LC Darumaka

[churine]

FLARE BLITZ

QC: Hilomilo / Thunderboy / Quote
GP: Omicron / P Squared
​

[OVERVIEW]

Darumaka is a great wallbreaker with its exceptional base Attack and a great ability in Hustle, as it 2HKOes almost everything that doesn't resist it with Flare Blitz. Darumaka has access to other great moves like U-turn, allowing it to pivot, as well as good coverage in Superpower, Zen Headbutt, and Rock Slide. However, despite Hustle boosting Darumaka's Attack, it also lowers its accuracy, which can cost Darumaka a lot of damage or a KO from the foe if it misses. Its poor bulk and Flare Blitz recoil make it easy to wear down and really hard to switch in. Furthermore, it has a weakness to Stealth Rock, limiting how many times it can be switched in, as well as common Ground- and Water-types. Its awkward Speed tier forces it to hold a Choice Scarf, which leaves it easily revenge killed by a threat that resists the move it's Choice locked into.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Rock Slide / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Hustle
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe

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

Flare Blitz is Darumaka's most powerful STAB move, being able to OHKO Pumpkaboo-XL and Foongus as well as 2HKO bulky threats that do not resist it such as Timburr, Spritzee, Mudbray, and Vullaby. U-turn allows Darumaka to scout out the foe and pivot to gain momentum for the team. Superpower OHKOes Rock-types such as Omanyte, Onix, and Tirtouga. Rock Slide is great coverage on Darumaka and the best way to hit Archen, Houndour, and Ponyta, as the first two are OHKOed, while the latter is 2HKOed. Zen Headbutt can be used instead to 2HKO Mareanie, Tentacool, and Skrelp if they are a bigger problem to your team, and it is slightly more powerful than Rock Slide.

Set Details
========

196 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature boost Darumaka's Speed to 22 with a Choice Scarf, which allows it to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame. 196 Attack EVs and Hustle reach an Attack stat of 27, which is among the highest in the tier and allows Darumaka to hit really hard. The remaining EVs are placed into HP for better survivability.

Usage Tips
========

Darumaka acts as a revenge killer, since it will usually move first while holding a Choice Scarf. It's a wallbreaker as well because of its sheer power that is able to severely dent bulky Pokemon. It's best to remove any entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, from your side of the field before switching Darumaka in to prevent it from being worn down easily. A slow U-turn or Volt Switch can help bring Darumaka in safely due to its poor bulk and tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz. Avoid being Choice locked into Flare Blitz when the opponent has a Flash Fire user, such as Houndour or the rare Flash Fire Ponyta, as it can kill all momentum. U-turn is often a safe option that can be used to scout out the foe as well as gain momentum for your team, but it can miss.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard removal from Staryu and Vullaby is greatly appreciated, as it allows Darumaka to switch in without taking damage. Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all deal with the Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types that Darumaka is weak to. Water-types such as Slowpoke, Chinchou, and Staryu can check Ponyta, Rock-, and Ground-types, while Darumaka can check Grass-types in return. Diglett traps and KOes Ponyta, Chinchou, and Rock-types, which give Darumaka trouble, and can also be safely brought in by a U-turn. Knock Off support from Timburr, Pawniard, and Mienfoo helps Darumaka break through bulky Pokemon such as Slowpoke and Spritzee. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Chinchou, Magnemite, and Mienfoo can help bring Darumaka in safely and form a VoltTurn core with it.

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

Choice Band boosts Darumaka's amazing Attack stat to a gargantuan 40, but it is easier to wear down than the Choice Scarf set due to its Speed tier and more prone to being revenge killed. Fire Punch is an option over Flare Blitz, as it doesn't cause recoil damage, but it's significantly weaker. Flame Charge can be used to boost Darumaka's Speed, but it's not that fast beforehand. A Darkinium Z can be used for Z-Snatch to double Darumaka's Speed, but it takes up a Z-Move slot and is hard to set up due to Darumaka's poor bulk. Darumaka can use Belly Drum with a Berry Juice to hit immensely hard, but Magby does this job better with its greater Speed and priority. Life Orb can be used to boost damage output without being Choice locked into one move, but the recoil in conjunction with Flare Blitz wears down Darumaka tremendously.

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

**Water-types**: Staryu, Chinchou, and Frillish all resist Flare Blitz and can KO Darumaka with Scald. Shellder can use Darumaka as setup bait and KO it with Rock Blast. Corphish and Carvanha can KO Darumaka with priority Aqua Jet.

**Stealth Rock**: Darumaka loses 1/4 of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. This in tandem with Darumaka's tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz severely limits how much Darumaka can be used in battle.

**Rock-types**: Onix and Archen resist Flare Blitz and can easily KO Darumaka, but they have to watch out for Superpower and Rock Slide, respectively. Tirtouga, Kabuto, and Omanyte 4x resist Flare Blitz but are weak to Superpower. All of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which hugely limits Darumaka's opportunities to switch in.

 

[churine]

Alright ready for some QC feedback.

 

[Hilomilo]

Overview
* Mentioning exact numbers when talking about stats is generally discourage in analyses. Because of this, I'd change your first line to something like, "Darumaka's high base attack allows it to hit extremely hard." so you aren't mentioning its exact base attack stat.
* Mention Darumaka's extremely powerful STAB option in Flare Blitz.
* Elaborate a little more on why exactly Hustle misses are costly (leave it susceptible to KOs or heavy damage from foes).
* Under cons, add that its mediocre Speed forces it to hold a Choice Scarf and it is still outsped by other Choice Scarf users like Mienfoo and Rufflet.

Set
Looks good

Moves
* Calcs on Flare Blitz. Give examples of some mons it can either OHKO or 2HKO that are neutral to it, and hell, I'd even mention a resistant mon that takes an ass load of damage, that move's power is insane.
* Calcs on Superpower as well. Believe it 2HKOs everything you mentioned but I'd use damage calculator when you're editing this just to be sure.
* Idk if saying that Rock Slide doesn't wear Darumaka down is necessary. Again, calcs with this one.
* Specify that Zen Headbutt OHKOs Mareanie.

Set Details
Fine

Usage Tips
* I'd say in your U-turn line that its USUALLY a safe option, and mention that Darumaka has to be wary of the 80% of the move. Also mention that it helps Darumaka's team gain momentum.
* Elaborate on why Darumaka appreciates slow U-turn/Volt Switch support (because of its poor bulk).
* I'd add that you must predict well when using Darumaka, as being locked onto a move resisted by your foe can give the opponent a free turn.

Team Options
* I'd add in your Diglett line that Darumaka can also safely bring Diglett in via U-turn on a predicted switch.
* I'd also add that Knock Off support from *examples* allows Darumaka to break through especially bulky threats like Spritzee and Slowpoke to more success.

Other Options
* Idk about Z Snatch. It never seems like it'd work whatsoever given Darumaka's terrible bulk, but I'm going to leave this one up to the next person to QC this since I don't think just my opinion should counter here.

Checks and Counters
Looks good

Implement these changes and give yourself 1/3

 

[churine]

I think you mean 1/3 lol and yes its implemented.

 

[Xayah]

[OVERVIEW]

• Don't say Hustle misses, say 'Misses caused by Hustle's accuracy drop'. Just a little bit of a wording change
• Mention that since Darumaka is forced to run a Choice Scarf, it is also easily revenge killed by Pokemon that resist the move it is locked into.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf

good

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

good

Set Details
========

• Why is hitting 22 Speed good? Mention that it outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame and certain boosted Pokemon, like Adamant Scraggy and Jolly Corphish at +1

Usage Tips
========

• Specifically mention to avoid locking yourself into Flare Blitz if they have Ponyta or Houndour, as they will easily be able to come in and revenge kill, burn something on your switch, or set up.

Team Options
========

• Don't mention Archen as a Defogger, mention Vullaby in stead. Vullaby is much better and more relevant.
• Mention Water-types like Slowpoke and Staryu for checking Ponyta and threatening Rock- and Ground-types. They also appreciate Darumaka threatening Grass-types.

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

• Mention that Choice Band Darumaka is even more prone to being revenge killed than Scarf

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

good

QC 2/3, write me up Scotty

 

[churine]

implemented

 

[Camden]

"Avoid being locked into Flare Blitz when the opponent has Ponyta and Houndour as they can switch in and gain a Flash Fire boost, killing all momentum."

Ponyta doesn't use Flash Fire, let's be real here.

**Fire-types**: Ponyta and Houndour can switch in on Flare Blitz and get a Flash Fire boost but they have to be wary of Rock Slide."

Again, Flash Fire is not very good for Ponyta. I understand making reference to it because it does exist and sees a bit of use, but it should probably be noted somewhere in the analysis that it isn't very common.

Other than that, I'll give this a good ol' 3/3 and give Eyan something to do once the change is implemented.

 

[churine]

implemented and finally onto gp

 

[Eyan]

doing an am check. love Quote.

Add / Corrections Remove Comments
Capitalise lowercase

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Darumaka has impressive base Attack in conjunction with and the ability Hustle, (AC) making Darumaka it an exceptional wallbreaker. It's Its extremely powerful STAB move in Flare Blitz OHKOes or 2HKOes (OHKOes = verb; OHKOs = plural form of "an OHKO") almost all Pokemon in the tier that don't resist it. It Darumaka has access to great moves like U-turn, (AC) which allows Darumaka it to pivot, (AC) as well as good coverage in Superpower, Zen Headbutt, and Rock Slide. Despite Hustle boosting Darumaka's Attack, it also lowers its accuracy, (AC) which can cost Darumaka a lot of damage or a KO on the foe, (RC) sometimes a KO, (RC) if it misses. It's Its poor bulk and Flare Blitz recoil wear it down pretty easily make it easy to wear down and also make it really hard to switch in. Furthermore, it has a weakness to Stealth Rock, (AC) limiting how many times it can be used switched in, (AC) as well as to common Ground- and Water-types. It's Its awkward Speed tier forces it to hold a Choice Scarf, (AC) which leaves it easy to be easily revenge killed from by a resisted threat that resists the move it's Choice locked into.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Rock Slide / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Hustle
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
(add line of space)
Flare Blitz is Darumaka’s Darumaka's (ASCII apostrophe) most powerful STAB move, (AC) being able to OHKO Pumpkaboo-XL and Foongus as well as 2HKO bulky threats that do not resist it such as Timburr, Spritzee, Mudbray, and Vullaby. U-turn allows Darumaka to scout out the opponent and pivot to gain momentum for the team. Superpower OHKOes Rock-types such as Omanyte, Onix, and Tirtouga. Rock Slide is great coverage for on Darumaka, (RC) and is the best way to hit Archen, Houndour, and Ponyta, as the former first two are OHKOed, (AC) while the latter last is 2HKOed. Zen Headbutt can be used instead to 2HKO Mareanie, Tentacool, and Skrelp if they are a bigger problem to your team, and it is slightly more powerful than Rock Slide.

Set Details
========
(add line of space)
196 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature boosts Darumaka’s Darumaka's Speed to 22 with a Choice Scarf, (AC) which that allows it to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame. 196 Attack EVs and Hustle reach an Attack stat of 27, which is among the highest in the tier and allows Darumaka to hit really hard. The remaining EVs are placed into HP for better survivability.

Usage Tips
========
(add line of space)
Darumaka acts as a revenge killer, (AC) since it will usually move first while holding a Choice Scarf. It's a wallbreaker as well for because of its sheer power that is able to severely dent bulky Pokemon. It's best to remove any entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, from your side of the field before switching Darumaka in to prevent it from being worn down easily. A slow U-turn or Volt Switch can help bring Darumaka in safely due to its poor bulk and volatile nature of tendency to wearing itself down with Flare Blitz. Avoid being Choice-locked into Flare Blitz when the opponent has a Flash Fire user, such as Houndour or the rare Flash Fire Ponyta, as they it can kill all momentum. U-turn is often a safe option that can be used to scout out the opponent as well as gain momentum for your team, (AC) but it can miss.

Team Options
========
(add line of space)
Entry hazard removal from Staryu and Vullaby is greatly appreciated, (AC) as they it allows Darumaka to switch in without taking damage. Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all deal with the Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types that Darumaka is weak to. Water-types such as Slowpoke, Chinchou, and Staryu can check Ponyta, Rock-, (AC) and Ground-types, while Darumaka can check Grass-types in return. Diglett traps and KOes Ponyta, Chinchou, and Rock-types, (AC) that which give Darumaka trouble, (AC) and can also be safely brought in by a U-turn. Knock Off support from Timburr, Pawniard, and Mienfoo helps Darumaka break through bulky Pokemon such as Slowpoke and Spritzee. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Chinchou, Magnetite, (AC) and Mienfoo can help bring Darumaka in safely and form a VoltTurn core with Darumaka it.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
(add line of space)
Choice Band boosts Darumaka's amazing Attack stat to a gargantuan 40, but it's that set is easier to wear down than the Choice Scarf set due to it's its Speed tier and is more prone to being revenge killed. Fire Punch is an option over Flare Blitz, (AC) as it doesn’t doesn't cause recoil damage, but it's significantly weaker than Flare Blitz. Flame Charge can help be used to boost Darumaka's get some Speed, but it’s it's not that fast beforehand using Flame Charge. A Darkinium Z can be used for Z-Snatch to double Darumaka's Speed, but it takes up a Z-Move slot and is hard to set up due to Darumaka's poor bulk. Darumaka can use Belly Drum with a Berry Juice to hit immensely hard, but Magby does this job better with it's its greater Speed and priority. Life Orb can be used to boost damage output without being Choice-locked into one move, (AC) but the recoil in conjunction with Flare Blitz wears down Darumaka tremendously.

Checks and Counters
==================
(add a line of space)
**Water-types**: Staryu, Chinchou, and Frillish all resist Flare Blitz and can KO Darumaka with Scald. Shellder can use Darumaka as setup bait and KO it with Rock Blast. Corphish and Carvanha can quickly KO Darumaka with priority Aqua Jet (assuming this is what you're going for).

**Stealth Rock**: Darumaka loses 1/4 of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. This in tandem with Darumaka's volatile nature tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz (if it's the same meaning as the previous mention of its volatile nature) severly limits how much Darumaka can be used in battle.

**Rock-types**: Onix and Archen resist Flare Blitz and can easily KO Darumaka, (AC) but they have to watch out for Superpower or and Rock Slide in the latter’s case respectively. Tirtouga, Kabuto, and Omanyte 4x resist Flare Blitz but are weak to Superpower. All of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, (AC) which hugely limits Darumaka's capabilities opportunities to switch in.

**Houndour**: Houndour can switch in on Flare Blitz and to get a Flash Fire boost but has to be wary of Rock Slide.

 

[churine]

thanks for the amcheck!

 

[Sobi]

add remove (comments)

amcheck

[OVERVIEW]

Darumaka is a great wallbreaker with its exceptional base Attack and ability Hustle, (comma) and its extremely powerful STAB move in Flare Blitz OHKOes or 2HKOes almost all Pokemon in the tier that don't resist it. Darumaka has access to great moves like U-turn, which allows it to pivot, as well as good coverage in Superpower, Zen Headbutt, and Rock Slide. However, despite Hustle boosting Darumaka's Attack, it also lowers its accuracy, which can cost Darumaka a lot of damage or a KO on the foe if it misses. Its poor bulk and Flare Blitz recoil make it easy to wear down and really hard to switch in. Furthermore, it has a weakness to Stealth Rock, limiting how many times it can be switched in, as well as common Ground- and Water-types. Its awkward Speed tier forces it to hold a Choice Scarf, which leaves it easily revenge killed by a threat that resists the move it's Choice locked (removed hyphen) into.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Rock Slide / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Hustle
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe

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

Flare Blitz is Darumaka's most powerful STAB move, being able to OHKO Pumpkaboo-XL and Foongus as well as 2HKO bulky threats that do not resist it such as Timburr, Spritzee, Mudbray, and Vullaby. U-turn allows Darumaka to scout out the opponent foe and pivot to gain momentum for the team. Superpower OHKOes Rock-types such as Omanyte, Onix, and Tirtouga. Rock Slide is great coverage on Darumaka and the best way to hit Archen, Houndour, and Ponyta, as the first two are OHKOed, while the latter is 2HKOed. Zen Headbutt can be used instead to 2HKO Mareanie, Tentacool, and Skrelp if they are a bigger problem to your team, and it is slightly more powerful than Rock Slide.

Set Details
========

196 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature boost Darumaka's Speed to 22 with a Choice Scarf, which allows it to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame. 196 Attack EVs and Hustle reach an Attack stat of 27, which is among the highest in the tier and allows Darumaka to hit really hard. The remaining EVs are placed into HP for better survivability.

Usage Tips
========

Darumaka acts as a revenge killer, since it will usually move first while holding a Choice Scarf. It's a wallbreaker as well because of its sheer power that is able to severely dent bulky Pokemon. It's best to remove any entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, from your side of the field before switching Darumaka in to prevent it from being worn down easily. A slow U-turn or Volt Switch can help bring Darumaka in safely due to its poor bulk and tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz. Avoid being Choice locked (removed hyphen) into Flare Blitz when the opponent has a Flash Fire user, such as Houndour or the rare Flash Fire Ponyta, as it can kill all momentum. U-turn is often a safe option that can be used to scout out the opponent foe as well as gain momentum for your team, but it can miss.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard removal from Staryu and Vullaby is greatly appreciated, as it allows Darumaka to switch in without taking damage. Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all deal with the Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types that Darumaka is weak to. Water-types such as Slowpoke, Chinchou, and Staryu can check Ponyta, Rock-, and Ground-types, while Darumaka can check Grass-types in return. Diglett traps and KOes Ponyta, Chinchou, and Rock-types, which give Darumaka trouble, and can also be safely brought in by a U-turn. Knock Off support from Timburr, Pawniard, and Mienfoo helps Darumaka break through bulky Pokemon such as Slowpoke and Spritzee. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Chinchou, Magnetite, and Mienfoo can help bring Darumaka in safely and form a VoltTurn core with it.

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

Choice Band boosts Darumaka's amazing Attack stat to a gargantuan 40, but that set it is easier to wear down than the Choice Scarf set due to its Speed tier and more prone to being revenge killed. Fire Punch is an option over Flare Blitz, as it doesn't (fix apostrophe) cause recoil damage, but it's significantly weaker. Flame Charge can be used to boost Darumaka's Speed, but it's (fix apostrophe) not that fast beforehand. A Darkinium Z can be used for Z-Snatch to double Darumaka's Speed, but it takes up a Z-Move slot and is hard to set up due to Darumaka's poor bulk. Darumaka can use Belly Drum with a Berry Juice to hit immensely hard, but Magby does this job better with its greater Speed and priority. Life Orb can be used to boost damage output without being Choice locked (removed hyphen) into one move, but the recoil in conjunction with Flare Blitz wears down Darumaka tremendously.

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

**Water-types**: Staryu, Chinchou, and Frillish all resist Flare Blitz and can KO Darumaka with Scald. Shellder can use Darumaka as setup bait and KO it with Rock Blast. Corphish and Carvanha can KO Darumaka with priority Aqua Jet.

**Stealth Rock**: Darumaka loses 1/4 of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock (removed hyphen). This in tandem with Darumaka's tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz severly severely limits how much Darumaka can be used in battle.

**Rock-types**: Onix and Archen resist Flare Blitz and can easily KO Darumaka, but they have to watch out for Superpower and Rock Slide, (comma) respectively. Tirtouga, Kabuto, and Omanyte 4x resist Flare Blitz but are weak to Superpower. All of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which hugely limits Darumaka's opportunities to switch in.

Eyan caught a lot of the errors so this was fairly easy, good job!

 

[Rakan]

Good amchecks

Just change and to as in the first sentence, and change magnetite to magnemite in the last sentence of team options lol

1/2

 

[churine]

implemented all, lets finally get that last check

 

[P Squared]

easy, GP 2/2​

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Darumaka is a great wallbreaker with its exceptional base Attack and a great ability in Hustle, as it 2HKOes almost everything that doesn't resist it with Flare Blitz. Darumaka has access to great moves like U-turn, allowing it to pivot, as well as good coverage in Superpower, Zen Headbutt, and Rock Slide. However, (add comma) despite Hustle boosting Darumaka's Attack, it also lowers its accuracy, which can cost Darumaka a lot of damage or a KO from the foe if it misses. Its poor bulk and Flare Blitz recoil make it easy to wear down and really hard to switch in. Furthermore, it has a weakness to Stealth Rock, limiting how many times it can be switched in, as well as common Ground- and Water-types. Its awkward Speed tier forces it to hold a Choice Scarf, which leaves it easily revenge killed by a threat that resists the move it's Choice locked into.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Rock Slide / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Hustle
nature: Jolly
evs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe

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

Flare Blitz is Darumaka's most powerful STAB move, being able to OHKO Pumpkaboo-XL and Foongus as well as 2HKO bulky threats that do not resist it such as Timburr, Spritzee, Mudbray, and Vullaby. U-turn allows Darumaka to scout out the foe and pivot to gain momentum for the team. Superpower OHKOes Rock-types such as Omanyte, Onix, and Tirtouga. Rock Slide is great coverage on Darumaka and the best way to hit Archen, Houndour, and Ponyta, as the first two are OHKOed, while the latter is 2HKOed. Zen Headbutt can be used instead to 2HKO Mareanie, Tentacool, and Skrelp if they are a bigger problem to your team, and it is slightly more powerful than Rock Slide.

Set Details
========

196 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature boost Darumaka's Speed to 22 with a Choice Scarf, which allows it to outspeed the whole unboosted metagame. 196 Attack EVs and Hustle reach an Attack stat of 27, which is among the highest in the tier and allows Darumaka to hit really hard. The remaining EVs are placed into HP for better survivability.

Usage Tips
========

Darumaka acts as a revenge killer, since it will usually move first while holding a Choice Scarf. It's a wallbreaker as well because of its sheer power that is able to severely dent bulky Pokemon. It's best to remove any entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, from your side of the field before switching Darumaka in to prevent it from being worn down easily. A slow U-turn or Volt Switch can help bring Darumaka in safely due to its poor bulk and tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz. Avoid being Choice locked into Flare Blitz when the opponent has a Flash Fire user, such as Houndour or the rare Flash Fire Ponyta, as it can kill all momentum. U-turn is often a safe option that can be used to scout out the foe as well as gain momentum for your team, but it can miss.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard removal from Staryu and Vullaby is greatly appreciated, as it allows Darumaka to switch in without taking damage. Grass-types such as Foongus, Snivy, and Cottonee can all deal with the Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types that Darumaka is weak to. Water-types such as Slowpoke, Chinchou, and Staryu can check Ponyta, Rock-, and Ground-types, while Darumaka can check Grass-types in return. Diglett traps and KOes Ponyta, Chinchou, and Rock-types, which give Darumaka trouble, and can also be safely brought in by a U-turn. Knock Off support from Timburr, Pawniard, and Mienfoo helps Darumaka break through bulky Pokemon such as Slowpoke and Spritzee. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Chinchou, Magnemite, and Mienfoo can help bring Darumaka in safely and form a VoltTurn core with it.

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

Choice Band boosts Darumaka's amazing Attack stat to a gargantuan 40, but it is easier to wear down than the Choice Scarf set due to its Speed tier and more prone to being revenge killed. Fire Punch is an option over Flare Blitz, as it doesn't cause recoil damage, but it's significantly weaker. Flame Charge can be used to boost Darumaka's Speed, but it's not that fast beforehand. A Darkinium Z can be used for Z-Snatch to double Darumaka's Speed, but it takes up a Z-Move slot and is hard to set up due to Darumaka's poor bulk. Darumaka can use Belly Drum with a Berry Juice to hit immensely hard, but Magby does this job better with its greater Speed and priority. Life Orb can be used to boost damage output without being Choice locked into one move, but the recoil in conjunction with Flare Blitz wears down Darumaka tremendously.

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

**Water-types**: Staryu, Chinchou, and Frillish all resist Flare Blitz and can KO Darumaka with Scald. Shellder can use Darumaka as setup bait and KO it with Rock Blast. Corphish and Carvanha can KO Darumaka with priority Aqua Jet.

**Stealth Rock**: Darumaka loses 1/4 of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. This in tandem with Darumaka's tendency to wear itself down with Flare Blitz severely limits how much Darumaka can be used in battle.

**Rock-types**: Onix and Archen resist Flare Blitz and can easily KO Darumaka, but they have to watch out for Superpower and Rock Slide, respectively. Tirtouga, Kabuto, and Omanyte 4x resist Flare Blitz but are weak to Superpower. All of these Pokemon can also set up Stealth Rock, which hugely limits Darumaka's opportunities to switch in.

 

[churine]

finally done, tagging OP

 

[macle]

uploaded