RU Moltres

Natan

...
is a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]
Moltres has a great base 125 Special Attack, allowing it to 2HKO even some Pokemon with great special bulk such as Mantine after Stealth Rock damage. It also has great STAB attacks in Hurricane and Fire Blast; however, with limited coverage options, Moltres is forced to only use STAB attacks, Hidden Power, and U-turn. Moltres has two situational abilities that can sometimes help it. Flame Body may help cripple physical attackers that make contact with a burn, while Pressure is useful to stall out the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Moltres's base 90 Speed, while not great, allows Moltres to outspeed threats such as Toxicroak, Rotom-C, and Kommo-o. Moltres has average bulk, allowing it to take resisted or weak moves, and it has useful resistances to Fairy-, Bug-, Grass-, Steel-, Fire-, and Fighting-type and an immunity to Ground-type ones. However, it loses half of its maximum HP from Stealth Rock damage, forcing it to be careful about its HP, and its weaknesses to common Water- and Rock-type moves make it harder for it to take hits.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Substitute / Defog
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Moltres to block moves like Toxic and Leech Seed while also getting a free turn based on the switches it forces from Pokemon like Escavalier and Doublade, Choice-locked Pokemon like Flygon and Shaymin, and passive Pokemon like Torkoal and Gligar. Defog is a useful option to make Moltres a secondary Defog user if Moltres's team has a cleric, relieving some of the pressure from the team's main Defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and Moltres can easily Defog on forced switches due to its immediate offensive presence. Toxic allows Moltres to wear down most of its checks, such as Slowking, Mantine, Gigalith, and Milotic. Roost allows Moltres to keep itself healthy in order to stall out its poisoned opponents. Flamethrower is Moltres's attacking move, hitting any viable Steel-type super effectively and hitting almost any Poison-type neutrally, which is important because they are immune to Toxic.

Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to outspeed base 85s such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o. Maximum HP investment and 44 EVs in Defense make Moltres as bulky as possible. Pressure is the chosen ability, as it allows Moltres to limit PP from moves like Stone Edge. Leftovers is the chosen item, as it gives Moltres a passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres can switch in against weak or resisted moves, such as Florges's Moonblast
and Escavalier's STAB attacks. Getting a Substitute on a predicted switch-in or a weak move can be great, as most times it allows Moltres to either beat or freely use Toxic against its foe. Use Moltres's Substitute to prevent opposing Toxic at all costs, since this would cripple your Moltres. Use Toxic carefully if the opposing team has a Synchronize user like Umbreon, since it will end up poisoning Moltres as well.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is crucial, as Moltres loses half of its HP to Stealth Rock—Gligar and Donphan are Pokemon that can help with this. Pokemon that can pressure Poison-types like Salazzle and Dragalge help, as they can check this set; Espeon and Rhyperior are good examples. Fighting-types such as Bewear and Pangoro can help against Umbreon, which can beat this set thanks to Synchronize, while also pressuring annoying Rock-types. Grass-types such as Roserade and Shaymin are very appreciated, as they can check Electric-, Water-, and Rock-types for Moltres. Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon can help by taking Electric- and Rock-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Umbreon can help by curing Moltres if it gets statused, mainly if Defog is chosen over Substitute.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Roost / U-turn
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast is Moltres's main STAB attack and, thanks to Moltres's high Special Attack stat, will deal a lot of damage to most of the Pokemon that don't resist it. Hurricane has the same Base Power as Fire Blast and can hit bulky Water-types neutrally, being able to 2HKO Mantine and Milotic after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Grass give Moltres coverage against Rock-types, being able to 3HKO Diancie after Stealth Rock and 2HKO Rhyperior. Hidden Power Electric is also an option, 2HKOing Mantine even without Stealth Rock damage and possibly OHKOing Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock. Roost allows Moltres to recover off damage it takes, which can be really useful given its Stealth Rock weakness. U-turn is used if Choice Specs is chosen over Life Orb, as Moltres doesn't want to Choice-lock itself into Roost, and U-turn can be used to gain momentum on forced switches and allows Moltres to switch out against Rock-types such as Diancie and Gigalith while doing damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Timid nature is used to outspeed some Pokemon such as Rotom-A, Toxicroak, and Kommo-o. Flame Body is the chosen ability for this set, since it can help Moltres's team by sometimes crippling physical attackers. Life Orb is used to boost Moltres's damage and allows it to switch moves and use Roost when needed, while Choice Specs is an option that increases Moltres's damage and doesn't cost it 10% recoil when it uses an attack; however, Moltres can't use Roost with Choice Specs and will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres should only switch in on weak or resisted moves, like Florges's Moonblast and Umbreon's Foul Play. However if Moltres is using Choice Specs, Moltres shouldn't risk taking damage from anything. Life Orb Moltres can also switch in on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare; however, be careful to not switch in on common coverage moves like Stone Edge. Normally, Moltres will only switch in to revenge kill slower weakened Pokemon or those weak to its STAB attacks such as Kommo-o, Doublade and Escavalier. Since Stealth Rock will leave Moltres very weakened, try to Roost when possible on forced switches against Pokemon such as Grass-types like Shaymin, Dhelmise, and Roserade, which aren't likely to risk a Speed tie.

Team Options
========

With a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, Moltres is required to have a teammate to Rapid Spin or Defog for it such as Donphan or Gligar. Moltres appreciates Pokemon that can weaken Rock- and Water-types, limiting its switch-ins on the opposing team. Examples of Pokemon that can beat these types are Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Roserade. Ground-types such as Gligar and Flygon also are very appreciated, as they can usually switch in on Electric- and Rock-type moves. Spikes setters such as Roserade and Chesnaught are also very helpful,since they make it easier for Moltres to weaken the opposing team. Physical cleaners such as Sharpedo and Feraligatr appreciate this set's support, since Moltres is able to pressure physical walls, and they're even better if Hidden Power Electric is chosen, since it allows Moltres to beat Mantine, a foe that they otherwise struggle with.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast allows Moltres to revenge kill Pokemon such as Durant, Cryogonal, and Shaymin while still beating slower Pokemon such as Escavalier. Hurricane allows Moltres to hit Fighting-types such as Virizion and Pokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Salazzle and Noivern, as well as slower Pokemon such as Kommo-o and Toxicroak. U-turn is used to keep momentum on forced switches to checks such as Diancie while causing some damage that can break Focus Sash or Sturdy from Pokemon like Froslass and Donphan. Flamethrower is used to beat some Pokemon without risking a miss, ensuring the KO on weakened Pokemon and some Pokemon such as Durant and Sneasel. Hidden Power Ice is an option that allows Moltres to OHKO +1 Flygon while also always 2HKOing Gligar.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Moltres to outspeed Pokemon such as +1 Adamant Flygon and Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Flame Body is a situational ability that can help Moltres's team in some cases by crippling physical attackers if Moltres needs to take a hit. Choice Scarf is chosen to revenge kill faster Pokemon, boosting Moltres's Speed and allowing it to outspeed naturally faster Pokemon such as Durant, Salazzle, and Froslass and revenge kill them.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Moltres shouldn't be switching in against any move, given the fact that it will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up; it should only come in order to revenge kill something or after a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. Try to bring Moltres in only against guaranteed KO targets, since if it's unable to get the KO, it may get KOed in return or weakened to the point where it won't be able to switch in anymore if Stealth Rock is up.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is very important, so Pokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar also pair well with Moltres. Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.

Team Options
========

Hazard control is very important, so Pokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot. Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.

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

A set with Solar Beam and Grassium Z can be used to allow Moltres to OHKO Milotic after Stealth Rock as well as Rhyperior and Diancie after some prior damage, but the damage losson Fire Blast and Hurricane and the fact that it will be only able to use this move once makes it not worth using this set most times.

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

**Stealth Rock**: Thanks to Moltres's typing, Stealth Rock will take half of its HP, KOing it in three switches unless it uses Roost and forcing it to always recover to be able to come in later during the match.

**Rock-types**: Resisting Moltres's STAB combination, Rock-types like Diancie and Gigalith can easily take hits from Moltres and OHKO it in return. Gigalith can also beat it through its Substitute thanks to Rock Blast, and Diancie can cure Toxic with Heal Bell. Rhyperior also checks Moltres, but it needs to watch out for Hidden Power Grass from the offensive set, since it is 2HKOed by this move. Aerodactyl is also an issue, since it outspeeds Moltres and can take a hit even after Stealth Rock damage unless Moltres has Hidden Power Electric. Tyrantrum is a shaky case, as it can't switch into Moltres's wallbreaker set, since Hurricane will 2HKO it, but it can take a hit and threaten Moltres with a STAB Head Smash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Slowking, and Milotic resist Moltres's Fire Blast, and although most times they can't switch directly into a Hurricane and need to watch out for Toxic, they can take a hit and use Scald against Moltres, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Assault Vest Slowking is worth a special mention, since it can take two Hurricanes even from the wallbreaker set, threaten Moltres with Scald, and then heal off the damage with Regenerator.

**Special Walls**: Special walls like Snorlax, Assault Vest Goodra, and Porygon2 can check both the wallbreaker and Choice Scarf sets and threaten Moltres with powerful STAB attacks or with a super effective hit. Snorlax also can beat the defensive set as Moltres becomes fodder to set up Curse and Snorlax can use Rest to cure Toxic. Umbreon and Florges also can take hits, but they can't deal enough damage to Moltres's sets; however, Umbreon deserves a special mention against Substitute + Toxic Moltres, as it can take Toxic, pass it to Moltres with Synchronize, and use Heal Bell to remove it from itself.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Moltres's weakness to Stealth Rock and average bulk, most times it won't be able to survive attacks from faster Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Sharpedo. Some Pokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-C can also revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Moltres. Choice Scarf Rotom-H deserves a special mention, since it can switch in, resist anything Moltres can go for, and threaten it with a super effective STAB hit. Bruxish's Aqua Jet is another way to stop Moltres if it's weakened enough, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock.
 
Last edited:

phantom

Banned deucer.
defensive moltres is its best set right now and it's not even included lol. the set should be flamethrower / toxic / roost / sub with pressure and enough speed to outspeed jolly heracross and toxicroak. it's the set that makes the most use out of moltres's niche, which includes checking fighters really well, beat sun, shaymin, steels, etc. it should be added and made the first set imo. lo is okay, but a lot easier to wall and has to contend with salazzle as a fire-type breaker, whereas scarf isn't as easy to fit onto teams.
 

Natan

...
is a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
I was not sure if I should add this one to OO or a set to it, I will include this set asap
Included
 
Last edited:

MrAldo

Hey
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
- "Moltres have a great 125 Special Attack" Statements like this are pretty generic and an individual can see this by just looking at the stats. Explain how having a rather high special attack affects its performance on the metagame or something. Also it is recommended to have the points to overview from good to bad so it is easier to follow so the bad coverage point should be at the end.

- Usage Tips for the sub toxic set should stress out that the user has to be careful of using toxic too recklessly if there is a synchronize user on the opposing side.

- That set should also mention that fighting types like Heracross and Pangoro make for good partners due to the aforementioned Umbreon problem.

- Usage tips for the life orb set can probably mention situations where it can use Roost, forcing out pokemon like Heracross and Grass-types like Roserade which wouldnt risk the speed tie.

- Team options for the life orb set can also include cleaners like Sharpedo and Feraligatr as partners since they appreciate Moltres appreciate power, pressure physical walls and if Moltres decides to run hp electric that is even better for them.

- Stealth Rock should have its own section on the checks and counters part tbh, easily Moltres worse enemy in any metagame. Please add that imo.

QC 1/3 once implemented.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
slash specs with life orb on the first set and u-turn with roost

mention hp ice somewhere on the scarf set. it has the capability to revenge kill neutral speed dd flygon and obv differentiates itself as a scarfer by having its own unique qualities outside of that unlike roserade in contrast to shaymin.

qc 2/3
 
Slash Defog with Sub on defensive Moltres, you can run it over sub if you're running a cleric, which you most likely are if you're running defensive instead of offensive. Defog Moltres relieves some of the pressure from the team's main defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and can easily Defog on forced switches due to the immediate offensive threat. And with that being said, add clerics to team options.

QC 3/3
 

GMars

It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Admin Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Hi there, this is an amcheck. While you're free to implement as much as you like, this does not count for GP 1/2 until stamped by a GP member.

Additions
Removals
[Comments]
(AC) = Add Comma
(AH) = Add Hyphen

(RC) = Remove Comma
(RH) = Remove Hyphen


If this is your first GP check, here is a post describing the GP process: http://www.smogon.com/forums/thread...new-writers-please-read.3588923/#post-7122054
Additionally, here is a video showing how to implement a GP check:

[OVERVIEW]
Moltres havehas a great base 125 Special Attack, allowing it to 2HKO even some PokémonPokemon with a great special bulk such as Mantine after Stealth Rock damage,. (RC, Add Period) It also havehas great STABs attacks in Hurricane and Fire Blast,; (RC, Add Semicolon) however, (AC) with limited coverage options, Moltres is forced to only use STABs attacks, Hidden Power, (AC) and U-turn. Moltres havehas two situational abilities that can sometimes help Moltresit. Flame Body may help cripplingcripple physical attackers whothat make contact with a burn, while Pressure is useful to stall out the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Moltres's base 90 base Speed, while not great, isn’t't bad, (AC) since it allows itMoltres to outspeed threats such as Toxicroak, Rotom-C, (AC) and Kommo-o. MoltersMoltres have anhas average bulky, allowing it to take well resisted or weak moves, and have useful resists such as Fairy, Bug, Grass, Steel, Fireit has useful resistances to Fairy-, Bug-, Grass-, Steel-, Fire-, (AC) and Fighting-type attacks. [no mention of ground immunity?] It loses half of its life after takingmaximum HP from Stealth Rock damage, forcing youit to be careful about your HPits HP, it’sand its weaknesses to common Water- and Rock-type moves make it harder for it to take hits.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Substitute / Defog
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Moltres to prevent moves like Toxic and Leech Seed while also getting a free turn based on the switches it forces from Pokemon like Escavalier and Doublade, Choice-locked PokémonPokemon like Flygon and Shaymin, Pokémon that shouldn't stay in Moltres such as Escavalier and Doublade or weak Pokémonand passive Pokemon like Torkoal and Gligar. Defog is a useful option for to make Moltres a secondary Defog user if the team haveMoltres's team has a cleric, relieving some of the pressure from the team's main Defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and itMoltres can easily Defog on forced switches due to theits immediate offensive threatpresence. Toxic allows Moltres to wear down most of its checks, such as Slowking, Mantine, Gigalith, (AC) and Milotic. Roost allows Moltres to keep itself healthy in order to stall out its poisoned foesopponents. Flamethrower is Moltres's attacking move, hitting super effectively any viable Steel-type super effectively and hitting almost any Poison-type neutrally almost any Poison-type, as, which is important because they are immune to Toxic.

Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to outspeed base 85s such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o. [Reordering to give meaning to the 44 def ev choice] Maximum HP investment and 44 EVs in Defense make Moltres the bulkiest possible,as bulky as possible. [this is otherwise not true, since 252 Defense EVs would make Moltres the bulkiest possible] 216 Speed EVs with a Timid nature is used to outspeed base 85 Pokémon such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o.Pressure is the chosen ability, (AC) as it allows Moltres to limit the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Leftovers is the chosen item, (AC) as it gives to Moltres a passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres can switch in against weak or resisted moves, such as Florges's Moonblast or Escavalier's STABs attacks. Getting a Substitute on a predicted switch-in or a weak move can be great, (AC) as most times it allows youMoltres to either beat or Toxic somethingfreely use Toxic against its foe. Use it'sMoltres's Substitute to prevent opposing Toxic at all costs, since this would cripple your Moltres. Use Toxic carefully if the opposing team have a Pokémonhas a Pokemon like Umbreon with Synchronize as it's (Remove Apostrophe) ability, since it will end up makingpoisoning Moltres get poisoned as well.

Team Options
========

Hazard control is crucial once, (AC) as Moltres loses half of its HP to Stealth Rock, (RC)—Gligar and Donphan are Pokémon who can help on this,Pokemon that can help with this. Pokémon whoPokemon that can pressure Poison-types Pokémon [reducing repetition] like Salazzle and Dragalge help, as they can check this set will help,; Espeon and Rhyperior are good examples. Fighting-types such as Bewear and Pangoro can help against Umbreon, whowhich can beat this set thanks to Synchronize, while also pressuring annoying Rock-types. Grass-types such as Roserade and Shaymin are very appreciated, (AC) as they can check Electric-, Water-, (AC) and Rock-types for Moltres. Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon can help by taking Electric- and Rock-type moves. Clerical support from PokémonPokemon such as Umbreon can help by curing Moltres if it gets statused, mainly if Defog is chosen over Substitute.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Roost / U-turn
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast is Moltres's [change curly apostrophe to the straight form] main STAB attack and, (AC) thanks to itsMoltres's high Special Attack stat, (AC) will deal a lot of damage to most of the Pokémon who doesn’tPokemon that don't resist it. Hurricane have the same base power ofhas the same Base Power as Fire Blast and can hit bulky Water-types neutrally, being able to 2HKO Mantine and Milotic after Stealth Rocks damage. Hidden Power Grass give Moltres coverage against Rock-types, being able to 3HKO Diancie after Stealth Rocks and 2HKO Rhyperior. Hidden Power Electric is also an option, 2HKOing Mantine even without Rocks and being the move that allows Moltres toStealth Rock damage and possibly OHKOing Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock. Roost allows Moltres to recover the damage taken, whatoff damage it takes, which can be really useful given its Stealth Rock weakness. U-turn is used if Choice Specs is chosen as it don't want to choicelock itself on Roost and U-Tover Life Orb, as Moltres doesn't want to Choice-lock itself into Roost, (AC) and U-turn can be used to gain momentum upon forced switches and allows Moltres to switch fromout against Rock-types such as Diancie and Gigalith while doing damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Timid nature is used to outspeed some PokémonPokemon such as Rotom-A, Toxicroak, (AC) and Kommo-o. Flame Body is the chosen ability for this set, since it can help its team by sometimes crippling physical attackers. Life Orb is used to boost Moltres's damage and allows it to switch moves and use Roost when needed, while Choice Specs is an option that increases Moltres's damage and doesn't cost it 10% recoil always it use a move, howeverwhen it uses an attack; however, (AC) Moltres can't use Roost with Choice Specs and will always be onlyonly be able to come in three times if rocks areStealth Rock is up.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres should only switch in on weak or resisted moves, like Florges's Moonblast or Umbreon's Foul Play. It can also switch on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare, however be careful to don't switch in common coverage moves like Stone Edge, unless the chosen item is Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't be switching on anything., (AC) unless Moltres is using Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't risk taking damage from anything. Life Orb Moltres can also switch in on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare; however, be careful to not switch in on common coverage moves like Stone Edge. Normally, (AC) Moltres will only switch in to revenge kill slower weakened slower [reordered to make better sense with the pokemon weak to moltres's stab attacks also having to be slower] PokémonPokemon or the onesthose weak to Moltres's STAB attacks such as Kommo-o, Doublade, (AC) and Escavalier. Since Stealth Rocks will leave Moltres very weakened, try to Roost when possible on forcesforced switches against PokémonPokemon such as Grass-types like Shaymin, Dhelmise, (AC) and Roserade, who iswhich aren't likely to risk a Speed tie.

Team Options
========

With a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, Moltres is required to have a Pokémonteammate [specification] to Rapid Spin or Defog for it such as Donphan andor Gligar. Moltres appreciates Pokémon whoPokemon that can weaken Rock- and Water-types, limiting Moltres's switchesswitch-ins on the opposing team, example of Pokémon who. Examples of Pokemon that can beat these types are Rotom-C, Shaymin, (AC) and Roserade. Ground-types such as Gligar and Flygon also are very appreciated, as they can usually switch in on Electric- and Rock-type moves. Spikes setters such as Roserade and Chesnaught are also very appreciated since it makes, (AC) since they make it easier for Moltres to weaken the opposing team. Physical cleaners such as Sharpedo and Feraligatr appreciate this set, (AC) since Moltres is able to pressure physical walls, and it'sthey're even better if Hidden Power Electric is chosen, (AC) since it allows Moltres to beat Mantine.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast allows Moltres to revenge kill PokémonPokemon such as Durant, Cryogonal, (AC) and Shaymin, (RC) while still beating slower PokémonPokemon such as Escavalier. Hurricane allows Moltres to hit Fighting-types such as Virizion and PokémonPokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Salazzle and Noivern, while still beating slower PokémonPokemon such as Kommo-o and Toxicroak. U-turn is used to keep momentum inon forced switches so Moltres can switch against checks such as Diancie, (RC) while causing some damage that can break Focus Sash or Sturdy from PokémonPokemon like Froslass and Donphan. Flamethrower is used to beat some PokémonPokemon without risking a miss, ensuring the KO in weakened Pokémon and some Pokémonon weakened Pokemon and some Pokemon such as Durant and Sneasel. Hidden Power Ice is an option that allows Moltres to outspeed and OHKO Adamant Dragon Dance Flygon at +1 while also always 2HKOing Gligar.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Moltres to outspeed PokémonPokemon such as Adamant Flygon at +1 and Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Flame Body is a situational ability that can help Moltres's team in some cases by crippling physical attackers if Moltres needs to take a hit. Choice Scarf is chosen to revenge kill faster PokémonPokemon, boosting Moltres's Speed and allowing it to outspeed naturally faster PokémonPokemon such as Durant, Salazzle, (AC) and Froslass and revenge kill them.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Moltres shouldn't be switching in against any move, given the pointfact that it will be only be able to come in 3 times if Rocks are up,three times if Stealth Rock is up; it should only come in order to revenge kill something or after a slow U-Turn/turn or Volt Switch. Try to bring Moltres only in safe killsin only against guaranteed KO targets, since if it's unable to get the killKO, it may get KOed in return or weakened to a pointthe point where it won't be able to switch in anymore if Stealth Rocks is are up.
Team Options
========

Hazard control is very important, so PokémonPokemon like Gligar, Donphan, (AC) and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokémon whoPokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot. Water-, Electric-, (AC) and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, (AC) and Roserade make for good teammates. [or something to this effect] Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, (AC) and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres. (Add Period)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Solar Beam and Grassium Z can be used and willto allow Moltres to OHKO Milotic after Rocks, Rhyperior,Stealth Rock as well as Rhyperior and Diancie after some prior damage, but the damage loss in Fire Blast and Hurricane and the fact that it will be only able to use this move once makes it not worth using this set most times.

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

**Stealth Rocks**: Thanks to Moltres's typing, Stealth Rock will take half of its HP, killing it in 3 hits unless it usedKOing it in three switches unless it uses Roost and forcing it to always recover to be able to come in later during the match.

**Rock-types**: Resisting both of Moltres's STABs combination, Rock-types like Diancie and Gigalith can easily take hits from Moltres and OHKO it in return,. (RC) Gigalith can also beat it through its Substitute thanks to Rock Blast, (AC) and Diancie can prevent Toxic with Heal Bell. Rhyperior also checks Moltres, (AC) but it needs to watch out for Hidden Power Grass from the offensive set, (AC) since it is 2HKOed by this move. Aerodactyl is also an issue, (AC) since it outspeeds Moltres and can take a hit even after RocksStealth Rock damage unless Moltres havehas Hidden Power Electric. Tyrantrum is a shaky case, as it can't switch into Moltres's wallbreaker set, (AC) since Hurricane will 2HKO it, but it can take a hit and threaten Moltres with a STAB Head Smash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Slowking, (AC) and Milotic resist Moltres's Fire Blast, and although most times they can't switch in directly into a Hurricane and need to watch out for Toxic, they can take a hit and use Scald against Moltres, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Assault Vest Slowking is a great threatworth a special mention, (AC) since it can take 2two Hurricanes even from the wallbreaker set, threaten Moltres with Scald, (AC) and then heal off the damage with Regenerator.

**Special Walls**: Special walls likes Snorlax, Assault Vest Goodra, (AC) and Porygon2 can check both the wallbreaker and Choice Scarf sets and threaten Moltres with a powerful STAB attacks or with a super effective hit in latter case. [AV Goodra can also carry super effective moves like Thunderbolt iirc] Snorlax also can beat the defensive set as Moltres becomes as fodder to set up Curse and itSnorlax [removing ambiguity] can use Rest to prevent Toxic. Umbreon and Florges also can take hits, (AC) but they won't have how tocan't deal enough damage to Moltres's sets,; however, Umbreon deserves a special mention against Substitute + Toxic setMoltres, (AC) as it can take Toxic, pass it to Moltres with Synchronize, (AC) and use Heal Bell to remove it from itself.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Moltres's weakness to Stealth Rock and average bulk, most times it won't be able to takesurvive damage from faster PokémonPokemon such as Aerodactyl and Sharpedo, also. Some PokémonPokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-C can also revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Moltres. Choice Scarf Rotom-Heat deserves a special mention, (AC) since it can switch in, resist anything (Remove Space) Moltres can go for, (AC) and threaten it with a super effective STAB hit. Bruxish's Aqua Jet is another way to stop Moltres if it's weakened enough, being OHKOedOHKOing it after Stealth Rock.
 
Last edited:

Natan

...
is a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Hi there, this is an amcheck. While you're free to implement as much as you like, this does not count for GP 1/2 until stamped by a GP member.

Additions
Removals
[Comments]
(AC) = Add Comma
(AH) = Add Hyphen

(RC) = Remove Comma
(RH) = Remove Hyphen


If this is your first GP check, here is a post describing the GP process: http://www.smogon.com/forums/thread...new-writers-please-read.3588923/#post-7122054
Additionally, here is a video showing how to implement a GP check:

[OVERVIEW]
Moltres havehas a great base 125 Special Attack, allowing it to 2HKO even some PokémonPokemon with a great special bulk such as Mantine after Stealth Rock damage,. (RC, Add Period) It also havehas great STABs attacks in Hurricane and Fire Blast,; (RC, Add Semicolon) however, (AC) with limited coverage options, Moltres is forced to only use STABs attacks, Hidden Power, (AC) and U-turn. Moltres havehas two situational abilities that can sometimes help Moltresit. Flame Body may help cripplingcripple physical attackers whothat make contact with a burn, while Pressure is useful to stall out the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Moltres's base 90 base Speed, while not great, isn’t't bad, (AC) since it allows itMoltres to outspeed threats such as Toxicroak, Rotom-C, (AC) and Kommo-o. MoltersMoltres have anhas average bulky, allowing it to take well resisted or weak moves, and have useful resists such as Fairy, Bug, Grass, Steel, Fireit has useful resistances to Fairy-, Bug-, Grass-, Steel-, Fire-, (AC) and Fighting-type attacks. [no mention of ground immunity?] It loses half of its life after takingmaximum HP from Stealth Rock damage, forcing youit to be careful about your HPits HP, it’sand its weaknesses to common Water- and Rock-type moves make it harder for it to take hits.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Substitute / Defog
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Moltres to prevent moves like Toxic and Leech Seed while also getting a free turn based on the switches it forces from Pokemon like Escavalier and Doublade, Choice-locked PokémonPokemon like Flygon and Shaymin, Pokémon that shouldn't stay in Moltres such as Escavalier and Doublade or weak Pokémonand passive Pokemon like Torkoal and Gligar. Defog is a useful option for to make Moltres a secondary Defog user if the team haveMoltres's team has a cleric, relieving some of the pressure from the team's main Defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and itMoltres can easily Defog on forced switches due to theits immediate offensive threatpresence. Toxic allows Moltres to wear down most of its checks, such as Slowking, Mantine, Gigalith, (AC) and Milotic. Roost allows Moltres to keep itself healthy in order to stall out its poisoned foesopponents. Flamethrower is Moltres's attacking move, hitting super effectively any viable Steel-type super effectively and hitting almost any Poison-type neutrally almost any Poison-type, as, which is important because they are immune to Toxic.

Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to outspeed base 85s such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o. [Reordering to give meaning to the 44 def ev choice] Maximum HP investment and 44 EVs in Defense make Moltres the bulkiest possible,as bulky as possible. [this is otherwise not true, since 252 Defense EVs would make Moltres the bulkiest possible] 216 Speed EVs with a Timid nature is used to outspeed base 85 Pokémon such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o.Pressure is the chosen ability, (AC) as it allows Moltres to limit the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Leftovers is the chosen item, (AC) as it gives to Moltres a passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres can switch in against weak or resisted moves, such as Florges's Moonblast or Escavalier's STABs attacks. Getting a Substitute on a predicted switch-in or a weak move can be great, (AC) as most times it allows youMoltres to either beat or Toxic somethingfreely use Toxic against its foe. Use it'sMoltres's Substitute to prevent opposing Toxic at all costs, since this would cripple your Moltres. Use Toxic carefully if the opposing team have a Pokémonhas a Pokemon like Umbreon with Synchronize as it's (Remove Apostrophe) ability, since it will end up makingpoisoning Moltres get poisoned as well.

Team Options
========

Hazard control is crucial once, (AC) as Moltres loses half of its HP to Stealth Rock, (RC)—Gligar and Donphan are Pokémon who can help on this,Pokemon that can help with this. Pokémon whoPokemon that can pressure Poison-types Pokémon [reducing repetition] like Salazzle and Dragalge help, as they can check this set will help,; Espeon and Rhyperior are good examples. Fighting-types such as Bewear and Pangoro can help against Umbreon, whowhich can beat this set thanks to Synchronize, while also pressuring annoying Rock-types. Grass-types such as Roserade and Shaymin are very appreciated, (AC) as they can check Electric-, Water-, (AC) and Rock-types for Moltres. Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon can help by taking Electric- and Rock-type moves. Clerical support from PokémonPokemon such as Umbreon can help by curing Moltres if it gets statused, mainly if Defog is chosen over Substitute.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Roost / U-turn
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast is Moltres's [change curly apostrophe to the straight form] main STAB attack and, (AC) thanks to itsMoltres's high Special Attack stat, (AC) will deal a lot of damage to most of the Pokémon who doesn’tPokemon that don't resist it. Hurricane have the same base power ofhas the same Base Power as Fire Blast and can hit bulky Water-types neutrally, being able to 2HKO Mantine and Milotic after Stealth Rocks damage. Hidden Power Grass give Moltres coverage against Rock-types, being able to 3HKO Diancie after Stealth Rocks and 2HKO Rhyperior. Hidden Power Electric is also an option, 2HKOing Mantine even without Rocks and being the move that allows Moltres toStealth Rock damage and possibly OHKOing Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock. Roost allows Moltres to recover the damage taken, whatoff damage it takes, which can be really useful given its Stealth Rock weakness. U-turn is used if Choice Specs is chosen as it don't want to choicelock itself on Roost and U-Tover Life Orb, as Moltres doesn't want to Choice-lock itself into Roost, (AC) and U-turn can be used to gain momentum upon forced switches and allows Moltres to switch fromout against Rock-types such as Diancie and Gigalith while doing damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Timid nature is used to outspeed some PokémonPokemon such as Rotom-A, Toxicroak, (AC) and Kommo-o. Flame Body is the chosen ability for this set, since it can help its team by sometimes crippling physical attackers. Life Orb is used to boost Moltres's damage and allows it to switch moves and use Roost when needed, while Choice Specs is an option that increases Moltres's damage and doesn't cost it 10% recoil always it use a move, howeverwhen it uses an attack; however, (AC) Moltres can't use Roost with Choice Specs and will always be onlyonly be able to come in three times if rocks areStealth Rock is up.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres should only switch in on weak or resisted moves, like Florges's Moonblast or Umbreon's Foul Play. It can also switch on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare, however be careful to don't switch in common coverage moves like Stone Edge, unless the chosen item is Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't be switching on anything., (AC) unless Moltres is using Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't risk taking damage from anything. Life Orb Moltres can also switch in on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare; however, be careful to not switch in on common coverage moves like Stone Edge. Normally, (AC) Moltres will only switch in to revenge kill slower weakened slower [reordered to make better sense with the pokemon weak to moltres's stab attacks also having to be slower] PokémonPokemon or the onesthose weak to Moltres's STAB attacks such as Kommo-o, Doublade, (AC) and Escavalier. Since Stealth Rocks will leave Moltres very weakened, try to Roost when possible on forcesforced switches against PokémonPokemon such as Grass-types like Shaymin, Dhelmise, (AC) and Roserade, who iswhich aren't likely to risk a Speed tie.

Team Options
========

With a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, Moltres is required to have a Pokémonteammate [specification] to Rapid Spin or Defog for it such as Donphan andor Gligar. Moltres appreciates Pokémon whoPokemon that can weaken Rock- and Water-types, limiting Moltres's switchesswitch-ins on the opposing team, example of Pokémon who. Examples of Pokemon that can beat these types are Rotom-C, Shaymin, (AC) and Roserade. Ground-types such as Gligar and Flygon also are very appreciated, as they can usually switch in on Electric- and Rock-type moves. Spikes setters such as Roserade and Chesnaught are also very appreciated since it makes, (AC) since they make it easier for Moltres to weaken the opposing team. Physical cleaners such as Sharpedo and Feraligatr appreciate this set, (AC) since Moltres is able to pressure physical walls, and it'sthey're even better if Hidden Power Electric is chosen, (AC) since it allows Moltres to beat Mantine.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast allows Moltres to revenge kill PokémonPokemon such as Durant, Cryogonal, (AC) and Shaymin, (RC) while still beating slower PokémonPokemon such as Escavalier. Hurricane allows Moltres to hit Fighting-types such as Virizion and PokémonPokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Salazzle and Noivern, while still beating slower PokémonPokemon such as Kommo-o and Toxicroak. U-turn is used to keep momentum inon forced switches so Moltres can switch against checks such as Diancie, (RC) while causing some damage that can break Focus Sash or Sturdy from PokémonPokemon like Froslass and Donphan. Flamethrower is used to beat some PokémonPokemon without risking a miss, ensuring the KO in weakened Pokémon and some Pokémonon weakened Pokemon and some Pokemon such as Durant and Sneasel. Hidden Power Ice is an option that allows Moltres to outspeed and OHKO Adamant Dragon Dance Flygon at +1 while also always 2HKOing Gligar.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Moltres to outspeed PokémonPokemon such as Adamant Flygon at +1 and Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Flame Body is a situational ability that can help Moltres's team in some cases by crippling physical attackers if Moltres needs to take a hit. Choice Scarf is chosen to revenge kill faster PokémonPokemon, boosting Moltres's Speed and allowing it to outspeed naturally faster PokémonPokemon such as Durant, Salazzle, (AC) and Froslass and revenge kill them.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Moltres shouldn't be switching in against any move, given the pointfact that it will be only be able to come in 3 times if Rocks are up,three times if Stealth Rock is up; it should only come in order to revenge kill something or after a slow U-Turn/turn or Volt Switch. Try to bring Moltres only in safe killsin only against guaranteed KO targets, since if it's unable to get the killKO, it may get KOed in return or weakened to a pointthe point where it won't be able to switch in anymore if Stealth Rocks is are up.
Team Options
========

Hazard control is very important, so PokémonPokemon like Gligar, Donphan, (AC) and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokémon whoPokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot. Water-, Electric-, (AC) and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, (AC) and Roserade make for good teammates. [or something to this effect] Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, (AC) and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres. (Add Period)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set with Solar Beam and Grassium Z can be used and willto allow Moltres to OHKO Milotic after Rocks, Rhyperior,Stealth Rock as well as Rhyperior and Diancie after some prior damage, but the damage loss in Fire Blast and Hurricane and the fact that it will be only able to use this move once makes it not worth using this set most times.

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

**Stealth Rocks**: Thanks to Moltres's typing, Stealth Rock will take half of its HP, killing it in 3 hits unless it usedKOing it in three switches unless it uses Roost and forcing it to always recover to be able to come in later during the match.

**Rock-types**: Resisting both of Moltres's STABs combination, Rock-types like Diancie and Gigalith can easily take hits from Moltres and OHKO it in return,. (RC) Gigalith can also beat it through its Substitute thanks to Rock Blast, (AC) and Diancie can prevent Toxic with Heal Bell. Rhyperior also checks Moltres, (AC) but it needs to watch out for Hidden Power Grass from the offensive set, (AC) since it is 2HKOed by this move. Aerodactyl is also an issue, (AC) since it outspeeds Moltres and can take a hit even after RocksStealth Rock damage unless Moltres havehas Hidden Power Electric. Tyrantrum is a shaky case, as it can't switch into Moltres's wallbreaker set, (AC) since Hurricane will 2HKO it, but it can take a hit and threaten Moltres with a STAB Head Smash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Slowking, (AC) and Milotic resist Moltres's Fire Blast, and although most times they can't switch in directly into a Hurricane and need to watch out for Toxic, they can take a hit and use Scald against Moltres, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Assault Vest Slowking is a great threatworth a special mention, (AC) since it can take 2two Hurricanes even from the wallbreaker set, threaten Moltres with Scald, (AC) and then heal off the damage with Regenerator.

**Special Walls**: Special walls likes Snorlax, Assault Vest Goodra, (AC) and Porygon2 can check both the wallbreaker and Choice Scarf sets and threaten Moltres with a powerful STAB attacks or with a super effective hit in latter case. [AV Goodra can also carry super effective moves like Thunderbolt iirc] Snorlax also can beat the defensive set as Moltres becomes as fodder to set up Curse and itSnorlax [removing ambiguity] can use Rest to prevent Toxic. Umbreon and Florges also can take hits, (AC) but they won't have how tocan't deal enough damage to Moltres's sets,; however, Umbreon deserves a special mention against Substitute + Toxic setMoltres, (AC) as it can take Toxic, pass it to Moltres with Synchronize, (AC) and use Heal Bell to remove it from itself.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Moltres's weakness to Stealth Rock and average bulk, most times it won't be able to takesurvive damage from faster PokémonPokemon such as Aerodactyl and Sharpedo, also. Some PokémonPokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-C can also revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Moltres. Choice Scarf Rotom-Heat deserves a special mention, (AC) since it can switch in, resist anything (Remove Space) Moltres can go for, (AC) and threaten it with a super effective STAB hit. Bruxish's Aqua Jet is another way to stop Moltres if it's weakened enough, being OHKOedOHKOing it after Stealth Rock.
Implemented. Ready for 2nd check
 
Last edited:

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]
Moltres has a great base 125 Special Attack, allowing it to 2HKO even some Pokémon Pokemon with great special bulk such as Mantine after Stealth Rock damage. It also havehas great STABs attacks in Hurricane and Fire Blast; however, with limited coverage options, Moltres is forced to only use STABs attacks, Hidden Power, and U-turn. Moltres has two situational abilities that can sometimes help it. Flame Body may help cripple physical attackers that make contact with a burn, while Pressure is useful to stall out the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Moltres's base 90 Speed, while not great, isn't bad, since it allows Moltres to outspeed threats such as Toxicroak, Rotom-C, and Kommo-o. Moltres has average bulk, allowing it to take resisted or weak moves, and it has useful resistances to Fairy-, Bug-, Grass-, Steel-, Fire-, and Fighting-type attacks (RC) also being immune and an immunity to Ground-type ones. However, itIt loses half of its maximum HP from Stealth Rock damage, forcing it to be careful about its HP, and its weaknesses to common Water- and Rock-type moves make it harder for it to take hits.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Substitute / Defog
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Moltres to prevent block moves like Toxic and Leech Seed while also getting a free turn based on the switches it forces from Pokemon like Escavalier and Doublade, Choice-locked Pokémon Pokemon like Flygon and Shaymin, and passive Pokemon like Torkoal and Gligar. Defog is a useful option to make Moltres a secondary Defog user if Moltres's team has a cleric, relieving some of the pressure from the team's main Defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and Moltres can easily Defog on forced switches due to its immediate offensive presence. Toxic allows Moltres to wear down most of its checks, such as Slowking, Mantine, Gigalith, and Milotic. Roost allows Moltres to keep itself healthy in order to stall out its poisoned opponents. Flamethrower is Moltres's attacking move, hitting any viable Steel-type super effectively and hitting almost any Poison-type neutrally, which is important because they are immune to Toxic.

Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to outspeed base 85s such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o. Maximum HP investment and 44 EVs in Defense make Moltres as bulky as possible. Pressure is the chosen ability, as it allows Moltres to limit PP from moves like Stone Edge. Leftovers is the chosen item, as it gives Moltres a passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres can switch in against weak or resisted moves, such as Florges's Moonblast or and Escavalier's STAB attacks. Getting a Substitute on a predicted switch-in or a weak move can be great, as most times it allows Moltres to either beat or freely use Toxic against its foe. Use Moltres's Substitute to prevent opposing Toxic at all costs, since this would cripple your Moltres. Use Toxic carefully if the opposing team has a Pokemon Synchronize user like Umbreon with Synchronize as its ability, since it will end up poisoning Moltres as well.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is crucial, as Moltres loses half of its HP to Stealth Rock, —Gligar Rock—Gligar and Donphan are Pokemon that can help with this. Pokemon that can pressure Poison-types like Salazzle and Dragalge help, as they can check this set; Espeon and Rhyperior are good examples. Fighting-types such as Bewear and Pangoro can help against Umbreon, which can beat this set thanks to Synchronize, while also pressuring annoying Rock-types. Grass-types such as Roserade and Shaymin are very appreciated, as they can check Electric-, Water-, and Rock-types for Moltres. Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon can help by taking Electric- and Rock-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Umbreon can help by curing Moltres if it gets statused, mainly if Defog is chosen over Substitute.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Roost / U-Turn U-turn
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast is Moltres's main STAB attack and, thanks to Moltres's high Special Attack stat, will deal a lot of damage to most of the Pokémon Pokemon that don't resist it. Hurricane has the same Base Power as Fire Blast and can hit bulky Water-types neutrally, being able to 2HKO Mantine and Milotic after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Grass give Moltres coverage against Rock-types, being able to 3HKO Diancie after Stealth Rock and 2HKO Rhyperior. Hidden Power Electric is also an option, 2HKOing Mantine even without Stealth Rock damage and possibly OHKOing Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock. Roost allows Moltres to recover off damage it takes, which can be really useful given its Stealth Rock weakness. U-turn is used if Choice Specs is chosen over Life Orb, as Moltres doesn't want to Choice-lock itself into Roost, and U-turn can be used to gain momentum on forced switches and allows Moltres to switch out against Rock-types such as Diancie and Gigalith while doing damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Timid nature is used to outspeed some Pokemon such as Rotom-A, Toxicroak, and Kommo-o. Flame Body is the chosen ability for this set, since it can help its Moltres's team by sometimes crippling physical attackers. Life Orb is used to boost Moltres's damage and allows it to switch moves and use Roost when needed, while Choice Specs is an option that increases Moltres's damage and doesn't cost it 10% recoil when it uses an attack; however, Moltres can't use Roost with Choice Specs and will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres should only switch in on weak or resisted moves, like Florges's Moonblast or and Umbreon's Foul Play. unless However, if Moltres is using Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't risk taking damage from anything. Life Orb Moltres can also switch in on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare; however, be careful to not switch in on common coverage moves like Stone Edge. Normally, Moltres will only switch in to revenge kill slower weakened Pokemon or those weak to Moltres's its STAB attacks such as Kommo-o, Doublade and Escavalier. Since Stealth Rock will leave Moltres very weakened, try to Roost when possible on forced switches against Pokemon such as Grass-types like Shaymin, Dhelmise, and Roserade, which aren't likely to risk a Speed tie.

Team Options
========

With a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, Moltres is required to have a teammate to Rapid Spin or Defog for it such as Donphan or Gligar. Moltres appreciates Pokemon that can weaken Rock- and Water-types, limiting Moltres's its switch-ins on the opposing team. Examples of Pokemon that can beat these types are Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Roserade. Ground-types such as Gligar and Flygon also are very appreciated, as they can usually switch in on Electric- and Rock-type moves. Spikes setters such as Roserade and Chesnaught are also very appreciated, helpful, (repetition) since they make it easier for Moltres to weaken the opposing team. Physical cleaners such as Sharpedo and Feraligatr appreciate this set's support, since Moltres is able to pressure physical walls, and they're even better if Hidden Power Electric is chosen, since it allows Moltres to beat Mantine, a foe that they otherwise struggle with. (or w/e but needs some clarification)

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: U-Turn U-turn
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast allows Moltres to revenge kill Pokemon such as Durant, Cryogonal, and Shaymin while still beating slower Pokemon such as Escavalier. Hurricane allows Moltres to hit Fighting-types such as Virizion and Pokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Salazzle and Noivern, while still beating as well as slower Pokemon such as Kommo-o and Toxicroak. U-turn is used to keep momentum on forced switches so Moltres can switch against to checks such as Diancie while causing some damage that can break Focus Sash or Sturdy from Pokemon like Froslass and Donphan. Flamethrower is used to beat some Pokemon without risking a miss, ensuring the KO on weakened Pokemon and some Pokemon such as Durant and Sneasel. Hidden Power Ice is an option that allows Moltres to OHKO +1 Flygon at +1 while also always 2HKOing Gligar.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Moltres to outspeed Pokemon such as +1 Adamant Flygon at +1 and Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Flame Body is a situational ability that can help Moltres's team in some cases by crippling physical attackers if Moltres needs to take a hit. Choice Scarf is chosen to revenge kill faster Pokemon, boosting Moltres's Speed and allowing it to outspeed naturally faster Pokemon such as Durant, Salazzle, and Froslass and revenge kill them.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Moltres shouldn't be switching in against any move, given the fact that it will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up; it should only come in order to revenge kill something or after a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. Try to bring Moltres in only against guaranteed KO targets, since if it's unable to get the KO, it may get KOed in return or weakened to the point where it won't be able to switch in anymore if Stealth Rock is up.

Team Options
========

Hazard control is very important, so PokémonPokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokémon whoPokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot. Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.


Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is very important, so Pokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot also pair well with Moltres. (or w/e, repetition) Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.

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

A set with Solar Beam and Grassium Z can be used to allow Moltres to OHKO Milotic after Stealth Rock as well as Rhyperior and Diancie after some prior damage, but the damage loss in on Fire Blast and Hurricane and the fact that it will be only able to use this move once makes it not worth using this set most times.

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

**Stealth Rock**: Thanks to Moltres's typing, Stealth Rock will take half of its HP, KOing it in three switches unless it uses Roost and forcing it to always recover to be able to come in later during the match.

**Rock-types**: Resisting Moltres's STAB combination, Rock-types like Diancie and Gigalith can easily take hits from Moltres and OHKO it in return. Gigalith can also beat it through its Substitute thanks to Rock Blast, and Diancie can prevent cure Toxic with Heal Bell. Rhyperior also checks Moltres, but it needs to watch out for Hidden Power Grass from the offensive set, since it is 2HKOed by this move. Aerodactyl is also an issue, since it outspeeds Moltres and can take a hit even after Stealth Rock damage unless Moltres has Hidden Power Electric. Tyrantrum is a shaky case, as it can't switch into Moltres's wallbreaker set, since Hurricane will 2HKO it, but it can take a hit and threaten Moltres with a STAB Head Smash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Slowking, and Milotic resist Moltres's Fire Blast, and although most times they can't switch directly into a Hurricane and need to watch out for Toxic, they can take a hit and use Scald against Moltres, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Assault Vest Slowking is worth a special mention, since it can take two Hurricanes even from the wallbreaker set, threaten Moltres with Scald, and then heal off the damage with Regenerator.

**Special Walls**: Special walls likes like Snorlax, Assault Vest Goodra, and Porygon2 can check both the wallbreaker and Choice Scarf sets and threaten Moltres with powerful STAB attacks or with a super effective hit. Snorlax also can beat the defensive set, (AC) as Moltres becomes fodder to set up Curse and Snorlax can use Rest to prevent cure Toxic. Umbreon and Florges also can take hits, but they can't deal enough damage to Moltres's sets; however, Umbreon deserves a special mention against Substitute + Toxic Moltres, as it can take Toxic, pass it to Moltres with Synchronize, and use Heal Bell to remove it from itself.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Moltres's weakness to Stealth Rock and average bulk, most times it won't be able to survive damage attacks from faster Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Sharpedo. Some Pokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-C can also revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Moltres. Choice Scarf Rotom-H deserves a special mention, since it can switch in, resist anything Moltres can go for, and threaten it with a super effective STAB hit. Bruxish's Aqua Jet is another way to stop Moltres if it's weakened enough, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock.
 
Last edited:

Natan

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is a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]
Moltres has a great base 125 Special Attack, allowing it to 2HKO even some Pokémon Pokemon with great special bulk such as Mantine after Stealth Rock damage. It also havehas great STABs attacks in Hurricane and Fire Blast; however, with limited coverage options, Moltres is forced to only use STABs attacks, Hidden Power, and U-turn. Moltres has two situational abilities that can sometimes help it. Flame Body may help cripple physical attackers that make contact with a burn, while Pressure is useful to stall out the PP from moves like Stone Edge. Moltres's base 90 Speed, while not great, isn't bad, since it allows Moltres to outspeed threats such as Toxicroak, Rotom-C, and Kommo-o. Moltres has average bulk, allowing it to take resisted or weak moves, and it has useful resistances to Fairy-, Bug-, Grass-, Steel-, Fire-, and Fighting-type attacks (RC) also being immune and an immunity to Ground-type ones. However, itIt loses half of its maximum HP from Stealth Rock damage, forcing it to be careful about its HP, and its weaknesses to common Water- and Rock-type moves make it harder for it to take hits.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Substitute / Defog
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Roost
move 4: Flamethrower
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute allows Moltres to prevent block moves like Toxic and Leech Seed while also getting a free turn based on the switches it forces from Pokemon like Escavalier and Doublade, Choice-locked Pokémon Pokemon like Flygon and Shaymin, and passive Pokemon like Torkoal and Gligar. Defog is a useful option to make Moltres a secondary Defog user if Moltres's team has a cleric, relieving some of the pressure from the team's main Defoggers like Mantine and Gligar, and Moltres can easily Defog on forced switches due to its immediate offensive presence. Toxic allows Moltres to wear down most of its checks, such as Slowking, Mantine, Gigalith, and Milotic. Roost allows Moltres to keep itself healthy in order to stall out its poisoned opponents. Flamethrower is Moltres's attacking move, hitting any viable Steel-type super effectively and hitting almost any Poison-type neutrally, which is important because they are immune to Toxic.

Set Details
========
216 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to outspeed base 85s such as Toxicroak and Kommo-o. Maximum HP investment and 44 EVs in Defense make Moltres as bulky as possible. Pressure is the chosen ability, as it allows Moltres to limit PP from moves like Stone Edge. Leftovers is the chosen item, as it gives Moltres a passive recovery.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres can switch in against weak or resisted moves, such as Florges's Moonblast or and Escavalier's STAB attacks. Getting a Substitute on a predicted switch-in or a weak move can be great, as most times it allows Moltres to either beat or freely use Toxic against its foe. Use Moltres's Substitute to prevent opposing Toxic at all costs, since this would cripple your Moltres. Use Toxic carefully if the opposing team has a Pokemon Synchronize user like Umbreon with Synchronize as its ability, since it will end up poisoning Moltres as well.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is crucial, as Moltres loses half of its HP to Stealth Rock, —Gligar Rock—Gligar and Donphan are Pokemon that can help with this. Pokemon that can pressure Poison-types like Salazzle and Dragalge help, as they can check this set; Espeon and Rhyperior are good examples. Fighting-types such as Bewear and Pangoro can help against Umbreon, which can beat this set thanks to Synchronize, while also pressuring annoying Rock-types. Grass-types such as Roserade and Shaymin are very appreciated, as they can check Electric-, Water-, and Rock-types for Moltres. Ground-types such as Rhyperior and Flygon can help by taking Electric- and Rock-type moves. Cleric support from Pokemon such as Umbreon can help by curing Moltres if it gets statused, mainly if Defog is chosen over Substitute.

[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Roost / U-Turn U-turn
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast is Moltres's main STAB attack and, thanks to Moltres's high Special Attack stat, will deal a lot of damage to most of the Pokémon Pokemon that don't resist it. Hurricane has the same Base Power as Fire Blast and can hit bulky Water-types neutrally, being able to 2HKO Mantine and Milotic after Stealth Rock damage. Hidden Power Grass give Moltres coverage against Rock-types, being able to 3HKO Diancie after Stealth Rock and 2HKO Rhyperior. Hidden Power Electric is also an option, 2HKOing Mantine even without Stealth Rock damage and possibly OHKOing Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock. Roost allows Moltres to recover off damage it takes, which can be really useful given its Stealth Rock weakness. U-turn is used if Choice Specs is chosen over Life Orb, as Moltres doesn't want to Choice-lock itself into Roost, and U-turn can be used to gain momentum on forced switches and allows Moltres to switch out against Rock-types such as Diancie and Gigalith while doing damage.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and fast as possible, and a Timid nature is used to outspeed some Pokemon such as Rotom-A, Toxicroak, and Kommo-o. Flame Body is the chosen ability for this set, since it can help its Moltres's team by sometimes crippling physical attackers. Life Orb is used to boost Moltres's damage and allows it to switch moves and use Roost when needed, while Choice Specs is an option that increases Moltres's damage and doesn't cost it 10% recoil when it uses an attack; however, Moltres can't use Roost with Choice Specs and will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up.

Usage Tips
========
Moltres should only switch in on weak or resisted moves, like Florges's Moonblast or and Umbreon's Foul Play. unless However, if Moltres is using Choice Specs, since then Moltres shouldn't risk taking damage from anything. Life Orb Moltres can also switch in on predicted resisted moves, like Shaymin's Seed Flare; however, be careful to not switch in on common coverage moves like Stone Edge. Normally, Moltres will only switch in to revenge kill slower weakened Pokemon or those weak to Moltres's its STAB attacks such as Kommo-o, Doublade and Escavalier. Since Stealth Rock will leave Moltres very weakened, try to Roost when possible on forced switches against Pokemon such as Grass-types like Shaymin, Dhelmise, and Roserade, which aren't likely to risk a Speed tie.

Team Options
========

With a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, Moltres is required to have a teammate to Rapid Spin or Defog for it such as Donphan or Gligar. Moltres appreciates Pokemon that can weaken Rock- and Water-types, limiting Moltres's its switch-ins on the opposing team. Examples of Pokemon that can beat these types are Rotom-C, Shaymin, and Roserade. Ground-types such as Gligar and Flygon also are very appreciated, as they can usually switch in on Electric- and Rock-type moves. Spikes setters such as Roserade and Chesnaught are also very appreciated, helpful, (repetition) since they make it easier for Moltres to weaken the opposing team. Physical cleaners such as Sharpedo and Feraligatr appreciate this set's support, since Moltres is able to pressure physical walls, and they're even better if Hidden Power Electric is chosen, since it allows Moltres to beat Mantine, a foe that they otherwise struggle with. (or w/e but needs some clarification)

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hurricane
move 3: U-Turn U-turn
move 4: Flamethrower / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Fire Blast allows Moltres to revenge kill Pokemon such as Durant, Cryogonal, and Shaymin while still beating slower Pokemon such as Escavalier. Hurricane allows Moltres to hit Fighting-types such as Virizion and Pokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Salazzle and Noivern, while still beating as well as slower Pokemon such as Kommo-o and Toxicroak. U-turn is used to keep momentum on forced switches so Moltres can switch against to checks such as Diancie while causing some damage that can break Focus Sash or Sturdy from Pokemon like Froslass and Donphan. Flamethrower is used to beat some Pokemon without risking a miss, ensuring the KO on weakened Pokemon and some Pokemon such as Durant and Sneasel. Hidden Power Ice is an option that allows Moltres to OHKO +1 Flygon at +1 while also always 2HKOing Gligar.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed allows Moltres to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Moltres to outspeed Pokemon such as +1 Adamant Flygon at +1 and Choice Scarf Gardevoir. Flame Body is a situational ability that can help Moltres's team in some cases by crippling physical attackers if Moltres needs to take a hit. Choice Scarf is chosen to revenge kill faster Pokemon, boosting Moltres's Speed and allowing it to outspeed naturally faster Pokemon such as Durant, Salazzle, and Froslass and revenge kill them.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Scarf Moltres shouldn't be switching in against any move, given the fact that it will only be able to come in three times if Stealth Rock is up; it should only come in order to revenge kill something or after a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. Try to bring Moltres in only against guaranteed KO targets, since if it's unable to get the KO, it may get KOed in return or weakened to the point where it won't be able to switch in anymore if Stealth Rock is up.

Team Options
========

Hazard control is very important, so PokémonPokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokémon whoPokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot. Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.


Team Options
========

Entry hazard control is very important, so Pokemon like Gligar, Donphan, and Dhelmise can help a lot. Pokemon that can provide a slow U-turn like Uxie and Gligar can help Moltres a lot also pair well with Moltres. (or w/e, repetition) Water-, Electric-, and Rock-type checks such as Shaymin, Rotom-C, and Roserade make for good teammates. Ground-types such as Rhyperior, Gligar, and Flygon can help against Electric-types. Spikes setters such as Chesnaught and Roserade can help by weakening the opposing team for Moltres.

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

A set with Solar Beam and Grassium Z can be used to allow Moltres to OHKO Milotic after Stealth Rock as well as Rhyperior and Diancie after some prior damage, but the damage loss in on Fire Blast and Hurricane and the fact that it will be only able to use this move once makes it not worth using this set most times.

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

**Stealth Rock**: Thanks to Moltres's typing, Stealth Rock will take half of its HP, KOing it in three switches unless it uses Roost and forcing it to always recover to be able to come in later during the match.

**Rock-types**: Resisting Moltres's STAB combination, Rock-types like Diancie and Gigalith can easily take hits from Moltres and OHKO it in return. Gigalith can also beat it through its Substitute thanks to Rock Blast, and Diancie can prevent cure Toxic with Heal Bell. Rhyperior also checks Moltres, but it needs to watch out for Hidden Power Grass from the offensive set, since it is 2HKOed by this move. Aerodactyl is also an issue, since it outspeeds Moltres and can take a hit even after Stealth Rock damage unless Moltres has Hidden Power Electric. Tyrantrum is a shaky case, as it can't switch into Moltres's wallbreaker set, since Hurricane will 2HKO it, but it can take a hit and threaten Moltres with a STAB Head Smash.

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Slowking, and Milotic resist Moltres's Fire Blast, and although most times they can't switch directly into a Hurricane and need to watch out for Toxic, they can take a hit and use Scald against Moltres, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. Assault Vest Slowking is worth a special mention, since it can take two Hurricanes even from the wallbreaker set, threaten Moltres with Scald, and then heal off the damage with Regenerator.

**Special Walls**: Special walls likes like Snorlax, Assault Vest Goodra, and Porygon2 can check both the wallbreaker and Choice Scarf sets and threaten Moltres with powerful STAB attacks or with a super effective hit. Snorlax also can beat the defensive set, (AC) as Moltres becomes fodder to set up Curse and Snorlax can use Rest to prevent cure Toxic. Umbreon and Florges also can take hits, but they can't deal enough damage to Moltres's sets; however, Umbreon deserves a special mention against Substitute + Toxic Moltres, as it can take Toxic, pass it to Moltres with Synchronize, and use Heal Bell to remove it from itself.

**Revenge Killers**: Due to Moltres's weakness to Stealth Rock and average bulk, most times it won't be able to survive damage attacks from faster Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Sharpedo. Some Pokemon like Choice Scarf Rotom-C can also revenge kill non-Choice Scarf Moltres. Choice Scarf Rotom-H deserves a special mention, since it can switch in, resist anything Moltres can go for, and threaten it with a super effective STAB hit. Bruxish's Aqua Jet is another way to stop Moltres if it's weakened enough, OHKOing it after Stealth Rock.
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