Moltres @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Name: Physically Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- U-turn / Scorching Sands
- Roost
[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ability and bulk, Moltres finds itself on Flying-type teams as a deterrent to threatening physical attackers such as Dragonite, Choice Scarf Urshifu-R, and Sneasler. Flamethrower is a reliable STAB move that does solid damage to Pokemon such as Archaludon and Klefki. Will-O-Wisp is used to guarantee a burn on prominent attackers such as Azumarill and Iron Hands while negating Leftovers and Black Sludge recovery from passive Pokemon such as Ting-Lu and Toxapex without having to rely on Pressure. U-turn allows Moltres to pivot out of unfavorable situations and keep itself safe from harm, such as in front of Araquanid and Blissey. Alternatively, Scorching Sands can be used in order to hit unsuspecting Heatran that would hope to switch in on Fire-type attacks to protect its teammates. The given Speed EVs allow Moltres to outspeed Jolly Azumarill to neutralize its setup with Will-O-Wisp.
Corviknight forms a great defensive core with Moltres, as they both cover each other's threats well. Corviknight is able to switch into threats such as Choice Band Excadrill and Glimmora for Moltres, while Moltres is able to cover Corviknight by switching into Ogerpon-H and Ninetales. Mandibuzz also makes for another great defensive addition for a defensive trio, as it shields Moltres from incoming Ghost-, Psychic-, and Dark-type attacks from Dragapult, Hoopa-U, and Hydreigon while also threatening various physical attackers with Foul Play. Once Gliscor's Toxic Orb has activated, it acts as a fantastic Knock Off absorber, ensuring Moltres doesn't lose its extremely important Heavy-Duty Boots. Additionally, Moltres can support Gliscor by burning foes, allowing Swords Dance variants of Gliscor to have an easier time setting up in front of some physical threats. Assault Vest Tornadus-T is a great teammate for Moltres, as it can switch in on Special threats that force Moltres out, such as Iron Valiant and Keldeo. Tornadus-T can use Knock Off to remove recovery items from defensive staples such as Toxapex, Galarian Weezing, and Clodsire, causing them to be chipped down more quickly when coupled with burn, as well as being able to outspeed and OHKO Punching Glove Urshifu-R, which is unaffected by Flame Body. Landorus-T is able to handle Fire-type Pokemon that wall and take advantage of Moltres, such as Heatran and Ceruledge, while being a deterrent to Electric-types such as Raging Bolt and Sandy Shocks. Additionally, Landorus-T and the aforementioned defensive trio all have access to U-turn, allowing Flying-type teams and Moltres in particular to retain momentum throughout a battle. In return, Moltres is able to soak up Ice-type attacks from Mamowsine and Great Tusk. Choice Scarf Enamorus is also able to help Moltres deal with Heatran while also sweeping Dragon-, Steel-, and Fire-type teams with the appropriate coverage, and it provides Healing Wish support for Moltres should it need the immediate recovery. In return, Moltres can cover incoming Ice-type attacks from the aforementioned Mamoswine and Great Tusk, as well as Steel-type attacks from Choice Scarf Roaring Moon and Scizor, both of which can threaten to cut Enamorus's sweep short. Dragonite is a great potential wincon with access to Dragon Dance and a colorful movepool, and it greatly appreciates Moltres wearing down troublesome physical walls such as Toxapex, Galarian Weezing, and Quagsire with Will-O-Wisp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(Flying)
--------
Roar is an alternative option to force out setup sweepers that Moltres has a tough time dealing with, such as Dragon Dance Dragapult and Volcarona.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/royalreloaded.246753/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/boomp.637295/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Name: Physically Defensive (Flying)
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- U-turn / Scorching Sands
- Roost
[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ability and bulk, Moltres finds itself on Flying-type teams as a deterrent to threatening physical attackers such as Dragonite, Choice Scarf Urshifu-R, and Sneasler. Flamethrower is a reliable STAB move that does solid damage to Pokemon such as Archaludon and Klefki. Will-O-Wisp is used to guarantee a burn on prominent attackers such as Azumarill and Iron Hands while negating Leftovers and Black Sludge recovery from passive Pokemon such as Ting-Lu and Toxapex without having to rely on Pressure. U-turn allows Moltres to pivot out of unfavorable situations and keep itself safe from harm, such as in front of Araquanid and Blissey. Alternatively, Scorching Sands can be used in order to hit unsuspecting Heatran that would hope to switch in on Fire-type attacks to protect its teammates. The given Speed EVs allow Moltres to outspeed Jolly Azumarill to neutralize its setup with Will-O-Wisp.
Corviknight forms a great defensive core with Moltres, as they both cover each other's threats well. Corviknight is able to switch into threats such as Choice Band Excadrill and Glimmora for Moltres, while Moltres is able to cover Corviknight by switching into Ogerpon-H and Ninetales. Mandibuzz also makes for another great defensive addition for a defensive trio, as it shields Moltres from incoming Ghost-, Psychic-, and Dark-type attacks from Dragapult, Hoopa-U, and Hydreigon while also threatening various physical attackers with Foul Play. Once Gliscor's Toxic Orb has activated, it acts as a fantastic Knock Off absorber, ensuring Moltres doesn't lose its extremely important Heavy-Duty Boots. Additionally, Moltres can support Gliscor by burning foes, allowing Swords Dance variants of Gliscor to have an easier time setting up in front of some physical threats. Assault Vest Tornadus-T is a great teammate for Moltres, as it can switch in on Special threats that force Moltres out, such as Iron Valiant and Keldeo. Tornadus-T can use Knock Off to remove recovery items from defensive staples such as Toxapex, Galarian Weezing, and Clodsire, causing them to be chipped down more quickly when coupled with burn, as well as being able to outspeed and OHKO Punching Glove Urshifu-R, which is unaffected by Flame Body. Landorus-T is able to handle Fire-type Pokemon that wall and take advantage of Moltres, such as Heatran and Ceruledge, while being a deterrent to Electric-types such as Raging Bolt and Sandy Shocks. Additionally, Landorus-T and the aforementioned defensive trio all have access to U-turn, allowing Flying-type teams and Moltres in particular to retain momentum throughout a battle. In return, Moltres is able to soak up Ice-type attacks from Mamowsine and Great Tusk. Choice Scarf Enamorus is also able to help Moltres deal with Heatran while also sweeping Dragon-, Steel-, and Fire-type teams with the appropriate coverage, and it provides Healing Wish support for Moltres should it need the immediate recovery. In return, Moltres can cover incoming Ice-type attacks from the aforementioned Mamoswine and Great Tusk, as well as Steel-type attacks from Choice Scarf Roaring Moon and Scizor, both of which can threaten to cut Enamorus's sweep short. Dragonite is a great potential wincon with access to Dragon Dance and a colorful movepool, and it greatly appreciates Moltres wearing down troublesome physical walls such as Toxapex, Galarian Weezing, and Quagsire with Will-O-Wisp.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(Flying)
--------
Roar is an alternative option to force out setup sweepers that Moltres has a tough time dealing with, such as Dragon Dance Dragapult and Volcarona.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/royalreloaded.246753/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/boomp.637295/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Last edited:
