to take both of Infernape's STAB moves comfortably. Infernape also fights for a slot on teams with other Fighting-types, since Toxicroak reliably beats Water-types, Flamigo has access to recovery, Paldean Tauros-W can switch into Incineroar without fear of Knock Off due to being less item reliant than Infernape, and Paldean Tauros-F can easily fit Stone Edge to hit would-be checks like Altaria and Chandelure.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 2: Overheat / Grass Knot / Scorching Sands
move 3: Focus Blast / Aura Sphere
move 4: Vacuum Wave / Grass Knot / Switcheroo
item: Choice Specs
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
tera type: Fire
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
Flamethrower is preferred for its reliability, but Fire Blast is stronger, allowing Infernape to 2HKO foes like Gligar and Munkidori. Overheat allows Infernape to break through common walls like Galarian Slowbro and Gligar; however, Grass Knot offers a coverage move that hits Rhyperior, Swampert, and Basculegion-M super effectively. Focus Blast allows it to 2HKO foes like Porygon2 and Swampert, while Aura Sphere can be used for improved accuracy. Scorching Sands allows it to threaten Chandelure, which otherwise walls it, as well as bulky Poison-types like Galarian Slowbro. Infernape can run Vacuum Wave to pick off weakened targets like Flygon and Inteleon, while Switcheroo can cripple defensive walls like Galarian Slowbro, Altaria, and Bellibolt. U-turn can also be used to ease prediction, allowing Infernape to do some chip damage and bring a partner in against threats like Rhyperior and Diancie. Tera Fire allows Infernape's Fire-type attacks to do major damage on threats like Munkidori and Tornadus while giving it the ability to OHKO foes like Gligar and Galarian Slowbro with Overheat.
Infernape appreciates Grass-types such as Tsareena, Amoonguss, and Decidueye that beat Water- and Ground-types like Vaporeon, Paldean Tauros-W, and Flygon. Infernape pairs nicely with wallbreakers like Substitute Basculegion-M, Flygon, and Toxtricity, since they handle special walls like Vaporeon, Diancie, and Milotic. Psychic- and Ghost-types like Munkidori, Galarian Slowbro, Scream Tail, Chandelure, and Basculegion-M can easily KO Infernape; thus, Dark-types like Overqwil, Incineroar, Scrafty, and Wo-Chien make for good partners, as they can easily handle them. Infernape appreciates entry hazard removers like Altaria and Tsareena, as they allow it to not be worn down by hazards, though they are not outright necessary because Infernape can intentionally use hazards to lower its HP into Blaze range. Due to Altaria, Basculegion-M, and Chandelure resisting or being immune to both of Infernape's STAB attacks, Infernape requires teammates that can threaten them like Sylveon, Toxtricity, and Diancie, respectively. Choice Scarf users like Flygon, Munkidori, and Flamigo can easily revenge kill Infernape, so it partners with switch-ins like Bronzong, Rhyperior, and Bellibolt to handle them. Pivots like Flygon, Munkidori, and Bellibolt pair well with Infernape, since they can draw in Steel-types like Copperajah and Bronzong.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Knock Off / Stone Edge / Switcheroo
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
tera type: Fighting / Dark
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
====
U-turn gives Infernape the ability to pivot while letting it chip down defensive tanks like Galarian Slowbro, Swampert, and Porygon2. Knock Off allows it to pressure foes like Rhyperior and Kilowattrel that rely on their items, as well as hitting both Chandelure and Basculegion-M, while Stone Edge allows Infernape to beat Chandelure as well as Flying-types like Altaria, Galarian Articuno, and Tornadus. Switcheroo lets it cripple defensive tanks like Amoonguss, Bellibolt, and Vaporeon. Infernape can use Thunder Punch alongside Iron Fist, letting it threaten Water- and Flying-types like Barraskewda, Basculegion-M, and Flamigo. Tera Fighting enables Infernape to threaten a 2HKO on Diancie and Flygon with Close Combat. Tera Dark allows Infernape to tank Psychic- and Ghost-type attacks from Munkidori, Uxie, Chandelure, Decidueye, and Brambleghast.
Choice Scarf Infernape often draws in Fighting-resistant foes like Galarian Slowbro, Gligar, and Sylveon, so it best partners with Toxtricity, Barraskewda, and Munkidori to check these switch-ins. Infernape can form a VoltTurn core with other pivots like Kilowattrel, Flygon, and Barraskewda, since they can pressure defensive tanks like Vaporeon, Diancie, and Amoonguss. Additionally, they bring in foes like Bronzong and Amoonguss that Infernape can take advantage of. Bulky Water-types like Vaporeon and Swampert can act as blanket checks to its attacks and threaten Infernape back with their STAB attacks; thus, it pairs with Grass-types like Decidueye, Amoonguss, and Tsareena to check them. Steel- and Dark-types like Bronzong, Klefki, and Overqwil are great partners for Infernape, since they can beat Psychic-types like Munkidori, Uxie, and Galarian Articuno. Entry hazard removers like Altaria, Cramorant, and Tsareena allow Infernape to continuously switch in without getting worn down by hazards.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Infernape can run a Choice Band set, letting it break through defensive tanks like Galarian Slowbro and Overqwil, but it's largely outclassed by other Fighting-types like Flamigo, Toxicroak, and the Paldean Tauros formes. Infernape can run a Swords Dance or Nasty Plot set, making it a excellent setup sweeper; however, it struggles to run all of the moves that it needs and is easily revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users like Munkidori, Chandelure, and Flygon. A lead set of Stealth Rock / Taunt / Endeavor or Encore / Mach Punch or Knock Off with a Focus Sash can be run on hyper offense teams to aid in both setting up and preventing entry hazards. Infernape can run a mixed set of Fire Blast or Overheat / Close Combat / U-turn or Grass Knot or Stone Edge / Knock Off with a Life Orb, allowing it to threaten many walls like Avalugg, Galarian Slowbro, Vaporeon, and Gligar; however, it gets revenge killed by faster foes like Kilowattrel, Munkidori, and Choice Scarf Flamigo, and due to EV constraints, it often is a weaker and worse off wallbreaker than a fully physical or special set.
Checks and Counters
====
**Faster Threats and Priority Users**: Barraskewda, Kilowattrel, and Scream Tail can outspeed Infernape and destroy it with their attacks, but none of them enjoy switching into Infernape's STAB attacks. Choice Scarf users such as Flygon, Munkidori, and Chandelure are able to outpace and destroy non-Choice Scarf variants of Infernape. Infernape can be picked off by priority users like Shadow Sneak Decidueye and Aqua Jet Basculegion-M.
**Fire-resistant Pokemon**: Bulky Water-types like Vaporeon can fairly tank Infernape's attacks and threaten it back with their attacks, but none can repeatedly switch into its Fighting-type attacks. Offensive Water-types like Barraskewda and Paldean Tauros-W can KO Infernape with their attacks, and they can pick it off with Aqua Jet. Chandelure is immune to both of its STAB attacks and easily destroys it; however, Chandelure doesn't enjoy switching directly into Scorching Sands and Knock Off. Basculegion-M can tank Infernape's Fire-type attacks and blank its Fighting-type attacks, but it doesn't enjoy tanking Grass Knot and Knock Off. While Altaria doesn't enjoy switching into Stone Edge variants, it can easily resist both of Infernape's STAB attacks and KO it. Diancie walls Infernape's Fire-type attacks and Choice Specs sets, but it doesn't enjoy switching into Close Combat repeatedly.
**Ground-types**: Flygon, Rhyperior, and Swampert can easily OHKO Infernape with Earthquake or freely set up entry hazards; however, none of them enjoy directly switching into Infernape's Fighting-type attacks. Gligar is notable for tanking Infernape's physical attacks very well and destroying Infernape with Earthquake, but it can be lured and punished by Choice Specs sets.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pika134.609709/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/powerofmemes.583607/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/shengineer.312113/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096
Last edited:
