What is a good moveset for Gouging Fire?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Gouging Fire, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some explanation, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Gouging Fire Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

Gen 9 Monotype Bulky Dragon Dance (Dragon)

Gouging Fire @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 48 SpD / 208 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Heat Crash / Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Morning Sun

A Bulky Dragon Dance set I've been using on Pineapple Head Entei Gouging Fire. Bulky Dragon Dance Gouging Fire is a nice wincon on Dragon teams since it can use its 105/121/93 bulk to setup against certain Pokemon and types. Dragon Dance boosting Gouging Fire's Attack and Speed make it a scary Pokemon should you get off a few Dragon Dances. Heat Crash is used for the Fire STAB since Gouging Fire is decently heavy to use the move. Flare Blitz can be used for a Fire STAB that's always 120 BP if you don't mind the recoil damage. Dragon Claw is used for the Dragon STAB since Outrage locks you into one move, and since this is a bulky setup set, you should be able to get off more than one Dragon Dance. Morning Sun gives Gouging Fire a form of HP recovery, allowing this set to setup against Bug teams as well as Pokemon who can't do much against it. Heavy-Duty Boots is used to prevent Gouging Fire from taking hazard damage.

252 HP EVs are used for bulk. How much speed EVs you use depends on what Scarf or fast Pokemon you want to outspeed after a +1 or +2 Speed boost. The EV spread I have lets Gouging Fire outspeed Choice Scarf Kleavor after getting a speed boost from Dragon Dance. The leftover EVs are used in Special Defense.

Comments

Pineapple head Entei! Too true, I love it!

Answer 2

Sun Wall Breaker

Gen 9 OU Sun Team Choice Band User
Gouging Fire @ Choice Band
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Heat Crash / Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Thunder Fang

Banded Gouging Fire in Sun is one of the most powerful forces in OU, with no safe swap in once it Teras. Adamant for more firepower or Jolly for speed.

Heat Crash is Fire STAB, although you could opt for Flare Blitz for a more consistent STAB with recoil drawback. Dragon Claw is Dragon STAB and hits the variety of Dragons in the tier. Earthquake for Heatran coverage. These three moves cover against about everything besides Drizzle Pelipper. That’s why I chose Thunder Fang to ruin Pelipper’s day over other coverage options such as Crunch or Psychic Fangs.

Tera Fire gives Gourging Fire absurd firepower, allowing it to break through Mons that should otherwise check it. Just how powerful is Adamant Banded Gouging Fire in Sun? Some devestating Calcs:

252+ Atk Choice Band Protosynthesis Tera Fire Gouging Fire Heat Crash (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Alomomola in Sun: 319-376 (59.7 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Protosynthesis Tera Fire Gouging Fire Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Dondozo in Sun: 252-297 (50 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Protosynthesis Tera Fire Gouging Fire Heat Crash (120 BP) vs. +2 252 HP / 160+ Def Skarmory: 312-368 (93.4 - 110.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

Answer 3

Gouging Fire @ Booster Energy
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Atk / 208 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Burning Bulwark
- Tera Blast [ Water ]
- Temper Flare

Beastly. Don’t terestralize, just watch the chaos. Temper flare Grass types, and spam burning bulwark at every opportunity. Earthquake hits neutral on dragon types, and Tera water Tera blast covers ground and rock. If someone spams double team and something misses, temper flare! Have fun.