Ninetales
Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
As Ninetales's trusted Fire STAB option, Flamethrower 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.
Extrasensory adds Normal coverage to Ninetales's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Fire damage, providing neutral coverage.
Will-O-Wisp adds Normal coverage to Ninetales's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Fire damage, providing neutral coverage.
The Normal-type Nasty Plot serves as coverage for matchups Ninetales would otherwise struggle with. This move is particularly valuable for hitting types that resist Fire attacks.
Strengths
- ▸Ninetales's dual Fire STAB coverage from Flamethrower means it can hit a wide range of opponents for super-effective damage
- ▸The Fire typing grants resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire, meaning Ninetales can absorb hits from these sources
- ▸The 100 spDef stat gives Ninetales a clear advantage in sustaining hits
- ▸The 505 base stat total means Ninetales won't win raw stat wars but can succeed with the right strategy
Weaknesses
- ▸The Ground, Rock, Water weakness is the primary reason Ninetales requires careful team building around it
- ▸Ninetales can struggle against common meta picks that exploit its typing or stat distribution
- ▸Limited coverage options restrict Ninetales's ability to handle diverse threats
Pro Tips
Special Attack should be Ninetales's primary VP investment given its higher special stat. Choice Specs or Band can turn Ninetales into a devastating hit-and-run attacker. Keep Ninetales away from Ground-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Coordinate Ninetales with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
Ninetales's competitive identity is that of a support pivot. Stat-wise, Ninetales brings 505 total points with spDef as its standout stat at 100. 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, Ninetales can consistently contribute to wins.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
Ninetales brings a 505 base stat total to the battlefield, with its stat distribution favoring a spDef-focused build. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Flamethrower) with coverage moves (Extrasensory, Will-O-Wisp), giving Ninetales answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Ground, Rock, Water mean Ninetales must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Bug, Fairy, Fire provide safe switch-in opportunities. Its Tier A rating places Ninetales in the upper competitive bracket, where it can consistently contribute to team success. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Ninetales, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Ground-type opponents: Ninetales is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Ninetales 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: Ninetales has the advantage here. Its Fire typing reduces incoming Bug damage, allowing Ninetales to tank hits and retaliate with Flamethrower. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: With 100 Speed, Ninetales outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 100, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Water-type opponents: Ninetales has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Fire moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Ninetales when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
Ninetales excels when brought into battle at the right moment.
As a supportive role player, it needs proper setup to shine.
In the early game, use Ninetales to apply pressure with Flamethrower and Extrasensory, forcing the opponent to react.
Be wary of Ground types on the opponent's team—they will try to exploit Ninetales's typing weakness.
The goal is to chip away at the opponent's team while preserving Ninetales for crucial late-game moments.
Mid-game is where Ninetales needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Extrasensory and Will-O-Wisp, Ninetales can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Ground type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Ninetales's spDef of 100 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
In the endgame, Ninetales can serve as a win condition if its counters have been eliminated.
With 505 base stat total, it has the raw power to clean up weakened teams.
Save Ninetales for the final stretch when the opponent's answers to it are gone, then sweep with Flamethrower and Extrasensory.
The tier A rating reflects Ninetales's ability to close out games when properly supported.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Ninetales with a Grass-type partner to absorb Ground attacks that Ninetales is weak to
- ▸Add a cleric (Heal Bell, Aromatherapy) to remove status conditions that would cripple Ninetales
- ▸Pair Ninetales with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Opponents with Ground coverage moves should target Ninetales immediately for a guaranteed KO
- ▸Choice Scarf users can outspeed Ninetales and hit it before it acts
- ▸Sleep renders Ninetales completely inactive for several turns, effectively removing it from the battle
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Ninetales with a Grass-type Pokemon that can switch into Ground attacks. This defensive core covers Ninetales's primary weakness while Ninetales handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Support Core: Use Ninetales alongside a heavy hitter that benefits from Ninetales's defensive typing. Switch Ninetales in to absorb hits with its Bug, Fairy resistances, then pivot to your attacker for damage.
Trick Room Team: Ninetales's Speed of 100 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 Ninetales good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Ninetales is a solid pick in Pokemon Champions, rated Tier A. With 505 total stats and a Fire typing, it performs well in most team compositions. While not the strongest option available, Ninetales is reliable and can win games when used correctly.
Q:What's the best item for Ninetales?
A:The best items for Ninetales 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 Ninetales's high Speed of 100, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Ninetales?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Ninetales, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 81 vs Attack at 76, special builds are clearly superior for Ninetales.
Q:How do I counter Ninetales?
A:Ninetales's biggest counters are Ground-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Ninetales before it acts, especially given its 100 Speed. To beat Ninetales, use Ground STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.