The Dark Horse Project IV
 

Preface:

Check out what's NEW!

Welcome back. After a long hiatus, I am incredibly pleased to announce that The Dark Horse Project is once again returning to the Overused forum! The last time you saw us, we just finished off March with the project (you can check it out here and had a good number of people added to the Hall of Fame. Now that we're back and better than ever, it'll be exciting to see who makes the Hall of Fame this time around.

• As you can tell, I've added some extra staff to the Dark Horse Project. ginganinja will be co-leading this project alongside of me, so give him a warm welcome when you see him post in this thread. Pocket will be making a triumphant return by running the Hall of Fame section again (which I hear still has old records). Up and coming user alkinesthetase will be keeping the Registered Participants post up to date. All four of us run the project as equals; if you have any questions, feel free to ask any of us! And make sure to thank them sometime. Their efforts are time-consuming and imperative to the success of this project.
  
  
• You MUST re-post your Dark Horse Registration Form here. We're starting a new era, so we need to you fill out your registration form. Read below on how to do so.
  
  
• As many of you Overused regulars have noticed, we're doing lots of work on-site with the Overused Hub Page. As we get started within the upcoming days, keep on the lookout for what kinds of updates will be taking place on site! Some Dark Horse Project content is bound to end up on-site. We'll keep you posted on that front.

For those of you that are new, hello! I'm posting here to shake up the way in which DST functions and thinks. Ever since we ditched Suspect Voting, DST has lost a bit of its competitive edge. What I'm presenting within this topic is an effort to reignite some of that spark to get us back on track! Furthermore, I hope to increase appreciation for Dark Horse Pokemon, or rather, Pokemon that are currently unpopular but have the potential to shine in OU. The purpose of this project threefold. It should increase diversity in the OU metagame by encouraging the competitive use of great Pokemon that unfortunately fall on the lower end of usage. This project also aims to initiate discussion on how Dark Horse Pokemon fit in the context of the OU metagame. Finally, it should assist in the the sharing of unique team ideas and Pokemon sets to spark creativity into the competitive minds of DST. Let's begin.


Rules:

This project, simply put, aims at recognizing users who put forth the effort to create a competitively successful team that utilizes Pokemon that aren't often used in OU. Anyone with a Smogon account has a chance of reaching the Hall of Fame within this project. Here are the rules by which this project is run:

• Each team must use at least ONE Dark Horse Pokemon. The term "Dark Horse Pokemon" is defined by the past month's statistics. Anything below 5% usage is fair game. This means that a Pokemon can be tiered in OU and still be viable for this project!
  
  
• Only one Pokemon on your team has to be a Dark Horse Pokemon. The rest of your teammates can be found within any tier that is allowed within OU.
  
  
• The recommended number of Dark Horse Pokemon to register with is one, so that the user can focus specifically on that Pokemon and how to best build a team around it. If you must have more than one, then please indicate that you are working with more than one.
  
  
• You MUST use a new Pokemon Showdown! Username in order to restart your ladder ranking. Furthermore, the Dark Horse Pokemon that you are working with must remain on your team throughout your ladder run. The members of your team may shift around whenever you see fit, but the Dark Horse Pokemon must remain the same.
  
  
• Switching your focused Dark Horse Pokemon within this topic is acceptable. However, you must restart on the ladder with a new Pokemon Showdown! Username.
  
  
• Please put all changes within your Registration Form. I update based on those forms, not individual posts randomly scattered throughout the topic.
  
  
• Do not start laddering for this project until you have registered within this topic.
  
  
• Please follow the rules. The Dark Horse Project isn't about being dishonest, it's about developing great teams for great Pokemon! As a result, cheaters will most likely end up being banned from the Hall of Fame.
  
  
• It is recommended that you post consistent ladder updates within your registration form. This will allow other users to see your progress and offer meaningful advice!

Registration:

You are eligible to register for the Dark Horse Project at any time of the month! The third post in this topic contains an index for easy access to all participants, so don't worry about your Registration Form getting lost in the sea of discussion. Get started by filling out the below form:

Remember, your "Pokemon Showdown! Username" should be new so that your Dark Horse Pokemon will be starting from scratch. Your "Hall of Fame Standing" should be empty for right now. But once you're admitted into the Hall of Fame, feel free to update this part with links to your accomplishment!

Feel free to utilize Pokemon sprites to add visualization to your registration posts. Really anything can go here. If you've made posts elsewhere or even a RMT, feel free to link to it there. Here's an example of what a registration post might look like:



Once you've registered, you're all set to go! You can start teambuilding and laddering whenever you like. Feel free to update your registration posts whenever you like, whether it be with ladder ranking updates, your teammate selections, battle logs, sprites, or whatever you wish to do!


Discussion:

This topic also serves a second purpose to initiate discussion on battlers' teambuilding and laddering progress; in this thread, you share your struggles and success, and reflect upon the Dark Horse Pokemon's niche in the current OU metagame. This thread is not only a place to show off successful challenges, but also a place to help each other achieve their goals via posting your problems and receiving quality input from others. Challengers should not hesitate to post their teams and/or team ideas to receive help from the community. You are allowed to post your thoughts and opinions. However, here is a "Do and Do Not" list that posters in this topic must adhere to:

• Do post and share sets for your Dark Horse Pokemon.
• Do provide teammates that you're using, with optional sets.
• Do pinpoint which threats in the metagame need to be covered.
• Do ask questions about the current OU metagame and teambuilding.
• Do give meaningful answers to asked questions. This can include suggested sets, teammates, and strategies.
  
  
• Do not post insignificant updates. Each post should be well thought and unique.
• Do not ask someone to make the team for you. Team building is YOUR job (and a fun one at that).

Hall of Fame:

Now comes the competitive aspect of this project. Once you've reached a ranking within the Top 100 on Smogon's competitive OU ladder (with a minimum Glicko2 rating of 1850) with your Dark Horse Pokemon, you are eligible to enter the Hall of Fame! The Hall of Fame is located within the post below the OP and recognizes each user that has entered its halls. Once you've reached the Top 100, please fill out the following Hall of Fame Registration Form:

As with the regular Registration Form, you are encouraged to upload battle logs, teammates, and other relevant information. Since you're entering the Hall of Fame with a successful team, many users would love to hear some wisdom on how you accomplished that goal. So feel free to post a summary of your team (similar to a RMT), battle logs, and general thoughts. Once you've filled out this form, you'll be accepted into the Hall of Fame, which will link to your Hall of Fame Registration Form and other relevant links.


Now, there is one final catch to this project. You see, only one of each Dark Horse Pokemon is allowed into the Hall of Fame per month. For example, only the challenger who laddered highest with Jolteon will be accepted this month; Jolteon challengers with lower ladder ratings cannot enter the Hall of Fame until they pass the highest rating for Jolteon. That's where the competitive edge comes into play. You are racing against other users for a place in the Hall of Fame! Furthermore, the Hall of Fame ranking is based off of peak ladder ranking points, meaning the more points you score, the higher you'll be placed. So now that you know the rules, get registered and start team building! Best of luck. If you have any questions, send me a PM or VM. I hope to see you in the Hall of Fame.

http://i40.tinypic.com/jpvcjq.png
Credit goes to the highly talented Aluriiya for the above Blitzle image. Used with her personal permission.

Current Hall of Fame (25):

Be one of the few to conquer the Ladder with your Dark Horse, and you will be forever recorded in our Hall of Fame! Remember, admission now requires you to obtain the Top 100 on Showdown's ladder with minimum Glicko2 rating of 1950.

Grandmaster: >2300 & top 3
http://www.smogon.com/forums/customa...r129513_40.gif - Lavos Spawn - http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/0/0e/Spr_2c_245.gif Suicune
"just your standard crocune, nothing special, but let me tell you it does some serious work, laughs off rotom-w and sets up all over rain/sand's face"
Peaked at: 2435 (#2) on 10/4/2012
First Peak and Moveset

Platinum Class: 2299-2200 & top 10 (4)
- The Great Mighty Doom - http://www.pokestadium.com/pokemon/s.../front/508.gif Dog
" I instantly fell in love with Stoutland, with it's 518 speed under the sand - which outspeeds pretty much the entire metagame - it's ridiculous power, bulk and decent coverage; Stoutland can spell doom for any team."
Peaked at: 2412 (#1) on 10/10/2012
RMT

- DarkBlazeR - http://www.serebii.net/Shiny/BW/494.png Victini http://www.serebii.net/blackwhite/pokemon/488.png Cresselia
"Victini's V-Create is bar none the strongest attack in the game. Cresselia is an incredible Pokemon on sun teams as it hard-counters many of the biggest threats to them, such as DDNite and RP Landorus-I."
Peaked at: 2325 (#8) on 10/9/2012

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/132.png Ditto
"Given the offensive nature of the metagame, a dedicated revenge killer isn't really a wasted slot in my opinion."
Peaked at: 2191 (#32) on 10/7/2012
Discussion

- Lady Alex - http://sprites.pokecheck.org/i/230.gif Kingdra
"[Kingdra] sets itself apart as a specs user from Latios by having access to a stabbed hydro pump, which makes Jirachi an unsafe switch-in. Another thing that sets it apart from Latios is that, with Swift Swim, Rain offense teams are easily decimated after Ferrothorn has gone down."
Peaked at: 2323 (#8) on 10/5/2012
Entered Hall of Fame at: 2353 (#15) on 10/3/2012
RMT
AND

- Molk - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/590.png Scrafty http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/621.png Amoonguss
"Out of the 29 wins i had on my alt, just about half of them were scrafty sweeping my opponents team once their check/counter was weakened, lol"
Peaked at: 2273 (#6) on 10/7/2012
First Peak & Set Explanation

http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/455.png Hippowdon http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/251.png Celebi
"Overall, hippowdon should be more solidly OU, its great bulk and ability to phaze/set rocks as well as recover its hp ensures that sand will stay up during the majority of the match. A great choice for any sand team."
Peaked at: 2237 (#5) on 10/4/2012
Discussion Response

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/461.png Weavile http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/080.png Slowbro
"Weavile plays a lot like mamoswine, and may seem outclassed at first, but its incredible speed and access to pursuit more than make up for the power and bulk that mamoswine has."
Peaked at: 2213 (#21) on 10/5/2012
Peak & Set Explanation

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/235.png Smeargle http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/368.png Gorebyss http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/034.png Nidoking
"Although Smeargle was only capable of doing one thing, it did it very well, and almost never failed to pull off at least one smashpass during the match (...) look at (Nidoking) and tell me it doesnt look absolutely badass, stare in awe at the mighty power of the king of the....purple hamster rat thing.....okay moving on."
Peaked at: 2073 (#30) on 10/19/2012
Peak & Set Explanation

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/632.png OUTCLASS THIS
"With Hustle taken into account, Durant hits 475.5 attack with a neutral nature, the equivalent of 188 base attack, this surpasses even stuff like Medicham, Rampardos, and Kyurem-B, and unlike those 3, Durant sits at an incredible speed tier."
Peaked at: 2054 (#27) on 10/18/2012
Peak & Set Explanation

Gold Class: 2199-2100 & top 25 (2)
- ginganinja - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/606.png Gothitelle
"Gothitelle gave me pretty strong control over the battle, since I could highlight pokemon it could trap just by looking at Team Preview, and then make a game plan around it. I was very happy with my choice."
Peaked at: 2227 (#16) on 10/2/2012

- Master of the Six Kings - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/376.png Metagross http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/340.png Whiskers
"Whiscash is the only thing i've ever used that can take Scalds without falling to burn and actually set up in front of all these bulky waters in the metagame."
Peaked at: 2152 (#12) on 10/18/2012

http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/671.png Tornadus http://www.serebii.net/Shiny/BW/243.png Raikou
While slower than his winged counterpart, i realized i could justify his extra offensive power as justification for a choice scarf. Raikou was no slouch in dominating teams of Forretress/Jellicents/Gliscors and often times Ferrothorns with his great power and coverage."
Peak & Set Explanation
Peaked at: 2139 (#28) on 10/12/2012

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/260.png Swampert
"Swampert generally preformed how i imagined, but as i rounded towards peaking on the ladder, i was met with Energy Ball Latios, Grass Knot Infernape and Giga Drain, Expert Belt Genesect that really hampered the poor mudfish."
Peaked at: 1989 (#59) on 10/11/12
Entered Hall of Fame at: 1957 (#59) on 10/10/2012
Ladder Peak, Set Explanation

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/071.png Victreebel http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/006.png Charizard http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/237.png Hitmontop
"Charizard and Hitmontop had their moments and their purpose. Victreebell absolutely ripped teams to shreds once its three counters (Mamo, Poli and Hetran) are removed by other members."
Peaked at: 1974 (#45) on 10/17/12
Peak & Set Explanation

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/068.png Machamp
"... No Guard proved to be more a curse than a blessing alowing Pokemon to alwasy hit Hurricanes, Focus Blasts and Thunders against Machamp without weather and when Trick Room isnt up, his abysmal speed makes OU a very unforgiving metagame for him."
Peaked at: 1955 (#73) on 10/11/2012
Entered Hall of Fame at: 1950 (#96) on 10/5/2012
Ladder Peak, Set Explanation

Silver Class: 2099-2050 & top 50 (10)
- myzozoa - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/49.png Venomoth
"Basically Venemoth is a perfect passer to balloon Heatran or Keldeo... Even when Venemoth couldn't pass quiver dance, it could still sleep something which is valuable all by itself"
Peaked at: 2209 (#33) on 10/10/2012
Team

- Electrolyte - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/668.png Cobalion
"I saw the tremendous amount of potential in Cobalion with its high speed, great defense, and workable offensive stats as well as its wide movepool. Its fast Taunt bought me the moment I saw it."
Peaked at: 2148 (#38) on 10/6/2012
RMT

- SubakSupreme - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/319.png Sharpedo
"Overall Sharpedo is a boss and deserves way more usage."
Peaked at: 2143 (#39) on 10/4/2012

- TropiOUs - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/483.png Froslass
"Set hazards, prevent other mons from getting them, and if you get the chance, get a free kill without really trying."
Peaked at: 2119 (#42) on 10/7/2012

http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/676.png Kyurem
"(I) wanted to prove Kyurem can be good without needing to be with Abomasnow."
Peaked at: 2060 (#17) on 10/4/2012
Discussion Response

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/275.png Shiftry
"108 attack is to guarante OHKOing Latios with Sucker Punch in case I can't get SR up. 164 speed allows Shiftry to outspeed Scarf Keldeo/Terrakion and allow it to Leaf Storm before he takes a hit."
Peaked at: 2032 (#88) on 10/10/2012
Peak & Moveset

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/424.png Ambipom
"Troll scarf genesect leads, ohkoing it with Fire Punch, Low Kick Tyranitar and other heavy mons like Terrakion, Return becaus STAB, and finally, Switcheroo is pretty much the only move I used to render things like Skarmory and other walls useless and allow me to set up with a truly scary mon like Mence or Terrakion easily."
Peaked at: 1971 (#93) on 10/5/2012
Peak & Moveset

- alexwolf - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/146.png Moltres
"Its Specs Hurricane was freakin powerful, 2hkoing stuff such as Rotom-W and Skarmory easily, while also being able to easily 2HKO Jirachi and SpD in rain, unlike Torn-T and making for a wonderful Sun, Lucario and Scizor check."
Peaked at: 2098 (#37) on 10/12/12
Entered Hall of Fame at at: 2052 (#36) on 10/5/2012
Discussion Response

- scampy - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/499.png Rotom-H http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/9.png Blastoise
"(Rotom-H is) simply a Pokemon who fits well into the current metagame...Blastoise was consistent Pokemon. I think some teams which rely upon eliminating Rapid Spin users evidently have trouble with Blastoise, due to its lack of exploitable weaknesses."
Peaked at: 2076 (#34) on 10/8/2012
Discussion Response

- Boondocker - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/302.png Sableye
"It seems like every team i build is weak to Sableye, so i figured id try my luck with it."
Peaked at: 2062 (#38) on 10/7/2012

- Jobriq - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/660.png MEHNDIbuzz http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/465.png Frosty
"People underestimate this birds godly bulk."
Peaked at: 2057 (#46) on 10/6/2012
Entered Hall of Fame at: 1970 (#100) on 10/5/2012
Discussion & Full Team

- Patolegend! - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/459.png Rocky
"An absolute menace with the right support (rain), and very impressive in previous metas, with the new drain punch tutor he becomes a true beast, easing its woes in other weathers."
Peaked at: 2056 (#44) on 10/30/2012
Entered Hall of Fame at: 1986 (#95) on 10/22/2012

- HuntoftheLion - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/160.png Feraligatr
"Torrent makes him really dangerous since often the way I'd set up was on an attack I knew would hurt but wouldn't kill, and then I'd get to torrent very fast and basically smash my way through the other team."
Peaked at: 2051 (#23) on 10/20/2012
Peak; alt ATG2

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/icon/214.png Heracross
"... I chose Heracross because I used him for WCOP tryouts over the summer and he's always been one of my favorite pokemon."
Peaked at: 1978 (#69) on 10/15/2012
Peak; alt ATG3; Team Explanation, Set Explanation

Bronze Class: 2049 -1950 & top 100 (8)
- discoboy - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/113.png Chansey
"I feel like Chansey was just a worse version of Blissey when I used it."
Peaked at: 2048 (#64) on 10/12/2012

- ssbm - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/142.png Aerodactyl http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/82.png Magneton http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/189.png Jumpluff http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/141.png Kabutops
"sd jumpluff is so funny and sexy to sweep with! it kills sun 100% of the time, tbh. occa magneton > genesect. lo kabutops is mad underrated it literally kills rain more than anything else. aerodactyl is the best sr setter in the meta i think."
Peaked at: 2016 (#88) on 10/12/2012
RMT

- FastFlygon - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/131.png Lapras
"Didn't get that many sweeps, but Ice Shard + that bulk was an excellent combination, and there were a couple of stall teams I ran through since they had no way of touching it."
Peaked at: 2014 (#97) on 10/13/2012

http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/573.png Quark Star http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/398.png Rogue Planet
"Scolipede has also been doing very well, Bug Gem Megahorn is really damn strong - it OHKOs lead Deoxys-D if it doesn't have a Tanga berry... with a simple 252/252 specially defensive spread (Empoleon) has awesome bulk. "
Peaked at: 2003 (#46) on 10/17/2012
Ladder Peak, Set Explanation & Full Team

- jaredz99 - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/365.png Walrein
"Some say stall is impossible in 5th gen, even more say that hail sucks and has no viable abusers. My goal was to revitalize my favorite playstyle and prove them wrong."
Peaked at: 2013 (#38) on 10/17/2012

- Ninelol - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/435.png Boss http://www.serebii.net/Shiny/BW/640.png Boots
"SD Virizion is super anti Rain/Sand and coupled with Rotom-H Makes weather easy to manage. Honchkrow is just a surprise pokemon, Just ruining teams game after game."
Peaked at: 1985 (#27) on 10/4/2012
Entered Hall of Fame at: 1929 on 10/3/2012
RMT

- TheStarRapper - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/401.png Staraptor
"Fast and powerful, and a powerful martyr with a 374 HP nuke."
Peaked at: 1977 (#47) on 10/5/2012

- ClubbingSealCub - http://media.pldh.net/pokemon/gen5/blackwhite/028.png Excadrill Lite
"It's like Excadrill, except it's not broken."
Peaked at 1976 (#83) on 10/6/2012
RMT

- Temp V1 - http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/485.png Uxie
"How this thing is RU is beyond me, for the set I used alone it should at least be UU, and probably OU."
Peaked at: 1971 (#89) on 10/2/2012
Discussion Response

http://i39.tinypic.com/nn33mq.png
Credit goes to the excellent Xous54 for the above Blitzle image. Used with his permission.

Hello, OU! I'm sure some of you recognize me. The team has brought me onboard to manage the registration list for this round of the Dark Horse Project. I am new to this business and to the OU forum in general, but I will be doing my absolute best to keep this thread updated and useful to you. If you have anything you need to say to me, just drop me a line! (I'll even be on IRC in #pokemon occasionally... occasionally.)

As the OP indicates above, all you have to do to register in the project is post along the lines of the form indicated. Due to my high Smogon activity, I will probably be checking this thread 2-3 times a day, and I will take care of the rest. If I somehow miss you though, again, just drop me a line and I will take care of it. My time online is usually centered around 2PM-2AM GMT-4, so that's when I will be most active to maintain this thread.

You are permitted to use the same Dark Horse as someone else, if that wasn't clear - there are no reservations, no rush, etc, and overlap is certainly allowed. Remember, though, that only one of each Dark Horse, and its associated user, can get into the Hall of Fame per month, so if you take a Dark Horse that's already being used, you've got competition! We recommend that you stick to one Horse at a time, but you can also take multiple Horses simultaneously - more than 3 is probably not wise. If you reach the Hall of Fame cutoff with multiple Horses at once, they ALL go into the Hall of Fame with you. And remember, even if someone else takes your Dark Horse to the Hall of Fame first, you CAN take it back by beating their ladder rating, so don't give up easily! Be tenacious and ladder to the top!

If your registration details change (you switch to another Dark Horse, for example), update the original post rather than making a new one. Because we've got a nice little list going on right here, that means I can easily keep track of the registrations and update accordingly. I will be checking past posts when I update the list to make sure that old registrations are updated appropriately. You can drop me a line if I missed anything, of course!

If you've already reached the Hall of Fame this month, you can continue to participate in the project by either creating a new alt and choosing a new Dark Horse, or simply improving your Hall of Fame record even further. You've got one month, and an ocean of Pokemon, OU - we sure aren't going to stop you from trying all of them!

Because I'm so nice, I'll snip this from the statistics thread to save you some clicks. Taken from the Sept-only stats is the below list of Pokemon, all of whom have more than 5% usage on the OU ladder and thus are ineligible for Dark Horse play. If your mon is on this list, or it is Uber, than you can't use it as a Dark Horse... but any other OU-legal mon is up to be chosen!
Note that I have chosen to include Landorus-T and Keldeo on this list - I know, one of their usages for September is below 5%, but the other one is above 5%, and so is their 3 month usage, so I had to make the call and I chose to put them on the list. Maybe if their usage goes down, you might be able to take Keldeo out for a spin as your Dark Horse next month =]


Now then, without further ado, here is your user registration list for the Dark Horse Project! The name in brackets after a mon is the active alt, and if someone has already achieved Hall of Fame status with a mon, that mon's name will be bolded and colored appropriately. We're starting to get to the point where people are making second runs on the project, so if they choose to make separate registration posts for their later choices, the links will be on the alts in question.

~~~

Last Update: Oct 30 22:00 [Eastern Daylight Time GMT-4 forum time]

Current Participants: 83 (Newest: the flying afro)

- TheStarRapper - Staraptor 1977/47 (Obscura)
- Pocket - Moltres (Dark Pocket)
- Absolete - Porygon2/Slowbro/Bronzong (Obsolute) | Nidoqueen/Bronzong/Sableye (Obsolute)
- Temp V1 - Uxie 1971/89 (Temp V5) | Cresselia/Sableye (Mr Tempest)
- drakon136 - PorygonZ/Weavile/Mew (Eltas-Krahn)
- NixHex - Chandelure (ChandlerBing)
- ginganinja - Gothitelle 2227/16 (We All Love Birkal) | Claydol (God Haunter)
- ganj4lf - Mew 1977/74 (EvilGrin10) | Poliwrath/Roserade/Sableye (EvilGrin13)
- ClubbingSealCub - Sandslash/Amoonguss 1976/83 (SphealWithIt) | Aerodactyl (ClubbingSpheal)
- White symphoni - Raikou (<Day Dreams>)
- GatoDelFuego - Amoonguss/Sandslash (Alice Twilight)
- Molk - Stoutland/Hippowdon/Celebi 2237/5 (TLC 2 Gud) | Weavile/Slowbro 2213/21 (SOILED IT) | Scrafty/Amoonguss 2273/6 (Fear the Trousers) | Durant 2054/27 (2 Gud) | Smeargle/Gorebyss/Nidoking 2073/30 (Bored as Fuck) | Golurk (Better than Trop)
- Cyredax - Sharpedo/Magneton (Cyroda)
- LucaroarkZ - Zoroark 1954/96 (Tricky Fox) | Aggron/Stoutland (Head Smashed)
- SlimMan - Sandslash/Metagross (Windbreake)
- Jimbon - Lanturn (dialysis)
- Ricky Horror - Zapdos 2015/63 (Miss May I)
- Master of the Six Kings - Machamp (MCHammerArm) 1955/73 | Swampert/Mismagius 1989/59 (SwampMage) | Raikou/Tornadus-I 2139/28 (Johhny Ringo) | Victreebel/Charizard/Hitmontop 1974/45 (Johnny's Sunshine) | Metagross/Whiscash 2152/12 (Johhny's Liability)
- Patolegend! - Toxicroak 2056/44 (le dark frog)
- Jirachi - Shaymin (steven stamkos)
- SubakSupreme - Sharpedo 2143/39 (Monsey)
- Miles Tails - Xatu (Ashirogi Muto)
- Instynct - Mienshao/Xatu (esrohkrad)
- The Reptile - Toxicroak (BattleToads)
- Boondocker - Sableye 2062/38 (SpeedBoostVick)
- Electrolyte - Cobalion 2095/27 (ElectrolyteDH)
- DrunkDemon - Empoleon (DrunkDemon)
- MaximizedGamer - Rotom-F (MaximizedGamer-TDH)
- Lady Alex - Kingdra 2353/15 (Miss K.) | Arcanine 2043/68 (Noblesse Oblige) | Mew/Ninjask/Mr Mime 1997/71 (Triangles) | Chandelure (Bloody Princess) | Deoxys-D 2118/40 (Murder Princess) | Zoroark 2048/4 (Thief Queen) | Umbreon 1974/18 (Luna Blue) | Zapdos 2092/23 (Lady Alex) | Froslass/Shaymin/Bronzong/Blastoise/Weavile/Chandelure (DHTESTDHTEST) | Mismagius 1991/85 (Beatoriche) | Xatu 2047/57 (Bernkastel) | Cofagrigus (Choroneko)
- Lavos Spawn - Suicune 2435/2 (cune) | Basculin (Lavos Spawn)
- Sayonara - Qwilfish (Sayonara)
- Tabuu - Heracross (Pokemon Ace Tabuu)
- pokemon0078 - Empoleon (pokemon0078_eatinghorses)
- MCBarrett - Bisharp (MC50cal)
- alexwolf - Moltres 2098/37 (MoltresMan2) | Rotom-H/Amoonguss (Burning Water)
- Milos - Mienshao/Shaymin (Jet Li)
- The Unlucky one - Lilligant/Victini/Virizion (I love hax)
- Uvood - Regirock (REGI ROCK)
- Eranu - Deoxys-D 2072/30 (vwgold) | Ambipom (VwCaddy)
- exotic - Wobbuffet (Exotic)
- Ninelol - Honchkrow/Virizion/Rotom-H 1985/27 (Ninelol) | Heracross/Gastrodon (Ninelol 2)
- FastFlygon - Lapras 2014/97 (-273.15c) | Gothitelle/Scolipede/Empoleon 2003/46 (FastFlygon)
- zzazzdsa - Jumpluff (Cryolitest)
- The QWAZ - Azelf (QWAZ)
- Bl1tzkri3g - Cresselia/Sableye/Hariyama/Chansey (Sol Perdido)
- TropiOUs - Kyurem 2060/17 (Best Kyurem) | Ambipom 1971/93 (THEMIGHTYAMBIPOM) | Froslass 2119/42 (yukimenoko) | Shifty 2032/88 (Geppetto) | Staraptor/Heracross (Trrrrooop)
- ShakeItUp - Heracross/Metagross/Swoobat/Throh/Deoxys-D (Demolition Boys)
- Jobriq - Mandibuzz/Abomasnow 2057/46 (Daler's Return) | Wobbuffet (WobbuWobbu)
- jg1198 - Deoxys-D/Heracross/Machamp (Sereno José)
- MrCookie - Darmanitan (sirspiketrap100)
- toshimelonhead - Azelf (toshidarkhorse)
- Ithilanor - Cobalion (LordOfKobol)
- Chillarmy - Omastar (ajninagnig)
- zfs - Bronzong (fzs)
- ThunderBlunder - Tornadus-I (Incarnate1)
- Raseri - Registeel/Azumarill (im not raseri)
- DarkBlazeR - Ditto 2191/32 (Qomolangma) | Victini/Cresselia 2325/8 (Aoraki) | Deoxys-D (Gojira)
- Ambicrow3 - Flygon (AmbicrowFly)
- scampy - Rotom-H/Blastoise/Celebi 2076/34 (Super Tofu Boy)
- discoboy - Chansey/Ditto 2048/64 (discoman)
- undisputed - Deoxys-D (rise)
- Jayde - Victini (i'llweelyou) | Lapras (th tri4ce)
- ssbm - Aerodactyl/Magneton/Jumpluff/Kabutops/Froslass/Weavile 1990/87 (2 CHAIIIINZ) | Honchkrow/Staraptor/Mantine/Golurk/Accelgor/Gothitelle (caw caw)
- Asterat - Swampert/Jynx/Bronzong/Heracross (Ever Grander)
- doublenikesocks - Tornadus-I (bruh)
- Allen Blaze - Gastrodon/Lilligant (Allen Alt)
- Broken Wing - Porygon2 (Raw Power)
- The Great Mighty Doom - Stoutland 2412/1 (Kasugami)
- myzozoa - Venomoth/Mew 2209/33 (Venemoth Pwns You)
- Groudon ex - Sigilyph (Warrior)
- Dark Nikuman - Gothitelle (Whistle Baby)
- locopoke - Mr Mime/Mawile (locopoke)
- Ernesto - Slowbro/Amoonguss/Rotom-H/Snorlax/Bronzong (slowbrotest)
- Ninetale3 - Serperior/Togekiss (Ninetale3z)
- col49 - Empoleon (Don't Be Easy)
- Huntofthelion - Heracross 1978/69 (ATG3) | Feraligatr 2051/23 (ATG2)
- jaredz99 - Walrein 2013/38 (hailteamrising) | Lapras (Transport Pokemon)
- SilentRevolver - Zapdos (Exscidium
- Jolteon Bandit - Blastoise (Dancing Lobster)
- Valiant King - Weavile (Master Tricky)
- YuuchyShi - Whimsicott (NelxKon)
- Arcticblast - Swoobat (Darkticblast)
- uslowbro - Rampardos (NukeEm')
- the flying afro - Rotom-H/Gothitelle (theflyingafro)

http://i.imgur.com/FdFfX.png
Credit goes to the incredible Karite-Kita-Neko for the above Blitzle image. Used because it's free for public use. Huzzah!


Preface:

Welcome to the "Learning and Discussion" section of the Dark Horse Project! I am very excited for what's going to take place here, which will mainly be to catalog any meaningful tidbits of advice for public use. This is something new that we'll be working on as a team. As a result, this is currently under construction. However, I've devised a list of questions that you can feel free to answer at any point. Remember, it's not just the answers to these questions that will get posted here; any meaningful advice that you give also has a shot of making it here. I hope this resource can be insightful and meaningful for anyone who's looking to improve their skills with Dark Horse Pokemon.

If you ever see a tidbit or piece of advice that you deem as valuable and would like to see posted here, I'll consider it if you send me a PM with the necessary information. I'll also take questions that you'd like to see answered if you're willing to provide them and add them to the below list. Thanks for your help!

With Pocket, alkinesthetase, and ginganinja now on board, I will be dedicating my full attention to this post. So expect some information up here very soon (from all three Dark Horse Projects)!


Questions:

Complete
Rank 47 with 1977+-54
Pokemon Showdown! Username:Obscura
Dark Horse Pokemon: Staraptor
Screenshot of Top 100 Ladder Ranking:

Dark Horse Pokemon Complete Set:

http://www.pokemonelite2000.com/wp-c...011/03/398.gif
Staraptor (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Final Gambit
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn

Fast and powerful, and a powerful martyr with a 374 HP nuke.

Team:


Questions

SHOTGUN

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Dark Pocket
Hall of Fame Standing: ;-;
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Roserade
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 2258 +/- 117
EDIT: darn, ninja'd

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Obsolute
Hall of Fame Standing: None yet
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Porygon2, Slowbro, Bronzong
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1000

Will be starting with this:
Transitioning to a new team when it's finished.

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Temp V5
Hall of Fame Standing: -
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Uxie
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 0

EDIT: Challenge completed, and qualified for Bronze :D





How this thing is RU is beyond me, for the set I used alone it should at least be UU, and probably OU. Generally for a HO team you want the suicide lead to be either a hazard layer, or a dual screener. Uxie does both. Couple the great support move pool with 75/130/130 defenses, and you have yourself one hell of a support mon. Most people expect the typical Yawn/Stealth Rocks/T-Wave/U-Turn Uxie set, which worked perfectly to my advantage, as it never got Taunted during the first few turns, and people kept trying to set up on it. The set I ended up using was this:

http://img.pokemondb.net/sprites/bla...ormal/uxie.png
Uxie @ Light Clay
Trait: Levitate
Timid Nature
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Sdef / 252 Spe
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Stealth Rocks
- Momento

God damn this thing did so much work. I would lead with it 100% of the time, and on the first turn set up whichever of the two screens I felt would give it the most longevity to use its other moves. I would then proceed to set up the other screen if I knew it would live a few more turns, or use Stealth Rocks if I knew it would get KO'd next turn. After both screens where up I'd use rocks, and then finally Memento. So basically at the end of turn 4 the match looks something like this; I have both screens up, with at least 4 turns on each, I have rocks up, my opponent has his mon in, at either -2 attack and special attack, or higher if they were setting up, there may be some hazards on my side, and I have no poke up. So from turn 5 its 5-6, to my opponent, but I have the huge advantage, because his mon is now weakened, I have screens up, and I get to choose what I want to go into to set up with. I swear this Uxie is a fucking beast, and I strongly recommend a few of you give it a go. It is possibly the best HO lead in the meta at the moment, because of the utility, and the surprise factor allowing it to do its job 99% of the time.

As for the rest of my team:



I'll add my answers to the questions after dinner.

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Eltas-Krahn
Hall of Fame Standing: None yet
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Porygon-Z, Weavile, Mew
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1478

| 57 | Chandelure | 2.745% |
http://chzpokememes.files.wordpress....e-x-monica.png

Pokemon Showdown! Username: ChandlerBing
Hall of Fame Standing: ----
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Chandelure
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1000

Pokemon Showdown! Username: We All Love Birkal
Hall of Fame Standing: ----
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Gothitelle
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: N/A

Pokemon Showdown! Username: EvilGrin10
Hall of Fame Standing: Bronze I guess?
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Mew
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1865



Okay, editing to add some content. The Dark Horse I used was Mew, and to be more specific, this set:

http://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/151.png

Mew @ Expert Belt
Trait: Synchronize
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower

This set was originally suggested by Pocket into the Outsiders Challenge thread; previously I was using an Uxie with a similar set (well, not that similar, but still something that remembers Deoxys-D's suicide lead set). Actually, both challenges allowed Deo-D to be used, but I found this set quite effective over it. First of all, it hits way harder, and can deal better with some Rapid Spinners (you don't have to choose between Electrc and Fire coverage, and this means Starmie is OHKO'd on the switch, standard Tentacruel is 2HKO'd outside rain if I remember correctly, and the list goes on). It's still decently bulky, since its HP stat makes up for the lowered defenses, and can run Taunt much more effectively, being able to shut down opposing Deoxys, all Gliscors, and every base 100 not completely invested in Speed. Deoxys misses out on many of those, and while laying Spikes alongside SR is nice and all, most of my team is not exactly happy to be affected from opposing (T-)Spikes, thus Taunt is situationally more valuable than the layers Deo-D can grant. You could also run Lum Berry and Fire Blast to obtain a similar power and the ability to better check Breloom, but that means giving up some KOs that Expert Belt ensures, and being prone to miss hax, which I completely hate. Overall, this set can be considered on many HO teams that need a fast SR setter and Taunt user, since it has a little niche over similar pokes that cover this role.

EDIT2: The team I used is described in this RMT; please check it out if you're interested!

Pokemon Showdown! Username: SphealWithIt
Hall of Fame Standing: Bronze I guess
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Sandslash, Amoonguss
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1940 Glicko2 (1831), #92

edit: mfw my team was 1800+ & top 100 before the restart

yay peaked bronze

EDIT: THEY TRIED TO DETHRONE ME

EDIT2: I luv u pocket, no homo



http://media.pldh.net/pokemon/gen5/b..._front/028.gif
Sandslash @ Life Orb
Trait: Sand Rush
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 248 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance

598 Atk and 500 speed after a swords dance is mindblowingly aweosme, especially when you have Stab EQ and EdgeQuake coverage. 'Slash requires support (namely, Hippo / Ttar and a team that can take care of Skarmory and weaken Ferro / Forry), but he's a very mean sweeper under sand, and acess to Swords Dance makes him way better than poor Stoutland. It's like Excadrill, except it's not broken.


http://media.pldh.net/pokemon/gen5/b..._front/591.gif
Amoonguss @ Black Sludge
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 232 Def / 28 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Giga Drain (previously Seed Bomb)
- Spore
- Clear Smog
- Hidden Power Ice

Physically defensive Amoonguss, hell yeah. Checks a lot of fighting types, puts a full-stop to every Breelom variant, sleeps stuff, scoffs at Keldeos not packing HP Ice or Icy Wind, laughs at set-up sweepers and puts stuff to sleep. HP Ice takes care of Dragons that think he's set up bait. Regenerator seals the deal, letting the funghus take repeated assaults. Took a big hit? Switch out. No sweat on forehead.

For more info, RMT containing these two on mah siggy.

EDIT: May aswell answer the questions.

How did you choose your Dark Horse Pokemon for this project? What lead you to choose the Pokemon you did? Did you have regrets or were you happy with your selection?

I chose Sandslash mainly because I had already used him successfully in the past, but I've been a sandstorm-enthusiast since I began my competitive battling career so using him just felt natural for me. Amoonguss was chosen because, honestly, he's nothing short of amazing. It have no idea how this thing gets such a low usage. Spore, Regenerator, Clear Smog, absorbs T-spikes, resists fighting, takes hydropumps and thunders... seriously, what more could you ask for? All in all, I'm more than happy with my two choices.


How did you go about building a team for your Dark Horse Pokemon? Which kinds of teammates did you consider? What factors contributed to the team you created?

Well, first and foremost, Sandslash needed sand. I considered both Hippowdon and Tyranitar, but the big dinosaur got the nod in the end because I prefer to play offensive teams. Genesect was something I had been wanting to try when building, and the ridiculous amount of pressure it is capable of putting the opponent under is amazing. Paired with Rotom-W, who completes a Volt-Turn core and checks rain nicely; my team only needed an answer to Sun and something to take Terrakion's CC's. Heatran checks sun very well, provides rocks and phazes. Amoonguss didn't enter the team until much later, after testing stuff like Slowbro and Skarmory. Thanks to regenerator, his typing, and spore, he provided me with a great "oh shit" button to sponge incoming attacks while putting a poke to sleep (which honestly, is great on an offensive team). I guess the biggest two factors have been my love for both sand and offense, so combining the two just felt right.

Do you think it is more difficult or less difficult to ladder with a Dark Horse Pokemon? Why? Does the element of surprise play a factor in your battles? Is it easier to fight with a "highly used"" team or with Pokemon that are less common?

I guess it depended on the opponent. Most of the players on the ladder aren't used to mons that get low usage. For Sandslash in particular, I guess there must be a youtube battler that uses a support Sandslash on his team or something, because I found Espeon and Xatu trying to come in on Sandslash to try and bounce back rocks when I was SD'ing instead, no need to say that the results were sometimes desastrous for them. The element of surprise is always a great thing to have - but relying on it too much is never a good thing. The pokémon you choose also plays a big factor in this, obviously. Sandslash is a poke I had used before, and is not precisely a bad one. As long as your team can cover your Dark Horse's needs or your Dark Horse can fill a specific niche for you, you should be good to go.

(For Hall of Fame members only) How did you reach the Hall of Fame? Was it easy or difficult? Did having a Dark Horse Pokemon on your team benefit you? What advice would you give to those laddering with Dark Horse Pokemon?

It wasn't particularly hard nor time consuming, because I had achieved a similar rating with the team before the challenge. It was a huge benefit, because with 'Slash, winning the weather war means that he can only be stopped by a handful of pokémon, and my team was well-prepared to take those threats on.

The best advice I can give is to just get out there and experiment. Lower-tier mons are not necessarily bad, and you may find just that thing your team needs to start racking up victories. When teambuilding, support is obviously important for the Dark Horse, but if your team relies too much on it, you're most likely going to have a bad time.

Pokemon Showdown! Username: <Day Dreams>
Hall of Fame Standing: None yet
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Raikou
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!:1000

O.k so I got to 1863 in about 5 battles rofl. Is there a DEV requirment or something or have I just qualified for Bronze rank xD

I guess you won't be in the top 100 with such a high deviation...

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Alice Twilight
Hall of Fame Standing: None yet
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Amoonguss, Slowbro
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: none

Repping amoongbro & full stall

Pokemon Showdown! Username: TLC 2 Gud
Hall of Fame Standing: Silver
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Stoutland
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: ou 1943 89 2058 ± 83 (provisional) 23 4 0
was kyurem before, but in honor of TLC, i must do this

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Cyborg
Hall of Fame Standing: None yet
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Deoxys-Defense
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1336

Pokemon Showdown! Username: Tricky Fox
Hall of Fame Standing: Bronze
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Zoroark
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1872

Yeah ginga, I think ganj4lf is right - top 100 on ladder, as well as 1800+ rating, is the hof cutoff. Check with Pocket and Birkal if you're not sure; I'm useless on ladder lol

Also, updated again! Let me know if the links are in the wrong places

Pokemon Showdown Username: Raincoat Dark Horse
Hall of Fame Standing: nothing yet but 1800 on PS's ladder is nothing; imo, it oughta be raised to 1900
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Sandslash and Metagross (over the limit in 3-month stats, but a Dark Horse by September's stats)
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown: N/A

I'm not gonna get the chance to ladder until tonight. It shouldn't take too long, but I'll be real mad if ClubbingSealClub ladders all day and steals Sandslash away from me! :P

Pokemon Showdown! Username: dialysis
Hall of Fame Standing: Bronze
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With: Lanturn
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!: 1819 (30-6)

Pokemon Showdown! Username:Miss May I
Hall of Fame Standing:-
Dark Horse Pokemon Currently Working With:Zapdos
Current Ladder Standing on Pokemon Showdown!Glicko 2015 will get that Gold tomorrow ;)

slimman, not sure about metagross, but i'll let it go for now since it is, as you said, a qualifier under 1 month stats. i'm gonna check in with my overlords for clarification later today on IRC (I'm actually in a lecture right now... >_>) but i can let it slide atm.

and we'll see about the ladder cutoffs =P I think this is the first time DHP has been done on PS, so who knows. My overlords might change it. PS's ladder can be a bit wonky, and it doesn't help that it was reset recently.