7* Cinderace Overview
After doing a few Cinderace Raids, here is what you need to know about this bun! Builds for counters at the bottom. The builds at the bottom reccomend max HP or Def, but if you want to build exclusively for this raid, Defense gets more value. The move set is as follows: > High Jump Kick > Pyro Ball > Acrobatics > Iron Head Additional Moves: > Bulk Up
The turn 1 move is Bulk Up, this gives physical attackers a harder time than usual (including you Belly Drum users out there) so be mindful of its extra bulk and more destructive damage output.
Its moves are all hard hitting, so you will want a Reflect user, and potentially a Rain setter as well. While Cinderace doesn't synergize with its ability as much as Charizard did, is base kit and Bulk Ups still do provide a some impact.
What can you do? The primary solutions are bringing Pokemon that resist or are immune to these moves, Ghost types can be fine for HJK, Flash Fire for Pyro Ball, etc. I have found the greatest success with these Pokemon: Armarouge w/ Light Clay or Terrain Extender 252 Def (or HP) / 252 SpA / 4 HP ( or Def) Ability: Flash Fire Nature: Modest Moves: > Expanding Force > Lava Plume > Reflect > Light Screen
Armarouge seems to be the premier DPS for this raid, resisting HJK and being immune to Pyro Ball provides it with enough bulk (coupled with support) to plow through this raid's health with Psychic Terrain Expanding Force. Do mind you will need to set Terrain to use Expanding Force, and as such Reflect may take an extra turn to set up so if an ally can Reflect, that lets you DPS sooner. If you get low (or a teammate does) make sure to cheer heal, as all the cheers have priority.
Slowbro w/ Covert Cloak or Leftovers 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA Ability: Oblivious Nature: Bold or Relaxed Moves: > Chilling Water > Heal Pulse Two of: > Rain Dance > Psychic Terrain > Psychic
Slowbro, the dedicated support of the raid, individually doesn't do much, but enables the DPS so well, in the form of Chilling Water attack drops and Heal Pulse to keep the health up. Rain Dance can alleviate some damage from Pyro Ball, and Psychic allows you do deal some damage, but I personally would advise to just fully support your teammates. EDIT: Slowbro does not learn Reflect :skull:
Espathra w/ Ability Shield 252 Def (or HP) / 252 SpA / 4 HP ( or Def) Ability: Opportunist Nature: Modest Moves: > Lumina Crash > Feather Dance > Dazzling Gleam One of: > Reflect > Psychic Terrain
Espathra with Opportunist allows you to copy every Bulk Up the Cinderace does, providing a good bit of bulk. If you are running max Defense, you get bonus value from these Bulk Ups. Feather Dance turn 1 to make Cinderace less of a threat and then just focus on Lumina Crashing the bun into oblivion. If you get low (or a teammate does) make sure to cheer heal, as all the cheers have priority.
There are other potential builds with immunities and reistances like Skeledirge and Ceruledge, among others, but these 3 have worked best for me. Do let me know if you want me to tag on some more builds that may be more accessible to you!
