Infernape

Infernape is a flexible Pokemon capable of performing a variety of different roles, taking advantage of its high Speed and equal ability to hit with physical or special attacks. This unpredictability can create opportunities, as its different sets have different checks: For example, Hippowdon is a perfect answer to Close Combat, but it gets toasted by Fire Blast. Infernape has a deep movepool with strong coverage options like Grass Knot, Earthquake, and Gunk Shot as well as great utility moves like U-turn, Knock Off, and Encore. With both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, it can boost its damage no matter which attacks it uses, and it has STAB priority moves on both sides with Vacuum Wave and Mach Punch. However, despite the many roles Infernape can fill, there are often other Pokemon that can perform better in them. Crucial Pokemon like Amoonguss and Empoleon can survive Infernape's attacks, and support from entry hazards or resources like Terastallization is often necessary to facilitate its task. As a special attacker, its power is overshadowed by fellow Fire-types Armarouge and Volcanion, while Terrakion, Galarian Zapdos, and Mienshao often outperform as Fighting-type wallbreakers. In addition, Infernape's incredible frailty makes it difficult for it to survive against the powerful attacks in the tier, from Gengar's Shadow Ball to Jirachi's Psychic Noise, resulting in very few opportunities to switch in or set up. Infernape also suffers heavily from four-moveslot syndrome: despite its plethora of options it is impossible to fit all of them, and all of its sets will have holes that the opponent can take advantage of.