Arcanine physical wall build that maxes HP and Defense and uses Intimidate plus Will-O-Wisp to lower opponents' physical attack and tank hits. By maintaining its own HP with Sitrus Berry and Morning Sun, Switches in multiple times to chip the opponent.

Alternative Move Options

Swap Extreme Speed depending on unfavorable matchups

• Play Rough

Extreme Speed is a useful priority move, but it can be swapped depending on team composition.Play Rough for use against Dragon-types, and Snarl to bolster Sp. Def becomes a candidate.

Physical Wall Pivot Role

Its main role is to switch in against favorable matchups, spread Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp, and shut down opposing physical attackers. While compensating for Flare Blitz recoil and opponents' damage with recovery moves, Locks weakened opponents down with a high-priority move can also act as a stopper.

Threats

Struggles against opponents unaffected by burn

Arcanine doesn't have high bulk and compensates with Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp.Special attackers and Fire-type setup Pokémon that don't suffer Attack drops from burn is easily broken through.

Its main role is to lead, support its teammates with an entry hazard, and use its guaranteed action plus powerful attacks to weaken the foe in front of it. Its Ability Rock Head with repeatedly use Head Smash and Flare Blitz without taking recoil damage, or use the +2 priority move Extreme Speed to disrupt the field.

Alternative Move Options

Raise attack performance

• Close Combat

Instead of the move that sets an entry hazard, Stealth Rock can be replaced with the Speed-boosting Flame Charge, or the move with broad super-effective coverage, Close Combat. Choose the move that best complements your team.

Hazard Setter + Physical Attacker Role

Max Atk/Spe, Combines ability-recoil-removed high-power moves with Focus Sash action guaranteeHisuian Arcanine hazard-setter + physical attacker. Tanks one hit while setting up board, or wins face-offs with high-priority moves.

Threats

Caution vs Water/Ground

Hisuian Arcanine 4x weakness to Water/Ground — caution. In particular, the priority multi-hit move Water Shuriken from Greninja is especially dangerous. If you see one, prepare a safe switch-in or consider not bringing Hisuian Arcanine.

Heavily investing EVs in Atk and Spe, Focus Sash gives this Hisuian Arcanine Physical Attacker build a guaranteed action. Its Ability Rock Head prevents recoil damage, so it can use powerful moves without breaking its own Focus Sash.

Jolly Nature Is Also Recommended

For Hisuian Arcanine's Nature, ようき is also recommended. It lets it move before and defeat Mega Charizard Y when the latter does not have a Speed-boosting Nature.

Doubles Focus Sash Build Role

Focus Sash as protection while disrupting the opposing field with powerful same-type moves whose recoil is negated. It survives an opposing attack while applying pressure, then pins weakened foes with the +2 priority move Extreme Speed to create a favorable position.

Threats

Water- and Ground-type Pokémon

Water- and Ground-type Pokémon are difficult because they hit its 4× weakness. Garchomp and Mega Swampert also resist both Fire- and Rock-type moves. Protect against their attacks with Focus Sash or Protect and counterattack with your ally's move.