Typhlosion Hisui Smogon: An In-Depth Analysis
Typhlosion Hisui is a variant of the well-known Fire-type Pokémon, Typhlosion, introduced in the Pokémon Legends: Arceus game. With its unique typing, abilities, and move set, Hisuian Typhlosion has garnered significant attention in the competitive Pokémon community, particularly on Smogon. This article delves into the competitive aspects of Typhlosion Hisui, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, optimal movesets, and its overall role in various tiers.
Overview of Typhlosion Hisui
Typing and Abilities
Typhlosion Hisui has a unique typing of Fire/Ghost, differentiating it from its original Fire typing. This dual typing provides it with a unique set of resistances and vulnerabilities, making it a versatile yet situationally dependent Pokémon.
Weaknesses:
- Water
- Rock
- Ghost
- Dark
- Ground
Resistances:
- Bug (quadruple resistance)
- Steel
- Fire
- Ice
- Grass
- Fairy
- Poison (immunity)
- Normal (immunity)
- Fighting (immunity)
Abilities:
- Blaze: Powers up Fire-type moves when the Pokémon’s HP is low.
- Flash Fire (Hidden Ability): Powers up the Pokémon’s Fire-type moves if it’s hit by one.
Base Stats
- HP: 73
- Attack: 84
- Defense: 78
- Special Attack: 119
- Special Defense: 85
- Speed: 95
These stats highlight Typhlosion Hisui’s role as a special attacker with decent speed and moderate bulk, allowing it to function well in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
Competitive Analysis
Strengths
1. Unique Typing: The Fire/Ghost typing provides Typhlosion Hisui with immunities to Normal, Fighting, and Poison moves, while also offering resistances to common types like Grass and Bug. This typing can be strategically leveraged to switch into predicted attacks and maintain offensive pressure.
2. High Special Attack: With a base Special Attack of 119, Typhlosion Hisui can deal significant damage with its special moves. This high stat makes it a formidable special attacker in many teams.
3. Versatile Movepool: Typhlosion Hisui’s movepool includes powerful STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) moves such as Flamethrower, Shadow Ball, and Overheat, alongside coverage moves like Focus Blast and Solar Beam. This versatility allows it to handle a variety of threats in different situations.
4. Hidden Ability – Flash Fire: Flash Fire can be a game-changer, allowing Typhlosion Hisui to switch into Fire-type moves, gain an immunity, and boost its own Fire-type moves. This can turn the tide of battle when used effectively.
Weaknesses
1. Common Weaknesses: Typhlosion Hisui’s weaknesses to Water, Rock, Ghost, Dark, and Ground types can be easily exploited by opponents. These types are commonly found in competitive play, making it vulnerable to many threats.
2. Middling Speed: While a base Speed of 95 is decent, it can be outsped by many faster threats in higher tiers. This necessitates careful planning and potentially the use of Choice Scarf or Speed control support to maximize its effectiveness.
3. Reliance on Blaze or Flash Fire: While its abilities are powerful, they require specific conditions to activate. Blaze is only effective when HP is low, and Flash Fire depends on switching into a Fire-type move, which can be predictable and risky.
Optimal Movesets
Choice Scarf Set
Nature: Timid
Ability: Blaze / Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
Item: Choice Scarf
Moves:
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Eruption / Overheat
Explanation: The Choice Scarf set aims to mitigate Typhlosion Hisui’s middling Speed by boosting it with Choice Scarf, allowing it to outspeed many threats. Flamethrower and Shadow Ball provide reliable STAB options, while Focus Blast offers coverage against Dark and Rock types. Eruption can be used for massive damage when at full health, but Overheat is a More consistent option for powerful Fire-type damage.
Choice Specs Set
Nature: Modest / Timid
Ability: Blaze / Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
Item: Choice Specs
Moves:
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
Explanation: The Choice Specs set maximizes Typhlosion Hisui’s Special Attack, turning it into a devastating wallbreaker. Flamethrower and Shadow Ball are primary STAB moves, with Focus Blast for coverage. Solar Beam can be included to handle Water and Ground types, especially if supported by Drought or another Sun setter.
SubPunch Set
Nature: Timid
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed / 4 HP
Item: Leftovers
Moves:
- Substitute
- Focus Punch
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball
Explanation: The SubPunch set takes advantage of Typhlosion Hisui’s decent bulk and access to Substitute. Setting up a Substitute allows it to safely use Focus Punch, a powerful move that hits Rock and Dark types hard. Flamethrower and Shadow Ball provide consistent STAB options.
Role in Various Tiers
UU (UnderUsed)
In the UU tier, Typhlosion Hisui can function effectively due to its high Special Attack and unique typing. It can act as a strong special attacker, revenge killer with Choice Scarf, or even a utility Pokémon with moves like Will-O-Wisp and Toxic to cripple physical attackers and walls, respectively.
OU (OverUsed)
In the OU tier, Typhlosion Hisui faces stiffer competition but can still carve out a niche. Its ability to check common threats like Ferrothorn and Tapu Lele with its STAB moves and coverage options allows it to be a valuable team member. However, it requires significant support to handle its weaknesses, such as a reliable entry hazard remover and partners that can take on faster threats.
VGC (Video Game Championships)
In VGC, Typhlosion Hisui’s role can vary greatly due to the different dynamics of doubles battles. It can pair well with Pokémon that provide Speed control (e.g., Tailwind setters), or those that can cover its weaknesses. Moves like Protect become crucial in VGC to avoid being targeted and to scout opponent moves.
Synergy and Team Building
Ideal Teammates
- Bulky Water Types: Pokémon like Milotic or Toxapex can cover Typhlosion Hisui’s Water and Rock weaknesses while benefiting from its ability to handle Grass types.
- Ground Types: Pokémon such as Excadrill or Hippowdon can check Rock types and set up Stealth Rock, which can wear down opponents over time.
- Fairy Types: Pokémon like Clefable or Tapu Fini can handle Dark and Dragon types that threaten Typhlosion Hisui, providing a balanced defensive core.
Support Options
- Entry Hazard Removal: Defoggers or Rapid Spinners like Corviknight or Starmie are essential to keep Typhlosion Hisui healthy by removing Stealth Rock.
- Speed Control: Pokémon with moves like Thunder Wave, Tailwind, or Trick Room can help manage Typhlosion Hisui’s Speed issues, allowing it to outspeed and eliminate threats.
- Status Spreaders: Teammates that can spread status conditions like Toxic or Will-O-Wisp (e.g., Rotom-Wash, Mew) can cripple opposing Pokémon, making it easier for Typhlosion Hisui to sweep or wallbreak.
Typhlosion Hisui Smogon is a fascinating addition to the competitive Pokémon scene, offering a fresh take on a classic favorite. Its Fire/Ghost typing, high Special Attack, and versatile movepool make it a potent threat in the right hands. While it has notable weaknesses and requires strategic team support, its potential in various tiers and formats cannot be underestimated. Whether as a revenge killer, wallbreaker, or special attacker, Typhlosion Hisui brings a unique blend of power and strategy to any competitive team. As players continue to explore and optimize its usage, Typhlosion Hisui is poised to leave a significant mark on the Smogon community and the broader world of competitive Pokémon battling.