QC: Raiza. / Anty / TONE114
GP: Rhythms / Yonko7
[OVERVIEW]
Dusclops carves itself a niche in PU as an incredibly bulky Calm Mind sweeper, avoiding the 2HKO from the majority of PU. Even some of the Pokemon that check Dusclops, such as Misdreavus and Leafeon, fail to OHKO it and are hit very hard in return, thus needing Dusclops weakened to effectively defeat it. However, Dusclops's low offensive presence makes it really passive, so it's set up fodder for Pokemon, such as Ninetales and Nasty Plot Simipour. Calm Mind solves this to an extent, but the problem is still there. Furthermore, Dusclops has huge Knock Off and Taunt weaknesses, the former being very annoying, as Dusclops relies heavily on Eviolite to set up, and the latter being especially noticeable because of Dusclops's low Speed. Its big reliance on Rest to heal off any damage or status also makes it even easier to take advantage of. Last but not least, Dusclops faces a lot of competition from other Ghost-types that have more uses in PU, such as Misdreavus, but nevertheless, Dusclops fits on defensive teams that need a spinblocker and a win condition in one Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Rest
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Shadow Ball
move 4: Ice Beam / Dark Pulse
item: Eviolite
ability: Pressure
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind boosts Dusclops's Special Attack and Special Defense, granting it a way to sweep. Rest is a mandatory source of recovery because, without any means of recovering health, Dusclops would get worn down too fast. Will-O-Wisp is the best option in the third moveslot, as it cripples physical attackers, making it even easier for Dusclops to set up on them, and it is the only move that has any use before attempting to sweep. Will-O-Wisp is especially useful against Dark-types, such as Mightyena and Pawniard, that tend to switch in against Dusclops. Shadow Ball can also be used, as a STAB move with solid power that hits opposing Ghost-types that like to switch in against Dusclops and Taunt it, such as Misdreavus. However, Shadow Ball should only be used if you're using Ice Beam in the fourth moveslot, as it has little synergy with Dark Pulse. Sleep Talk is another option here, as it ensures that Dusclops does not just sit there after using Rest and makes Dusclops able to set up on Tangela and Jumpluff. Ice Beam has good super effective coverage and hits Pokemon immune or resistant to Shadow Ball if you decide to use it. Dark Pulse is an alternative option as it also hits Ghost-types and has decent neutral offensive coverage. Shadow Ball mostly hits the same targets but forces Dusclops to forgo Will-O-Wisp and cannot deal any damage against Normal-types.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Dusclops to easily take most physical hits while boosting its Special Defense and Special Attack with Calm Mind. Dusclops can afford Special Attack investment, as it already has more than enough bulk. Pressure is the ability of choice because it is the only chance for Dusclops to win PP wars. Eviolite gives a 1.5x boost to both of its defenses and is the only thing that keeps Dusclops from being totally outclassed by Dusknoir.
Usage Tips
========
Set up mainly against Pokemon like Poliwrath, Piloswine, and Swanna that fail to break through Dusclops's bulk. Do not try to set up with Dusclops if the opponent still has a threatening setup sweeper alive and you don't have a switch-in for it, as Dusclops is a very passive Pokemon and multiple threats to defensive teams, such as Ninetales, Duosion, and Ursaring, are able to set up on it. Double switches are very important in situations like these. Dusclops works best late-game when most setup sweepers and Taunt users, such as Misdreavus and Simipour, which are extremely annoying for Dusclops, are gone, as it heavily relies on Calm Mind and Rest. However, it can also be used earlier in the game, even when you're not attempting to set up, to counter Pokemon, such as Jumpluff and Tangela, as long as you're not too generous with switching Dusclops in against Pokemon that might carry Knock Off. Make good use of Dusclops's Ghost typing to stop Rapid Spinners such as Avalugg and Torkoal from removing your entry hazards; however, watch out for Armaldo since it often carries Knock Off.
Team Options
========
Fighting-types such as Poliwrath and Machoke can take on Dark- and Ghost-types and absorb Knock Offs. Machoke in particular is a good teammate, as it beats most Ghost-types more reliably than Poliwrath. Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes support from Piloswine, Quilladin, and Roselia among others helps wear down the opposing team. Toxic Spikes in particular is convenient because it makes Dusclops capable of outstalling Pokemon such as Lickilicky that would otherwise be able to stop it. Dusclops can also block Rapid Spin, which is nice for entry hazard stacking teams. However, most, if not all, Defog users can remove entry hazards against it. Dusclops should only be used on defensive teams, so other walls such as Lickilicky and Togetic are mandatory teammates.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
With the moves Trick Room, Memento, Night Shade, and Will-O-Wisp, Dusclops is a great Trick Room setter, but the viability of Trick Room teams is questionable. It also needs to watch out for Purugly and Pawniard, as they can get a free boost from Memento. A fully defensive set with the moves Night Shade, Will-O-Wisp, Curse, and Pain Split is usable but it's even more passive than the Calm Mind set. Taunt allows Dusclops to stop opposing Calm Mind-boosting Pokemon, but most of the time you're better off letting a teammate handle them, as it does not beat them by itself. Because of Dusclops's low Speed, it is hardly ever able to Taunt the foe before it can move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types such as Pawniard and Mightyena can easily defeat Dusclops with their super effective STAB moves. Pawniard can also remove Dusclops's Eviolite with Knock Off or set up with Swords Dance against it.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types hit Dusclops for super effective damage with their STAB moves and take it out that way. Misdreavus can also Taunt Dusclops, stopping it from setting up or using Rest, or set up a Nasty Plot on it.
**Taunt**: Dusclops is incredibly weak without a boost, so Taunt users can easily stop it from doing significant damage. Misdreavus does especially well against Dusclops, but other Taunt users, such as Simipour and Dodrio, also work well.
**Knock Off**: Dusclops is incredibly weak to Knock Off because of its Ghost-typing and reliance on Eviolite for its bulk. Pawniard is especially threatening to Dusclops, as it gets STAB on Knock Off, but other users such as Simisage and Leafeon can also cripple Dusclops.
**Faster Setup Sweepers**: Faster setup sweepers such as Ninetales and Kingler boost faster than Dusclops and can thus eventually break through it.
Last edited:
