Personality Gentle and Calm Demeanor: Unlike the potentially vengeful Kantonian Ninetales, Alolan Ninetales is generally known for its gentle and calm temperament. Aid to Travelers (with a twist): It's known to aid lost humans in distress, guiding them down the snowy mountains it inhabits. However, this isn't purely out of altruism; it's also a way to usher intruders out of its territory. Fierce Protector: Despite its gentle nature, Alolan Ninetales will fiercely protect its pack of Alolan Vulpix and its territory. Those who anger it or threaten its domain will be met with immediate and harsh punishment, likely being frozen stiff in an instant. Revered as a Deity: Living on the sacred, snow-capped Mount Lanakila in Alola, Alolan Ninetales was once revered as a deity or sacred messenger. This reverence suggests a perception of grace, wisdom, and perhaps a degree of benevolent power within the local culture. Calm Demeanor in Lore: Even its Pokedex entry in Pokemon Moon notes its calm demeanor, highlighting its difference from its Kantonian form. Respect for Nature: It will guide lost travelers but "won't forgive anyone who harms nature". This suggests a strong connection to its environment and a protective instinct towards it. Abilities- Snow Warning : This ability automatically summons a hailstorm when Alolan Ninetales enters battle. This ability can be particularly useful in competitive play as it can disrupt opposing weather teams and enables the use of the powerful and accurate move Blizzard. It can also activate other abilities like Snow Cloak, Ice Body, and Slush Rush, and prolong the use of the defensive move Aurora Veil. ( This is only when she's below 10 health) Snow Cloak (Regular Ability): This ability increases Alolan Ninetales' evasion by 20% during a hailstorm. It also prevents damage from hail (if the Pokémon would otherwise be affected), according to Bulbapedia. If placed at the front of the party in hailing weather, Snow Cloak can also halve the chance of encountering wild Pokémon moveset- . Aurora Veil support (most common) This set capitalizes on Alolan Ninetales' ability to set up Aurora Veil, a powerful dual screen that halves damage from both physical and special attacks for a few turns. Aurora Veil: The core of the set, offering defensive support to the entire team. According to Pokemon Database, Aurora Veil is a mandatory setup move. Blizzard: A powerful Ice-type STAB move that never misses in hail, which Snow Warning automatically sets up. Moonblast: A strong Fairy-type STAB move, excellent for hitting Dragon, Fighting, and Dark types super effectively. Freeze-Dry or Encore: Freeze-Dry provides super-effective damage against Water-type Pokémon, which are usually resistant to Ice-type moves. Encore can be used to lock opponents into unfavorable moves. Item: Light Clay to extend Aurora Veil's duration. EVs: Max speed and near max HP, with the remaining EVs put into special attack. 2. Offensive Hail Sweeper This set focuses on maximizing Alolan Ninetales' offensive potential in hail, leveraging the guaranteed accuracy of Blizzard. Blizzard: The primary Ice-type STAB attack, dealing significant damage in hail. Moonblast: Fairy-type STAB for coverage against Dark and Fighting types. Nasty Plot: A boosting move that raises Alolan Ninetales' special attack by two stages, allowing it to sweep through teams or create openings for other attackers. Freeze-Dry or coverage move: Freeze-Dry for hitting Water types, or a coverage move like Dark Pulse to hit specific threats like Bronzong and Chandelure super effectively. Item: Life Orb for increased damage or a Focus Sash for guaranteed survival against a powerful hit. EVs: Max Special Attack and Speed, often with a Timid nature. 3. Offensive Choice Specs This set trades the flexibility of a support move for increased damage output from its powerful STAB attacks. Blizzard: Maximum damage Ice-type STAB. Moonblast: Strong Fairy-type STAB. Freeze-Dry: Hits Water-types for super-effective damage. Coverage move: Dark Pulse for coverage against Ghost and Psychic types or Hidden Power [Ground] for coverage against Steel and Rock types, notes Pokemon Database. Item: Choice Specs to increase Special Attack by 1.5x. EVs: Max Special Attack and Speed. Note: The best moveset will ultimately depend on your playstyle, team composition, and the format you are playing in (singles or doubles). For instance, in doubles, Protect can be a valuable option for scouting and protecting Alolan Ninetales from strong attacks. Also, some moves like Hidden Power may no longer be available in more recent games. Always consult current competitive resources for the most up-to-date information on viability and best practices.
