Competitive Information for Ninetales [X/Y]
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 X/Y Single Battles. The movesets and EVs are designed to maximize damage against common opponents and threats in the X/Y metagame. Check out the expert movesets below to boost your battle performance and dominate your opponents!
Get ready to meet Ninetales, the sick Fire-typed Pokémon! It's to see Ninetales show up as a X/Y opponent. It is weak to Ground, Rock, and Water-typed attacks. Curious about Ninetales's movesets? Check our suggestions listed below!
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 / Return
- Foul Play / Payback
- Zen Headbutt
Ninetales excels as a top-notch Physical Sweeper during single battles. It was designed to take down the opponent's team with formidable 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).
◆ Return is a physical 0-base power Normal-type move (max 102 power at maximum happiness).
◆ 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/iaa26
Item: Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
Nature: Modest (+SpA, -Atk)
EVs: 12 Hp / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Overheat / Flamethrower
- Energy Ball / Solar Beam
- Dark Pulse / Foul Play
- Extrasensory / Psyshock
Taking on single battles? Ninetales is a distinguished Special Sweeper. It's primary goal is to take down the opponent's team with overwhelming 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.
◆ 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).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
◆ 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).
◆ 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).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/iba26
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Drought
Nature: Quiet (+SpA, -Spe)
EVs: 123 Hp / 141 Def / 246 SpA
Moveset:
- Nasty Plot
- Toxic
- Solar Beam
- Flamethrower
Ninetales proves to be a notable Special Tank for single battles. This strategy is built to take a nice 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 health 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/ica26
Item: Fire Gem
Ability: Drought
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
EVs: 4 Hp / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Moveset:
- Power Swap
- Covet
- Overheat
- Confuse Ray
Ninetales is an awesome Special Sweeper to use for single battles. It attempts to overwhelm foes with brute special attacks. 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. This plan is pretty simple: Just Overheat+Fire Gem+Drought+STAB blast something to death, then saddle the next guy (preferably a special attacker) who gets -2 Special Attack with Power Swap) just to be an jerk lol With a Fire Gem equipped to it, Ninetales's first successful fire-type attack will have 1.3x power then the Fire Gem gets consumed.
◆ Covet is a physical 60-base power Normal-type move (if your Ninetales has no item, it steals the target's).
◆ Overheat is a special STAB-boosted 130-base power Fire-type move (lowers your Ninetales's special attack by 2 stages).
◆ Confuse Ray is a status move (confuses the target).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/ida26
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
For single battles, Ninetales is a superb Support. 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/iea26
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
In single battles, Ninetales's Special Sweeper role is a superior. It's purpose is to crush rivals using devastating 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/ifa26
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
For single battles, Ninetales is a spectacular Special Sweeper. It attempts to overwhelm foes with overwhelming 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/iga26
Movesets for Doubles
Need a strong doubles moveset for Ninetales? These builds are perfect for VGC (Pokémon Video Game Championship) and other competitive X/Y 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 X/Y metagame with these expert-crafted setups!
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 / Return
- Foul Play / Payback
- Zen Headbutt
Dominating double battles, Ninetales is a stunning Physical Sweeper. It's primary goal is to crush rivals using potent 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).
◆ Return is a physical 0-base power Normal-type move (max 102 power at maximum happiness).
◆ 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/jaa26
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 / Incinerate
- Energy Ball / Solar Beam
- Dark Pulse / Foul Play
- Extrasensory / Psyshock
Ninetales stands out as a terrific Special Sweeper in double battles. It's designed to overwhelm foes with potent 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.
◆ Incinerate is a special STAB-boosted 60-base power Fire-type move (destroys the foes berry/gem).
◆ Energy Ball is a special 90-base power Grass-type move (10% chance to lower the target's special defense by 1 stage).
◆ Solar Beam is a special 120-base power Grass-type move (charges turn 1. Hits turn 2. No charge in sunlight).
◆ 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).
◆ 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).
Link (click to copy):
https://hohoushome.com/b/jba26
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 a superior Special Tank. It's primary goal is to take a hefty 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/jca26
Movepool
Want to know what moves Ninetales can learn? Check out the full list of moves available in the Pokemon X/Y 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 X/Y. 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 XY 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: Pain split + Toxic
- Moves: Pain split + Will-o-wisp
- 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): Hypnosis, Will-O-Wisp, Toxic
Moves that boost Ninetales's stats
- Calm Mind
- Flame Charge
- Howl
- Nasty Plot
- Ominous Wind
Most notable and possible best moves for Ninetales
- Howl
- Protect
- Rest
- Toxic
Common Effort Values for Ninetales in X and Y
- Adamant Nature ( 0/252/0/0/0/252 )
- Modest Nature ( 0/0/0/252/0/252 )
- Jolly Nature ( 0/252/0/0/0/252 )
- Timid Nature ( 0/0/0/252/0/252 )
- Bold Nature ( 252/0/252/0/0/4 )
- Calm Nature ( 252/0/0/0/252/4 )
- Relaxed Nature ( 252/0/88/0/168/0 )
- Sassy Nature ( 252/0/4/0/252/0 )
- Optimize Ninetales's Defensive EV-spread for Pokemon X and Y
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 X/Y movesets. You can find Ninetales builds X/Y. Ninetales movesets X/Y are listed here. VGC Ninetales Competitive Movesets can be found here. Find various EV spreads, find the best nature for Ninetales in X/Y along with competitive movesets. Basic info and Movesets for evolution