Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's PvP and VGC have transitioned to the latest set of Regulation G rules, which has caused a shift in the meta, as several formerly restricted critters have become eligible for competition. But where do the series' Fire-type starters fit in? How do they stack up in the current PvP meta now that Regulation G has shuffled some of the highest-ranked options?
All things considered, a few Fire-type starters have risen up the ranks of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet PvP, but many others are considered non-viable when it comes to the meta and are mostly used for casual play among friends.
Whatever the case, it doesn't hurt to examine a ranking of how all the Fire-type starters are faring in the PvP meta.
Note: This ranking is subjective and reflects the opinions of the writer
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Ranking all Fire-type starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's current VGC PvP
10) Hisuian Typhlosion
Sadly, Hisuian Typhlosion doesn't have the best stats to help it in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's PvP. It's relatively fragile compared to other Fire-type starters, it has lower HP and Speed than Johto Typhlosion, and its increased special attack damage output is hampered by its lowered durability.
The Pocket Monster can serve fine as a special attacker or a status effect spreader, but other Fire-type starters can outperform it in most categories.
9) Typhlosion
Slightly bulkier and faster, standard Typhlosion is an improvement over its Hisuian counterpart even if it doesn't have as high of a base Sp. Attack stat.
Due to its improved survivability and lack of a secondary elemental type, this Typhlosion tends to last longer in battle, giving it more time to put its Choice Scarf/Specs build to work in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet PvP.
8) Emboar
Emboar won't blow anybody away with its viability, but it does have some upside thanks to its HP and Attack/Sp. Attack stats. Moreover, access to the ability Reckless allows it to deal extra damage when it attacks with moves that cause recoil. This means moves like Flare Blitz can be beneficial.
All told, Emboar can be a solid if unspectacular wall breaker but likely won't rise far above that.
7) Delphox
In many ways, Delphox succeeds where Typhlosion/Hisuian Typhlosion falls short in the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC.
When EV trained for Speed and Sp. Attack, Delphox can be a capable special attacker with both Fire and Psychic-type moves. Its Magician ability can allow it to swipe held items from opponents. If it's taught Nasty Plot, the critter has some one-hit-KO potential against lesser foes.
6) Charizard
Pokemon fans love Charizard; there's no two ways about it. Unfortunately, it doesn't benefit from Terastallization quite as much as it did Mega Evolution and Gigantamax.
Still, Charizard can be built in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC for a pure physical/special attack build as well as a Belly Drum-based offense. While it isn't what it used to be, it's not the worst Fire-type starter in VGC.
5) Cinderace
With high Attack and Speed stats, the ability to swap field effects with Court Change, and its high-damage and high-accuracy attack Pyro Ball, Cinderace is well-equipped for the VGC.
The Pocket Monster isn't particularly bulky, which works to its detriment. However, with teammates who can cover for its lack of resilience and address its weaknesses, this Galar region starter can work well in an offensive pivot role.
4) Skeledirge
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's very own Fire-type starter has quite a bit of upside as both an attacker and defender. It has naturally solid HP and base Defense stats which allow it to shrug off hits, and its Unaware ability lets it ignore an opponent's stat changes when taking or dealing damage.
To top it off, Skeledirge's signature move Torch Song increases its Sp. Attack every time it's used to ensure damage output.
3) Infernape
With quality Attack, Sp. Attack, and Speed stats, Infernape benefits from being able to serve as either a physical or special attacker in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet VGC.
The Pocket Monster's Speed stat allows it to move before its opponents. Since it can be built for either physical or special attacks, opposing trainers have a difficult time determining its build before it scores at least one KO.
2) Blaziken
Blaziken has a fantastic VGC pedigree, and this continues to a point in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's current PvP meta. It may not be considered overpowered, but it can still be an excellent team sweeper with a minimal amount of setup, thanks to its Speed Boost ability and high-octane offensive stats.
With the held item Life Orb and the move Swords Dance, Blaziken can still rack up knockouts.
1) Incineroar
The perfect blend of support and offense for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Regulation G VGC, Incineroar can disrupt opponents with Fake Out flinches and remove their held items with Knock Off. It can then use Parting Shot to weaken them before switching out. Its Intimidate ability has to be respected from the beginning of battle since it weakens enemy Attack stats.
Incineroar can still deal good damage and counters many high-end meta picks like Shadow Rider Calyrex, Rillaboom, Lunala, Zamazenta, Chien Pao, and Ice Rider Calyrex. It's no surprise that the Pocket Monster has become the cream of the crop for the time being.
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