A Rare Breed

Fire Pokemon have been around since the beginning. They are strong, versatile, and fast. Trainers around the globe have watched their Charizard rein fire down from the sky, Infernape get up close and personal, and their Heatran just take countless hits while dishing out pain. There are quite a few options available to a trainer looking to 'burninate the countryside." One in particular stands out to me. Man's Best Friend, Arcanine. 

HP: 90

Attack: 110

Defense: 80

Special Attack: 100

Special Defense: 80

Speed: 95

Total: 555

A  555 base total is pretty awesome.  Arcanine's attack and special attack are both impressive.  It has great speed and can take a few hits, even from super effective attacks.  As with most Pokemon, being one type  is a blessing and a curse.  Thankfully, we have many options that can help a trainer get max value out of this fiery puppy.

Physical Sweeper A.K.A "Chomp"

Nature: Adamant/Jolly

Ability: Intimidate/ Flash Fire

Moveset: Flare Blitz

Thunder Fang

Crunch

Close Combat/ Extremespeed

Item: Leftovers/ Air Ballon/ Life Orb

EV Spread

252 Attack/ 252 Speed/ 4 HP

This set takes full advantage of Arcanine's high attack stat. It provides coverage on 9 types, 2 of which are water and rock. I really like Close Combat, but Extremespeed can break Focus Sashes, and 2 hit KO most Pokemon.  Both abilities have their purpose for Arcanine. Intimidate weakens attackers, and Flash Fire can make this a great pokemon to switch into against an unsuspecting foe. 

Leftovers can help heal Arcanine's wounds from Flare Blitz. Air Balloon is also awesome for protecting a 1 hit KO and sometimes can buy you more than 1 turn if the opposing trainer doesn't pay attention.

Mixed Sweeper A.K.A "Mixcanine"

Nature: Hasty/ Naive

Ability: Intimidate/ Flash Fire

Moveset: Flamethrower/ Heat Wave

Solarbeam/Hidden Power-grass

Crunch

Close Combat/ Extremespeed

Item: Air Balloon/ Life Orb

EV Spread

100 defense OR Special Defense/ 100 Speed/ 154 Attack/ 156 Special Attack

This moveset is all offense. In a weather environment, like VGC, Solarbeam can be a nail in the coffin for some Pokemon, and the fire attack power boost from sunlight doesn't hurt either. The EV spread is a little weird, but depending on the nature you choose, you will want to buff the negative stat just a bit. This set can also cover 11 types, making it hard for opposing trainers to switch in effectively.

Supporter A.K.A "Trainer's Best Friend"

Nature: Timid

Ability: Intimidate

Moveset: Heat Wave

Will-O-Wisp

Swagger/ Attract

Helping Hand

Item: Air Balloon

EV spread

100 Defense/ 100 Special Defense/ 154 Speed/ 156 HP

This set's only purpose is to help out a teammate in doubles.  For the VGC, I'm very excited to try this out. The EVs are set to buff Arcanine up enough to survive a few hits while helping you and messing with your opponent.  Will-O-Wisp and intimidate halt physical sweepers, Swagger can stop special sweepers and Attract just stops Pokemon cold.  Helping Hand provides your sweeper with extra power. Again, Air Balloon covers a temporary weakness. I could also see using a leftovers here,as well.

While it may only have the charcteristics of a fire type and nothing more, Arcanine can be a force to reckoned with.  It can hit hard, hit fast and help out everyone on the team.   Like the dog that Arcanine is modeled after, in battle, it can truly be a trainer's best friend.  As always, questions and comments are always welcome.  If you would like to get a hold of me,and please do, you can find me on Twitter @darkassassin721. Thanks for reading.

-Chris

Comments

[Rukario-kun (Scott P.)]

Woot! Arcanine! :D

I just thought I'd let ya know that Arcanine gets Wild Charge via TM this generation, which is better than Thunder Fang in both power and accuracy (85 BP & 100% Acc VS 65 BP & 95% Acc). :)

[Chris Ilich]

I had no idea. That's probably better. Though I like the para/flinch possibilities.