Arcanine
A POKéMON that has been admired since the past for its beauty. It runs agilely as if on wings.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Arcanine's trusted Fire STAB option, Flare Blitz benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Fire types.
Wild Charge adds Electric coverage to Arcanine's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Fire damage, providing super-effective against Ground.
The Fighting-type Close Combat serves as coverage for matchups Arcanine would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting Flying, Psychic types that resist Fire attacks.
Extreme Speed rounds out the moveset with Normal-type coverage. Use this move when Arcanine's STAB attacks would be resisted, as it can hit targets that would otherwise wall Arcanine's primary attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Arcanine capitalizes on its Fire STAB moves—particularly Flare Blitz—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Resisting Bug, Fairy, Fire gives Arcanine natural durability when facing opponents that rely on these types
- ▸The 110 attack stat gives Arcanine a clear advantage in offensive output
- ▸With 555 total base stats, Arcanine has enough distributed power to fulfill its role without major compromises
Weaknesses
- ▸Vulnerability to Ground, Rock, Water types means Arcanine must avoid switching into these attack types
- ▸Arcanine faces competition from other Fire types with better stats or movepools
- ▸Arcanine can struggle against common meta picks that exploit its typing or stat distribution
Pro Tips
Invest VP in Attack and Speed to maximize Arcanine's physical damage output. A Focus Sash lets Arcanine survive a hit while threatening with its high Speed. Predict Ground moves and double-switch to preserve Arcanine for later. Coordinate Arcanine with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
Arcanine's competitive identity is that of a speedy attacker. The 555 BST distribution, highlighted by 110 attack, defines how Arcanine should be built and deployed. Its Fire typing creates vulnerabilities to Ground, Rock, Water types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide switch-in opportunities. When used correctly, Arcanine can consistently contribute to wins.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Arcanine brings a 555 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a attack-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flare Blitz) with coverage moves (Wild Charge, Close Combat), giving Arcanine answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Rock, Water mean Arcanine must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide safe switch-in opportunities. Its Tier A rating places Arcanine in the upper competitive bracket, where it can consistently contribute to team success. For optimal performance, build Arcanine with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Arcanine is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Arcanine in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Flare Blitz and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Arcanine has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Arcanine to tank hits and retaliate with Flare Blitz. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Water-type opponents: Arcanine has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Arcanine when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
When starting a battle with Arcanine, your first priority is establishing board position.
As a offensive sweeper with 555 total base stats, Arcanine should be brought in when you can predict a favorable matchup.
If the opponent has Ground coverage, save Arcanine for later in the match.
The opening moves should focus on dealing damage with Flare Blitz and Wild Charge while assessing the opponent's team composition.
As the battle progresses, Arcanine should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Fire typing means Arcanine has specific matchups it wins and loses—identify these early and play accordingly.
Against Ground types, switch out immediately.
Against opponents weak to Fire, stay in and attack.
Flare Blitz should be your primary attack, with Wild Charge for coverage when needed.
Late game, Arcanine becomes a powerful cleanup sweeper.
Once the opponent's Ground users are removed, Arcanine can run through the remaining team.
The combination of 110 attack and STAB Fire moves makes it a genuine threat in the endgame.
Position Arcanine to land the finishing blows.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Grass typing to your team to switch in when Arcanine faces Ground-type threats
- ▸Combine Arcanine with entry hazard setters (Stealth Rock, Spikes) to maximize the damage from its attacks
- ▸Arcanine pairs well with frail sweepers that need a safe switch-in partner—use Arcanine to absorb hits they can't
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Ground-type Pokemon with STAB Ground moves to exploit Arcanine's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Paralyze Arcanine to cut its Speed and remove its initiative advantage
- ▸Toxic poison wears Arcanine down over time, especially if it lacks recovery moves
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Arcanine with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Arcanine's primary weakness while Arcanine handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Arcanine with a setup sweeper that benefits from Arcanine's ability to weaken walls. Use Flare Blitz to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Trick Room Team: Arcanine's Speed of 95 makes it a candidate for Speed control support. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Arcanine good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Arcanine is a solid pick in Pokemon Champions, rated Tier A. With 555 total stats and a Fire typing, it performs well in most team compositions. While not the strongest option available, Arcanine is reliable and can win games when used correctly.
Q:What's the best item for Arcanine?
A:The best items for Arcanine are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Arcanine's high Speed of 95, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Arcanine?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Arcanine, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Arcanine to outspeed specific threats. Since Arcanine's Attack (110) exceeds its Special Attack (100), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Arcanine?
A:Arcanine's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Arcanine before it acts, especially given its 95 Speed. To beat Arcanine, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.