Ubers Darkrai

ckw

Tired
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[OVERVIEW]

With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence, letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent their hazard removal or setup. Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, which can be useful in some scenarios. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre bulk leaves it easily KOed by priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario as well as by faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Mewtwo X, and common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from Yveltal, whose better bulk, Ground immunity, and easier matchup versus Marshadow let it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence as well as Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set, as it can also be upgraded to a 160-Base Power Z-Move. Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark at +2 Special Attack and do a respectable amount of damage to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock, but it requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep is almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt to prevent support Arceus formes from goding for Defog or Recover as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed support Arceus formes and Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160-Base Power Black Hole Eclipse, which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium Z, as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches against Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switch-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy after they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence while using coverage moves to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can sacrifice itself by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers to clean late-game. Against Magearna teams, Darkrai can force switches to it that can be favorable, since Magearna can drain its team's momentum. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes from functioning and create holes in the opposing team for a teammate to sweep late-game. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOs against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs such as a 2HKO with Dark Pulse on Ho-Oh and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and offensive teams in general that appreciate its perfect STAB coverage and can weaken Pokemon like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy for Darkrai. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, Dark-types, and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set with Dark Pulse, Trick, Haze, and Ice Beam or Hypnosis is a decent option. Trick cripples Pokemon that usually check Darkrai like Magearna, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is a niche set that allows +2 Darkrai to OHKO Magearna, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Knock Off is plausible but very unviable in practice, since the special set is more useful thanks to its higher power and superior coverage options. Sucker Punch independently is a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set, as it can create more opportunities to set up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about because it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO them with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. However, Life Orb Darkrai can OHKO Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheromosa can easily check it. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or, if Darkrai's weakened enough, Sludge Wave, while Tapu Koko and Pheromosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves, and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to outpace Darkrai and deal heavy damage to it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey have extremely high special bulk, allowing them to recover from any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from a Darkrai that has used its Z-Move and proceed to OHKO it with STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
 
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[OVERVIEW]

With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry certain Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse that can let it OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes, while requiring as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock for OHKOing Ho-Oh. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence which, (AC) letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent hazard removal or and setup respectively. It
Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, (AC) which can be useful in some scenarios where games come down to Speed ties. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre natural bulk leaves it prone to priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario, and as well as faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, (AC) and Mega Mewtwo X, as well as in addition to common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its rival Dark-type, Yveltal; the introduction to of Marshadow in the metagame made Yveltal even better than it already is
was, since it has better natural bulk, (AC) which comes in exchange of Speed but lets it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. This is also because Yveltal performs more roles than Darkrai due to its Flying typing, (RC) granting an immunity to Ground-type attacks. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it Darkrai to score OHKOs when used in conjunction with its Z-Move against Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence, (RC) as well as OHKO Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary Dark-type STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set which, (AC) especially as it can also be upgraded to a 160 Base Power STAB move for a turn. Fighting coverage from Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark at +2 Special Attack while doing a respectable amount to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock but requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, (AC) which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt which would, (AC) allowing it to prevent support Arceus formes from going for Defog or Recover, (RC) as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed everything up to support Arceus formes, (RC) while also being able to Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160 Base Power Dark-type STAB move, (AC) which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh, (RC) without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium-Z can be run, (AC) as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches switches on Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, which creates creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switches-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy, (RC) after taking they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence, (RC) while coverage moves are to be used to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can fodder itself (what does that even mean?) by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats which will in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers in the back to clean late-game. However, in the matchups against teams with Magearna, Darkrai can force a predicted switch to it that can be taken advantage off of (can you rephrase that?), since Magearna can drain a ton of momentum. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it Darkrai should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or get sent out after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes to function which can to create holes in the opposing team. This can open up opportunities for a teammate's late-game sweep. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOes against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs on Pokemon such as Ho-Oh on the switch to 2HKO with Dark Pulse, (RC) on Ho-Oh on the switch and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S really good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks, such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate, (RC) that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus or and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types, making Darkrai a reasonable option for a partner for either. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down their checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and for offensive teams in general that appreciates its perfect STAB coverage that wants checks and want Pokemon (not sure if you can 'check' an offensive team) like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy to be weakened. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, (RC) as well as Dark-types and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. (what does Darkrai do for Marshadow?) Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set is also (this is the first thing you've mentioned) a decent option with Dark Pulse, Trick, Ice Beam or Hypnosis, and Haze. Trick cripples Pokemon like Magearna that usually checks Darkrai, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts from Geomancy. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is also a niche set that allows Darkrai to OHKO Magearna at +2 Special Attack, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, (AC) and Knock Off is plausible can but (I think this is what you were going for?) is very unviable in practice, (AC) since the special set is more useful (why is it more useful?). Sucker Punch independently is also a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set that Darkrai can run, as it can create more opportunities to set (AS) up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about, since it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, (AC) which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and can also set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. While Darkrai's Life Orb set can OHKO (which ones? clarify) with +2 Sludge Bomb, the previously mentioned two can still take a hit and OHKO back.

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa can easily check Darkrai. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or Sludge Wave if weakened enough, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves, and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves** Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, as well as Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to outspeed-prioritize Darkrai and deal heavy damage to Darkrai it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both of these Pokemon have extremely high Special Defense and HP stats, (AC) allowing them to dust off any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2 Special Attack.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense stat, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from Darkrai after sacking something to Black Hole Eclipse and proceed to OHKO it with its (optional) STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry certain Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse that can let it OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes, while requiring as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock for OHKOing Ho-Oh. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence which, (AC) letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent hazard removal or and setup respectively. It
Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, (AC) which can be useful in some scenarios where games come down to Speed ties. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre natural bulk leaves it prone to priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario, and as well as faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, (AC) and Mega Mewtwo X, as well as in addition to common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its rival Dark-type, Yveltal; the introduction to of Marshadow in the metagame made Yveltal even better than it already is
was, since it has better natural bulk, (AC) which comes in exchange of Speed but lets it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. This is also because Yveltal performs more roles than Darkrai due to its Flying typing, (RC) granting an immunity to Ground-type attacks. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it Darkrai to score OHKOs when used in conjunction with its Z-Move against Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence, (RC) as well as OHKO Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary Dark-type STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set which, (AC) especially as it can also be upgraded to a 160 Base Power STAB move for a turn. Fighting coverage from Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark at +2 Special Attack while doing a respectable amount to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock but requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, (AC) which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt which would, (AC) allowing it to prevent support Arceus formes from going for Defog or Recover, (RC) as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed everything up to support Arceus formes, (RC) while also being able to Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160 Base Power Dark-type STAB move, (AC) which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh, (RC) without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium-Z can be run, (AC) as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches switches on Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, which creates creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switches-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy, (RC) after taking they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence, (RC) while coverage moves are to be used to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can fodder itself (what does that even mean?) by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats which will in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers in the back to clean late-game. However, in the matchups against teams with Magearna, Darkrai can force a predicted switch to it that can be taken advantage off of (can you rephrase that?), since Magearna can drain a ton of momentum. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it Darkrai should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or get sent out after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes to function which can to create holes in the opposing team. This can open up opportunities for a teammate's late-game sweep. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOes against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs on Pokemon such as Ho-Oh on the switch to 2HKO with Dark Pulse, (RC) on Ho-Oh on the switch and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S really good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks, such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate, (RC) that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus or and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types, making Darkrai a reasonable option for a partner for either. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down their checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and for offensive teams in general that appreciates its perfect STAB coverage that wants checks and want Pokemon (not sure if you can 'check' an offensive team) like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy to be weakened. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, (RC) as well as Dark-types and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. (what does Darkrai do for Marshadow?) Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set is also (this is the first thing you've mentioned) a decent option with Dark Pulse, Trick, Ice Beam or Hypnosis, and Haze. Trick cripples Pokemon like Magearna that usually checks Darkrai, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts from Geomancy. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is also a niche set that allows Darkrai to OHKO Magearna at +2 Special Attack, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, (AC) and Knock Off is plausible can but (I think this is what you were going for?) is very unviable in practice, (AC) since the special set is more useful (why is it more useful?). Sucker Punch independently is also a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set that Darkrai can run, as it can create more opportunities to set (AS) up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about, since it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, (AC) which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and can also set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. While Darkrai's Life Orb set can OHKO (which ones? clarify) with +2 Sludge Bomb, the previously mentioned two can still take a hit and OHKO back.

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa can easily check Darkrai. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or Sludge Wave if weakened enough, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves, and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves** Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, as well as Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to outspeed-prioritize Darkrai and deal heavy damage to Darkrai it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both of these Pokemon have extremely high Special Defense and HP stats, (AC) allowing them to dust off any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2 Special Attack.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense stat, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from Darkrai after sacking something to Black Hole Eclipse and proceed to OHKO it with its (optional) STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
Since this hasn't gotten a GP check yet, I've implemented some of your recommendations, thanks.
 

GP 1/2
remove add

[OVERVIEW]
With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse that can let it to OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes, (comma) as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence, letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent their hazard removal and or setup respectively. Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, which can be useful in some scenarios where games come down to Speed ties. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre natural bulk leaves it prone to easily KOed by priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario, (comma) as well as by faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X, (comma) and in addition to common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its rival fellow Dark-type, Yveltal;, (comma) whose better bulk, Ground immunity, and easier matchup versus Marshadow the introduction of Marshadow in the metagame made Yveltal even better than it already was, since it has better natural bulk, which comes in exchange of Speed but lets it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. This is also because Yveltal performs more roles than Darkrai due to its Flying typing granting an immunity to Ground-type attacks. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it to score OHKOs when used in conjunction with its Z-Move against use Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence as well as Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary Dark-type STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set, as it can also be upgraded to a 160-(hyphen)Base Power Z-Move STAB move for a turn. Fighting coverage from Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark when at +2 Special Attack while doing and do a respectable amount of damage to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock, (comma) but requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt which allows it to prevent support Arceus formes from going for Defog or Recover as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed everything up to support Arceus formes while also being able to and Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160-(hyphen)Base Power Dark-type STAB move Black Hole Eclipse, which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium-(hyphen)Z, as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches on against Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switch-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy after they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence while using coverage moves are to be used to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can sacrifice itself by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers in the back to clean late-game. Against Magearna teams, (comma) Darkrai can force predicted switches to it that can be favourable, since Magearna can drain its team's momentum of its team. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or sent out after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes to function from functioning and create holes in the opposing team for a teammate's opportunities to sweep late-game sweep. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOs against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs such as the a 2HKO with Dark Pulse on Ho-Oh on the switch and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S really good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks, (comma) such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types, making Darkrai a reasonable option for a partner for either. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and for offensive teams in general that appreciate its perfect STAB coverage and want can weaken Pokemon like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy to be weakened for it. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, (comma) as well as Dark-types, (comma) and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set with Dark Pulse, Trick, Haze, and Ice Beam or Hypnosis is a decent option with Dark Pulse, Trick, Ice Beam or Hypnosis, and Haze. Trick cripples Pokemon like Magearna that usually checks Darkrai like Magearna, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts from Geomancy. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is also a niche set that allows +2 Darkrai to OHKO Magearna at +2 Special Attack, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Knock Off is plausible but is very unviable in practice, since the special set is more useful thanks to its Special Attack stat higher power and superior coverage options. Sucker Punch independently is also a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set that Darkrai can run, as it can create more opportunities to set up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about, (comma) since because it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and can also set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. However, they must of cautious since Life Orb Darkrai can OHKO Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa can easily check Darkrai it. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or, (comma) if Darkrai's weakened enough, Sludge Wave if weakened enough, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves, (comma) and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: (colon) Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to out-prioritize outpace Darkrai and deal heavy damage to it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both of these Pokemon Chansey and Blissey have extremely high Special Defense and HP stats special bulk, allowing them to dust off recover from any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2 Special Attack.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense stat, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from a Darkrai that has used its Z-Move after sacking something to Black Hole Eclipse and proceed to OHKO it with STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
 
Last edited:

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus

GP 1/2
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[OVERVIEW]
With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse that can let it to OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes, (comma) as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence, letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent their hazard removal and or setup respectively. Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, which can be useful in some scenarios where games come down to Speed ties. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre natural bulk leaves it prone to easily KOed by priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario, (comma) as well as by faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Mega Mewtwo X, (comma) and in addition to common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its rival fellow Dark-type, Yveltal;, (comma) whose better bulk, Ground immunity, and easier matchup versus Marshadow the introduction of Marshadow in the metagame made Yveltal even better than it already was, since it has better natural bulk, which comes in exchange of Speed but lets it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. This is also because Yveltal performs more roles than Darkrai due to its Flying typing granting an immunity to Ground-type attacks. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it to score OHKOs when used in conjunction with its Z-Move against use Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence as well as Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary Dark-type STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set, as it can also be upgraded to a 160-(hyphen)Base Power Z-Move STAB move for a turn. Fighting coverage from Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark when at +2 Special Attack while doing and do a respectable amount of damage to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock, (comma) but requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt which allows it to prevent support Arceus formes from going for Defog or Recover as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed everything up to support Arceus formes while also being able to and Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160-(hyphen)Base Power Dark-type STAB move Black Hole Eclipse, which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium-(hyphen)Z, as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches on against Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switch-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy after they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence while using coverage moves are to be used to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can sacrifice itself by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers in the back to clean late-game. Against Magearna teams, (comma) Darkrai can force predicted switches to it that can be favourable, since Magearna can drain its team's momentum of its team. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or sent out after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes to function from functioning and create holes in the opposing team for a teammate's opportunities to sweep late-game sweep. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOs against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs such as the a 2HKO with Dark Pulse on Ho-Oh on the switch and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S really good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks, (comma) such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types, making Darkrai a reasonable option for a partner for either. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and for offensive teams in general that appreciate its perfect STAB coverage and want can weaken Pokemon like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy to be weakened for it. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, (comma) as well as Dark-types, (comma) and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set with Dark Pulse, Trick, Haze, and Ice Beam or Hypnosis is a decent option with Dark Pulse, Trick, Ice Beam or Hypnosis, and Haze. Trick cripples Pokemon like Magearna that usually checks Darkrai like Magearna, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts from Geomancy. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is also a niche set that allows +2 Darkrai to OHKO Magearna at +2 Special Attack, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Knock Off is plausible but is very unviable in practice, since the special set is more useful thanks to its Special Attack stat higher power and superior coverage options. Sucker Punch independently is also a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set that Darkrai can run, as it can create more opportunities to set up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about, (comma) since because it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and can also set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. However, they must of cautious since Life Orb Darkrai can OHKO Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa can easily check Darkrai it. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or, (comma) if Darkrai's weakened enough, Sludge Wave if weakened enough, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves, (comma) and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: (colon) Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to out-prioritize outpace Darkrai and deal heavy damage to it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both of these Pokemon Chansey and Blissey have extremely high Special Defense and HP stats special bulk, allowing them to dust off recover from any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2 Special Attack.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense stat, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from a Darkrai that has used its Z-Move after sacking something to Black Hole Eclipse and proceed to OHKO it with STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
Implemented ready for final check!
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
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[OVERVIEW]

With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence, letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent their hazard removal or setup. Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, which can be useful in some scenarios. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre bulk leaves it easily KOed by priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario as well as by faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Mewtwo X, and common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its fellow Dark-type,(RC) Yveltal, whose better bulk, Ground immunity, and easier matchup versus Marshadow let it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it to use Black Hole Eclipse (Nasty Plot doesnt let Darkrai use this move) to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence as well as Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set, as it can also be upgraded to a 160-Base Power Z-Move.(period) Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark when at +2 Special Attack and do a respectable amount of damage to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock, but it requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep is almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt to prevent support Arceus formes from goding for Defog or Recover as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed support Arceus formes and Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160-Base Power Black Hole Eclipse, which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium Z, as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches against Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switch-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy after they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence while using coverage moves to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can sacrifice itself by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers to clean late-game. Against Magearna teams, Darkrai can force switches to it that can be favourable favorable, since Magearna can drain its team's momentum. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes from functioning and create holes in the opposing team for a teammate to sweep late-game. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOs against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs such as a 2HKO with Dark Pulse on Ho-Oh and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and offensive teams in general that appreciate its perfect STAB coverage and can weaken Pokemon like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy for it Darkrai. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, Dark-types, and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set with Dark Pulse, Trick, Haze, and Ice Beam or Hypnosis is a decent option. Trick cripples Pokemon that usually check Darkrai like Magearna, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is a niche set that allows +2 Darkrai to OHKO Magearna, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Knock Off is plausible but is very unviable in practice, since the special set is more useful thanks to its higher power and superior coverage options. Sucker Punch independently is a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set,(AC) as it can create more opportunities to set up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about because it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO them with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. However, Life Orb Darkrai can OHKO Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa Pheromosa can easily check it. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or, if Darkrai's weakened enough, Sludge Wave, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa Pheromosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves,(AC) and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to outpace Darkrai and deal heavy damage to it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey have extremely high special bulk, allowing them to recover from any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from a Darkrai that has used its Z-Move and proceed to OHKO it with STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
GP 2/2
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

With access to Nasty Plot and many coverage options, Darkrai is able to carry Z-Moves like Black Hole Eclipse to OHKO threats like Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes as well as Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Darkrai's high Speed tier allows it to outrun support Arceus formes and Mega Salamence, letting it deal damage or use Taunt to prevent their hazard removal or setup. Darkrai is also able to Speed tie with Marshadow, which can be useful in some scenarios. Unfortunately, Darkrai's mediocre bulk leaves it easily KOed by priority attackers such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, and Mega Lucario as well as by faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Mewtwo X, and common Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala. Darkrai also faces harsh competition from its fellow Dark-type,(RC) Yveltal, whose better bulk, Ground immunity, and easier matchup versus Marshadow let it be overall more consistent than Darkrai. In the end, Darkrai is simply outclassed by Yveltal apart from the fact that it can punish Fairy-types with Sludge Bomb and induce sleep with Hypnosis.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Darkinium Z / Life Orb
ability: Bad Dreams
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Nasty Plot boosts Darkrai's Special Attack, allowing it to use Black Hole Eclipse (Nasty Plot doesnt let Darkrai use this move) to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Mega Salamence as well as Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock damage. Dark Pulse is Darkrai's primary STAB move and is a staple on any Darkrai set, as it can also be upgraded to a 160-Base Power Z-Move.(period) Focus Blast allows Darkrai to OHKO Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark when at +2 Special Attack and do a respectable amount of damage to Blissey. Sludge Bomb can 2HKO threats such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with help from Stealth Rock, but it requires the extra power from Life Orb to do so. Darkrai can run Hypnosis over Sludge Bomb, which improves its matchup versus Arceus-Dark and other Arceus formes in general, since putting something to sleep is almost always useful. Darkrai can carry Taunt to prevent support Arceus formes from goding for Defog or Recover as well as shut down bulkier threats such as Chansey, Blissey, and Lugia; however, it is better off running coverage moves to hit checks.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs along with a Timid nature allow Darkrai to outspeed support Arceus formes and Speed tie with opposing Darkrai and Marshadow. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Darkrai's power output. Darkinium Z gives Darkrai a 160-Base Power Black Hole Eclipse, which allows it to pick off Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh without relying on Thunder. Life Orb can be run over Darkinium Z, as it allows Darkrai to OHKO threats such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai is able to force switches against Ghost-types like Lunala and Giratina-O, creating an opportunity to go for Nasty Plot and OHKO switch-ins like Arceus-Dark and Arceus-Fairy after they take damage from Stealth Rock. When facing offensive teams, Darkrai should take advantage of Nasty Plot and Black Hole Eclipse to remove or weaken threats such as Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence while using coverage moves to weaken threats such as Yveltal and Mega Lucario. In the face of setup sweepers, Darkrai can sacrifice itself by going for Taunt to prevent your team from getting swept. Against bulkier teams, Darkrai should utilize Nasty Plot and its Z-Move to weaken defensive threats in order to create opportunities for setup sweepers to clean late-game. Against Magearna teams, Darkrai can force switches to it that can be favourable favorable, since Magearna can drain its team's momentum. Due to Darkrai's unfortunate natural bulk, it should be switched in on predicted switches to Ghost-types that Darkrai can capitalize on or after losing a teammate. Against stall teams, make use of Taunt to prevent bulkier threats like Lugia, Giratina, Blissey, and Arceus formes from functioning and create holes in the opposing team for a teammate to sweep late-game. Coverage moves can be used prior to boosting with Nasty Plot to KO weakened threats such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, Xerneas, and Arceus-Fairy. Darkrai should use Black Hole Eclipse to secure OHKOs against Pokemon like Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh when it is at +2 Special Attack, but it must be cautious to not waste its Z-Move.

Team Options
========

Early-game entry hazards are really important for Darkrai, as it depends on them to secure KOs such as a 2HKO with Dark Pulse on Ho-Oh and OHKOs on typical switch-ins such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy with Sludge Bomb. This makes Pokemon like Excadrill, Cloyster, and Deoxys-S good partners. Primal Groudon is able to switch into Darkrai's checks such as Xerneas, Magearna, and Ho-Oh, making it an excellent teammate that can also provide entry hazard support. Extreme Killer Arceus and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground appreciate Darkrai's ability to check Ghost-types. In return, either of the two can clean late-game after Darkrai has weakened or taken down checks such as Giratina-O and Choice Scarf Lunala. Marshadow is a great teammate for Darkrai and offensive teams in general that appreciate its perfect STAB coverage and can weaken Pokemon like Xerneas, Yveltal, Toxapex, and Arceus-Fairy for it Darkrai. Marshadow in return can check Extreme Killer Arceus, Dark-types, and fast Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala. Late-game setup sweepers such as Mega Salamence, Geomancy Xerneas, and Dual Dance Primal Groudon can clean up after Darkrai has weakened their checks.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A Choice Scarf set with Dark Pulse, Trick, Haze, and Ice Beam or Hypnosis is a decent option. Trick cripples Pokemon that usually check Darkrai like Magearna, while Haze takes advantage of Darkrai's tremendous Speed to outspeed standard Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and eliminate its boosts. Ice Beam lets Darkrai check +1 Mega Salamence and prevent its sweep. Firium Z with Incinerate is a niche set that allows +2 Darkrai to OHKO Magearna, which can provide room for other teammates like Xerneas to sweep. A physical set with Swords Dance, Poison Jab, Sucker Punch, and Knock Off is plausible but is very unviable in practice, since the special set is more useful thanks to its higher power and superior coverage options. Sucker Punch independently is a possible option that Darkrai can run, as it can catch Pokemon like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Lunala off guard and deal heavy damage. Substitute with Leftovers is a possible set,(AC) as it can create more opportunities to set up Nasty Plot; however, setting up Substitute is only helpful to prevent Darkrai from being poisoned, which it doesn't care much about because it only requires a few turns to deal heavy damage to the opposing team. This move also forces Darkrai to give up a coverage move, which it heavily depends on to function properly.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Magearna and Klefki**: Due to their great defensive typing, both Magearna and Klefki are able to easily switch into any of Darkrai's attacks. Magearna can OHKO it with Fleur Cannon, and Klefki can deal heavy damage with Play Rough and set up Spikes and dual screens on Darkrai. However, Firium Z Darkrai can lure the two and OHKO them with +2 Inferno Overdrive.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Arceus-Fairy and Unaware Clefable can take a +2 Sludge Bomb from Darkrai and proceed to OHKO it with their respective STAB moves, while Choice Scarf Xerneas can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Moonblast. However, Life Orb Darkrai can OHKO Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas with +2 Sludge Bomb

**Faster Attackers**: Pokemon that can outspeed and revenge KO Darkrai such as Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, Tapu Koko, and Pheramosa Pheromosa can easily check it. Mega Gengar can trap and revenge KO Darkrai with Focus Blast or, if Darkrai's weakened enough, Sludge Wave, while Tapu Koko and Pheramosa Pheromosa can OHKO Darkrai with their respective STAB moves,(AC) and Deoxys-A can KO with Superpower.

**Priority Moves**: Priority moves such as Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch can allow Extreme Killer Arceus, Rayquaza, Mega Lucario, and Mega Scizor to outpace Darkrai and deal heavy damage to it.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey have extremely high special bulk, allowing them to recover from any damage done by Darkrai other than Focus Blast, which can 2HKO both at +2.

**Ho-Oh**: Thanks to its great Special Defense, Ho-Oh can switch into Darkrai after it consumes its Z-Move; otherwise, it gets OHKOed by +2 Black Hole Eclipse.

**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre can easily take a hit from a Darkrai that has used its Z-Move and proceed to OHKO it with STAB Origin Pulse.

**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can easily switch into a Dark Pulse from Darkrai and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, but it must be wary of Focus Blast when not holding a Chople Berry.
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