Underused Dark Horse Project 1.1 (see post#98)

[Muddyyeti]

Made it to 1500:

I don't think I'm making it to 1600 so I'm gonna post my experiences with Kabutops and Darmanitan now.

I alternated between Band and Scarf (vastly prefer the band) with Darm and it just crushes things. A banded Flare Blitz threatens a OHKO/2KO on a huge number of pokes, even powering through relatively bulky resists (Offensive versions of Megapert and Megatoise and defensive Tentacruel are all 2ko'd without rocks). While holding a scarf Darm still hits impressively hard, sporting a 98.4% to 2KO 4/0 Feraligatr with Flare Blitz after rocks.

Darm Power (low level and the opponent makes a misplay but the replay still illustrates Darm's pop)

Darmanitan @ Choice Band
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide

This replay is from the team I i used for Pidgeot suspect reqs, not my dark horse team. I used the same set with my dark horse team, however
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uususpecttest-248377126

I wanted to avoid using a standard rain team when utilizing Kabutops so I initially tried it with a focus sash/weak armor as a dedicated lead. The results were meh; it performed consistently well against other suicide leads (Froslass, Azelf, Galvantula, Aerodactyl) but struggled against bulkier rock setters like Empoleon/Cobalion.

Focus sash lead set replay

Kabutops @ Focus Sash
Ability: Weak Armor
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet

This replay is from the team I i used for Pidgeot suspect reqs, not my dark horse team. I used the same set with my dark horse team, however
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uususpecttest-249956485

Eventually, I switched Kabutops' set to Swords Dance and found it to be significantly more useful than the lead set. Kabutops packs a punch when using a life orb and has just enough bulk to set up on passive walls and resisted moves like choice locked fire types. With its excellent STAB combo of Waterful + Stone Edge, Kabutops doesn't have to worry about sacrificing much coverage by using priority Aqua Jet to pick off weakened revenge killers.

Replays of SD Kabutops

Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-252703924 -- OHKO Suicune
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-252904081 -- revenge kills and solid damage on MegaToise
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-253209166 -- 2 KO's Mola

Overall, I found SD Kabutops to be an interesting alternative to SD Feraligatr. Although generally outclassed by gatr, Kabutops scores an OHKO on Suicune and Alomolola at +4 with Stone Edge, while Gatr tops out at 80% with a +4 Crunch. Another sneaky cool advantage to using Kabutops: the ability to revenge kill one of the most popular cleaners in the current metagame (Megapert) and take advantage of its weather to execute a sweep of your own.

 

[Louna]

Alt: Shiftry it
Joined: Jul 24, 2015

Sorry i think it's nice but for later i post a screenshots

 

[Patrick1088]

That's it for July, I will update the champions and will update the OP Tuesday night (won't have enough time until then). And, I will be posting the prize for the winner of Dark Horse for the past 3 months.

Also, as a friendly reminder, please upload or pm me a screenshot showing proof of clean alts.

 

[Patrick1088]

August Rankings have been put up (screenshots are attached to OP). Here are a few notes for this month...

1. Smeargle and Venomoth are NOT allowed for this month since they are new drops. They may become entirely nonviable next month, but let that be for next month.
2. I decided to let Gothitelle in for the month. Reason for this is that Gothitelle is pretty outclasses by Reuniclus and Cresselia as far as bulky psychic types and it's not offering anything new to the table since Shadow Tag is banned. Goth is different from Smeargle and Venomoth since they are still very much viable despite the nerf to baton pass.
3. I have a nice little surprise for Featured Dark Horse. Enjoy!

That is all! Go out and check out those Dark Horses! :-D

 

[_pe5e_]

New Alt:

Team

Virizion @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Focus Blast
- Giga Drain
- Calm Mind
- Synthesis

Aerodactyl-Mega (M) @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Tail
- Pursuit
- Roost

Rotom-Heat @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Trick

Forretress (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Gyro Ball

Gastrodon (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 216 HP / 252 Def / 40 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Clear Smog
- Recover

Florges @ Leftovers
Ability: Flower Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Wish
- Protect
- Aromatherapy

Virizion: B- / 2.25
Mega-Aerodactyl: S / 5
Rotom-Heat: B+ / 2.75
Forretress: A- / 3.25
Gastrodon: Unranked / 0
Florges: A / 3.5

Total: 16.75/18

I try my luck with Calm Mind Virizion.

 

[Euphonos]

Signing up as Champion Jamsch.

Team Composition

Mega Beedrill / A+ / 3.75
Espeon / C / 1.25
Whimsicott / A / 3.50
Probopass / unranked
Moltres / B+ / 2.75
Kingdra / B- / 2.25

TOTAL ALLOWANCE: 13.50 / 15.00

 

[Serperior for Uber]

Dark Horses: Articuno,Politoed, Camerupt,Blissey.
The most OG core ever, Politoed+Camerupt+Articuno
Currently at 1400, 18-1(fuck Nasty Plot PZ)
Just cracked 1500, proof in 3rd replay
Alt: SirSerpington
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-258179418
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-258188883
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-258791719

The Squad

Politoed @ Leftovers Unranked=0
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Whirlpool
- Perish Song
- Rest
- Scald

Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite B rank=2.5
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Blissey @ Leftovers B rank=2.5
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
- Stealth Rock

Salamence @ Leftovers S rank=5
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Toxic

Articuno @ Leftovers Unranked=0
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Freeze-Dry

Suicune @ Leftovers S rank=5
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Roar
Total= 15/15

 

[Malin]

team

Virizion: B-, 2.25
Blissey: B, 2.5
Tentacruel: B+, 2.75
Mega Camerupt: B, 2.5
Sneasel: Unranked, 0
Reuniclus: A+, 3.75

Total: 13.75/18

I may change some things along the way :) but we better get started

 

[Muddyyeti]

My two Dark Horses for August will be Cacturne and Rotom-H

Here's the team as it stands, though it will likely be tweaked (within the limits of course) as I go:

Hide

Cacturne - Unranked, 0
Rotom-H - B+, 2.75
MBeedrill - A+, 3.75
Salamence - S, 5
Lucario - A-, 3.25
Swampert - A-, 3.25

18/18

Update: Top 20 and an Elo of only 1366 ha

Couple replays of Cacturne doing cool things :
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-260816836
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-260890964

 

[Euphonos]

Ladder Run #1 --> after the ladder reset

Ladder Run #2 (updated August 25, 12:50 AM, GMT +8)

The team in-depth to be revealed later.

 

[Thisbemyalt]

Quick question me and Iwanka are building a team together can we both use it or do I have to just let him go for it which im alright with

 

[Wanka]

fresh alt

http://prntscr.com/8867pz

Team

http://pastebin.com/VLaLVgir

Total = 13.75

Alt = DH wanks

DH's = Virizion and Delphox

 

[Patrick1088]

Quick question me and Iwanka are building a team together can we both use it or do I have to just let him go for it which im alright with

You can both use the team, but whoever ranks higher will be ranked. Its considered using the same DH so whoever ranks higher gets on the champion list.

Also, I will be updating OP this weekend and will be revealing the prize for top chamion for the 3 months.

 

[Patrick1088]

Update!

So, I updated our champions since we are running to the end of the month and updated the leader board. It looks like Serperior for Uber will be the Champion for the month unless Muddyyeti gets A Rank. The prize for the past 3 months is.....

Shiny Krookodile
Moxie
Jolly (31/31/31/X/31/31)

 

[Muddyyeti]

I can't even make it to 1500 this month, let alone 1600! Sweet prize though, thanks for running this the past 3 months!

 

[Patrick1088]

So, it looks like Serperior for Uber is the winner for the summer challenge! Fall challenge will begin this weekend, please keep your eyes open for updated/new thread!

Serperior for Uber, just let me know when you are free and you can claim your prize!

 

[Malin]

Heh i tried different ways to make Virizion work, but definitely failed :p ladder reset has made this month even harder but im excited by next month

Btw probs im going to keep research DH Sneasel which is a really cool mon that deserves some more love

 

[Patrick1088]

Attention All! September's Dark Horses and Viability Rankings have been updated. Go and have fun with this month's featured mons! All I have to say is...

 

[Jaguar360]

Emboar? Is this a dream? Expect me to post my new alt in a bit, though I'm not sure how far I'm going to get with college and other things in the way.

EDIT:

Team:

Hide

0 points
Emboar @ Life Orb
Ability: Reckless
EVs: 252 Atk / 36 SpA / 220 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Grass Knot
- Head Smash
- Sucker Punch

0 points
Sneasel @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Low Kick / Pursuit

5 points
Feraligatr @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 64 HP / 252 Atk / 192 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Ice Punch
- Substitute

3.25 points
Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Static
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Agility
- Thunderbolt
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast

3.5 points
Crobat @ Sky Plate
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 212 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Defog
- U-turn
- Roost

2.5 points
Seismitoad @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Def / 56 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Toxic

13.25/15

EDIT 2: Emboar just went unranked in spite of my arguments for it to stay. R.I.P.
Updated my points. Currently at 1263 on the ladder. Replays so far:

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-267779131 - Boar being a powerhouse and cleaning up against a balance team after Gatr paves the way
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-268032959 - I get overzealous about setting up with Gatr, but Mega Amph and Crobat (offensive Sky Plate is really good btw) come through to secure the win.
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-268035521 - Strong Boar is strong. Crobat also coming through yet again

 

[Jaguar360]

I suppose that I've gotten my C rank so far.

Sneasel is impressing me with what it can do in this tier. I've never used it before this Dark Horse and it's been the MVP of quite a few battles so far. That speed tier is quite good, comboed with Ice Shard. Life Orb gives it good enough power on its STABs. The not awful Sp. Def stat comes in really handy for switching into Ice Beams, Shadow Balls and the like. I'm impressed.

With Emboar, on the other hand, I've had a lot of experience with, as I've been one of the main backers for it in OU (and now UU) since it got Reckless. The power on it is absolutely absurd with Life Orb and, while it wears down quickly because of LO + recoil moves, the power makes it justifiable as a kind of kamikaze mon to an extent. It typically gets the chance to get ~2 big hits per battle + 1-2 more if it runs Sucker Punch like I have for this Dark Horse and on most other occasions. I really like Head Smash + Grass Knot on it for coverage since Head Smash kind of acts as a secondary STAB with Reckless (it's exactly as strong as Superpower while not forcing Emboar out immediately) and its incredibly strong, breaking lots of bulky Waters and OHKOing the majority of mons on Offense. Grass Knot is awesome for luring Swampert, Rhyperior, Seismitoad, Gastrodon etc. It really takes advantage of Choiced attackers and slower Pokemon. This thing is monstrous and really shouldn't have been unranked imo, but I digress.

I have gathered some more replays for my journey of these two and their teammates in action:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-268707421 - Not the most quality replay, but shows Emboar doing over half to a +2 Muk (dunno what that set was btw...why Toxic over PJab/Gunk Shot on Curse Muk?) and Sneasel putting in work, but falling to a Custap Berry Gigalith
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-268709171 - So Seismitoad is really bulky...also Rocky Helmet confirmed Emboar's only counter Kappa
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-269461672 - Sneasel the hero
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-269463822 - Boar breaks down Milotic, Sneasel cleans up, Toad saves me from Scarf Krook
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-269469100 - Emboar showing why Head Smash is so good for it, Sneasel and Gatr being clutch

I'll try for A and B rank...eventually this month...I think...

 

[Jaguar360]

Triple posting to bump.

FINALLY got to 1500 after so much laddering and almost making it there. I really liked this team and I'm very pleased with Emboar and Sneasel's performance throughout the challenge. I didn't feel like I was crippling myself with them at all: they just played like standard UU mons. Sneasel's speed, Ice priority and typing are great together and it's strong enough to not be deadweight against most teams. Emboar's damage output is just insane and its not difficult to give it an opportunity to come in. Sucker Punch is also really useful on it.

My non-DH mons also put in work. Seismitoad was a pretty consistent rock setter, but the grass weakness could come into play every now and then when and Galvantula or Espeon would lead with a random Energy Ball/Grass Knot. It was my lead in most games, though Crobat and occasionally Emboar would also lead at times. Toad was also a decent emergency check to Gatr and Salamence and came in clutch during some of those times. SP Crobat, as mentioned before, is awesome. Brave Birds were really strong from it and it still had good utility with Defog and as check to Mega Bee, Heracross, Mienshao, etc. Agility Mamph was pretty solid. The extra speed pre-boost helped a lot against some stall and balance teams and it was good with wearing stuff down w/ STABs. It felt deadweight in a few battles though. Gatr is Gatr.

I've gathered a crapton of replays from my journey on the ladder. Be sure to watch some; they're good games and really show how underrated Sneasel and Emboar are imo.

Replay Dump

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274048153
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274051657
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274053224
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274079084
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274080993
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-274222270
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276035001
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276037110
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276276577
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276281421
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276467225
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276471099
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276476042
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276480091
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/uu-276482353

 

[Patrick1088]

Sorry, its been a hectic 2 weeks (wedding stuff and bjrthdays...). I will update the thread this weekenr.

 

[Patrick1088]

Sorry for the delay folks, it's been a busy few month (and October isn't shaping up to be any less busy). I updated our champion (Jaguar360) for September. October has been updated, as well. So, go on out and try those Dark Horses!

 

[LRXC]

This is a really cool idea and I must say, your avatar picture is absolutely amazing haha

 

[DaSpoofy]

Meloetta?!?! lol easy 1600s