[VGC] Arcanine Moveset - Special Attacker/Support

[Cobb]

Stats: 90 HP, 110 Atk, 80 Def, 100 SAtk, 80 SDef, 95 Spd
Ability: Intimidate

Build

Arcanine @ Focus Sash
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Heat Wave
- Snarl
- Protect
- Extreme Speed

Offensive Calculations

252+ SpA Arcanine Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 80-96 (47.9 - 57.4%) -- 82.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Arcanine Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Aegislash-Blade: 192-228 (114.9 - 136.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Arcanine Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 150-176 (106.3 - 124.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Arcanine Snarl vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gengar: 56-66 (41.4 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO


Defensive Calculations

With One Intimidate
-1 252+ Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 114-134 (68.6 - 80.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 99-117 (59.6 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 4 Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 92-110 (55.4 - 66.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 252-297 (151.8 - 178.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
               [This calculation is assuming 1 Intimidate, and a Parental Bond, Power-Up Punch]

With Two Intimidates (Teammate or Switch-in)
-2 252+ Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 84-102 (50.6 - 61.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-2 252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 75-88 (45.1 - 53%) -- 28.9% chance to 2HKO
-2 4 Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 68-84 (40.9 - 50.6%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 168-199 (101.2 - 119.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
               [This calculation is assuming 2 Intimidate, and a Parental Bond, Power-Up Punch]

Summary

I created this build in relation to an Intimidate team, relying on Arcanine as both an Intimidate user, as well as one that can utilize Snarl. This is a 60 base power spread, special attack, that lowers the SpA. of both enemies it hits by one stage. So yes, this build does focus on being specially offensive, but there is little that this Arcanine is going to one-shot. It's primary purpose is to shut down your opponents ability to inflict damage, hence the focus sash to hopefully allow for at least two Snarls before going down.

I have tested this on Showdown quite a bit, and because of the Intimidate cut as well as much of the time pairing him with a Will-O-Wisp Sableye, this Arcanine has the chance to be rather bulky, in some cases turning an incoming STAB Rock Slide or Earthquake into a 3HKO.

Also, once your opponent realizes that this Arcanine is causing all sorts of havoc to both methods of attacking, there is a tendency to focus him, and this is where your ability to predict and Protect at the appropriate time comes into play. A well-timed Protect can allow your teammate a crucial, free-hit, possibly taking an enemy down to a level of health that an Extremespeed can finish off. And if they do end up switching out, which often is the case when you have an enemy with -1 or -2 attack from Intimidates, and possibly a Burn status on their primary physical attacker, you again have a free hit and a turn without damage from that slot.


Possible Pairings

These are some of the doubles partners that Arcanine has excelled with on my own team, and below that I will list some other possible teammates that are common in the meta-game right now.

Sableye-provides additional Attack cut with Will-O-Wisp, as well as at times drawing attacks because the opponent is wary of Prankster

Clefable-utilizing follow-Me can allow your Arcanine the additional turn it needs to get off another Snarl, or even get some damage out with Heat Wave

Salamence-an additional Intimidate on the first turn can make your Arcanine even more physically bulky without having taken damage yet, also draws        attention because the opponent fears a potential Mega-mence. [Inside secret, I don't run Mega   ]

Landorus-T-again an additional Intimidate is valuable for this set, as well as pairing an Arcanine Protect and Landorus-T Earthquake is always fun



M-Charizard Y-provides sun to boost Heat Wave, and the Arcanine Intimidate gives Zard Y a slight chance to survive a Rock Slide

Amoongus-Rage Powder can work in a way similarly to Clefable above, and Spore support

Rotom-W-can take out Water threats, and takes advantage of Arcanine's cutting ability and Snarl to be even bulkier


Major Threats

M-Kangaskan-one of the biggest threats in the current meta-game, and almost everyone has one! It's the most dangerous because of the ability Parental Bond, breaking the effectiveness of Arcanine's focus sash, which can result in a turn one or turn two KO. This is a case where having Sableye as the partner is critical. Some calculations showing the importance of getting a burn on Mege-Kang below:

-1 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Fake Out vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 45-54 (27.1 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
-1 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 112-132 (67.4 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Turn 2, Bye-bye Arcanine

-1 252+ Atk Parental Bond burned Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 55-66 (33.1 - 39.7%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
A STAB base 102 Return is now a 3HKO from one Intimidate and getting the burn off

Rotom-W-not only resisting Arcanine's primary damaging move, a Hydro Pump is absolutely devastating, and this is where the focus sash is crucial, as well as Snarl. More than likely you will outspeed, as few people invest any sort of IVs into Spe for Rotom-W, so Snarl is essential. Calcs for the most common OU Rotom-W below:

0 SpA Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 156-186 (93.9 - 112%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
-1 0 SpA Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 104-126 (62.6 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


So there you have it! This is my Arcanine build. I hope you found it useful and now have the urge to run this puppy. I have always loved Arcanine and am so glad that the addition of Snarl gives him a niche to be competitive. Let me know what you think.