What is a good moveset for Carnivine?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Carnivine, 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.

Carnivine Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Answer 1

Gen V

Carnivine (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 128 HP / 252 Atk / 64 Def / 64 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Swords Dance
- Power Whip
- Crunch

This set aims to use Carnivine's usable Attack to break through fatter Pokemon. Sleep Powder can give it enough time to set up a Swords Dance, which in turn boosts Carnivine's strongest STAB in Power Whip and best option against Ghost types in Crunch. Be mindful of its low Speed and defenses.

Comments

If you're using this set in Generation VI or higher, I think Knock Off is better than Crunch.

Answer 2

Carnivine @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Impish / Careful Nature
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SpD
- Leech Seed
- Toxic
- Protect
- Power Whip

Probably the most forgettable Pokémon ever. Leech Seed + Toxic + Protect helps Carnivine whittle down an opponent's HP and restores Carnivine's in the process. Power Whip is the best STAB move this Pokemon gets.

Answer 3

Carnivine @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk/ 128 Def/ 128 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Power Whip
- Crunch
- Sleep Powder
- Synthesis

Use Sleep Powder first and if it hits, the target won't be able to attack for 1-3 turns, letting Carnivine attack. Power Whip gets STAB and has high power while Crunch provides coverage against Ghost and Psychic so it's good to have. Synthesis is there to recover HP especially when we think about Carnivine's less-than-stellar defenses, though it may still get KO. Synthesis is also good when paired with Life Orb.

Comments

128 Def / 128 SpD is inferior to 252 HP on most Pokemon, including Carnivine. Though a lot of people seem to have trouble with that.

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If you're using this set in Generation VI or higher, I think Knock Off is better than Crunch.