Is there a way to run Chandelure defensively?

I’m running a primarily defense oriented doubles team (except Garchomp) and I need a defensive Fire type or a Ghost type for spin blocking/ Fake Out blocking, so can Chandelure be run defensively or should I look elsewhere?(without Assault Vest preferably, but if it needs to I’ll bite the bullet punch)

Pleaselog inorregisterto add a comment.

To be frank, defensive Chandelure is a rough idea in doubles due to the common use of Rock Slide spam. But, if you were to build a team that heavily supported around an Assault Vest Chandelure (You mentioned that as the preferred item, so I assume you just want a set with it)

Chandelure @ Assault VestAbility: Flash FireEVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpDModest Nature- Heat Wave- Energy Ball- Shadow Ball- Hidden Power [Ground]

This is probably the best thing to start building with. High special attack, surprising bulk against special attackers, and Heat Wave can knock a few things out.In doubles, adding Inferno to Chandelure’s moveset and running it with a No Guard (Mega-Pidgeot, Machamp) user is a viable strategy to inflict burns easily while still doing massive damage. Though, if you decided to go that route, I would probably recommend just scarfing it and invest your EV’s in speed instead.

Also,Chandelure @ Air BalloonAbility: Flash FireEVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpeModest Nature- Heat Wave- Will-O-Wisp- Pain Split- Shadow Ball / Hex

Another slightly more defensive variant that can come in on EQ users. But once again, Rock Slide is a bit more popular in doubles than Earthquake and still pretty much screws you.

Choice Scarf + Inferno with a team mate like Machamp (Who I’d stack with protect to further avoid fake out spam) for speedy painful burns is probably the best way to go. I would definitely run double stab and keep Heat Wave in the set as well if you go that route.