[Overview]
<p>Being the monkey he is, Infernape has always been able to swing his way into Generation 4’s top tier Pokemon list, and although he’s received a bit of competition this generation (mainly in the form of Speed Boost Blaziken), it’s still likely that Infernape will remaincontinue to be a huge offensive threat, courtesy of his amazing stat layout and movepool, which enables the flaming monkey to attack from both sides of the spectrum. From being aboth physically and specially. From wall-breakering to abusing Nasty Plot, Swords Dance or Cheer Up, Infernape’s great offensive capabilities willallows him to continue to make him shine when faced with many of the new Pokemon that Generation 5 has brought to the competitive battling scene.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: U-Turn / Grass Knot
move 3: Stone Edge / Mach Punch
move 4: Overheat
item: Life Orb
nature: Naïve / Hasty
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of Infernape’s signature sets in gen 4 will likely be a common variant used in the gen 5 metagame due to the, this set has great offensive coverage it provides, and the puts constant pressure it puts onto opposing teams. Close Combat is a staple on the set, as it provides Infernape with reliable STAB attack, which reflects Infernape’s wall-breaking capabilities due to the sheer force of the move, after the boosts from STAB and Life Orb. Likewise, Overheat also acts a STAB move, but hits on the other side of the spectrum specially, and unlike Close Combat, it focuses on the task of dealing deals as much damage as possible in a single, powerful blow. U-Turn allows Infernape to keep up any offensive momentum your team may have built, as it will allow you to make sure that you have a desirable match-up, after Infernape; also U-Turn , and can be used to scout for sets the opponent’s Pokemon may be running, or the items they may hold. However, Grass Knot can be used to help deal with bulky Ground- and water-types which are guaranteed to switch in on a resisted Fire-type attack; therefore, Grass Knot provides providing great coverage alongside Infernape’s dual STABs attacks. The final moveslot is dependent on your preference, as although Stone Edge provides additional coverage with Infernape’s other attacking moves, hitting Pokemon such as Gyarados, Mach Punch can be used to better deal with faster, or speed-tied Pokemon, such as Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Terrakion. Lastly, Hidden Power Ice can be used to deal with the likes of Gliscor, Landorus and Dragonite, as the Hidden Power will be able to KOing all three of them after Stealth Rock damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The recommended EVs make sure that Infernape is able to outpace any Pokemon with a Speed stat of 107, or lower, and they also make sure ensure that Infernape speed-ties with the likes of Terrakion, and Virizion, as well as any opposing maximum-speed Infernape;. The remainder of the EVs are distributed between Infernape’s Attack and Special Attack stats to further amplify the power of its attacking options. A Naive or a Hasty nature is recommended, and the choice between the two comes down to your preference, as both natures lower either one of Infernape’s defenses; also they ensure, that Infernape is able to outpace/speed-tie with the aforementioned Pokemon. A Life Orb is used mainly to power up Infernape’s moves, at the cost of some HP, while also securing a couple of KOes, including the an OHKO on 252 HP / 252 Def Chansey holding an Evolution Stone with Close Combat. Swords Dance can be used on this set (in conjunction with Flare Blitz or Fire Punch), as the move will further bolster Infernape's Attack stat, allowing it to assume the roles of a powerful physical sweeper, but this is outclassed by Blaziken which has the better Attack stats, and of course, Speed Boost.</p>
<p>Although Infernape has an amazing movepool, it’s afflicted by the[/s] a four-move syndrome, as Infernape could easily be classified as the most devastating sweeper in existence if only it had one more moveslot, but Alas, it was not to be so; it’s Infernape's entire line up of counters depends on which moves Infernape has chosen to use! For example, if Infernape decides to use Grass Knot instead of Stone Edge, Pokemon such as Gyarados, Salamence, and Dragonite are all able to counter it, and if Infernape were to uses Stone Edge instead of Grass Knot, Pokemon such as Hippowdon would have a field day against Infernape. Therefore, it’s extremely important that when using Infernape, you look at the threats the rest of your team has covered, first, then deciding which moves to use on Infernape. Moving on: Due to the fact that Infernape is able to lure out and severely weaken physical walls, physically-based sweepers make idea partners to MixApe, as with their counters and checks weakened, they’ll have an easy time sweeping through the remainder of an opponent’s team;. Examples of such Pokemon would include Dragon Dance Salamence and other (physically-based) Dragon-types, as they share great synergy with Infernape, whilst also benefitting from Infernape’s unique support.</p>
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Grass Knot / Vacuum Wave
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid / Naive
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Just like the MixApe Mixed set, this set is a reincarnation of one of Infernape’s signature, and most effective sets in generation 4: Nasty Plot Infernape; Also, it should be noted, that Nasty Plot is one of the few advantages Infernape has over Blaziken, as although the latter has the better base Special Attack stat, it lacks Nasty Plot, which gives Infernape the edge when being compared with to Blaziken for the role of a specially-based set up sweeper. Fire Blast is a staple on this set, as it grants Infernape a reliable STAB move to exploit after a boost from Nasty Plot, as and after said boost, it will be able to dent even the bulkiest foes; . Flamethrower can be used here if the shaky accuracy of Fire Blast doesn’t seem contenting is unwanted. Focus Blast serves as Infernape’s secondary STAB attack, although Close Combat can be used in this moveslot to help Infernape more reliably bypass Pokemon like Chansey and Blissey, which will often switch in, after seeing Nasty Plot. Lastly, Grass Knot can be used to help deal with bulky Water-types, common switch-ins to specially-based Infernape, including Jellicent and Vaporeon; however, but Vacuum Wave can be used to deal with faster foes, attempting to revenge kill it, as well as Pokemon such as Terrakion which speed-tie with maximum speed Infernape.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are self explanatory: The maximum Speed investment, along with either a Timid or a Naïve nature, maximize Infernape’s Speed stat, allowing it to outpace any Pokemon under a Speed stat of 346, while granting Infernape the ability to tie with other base 108s, including opposing max-speed Infernape, and the legendary trio from the Unova region, Terakion, Virizion and Cobalion, which are all capable of ending an Infernape sweep, if they outpace it. The decision between using a Timid or Naive nature depends on whether Infernape is to runs Close Combat; if yes, then a Naïve nature would be is the better choice, while a Timid nature would be beneficial is better if Close Combat is not to be run being used. A Life Orb is the recommended item, as it will bolster the power of Infernape’s attacks to greater level, making the Pokemon thus more efficient as a sweeper while the recoil is largely unnoticed. Lastly, it should be noted that if necessary, Infernape can run a Hidden Power in it’s moveset to deal with certain threats, although in most cases, a Hidden Power is not needed; necessary. For example, although Hidden Power Electric can be run the better deal with Gyarados, Infernape will already be able to 2HKO defensive variants with Fire Blast (or Focus Blast), after a boost from Nasty Plot.</p>
<p>Due to Infernape’s rather mediocre defenses, anything that can outpace it (and lice a boosted Vacuum Wave, if applicable) will easily be able to remove the Pokemon from the battle. Offensive / or] Rapid Spin Starmie is an excellent example of such a Pokemon, as not only is it able to outpace Infernape with its superior base 115 Speed stat, but It also has a Water-type STAB, which, while its Water-type STAB hits Infernape for super effective damage. Also, Pokemon such as defensive Suicune and Vaporeon do a remarkable job at checking Infernape as if it’s not carrying Grass Knot or Focus Blast, the former two will easily be as they are able to set- up on Infernape, or simply] KO it with a STAB Surf, or Boiling Water Scald. Therefore, Pokemon such as Virizion and to an extent, Metagross and other Steel-types are great offensive partners to Infernape, as both Pokemon can easily set up on, and break through bulky Water-types, like the aforementioned Suicune and Vaporeon, while also sharing great synergy with Infernape, and benefitting from the its wall-breaking capabilitiesit possesses. Lastly, Infernape should be paired up with Pokemon which can eliminate the likes of Starmie and Gengar, as both present large problems for an Infernape sweep;. Tyranitar, Scizor and even Snorlax do so magnificently, in this regard using Pursuit to trap and KO those two.</p>
[SET]
name: Cheer Up
move 1: Cheer Up
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Grass Knot / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb
nature: Naive
evs: 20 Atk / 236 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set deviates from the general pattern the previous sets have been a part of (being reincarnations of popular generation 4 sets) is not a reincarnation of a popular generation 4 set, as it uses a great new offensive option generation 5 brought Infernape in the form of Cheer Up. Cheer Up further enhances Infernape’s already great wall-breaking abilities, as this set up move gives both Infernape’s Attack and Special Attack stat a +1 boost, allowing it to hit much harder from both sides of the spectrum both physically and specially. Both Fire Blast and Close Combat are staples on this set, as they act as reliable forms of STABs STAB attacks; It should also be noted that these two moves attack from opposite sides of Infernape’s offensive stats, as to further take advantage of the boosts granted by Cheer Up. The final move comes boils down to your personal preference, as both Grass Knot and Hidden Power Ice have their advantages, and disadvantages: Although Grass Knot comes in handy when facing bulky Water-types such as Jellicent, Hidden Power Ice can be used to deal with the likes of physically-defensive Gliscor, as well a Dragon-types such as Salamence and Garchomp.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs given are split between Infernape’s Attack, Special Attack and Speed stats, to power up all of Infernape’s moves, while simultaneously making sure that it’s amazing base 108 Speed stat is put to good use;.] 252 EVs invested into Speed, along with a Naive Nature will make sure that Infernape will be able to at least speed-tie with other max-speed Infernape as well as the likes of Terrakion and Virizion, as all of these Pokemon have the potential to wreck a potential sweep. Also, note that a larger concentration of EVs has been invested into Infernape’s Special Attack stat, than its Attack stat, as the majority of the recommended attacking options are specially-based. A Life Orb is recommended for use with this set, as it will undoubtedly aid Infernape when sweeping, by bolstering its attacks by 10%;. However, other item choices include an Air Balloon or a n attack-weakening type-resist berry, which will allow Infernape easier to set up more easily. Lastly, either Vacuum Wave or Mach Punch can be used as means of a priority attack, to hit faster Pokemon.</p>
<p>Entry hazard support is crucial to this set’s effectiveness, due to the fact that it gets boosts at a much slower pace when compared to something like the Nasty Plot set;. Stealth Rock, and even Spikes support will help rough up the common switch-ins and counters to Infernape to an a level where Infernape will be able to take care of them, by itself, securing an efficient sweep, afterwards. Counters to the previous sets become even larger problems here, as Cheer Up takes a longer time to get a +2 boost in any one stat, meaning that the likes of Gyarados will become are much larger threats. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you include something like Rotom-W, or Porygon2 (with an Evolution Stone) to deal with such threats. Lastly, it is recommended that your pair Infernape up with Pokemon which can deal with the likes of Starmie and Gengar, like such as Tyranitar and Scizor, two effective users of Pursuit.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Close Combat
move 2: Flare Blitz / Fire Punch
move 3: Stone Edge / Mach Punch
move 4: U-Turn
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Courtesy of Infernape’s great physical attack and vast physical movepool, means it’s able to use a Choice Band to a great extent, becoming an excellent wallbreaker, capable of punching through even the most bulkiest Pokemon. Close Combat and Flare Blitz are staples on this set, as they acting as powerful and reliable forms of STABs for Infernape to use STAB attacks; , they’re capable of OHKOing, or 2HKOing the majority of the OU tier, due to their high base power, which is further boosted by STAB and Choice Band. Gyarados and Dragonite, are one two of the few Pokemon which can remain standadrd after survive two consecutive Close Combats or Flare Blitzes, so to deal with them, Stone Edge can be used, as it will OHKO both easily. However, Mach Punch can also be used to revenge kill a multitude of faster threats, which may have set up and threaten your team. Lastly, U-Turn is recommended, as it allows Infernape to bypass its checks and counters, while also helping build up momentum, and helping to puts constant pressure on the opponent’s team.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs recommended are pretty straightforward, as they maximize Infernape’s Attack and Speed stats, making it more effective as a offensive Pokemon, while also giving It a tiny amount of bulk. Although an Adamant nature greatly increases Infernape’s attacking force and makes its attacks much more powerful, a Jolly nature makes sure that with the recommended EVs, you are Infernape is able to speed tie with the likes of max-speed Terrakion, Virizion, and opposing Infernape which are all able to defeat Infernape, if they outpace it. It should be noted that Infernape can utilize Thunderpunch to deal more damage against bulky Water-types such as Jellicent, Vaporeon and Gyarados, although between (multiple) Stone Edges, and Flare Blitzes, the aforementioned Pokemon shouldn’t be large problems for Infernape.</p>
<p>Pokemon which were threats on previous sets will almost never be able to switch in on Choice Band Infernape, and will be forced to revenge kill it, as the sheer amount of power Infernape’s attacks possess, with the a Choice Band[ boost from a Choice Band is truly frightening. Starmie and Gengar will all have to think twice about switching in on Infernape, as they will easily be KOed (or 2HKOed) by one of its STABs,, However, these threats will have a much easier time dealing with Infernape if they revenge kill it, as then, they will be able to outpace, and KO it. there's a double space herePokemon such as Dragonite and Gyarados can easily set up on Infernape if it is locked into either Flare Blitz or Close Combat, although both of these Pokemon have to watch out for Stone Edge (or Thunderpunch, in Gyarados’ case). Due to the aforementioned counters, Infernape will appreciate entry hazard support to gradually wear down it’s threats;. Also, pairing Infernape with a strong Pursuit- user will also be beneficial, as something like Scizor or Tyranitar will be able to eliminate Starmie and Gengar, two major threats to Infernape.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Due to Infernape’s massive movepool, and great base stats in both offenses, it is able to run a a few additional sets, although most of these are outclassed by other Pokemon. A Swords Dance set can be utilized, along with Flare Blitz and Close Combat, although it is highly outclassed by Infernape’s adversary, Blaziken, which has Speed Boost, and a better base Attack stat. Nitro Charge is also another option Infernape can use as it will help it defeat previously faster Pokemon, but once again, Blaziken is more suited for this role as its Speed Boost ability will automatically increase its Speed, allowing it to use the turn it Infernape would have taken to set up Nitro Charge for Swords Dance or even Substitute. Lastly, an Encore set could be pulled off, but isn’t recommended due its being very situational usage;. However, other Pokemon do this job better, and Infernape has better offensive options to choose from. In terms of optional moves, Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave can be run on any of the sets to help Infernape defeat faster opponents. Lastly, Hidden Power Electric, (or another Hidden Power), can be used to bypass Pokemon such as Gyarados, although this move will be unnecessary if you’re Infernape is running Stone Edge or a set up move.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Although Infernape is excellent at playing the role of a sweeper, its defensive stats are meager, so it has to watch out for bulky Pokemon which can take a hit and retaliate, faster Pokemon, and Pokemon which carry priority attacks. However, the Infernape’s specific counters and checks depend on which set it is using. For example, if Infernape is using a physically-based set, such as the MixApe or Choice Band sets, Pokemon such as Gyarados and Salamence will spell doom for Infernape, due to Intimidate and their resistances to Infernape’s STAB attacks. Bulky Water-types also do magnificently at checking Infernape, as long as they do not switch into a boosted Close Combat or Focus Blast, as they can take advantage of their resistance to Fire Blast or Flare Blitz and dispose of Infernape with a super effective Water-type attack. Finally, priority attack users such as Hitmontop will threaten Infernape, as their priority moves will quickly and efficiently end an Infernape sweep due to its frailty.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Infernape’s Dream World Ability, Iron Fist does have competitive value (unlike some of the Dream World abilities of some other Pokemon), as it boosts the power of “punching” moves. This fits nicely into the strategy used with Infernape's as many of its most common attacks fall into the category of “punching” moves such as the three elemental punches (Thunderpunch, Ice Punch, and Fire Punch). Iron Fist can be used with the aforementioned moves, (along with Swords Dance), to create a great offensive set with respectable move coverage and a passable amount of viability.</p>