Talonflame, a fire and flying Pokémon, gained the competitive scene after it was included in the monster collection of "Pokémon X and Y." Smart and competitive players for the past years equipped themselves for Talonflame's appearance on the opposing team. Everything changed, however, after "Pokemon Sun and Moon" was released.

Talonflame was first perceived as unimportant; yet, when players fully understood the entire game's mechanics, Talonflame has become a favorite. "Pokemon X and Y" added the ability called Gale Wings. It gives Talonflame importance on Acrobatics, which empowers it to both acts of revenge, kill debilitated foes and stroke after a few boosts.

Moreover, Talonflame is also equipped with one of the most powerful Flying-type attacks, Brave Bird, which a move with a power of 120. This move could tear the opponent's Pokémon with ease. Talonflame also could not be outsped by other monsters with ordinary moves or items, making Talonflame one of the game's best nukes, says Kotaku.

In 2015, Talonflame fame started to preliminary weaken, brought by the popularity of Intimidate and Rock Slide, which made it an extremely dangerous environment for the bravest of birds. However, it saw a revival in 2016, as a member of one of VGC's most prevailing archetypes. The Big 6 was composed of Smeargle, Primal Groudon, Mega-Kangaskhan, Xerneas, Mega-Salamence and Talonflame.

In that year's metagame, Talonflame's ability to set up Tailwind has become crucial since it was so important to attack first. In addition, its priority Brave Bird left a powered-up Xerneas and its fire type counterattacked boosted fairy blows.

In those few years above the pile of powerful Pokémon, Talonflame built a reputation for itself and was a notorious meme in the community. Several players celebrated by spamming Brave Bird. Its reputation with Smogon players earned it the scorned Smogonbird name. VGC players even christened a team in their unofficial National Pokémon Association after Talonflame.