ZU Monferno - Done

[5gen]

[OVERVIEW]

Monferno can be an offensive Stealth Rock user thanks to its offensive typing and ability to pivot. Good Speed and access to U-turn make it a great lead that is able to pivot on opposing Stealth Rock users and incoming entry hazard removers, helping it keep Stealth Rock on the field. Fire / Fighting is also a unique offensive typing that allows Monferno to threaten a wide range of Pokemon, from entry hazard setters such as Bronzor and Cacturne to wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala, Swords Dance Pawniard, and Exeggutor. However, Combusken gives Monferno stiff competition, being a much more potent offensively thanks to Speed Boost. Furthermore, unlike Combusken, Monferno's Speed leaves something to be desired, leaving it vulnerable to faster threats such as Swanna, Electivire, and Silvally-Dragon. Also, many common Pokemon such as Poliwrath, Mareanie, Rotom-S, and Altaria check Monferno defensively, limiting its capabilities.

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

U-turn generates momentum and helps Monferno against switches it forces against opposing Pokemon such as Bronzor, Silvally-Dark, and Bouffalant. Slack Off is an option over Close Combat or Flare Blitz that allows Monferno to reliably pivot into threats such as Pawniard and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

Eviolite gives Monferno decent bulk and enables it to soft check threats such as Pawniard, Glaceon, and defensive Komala. An Adamant nature is used over Jolly because Monferno appreciates the power more than outspeeding niche threats such as Butterfree, enabling it to OHKO foes such as Rapidash after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Against opposing leads such as Golem and Torterra that can tank an attack and threaten to OHKO Monferno back, use U-turn to chip away at them and generate momentum. Avoid setting up Stealth Rock against incoming Defoggers that outspeed Monferno such as Swanna, Silvally-Dragon, and offensive Silvally-Water. Instead, predict them and use U-turn to get a teammate in safely. If Monferno does not have a good matchup as a lead, it can always set Stealth Rock later. Thus, take advantage of switches Monferno forces against Normal-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Bouffalant, Mawile, and Exeggutor. While Monferno soft checks Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Leafeon, it lacks recovery and is easily worn down. Pawniard and Leafeon can also remove Monferno's Eviolite with Knock Off, so avoid switching it into these Pokemon early-game to preserve Monferno's bulk. Similarly, be mindful that bulky Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Mawile, and Bronzor can cripple Monferno with Toxic on a predicted switch, so be careful of switching it into these Pokemon if you rely on it to check other threats or set Stealth Rock over the course of a game. That being said, when Monferno is weakened into Blaze range, Flare Blitz becomes ridiculously powerful, so be sure to position Monferno correctly to take advantage of that one-time nuke.

Team Options
========

Monferno fits best on offensive and balance teams that want an offensive Stealth Rock user that can provide momentum. Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Beheeyem, Swords Dance Torterra, and Nasty Plot Raichu take advantage of Stealth Rock and capitalize on Monferno's U-turn pivoting. In particular, Beheeyem and Torterra appreciate Monferno's ability to check Bronzor and Exeggutor, while Raichu threatens Monferno's switch-ins such as Swanna and Rotom-S. Additional pivots such as Silvally-Dragon, Rotom-S, and Choice Scarf Electivire help keep up momentum and check Pokemon Monferno does not handle such as Altaria, Poliwrath, and Mareanie. Offensive Grass- and Water-types such as mixed Simisage, Leafeon, and Swanna check Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground and Sandslash for Monferno and can also prevent them from removing Stealth Rock. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark take advantage of Monferno's pivoting and are able to Pursuit trap Psychic-types such as Beheeyem and Kadabra that threaten Monferno.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Monferno can run a dedicated Stealth Rock lead set with Focus Sash, Endeavor, Mach Punch, and Taunt on hyper offense teams. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards, and the combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Mach Punch aims to pick up quick KOs or heavily wear down foes. However, offensive Golem tends to outclass Monferno as a dedicated lead, and Monferno loses much of its utility with this set. Choice Band can be used over Eviolite, with Mach Punch and Iron Fist replacing Stealth Rock and Blaze. This gives Monferno immediate wallbreaking power and strong priority, but Monferno is walled by various defensive Pokemon such as Mareanie and Altaria regardless. Nasty Plot with Focus Blast, Fire Blast, and Vacuum Wave is a viable option with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature. While the metagame has many natural checks to this set, it does help Monferno punch through physically bulky Pokemon such as Sandslash, Gourgeist-XL, and Poliwrath and act as a setup sweeper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, Swanna, and Silvally-Water hard wall Monferno. The latter two can also use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets up. In addition, faster Water-types such as Simipour and Basculin can OHKO Monferno and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Sandslash, Marowak, Silvally-Ground, and Golem are able to tank an attack and KO Monferno back. They also force Monferno to pivot out in a lead matchup and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Dragon-types**: Altaria, Vibrava, and Silvally-Dragon all switch into Monferno comfortably and can remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets. The latter two have access to Roost and Defog as well, effectively shutting Monferno down.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Ground, Silvally-Dragon, Altaria, and Rotom-S comfortably switch into Monferno and remove Stealth Rock from the field, but they must watch out for Monferno bringing in a teammate off U-turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Floatzel, and Electivire threaten to KO Monferno with STAB attacks or coverage. Other revenge killers such as Choice Band Furfrou and Rapidash can also KO Monferno after it has been weakened.

**Residual Damage**: Monferno is affected by all forms of entry hazards and usually does not run Slack Off, so it gets worn down very quickly because of its constant pivoting and switching into resisted attacks.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5gen, 296755]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [uhuhuhu7, 407249]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]

 

[5gen]

ready for qc

 

[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d]

Comments in Bold and Strikethrough

[OVERVIEW]

• Monferno carves a niche for itself as an offensive Stealth Rock user (thanks to? offensive typing and pivoting i think should be mentioned here)
• Good Speed and access to U-turn make it a great lead that is able to pivot on opposing Stealth Rock users and incoming entry hazard removers, helping it keep Stealth Rock on the field
• Fire / Fighting is also a unique offensive typing that allows Monferno to threaten a wide range of Pokemon, from entry hazard setters such as Bronzor and Torterra Cacturne to Normal-, Dark-, and Grass-types such as Komala, Pawniard, and Exeggutor (the first usage tip is how monf is forced to pivot on tort, so cact is a better example as something it can switch into possibly like bronz)
• However, Combusken gives Monferno stiff competition, outclassing it offensively.
• (Mention that its weaknesses to Ground-type attacks forces Monf to pivot on opposing entry hazard setters like Golem, Crustle, and Maro, which makes it unreliable as a lead meant to set SR)
• Monferno's Speed leave something to be desired, leaving it vulnerable to faster threats such as Swanna, Electivire, and Silvally-Dragon
• Also, many common Pokemon such as Poliwrath, Mareanie, Rotom-S, and Altaria check Monferno defensively, limiting its capabilities

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• U-turn generates momentum and helps Monferno keep Stealth Rock on the field by pivoting on Defoggers such as Swanna, Silvally-Water, and Rotom-S. It is also useful against switches Monferno forces against opposing Pokemon such as Bronzor, Silvally-Dark, and Bouffalant.

Set Details
========

• Eviolite gives Monferno decent bulk and coupled with these EVs and a Jolly nature, enable Monferno to soft check threats such as Pawniard, Glaceon, and Komala (why stress the jolly nature when Monf can still soft check these mons without it? i'd consider reevaluating either the examples here or the spread)

Usage Tips
========

• Against opposing leads such as Golem and Torterra that can tank an attack and threaten to OHKO Monferno back, use U-turn to chip away at them and generate momentum
• Avoid setting up Stealth Rock against incoming Defoggers that outspeed Monferno such as Swanna, Silvally-Dragon, and offensive Silvally-Water. Instead, predict them and use U-turn to get a teammate in safely.
• If Monferno does not have a good matchup as a lead, it can always set Stealth Rock later. As such, take advantage of switches Monferno forces against Normal-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Bouffalant, Mawile, and Exeggutor.
• While Monferno soft checks Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Leafeon, it lacks recovery and is easily worn down. Pawniard and Leafeon can also remove Monferno's Eviolite with Knock Off, so avoid switching it into these Pokemon in the early-game to preserve Monferno's bulk.
• Similarly, be mindful that bulky Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Mawile, and Bronzor can cripple Monferno with Toxic on a predicted switch, so be careful of switching it into these Pokemon if you rely on Monferno as a check to other threats or to be a constant SR setter. (something like this should be added because monf doesn't mind Toxic if played expendably)
• That being said, when knocked into Blaze, Flare Blitz becomes ridiculously powerful, so be sure to position Monferno correctly to take advantage of that one time nuke.

Team Options
========

• Monferno fits best on offensive and balance teams that want an offensive Stealth Rock user that can provide momentum
• Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Beheeyem, Swords Dance Torterra, and Nasty Plot Raichu take advantage of Stealth Rock and capitalize on Monferno's U-turn pivoting. In particular, Beheeyem and Torterra appreciate Monferno's ability to check Bronzor and Exeggutor, while Raichu threatens Monferno's switch-ins such as Swanna and Rotom-S.
• Additional pivots such as Silvally-Dragon, Rotom-S, and Choice Scarf Electivire help keep up momentum and check Pokemon Monferno does not handle such as Altaria, Poliwrath, and Mareanie.
• Offensive Grass- and Water-types such as mixed Simisage, Leafeon, and Swanna check Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground and Sandslash for Monferno, and can also prevent them from removing Stealth Rock.
• Pawniard and Silvally-Dark take advantage of Monferno's pivoting and are able to Pursuit trap Psychic-types such as Beheeyem and Kadabra who threaten Monferno.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Monferno can run a dedicated Stealth Rock lead set with Focus Sash, Endeavor, Mach Punch, and Taunt on hyper offense teams. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards and the combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Mach Punch aims to pick up quick knockouts or heavily wear down foes. However, offensive Golem tends to outclass Monferno as a dedicated lead and Monferno loses much of its utility with this set.
• Slack Off can be used over Close Combat or Flare Blitz if Monferno is your main check to Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Silvally-Dark, Leafeon, and Cacturne. But without one of its STAB attacks, Monferno must choose between being unable to heavily damage Normal- or Steel-types. (steel types are weak to both fire and fighting so not sure what you mean. just mention grass again i believe)
• Choice Band can be used over Eviolite with Mach Punch and Iron First replacing Stealth Rock and Blaze. This gives Monfenro immediate wallbreaking power and strong priority, but Monferno is walled by various common Pokemon such as defensive Poliwrath, Mareanie, Defog Swanna, and Altaria regardless.
• Nasty Plot with Focus Blast, Fire Blast, and Vacuum Wave is a viable option with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature. While the metagame has many natural checks to this set, it does help Monfenro punch through physically bulky Pokemon such as Sandslash, Gourgeist-XL, and Poliwrath and act as a setup sweeper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, Swanna, and Silvally-Water hard wall Monferno. The latter two can also use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets up. In addition, faster Water-types such as Simipour and Basculin can OHKO Monferno and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Ground-types**: (Ground types were mentioned a lot in the writing, as they have a strong STAB attack for Monf and in the cases of Golem, Torrtera, Marowak, and Dugtrio, they can secure SR first while forcing Monf to switch out.)

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Ground, Silvally-Dragon, Altaria, and Rotom-S comfortably switch into Monferno and remove Stealth Rock off the field, but must watch out for Monferno bringing in a teammate off U-turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Floatzel, and Electrivire outspeed Monferno and threaten to KO it with STAB attacks or coverage. Other revenge killers such as Choice Band Furfrou and Rapidash, can also KO Monferno after it has been weakened.

**Residual Damage**: Monferno is affected by all forms of entry hazards and usually does not run Slack Off, so it gets worn down very quickly because of its constant pivoting and switching into resisted attacks.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5gen, 296755]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 1/2 gj!

 

[5gen]

implemented, ready for next

 

[Greybaum]

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

• Monferno carves a niche for itself as an offensive Stealth Rock user thanks to its offensive typing and ability to pivot
• Good Speed and access to U-turn make it a great lead that is able to pivot on opposing Stealth Rock users and incoming entry hazard removers, helping it keep Stealth Rock on the field
• Fire / Fighting is also a unique offensive typing that allows Monferno to threaten a wide range of Pokemon, from entry hazard setters such as Bronzor and Cacturne to Normal-, Dark-, and Grass-types such as Komala, Pawniard, and Exeggutor Would prefer this if "Normal-, Dark- etc." was changed to "Wallbreakers". Normal/Dark/Grass types is needlessly excluding Steel-types (Mawile, the aforementioned Bronzor) and Cacturne fits into both Grass- and Dark- types anyway. Pressuring offensive mons is a valuable niche.
• However, Combusken gives Monferno stiff competition, outclassing it offensively. Would prefer more information on this - at least on paper, Combusken doesn't outright outclass Monferno. More on that in a bit.
• Monfenro's *Monferno weakness to Ground-type attacks forces it to pivot on opposing entry hazard setters such as Golem, Marowak, and Crustle, which makes it unreliable as a lead meant to set Stealth Rock.
• Monferno's Speed leave something to be desired, leaving it vulnerable to faster threats such as Swanna, Electivire, and Silvally-Dragon
• This is a good opportunity to segue into Combusken - specifically point out that Combusken can bypass the aforementioned mons to some extent thanks to Speed Boost.
• Also, many common Pokemon such as Poliwrath, Mareanie, Rotom-S, and Altaria check Monferno defensively, limiting its capabilities

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• U-turn generates momentum and helps Monferno keep Stealth Rock on the field by pivoting on Defoggers such as Swanna, Silvally-Water, and Rotom-S. It is also useful against switches Monferno forces against opposing Pokemon such as Bronzor, Silvally-Dark, and Bouffalant. You don't keep hazards up against the field vs Swanna or, Silvally-Water as you have no way to deny Defog. You cover the same point more accurately in the Usage Tips, so I'd lower the word count here and just say U-turn generates momentum on X and Y yadda yadda
• Move up your Slack Off bullet from OO

Set Details
========

• Eviolite gives Monferno decent bulk and enables Monferno to soft check threats such as Pawniard, Glaceon, and defensive Komala.
• An Adamant nature is used over Jolly because Monferno's appreciates the power more than outspeeding niche threats such as Butterfree. For example, being able to OHKO Rapidash after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

• Against opposing leads such as Golem and Torterra that can tank an attack and threaten to OHKO Monferno back, use U-turn to chip away at them and generate momentum
• Avoid setting up Stealth Rock against incoming Defoggers that outspeed Monferno such as Swanna, Silvally-Dragon, and offensive Silvally-Water. Instead, predict them and use U-turn to get a teammate in safely.
• If Monferno does not have a good matchup as a lead, it can always set Stealth Rock later. As such, take advantage of switches Monferno forces against Normal-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Bouffalant, Mawile, and Exeggutor.
• While Monferno soft checks Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Leafeon, it lacks recovery and is easily worn down. Pawniard and Leafeon can also remove Monferno's Eviolite with Knock Off, so avoid switching it into these Pokemon in the early-game to preserve Monferno's bulk.
• Similarly, be mindful that bulky Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Mawile, and Bronzor can cripple Monferno with Toxic on a predicted switch, so be careful of switching it into these Pokemon if you rely on Monferno as a check to other threats or to set Stealth Rock over the course of a game.
• That being said, when knocked into Blaze, Flare Blitz becomes ridiculously powerful, so be sure to position Monferno correctly to take advantage of that one time nuke.

Team Options
========

• Monferno fits best on offensive and balance teams that want an offensive Stealth Rock user that can provide momentum
• Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Beheeyem, Swords Dance Torterra, and Nasty Plot Raichu take advantage of Stealth Rock and capitalize on Monferno's U-turn pivoting. In particular, Beheeyem and Torterra appreciate Monferno's ability to check Bronzor and Exeggutor, while Raichu threatens Monferno's switch-ins such as Swanna and Rotom-S.
• Additional pivots such as Silvally-Dragon, Rotom-S, and Choice Scarf Electivire help keep up momentum and check Pokemon Monferno does not handle such as Altaria, Poliwrath, and Mareanie.
• Offensive Grass- and Water-types such as mixed Simisage, Leafeon, and Swanna check Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground and Sandslash for Monferno, and can also prevent them from removing Stealth Rock.
• Pawniard and Silvally-Dark take advantage of Monferno's pivoting and are able to Pursuit trap Psychic-types such as Beheeyem and Kadabra who threaten Monferno.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Monferno can run a dedicated Stealth Rock lead set with Focus Sash, Endeavor, Mach Punch, and Taunt on hyper offense teams. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards and the combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Mach Punch aims to pick up quick knockouts or heavily wear down foes. However, offensive Golem tends to outclass Monferno as a dedicated lead and Monferno loses much of its utility with this set.
• Slack Off can be used over Close Combat or Flare Blitz if Monferno is your main check to Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Silvally-Dark, Leafeon, and Cacturne. But without one of its STAB attacks, Monferno must choose between being unable to heavily damage Normal- or Grass-types.
• Choice Band can be used over Eviolite with Mach Punch and Iron First replacing Stealth Rock and Blaze. This gives Monfenro *Monferno immediate wallbreaking power and strong priority, but Monferno is walled by various common Pokemon such as defensive Poliwrath, Mareanie, Defog Swanna, and Altaria regardless. Monferno has a chance to 2HKO defensive Poliwrath that goes to a 65.6% chance if Adamant. Swanna can switch in once but is forced to guess between clicking Scald and clicking Roost. I'd opt to remove both of these Pokemon as mentions.
• Nasty Plot with Focus Blast, Fire Blast, and Vacuum Wave is a viable option with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature. While the metagame has many natural checks to this set, it does help Monfenro punch through physically bulky Pokemon such as Sandslash, Gourgeist-XL, and Poliwrath and act as a setup sweeper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, Swanna, and Silvally-Water hard wall Monferno. The latter two can also use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets up. In addition, faster Water-types such as Simipour and Basculin can OHKO Monferno and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Sandslash, Marowak, Silvally-Ground, and Golem are able to tank an attack and KO Monferno back. They also force Monferno to pivot out in a lead matchup and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Dragon-types** deserve a nod here. Altaria, Silvally-Dragon, (Vibrava and Gabite if you want to drop that low on the VR) all handle Monferno pretty convincingly, with the first three all clearing its hazards.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Ground, Silvally-Dragon, Altaria, and Rotom-S comfortably switch into Monferno and remove Stealth Rock off the field, but must watch out for Monferno bringing in a teammate off U-turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Floatzel, and Electrivire *Electivire outspeed Monferno and threaten to KO it with STAB attacks or coverage. Other revenge killers such as Choice Band Furfrou and Rapidash, can also KO Monferno after it has been weakened.

**Residual Damage**: Monferno is affected by all forms of entry hazards and usually does not run Slack Off, so it gets worn down very quickly because of its constant pivoting and switching into resisted attacks.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5gen, 296755]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

2/2 gj

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Monferno carves a niche for itself as an offensive Stealth Rock user thanks to its offensive typing and ability to pivot. Good Speed and access to U-turn make it a great lead that is able to pivot on opposing Stealth Rock users and incoming entry hazard removers, helping it keep Stealth Rock on the field. Fire / Fighting is also a unique offensive typing that allows Monferno to threaten a wide range of Pokemon, from entry hazard setters such as Bronzor and Cacturne to wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala, Swords Dance Pawniard, and Exeggutor. However, Combusken gives Monferno stiff competition, being a much more potent offensively thanks to Speed Boost. However, unlike Combusken, Monferno's Speed leave leaves something to be desired, leaving it vulnerable to faster threats such as Swanna, Electivire, and Silvally-Dragon. Also, many common Pokemon such as Poliwrath, Mareanie, Rotom-S, and Altaria check Monferno defensively, limiting its capabilities.

[SET]
name: Offensive Rocks Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

U-turn generates momentum and helps Monferno against switches Monferno it forces against opposing Pokemon such as Bronzor, Silvally-Dark, and Bouffalant. Slack Off is an option over Close Combat or Flare Blitz that allows Monferno to reliably pivot into threats such as Pawniard and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

Eviolite gives Monferno decent bulk and enables Monferno to soft check threats such as Pawniard, Glaceon, and defensive Komala. An Adamant nature is used over Jolly because Monferno's appreciates the power more than outspeeding niche threats such as Butterfree, (comma) For example, being able enabling it to OHKO foes such as Rapidash after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Against opposing leads such as Golem and Torterra that can tank an attack and threaten to OHKO Monferno back, use U-turn to chip away at them and generate momentum. Avoid setting up Stealth Rock against incoming Defoggers that outspeed Monferno such as Swanna, Silvally-Dragon, and offensive Silvally-Water. Instead, predict them and use U-turn to get a teammate in safely. If Monferno does not have a good matchup as a lead, it can always set Stealth Rock later. As such Thus, take advantage of switches Monferno forces against Normal-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Bouffalant, Mawile, and Exeggutor. While Monferno soft checks Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Leafeon, it lacks recovery and is easily worn down. Pawniard and Leafeon can also remove Monferno's Eviolite with Knock Off, so avoid switching it into these Pokemon in the early-game to preserve Monferno's bulk. Similarly, be mindful that bulky Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Mawile, and Bronzor can cripple Monferno with Toxic on a predicted switch, so be careful of switching it into these Pokemon if you rely on Monferno as a check to other threats or to set Stealth Rock over the course of a game. That being said, when knocked Monferno is weakened into Blaze range, Flare Blitz becomes ridiculously powerful, so be sure to position Monferno correctly to take advantage of that one-time (AH) nuke.

Team Options
========

Monferno fits best on offensive and balance teams that want an offensive Stealth Rock user that can provide momentum. Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Beheeyem, Swords Dance Torterra, and Nasty Plot Raichu take advantage of Stealth Rock and capitalize on Monferno's U-turn pivoting. In particular, Beheeyem and Torterra appreciate Monferno's ability to check Bronzor and Exeggutor, while Raichu threatens Monferno's switch-ins such as Swanna and Rotom-S. Additional pivots such as Silvally-Dragon, Rotom-S, and Choice Scarf Electivire help keep up momentum and check Pokemon Monferno does not handle such as Altaria, Poliwrath, and Mareanie. Offensive Grass- and Water-types such as mixed Simisage, Leafeon, and Swanna check Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground and Sandslash for Monferno (RC) and can also prevent them from removing Stealth Rock. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark take advantage of Monferno's pivoting and are able to Pursuit trap Psychic-types such as Beheeyem and Kadabra who that threaten Monferno.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Monferno can run a dedicated Stealth Rock lead set with Focus Sash, Endeavor, Mach Punch, and Taunt on hyper offense teams. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards, (AC) and the combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Mach Punch aims to pick up quick knockouts or heavily wear down foes. However, offensive Golem tends to outclass Monferno as a dedicated lead, (AC) and Monferno loses much of its utility with this set. Slack Off can be used over Close Combat or Flare Blitz, (AC) but without one of its STAB attacks, Monferno must choose between being unable to heavily damage Normal- or Grass-types. Choice Band can be used over Eviolite, (AC) with Mach Punch and Iron First First replacing Stealth Rock and Blaze. This gives Monferno immediate wallbreaking power and strong priority, but Monferno is walled by various defensive Pokemon such as Mareanie and Altaria regardless. Nasty Plot with Focus Blast, Fire Blast, and Vacuum Wave is a viable option with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature. While the metagame has many natural checks to this set, it does help Monfenro Monferno punch through physically bulky Pokemon such as Sandslash, Gourgeist-XL, and Poliwrath and act as a setup sweeper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, Swanna, and Silvally-Water hard wall Monferno. The latter two can also use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets up. In addition, faster Water-types such as Simipour and Basculin can OHKO Monferno and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Sandslash, Marowak, Silvally-Ground, and Golem are able to tank an attack and KO Monferno back. They also force Monferno to pivot out in a lead matchup and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Dragon-types**: Altaria, Vibrava, and Silvally-Dragon all switch into Monferno comfortably and can remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets. The latter two have access to Roost and Defog as well, effectively shutting Monferno down.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Ground, Silvally-Dragon, Altaria, and Rotom-S comfortably switch into Monferno and remove Stealth Rock off the field, but they must watch out for Monferno bringing in a teammate off U-turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Floatzel, and Electrivire *Electivire outspeed Monferno and threaten to KO it with STAB attacks or coverage. Other revenge killers such as Choice Band Furfrou and Rapidash, can also KO Monferno after it has been weakened.

**Residual Damage**: Monferno is affected by all forms of entry hazards and usually does not run Slack Off, so it gets worn down very quickly because of its constant pivoting and switching into resisted attacks.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5gen, 296755]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [uhuhuhu7, 407249]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[5gen]

implemented

 

[Rabia]

add remove comments

gp

[OVERVIEW]

Monferno carves a niche for itself as can be an offensive Stealth Rock user thanks to its offensive typing and ability to pivot. Good Speed and access to U-turn make it a great lead that is able to pivot on opposing Stealth Rock users and incoming entry hazard removers, helping it keep Stealth Rock on the field. Fire / Fighting is also a unique offensive typing that allows Monferno to threaten a wide range of Pokemon, from entry hazard setters such as Bronzor and Cacturne to wallbreakers such as Choice Band Komala, Swords Dance Pawniard, and Exeggutor. However, Combusken gives Monferno stiff competition, being a much more potent offensively thanks to Speed Boost. However Furthermore, unlike Combusken, Monferno's Speed leaves something to be desired, leaving it vulnerable to faster threats such as Swanna, Electivire, and Silvally-Dragon. Also, many common Pokemon such as Poliwrath, Mareanie, Rotom-S, and Altaria check Monferno defensively, limiting its capabilities.

[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: U-turn
item: Eviolite
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

U-turn generates momentum and helps Monferno against switches it forces against opposing Pokemon such as Bronzor, Silvally-Dark, and Bouffalant. Slack Off is an option over Close Combat or Flare Blitz that allows Monferno to reliably pivot into threats such as Pawniard and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

Eviolite gives Monferno decent bulk and enables Monferno it to soft check threats such as Pawniard, Glaceon, and defensive Komala. An Adamant nature is used over Jolly because Monferno's Monferno appreciates the power more than outspeeding niche threats such as Butterfree, enabling it to OHKO foes such as Rapidash after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

Against opposing leads such as Golem and Torterra that can tank an attack and threaten to OHKO Monferno back, use U-turn to chip away at them and generate momentum. Avoid setting up Stealth Rock against incoming Defoggers that outspeed Monferno such as Swanna, Silvally-Dragon, and offensive Silvally-Water. Instead, predict them and use U-turn to get a teammate in safely. If Monferno does not have a good matchup as a lead, it can always set Stealth Rock later. Thus, take advantage of switches Monferno forces against Normal-, Steel-, and Grass-types such as Bouffalant, Mawile, and Exeggutor. While Monferno soft checks Dark- and Grass-types such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Leafeon, it lacks recovery and is easily worn down. Pawniard and Leafeon can also remove Monferno's Eviolite with Knock Off, so avoid switching it into these Pokemon early-game to preserve Monferno's bulk. Similarly, be mindful that bulky Pokemon such as Lickilicky, Mawile, and Bronzor can cripple Monferno with Toxic on a predicted switch, so be careful of switching it into these Pokemon if you rely on Monferno as a it to check to other threats or to set Stealth Rock over the course of a game. That being said, when Monferno is weakened into Blaze range, Flare Blitz becomes ridiculously powerful, so be sure to position Monferno correctly to take advantage of that one-time nuke.

Team Options
========

Monferno fits best on offensive and balance teams that want an offensive Stealth Rock user that can provide momentum. Wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Beheeyem, Swords Dance Torterra, and Nasty Plot Raichu take advantage of Stealth Rock and capitalize on Monferno's U-turn pivoting. In particular, Beheeyem and Torterra appreciate Monferno's ability to check Bronzor and Exeggutor, while Raichu threatens Monferno's switch-ins such as Swanna and Rotom-S. Additional pivots such as Silvally-Dragon, Rotom-S, and Choice Scarf Electivire help keep up momentum and check Pokemon Monferno does not handle such as Altaria, Poliwrath, and Mareanie. Offensive Grass- and Water-types such as mixed Simisage, Leafeon, and Swanna check Ground-types such as Silvally-Ground and Sandslash for Monferno and can also prevent them from removing Stealth Rock. Pawniard and Silvally-Dark take advantage of Monferno's pivoting and are able to Pursuit trap Psychic-types such as Beheeyem and Kadabra that threaten Monferno.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Monferno can run a dedicated Stealth Rock lead set with Focus Sash, Endeavor, Mach Punch, and Taunt on hyper offense teams. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards, and the combination of Focus Sash, Endeavor, and Mach Punch aims to pick up quick knockouts KOs or heavily wear down foes. However, offensive Golem tends to outclass Monferno as a dedicated lead, and Monferno loses much of its utility with this set. Slack Off can be used over Close Combat or Flare Blitz, but without one of its STAB attacks, Monferno must choose between being unable to heavily damage Normal- or Grass-types. (or remove it from the Moves section, but it shouldn't be both here and there) Choice Band can be used over Eviolite, with Mach Punch and Iron Fist replacing Stealth Rock and Blaze. This gives Monferno immediate wallbreaking power and strong priority, but Monferno is walled by various defensive Pokemon such as Mareanie and Altaria regardless. Nasty Plot with Focus Blast, Fire Blast, and Vacuum Wave is a viable option with 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe and a Timid nature. While the metagame has many natural checks to this set, it does help Monferno punch through physically bulky Pokemon such as Sandslash, Gourgeist-XL, and Poliwrath and act as a setup sweeper.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mareanie, Poliwrath, Swanna, and Silvally-Water hard wall Monferno. The latter two can also use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets up. In addition, faster Water-types such as Simipour and Basculin can OHKO Monferno and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Sandslash, Marowak, Silvally-Ground, and Golem are able to tank an attack and KO Monferno back. They also force Monferno to pivot out in a lead matchup and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock.

**Dragon-types**: Altaria, Vibrava, and Silvally-Dragon all switch into Monferno comfortably and can remove the Stealth Rock Monferno sets. The latter two have access to Roost and Defog as well, effectively shutting Monferno down.

**Entry Hazard Removers**: Entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Ground, Silvally-Dragon, Altaria, and Rotom-S comfortably switch into Monferno and remove Stealth Rock off from the field, but they must watch out for Monferno bringing in a teammate off U-turn.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Kadabra, Mr. Mime, Floatzel, and Electivire outspeed Monferno and threaten to KO it Monferno with STAB attacks or coverage. Other revenge killers such as Choice Band Furfrou and Rapidash (RC) can also KO Monferno after it has been weakened.

**Residual Damage**: Monferno is affected by all forms of entry hazards and usually does not run Slack Off, so it gets worn down very quickly because of its constant pivoting and switching into resisted attacks.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[5gen, 296755]]
- Quality checked by: [[Ho3nConfirm3d, 231074], [uhuhuhu7, 407249]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]

gp 2/2 when done

 

[5gen]

done

 

[Ginger Princess]

https://www.smogon.com/dex/sm/pokemon/monferno/

uploaded!