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#38
Default
169
ATK
190
DEF
177
STA
Lvl 50Max CP
2577
Lvl 40
2279
Lvl 25Weather Boost
1628
Lvl 20Raids/Eggs
1302
Lvl 15Research
977

PvE Analysis

Ninetales lacks adequate stats for the PvE meta, especially since various Fire-type Pokemon have been added to the game with superior stats. It's not particularly amazing for gym defense either, which is rather unfortunate. 

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

  • Fire Spin is superior to Ember or Feint Attack, offering the highest DPS for slightly less energy gains. 
  • Weather Ball Fire is the best charge move available, and also the most consistent as a 3-bar move. 
  • Overheat is a step down, but still serviceable if TMs are lacking. 
  • Flamethrower, Heat Wave, and Fire Blast are inferior to Overheat, though Flamethrower can be more consistent than the rest due to requiring only half as much energy.
  • Psyshock, Scorching Sands, and Solar Beam don't get STAB and should be TM'd. 

Best PvE Defensive Moveset

  • Fire Spin is the best fast move on defense, featuring the highest base power. 
  • Feint Attack isn't particularly impressive, but at least it's less likely to be resisted by attackers. 
  • Weather Ball Fire would be best charge move for defense thanks to it being a 3-bar move, but the fact that it shares a type with Fire Spin makes it easy to wall Ninetails out.
  • Scorching Sands is the overall best option on defense
  • Flamethrower and Psyshock are more likely to be used before Ninetales faints, the former benefiting from STAB while the latter offering greater coverage. 
  • Heat Wave, Fire Blast, Solar Beam, and Overheat are too slow to be effective on defense. 

PvP Analysis

Fire Spin offers slightly superior energy generation, while Ember sports slightly stronger damage output. Either can be viable, though the latter requires an Elite TM. 

The addition of Weather Ball (Fire) is incredibly important for Ninetales, as it offers a cheap energy charge move option, and can be used frequently. Scorching Sands offers good coverage alongside a relatively low energy cost, making it an optimal pick. Psyshock costs a moderate amount of energy and provides alternative coverage. Overheat is powerful for its moderate energy cost, but doesn't provide extra coverage, and can be difficult to use due to its self-debuff. Flamethrower is a downgrade in performance compared to Weather Ball, while Fire Blast, Heat Wave, and Solar Beam demand way too much energy to use (though the latter can surprise Pokemon that Ninetales is weak to). 

Great League2.5 / 5

Ninetales is a more defensive-oriented Pokemon stat-wise, with a mono-Fire typing that offers more resistances than weaknesses, and a decent moveset overall. The lack of coverage in its movesets (Solar Beam demands an insane amount of energy) and the prevalence of Water-types in Great League give Ninetales some problems, which hurts its overall rating. Overall a decent pick, but performs better in closed scenarios due to more limited threats, such as specific cup formats. 

Ultra League 2.5 / 5

The level 50 update and addition of Weather Ball are significant improvements for Ninetales, resulting in additional wins in Ultra League. While Ninetales enjoys favorable matchups against various Grass, Bug, and Fairy Pokemon, the prevalence of Water-types in this league is a major hurdle for Ninetales. Ember is expected to be more favorable against the meta-breaking Galarian Stunfisk, which requires an Elite TM, while the amount of XL candy needed to power up to the Ultra League level cap makes Ninetales quite costly to prep for this league. Overall a decently solid Pokemon for this league, but not the most impressive. 

Master League 0 / 5

Ninetales ain't so hot in Master League. 

Purification Cost
3 Candy + 3,000 Stardust
Second Charge Move Cost
50,000 Stardust + 50 Candy
Flee Rate
6 %
Buddy Distance
3 KM
Catch Rate
10 %
Female Ratio
75 %
Male Ratio
25 %