Entei
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Between Moltres and Entei, which is the better Fire-type? Entei is substantially beefier at the cost of a little DPS. It also has access to Flamethrower, a much more flexible charge move.
On the one hand, pure Fire typing is an asset when facing Ice-types. On the other hand, Moltres’s extra resistance to Bug and Grass trumps Entei’s defensive advantage. Having both is great if you can afford it, but if you decide on just one, weigh the benefits carefully.
Of course, the real issue now is the fact that Entei VS. Moltres is becoming less relevant as more and more powerful Fire Types enter the scene.
Offense
- Fire Fang is identical to Fire Spin ever since the raid rework in late 2024.
- Overheat is strictly superior to Fire Blast.
- Flamethrower is great for attacking gyms, since its damage is split into 2 bars.
- Flame Charge has poor damage output, even as a 3-bar move.
- Iron Head has complementary coverage with Shadow Entei's fire-type fast moves against Ice types, but is easily outclassed on all fronts by all of Shadow Entei's other charged moves.
- Scorching Sands has no use on Entei.
Fire Spin is generally preferred over Fire Fang for its superior energy generation, despite the latter offering slightly more damage output.
Flame Charge is recommended for its lesser energy cost, as well as its guaranteed +1 ATK buff, though its STAB damage isn't particularly impressive. Scorching Sands has great power and coverage alongside a chance of dropping the target's Attack, and also ties for the lowest energy cost among Entei's Charged Moves. Iron Head is Entei's only other coverage option, and ties for the least amount of energy among Entei's charge moves. Overheat has the potential for big nuke plays if unshielded, or hit-and-run plays when shields are up, though this is more risky. Fire Blast costs too much energy to be worthwhile. Flamethrower is inferior.
Entei is a mono-Fire type with average bulk in Great League. Unfortunately Fire-types aren't very valuable in this league due to the extremely popular usage of Water Pokemon. A somewhat cumbersome moveset also makes it difficult to choose when compared to other Fire-type Pokemon, which puts Entei in an awkward spot for its role.
