Incineroar

Competitive Strategy

Incineroar is a positioning Pokemon first. Intimidate weakens physical attackers on entry, Fake Out can buy a turn, Knock Off removes key items, and Parting Shot lowers momentum pressure while bringing in a teammate safely. Its Fire/Dark typing is especially useful into Psychic, Ghost, Grass, Ice, and Steel pressure, but Water, Fighting, Ground, and Rock attacks are super effective. In singles, Incineroar often functions as a bulky pivot or wallbreaker. Flare Blitz and Knock Off give strong STAB pressure, while Will-O-Wisp, U-turn, Taunt, or Parting Shot can support a slower team. In doubles, its utility is even more pronounced because Fake Out and Intimidate affect turn structure immediately. The exact format matters, but the type-chart lesson is stable: do not leave it in against strong Water, Ground, Fighting, or Rock damage unless a defensive Tera type, item, or support move changes the exchange. To counter Incineroar, punish repeated pivots with hazards, keep Water or Ground pressure available, and identify whether Defiant or Competitive teammates can turn Intimidate into an advantage. Bulky Water-types can limit Flare Blitz, while Fighting attackers threaten the Dark side. Incineroar wants partners that cover Ground and Water, such as Grass or Flying teammates, plus hazard control if it is expected to pivot often. Avoid stacking too many Rock or Ground weaknesses beside it.