This isn't to say Gouging Fire is entirely unbeatable, although it has several sets, good typing, and a very strong stat spread, it can only beat so many things with one set, and specific sets do have their weaknesses. Ursaluna has the upper hand against most other sets despite being able to lose to Reversal, and if you're running Reversal that means you're unable to run the Noble Roar set that beats Primarina, or Haban Berry to beat Dragon types. Gouging also generally struggles against hard hitting ground types like Landorus and Garchomp, or Pokémon that increase their defense or lower Gouging's attack, like Hisuian Goodra, Ogerpon-Wellspring and Pecharunt.
What do you think? Is Gouging Fire the epitome of power and unhealthy flexibility, or is it a healthy cornerstone of the SV metagame? Post any thoughts you might have about Gouging Fire on this thread or the 1v1 Metagame discussion thread!
In order to become a qualified voter, make an account with the prefix 1goug and achieve 2850 COIL on the 1v1 ladder.
Click this link when you achieve requirements and DO NOT ladder until a moderator has verified your account.
The deadline is Monday September 9th at 09:59am UTC.
We will also have suspect tours that will be announced at a later date within this thread so stay tuned!