Arcanine is a Fire-type creature that has been around since generation one. There is evidence that the dog was meant to be a legendary Pokemon, though players can gain one relatively easily by evolving a Growlithe. Arcanine was very popular upon Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's launch, largely thanks to its Ability called Intimidate. However, players have figured out ways to counteract it, which has led to the Pokemon being used far less.
The Clear Amulet introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet has made things considerably harder for Arcanine. Nevertheless, the dog could find renewed popularity when it finally becomes possible to transfer creatures from prior generations. This could allow Arcanine's Hisuian form to enter Scarlet and Violet's meta-game where it could dominate. The continued attention Game Freak gives to Arcanine is further proof that the developers may have a soft spot for dogs.
Arcanine's Rise in Scarlet and Violet's Competitive Scene
Pokemon battles can be pretty fast-paced, which is why players value moves and Abilities that allow them to achieve multiple goals in one go. One of the most useful Abilities historically has been Intimidate. When a Pokemon with this Ability hops onto the battlefield, it lowers the Attack stat of its opponent by one stage. The Ability has become very popular because players weaken opponents without wasting a turn. It also makes it easier to deal with particularly powerful Pokemon such as Garchomp.
Of all the Pokemon that have Intimidate, Arcanine initially rose to popularity in Scarlet and Violet's competitive scene because, in addition to its Ability, Arcanine is an overall great Pokemon with versatile use - and Fire is a great type. It can use Will-O-Wisp to burn opponents or Flare Blitz to launch a devastating Fire-type attack. Although it loses some HP when using Flare Blitz, it can be restored by using Morning Sun when there are weather effects.
The dog is also a good team member to have for Double Battles, as it learns useful moves like Helping Hand. Arcanine has enjoyed a good run in Scarlet and Violet's competitive scene, especially because a few other fan favorites that know Intimidate haven't made it to Paldea yet. While players had grown wise to the Intimidate strategy, and strategies to counteract it had been developed, Arcanine eventually found its way to the top once more.
Arcanine's Fall in Scarlet and Violet's Competitive Scene
It is fun using Intimidate on opponents, but it can be quite detrimental to be the target of it. Consequently, players have started to think up ways to protect their Pokemon against the powerful Ability. One of the most popular strategies currently sweeping through Scarlet and Violet's competitive scene involves the use of a Clear Amulet, which was introduced in the current generation.
Pokemon holding this Item are protected from having their stats lowered by an opponent's moves or Abilities, essentially rendering Intimidate useless. As a result of the Clear Amulet's popularity, Arcanine and other Pokemon that rely heavily on Intimidate have been appearing less frequently in the competitive scene. This doesn't mean that Arcanine is no longer viable, as even without Intimidate, it can still deal good damage. However, when the era of Intimidate's domination was coming to a close, Arcanine wasn't as popular as it once was.
It is quite normal for trends to sweep through Pokemon's competitive scene, affecting which creatures are used most frequently. Arcanine and its Pokemon Ability Intimidate had a good run for a few generations. However, for many players, having a means of easily counteracting it is nothing short of a blessing.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available on Nintendo Switch.
