In case needed, THE original thread by Bloo can be found here
Pokedex: Emboar
Status : Done (took a little longer than expected)! Ready for QC checks. All feedback (comments, corrections, criticism) is greatly appreciated!
QC Checks:
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QC Rejections:
1) Delta 2777
2) PK Gaming
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[Overview]
<p>Emboar shows up as the Fire starter of Gen 5, and is a real threat to be recognized. With Fire and Fighting typing, it continues the tree of starters with the type combination, following in the footsteps of Blaziken and Infernape. Emboar comes packed with massive attack stats, with a whopping base 123 attack stat coupled with a respectable base 100 special attack, allowing it to hit hard from either side of the spectrum or even go mixed. Emboar also maintains a decent bulk, as though base 65 defenses are not impressive, it makes up for it with a nice base 110 HP stat. Emboar also packs a great movepool, with physical options including Flare Blitz, Superpower, and Wild Charge, while also packing moves like Fire Blast, Grass knot, and even Boiling Water on the special side, showing he will have no problem KO’ing enemies. However, every sweeper needs to be fast, and Emboar can’t keep up with various threats only packing base 65 speed, and revenge killers can easily take advantage of your sub par defenses. However, Emboar does have Flame Charge to raise his speed stat, and with the right team support, this hog can tear down entire teams.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move1: Flare Blitz
move2: Superpower
move3: Wild Charge / Earthquake
move4: Stone Edge / Head Smash
item: Choice Band
ability: Blaze
nature: Adamant
evs: 208 HP / 252 Atk / 48 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With 252 evs invested in attack along with Choice Band equipped, Emboar reaches a massive attack stat of 568, meaning it can easily dent a wide array of pokemon. Emboar packs two immensely powerful STAB moves, both Flare Blitz and Superpower, both of which devestate even the sturdiest physical walls when Choice Band is equipped. Wild Charge is a fantastic addition for Emboar, as it allows for the ability to hit bulky waters such as Gyarados and Jellicent, both who can effortlessly wall your STAB moves. However, Earthquake may be used to hit Tentacruel for more damage, as well as get rid of recoil, though you miss out on hitting Gyarados with a 4x super effective move. Head Smash may inflict Emboar with a massive amount of recoil damage, but a 150 BP move backed by Choice Band allows Emboar to demolish the likes of Salamence and Zapdos, as well as other Flying types who wall your Fighting STAB. If you feel that Emboar's below average defenses are a reason not to run three moves with recoil, Stone Edge is the alternative, as it packs the same accuracy as Head Smash without any recoil damage, only trading off a decrease in power.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An adamant nature is the nature of choice, as max attack with a positive nature allow Emboar to strike as hard as it can whenever it attacks, inflicting as much damage as possible. The evs placed in HP are used so Emboar can be more durable, a compensation for those bad defensive stats. Since the purpose of the set is to come in and slam the opponent with your immensely powerful STAB moves, not many speed evs are needed, as Emboar doesn't need to outpace a large portion of the metagame. However, the 48 additional speed evs allow it to outpace the standard Skarmory, allowing you to do massive damage with STAB Flare Blitz. If you find Flare Blitz's recoil to be a bit unappealing, Heat Stamp may be used, as it gains BP the heavier the user is than the opponent. However, it has a relatively low BP against threats like Skarmory and Ferrothorn, making Flare Blitz the superior option.</p>
<p>As far as counters go, buky Water / Ground types, such as Swampert, Quagsire, and Seismitoad all have the amount of bulk needed to easily take Emboar's attacks. They also have the ability to slam Emboar with both their STAB moves, and with only base 65 defense and special defense, this pig won't have an easy time taking them. Jellicent also makes an incredible counter, as it carries an immunity to one of your STAB's and resists the other, and if your foolish enough to stay in, it can Recover off any damage and easily 2HKO you with STAB Surf or Boiling Water. However, one must be careful for sending in Jellicent, as a predicted Wild Charge can seriously put a dent in your HP. Gyarados also makes a great counter, as it's typing allows the resistance for both Emboar's STAB moves, and access to Intimidate weakens Emboar's attacks. However, Gyarados must beware switching in on a Wild Charge, as the Choice Band boost can still severly hurt Gyarados even ater the Intimidate. Gliscor also creates trouble for Emboar, as not only does it resists Superpower and is immune to Wild Charge, but it's stellar physical bulk allows it to take both Flare Blitz and Head Smash, Roost off any damage, and attack with STAB super effective Earthquake. In case of the Poison Heal variants, Gliscor can cripple Emboar poison status by using Fling, greatly limiting its survivability if locked into a recoil inducing move. Gliscor can then attack with boosted, STAB, super effective Acrobat, resulting in a dead Emboar.</p>
<p>As for teammates, Salamence creates great synergy with Emboar, as it can come in on any Ground attacks aimed at the pig, while Emboar in return can take any Ice moves aimed at Salamence fairly well. Emboar also demolishes any opposing Steel types, who otherwise cause a problem for Salamence. Emboar also pairs well with bulky waters, such as Gyarados, who can take any Ground moves aimed at Emboar and cripple any physical threats with Intimidate, allowing it to set up a Dragon Dance on the switch. Vaporeon and Alomomola also pair up nicely with Emboar, as both can pass enormous Wishes thanks to their base HP stats, allowing Emboar to recover off any recoil damage and stay as healthy as possible. Emboar also KO's any Grass types who may harm the duo, while they can take any Water attacks aimed at the pig.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move1: Superpower
move2: Fire Blast / Overheat
move3: Wild Charge / Grass Knot
move4: Head Smash / Stone Edge
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Blaze
nature: Mild / Rash
evs: 208 Atk / 252 SpA / 48 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Unlike most other Emboar sets, this one function to benefit the team by ridding yourself of any troubling defensive pokemon the opponent may have, while also working as a late game sweeper rather than all out sweeper. The evs placed give Emboar enough speed to outpace base 70's, such as Skarmory, with 4 evs placed in speed, while also maximizing its special attack stat to hit pokemon such as Skarmory and Jirachi as hard as you can. Superpower is your best Fighting-type STAB option, as it garuntees a OHKO on Blissey. The second slot is used to deal with physically bulky Steel-types, such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Forretress. Fire Blast is the best choice, as it packs great BP backed by STAB, along with no negative effect. Fire Blast also OHKO's all Skarmory variants with Stealth Rock in play, something that Flare Blitz fails to do. Overheat is another option, as it decimates 252 HP / 252 SpD Celebi and Jirachi with Life Orb, inflicting 96.5% - 114.4%.</p>
<p>The third slot is a bit of a tough decision, which should be based on what you want Emboar to hit. Wild Charge works off Emboar's higher attacking stat, and hits those troubling bulky Waters, most notably Gyarados and Jellicent. However, Grass Knot finally provides you with a move to hit bulky Water / Ground's and Hippowdon, all who come in on your other moves with relative ease, while also hitting Gyarados neutrally. Head Smash and Stone Edge are in the fourth slot, as they are your most effective way of hitting things such as Zapdos on the switch, the former providing more power while the latter is an option since it does not induce recoil damage.</p>
<p>The choice of item for Emboar really can go either way. Life Orb is the recommended option, as Emboar should be provided with as much power as it can to KO any troubling walls. Emboar will also probably be switching out soon after anyway, as the opponent can bring in a faster threat, such as Gyarados, who can easily KO you. Leftovers, on the other hand, give Emboar increased survivability, something that can help if attempting a late game sweep.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Emboar has a pretty good collective movepool, so there are other options. Hidden Power Ice is your best way of dealing with the ever threatening Gliscor, as it OHKO's variants with little or no SpD investment. Hidden Power Ice also can hit Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Haxorus switch-ins, all who could otherwise take your moves (barring Grass Knot in Hippowdon's case) with relative ease and KO with Earthquake. Flamethrower may bay used in slot two, as it has 100 accuracy as well as no negative side effects. However, the drop in power really is not appealing, as it may turn a OHKO into a 2HKO.</p>
<p>This Emboar pairs great with sweepers who need the likes of Skarmory and Blissey gone, as it makes allows them to perform their jobs without fear of being walled. Dragon Dance Gyarados loves when troublesome physical walls such as Ferrothorn and Forretress are disposed of, as it does not need to switch out and can easily set up. Physical Salamence fits under the same category, as it needn’t worry on physically bulky Steel types coming in on an Outrage and watch them set up entry hazards or Leech Seed, in Ferrothorn’s case. The two also take any Water and Ground-type attacks aimed at Emboar, letting the fire pig stick around for as long as it can.</p>
<p>Since Emboar also wrecks special walls such as Registeel, Chansey and Blissey with its physical Fighting move, special sweepers whom normally have troubles with said pokemon enjoy Emboar’s assistance. Gengar and Mismagius really do appreciate when troubling special walls are disposed of, as they are now able set up without fear of being walled. Specsmence also appreciates when specially bulky Steel-types, Blissey, and Chansey are gone, as not very much else can switch in safely on a STAB Specs boosted Draco Meteor. The type synergy it shares with Emboar also adds to its viability as a partner, as it takes all Water and Ground attacks that Emboar may lure in. Calm Mind and Crocune Suicune variants also creates a nice type synergy with Emboar, and the pig’s assistance allows Suicune to easily set up thanks to once any troubling special walls are out of the way, especially Ferrothorn, who completely walls Crocune and can stall it out with Leech Seed and Power Whip.</p>
<p>Though not essential, Drought Ninetales makes a great partner for Emboar, as the sun support it provides really buffs up your Fire-type STAB move, as well as lowering the amount of damage Emboar takes from opposing Water attacks. If you do decide to run Emboar under a sun team, Exeggutor pairs quite nicely with the pig, as it appreciates when it can safely sweep without the presence of the ever annoying Ferrothorn, Chansey, or Blissey. Exeggutor also takes any Ground, Psychic, and Water attacks aimed at Emboar, while he in turn can switch in on any Fire, Dark, or Ice attacks that Exeggutor may attract. However, Exeggutor must be cautious, as it may be KO’d by any Flying-type attacks aimed at Emboar, such as Gliscor’s Acrobat or Togekiss’ Air Slash.</p>
<p>Since this Emboar packs no investment in bulk, a faster sweeper can easily take it out. Gyarados still remains on of the most effective methods of dealing with Emboar, as Intimidate weakens Wild Charge’s power, meaning Emboar is unable to hit as hard, meaning Gyarados can either KO with STAB Waterfall or set up a Dragon Dance on the switch. Salamence fits in the same boat, as all it needs to do is switch in on either of your STABS, KO with Earthquake or set up on the switch. However, Salamence must be cautious of Hidden Power Ice, as it can take a massive chunk out of its HP or even result in a KO with Stealth Rock in play. Gliscor, once again, makes a pretty effective counter to this set. However, the addition of special moves means Gliscor needs to be cautious when switching in, and with the addition of Team Preview, one predicted Hidden Power Ice results in a KO’d Gliscor. Quagsire continues to be a problem for Emboar who do not carry Grass Knot, as it can come in on any hit, Recover off the damage, and at least 2HKO with Earthquake. Choice Banded Azumarill also poses a problem, because if it comes in on your Fire STAB or Hidden Power Ice, it can hit hard with super effective STAB priority Aqua Jet, which easily KO’s Emboar who do not switch out. However, it must beware coming in on Grass Knot or Wild Charge, as both moves can seriously put a dent into Azumarill’s HP.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move1: Flare Blitz
move2: Superpower
move3: Wild Charge
move4: Head Smash / Stone Edge
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Similar to the banded set above, Choice Scarf Emboar attempts to act as a revenge killer by curing the pig of its abysmal base 65 speed stat. Once again, Flare Blitz and Superpower remain your primary STAB choices, and though Emboar doesn’t have Choice Band to buff up his attack, a STAB 120 BP move coming off of a 123 base attack still severely damages anything hat does not resist your moves. Wild Charge still remains a fantastic option for Emboar, as it lets the pig take out any opposing bulky waters, such as Gyarados and Jellicent, both who think they can easily come in on your STAB moves. Head Smash is Emboar’s best way of ridding itself of any Flying types who take neutral Wild Charge, such as Salamence and Zapdos, while also hitting the ever threatening Chandelure, who resists both your STAB moves, for super effective damage. If you still don’t want Emboar to rely heavily on moves that induce recoil, Stone Edge remains an alternative to Head Smash, as it trades a reduce in power for no recoil, but still remains inferior to Head Smash, as this Emboar has no way of boosting its attack stat.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice of nature for this Emboar variant all depend on what you want him to outspeed. The evs listed allow Emboar to outpace positive natured base 110 and 115 threats, such as Starmie and Latios, with an Jolly nature, having him reach 363 speed. Maximum evs are invested into attack so Emboar can hit as hard as it can, while the remaining 12 are poured into HP to give Emboar a little bit of bulk. Adamant nature can be used to buff up Emboar's attacks, while also allowing you to outspeed positive base 105's. However, Jolly remains the reccomended nature, as Emboar needs to outspeed threats like Virizion and Gengar.</p>
<p>Emboar has a fairly large movepool, so there are other attacking options. Heat Stamp can be used over Flare Blitz to avoid recoil, but the lack of a Choice Band boost coupled with Heat Stamp’s unreliable BP make Flare Blitz the better choice. Brick Break is an alternative STAB option that can be used in slot two if the stat drops of Superpower and Hammer Arm, but the lack of power means Emboar may fail to KO the opponent, meaning they can retaliate and dent or even KO Emboar. Ankle Sweep can be used to lower the speed of the opposing pokemon, but the presence of Choice Scarf makes it a virtually useless choice. Emboar gets Earthquake, but in terms of coverage, it is redundant with both your STAB choices. Rock Slide is also viable in the fourth slot if you want to trade the power of Head Smash or Stone Edge for increased accuracy, but the lower BP means anything that survives it can easily attack and probably KO Emboar.</p>
<p>The fact that this Emboar is locked into one move means it is not too difficult to counter. Gyarados and Jellicent wall your STAB moves, and can easily come in and attack with STAB super effective Water attacks or, in the case of the former, set up Dragon Dance on your switch. Both still must beware a predicted Wild Charge, as Emboar will outspeed and even 2HKO the bulkier variants. Bulky Water / Ground types need not fear any of Emboar’s attacks, and even pokemon like Quagsire can take a Superpower and easily Recover off any damage. They can then threaten Emboar with their super effective STAB attacks or set up status on the switch. Flash Fire Chandelure can also come in on both Emboar’s STAB moves due to the dual immunity, and can threaten the pig with Psychic or set up Calm Mind or Substitute on the switch.</p>
<p>Just as with the Choice Band set, Gliscor makes the best counter for Scarfed Emboar, as he resists Emboar’s Fighting STAB and carries an immunity towards Wild Charge, while still taking both Head Smash and Flare Blitz due to its fantastic bulk. The Poison Heal variants can then proceed to cripple Emboar by Flinging their Toxic Orbs, and then KO’ing the fire pig with boosted super effective Acrobat. For those carrying Roost, they can come in on any move Emboar can throw at them, Roost if hit by Flare Blitz or Head Smash, and OHKO with Earthquake or set up a Swords Dance on the switch.</p>
[SET]
name: Flame Charge Sweeper
move1: Flame Charge
move2: Flare Blitz
move3: Earthquake
move4: Wild Charge / Head Smash / Stone Edge
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Unlike the Choice Scarf set, Flame Charge Emboar aims to raise your speed so Emboar function more as a sweeper rather than simply a revenge killer, while also allowing the freedom to switch your moves. As implied, Flame Charge is the main move of the set, as with the evs invested Emboar reaches 330 speed after one use, enough to outspeed positive natured base 100’s. Flare Blitz remains your Fire STAB option, as Emboar wants to hit as hard as it can for as long as it can before going down. The recoil provided also means you can hit Blaze range faster, allowing for the pig to dish out one or two boosted Flare Blitz’s before going down. Earthquake is used in slot three to hit pokemon such as Tentacruel and Terakion, both who can cause serious problems.</p>
<p>The choice of move for the last slot all depend on what counters to Emboar you want him to cover. Wild Charge hits the ever threatening bulky waters, most of which, such as Jellicent, can easily take your other attacks and attack with STAB super effective Water moves. Head Smash is an alternative, as it hits any opposing Fire types (especially Chandelure), as well as the ever threatening Salamence and Zapdos, for a tremendous amount of damage. Stone Edge remains the alternative, as too much recoil hinders Emboar’s chance of sweeping.</p>
<p>The item choice for this Emboar variant is generally based on personal preferance. Leftovers is the primary option, as thanks to Emboar's enormous attack coupled with powerful moves to abuse it with means Emboar does not necessarily need a boost in power, and the Leftovers allow Emboar to recover bits of the recoil damage it aquires. Life Orb, on the other hand, provides Emboar with a boost in power, and even changes some 2HKO's into OHKO's. However, with LO + recoil damage racking up, Emboar's survival is severely limited, meaning he must constantly switch out instead of engaging in an all out sweep, relying heavily Wish support if he is to be sent out again.</p>
<p>The evs and nature chosen give Emboar maximum power while still being able to outspeed a wide array of threats in the standard environment. With 216 evs placed in speed and a Jolly nature, Emboar reaches a speed stat of 363 after +1, allowing him to outspeed positive base 115’s, such a Starmie, and attack with a super effective Wild Charge. The remaining evs are dumped into HP for a bit more bulk.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>For slot three, either Superpower or Hammer Arm may be considered, as they both serve as your Fighting STAB and an effective way to hit Blissey. However, the stat drops on both moves are far too risky for a sweeper, making Earthquake the preffered choice. Brick Break may also be used, but the lack in BP means a failed KO can result in a dead Emboar. Expert Belt can be used if you want to boost the power of your attacks without the price of recoil. However, since it only works for super effective moves, Life Orb remains the superior option. Muscle Band makes an interesting options since all moves used by this Emboar are physical, as well as the fact as it offers no recoil unlike Life Orb. However, 10% is not a significant increase, and it does not turn any significant 2HOK's into a OHKO. An Adamant nature may also be opted in favor of Jolly, however, Emboar just can't afford to be outsped by the likes of Starmie, Latias, and Gengar.</p>
<p>Wish support is absolutely crucial for this set, as the recoil damage will cause you to continously switch out. Alomomola and Vaporeon make fantastic partners, as they can pass enormous Wishes thanks to their great base HP stat. The two also have the ability to lure in Grass type attacks, which Emboar can take with relative ease due to its nice HP stat. Jirachi also makes a good Wish partner, as it can lure in Dark attacks, one of the few moves that Emboar can safely switch in on. However, one must be careful, as Jirachi shares a Ground-type weakness with Emboar, and may lure in Earthquakes which will OHKO Emboar as it switches in. Chansey and Blissey are also ones to consider when Wishing, as their stellar HP allows Emboar to recieve optimal recovery on the switch in. Chansey and Blissey also make great clerics, something every Emboar can benefit from, as paralysis ruins your chances of sweeping, while poison damage along with recoil from Flare Blitz and Wild Charge / Head Smash means Emboar won't be sticking around for a long time. Altaia and Lanturn also make interesting options, as they both have nice overall bulk and take any Water-type attacks aimed at Emboar, as well as Ground attacks if using Altaria or Flying attacks if using Lanturn. However, Lanturn must be extra careful, as it should try to avoid switching in on any Ground attacks Emboar may lure. In turn, Emboar can resist any Grass attacks aimed at Lanturn, as well as any Ice attacks that may be aimed at Altaria.</p>
<p>Since recoil is a big enough problem already, Emboar can't afford to take any extra damage. With entry hazards falling under that catagory, packing a spinner is never a bad idea. Donphan and Forretress should be considered for this, as they not only get rid of the opponent's enrty hazards, they can also set up their own. They both also carry Assurance and Payback respectively, and when coupled with their respectable attack stats, they are able to dispatch a large portion of spin blockers. Emboar can also take any Grass or Ice attacks Donphan may lure, as well as any Fire attacks aimed at Forretress. Blastoise also makes an interesting option, as it can not only Rapid Spin, but also spread status via Toxic, and proceed to phaze with either Roar or Dragon Tail, allowing Emboar to pick off any poison battered foes.</p>
<p>Dual Screen support also provides a great help to Emboar, as it cannot afford to take any powerful hits along with all the recoil damage. Cresselia, Reuniclus, and Latias all do a nice job at this, as their great bulk allow for an easy set up. They all also lure in Dark and Bug-type attacks (as well as Ice-type attacks in Latias' case), all which Emboar can safely switch into once the screens are up. Jirachi also is a viable candidate, as it not only sets up screens, but it can also set up a Wish for a weaker Emboar, who can switch in, take any non-super effective attack thanks to the screens, and gain Wish recovery, keeping it as healthy as possible. Xatu also makes a good option, as the pig can take most Ice moves aimed at Xatu, while it can take any Ground moves aimed at Emboar. Xatu can also bounce back status moves thanks to Magic Mirror, and proceed to set up screens. Xatu also has the ability to set up a Wish for Emboar, but it's rather low base HP make Jirachi and Latias the better choices.</p>
<p>Once again, physically bulky Water / Ground types pretty much have you beat, as they can easily take your moves and strike back with either of their STAB moves. Quagsire remains a huge problem, as it can take all your attacks, ignore any of your speed boosts, Recover, and let you die to recoil or KO with STAB Earthquake. If not carrying Wild Charge, Slowbro and other plain bulky Waters easily wall Emboar, and can either attack with their super effective STAB moves or set up on your switch. Hippowdon also creates a big problem for Emboar, as it can take anything the pig throws at it, Slack Off, and either KO with Earthquake or Toxic stall. The Sanstorm damage coupled with any recoil damage can also bring Emboar down to dangerously low levels, and though it does activate your Blaze which results in a stronger Flare Blitz, a healthy Hippowdon can still take one and finish you off with its STAB. Bulky Ghost types, such as Dusknoir and Cofagrigus, both can come in on a predicted Superpower and either set up status, attack, or set up on your switch. Gliscor is anoher tremndeous problem for Flame Charge Emboar, as its great physical bulk, access to Roost or Poison Heal, an immunity to Wild Charge, a Fling + Acrobat combo, and STAB Ground attacks mean Emboar should immediately switch at the sight of one. Flash Fire Chandelure also counters this Emboar quite nicely, as it can come in on both your STAB attacks and attack KO Emboar with either Psychic or STAB Shadow Ball, or it can set up Calm Mind or Substitute on the switch. Bulky Psychic types, like Cresselia and Reuniclus, see Emboar as a pure set up fodder, as they can easily come in on a predicted Superpower and go for Calm Mind or set up screens on your switch, or even KO those foolish enough to leave Emboar in with STAB Psychic type attacks. An especially effective Psychic counter is Latias, as it walls all your attacks (unless carrying Head Smash or Stone Edge), meaning it can KO you with Surf or set up a Calm Mind on the switch.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>As mentioned many times, Gyarados and Salamence pair up fantasticly woth Emboar, as the three share a great type synergy. Since Emboar remains a magnet for Ground and Water-type attacks, the two can easily come in and take either of those moves, crippling a possible physical threat with Intimidate. They can then proceed to KO the opponent with their powerful STAB moves or set up a Dragon Dance on the switch. Emboar also incinerates any opposing Steel types, making it much easier for Salamence and Gyarados to set up a sweep.</p>
<p>For all Emboar sets, status remains a continous problem, as Emboar has no form of recovery outside of Rest, and even that's to risky as it leaves you a sitting duck. As said before, Altaria does a great job at this, as it take all Water and Ground type-attacks aimed at Emboar, and it can easily set up a Heal Bell thanks to its above average bulk. Emboar also takes any Ice attacks that come in Altaria's direction, meaning the two share a great codependency. Chansey and Blissey also make great clerics, as their bulk lets them come in on any special attacks that may be aimed at Emboar, cure its status, and use Softboiled to get rid of any damage. The two can also spread status around the opponent's team, making it much easier for sets like the Flame Charge sweeper to perform their jobs with less difficulty.</p>
<p>Emboar really loves Dual Screen support, as the boost in defences combined with its nice HP stat allow for Emboar to stick around and possibly sweep for a longer period of time. Reuniclus and Cresselia both are fantastic at doing this, as they both come in on any Psychic attacks (and Ground attacks, in the case of the latter) aimed at Emboar. Thanks to their impressive bulk, they have no trouble taking the opponent's non-super effective atacks and can set up screens. The two also lure in Dark-type attacks, something Emboar can safely switch into thanks to the screens and the resistance. jirachi also makes a good screener, as it also lures in Dark attacks and has the ability to pass off Wishes to weakened Emboar. However, one must be careful, as Jirachi does share Emboar's Gorund weakness, and if Emboar switches in on a Tyranitar predicting a Crunch, only to be hit by an Earthquake, you've got a KO'd Emboar on your hands.</p>
<p>Sun support is never a bad idea for Emboar, as it power up its Fire STAB as well as halves any damage taken from Water-type attacks aimed at him. Ninetales is the best sun supporter, as Drought allows for infinite sun. Exeggutor also pairs well with Emboar under the sun, as it takes all Water, Psychic, and Ground attacks aimed at the pig, while Emboar in turn takes any Ice or Dark attacks that Exeggutor may be subjected to. Emboar also destroys Steel types under the sun, a type that Exeggutor struggles with if not running Hidden Power Fire.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Emboar packs a fairly large movepool, so there are plenty more options you can utilize. Heat Stamp is an alternative to Flare Blitz, as Emboar will usually be heavier than the opposing pokemon. However, the unreliable BP means a heavier threat can safely switch in and strike back. Heavy Bomber falls under the same catagory, but really is not worth it as it does not tecieve a STAB boost. Brick Break can be used on any of the sets in place of Hammer Arm or Superpowwer, as it comes with no negative side effects. However, the lack of BP can even turn some easy OHKO's into 2HKO's, making Hammer Arm and Superpower the preffered choices. Gyro Ball is another option for the Choice Band set, as Emboar can reach 121 speed with a Brave natue and 0 speed IVs, meaning a pletheora of pokemon will outspeed and take more damage from Gyro Ball. Assurance is an interesting option for Emboar, as it allows it to hit troubling Psychic types for super effective damage. With Stealth Rock up, predicting a switch into one means Assurancerecieves a boost in power, meaning Emboar can net some pretty surprising KO's. Emboar also learns Poison Jab, but its just bad in terms of coverage and faces stiff competition to find a slot.</p>
<p>Emboar learns the moves Bulk Up and Curse, both of which can compensate for its bad physical defense while boosting its attack stat to phenomenal levels, as well as the latter's ability to power up Gyro Ball. However, Emboar faces many problems while trying to set up, the two main reasons being that it remains too slow and it still remains vunerable on the special side, meaning anything faster with a good special attack can effeorlessly KO you, such as Alakazam. Emboar also has no means of instant recovery outside of Rest, meaning most of the time your set up wll be in vain. Emboar can use Substitute to try and have an easier time setting up, but its lack of speed and frailness mean it will probably be KO'd before it has the chance to set one up.</p>
<p>Emboar also learns Sleep Talk, which means he can run a ResTalking se or possibly a mono-attacking set. This also allows Emboar to heal off any recoil damage and status afflictions it might have gained, allowing a longer survivability. However, its bad speed and defences once again hinder it, as Emboar can easily fall prey to anything faster while sleeping, meaning the opponent can safely KO the fire pig.</p>
<p>Emboar actually recieves a decent support movepool alongside his offensive movepool. The pig has access to moves like Will-O-Wisp, Roar, and Yawn, as well as a few otheers, and may be able to run a somewhat bulky set due to its nice HP stat. However, this requires an incredible amount of team support to pull off, and is generally pulled off better by Arcanine, who sports better bulk, higher speed, and Intimidate.</p>
<p>Emboar can also run a Trick Room sweeper set, as its speed is low enough that it wil outspeed a vast mmajority of threats once Trick Room is set up. However, since it does not learn the move itself, the chance that Trick Room will run out once Emboar is in means you have a slow, frail, sitting duck on your hands. Reuniclus will also outspeed you in a Trick Room, meaning it can KO or set up a Calm Mind on the switch. Emboar can also run a MixScarf set, as it can KO a fairly large portion of the metagame thanks to its great collective movepool. However, Fire-types like Magmortar and Arcanine generally pull this off better, as they're higher speed stats and better movepool in the case of the former mean they can outspeed a larget portion of the metagame net more KO's.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Due to its poor speed and overall lack of bulk, coutering Emboar is not a very difficult task, and anything faster with super effective STAB moves can easily dispose of Emboar. Water / Ground- types like Quagsire and Swampert, easily come in on any Emboar who does not carry Grass Knot, and threaten it with their super effective STAB moves. Bulky Waters in general have what it takes to take Emboar down. Gyarados, Jelliecent, and Vaporeon all wall Emboar's STAB attacks to no end, and decimate it with their STAB Water attacks or set up on his switch. However, all must beware when switching in, as a Choice Banded Wild Charge will KO the likes of all three of them. Hippowdon also stacks up nicley against Emboar, as it shrugs off all your attacks (bar Grass Knot, Sclad, and Hidden Power Ice), and can effortlessly KO you with STAB Earthquake. Hippowdon can aslo stall Emboar out with a Toxic + Sandstorm combo, as well as the recoil damage from your moves, which will result in a KO'd Emboar. Salamence and Gyarados are a pair of Emboar's best counters, as they both wall your STAB moves and can cripple your attacking power with Intimidate, allowing them to KO you with Earthquake or Waterfall respectively, or safely set up a Dragon Dance on your switch. However, both must beware when to switch in, as Head Smash hugely dents Salamence and Wild Charge severly cripples Gyarados, even with Intimidate. Chandelure is another big problem for Emboar, as it can come in on both your STAB moves, possibly get a Flash Fire boost via Flare Blitz, sub up, and Calm Mind away as it watches Emboar switch out in fear.</p>
<p>Gliscor is another problem for purely physical Emboar, as its bulk, Wild Charge, and troublesome STAB moves make it so Emboar can barely scratch it without Hidden Power Ice or Sclad. Gliscor can come in on any other moves and either set up a Swords Dance on the switch, Fling a Toxic Orb, or simply KO Emboar with STAB Earthquake. Sand Veil variants can also roost off any damage, and stall out Emboar as it eventually dies to recoil damage.</p>
<p>Bulky Psychic types all send Emboar running for the hills, so packing one might not be such a bad idea. Reuniclus, Cresselia, and Slowbro all do a fine job at this, as they can take almost anything Emboar may throw at them (bar Choice Banded Wild Charge in Slowbro's case). The all can then recover off any damage, and scare Emboar off with their STAB attacks or set up Calm Mind on the switch. Latias deserves a special mention as a counter to Emboar, as it resists all of its moves bar Head Smash, and uses Emboar as pure set up fodder. Latias can also Wish away any damage, and simply watch as Emboar dies to Head Smash recoil or just KO the pig with STAB Psychic.</p>
<p>Status is another troublesome aspect for Emboar, as poison damage racks up along with recoil damage, while paralysis just ruins your chances of sweeping. Quagsire can provide Toxic support, wall Emboar, and can stall away thanks to Recover. Hippowdon also makes a great candidate to status Emboar, as the combined damage from recoil, Toxic and Sandstorm means Emboar will go down at an astonishingly fast rate. Togekis is the perfect pokemon to paralyze Emboar, as access to STAB super effective Air Slash along with Serene Grace means Emboar will be rendered completely useless.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Though unreleased, Emboar recieves the one ability through Dream World that describes it perfectly: Reckless. Thanks to the ability's effect, all recoil inducing moves used by Emboar have their power increased by 20%, and since Emboar constantly risks it life with recoil moves, the ability fits it perfectly. This means Flare Blitz, Wild Charge, and Head Smash will send anything that is hit and does not resist into at least, and should be the preffered ability choice on most of Emboar's sets, especially on the Scarfed and Flame Charge ones, as it allows Emboar to rip teams apart in a matter of seconds. However, Reckless is not without it's flaws, as it also means that Emboar takes more recoil damage when it attacks than if using Blaze, putting Emboar in the position that it will lose its life at an incredibly fast rate if not played correctly.</p>
