QC Approvals: PK Gaming, AccidentalGreed, Pocket
GP Checks: Steven Snype, sirndpt
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Fire Blast / Flare Blitz
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Stone Edge
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 108 Atk / 148 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set does not possess the Choice Band set's immediate destructive power, the Nasty Plot and Swords Dance sets' sweeping potential, nor the mixed attacker's wallbreaking capabilities. It is, however, one of the most versatile revenge killers in the metagame, thanks to Infernape's unmatched coverage and its breakneck Speed. Furthermore, Choice Scarf Infernape can easily ravage opposing teams late game. If they have been sufficiently weakened beforehand, all those pesky walls will fall before Infernape's fire-breathing fists.</p>
<p>Close Combat pummels monsters such as Terrakion, Tyranitar, and Heatran, while Fire Blast scorches the likes of Jirachi, Scizor, and Celebi. If you'd like to go with a more physically oriented set or simply don't like Fire Blast's accuracy, feel free to bust the doors open with Flare Blitz. While the recoil damage is troublesome, the ability to OHKO threats such as Volcarona in the sun is certainly worth the tradeoff. Hidden Power Ice is often run alongside Flare Blitz, as it takes out those Dragons that resist Infernape's STAB combination. However, if you opt not to run Flare Blitz and have no other options against Volcarona, consider using Stone Edge instead. Rounding off the set is the trusty scouting move U-turn, which can bail Infernape out of unfavorable matchups.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order to maximize Infernape's Speed but not hinder its damage output, use either a Naive or Hasty nature; it doesn't really matter because since Infernape won't be taking many hits anyway. The given EV spread guarantees an unconditional OHKO against Terrakion with Close Combat, as well as an OHKO against Dragonite, Salamence, and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock. If all attacks are physical, switch to 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe and a Jolly nature. You could drop the Speed EVs to 200 to outpace Choice Scarf Landorus, but not being able to Speed tie a Terrakion could leave you kicking yourself over and over again. ThunderPunch, Overheat, and Grass Knot are all other moves that could be considered, but Infernape is the poster boy of four moveslot syndrome and should only use these moves to fulfill specialized roles.</p>
<p>Ninetales is one of Infernape's most common teammates, and for good reason: it fuels Infernape's Fire STABs to devastatingly high levels. While Infernape mostly uses U-turn to avoid its checks and counters, it is still a good idea to carry a Pokemon such as Blissey, Chansey, or Ferrothorn to deal with Latias, Latios, Starmie, and other troublesome Pokemon. Scizor is an excellent partner to lure in Heatran and Magnezone, allowing Infernape to demolish them, and the metal bug returns the favor by disposing of the Lati twins. It is also beneficial to carry around a Rotom-W, as the washing machine takes out bulky Waters such as Tentacruel, while Son Goku ignites Ferrothorn, Breloom, and other Pokemon that trouble Rotom-W. Keep in mind that Infernape is incredibly frail, and even resisted priority moves such as Bullet Punch will deal decent damage. A sturdy wall such as Skarmory can usually take those hits for it.</p>
GP Checks: Steven Snype, sirndpt
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Fire Blast / Flare Blitz
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Stone Edge
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Blaze
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 108 Atk / 148 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set does not possess the Choice Band set's immediate destructive power, the Nasty Plot and Swords Dance sets' sweeping potential, nor the mixed attacker's wallbreaking capabilities. It is, however, one of the most versatile revenge killers in the metagame, thanks to Infernape's unmatched coverage and its breakneck Speed. Furthermore, Choice Scarf Infernape can easily ravage opposing teams late game. If they have been sufficiently weakened beforehand, all those pesky walls will fall before Infernape's fire-breathing fists.</p>
<p>Close Combat pummels monsters such as Terrakion, Tyranitar, and Heatran, while Fire Blast scorches the likes of Jirachi, Scizor, and Celebi. If you'd like to go with a more physically oriented set or simply don't like Fire Blast's accuracy, feel free to bust the doors open with Flare Blitz. While the recoil damage is troublesome, the ability to OHKO threats such as Volcarona in the sun is certainly worth the tradeoff. Hidden Power Ice is often run alongside Flare Blitz, as it takes out those Dragons that resist Infernape's STAB combination. However, if you opt not to run Flare Blitz and have no other options against Volcarona, consider using Stone Edge instead. Rounding off the set is the trusty scouting move U-turn, which can bail Infernape out of unfavorable matchups.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order to maximize Infernape's Speed but not hinder its damage output, use either a Naive or Hasty nature; it doesn't really matter because since Infernape won't be taking many hits anyway. The given EV spread guarantees an unconditional OHKO against Terrakion with Close Combat, as well as an OHKO against Dragonite, Salamence, and Landorus with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock. If all attacks are physical, switch to 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe and a Jolly nature. You could drop the Speed EVs to 200 to outpace Choice Scarf Landorus, but not being able to Speed tie a Terrakion could leave you kicking yourself over and over again. ThunderPunch, Overheat, and Grass Knot are all other moves that could be considered, but Infernape is the poster boy of four moveslot syndrome and should only use these moves to fulfill specialized roles.</p>
<p>Ninetales is one of Infernape's most common teammates, and for good reason: it fuels Infernape's Fire STABs to devastatingly high levels. While Infernape mostly uses U-turn to avoid its checks and counters, it is still a good idea to carry a Pokemon such as Blissey, Chansey, or Ferrothorn to deal with Latias, Latios, Starmie, and other troublesome Pokemon. Scizor is an excellent partner to lure in Heatran and Magnezone, allowing Infernape to demolish them, and the metal bug returns the favor by disposing of the Lati twins. It is also beneficial to carry around a Rotom-W, as the washing machine takes out bulky Waters such as Tentacruel, while Son Goku ignites Ferrothorn, Breloom, and other Pokemon that trouble Rotom-W. Keep in mind that Infernape is incredibly frail, and even resisted priority moves such as Bullet Punch will deal decent damage. A sturdy wall such as Skarmory can usually take those hits for it.</p>
