Growlithe
Very protective of its territory. It will bark and bite to repel intruders from its space.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Flamethrower serves as Growlithe's main Fire-type STAB attack. The same-type bonus increases its effective power by 50%, and with Growlithe's Attack of 70, it can threaten significant damage against anything weak to Fire.
Wild Charge adds Electric coverage to Growlithe'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 Growlithe would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting Flying, Psychic types that resist Fire attacks.
The Normal-type Morning Sun serves as coverage for matchups Growlithe would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Fire attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Growlithe capitalizes on its Fire STAB moves—particularly Flamethrower—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Type resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire allow Growlithe to switch in safely against these attack types
- ▸Growlithe can fulfill multiple roles depending on how it's built and what team supports it
Weaknesses
- ▸Growlithe takes 2x super-effective damage from Ground, Rock, Water type attacks, requiring careful positioning
- ▸Growlithe's defense stat of 45 is a weak point that limits its overall effectiveness
- ▸Slow speed (60) forces Growlithe to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
- ▸With only 350 total stats, Growlithe is outclassed by higher-tier alternatives in most roles
Pro Tips
Growlithe's balanced offenses allow for mixed builds—invest VP based on your team's coverage needs. Equip Growlithe with Life Orb for a damage boost, or Focus Sash for survivability. Use Growlithe's resistances to Bug, Fairy to find safe entry points. Growlithe works best as a support or niche pick rather than a primary win condition.
Competitive Role
As a Tier C Pokemon, Growlithe serves as a balanced utility Pokemon in team compositions. With a 350 base stat total led by its attack of 70, Growlithe relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. 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, Growlithe can surprise opponents in specific matchups.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 350 BST, Growlithe sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flamethrower) with coverage moves (Wild Charge, Close Combat), giving Growlithe answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Rock, Water mean Growlithe must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Growlithe is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Growlithe's balanced offenses allow for flexible VP investment—choose based on your team's needs.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Growlithe is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Growlithe in against Ground types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Ground. If forced to fight, use Flamethrower and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Bug-type opponents: Growlithe has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Growlithe to tank hits and retaliate with Flamethrower. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: Growlithe's 60 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Water-type opponents: Growlithe has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Growlithe when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Growlithe when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Growlithe can threaten with its Fire STAB moves.
With a attack stat of 70, Growlithe functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Growlithe can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Ground types, as they can punish Growlithe heavily.
As the battle progresses, Growlithe should be used strategically rather than recklessly.
The Fire typing means Growlithe 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.
Flamethrower should be your primary attack, with Wild Charge for coverage when needed.
By the endgame, Growlithe should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 350 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Flamethrower to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier C rating indicates Growlithe needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Add Grass typing to your team to switch in when Growlithe faces Ground-type threats
- ▸Pair Growlithe with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
- ▸Pair Growlithe with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Ground coverage moves should target Growlithe immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Any Pokemon with base Speed above 70 will outspeed and KO Growlithe before it can respond
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Growlithe's low Defense (45) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Special attackers target Growlithe's weak Special Defense (50) for guaranteed damage
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Growlithe with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Growlithe's primary weakness while Growlithe handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Growlithe alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Growlithe's defensive typing. Switch Growlithe in to absorb hits with its Bug, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Growlithe's Speed of 60 makes it an excellent Trick Room abuser. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Growlithe good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Growlithe is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 350 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Growlithe can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Growlithe?
A:Growlithe benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Growlithe has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Growlithe?
A:Since Growlithe has nearly equal Attack (70) and Special Attack (70), the nature choice depends on your build. For physical sets, use Adamant; for special sets, use Modest. A Hasty or Naive nature works for mixed sets that use both offensive stats.
Q:How do I counter Growlithe?
A:Growlithe's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Growlithe before it acts, especially given its 60 Speed. To beat Growlithe, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.