You are aware Arbok and Luxray used Intimidate much more then there other abilities? Arbok optionally run Shed Skin and Luxray w/Guts was more so a low ladder specialty.Okay I typed this post out and it was way longer than I intended but hear me out.
Torracat could be good, but not as an all-out attacker in my opinion. I'm going to compare this mon to Monferno because they are very similar. Both have access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, making them unpredictable when they come in. They both share the Fire typing, which all around isn't that bad offensively. However, that's kinda where the similarities stop. Torracat, while stat-wise is slightly better than Monferno, lacks two things: priority for offensive sets (why doesn't this thing get sucker punch) and reliable recovery for defensive ones. And though its speed tier is better than the monkey's, it still is outsped by several threats like Simipour and Floatzel and the only semi-viable Pokemon that Torracat outspeeds over Monferno are Articuno and non-scarf Rotom-F. Also, Monferno has the second typing of Fighting giving it a second powerful STAB combination and allowing it to take neutral damage from rocks, something Torracat cannot do.
However, I do think there could be an interesting niche to this Pokemon when Intimidate gets released (who knows how long that'll take). Most other Intimidate users would rather use their other abilities (Arbok using Shed Skin, Luxray using Guts, and Stoutland almost always running Scrappy). Rather than using an offensive Sub+NP set or...that scarf set, I think it'd be better as a defensive set. I came up with two sets that I think could be useful at some point.
Overall, I think Torracat could be a usable mon because of its defensive capabilities, but unfortunately we'll have to wait until Intimidate is released. The lack of priority and reliable recovery sucks a lot, but this is PU after all. Its unpredictability also could make it difficult to play around if an offensive set is played correctly.Torracat @ Eviolite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 Spe OR 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt
- Flamethrower
- U-turn
This set could be a useful way to shut down a lot of defensive set up sweepers with Taunt. Will-o-Wisp help deal with physical attackers, Flamethrower is a reliable STAB without any recoil, though you could use Fire Blast for more power. U-Turn is the last move so that Torracat can be a better pivot after switching in to take a physical hit. The first EV spread outspeeds Jolly base 60s like Pawniard (though you should never swap into that obviously because of Defiant) while maximizing physical bulk. The second outspeeds neutral base 60s. There are other things you can try to speed creep the loss in bulk is substantial.
Torracat @ Eviolite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 SpD / 16 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Leech Life
- Flare Blitz / Fire Fang
- Crunch / Shadow Claw / Frustration
This second set is possibly the closest to an offensive set as I'd like to see. Torracat can function as a decent Bulk Up user due to Intimidate in combination with Eviolite. Leech Life is Torracat's only form of recovery outside of Rest, and with the buff this gen, it's not actually that bad. Unfortunately, it doesn't add a ton to cat's coverage other than hitting Grumpig better. Flare Blitz is your obligatory STAB (ONLY use Fire Fang if you're really worried about recoil). The last move is mainly filler, though Crunch is probably your best bet in my opinion.
tl;dr While it definitely won't be a game changer, once Intimidate is released, Torracat could become a nice niche mon and be very useful on some balance teams.
Defensive sets are outclassed by sturdier more reliable defensive mons and while it has momentum in u-turn its got the same issue torkoal has as a pure Fire-Type which is no reliable recovery.
The BU set again just suffers from why not Monferno? Intimidate could offer more set-up opportunities but not being weak to rocks,extra resistances and Mach Punch (Somewhat Slack Off) just add up more long term.
I can understand the love it gets but Intimidate is just being really overrated eapecially when ignoring what it lacks over other Fires.