Competitive Information for Ninetales [Sword/Shield]
Fire
Abilities:
On switch-in, this Pokemon summons Sunny Day.
This Pokemon's Fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one Fire move; Fire immunity.
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Note: Pokemon with the Flash Fire ability are immune to Fire attacks.
Movesets for Singles
Looking for a competitive moveset for Ninetales? These builds are optimized for Sword/Shield Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the Sword/Shield metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
VenusaurCharizardMoltres-GalarGarchompRaichuLandorus-TherianCrobatArcheopsUrshifuWhimsicott
Get ready to meet Ninetales, the top-notch Fire-typed Pokémon! It's a sight to see Ninetales out in the 8th generation battlefield. It is weak to Ground, Rock, and Water-typed attacks. Curious about Ninetales's movesets? Check our suggestions listed below!
Item: Eject Pack / Focus Sash
Ability: Drought
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Solar Beam
- Heat Wave / Overheat
- Hypnosis / Extrasensory
- Protect / Round
When it comes to single battles, Ninetales shines as a sensational Special Sweeper. The objective of this moveset is to take down the opponent's team with powerful special power. Focus Sash helps protect Ninetales from being one-shotted and allowing it to atleast use a crucial move when brought out. Drought changes the weather to Intense Sunlight when Ninetales is sent out onto the field. This help boosts all fire attacks while the Sunlight remains active. With a Eject Pack equipped to it, if Ninetales's stat stages are lowered, it switches to a chosen ally then the Eject Pack gets consumed.
◆ Heat Wave is a special STAB-boosted 95-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the foes).
◆ Overheat is a special STAB-boosted 130-base power Fire-type move (lowers your Ninetales's special attack by 2 stages).
◆ Hypnosis is a status move (causes the target to fall asleep).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Protect is a status move (prevents moves from affecting your Ninetales this turn).
◆ Round is a special 60-base power Normal-type move (power doubles if others used round this turn).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/maa26
Item: Shell Bell / Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 Atk / 244 Spe
Moveset:
- Flare Blitz / Flame Charge
- Double-Edge / Body Slam
- Foul Play / Payback
- Zen Headbutt
Ninetales thrives as a magnificent Physical Sweeper perfect for single battles. The intention of this moveset is to crush rivals using devastating physical power. Life Orb boosts the power of Ninetales's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. The Shell Bell item option is to help Ninetales recover from the recoil damage it may take from Double-Edge and Flare Blitz. With Flash Fire, Ninetales's fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one fire move; fire immunity.
◆ Flame Charge is a physical STAB-boosted 50-base power Fire-type move (100% chance to raise your Ninetales's speed by 1 stage).
◆ Double-Edge is a physical 120-base power Normal-type move (has 33% recoil).
◆ Body Slam is a physical 85-base power Normal-type move (30% chance to paralyze the target).
◆ Foul Play is a physical 95-base power Dark-type move (uses target's attack stat in damage calculation).
◆ Payback is a physical 50-base power Dark-type move (power doubles if your Ninetales moves after the target).
◆ Zen Headbutt is a physical 80-base power Psychic-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mba26
Item: Eject Pack / Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Overheat / Flamethrower
- Energy Ball
- Extrasensory / Psyshock
- Dark Pulse / Foul Play
Prepare for single battles with Ninetales as a spectacular Special Sweeper. It's purpose is to take down the opponent's team with potent special attacks. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Ninetales's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. With Flash Fire, Ninetales's fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one fire move; fire immunity. With a Eject Pack equipped to it, if Ninetales's stat stages are lowered, it switches to a chosen ally then the Eject Pack gets consumed.
◆ Flamethrower is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Energy Ball is a special 90-base power Grass-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Psyshock is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (damages target based on defense, not special defense).
◆ Dark Pulse is a special 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Foul Play is a physical 95-base power Dark-type move (uses target's attack stat in damage calculation).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mca26
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Drought
Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)
EVs: 123 Hp / 141 Def / 246 SpA
Moveset:
- Nasty Plot
- Toxic
- Solar Beam
- Flamethrower
Ninetales thrives as an awesome Special Tank perfect for single battles. It was designed to absorb special attacks and counter with decent force. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Ninetales last longer regaining it's HP every turn. Drought changes the weather to Intense Sunlight when Ninetales is sent out onto the field. This help boosts all fire attacks while the Sunlight remains active.
◆ Toxic is a status move (badly poisons the target; Note: Poison types can't miss with Toxic).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
◆ Flamethrower is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mda26
Item: Air Balloon
Ability: Drought
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 248 Hp / 12 SpA / 248 Spe
Moveset:
- Dark Pulse
- Calm Mind
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
Ninetales proves to be a fabulous Support for single battles. Air Balloon makes the holder ungrounded, which means Ninetales is immune to Ground-type moves until the balloon pops when hit by a damaging move. Drought changes the weather to Intense Sunlight when Ninetales is sent out onto the field. This help boosts all fire attacks while the Sunlight remains active.
◆ Calm Mind is a status move (raises your Ninetales's special attack and special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Fire Blast is a special STAB-boosted 110-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mea26
Item: Safety Goggles
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Nasty Plot
- Energy Ball
- Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
Ninetales shows an interesting Special Sweeper prowess in single battles. This build is crafted to crush rivals using potent special attacks. Safety Goggles grant Ninetales immunity to powder and spore moves along with damage from hail and sandstorm. With Flash Fire, Ninetales's fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one fire move; fire immunity. This set is targeted towards working with my Alolan Ninetales set Veil Attacker. That is the reason for it having Safety Goggles, so it doesn't take damage from the snow storm. I decided not to use its HA because while it gives access to Solar Beam, it removes or is removed by Alolan Ninetales Hail. If used in singles instead of doubles replace the ability with drought and the item with life orb.
◆ Energy Ball is a special 90-base power Grass-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Dark Pulse is a special 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Fire Blast is a special STAB-boosted 110-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mfa26
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Drought
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Psyshock
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
Ninetales proves to be an astounding Special Sweeper for single battles. It tries to overwhelm foes with lethal special attacks. The Sitrus Berry will restore 1/4th of Ninetales's max HP when it reaches below half health and gets consumed. Drought changes the weather to Intense Sunlight when Ninetales is sent out onto the field. This help boosts all fire attacks while the Sunlight remains active.
◆ Nasty Plot is a status move (raises your Ninetales's special attack by 2 stages).
◆ Fire Blast is a special STAB-boosted 110-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/mga26
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Ninetales? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive Sword/Shield Double Battles. The VGC is the ultimate test of strategy and skill, and these movesets and EVs are designed to excel against multiple opponents at once while providing essential support to your team. Dominate the Sword/Shield metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
VenusaurCharizardMoltres-GalarGarchompRaichuLandorus-TherianCrobatArcheopsUrshifuWhimsicott
Item: Shell Bell / Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 Atk / 244 Spe
Moveset:
- Flare Blitz / Flame Charge
- Double-Edge / Body Slam
- Foul Play / Payback
- Zen Headbutt
For double battles, Ninetales is a fabulous Physical Sweeper. It's primary goal is to take down the opponent's team with brute physical attacks. Life Orb boosts the power of Ninetales's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. The Shell Bell item option is to help Ninetales recover from the recoil damage it may take from Double-Edge and Flare Blitz. With Flash Fire, Ninetales's fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one fire move; fire immunity.
◆ Flame Charge is a physical STAB-boosted 50-base power Fire-type move (100% chance to raise your Ninetales's speed by 1 stage).
◆ Double-Edge is a physical 120-base power Normal-type move (has 33% recoil).
◆ Body Slam is a physical 85-base power Normal-type move (30% chance to paralyze the target).
◆ Foul Play is a physical 95-base power Dark-type move (uses target's attack stat in damage calculation).
◆ Payback is a physical 50-base power Dark-type move (power doubles if your Ninetales moves after the target).
◆ Zen Headbutt is a physical 80-base power Psychic-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/naa26
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Heat Wave / Burning Jealousy
- Energy Ball
- Extrasensory / Psyshock
- Dark Pulse / Foul Play
For those intense double battles, Ninetales is a superior Special Sweeper. This moveset focuses to take down the opponent's team with devastating special moves. Choice Specs will increase the damage of Ninetales's special moves by 1.5x but will lock you into the first move you pick. Life Orb boosts the power of Ninetales's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Flash Fire, Ninetales's fire attacks do 1.5x damage if hit by one fire move; fire immunity.
◆ Burning Jealousy is a special STAB-boosted 70-base power Fire-type move (100% burns a target that had a stat rise this turn).
◆ Energy Ball is a special 90-base power Grass-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Extrasensory is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (10% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Psyshock is a special 80-base power Psychic-type move (damages target based on defense, not special defense).
◆ Dark Pulse is a special 80-base power Dark-type move (20% chance to make the target flinch).
◆ Foul Play is a physical 95-base power Dark-type move (uses target's attack stat in damage calculation).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nba26
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Drought
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 144 Hp / 252 SpA / 112 Spe
Moveset:
- Toxic
- Sunny Day
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Solar Beam
Dominating double battles, Ninetales is an exceptional Special Tank. It's primary goal is to take a great amount of hits from special attacks while dealing some decent damage. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Ninetales last longer regaining it's HP every turn. Drought changes the weather to Intense Sunlight when Ninetales is sent out onto the field. This help boosts all fire attacks while the Sunlight remains active. While Ninetales normally has no business staying in on either Tyranitar or Politoed, a well-timed Sunny Day can actually force them out! Not only is the opponent's attempt to change the weather negated, but SolarBeam no longer has a charge-up period. Should the opponent be foolish enough to keep their weather inducer in, their cold-blooded creature will be instantly vaporized by a super effective SolarBeam. With sufficient entry hazard support, Ninetales can back the opposing weather inducer into a tight corner. Either stay in and eat a SolarBeam, or switch out and take massive damage.
◆ Sunny Day is a status move (for 5 turns, intense sunlight powers fire moves).
◆ Fire Blast is a special STAB-boosted 110-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Flamethrower is a special STAB-boosted 90-base power Fire-type move (10% chance to burn the target).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/nca26
Movepool
Want to know what moves Ninetales can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon Sword/Shield generation.
Sort and organize the learnset by type, category, accuracy, and power. Moves in bold get the same-type attack bonus (STAB) when used by Ninetales.
Damage Modifiers:
Combo List
These are a list of several common move combinations Ninetales can perform in Sword/Shield. Not every combo going to be game-changing, but some can be pretty fun to play with. Sometimes these can be easily overlooked or forgotten, hence why we find and list them here. Discover what items, abilities, and moves this Pokemon can use in combination with each other to gain a strategic advantage in competitive battles.
Competitive SS Move and Ability Combos for Ninetales
- Moves: Sunny day + Solar beam
- Moves: Mimic + Imprison
- Moves: Swagger + Foul play
- Moves: Swagger + Psych up
- Moves: Endure + Flail
- Moves: Rest + Sleep talk
- Moves: Rest + Snore
- Moves: Nasty plot + Stored power
- Moves: Pain split + Toxic
- Moves: Pain split + Will-o-wisp
- Moves: Stored power + Psych up
- Ability: Drought + Item: Heat rock
- Move: Swagger + Item: Mirror Herb
- Move: Facade + Item: Flame Orb
- Move: Facade + Item: Toxic Orb
- Item: Blunder Policy + Move: Inferno
- Moves with Priority: Endure, Protect, Baby-Doll Eyes, Quick Attack
- Moves that inflict status (and combo with the move Hex): Burning Jealousy, Scorching Sands, Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic
Moves that boost Ninetales's stats
- Agility
- Calm Mind
- Curse
- Flame Charge
- Howl
- Nasty Plot
- Skull Bash
- Note:This Pokemon can also learn Stored Power.
Most notable and possible best moves for Ninetales
- Baby-Doll Eyes
- Extrasensory
- Fake Tears
- Flamethrower
- Foul Play
- Heat Wave
- Howl
- Hypnosis
- Overheat
- Protect
- Reflect
- Rest
- Round
- Scorching Sands
- Shadow Ball
- Solar Beam
- Stored Power
- Toxic
- Will-O-Wisp
Common Effort Values for Ninetales in Sword and Shield
- Timid Nature ( 4/0/0/252/0/252 )
- Timid Nature ( 4/0/180/68/4/252 )
- Optimize Ninetales's EV spread for Pokemon Sword and Shield
Usage Data
Explore the latest analytical usage data for this Pokémon from various VGC and online competitions. We use this data to develop our strategies and movesets. The data is categorized by competition and skill level: top-ranking trainers, mid-level players, and entry-level players.
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Here are the best movesets for Ninetales. Top rated Ninetales Sword/Shield movesets. You can find Ninetales builds Sword/Shield. Ninetales movesets Sword/Shield are listed here. VGC Ninetales Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Ninetales in Sword/Shield along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution