UU Chandelure


QC #1 - Cynde
QC #2 - dodmen
QC #3 - Eyan (through Discord)
GP #1 - ???
GP #2 - ???
[OVERVIEW]

Chandelure's massive Special Attack stat along with a great STAB combination in Fire and Ghost makes it a notable threat in the UU metagame. Its typing also allows it to be an offensive check to the likes of Serperior, Cobalion, non-Knock Off Scizor, and non-Stone Edge Infernape. Furthermore, an immunity to Seismic Toss from Blissey and the ability to cripple bulky walls with Trick or avoid status with Substitute also defines its role as a stallbreaker, allowing it to take advantage of numerous bulky Pokemon in the tier; in general, it matches up outstandingly against bulkier teams, carving through them without much effort. Unfortunately, its poor bulk and lackluster Speed tier mean that even Choice Scarf variants are outsped and KOed by most of the tier's Choice Scarf users, such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Terrakion, and by very fast Mega Evolutions such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Aerodactyl. Non-Choice Scarf variants have to worry even more about being outrun, as even the likes of Heracross, Nidoking, and Entei are faster. Additionally, a vulnerability to all entry hazards, but most notably Stealth Rock, compromises Chandelure's ability to pivot into the few Pokemon it checks and gives it fewer opportunities to wallbreak.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick / Memento
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast allows Chandelure to revenge kill Cobalion and Swords Dance Scizor and dent any slower Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball is used to revenge kill Latias and is overall a very reliable STAB move. Memento allows Chandelure to punish the likes of Hydreigon and Krookodile once it has done its job already, potentially allowing teammates to set up on these Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can be used to OHKO faster variants of Gliscor and gives Chandelure a better matchup against the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sceptile, but it does lose out on Memento's utility. Energy Ball, on the other hand, is an option to dent the plethora of Water-types in the tier, such as Primarina, Mega Blastoise, physically defensive Jellicent, and Gastrodon, which are all 2HKOed, and physically defensive Suicune, which needs some prior damage for Chandelure to guarantee a 2HKO. Finally, Trick is used to cripple the likes of Blissey, Florges, Porygon2, and Umbreon if Chandelure's Choice Scarf is not needed.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf allows Chandelure to outrun the likes of Mega Manectric, Mega Pidgeot, Serperior, Cobalion, and Gliscor. Chandelure's EVs are fully invested in Special Attack and Speed to allow Chandelure to hit as hard and as fast as possible, while a Timid nature is mandatory for Chandelure to outspeed what it needs to, as it's not worth missing out on Mega Manectric for a slight power boost. As for the ability, Infiltrator is the preferred one because it allows Chandelure to overcome Substitute users such as Gliscor, Serperior, and opposing Chandelure. Flame Body, on the other hand, dissuades and punishes Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and U-turn users such as Scizor by having the chance to burn them. Finally, Flash Fire can boost Chandelure's own firepower and make it more of a threat to switch into if it successfully pivots into a Fire-type move from the likes of Entei or Infernape.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can switch into Cobalion and Infernape pretty safely. Other methods of bringing it in include double switching or doing so after a teammate is KOed. You should save Chandelure for revenge killing troublesome Pokemon, such as the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Serperior; however, keep in mind that faster Mega Evolutions such as Aerodactyl, Sceptile, and Beedrill still get the jump on it. Similarly, once Chandelure has fulfilled its role, you may want to use Memento on Pokemon that it can't KO and use them as setup bait for another teammate; the likes of Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Swampert are notable targets. If Chandelure is still useful to the team, however, avoid switching it into entry hazards, as Chandelure would get weakened and fail to accomplish its role. If Chandelure is facing a stall or balance team and doesn't need its Choice Scarf, feel free to use Trick, as the likes of Blissey, Porygon2 and Umbreon switch in; do keep in mind that this does require some prediction, as by looking at your team archetype, an opponent might identify Chandelure as a Choice Scarf user and pivot into something else to scout for Trick. Overall, due to it holding Choice Scarf, Chandelure is a little prediction reliant; for example, by sending Chandelure in to revenge kill a Serperior, you might want to use Shadow Ball instead of Fire Blast to 2HKO a weakened Mantine that could try to switch in. Considering Chandelure's passable Speed tier with Choice Scarf, keep in mind Shadow Ball can clean up most weakened teams that lack a Ghost-resistant Pokemon or have had their Ghost-resistant Pokemon KOed or weakened already, so in these scenarios, it's important to preserve Chandelure.

Team Options
========

Chandelure fits well on balance and bulky offense archetypes; therefore, wallbreakers such as Heracross, Mamoswine, Serperior, and Nidoking can take advantage of Chandelure's switch-ins, making it easier for it to clean up late-game. Chandelure appreciates entry hazard removal, so the likes of Gliscor, Starmie, and Empoleon are great partners. Also, Belly Drum Azumarill, Shell Smash Barbaracle, Calm Mind Latias, and other sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's Memento support are great picks. Dragonium Z Latias variants and SubSeed Serperior also appreciate Chandelure weakening their checks, as the likes of Alolan Muk can be worn down by Chandelure. Switch-ins to common Choice Scarf users and fast Mega Evolutions are also appreciated, as they outspeed Chandelure and threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it. As such, Scizor, which can threaten all the faster Mega Evolutions with an offensive set, and the likes of Gliscor, Amoonguss, Suicune, and Alolan Muk all pair nicely with it and cover these offensive threats.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Substitute
item: Ghostium Z / Leftovers
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits outstandingly hard at +1 or +2; Ghost-type checks such as Mandibuzz, Umbreon, and Alolan Muk are heavily threatened by a boosted Fire Blast. Similarly, Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for consistency. Shadow Ball allows Chandelure to take advantage of the lack of reliable Ghost-resistant Pokemon in the tier and allows it to hit the likes of Latias, Jellicent, and Tentacruel for solid damage. It is also powered into a one-time Never-Ending Nightmare, which very often nets KOs on the likes of Tentacruel and physically defensive Suicune after Shadow Ball damage and always OHKOes Azumarril and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock. With Calm Mind, Chandelure can be a big nuisance to bulkier teams and finds setup opportunities against Pokemon that can't really touch it, such as Sylveon and Amoonguss. Substitute gives Chandelure a notable setup opportunity on Blissey, which is generally a blanket check to most special attackers on stall archetypes. Similarly, the move can be used when forcing out a Pokemon to avoid having to rely on prediction.

Set Details
========

Ghostium Z powers up Shadow Ball into a 160-Base Power Never-Ending Nightmare, but Leftovers can be used if a teammate is already holding a Z-Crystal, and its recovery is important for matchups against bulkier teams. Special Attack and Speed are fully invested to allow Chandelure to hit harder and faster, and a Timid nature is preferred for Chandelure to outspeed base 70s such as Decidueye, Volcanion, Cloyster, and Magneton. Abilitywise, Infiltrator allows Chandelure to bypass Substitutes from the likes of Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the potential to burn and punish Pursuit users such as Krookodile and Alolan Muk as well as U-turn users such as Scizor; and Flash Fire boosts Chandelure's Fire-type moves to surprising levels after a Calm Mind boost or two, but triggering it may be a little situational.

Usage Tips
========

When forcing switches, especially in situations where the opponent can pivot into both of Chandelure's moves by having a Mega Absol and an Azumarill, for example, Chandelure should use Substitute to avoid mind games. Against Pokemon that can't really touch Chandelure outside of status moves, such as Blissey, Amoonguss, and the odd Toxic Florges, Chandelure should use Substitute as well to avoid Toxic and proceed to dent any incoming Pokemon or use Calm Mind to make it even more of a threat. A risky but possible situation is to bluff a Choice Scarf by sending Chandelure into Serperior or Cobalion and proceed to set up a Substitute or a Calm Mind from there. Overall, if you're facing stall or balance, Chandelure's HP should be preserved for it to really wallbreak and stallbreak the opposing team; it's also worth preserving it's Z-Move for Unaware and Haze users such as Quagsire and Tentacruel. Against more offensive teams, Chandelure should use its Z-Move if behind a Substitute and facing something that none of its other attacks can KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

This Chandelure set fits on bulky offense and balance teams looking for a stallbreaker. Entry hazard removal is extremely important, with the likes of Gliscor, Latias, Scizor, and Starmie being great picks. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Cobalion, and Terrakion and Fairy-types such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Primarina have great matchups against the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure. Since Chandelure already matches up exceptionally well against bulkier teams, defensive partners that can deal with offense are great options, with Suicune, Hippowdon, Florges, being some examples. Similarly, revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Mienshao, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Mega Sharpedo, as well as sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's ability to decimate bulkier teams are very welcome as teammates. Belly Drum Azumarill, Serperior, and Mega Sharpedo are great examples.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits incredibly hard when boosted by Choice Specs and is capable of denting even Pokemon that resist Fire such as Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move and hits most of the tier for neutral damage. Memento is useful for creating setup opportunities for teammates but should only be used once Chandelure has played its role of breaking through bulkier teams. Alternatively, Energy Ball is important, as it prevents specially defensive Water-types, such as Suicune and Gastrodon, from walling Chandelure. Finally, Trick is key for crippling the likes of Blissey and Mantine against teams where Chandelure appreciates switching moves over the added power.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs allows Chandelure to hit insanely hard and is especially useful for breaking down the opponent's walls for its teammates. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allows Chandelure to be as strong and fast as possible, while a Timid nature is preferred to get the jump on Cloyster, Decidueye, Magneton, Volcanion, Feraligatr, and Necrozma. Chandelure has a variety of viable abilities: Infiltrator is preferred for dealing with Substitute users such as Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the chance to burn Pursuit and U-turn users such as Alolan Muk and Scizor respectively; and Flash Fire makes it difficult for an opponent to switch anything into Chandelure after the ability is triggered, especially since Chandlure can pivot into Fire-types such as Infernape and Entei with some prediction.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can plow through balance teams, so it's important to keep it healthy in matchups against those; however, against more offensive teams where its wallbreaking capabilities aren't as appreciated, Chandelure should be used as a pivot to the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Scizor, but it can also be brought in via U-turn or Volt Switch, through doubles switches, or after a teammate is KOed. Be sure to keep your prediction game at its best when using Chandelure, as Choice Specs variants do require some prediction to work to its fullest potential. On a team with Mandibuzz, Latias, Crawdaunt, and Porygon2, for example, it might be difficult to decide which move to pick to still keep the momentum.

Team Options
========

Klefki is a great teammate, as Chandelure really appreciates the speed control provided by Thunder Wave and the residual damage from Spikes. In a similar vein, Stealth Rock users such as Cobalion, Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nihilego, Swampert, and Hippowdon are very much appreciated by Chandelure, as the residual damage weakens the few Chandelure switch-ins to the point where the opponent struggles to reliably pivot into it. Defog users such as Gliscor, Latias, and Scizor are heavily appreciated, as Chandelure's crippling Stealth Rock weakness really limits its effectiveness; similarly, Rapid Spin users such as Starmie, Mega Blastoise, and Tentacruel also pair well with it and give more freedom for allies to set entry hazards. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Terrakion pose a threat to most of Chandelure's switch-ins and appreciate Chandelure weakening their switch-ins, while Fairy-types also threaten the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, with Togekiss, Primarina, and the aforementioned Klefki falling into this category nicely. Finally, late-game cleaners such as Dragon Dance Mega Altaria, Belly Drum Azumarill, Calm Mind Latias, and Swords Dance Cobalion are benefited by Chandelure's efforts in wallbreaking and wearing their checks down, and they also appreciate Memento, which gives them a solid setup opportunity.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Taunt is an option to further haunt (pun AND rhyme in one, not bad at all) bulkier teams; however, Substitute is generally conceived perceived as slightly better overall due to the better matchup against offense. A set consisting of running Will-O-Wisp and Hex can be used to punish incoming Pursuit trappers such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile, but Chandelure is much more effective using one of the aforementioned sets. Overheat is an option on Choice Specs sets, making Chandelure hit a lot harder, but it is rather inconvenient for Chandelure to be forced out when attacking. Finally, Pain Split can be used in conjunction with Substitute, but overall, Substitute sets are rather strapped for moveslots.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon not only is not only the safest switch-in to Chandelure in the tier but also threatens it with a super effective Dark Pulse.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Chandelure's middling Speed, the likes of Mega Aerodacyl, +1 Mega Sharpedo, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and countless other notable Pokemon can outspeed and either OHKO or 2HKO it. Nihilego, Mega Manectric, and Mega Pidgoet outspeed Chandelure as well, but they should be careful of Choice Scarf variants.

**Pursuit Trappers**: Alolan Muk, Mega Aerodactyl, and Krookodile, despite the latter two failing to reliably switch in, can Pursuit trap Chandelure without much struggle.

**Entry Hazards**: Chandelure's susceptibility to Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Spikes prevent prevents it from acting as an offensive pivot, as they severely hinder Chandelure's ability to take hits.

**Walls**: Specially Defensive Umbreon and Snorlax can switch in even on Choice Specs sets and often 2HKO Chandelure with Foul Play and Earthquake, respectively. Blissey can use Toxic against non-Substitute sets and stall out Chandelure. Tentacruel and Suicune avoid the 2HKO from sets other than Choice Specs. Still, Chandelure can cripple all of these with Trick.
 
Last edited:

Cynde

toasty
is a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Past SPL Champion
discussed overview and scarf on discord.

change the sub cm and specs set order.

Specs

set
  • slash memento before energy ball
  • infiltrator / flame body are better than flash fire so i would remove flash fire from the main set.

set details

  • explain why the abilities are good, infil for glisc / serp and flame body for punishing u turn / pursuit. do this for the other set.

team options

  • klefki / rotom wash should go there because thunder wave support with this is great, klefki gets a special bonus for providing spikes and checking dark types.
  • fairy types like togekiss and primarina should be mentioned.
  • frailer win conditions like haxorus and salazzle appreciate chandelure's ability to use memento.

Sub CM

set
  • slash lefties after ghostium
  • slash fire blast before flamethrower
  • make the abilities in the same order as the other sets

moves
  • calm mind and sub should be separate points
set details

  • quagsire should be a target for nen.

usage tips

  • mention in a stall match up the z move is best preserved for the unaware pokemon.

team options

  • add the ones we discussed, this is looking bare.
other options

  • okay this section is really lacking. include hex + wisp, taunt, overheat, sub split and remove fire spin.
1/3
 
Last edited:
Make sure to fix the abilities in Set Details for Sub CM, and make sure to include all the moves for Specs in the bullet points. Also, in usage tips for Scarf, specify the Pokemon it still fails to outspeed (Mega Aero, Beedrill, and Sceptile). QC 2/3 after that.
 

A Cake Wearing A Hat

moist and crusty
is a Community Leaderis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Battle Simulator Moderatoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Community Leader
try to clean this up a good bit before sending it to GP

Overall

you mention porygon2 way too much in this analysis considering it's not a fantastically relevant pokemon and not common in the slightest, please cut down on the p2 mentions

You shouldn't mention ghost is "spammable" every time you mention Shadow Ball. When mentioning Shadow Ball, please just say that it's a reliable Ghost-type STAB move instead of saying it's spammable.

Scarf

Moves

I don't think you really need to mention that ghost-type moves are spammable

"Alternatively, Hidden Power [Ice] can be used over Energy Ball" HP Ice is the 2nd slash and Energy Ball is the third slash, so rephrase this to just say that HP ice is an alternative option without comparing it to Energy Ball but instead saying it doesn't have as much utility as Memento.

You honestly have way too much detail in the energy ball point, just say that it can dent water-types like Primarina, Seismitoad, and Rotom-W. No need to go in depth about every water type on the VRs.

this is a good place to not mention p2

Set Details

Feraligatr isn't relevant, remove that mention.

Mention some situations in which chandy can be brought in (vs coba/nape, doubling, as RK)

Team Options

What playstyles does Chandelure fit on? Considering your examples, you'll definitely need to include hyper offense, and edit your examples such that they fit whatever playstyles you choose (e.g. if you don't include balance, remove amoonguss as a possible partner)

Don't cross reference this set with the others like you did in the first sentence here

Add Scizor in the line about answers to faster threats since that can beat all of the megas depending on set

Make hazard removal the second point rather than the last because scarf chandy really, really likes hazard removal.

SubCM

Moves

Don't cross-reference the other sets like you did in the last sentence here.

Mention Never-Ending Nightmare here in a sentence after you mention Shadow Ball and please don't mention spammability because you can only use it once. Mention a couple relevant KOs that it nets compared to Shadow Ball (Just 2 should be fine).

Set Details

Since most of the meat of NEN has been put into moves simply state that "Ghostium Z allows Chandelure to use a 160-Base Power Never-Ending Nightmare".

When talking about Timid, just say that it's useful for outspeeding Volcanion and Magneton and Speed tying with Mamoswine, Togekiss, and opposing Chandelure. No need to mention every base 70 on the VRs.

Usage Tips

Gonna admit i have no idea what that second sentence is trying to say.

Serperior can definitely touch Chandelure. Leaf Storm+ +2 Leaf Storm has a very high chance to 2HKO chandy from full, and it's guaranteed after rocks. Remove it and any mentions of leech seed from that particular line about pokemon that can't touch chandy.

Balance doesn't run unaware users and pyuku isn't relevant at all, just say to preserve the Z-move for Quagsire when facing stall. Also try to give some tips as to when to use the Z-move versus more offensive teams if you can.

Team Options

What playstyles does Chandelure fit on? You seem to primarily relate this set's team options to balance and bulky offense.

Mega Sharpedo isn't exactly a revenge killer since it has to protect before it's fast, remove that as an option.

Remove the BD azu mention because it's honestly not good on any team that isn't hyper offense and i'm not too sure about subcm chandy HO.

add a sentence recommending scarfers like Hydreigon as options to help deal with faster threats.

Specs

Moves

don't mention its other sets

Shadow ball has several switch ins, see: every normal and dark type in the tier. don't exaggerate things. Leave talk for chandy not having many switch-ins for Overview rather than moves. As a result, please remove sentences 2 and 3 and just say that "Shadow Ball is Chandelure's Ghost-type STAB attack which hits most of the tier for neutral damage."

fainting is still a pretty big drawback i'd say, remove the drawback-free bit and instead say that it can provide setup opportunities when its job of wallbreaking is done.

put seismitoad over gastrodon since it's way more relevant, and also they don't really "wall" chandelure since shadow ball still does a fuckton so reword this just to say that it hits water-types harder than shadow ball

Set Details

just say that timid helps to outspeed volcanion and magneton and it lets it speed tie with mamo, opposing chandy, and togekiss since necrozma, feraligatr, decidueye, and cloyster are all pretty irrelevant


usage tips

specs chandy doesn't pivot into serp for reasons discussed earlier

this is a good place to not mention p2

crawdaunt fat balance, huh

mention how to bring chandy in safely (primarily via pivoting from u-turn/volt switch users and other methods of getting free switches but also vs some of the stuff it counters like coba)

team options

new point 1: specs chandy fits on offensive teams

take the line about klefki and rotom-w, remove rotom-w, and shift the whole thing over to after the rocks line and before the webs line saying that klefki sets spikes and provides speed control with twave. doing this for consolidation of hazard setters into one segment.

remove hippowdon as a team option and replace pert with seismitoad

add webs setters like Araquanid or Smeargle as team options after the Stealth Rock line.

belly drum is actually the least good azumarill set tbh, don't mention it here. Also these aren't even late-game cleaners they're just setup sweepers. rephrase it to match. if you want to include a point about late game cleaners do so but include like mega sharpedo as an example instead of just random setup mons

checks and counters

mention snorlax in special walls (more relevant than p2) and remove the miscellaneous bit

rename revenge killers to faster pokemon and say that like half of those examples have to watch out for scarf

i'm going to need to look this over one last time after you do all of this before i give my qc stamp bc this is a lot
 
Last edited:
am check
add
remove
comments

[OVERVIEW]

Chandelure's searing massive Special Attack stat along with a great STAB combo in Fire plus and Ghost makes it a notable threat in the UU metagame. It's typing also allows it to be an offensive check to the likes of Serperior, Cobalion, Scizor lacking Knock Off, and Infernape lacking Stone Edge. Furthermore, an immunity to Seismic Toss from Blissey and the ability to cripple something bulky walls with Trick or avoid status with Substitute also defines it's roles as a Stallbreaker, allowing it to take advantage of numerous of fat bulky Pokemon in the tier, in general, it matches up outstandingly against bulkier teams, carving through them without much effort. However Unfortunately, it's poor bulk and lackluster Speed tier means even Scarf variants are outsped and KO'd by most of the tier's Choice Scarf users, such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Terrakion, and by very fast Mega Evolutions such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Aerodactyl. Variants without Choice Scarf have to worry even more of about being outrun, as even the likes of Heracross, Nidoking, and Entei have the upper hand are faster. Additionally, a vulnerability to all entry hazards, but most notably, Stealth Rock, dissuades Chandelure's capability of pivoting into the few Pokémon it checks and gives it less opportunities to wallbreak.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Hidden Power [Ice] / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick / Memento
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast allows Chandelure to revenge kill Cobalion, Swords Dance Scizor, and dent any slower Pokémon that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball is used to revenge kill Latias and is overall a very reliable STAB move. Memento allows Chandelure to punish the likes of Hydreigon and Krookodile once it has done it's job already, potentially allowing teammates to set up on those these Pokemon. Hidden Power [Ice] can be used to OHKO faster variants of Gliscor and gives it a better matchup against the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sceptile, but it does lose out on some of Memento's benefits utility. Energy Ball, on the other hand, is an option to dent the plethora of Water-types in the tier, such as Primarina, Defensive Rotom-W, Mega Blastoise, Physically Defensive Jellicent, and Gastrodon are all 2HKO'd, whereas Physically Defensive Suicune needs some prior damage for Chandelure to guarantee a 2HKO. Finally, Trick is used to cripple the likes of Blissey, Florges, Porygon2, and Umbreon if Chandelure's Choice Scarf is unneeded not needed.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf allows Chandelure to outrun the likes of Mega Manectric, Mega Pidgeot, Serperior, Cobalion, and Gliscor. Chandelure's EVs are fully invested on in Special Attack and Speed to allow Chandelure to hit as hard and as fast as possible, respectively while Timid is mandatory for Chandelure to be outspeed what it needs to, you really don't want to miss out on Mega Manectric for a slight power boost. As foe for the ability, Infiltrator is the preferred one because, it allows Chandelure to overcome Substitute users such as Gliscor, Serperior and opposing Chandelure. Flame Body on the other hand, dissuades and punishes Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and U-turn users such as Scizor by burning them occasionally. Finally, Flash Fire could can be boost Chandelure's own firepower and make it more of a threat to switch into if it successfully pivots into a Fire-type move from the likes of Entei or Infernape.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can switch in on into Cobalion and Infernape pretty safely, other methods of bringing it in include doubling or after a teammate is KOed. You should save Chandelure for it to revenge kill troublesome Pokemon, the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Serperior can be effortly outrun and KOed by Chandelure if weakened enough; however, keep in mind that faster Megas such as Aerodactyl, Scpetile, and Beedrill still get the jump on it. Similarly, once Chandelure has fulfilled it's role, you may want to use Memento on Pokémon that it can't KO and use them as set up bait for another teammate, the likes of Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Swampert are notable targets. If Chandelure is still useful to the team, however, avoid switching it into hazards as Chandelure get's weakened and fails to accomplish it's role. If Chandelure doesn't need its Choice Scarf, feel free to use Trick it as the likes of Blissey, Porygon2 and Umbreon switch in; do keep in mind that this does require some prediction, by looking at your team archetype, a player might identify Chandelure as a Choice Scarf user and pivot into something else to scout for Trick. Overall, due to it holding Choice Scarf, Chandelure as a whole is a little prediction reliant, for example, by sending Chandelure in to into revenge kill a Serperior you might want to use Shadow Ball instead of Fire Blast to 2HKO a weakened Mantine that could try to switch in, for example., that could try to switch in. Considering Chandelure's passable Speed tier after Choice Scarf, keep in mind Shadow Ball can clean up most weakened teams that lack a Ghost resist or whose Ghost resist have has been KOed already, so in these scenarios it's important to preserve Chandelure.

Team Options
========

Chandelure fits well on Balance and Bulky Offense archetypes, therefore, wallbreakers such as Heracross, Mamoswine, Serperior, and Nidoking can take advantage of Chandelure's switch-ins making it easier for it to clean up late-game. Chandelure appreciates hazard removal, so the likes of Gliscor, Rotom-W, Starmie, and Empoleon are great partners. Also, Belly Drum Azumarill, Shell Smash Barbaracle, Calm Mind Latias and other sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's Memento support are great picks. Speaking of Latias, Dragonium Z variants and SubSeed Serperior also appreciate Chandelure weakening it's checks as the likes of Alolan Muk can be worn down by Chandelure. Switch-ins to common Choice Scarfers users and fast megas are also appreciated as they outspeed Chandelure and threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it, namely Scizor which can threaten all the faster megas with an offensive set, but the likes of Gliscor, Amoonguss, Suicune, and Alolan Muk all pair nicely with it and cover these offensive threats that can outrun it.

[SET]
name: Sub Calm Mind
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Substitute
item: Ghostium Z / Leftovers
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast is a strong Fire-type STAB that hits outstandingly hard at +1 or +2,; Ghost-type checks such as Mandibuzz, Umbreon, and Alolan Muk are heavily threatened by a boosted Fire Blast. Similarly, Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for consistency, considering it's more accurate. Shadow Ball allows Chandelure to take advantage of the lack of reliable Ghost resists in the tier and allows it to damage the likes of Latias, Jellicent, and Tentacruel for solid damage, it is also powered into a one-time Never-Ending Nightmare which very often nets KOs on the likes of Tentacruel, physically defensive Suicune, and Rotom-W after Shadow Ball damage, and always OHKOs Azumarril and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock if Chandelure is behind a Substitute. With Calm Mind, Chandelure can be a big nuisance to bulkier teams and finds set up opportunities on Pokemon that can't really touch it, such as Sylveon and Amoonguss. Substitute gives Chandelure a notable set up opportunity on Blissey which is generally a blanket check for to most Special Attackers on Stall archetypes. Similarly the move can be used when forcing out a Pokemon to avoid having to rely on prediction.

Set Details
========

Ghostium Z powers up Shadow Ball into a 160- Base Power Never-Ending Nightmare, but Leftovers can be picked used if a teammate is already holding a Z-Crystal and it keeps Chandelure healthy which is also important for matchups against bulkier teams. Special Attack and Speed are fully invested to allow Chandelure to hit harder and faster, Timid is preferred for Chandelure to outspeed base 70s speed Pokemon such as Decidueye, Volcanion, Cloyster, and Magneton. Ability-wise, Infiltrator allows Chandelure to bypass Substitutes from the likes of Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the potential to burn and punish Pursuit users such as Krookodile and Alolan Muk, as well as U-turn users such as Scizor; and Flash Fire is another option as it boost Chandelure's Fire-type moves to disgusting levels after a Calm Mind boost or two, triggering it, however, it may be a little situational.

Usage Tips
========

When forcing switches, especially in situations where the opponent can pivot into both of Chandelure's moves, by having a Mega Absol and an Azumarill, for example, Chandelure should use Substitute to avoid 50/50s. Against Pokemon that can't really touch Chandelure outside of Status moves, such as Blissey, Amoonguss, and Florges, Chandelure should use Substitute as well, to avoid Toxic and proceed to dent any incoming Pokemon, or use Calm Mind to make it even more of a threat. A risky but possible situation, is to bluff a Choice Scarf by sending Chandelure into Serperior or Cobalion and proceeding to set up a Substitute or a Calm Mind from there. Overall, if facing Stall or Balance, Chandelure's HP should be preserved for it to really Wallbreak and Stallbreak the opposing team; it's also worth preserving it's Z-move for Unaware users such as Quagsire and Tentacruel. Against more offensive moves, Chandelure should use it's Z-move if under a Substitute and facing something that none of it's other attacks can KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

Chandelure better fits on Bulky Offense and Balance looking for a Stallbreaker. Hazard removal is extremely important, the likes of Gliscor, Latias, Scizor, Rotom-W, Starmie, and countless others are great picks. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Cobalion, and Terrakion have great matchups against the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, similarly, Fairy-types such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Primarina also accomplish the same. Since Chandelure already matches up execptionallyexceptionally well against bulkier teams, defensive backbones that can deal with Offense are great options, Suicune, Hippowdon, Florges, are great examples. Similarly, revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Mienshao, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Mega Sharpedo, as well as win conditions that appreciate Chandelure's ability to decimate bulkier teams are very welcome as teammates, Belly Drum Azumarill, Serperior, and Mega Sharpedo are great examples.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits increbidly incredibly hard when boosted by Choice Specs, and is capable of denting even resists such as Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move and hits most of the tier for neutral damage. Memento is useful to create set up opportunities for teammates but should only be used once Chandelure has played it's role of wallbreaking through bulkier teams. Alternatively, Energy Ball is also important as it prevents Specially Defensive Water-types, such as Suicune and Gastrodon, from walling Chandelure. Finnally, Trick is a key component to cripple the likes of Blissey and Mantine against teams where Chandelure appreciates switching moves over the added power.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs allows Chandelure to hit insanely hard, and is especially useful for breaking down the opponent's walls for it's teammates. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EV investment allows Chandelure to be as strong and fast as possible while Timid is preferred to get the jump on Cloyster, Decidueye, Magneton, Volcanion, Feraligatr, and Necrozma, all on even conditions. Chandelure has a variety of viable abilities: Infiltrator is preferred for Substitute users such as Serperior and Gliscor; however Flame Body occasionally burns Pursuit and U-turn users such as Scizor and Alolan Muk; while Flash Fire is a third option that makes it difficult for an opponent to switch into Chandelure after the ability is triggered, especially since Chandlure can pivot into Fire-types such as Infernape and Entei with some predicition.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can plow through Balance teams alike, so it's important to keep it healthy in matchups where it does work against the opponent's team, however against more Offensive teams where it's wallbreaking capabilities aren't as much appreciated, Chandelure should be used as a pivot to the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Scizor, but it can also be brought in via U-turn or Volt Switch, doubles switches, or after a teammate is KOed. Be sure to keep your prediction game at it's best if using Chandelure, as Choice Specs variants do require some prediction to work to it's fullest potential, on a team with Mandibuzz, Latias, Crawdaunt, and Porygon2, for example, it might be difficult to decide which move to pick to still keep the momentum.

Team Options
========

Klefki and Rotom-W are great teammates as Chandelure really appreciates the Speed control provided by Thunder Wave,; Klefki also lays Spikes and is a solid Dark-type check. Defog users such as Gliscor, Latias, Scizor, and Rotom-W are heavily appreciated, as Chandelure's crippling Stealth Rock weakness really limits it's effectivieness; similarly, Rapid Spinners such as Starmie, Mega Blastoise, and Tencruel also pair well with it and give more freedom for allies to set hazards; in a similar vein, Stealth Rock users such as Cobalion, Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nihilego, Swampert, and Hippowdon, are very much appreciated by Chandelure, as hazards weaken the few Chandelure switch-ins to the point where the opponent struggles to reliably pivot into it. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Terrakion pose a threat to most of Chandelure's switch-ins, and appreciate Chandelure weakening their switch-ins, Fairy-types also threaten the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, Togekiss, Primarina and the aforementioned Klefki fall into this category nicely. Finally, late-game cleaners such as Dragon Dance Mega Altaria, Belly Drum Azumarill, Calm Mind Latias, and Swords Dance Cobalion are benefited by Chandelure's efforts in wallbreaking and wearing their checks down, they also appreciate Memento which gives them plenty of set up opportunities.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Taunt is an option to further haunt bulkier teams, however Substitute is generally concieved conceived as slightly better overall due to the better matchup against Offense. A set consisting of Will-O-Wisp and Hex can be used to punish incoming Pursuit trappers such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile, however, Chandelure is much more effective using one of the aforementioned sets. Overheat is an option on choiced sets making Chandelure hit a lot harder, but it is rather inconvinient inconvenient for Chandelure to be forced out when attacking. Finally, Pain Split can also be used in conjunction with Substitute, but overall, Substitute sets are rather strapped for moveslots.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon is not only the safest switch in to Chandelure in all the tier, but it also threatens it with a Super Effective Dark Pulse.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Chandelure's middling Speed,; the likes of Mega Aerodacyl, +1 Mega Sharpedo, Azumarril, and countless other notable Pokemon can outspeed and either OHKO or 2HKO it. Latias, Mega Manectric, and Krookodile outspeed Chandelure as well, but they should be careful of Choice Scarf variants.

**Pursuit Trappers**: Alolan Muk, Mega Aerodactyl, and Krookodile, despite the latter two failing to reliably switch in, can Pursuit trap Chandelure without much struggle.

**Entry Hazards**: Chandelure's succeptability susceptibility to Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Spikes prevent it from acting as an offensive pivot as they severely hinder Chandelure's ability to take hits.

**Special Walls**: Max Specially Defensive Umbreon and Snorlax can switch in even on Choice Specs sets and often 2HKO's Chandelure with Foul Play and Earthquake respectively. Blissey can Toxic non-Substitute sets and outstall Chandelure. Tentacruel and Suicune avoid the 2HKO from sets other than Choice Specs. Still, Chandelure can cripple all of these but Tentacruel with Trick.

:o
 

Eyan

sleep is the cousin of death
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
GP 1/2
Jord-e: add remove comments
Me: add / correct remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Chandelure's searing massive Special Attack stat along with a great STAB combo combination (combo as a noun is a small musical group; it's slang in this context) in Fire plus and Ghost makes it a notable threat in the UU metagame. It's typing also allows it to be an offensive check to the likes of Serperior, Cobalion, non-Knock Off Scizor lacking Knock Off, and non-Stone Edge Infernape lacking Stone Edge. Furthermore, an immunity to Seismic Toss from Blissey and the ability to cripple something bulky walls (don't do this. it counts as a content change, since there's stuff like semistall that does run offensive Pokemon) with Trick or avoid status with Substitute also defines it's its roles as a stallbreaker, allowing it to take advantage of numerous of fat bulky Pokemon in the tier,; (comma->semicolon) in general, it matches up outstandingly against bulkier teams, carving through them without much effort. However Unfortunately, (makes it clearer but not mandatory. keep the comma though) it's its poor bulk and lackluster Speed tier means that even Choice Scarf variants are outsped and KO'd KOed by most of the tier's Choice Scarf users, such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Terrakion, and by very fast Mega Evolutions such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Aerodactyl. Variants without non-Choice Scarf variants have to worry even more of about being outrun, as even the likes of Heracross, Nidoking, and Entei have the upper handare faster. Additionally, a vulnerability to all entry hazards, but most notably, Stealth Rock, dissuades Chandelure's capability of pivoting into the few Pokémon Pokemon (don't use the accent for analyses) it checks and gives it less fewer opportunities to wallbreak.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Hidden Power [Ice] Ice / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick / Memento
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast allows Chandelure to revenge kill Cobalion, Swords Dance Scizor, and dent any slower Pokémon Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball is used to revenge kill Latias and is overall a very reliable STAB move. Memento allows Chandelure to punish the likes of Hydreigon and Krookodile once it has done it's job already, potentially allowing teammates to set up on those these Pokemon. Hidden Power [Ice] Ice can be used to OHKO faster variants of Gliscor and gives it a better matchup against the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sceptile, but it does lose out on some of Memento's benefits utility. Energy Ball, on the other hand, is an option to dent the plethora of Water-types in the tier, such as Primarina, Defensive Rotom-W, Mega Blastoise, physically defensive Jellicent, and Gastrodon, (ac) which are all 2HKO'd, whereas and physically defensive Suicune, (ac) which needs some prior damage for Chandelure to guarantee a 2HKO. Finally, Trick is used to cripple the likes of Blissey, Florges, Porygon2, and Umbreon if Chandelure's Choice Scarf is unneeded not needed (same thing).

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf allows Chandelure to outrun the likes of Mega Manectric, Mega Pidgeot, Serperior, Cobalion, and Gliscor. Chandelure's (doesn't really make anything clearer) EVs are fully invested on in Special Attack and Speed to allow Chandelure to hit as hard and as fast as possible, respectively while a Timid nature is mandatory for Chandelure to be outspeed what it needs to, as you really don't want to it's not worth missing out on Mega Manectric for a slight power boost. As foe for the ability, Infiltrator is the preferred one because, (rc) it allows Chandelure to overcome Substitute users such as Gliscor, Serperior, (ac) and opposing Chandelure. Flame Body, (ac) on the other hand, dissuades and punishes Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and U-turn users such as Scizor by having the chance to burning them occasionally. Finally, Flash Fire could can be boost Chandelure's own firepower and make it more of a threat to switch into if it successfully pivots into a Fire-type move from the likes of Entei or Infernape.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can switch in on into Cobalion and Infernape pretty safely,. (comma->period) Other methods of bringing it in include doubling double switching or doing so after a teammate is KOed. You should save Chandelure for it to revenge killing troublesome Pokemon, such as the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Serperior can be effortly outrun and KOed by Chandelure if weakened enough; however, keep in mind that faster Megas Evolutions such as Aerodactyl, Scpetile Sceptile, and Beedrill still get the jump on it. Similarly, once Chandelure has fulfilled it's role, you may want to use Memento on Pokémon Pokemon that it can't KO and use them as set up setup bait for another teammate,; (comma->semicolon) the likes of Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Swampert are notable targets. If Chandelure is still useful to the team, however, avoid switching it into entry hazards, (ac) as Chandelure get's would get weakened and fails to accomplish it's role. If Chandelure doesn't need its Choice Scarf, feel free to use Trick, (ac) it as the likes of Blissey, Porygon2 and Umbreon switch in (this sentence actually doesn't make sense. do you mean that they tend to switch in? in that case, what about if you're not playing against a bulky team?); do keep in mind that this does require some prediction, as by looking at your team archetype, a player an opponent might identify Chandelure as a Choice Scarf user and pivot into something else to scout for Trick. Overall, due to it holding Choice Scarf, Chandelure as a whole is a little prediction reliant,; (comma->semicolon) for example, by sending Chandelure in to into (in to is right, since you're sending it in so as to do something) revenge kill a Serperior, (ac) you might want to use Shadow Ball instead of Fire Blast to 2HKO a weakened Mantine that could try to switch in, for example., that could try to switch in. Considering Chandelure's passable Speed tier after with Choice Scarf, keep in mind Shadow Ball can clean up most weakened teams that lack a Ghost resist or whose Ghost resist Ghost-resistant Pokemon or have had their Ghost-resistant Pokemon have has been KOed already, so in these scenarios, (ac) it's important to preserve Chandelure.

Team Options
========

Chandelure fits well on balance and bulky offense archetypes,; (comma->semicolon) therefore, wallbreakers such as Heracross, Mamoswine, Serperior, and Nidoking can take advantage of Chandelure's switch-ins, (ac) making it easier for it to clean up late-game. Chandelure appreciates entry hazard removal, so the likes of Gliscor, Rotom-W, Starmie, and Empoleon are great partners. Also, Belly Drum Azumarill, Shell Smash Barbaracle, Calm Mind Latias, (ac) and other sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's Memento support are great picks. Speaking of Latias, Dragonium Z variants and SubSeed Serperior also appreciate Chandelure weakening it's their checks, (ac) as the likes of Alolan Muk can be worn down by Chandelure. Switch-ins to common Choice Scarfers users and fast megas Mega Evolutions are also appreciated, (ac) as they outspeed Chandelure and threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it,. (comma->period) namely As such, (ac)Scizor, (ac) which can threaten all the faster megas Mega Evolutions with an offensive set, but and the likes of Gliscor, Amoonguss, Suicune, and Alolan Muk all pair nicely with it and cover these offensive threats that can outrun it.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Substitute
item: Ghostium Z / Leftovers
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast is a strong Fire-type STAB move that hits outstandingly hard at +1 or +2,; Ghost-type checks such as Mandibuzz, Umbreon, and Alolan Muk are heavily threatened by a boosted Fire Blast. Similarly, Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for consistency, considering it's more accurate. Shadow Ball allows Chandelure to take advantage of the lack of reliable Ghost-resistant Pokemon resists in the tier and allows it to damage hit the likes of Latias, Jellicent, and Tentacruel for solid damage,. (comma->period) It is also powered into a one-time Never-Ending Nightmare, (ac) which very often nets KOs on the likes of Tentacruel, (rc) and physically defensive Suicune, and Rotom-W after Shadow Ball damage, (rc) and always OHKOes Azumarril and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock if Chandelure is behind a Substitute (i don't think the sub would change the calcs). With Calm Mind, Chandelure can be a big nuisance to bulkier teams and finds set up setup opportunities on against Pokemon that can't really touch it, such as Sylveon and Amoonguss. Substitute gives Chandelure a notable set up setup opportunity on Blissey, (ac) which is generally a blanket check for to most Special Attackers on stall archetypes. Similarly, (ac) the move can be used when forcing out a Pokemon to avoid having to rely on prediction.

Set Details
========

Ghostium Z powers up Shadow Ball into a 160- Base Power Never-Ending Nightmare (don't remove the hyphen, but remove the space; it should be "160-Base Power"), but Leftovers can be picked used if a teammate is already holding a Z-Crystal, (ac) and it keeps Chandelure healthy, (ac) which is also important for matchups against bulkier teams. Special Attack and Speed are fully invested to allow Chandelure to hit harder and faster, and a Timid nature is preferred for Chandelure to outspeed base 70sspeed Pokemon (base 70s is accepted) such as Decidueye, Volcanion, Cloyster, and Magneton. Ability-wise (remove hyphen), Infiltrator allows Chandelure to bypass Substitutes from the likes of Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the potential to burn and punish Pursuit users such as Krookodile and Alolan Muk, as well as U-turn users such as Scizor; and Flash Fire is another option as it boosts Chandelure's Fire-type moves to disgusting (negative connotation. change it to something positive) levels after a Calm Mind boost or two, but triggering it, however, it (no need for this now)may be a little situational.

Usage Tips
========

When forcing switches, especially in situations where the opponent can pivot into both of Chandelure's moves, (rc) by having a Mega Absol and an Azumarill, for example, Chandelure should use Substitute to avoid 50/50s mind games. Against Pokemon that can't really touch Chandelure outside of status moves, such as Blissey, Amoonguss, and Florges (this doesn't normally run a status move, though), Chandelure should use Substitute as well, (rc) to avoid Toxic and proceed to dent any incoming Pokemon, (rc) or use Calm Mind to make it even more of a threat. A risky but possible situation, is to bluff a Choice Scarf by sending Chandelure into Serperior or Cobalion and proceeding to set up a Substitute or a Calm Mind from there. Overall, if facing stall or balance, Chandelure's HP should be preserved for it to really wallbreak and stallbreak the opposing team; it's also worth preserving it's Z-Move for Unaware users such as Quagsire and Tentacruel (it gets Haze, but this doesn't come under Unaware). Against more offensive moves teams, Chandelure should use it's its Z-Move if under behind a Substitute and facing something that none of it's other attacks can KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

This Chandelure better set fits on bulky offense and balance teams looking for a stallbreaker. Entry hazard removal is extremely important, with the likes of Gliscor, Latias, Scizor, Rotom-W, Starmie, and countless others are being great picks. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Cobalion, and Terrakion and Fairy-types such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Primarina have great matchups against the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, similarly, Fairy-types such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Primarina also accomplish the same. Since Chandelure already matches up execptionally exceptionally well against bulkier teams, defensive backbones that can deal with offense are great options, with Suicune, Hippowdon, Florges, are great being some examples (these aren't really "backbones" though). Similarly, revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Mienshao, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Mega Sharpedo, as well as win conditions sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's ability to decimate bulkier teams are very welcome as teammates,. (comma->period) Belly Drum Azumarill, Serperior, and Mega Sharpedo are great examples.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits increbidly incredibly hard when boosted by Choice Specs, (rc) and is capable of denting even resists Pokemon that resist Fire such as Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move and hits most of the tier for neutral damage. Memento is useful to create set up for creating setup (x is used to do y, but x is useful for doing y) opportunities for teammates but should only be used once Chandelure has played it's role of wallbreaking through bulkier teams. Alternatively, Energy Ball is also important (doesn't really make sense to say "Alternatively, ...is important"), (ac) as it prevents specially defensive Water-types, such as Suicune and Gastrodon, from walling Chandelure. Finnally, Trick is a key component (not necessary) to for cripple crippling the likes of Blissey and Mantine against teams where Chandelure appreciates switching moves over the added power.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs allows Chandelure to hit insanely hard, (rc) and is especially useful for breaking down the opponent's walls for it's teammates. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EV investment allows (keep the s. investment is singular) Chandelure to be as strong and fast as possible, (ac) while a Timid nature is preferred to get the jump on Cloyster, Decidueye, Magneton, Volcanion, Feraligatr, and Necrozma, all on even conditions (not sure what you mean by this even). Chandelure has a variety of viable abilities: Infiltrator is preferred for dealing with Substitute users such as Serperior and Gliscor; however Flame Body occasionally has the chance to burns Pursuit and U-turn users such as Scizor and Alolan Muk (would make more sense to switch the order of these two. Scizor can do both, but Alolan Muk can only use Pursuit and not U-turn); while and Flash Fire is a third option that makes it difficult for an opponent to switch anything into Chandelure after the ability is triggered, especially since Chandlure can pivot into Fire-types such as Infernape and Entei with some predicition.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can plow through balance teams alike (alike only makes sense with two separate things), so it's important to keep it healthy in matchups against those where it does work against the opponent's team,; however, (ac) against more offensive teams where it's its wallbreaking capabilities aren't as much appreciated, Chandelure should be used as a pivot to the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Scizor, but it can also be brought in via U-turn or Volt Switch, through doubles switches, or after a teammate is KOed. Be sure to keep your prediction game at it's its best if using Chandelure, as Choice Specs variants do require some prediction to work to it's its fullest potential,. (comma->period) On a team with Mandibuzz, Latias, Crawdaunt, and Porygon2, for example, it might be difficult to decide which move to pick to still keep the momentum.

Team Options
========

Klefki and Rotom-W are is a great teammates, (ac) as Chandelure really appreciates the speed control provided by Thunder Wave,; Klefki also lays sets up Spikes and is a solid Dark-type check. Defog users such as Gliscor, Latias, and Scizor, and Rotom-W are heavily appreciated, as Chandelure's crippling Stealth Rock weakness really limits it's its effectivieness; similarly, Rapid Spinners users such as Starmie, Mega Blastoise, and Tentacruel also pair well with it and give more freedom for allies to set entryhazards; in a similar vein,. (stringing three sentences like that doesn't really work along with the repeating structure of them being similar) Stealth Rock users such as Cobalion, Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nihilego, Swampert, and Hippowdon, (rc) are very much appreciated by Chandelure, as hazards weaken the few Chandelure switch-ins to the point where the opponent struggles to reliably pivot into it (consider moving this near the Klefki mention, since there's a line about Spikes). Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Terrakion pose a threat to most of Chandelure's switch-ins, (rc) and appreciate Chandelure weakening their switch-ins, while Fairy-types also threaten the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, with Togekiss, Primarina, (ac) and the aforementioned Klefki falling into this category nicely. Finally, late-game cleaners such as Dragon Dance Mega Altaria, Belly Drum Azumarill, Calm Mind Latias, and Swords Dance Cobalion are benefited by Chandelure's efforts in wallbreaking and wearing their checks down, and they also appreciate Memento, (ac) which gives them plenty of set up setup opportunities (not really when Memento is a one-time use).

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Taunt is an option to further haunt bulkier teams,; (comma->semicolon) however, (ac) Substitute is generally concieved conceived as slightly better overall due to the better matchup against offense. A set consisting of Will-O-Wisp and Hex can be used to punish incoming Pursuit trappers such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile, but however, (the comma would be right, but you'd need a semicolon before it like above. repetition, though) Chandelure is much more effective using one of the aforementioned sets. Overheat is an option on choiced Choice Specs sets (qc comment: it's kinda ass on scarf tbh), (ac) making Chandelure hit a lot harder, but it is rather inconvinient inconvenient for Chandelure to be forced out when attacking. Finally, Pain Split can also be used in conjunction with Substitute, but overall, Substitute sets are rather strapped for moveslots.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon is not only the safest switch-in (add hyphen) to Chandelure in all the tier, (rc) but it (reduces ambiguity with "it") also threatens it with a super effective Dark Pulse.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Chandelure's middling Speed,; (don't make this change) the likes of Mega Aerodacyl, +1 Mega Sharpedo, Azumarril Azumarill (this doesn't have to do with Speed, though. It's more about being weak to priority Aqua Jet), and countless other notable Pokemon can outspeed and either OHKO or 2HKO it. Latias, Mega Manectric, and Krookodile outspeed Chandelure as well, but they should be careful of Choice Scarf variants (what about scarf latias and krookodile?).

**Pursuit Trappers**: Alolan Muk, Mega Aerodactyl, and Krookodile, despite the latter two failing to reliably switch in, can Pursuit trap Chandelure without much struggle.

**Entry Hazards**: Chandelure's succeptability susceptibility to Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Spikes prevent it from acting as an offensive pivot, (ac) as they severely hinder Chandelure's ability to take hits.

**Special Walls**: Max Specially Defensive Umbreon and Snorlax can switch in even on Choice Specs sets and often 2HKO's Chandelure with Foul Play and Earthquake, (ac) respectively. Blissey can use Toxic against non-Substitute sets and outstall stall out Chandelure. Tentacruel and Suicune (qc comment: not really a special wall) avoid the 2HKO from sets other than Choice Specs. Still, Chandelure can cripple all of these but Tentacruel with Trick (tentacruel is still crippled. it's just not without a drawback).

It's been a while, so apologies if some of the stuff I'm saying now is not relevant.

Jord-e try to be more observant with catching objective things. Keep the standards and whatever notes you have open when making a check. Consistency is also really important. You're catching objective things sometimes, but then you leave it out in other areas.

Exploudit Please make sure that before you send an analysis to GP, read the GP standards and compare it to whether your writing is up to that standard. Stuff like the accent in Pokemon and whether wallbreaker / stallbreaker / balance / bulky offense / stall should be capitalised are things that are mentioned there, so you should be able to fix them regardless of your command of English. Obviously there are issues like it's vs its and run-on sentences, but I'm not too particular there.
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Chandelure's massive Special Attack stat along with a great STAB combination in Fire and Ghost makes it a notable threat in the UU metagame. Its typing also allows it to be an offensive check to the likes of Serperior, Cobalion, non-Knock Off Scizor, and non-Stone Edge Infernape. Furthermore, an immunity to Seismic Toss from Blissey and the ability to cripple bulky walls with Trick or avoid status with Substitute also defines its role as a stallbreaker, allowing it to take advantage of numerous bulky Pokemon in the tier; in general, it matches up outstandingly against bulkier teams, carving through them without much effort. Unfortunately, its poor bulk and lackluster Speed tier means mean that even Choice Scarf variants are outsped and KOed by most of the tier's Choice Scarf users, such as Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Terrakion, and by very fast Mega Evolutions such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Aerodactyl. Non-Choice Scarf variants have to worry even more about being outrun, as even the likes of Heracross, Nidoking, and Entei are faster. Additionally, a vulnerability to all entry hazards, but most notably (RC) Stealth Rock, dissuades compromises Chandelure's capability of to pivoting into the few Pokemon it checks and gives it fewer opportunities to wallbreak.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Hidden Power Ice / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick / Memento
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast allows Chandelure to revenge kill Cobalion (RC) and Swords Dance Scizor (RC) and dent any slower Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball is used to revenge kill Latias and is overall a very reliable STAB move. Memento allows Chandelure to punish the likes of Hydreigon and Krookodile once it has done its job already, potentially allowing teammates to set up on these Pokemon. Hidden Power Ice can be used to OHKO faster variants of Gliscor and gives it Chandelure a better matchup against the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sceptile, but it does lose out on Memento's utility. Energy Ball, on the other hand, is an option to dent the plethora of Water-types in the tier, such as Primarina, Mega Blastoise, physically defensive Jellicent, and Gastrodon, which are all 2HKO'd 2HKOed, and physically defensive Suicune, which needs some prior damage for Chandelure to guarantee a 2HKO. Finally, Trick is used to cripple the likes of Blissey, Florges, Porygon2, and Umbreon if Chandelure's Choice Scarf is not needed.

Set Details
========

A Choice Scarf allows Chandelure to outrun the likes of Mega Manectric, Mega Pidgeot, Serperior, Cobalion, and Gliscor. Chandelure's EVs are fully invested in Special Attack and Speed to allow Chandelure to hit as hard and as fast as possible, while a Timid nature is mandatory for Chandelure to outspeed what it needs to, as it's not worth missing out on Mega Manectric for a slight power boost. As for the ability, Infiltrator is the preferred one because it allows Chandelure to overcome Substitute users such as Gliscor, Serperior, and opposing Chandelure. Flame Body, on the other hand, dissuades and punishes Pursuit users such as Alolan Muk and U-turn users such as Scizor by having the chance to burn them. Finally, Flash Fire can boost Chandelure's own firepower and make it more of a threat to switch into if it successfully pivots into a Fire-type move from the likes of Entei or Infernape.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can switch into Cobalion and Infernape pretty safely. Other methods of bringing it in include double switching or doing so after a teammate is KOed. You should save Chandelure for revenge killing troublesome Pokemon, such as the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Serperior; however, keep in mind that faster Mega Evolutions such as Aerodactyl, Sceptile, and Beedrill still get the jump on it. Similarly, once Chandelure has fulfilled its role, you may want to use Memento on Pokemon that it can't KO and use them as setup bait for another teammate; the likes of Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Swampert are notable targets. If Chandelure is still useful to the team, however, avoid switching it into entry hazards, as Chandelure would get weakened and fail to accomplish its role. If Chandelure is facing a Stall stall or Balance balance team and doesn't need its Choice Scarf, feel free to use Trick, as the likes of Blissey, Porygon2 and Umbreon switch in; do keep in mind that this does require some prediction, as by looking at your team archetype, an opponent might identify Chandelure as a Choice Scarf user and pivot into something else to scout for Trick. Overall, due to it holding Choice Scarf, Chandelure is a little prediction reliant; for example, by sending Chandelure in to revenge kill a Serperior, you might want to use Shadow Ball instead of Fire Blast to 2HKO a weakened Mantine that could try to switch in. Considering Chandelure's passable Speed tier with Choice Scarf, keep in mind Shadow Ball can clean up most weakened teams that lack a Ghost-resistant Pokemon or have had their Ghost-resistant Pokemon KOed or weakened already, so in these scenarios, it's important to preserve Chandelure.

Team Options
========

Chandelure fits well on balance and bulky offense archetypes; therefore, wallbreakers such as Heracross, Mamoswine, Serperior, and Nidoking can take advantage of Chandelure's switch-ins, making it easier for it to clean up late-game. Chandelure appreciates entry hazard removal, so the likes of Gliscor, Starmie, and Empoleon are great partners. Also, Belly Drum Azumarill, Shell Smash Barbaracle, Calm Mind Latias, and other sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's Memento support are great picks. Speaking of Latias, Dragonium Z Latias variants and SubSeed Serperior also appreciate Chandelure weakening their checks, as the likes of Alolan Muk can be worn down by Chandelure. Switch-ins to common Choice Scarf users and fast Mega Evolutions are also appreciated, as they outspeed Chandelure and threaten to OHKO or 2HKO it. As such, Scizor, which can threaten all the faster Mega Evolutions with an offensive set, and the likes of Gliscor, Amoonguss, Suicune, and Alolan Muk all pair nicely with it and cover these offensive threats.

[SET]
name: Substitute + Calm Mind
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Substitute
item: Ghostium Z / Leftovers
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast is a strong Fire-type STAB move that hits outstandingly hard at +1 or +2; Ghost-type checks such as Mandibuzz, Umbreon, and Alolan Muk are heavily threatened by a boosted Fire Blast. Similarly, Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for consistency, considering it's more accurate. Shadow Ball allows Chandelure to take advantage of the lack of reliable Ghost-resistant Pokemon in the tier and allows it to hit the likes of Latias, Jellicent, and Tentacruel for solid damage. It is also powered into a one-time Never-Ending Nightmare, which very often nets KOs on the likes of Tentacruel and physically defensive Suicune after Shadow Ball damage and always OHKOes Azumarril and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock. With Calm Mind, Chandelure can be a big nuisance to bulkier teams and finds setup opportunities against Pokemon that can't really touch it, such as Sylveon and Amoonguss. Substitute gives Chandelure a notable setup opportunity on Blissey, which is generally a blanket check to most special attackers on stall archetypes. Similarly, (ac) (remove comment) the move can be used when forcing out a Pokemon to avoid having to rely on prediction.

Set Details
========

Ghostium Z powers up Shadow Ball into a 160-Base Power Never-Ending Nightmare, but Leftovers can be used if a teammate is already holding a Z-Crystal, and it keeps Chandelure healthy, which is also its recovery is important for matchups against bulkier teams. Special Attack and Speed are fully invested to allow Chandelure to hit harder and faster, and a Timid nature is preferred for Chandelure to outspeed base 70s such as Decidueye, Volcanion, Cloyster, and Magneton. Ability wise Abilitywise, Infiltrator allows Chandelure to bypass Substitutes from the likes of Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the potential to burn and punish Pursuit users such as Krookodile and Alolan Muk (RC) as well as U-turn users such as Scizor; and Flash Fire boosts Chandelure's Fire-type moves to surprising levels after a Calm Mind boost or two, but triggering it may be a little situational.

Usage Tips
========

When forcing switches, especially in situations where the opponent can pivot into both of Chandelure's moves by having a Mega Absol and an Azumarill, for example, Chandelure should use Substitute to avoid mind games. Against Pokemon that can't really touch Chandelure outside of status moves, such as Blissey, Amoonguss, and the eventual odd Toxic Florges, Chandelure should use Substitute as well to avoid Toxic and proceed to dent any incoming Pokemon or use Calm Mind to make it even more of a threat. A risky but possible situation (RC) is to bluff a Choice Scarf by sending Chandelure into Serperior or Cobalion and proceeding to set up a Substitute or a Calm Mind from there. Overall, if you're facing stall or balance, Chandelure's HP should be preserved for it to really wallbreak and stallbreak the opposing team; it's also worth preserving it's Z-Move for Unaware and Haze users such as Quagsire and Tentacruel respectively. Against more offensive teams, Chandelure should use its Z-Move if behind a Substitute and facing something that none of its other attacks can KO, such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Altaria after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

This Chandelure set fits on bulky offense and balance teams looking for a stallbreaker. Entry hazard removal is extremely important, with the likes of Gliscor, Latias, Scizor, and Starmie, and countless others being great picks. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Cobalion, and Terrakion and Fairy-types such as Sylveon, Klefki, and Primarina have great matchups against the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure. Since Chandelure already matches up exceptionally well against bulkier teams, defensive partners that can deal with offense are great options, with Suicune, Hippowdon, Florges, being some examples. Similarly, revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Hydreigon, Choice Scarf Mienshao, Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, and Mega Sharpedo, as well as sweepers that appreciate Chandelure's ability to decimate bulkier teams are very welcome as teammates. Belly Drum Azumarill, Serperior, and Mega Sharpedo are great examples.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Memento / Energy Ball
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
ability: Infiltrator / Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fire Blast hits incredibly hard when boosted by Choice Specs and is capable of denting even Pokemon that resist Fire such as Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo. Shadow Ball is a reliable STAB move and hits most of the tier for neutral damage. Memento is useful for creating setup opportunities for teammates but should only be used once Chandelure has played its role of breaking through bulkier teams. Alternatively, Energy Ball is important, as it prevents specially defensive Water-types, such as Suicune and Gastrodon, from walling Chandelure. Finally, Trick is key for crippling the likes of Blissey and Mantine against teams where Chandelure appreciates switching moves over the added power.

Set Details
========

Choice Specs allows Chandelure to hit insanely hard and is especially useful for breaking down the opponent's walls for its teammates. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment allows Chandelure to be as strong and fast as possible, while a Timid nature is preferred to get the jump on Cloyster, Decidueye, Magneton, Volcanion, Feraligatr, and Necrozma. Chandelure has a variety of viable abilities: Infiltrator is preferred for dealing with Substitute users such as Serperior and Gliscor; Flame Body has the chance to burn Pursuit and U-turn users such as Alolan Muk and Scizor respectively; and Flash Fire makes it difficult for an opponent to switch anything into Chandelure after the ability is triggered, especially since Chandlure can pivot into Fire-types such as Infernape and Entei with some prediction.

Usage Tips
========

Chandelure can plow through balance teams, so it's important to keep it healthy in matchups against those; however, against more offensive teams where its wallbreaking capabilities aren't as appreciated, Chandelure should be used as a pivot to the likes of Cobalion, Infernape, and Scizor, but it can also be brought in via U-turn or Volt Switch, through doubles switches, or after a teammate is KOed. Be sure to keep your prediction game at its best when using Chandelure, as Choice Specs variants do require some prediction to work to its fullest potential. On a team with Mandibuzz, Latias, Crawdaunt, and Porygon2, for example, it might be difficult to decide which move to pick to still keep the momentum.

Team Options
========

Klefki is a great teammate, as Chandelure really appreciates the speed control provided by Thunder Wave (RSC) Klefki also sets up and the residual damage from Spikes. (unless Spikes is really secondary, then just merge it into the next sentence and make that one about entry hazard setters) In a similar vein, Stealth Rock users such as Cobalion, Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nihilego, Swampert, and Hippowdon are very much appreciated by Chandelure, as hazards weaken the residual damage weakens the few Chandelure switch-ins to the point where the opponent struggles to reliably pivot into it. Defog users such as Gliscor, Latias, and Scizor are heavily appreciated, as Chandelure's crippling Stealth Rock weakness really limits its effectiveness; similarly, Rapid Spin users such as Starmie, Mega Blastoise, and Tentacruel also pair well with it and give more freedom for allies to set entry hazards. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Terrakion pose a threat to most of Chandelure's switch-ins (RC) and appreciate Chandelure weakening their switch-ins, while Fairy-types also threaten the Dark-types that annoy Chandelure, with Togekiss, Primarina, and the aforementioned Klefki falling into this category nicely. Finally, late-game cleaners such as Dragon Dance Mega Altaria, Belly Drum Azumarill, Calm Mind Latias, and Swords Dance Cobalion are benefited by Chandelure's efforts in wallbreaking and wearing their checks down, and they also appreciate Memento, which gives them a solid setup opportunity.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Taunt is an option to further haunt (pun AND rhyme in one, not bad at all) bulkier teams; however, Substitute is generally conceived perceived as slightly better overall due to the better matchup against offense. A set consisting of running Will-O-Wisp and Hex can be used to punish incoming Pursuit trappers such as Alolan Muk and Krookodile, but Chandelure is much more effective using one of the aforementioned sets. Overheat is an option on Choice Specs sets, making Chandelure hit a lot harder, but it is rather inconvenient for Chandelure to be forced out when attacking. Finally, Pain Split can be used in conjunction with Substitute, but overall, Substitute sets are rather strapped for moveslots.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Hydreigon**: Hydreigon not only is not only the safest switch-in to Chandelure in the tier but also threatens it with a super effective Dark Pulse.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Chandelure's middling Speed, the likes of Mega Aerodacyl, +1 Mega Sharpedo, Choice Scarf Krookodile, and countless other notable Pokemon can outspeed and either OHKO or 2HKO it. Nihilego, Mega Manectric, and Mega Pidgoet outspeed Chandelure as well, but they should be careful of Choice Scarf variants.

**Pursuit Trappers**: Alolan Muk, Mega Aerodactyl, and Krookodile, despite the latter two failing to reliably switch in, can Pursuit trap Chandelure without much struggle.

**Entry Hazards**: Chandelure's susceptibility to Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Spikes prevent prevents it from acting as an offensive pivot, as they severely hinder Chandelure's ability to take hits.

**Walls**: Specially Defensive Umbreon and Snorlax can switch in even on Choice Specs sets and often 2HKO Chandelure with Foul Play and Earthquake, respectively. Blissey can use Toxic against non-Substitute sets and stall out Chandelure. Tentacruel and Suicune avoid the 2HKO from sets other than Choice Specs. Still, Chandelure can cripple all of these with Trick.
 
Last edited:
Pak I'm really sorry, I'm traveling and family prohibited me from bringing my laptop, so I had no way to implement the check, that being said, I'll be back tommorow so I'll implement it by then.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Pak

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top