Doubles Darkrai

[Anty]

Qc: Darmalice, lolk

Dark void pls

Overview
########

Darkrai's high Speed and Special Attack stats allow it to outspeed and hit the majority of the unboosted metagame hard. This is further enhanced by Darkrai's STAB Dark Pulse, which hits a large portion of the metagame for at least neutral damage. Darkrai can also provide support, being able to lower the foe's Attack with Will-O-Wisp or prevent status with Taunt. It also has decent bulk and a few nifty resistances. Despite this, Darkrai heavily relies on its Speed to function, and so has to be wary of speed control. In addition, it is weak to three common types, Fairy, Fighting and Bug. Darkrai also has a slight case four-moveslot syndrome, because if it wants to use a status move, such as Taunt or Will-O-Wisp, it has to relinquish a coverage move. Lastly, despite its power, Darkrai often needs some team support to score KOs, such as Jellicent and Heatran.

Speedy Attacker
########
name: Speedy Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Ice Beam / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Protect
ability: Bad Dreams
item: Life Orb
evs: 100 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Dark Pulse has decent power and good coverage across the metagame, while Focus Blast hits Pokemon that resist Dark Pulse, such as Scrafty, Tyranitar, and Terrakion, for super effective damage. Taunt can be used to prevent Trick Room and status, and Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple physical attackers. Ice Beam is an option for the last slot, providing extra coverage and allowing Darkrai to hit Thundurus, Togekiss, and Amoonguss for super
effective damage. Protect can block Fake Out, be used to scout for moves, and to avoid a KO or a status move while a partner deals with a threat.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature and 152 Speed EVs allow Darkrai to outspeed Mega Lucario, the next fastest relevant threat. However, more Speed investment can be run to outspeed specific Pokemon; 252 Speed EVs allow Darkrai to Speed tie with Weavile, and 232 Speed EVs let Darkrai outspeed Greninja, though these two threats are not very common. Max Special Attack EVs and a Life Orb maximize Darkrai's damage output. The remaining EV's are put into HP to maximize Darkrai's overall bulk and allow it to live a Jolly Mega Kangaskhan Return at full health.

Usage Tips
========

Darkrai's main purpose is to outspeed the opponent's Pokemon and deal out damage. Taunt and Will-O-Wisp should only be used when necessary, to either prevent being inflicted by status or being KOed by a physical attacker. Darkrai is a good lead against Trick Room teams, as it can hit most users of Trick Room super effectively with STAB Dark Pulse or stop them with Taunt. Although it has decent natural bulk, Darkrai does not want to switch in and possibly take a hit; it prefers to switch in after a KO and revenge kill. Protect should be used for blocking Fake Out or letting a teammate deal with a threatening Pokemon. This is very important because Darkrai has two common weaknesses to Fighting- and Fairy-type moves. Darkrai is best used late-game after the opposing team is weakened and possible threats are removed.

Team Options
========

Amoonguss makes for a good partner, as it can redirect moves aimed at Darkrai with Rage Powder, can tank Fighting-type moves that are super effective against Darkrai, and can use Spore to activate Darkrai's ability Bad Dreams. Togekiss is also a good partner, as it can redirect moves and 4x resists Darkrai's weaknesses to Bug- and Fighting-types. Wide Guard users such as Hipmontop are helpful, as they block Pixilate Hyper Voice. Steel-types such as Aegislash, Scizor, and Mega Mawile can threaten Fairy-types with their STAB moves. Cresselia can threaten Fighting-types with its Psychic STAB moves or boost Darkrai's damage output with Helping Hand, and Talonflame can beat most Fighting-types with its priority Brave Bird. Darkrai also works well with offensive Pokemon such as Mega Gardevoir, who appreciates burns spread by Will-O-Wisp and threatens Fighting-types with either one of its STAB moves, Thundurus, who checks Keldeo and faster attackers, as well as Latios and Latias, both of which provide Tailwind support and can hit Fighting-types with their Psychic STAB moves. Darkrai also works well with physical attackers as it can OHKO all three main Intimidate users: Landorus-T, Salamence, and Scrafty.

Other Options
########

Sludge Bomb hits Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Azumarill, which resist Dark Pulse and Focus Blast, for super effective damage. Psychic hits Fighting- and Poison-types such Hitmontop, Conkeldurr, and Mega Venusaur, and Thunderbolt hits Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Gyarados. Blizzard could be used instead of Ice Beam on a hail team, as it hits both the opposing Pokemon, but has low accuracy outside of hail. Darkrai also has a lot of support options, such as Thunder Wave, which could be used if your team has Speed issues, Hypnosis, which is an option to activate Darkrai's Bad Dreams ability and cripple an opposing threat, and Disable, which could be used in conjunction with Protect to stop a super effective hit or block a status. Darkrai could use Substitute to block status, but it has to be wary of Bug Buzz or Pixilate Hyper Voice which are not affected by it. Lastly, a bulky set with Snarl and Will-O-Wisp could work, lowering the opposing Pokemon's Special Attack and Attack stats.

Checks & Counters
########

**Type Advantage**: Fairy-types such as Mega Mawile, Azumarill, Sylveon, and Mega Gardevior can all live a hit from Darkrai and OHKO it with their STAB moves; however, the first two have to be wary of burns, and Mega Gardevoir gets 2HKOed by Dark Pulse. Togekiss can redirect and live any hit or lower Darkrai's Speed with Thunder Wave, but has to watch out for Taunt and Ice Beam. Hitmontop, Keldeo, Heracross, and Conkeldurr can all live a hit and OHKO back, and Conkeldurr gets an Attack raise from Guts if burnt; Conkeldurr also has Mach Punch, which has priority and can 2HKO Darkrai. Breloom can finish off a weakened Darkrai with priority Mach Punch and Genesect or Volcarona can take a hit and OHKO back with their Bug-type STAB moves.

**Speed Control**: Darkrai depends on its Speed, and so has to be careful against potential Thunder Wave users, such as Thundurus and Klefki, which can live a hit or paralyze Darkrai before it moves due to Prankster. Pokemon that use Icy Wind and Electroweb, such as Suicune and Rotom-W, will also lower Darkrai's Speed, making it more manageable for the opponent. Darkrai dislikes Trick Room although Darkrai stops most setters of Trick Room with Taunt, Aromatisse, however, resists Darkrai's STAB moves, can live any hit, cannot be Taunted due to Aroma Veil, and can 2HKO in return with Moonblast.

**Speed**: Both Choice Scarf Genesect and Landorus-T can outspeed and deal large amounts of damage to Darkrai with U-turn, or Superpower in Landorus-T's case. Other Choice Scarf users, such as Salamence or Rotom-W can deal lots of damage to Darkrai with their STAB moves as well. Pokemon that naturally outspeed it such as Shaymin-S, Mega Manectric, and Mega Gengar threaten it as well. Strong Priority moves, such as Talonflame's Brave Bird, also do a lot of damage to Darkrai.

skeleton

Overview
########

• Very fast and high special attack allow it out speed common threats and hit them hard
• Great move coverage and excellent dark STAB
• Only spread move is weak but provides nice support
• Decent natural bulk, although hindered by poor defensive typing
• Has nice support moves, including every status and taunt
• Darkrai mostly relies on speed to function

Speedy Attacker
########
name: Speedy Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Protect
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Ice Beam / Taunt / Will-o-Wisp
ability: Bad Dreams
item: Life orb
evs: 100 HP / 252 SAtk / 152 Spd
nature: Timid

Moves
========

• Dark Pulse is the main STAB, has nice coverage and a 20% flinch chance
• Protect allows it to block fake outs and scout
• Focus Blast provides great neutral coverage with dark pulse but has a risky accuracy
• Ice Beam hits bulky dragon and flying types such as garchomp and thundudurs
• Taunt can prevent trick room or stop amoongus from sporing.
• Will-o-Wisp halves physical attackers attacks allowing it to live most physical attacks

Set Details
========

• Timid and 152 speed ev's allow it to outspeed mega lucario, the next fastest relevant threat.
• Max speed could be used for weavile, but it isnt that common, or 232 for greninja
• Max attack to maximise its power
• The rest is put into HP to increase its bulk
• Life orb is used to increase its power, turning 2hko's into ohko's

Usage Tips
========

• Your main aim is to deal heavy damage while outspeeding the opponents.
• Taunt or will-o-wisp should only be used in neccessary situations, e.g. vs amoongus
  
• Unlike most fast attackers, it has the ability to hit most trick room setters super effectively or taunt them making it a good lead against potential trick room teams
• Protect should be used against threats to darkrai or to block fake outs. This is a safe way to scout and lets your other mon hit the threat
• Darkrai plays well end game, being able to out speed and ko weakened pokes
• It also appreciates chip damage from team mates to score ko's
• It may have decent natural bulk, but it doesnt want to switch in and possibly take a hit especcially due to lack of resistances. It prefers to be switched in after a ko to revenge kill

Team Options
========

• Amoongus can redirect fairy moves and can put the opponent to sleep so Darkrai's ability can function
• Wide guard users to block pixilate hyper voices.
• Aegislash is a particularly good wide guard user as it threatend fairy types with steel STAB
• Other steel types can also take out fairies, such as scizor or ferrothorn
• Cresselia can take out fighting types and provide helping hand support
• Talonflame also takes out fighting mons and with gale wings, it will hit them before they have a chance to attack
• Togekiss, can use follow me and 4x resists to of Darkrai's weaknesses

Other Options
########

• A bulky set could work with snarl to lower the opponents' special attack
• Thunderbolt hits bulky water and other flyings
• Sludge bomb can be used to hit fairies
• Blizzard could be used in hail as it is one of the fastest relevant users
• Thunder wave could help your team with speed control but darkrai is fast and will not benefit much
• Substitute can be used to block statuses or take advantage of a switch but it will be ohko'd by a pixilate hyper voice
• Sucker punch could be nice priority combined with its ok atk, 90, whilst outspeeding adamant talonflame.
• Hypnosis can put pokes to sleep and activate bad dreams ability but has shaky accuracy
• Disable could be useful in conjunction with protect to block a supper effective hit or status
• Psychic hits fighting types who resist your STAB
• A Nasty Plot set could sweep a team by darkrai finds its hard to set up with common weaknesses and bulk

Checks & Counters
########
**Type Advantage**

• Gardevior, sylveon, azumarril and mega mawile can take any hit and ohko back with their fairy STAB, although the latter two have to watch out for burn
• Togekiss can redirect any of darkrai's attacks, apart from the rare thunderbolt, and can 2hko back
• Hitmontop, herreacross and conkelldur can live any hit and OHKO in return. Conkeldurr gets an attack boost from guts if darkrai burns it.
• Breloom and conkeldurr can ko a weakened darkrai with mach punch
• Keldeo lives any hit other than rare psychic or thunderbolt and ohko's back with sacred sword
• Genesect or volcarona can take a hit and ohko back.

**Speed Control**

• Thunder wave makes it useless as it removes its niche to revenge kill. Users such as gyarados and klefki can either take a hit or outspeed it with prankster
• Icy wind and electroweb could break its stab and users such as suicune and rotom-w can easily live a hit
• Darkrai is virtually useless in trick room as it will move last and gets hit hard by common slow sweepers such as scrafty
• Despite darkrai is able to hit most trick room setters super effectively, aromatisse cannot be taunted due to aroma veil, doesnt take much from its attacks due to fairy typing and can ohko or 2hko with moonblast depending on its investment
• Scarf landorus and genesect can outspeed and deal heavy damage to it with u-turn

 

[LightningLuxray]

Ctrl + F Hypnosis = 0 results.

Definitely make sure that's added somewhere. I know it's inaccurate, but immobilizing the Pokemon is always great, and Bad Dreams makes it even better. I'd also talk about how it does even better with Gravity support, something I've heard is actually effective when utilized correctly.

EDIT: Oh my 700th post ^.^

 

[shaian]

Not QC, but I'm sorry,

• Timid and 200 speed ev's allow it to outspeed hawlucha, the next fastest relevant threat.

I don't care what Champ says, Hawlucha isn't a relevant threat.

 

[LightningLuxray]

For the Speed benchmarks, I'd either use Greninja (232 Spe Timid is needed) or Thundurus (144 Spe Timid is needed). I'd probably go with the latter, though, since Greninja isn't relevant at higher levels of play (Though it did get #2 usage on low ladder LOL, so the 1st spread should probably get an OO mention.)

 

[Lolk]

Scratch the bulky set it is outclassed af and darkrai is not bulky at all. Plus how do you hit hard with snarl O.o

slash focus sash into the offensive set and we'll go from there

 

[Anty]

Not QC, but I'm sorry,

I don't care what Champ says, Hawlucha isn't a relevant threat.

It wasnt champ lol

For the Speed benchmarks, I'd either use Greninja (232 Spe Timid is needed) or Thundurus (144 Spe Timid is needed). I'd probably go with the latter, though, since Greninja isn't relevant at higher levels of play (Though it did get #2 usage on low ladder LOL, so the 1st spread should probably get an OO mention.)

Imo not thundurus, i would go up to mega luke.

Scratch the bulky set it is outclassed af and darkrai is not bulky at all. Plus how do you hit hard with snarl O.o

slash focus sash into the offensive set and we'll go from there

I disagree that the bulky set is outclassed. Unlike mega gengar it doesnt take up a mega slot (ppl say its a shitty argument, but mgeng doesnt do the same thing anway), it can synergise with different pokes.
44+ Atk burned Hitmontop Close Combat vs. 220 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 156-184 (46.4 - 54.7%) -- 9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery<< cant call it not bulky, 60/90/90 is quite nice.
I do admit it isnt very strong with snarl but it does what it needs to and has the nice spatk drop (4hko's cress lol).

edit: not sure if not obvious but its ready for qc

 

[BLOOD TOTEM]

First set should look like this:
Special Attacker
########
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Ice Beam / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Protect
ability: Bad Dreams
item: Life orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 SAtk / 152 Spd / 104 HP
nature: Timid

Reasoning: Sludge Bomb is pretty shit, doesn't provide extra coverage bar hitting Fairy-types and it can't even OHKO Mega Garde or Sylveon. Ice Beam is handy because it hits Lando-T which is everywhere, you also hit the Grass-types that sludge bomb was hitting and Dragon-types like mence and chomp for great damage.

Axe the second set, it's generally outclassed by other bulky mons which provide the same support and have actual bulk and good typings not pseudo bulk which relies on WoW.

Once you get rid of bulky and change the first set I'll come back and do a full check.
btw the bulky set is fine to mention in OO, it's just not worthy of a full set.

 

[Anty]

First set should look like this:
Special Attacker
########
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dark Pulse
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Ice Beam / Taunt / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Protect
ability: Bad Dreams
item: Life orb / Focus Sash
evs: 252 SAtk / 152 Spd / 104 HP
nature: Timid

Reasoning: Sludge Bomb is pretty shit, doesn't provide extra coverage bar hitting Fairy-types and it can't even OHKO Mega Garde or Sylveon. Ice Beam is handy because it hits Lando-T which is everywhere, you also hit the Grass-types that sludge bomb was hitting and Dragon-types like mence and chomp for great damage.

Axe the second set, it's generally outclassed by other bulky mons which provide the same support and have actual bulk and good typings not pseudo bulk which relies on WoW.

Once you get rid of bulky and change the first set I'll come back and do a full check.
btw the bulky set is fine to mention in OO, it's just not worthy of a full set.

Made the changes, thanks for the advice

 

[Darkmalice]

My comments are in Bold

Overview

Has nice support moves, including every status and snarl. Replace Snarl with Taunt to better reflect the main set.

I recommend an EV spread of
108 HP / 4 Def / 244 SAtk / 152 Spd

The reason for the extra Def is this:

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 104 HP / 0 Def Darkrai: 267-315 (86.9 - 102.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 108 HP / 4 Def Darkrai: 265-312 (86 - 101.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

I feel the little loss in SpA is worth the chance to reduce the likelihood of being OHKOed from one of the most common Pokemon in the game, even if it's only with a Jolly nature. Not that I recommend trying to tank the hit, but just in case, or in case you miss with WoW. You could move more EVs from SpA in order to guarantee the survival, but I feel that it takes more than what is desirable, so 244 SAtk is fine. As far as I'm aware, you do not miss out on any potential 2HKOs or OHKos with the loss in SpA

When mentioning Focus Blast, also mention that it has horrible accuracy, and specifically mention that it nets strong neutral coverage with Dark Pulse.

Usage tips needs to be rewritten: Usage tips is not about who counters Darkrai (that's what the counters and check section is for), but how to use Darkrai, which you have not explained. You need to add how you would use Darkrai, as the only thing you've mentioned about using it is using it against TR users and it doesn't want to switch in

• Beware of scarf Landorus-t / Genesect, as they can outspeed you and hit hard with U-turn.

• Also be aware of Sylveon /Gardevior they can both tank a hit and OHKO you

• Remove these two lines.

• Use this pokemon vs potential trick room teams, as it can hit most setters super effectively with STAB dark pulse. If it's on your team, you have to use it. This should be reworded. You should add that "unlike most other speedy atacks, it can hit most TR setters super-effectively with STAB Dark Pulse

• It may have nice natural bulk, but it doesnt want to switch in and possibly take a hit. Add due to its lack of resist. Also replace "nice" with "decent;" you oversell its bulk.

In Team Options, also add that Amoonguss can redirect Fairy-type attacks with Rage Powder.

OO:

• A bulky set could work with snarl to lower the opponents' special attack
• Blizzard could be used on a hail team. I would remove this, as Darkrai has poor synergy with Abomasnow, who shares two of Darkrai's weaknesses and is usually used on TR teams, where Darkrai does not fit well onto a TR team.
• Thunderbolt hits bulky water and other flyings.
• Sludge bomb can be used to hit fairies
• Thunder wave could be nice if your team needs speed support, add that Darkrai does not benefit much from Thunder Wave itself due to already ouspeeding most opponents. There are much better users of Thunder Wave.
• Substitute (not good with pixilate hyper voices). I wouldn't say not good due to Pixilate Hyper Voice; Kyurem-B still commonly uses Sub. Mention that Substitute is good for blocking status and taking advantage of predicted switches.
• Sucker punch could be nice priority combined with its ok atk, 90, whilst outspeeding adamant talonflame.
• Hypnosis can put pokes to sleep and activate bad dreams ability. Add that it has shaky accuracy
• Add Disable. This enables Darkrai to Protect against a predicted super-effective attack and hen Disable it, as Pokemon often do not carry more than one super-effective attack against Darkrai. It is also handle for disabling Icy Wind and Thunder Wave.
• Add Psychic. Hit Fighting-types who resist your STAB super-effecitvely

• Add Nasty Plot. If Darkrai can set it up, it can potentially sweep thanks to its high Speed. However, it is difficult to set up due to Darkrai's lack of bulk and resists.

**Type Advantage**

• Fairies such as gardevior or sylveon will always OHKO at +0. Mention the Fairy-types by name - Gardevoir, Sylveon, Azumarill and Mega Mawile. Mention they can easily take a hit from Darkrai and OHKO in return. Add that Azumarill and Mega Mawile will not enjoy being burnt, though Mega Mawile is still likely OHKO Darkrai even with a burn. Remove "+0," as the main set does not use Snarl. As a side note, even 4 HP / 0 SDef regular Gard always survives Timid LO Sludge Bomb barring a crit.
• Give a separate mention to Togekiss, as it can either redirect Darkrai's Dark Pulse and Focus Blast with Follow Me and easily shrug them off or 2HKO Darkrai with Dazzling Gleam
• Bulky fighting types such as hitmontop can take any hit and deal heavy damage. Remove bulky fighting types, as this also implies Scrafty who gets OHKOed by Focus Blast. Mention just Hitmontop, Conkeldurr, Mega Heracross, and mention they can OHKO in return. Also mention that Conkeldurr can potentially receive a Guts boost should Darkrai attempt to burn it, and Mega Heracross resists Focus Blast.
• Keldeo can also OHKO Darkrai with Secret Sword, and only fears the rare Thunderbolt or Psychic
• Rare bugs, such as volcarona, also can live a hit and deal heavy damage. Change to Volcarona and Genesect can also take a hit and OHKO in return. Scarf Genesect doesn't even need to tank a hit as it outspeeds Darkrai.

**Status**. Change to **Speed Control**
Add "Darkrai relies on its high Speed to function" in the write up

• Darkrai hates speed drop from paralysis, which can be provided by the aformentioned Togekiss and bulky Thundurus. Please note that non-bulky Thundurus can be OHKOed by Life Orb Ice Beam.
• Similarly, Darkrai dislikes Icy Wind for the same reason, which also breaks Darkrai's Focus Sash. This is best provided by Suicune due to its outstanding bulk and, unlike Cresselia, is not weak to Darkrai's STAB. Rotom-W's Electroweb functions in a similar fashion.
• Even though Darkrai hits most TR users super-effectively, Darkrai's Speed works against it in Trick Room should TR be successfully set up. Aromatisse is a particularly effective Trick Room settler due to its Fairy-typing, bulk, and Aroma Veil which gives it an immunity to Taunt.
• It also dislikes burns residual damage. Unless you have a good reason that a frail special attacker dislikes burn more than your average Pokemon, remove this

Let me know if you have any questions. I've mentioned a lot

Yay my first official QC post! =)

 

[Anty]

My comments are in Bold


Let me know if you have any questions. I've mentioned a lot

Yay my first official QC post! =)

Thanks a lot for all the info, you definately deserve qc! This is also my first c&c

Thanks to the whole community for helping me and not getting enraged at my stupidity

 

[Darkmalice]

No worries anty208

You still haven't rewritten the Usage Tips. To repeat what I said before, it needs to be rewritten. You haven't explained how to use Darkrai, which is the focal point of that section. You need to add how you would use Darkrai, as the only thing you've mentioned about using it is using it against TR users and it doesn't want to switch in. The comments about counters e.g. Scarf users and Fairy-types belong in Counters section, not here.

Here is an example of a well-written Usage Tips section.

Despite darkrai being able to stop most trick room users, aromatisse cannot be taunted, doesnt take much from its attacks and can ohko with moonblast

You should mention that Darkrai can hist most TR users super-effectively with Dark-type STAB and through Taunt. Stopping them isn't theoretically correct, as Darkrai cannot OHKO them and doesn't usually carry Taunt, so you should change this your statement accordingly. Also aid that Aromatisse doesn't take much from Darkrai thanks to its Fairy-typing and cannot be Taunted because of Aroma Veil. Also, change the oHKO to Moonblast to OHKO or 2HKO depending on its EV investment (Sassy or Relaxed 4 SpA variants always 2HKO, Quiet 252 SpA variants will OHKO; the former is more common)

After this is done, I'll give this another look and hopefully a QC approval.

 

[Anty]

No worries anty208

You still haven't rewritten the Usage Tips. To repeat what I said before, it needs to be rewritten. You haven't explained how to use Darkrai, which is the focal point of that section. You need to add how you would use Darkrai, as the only thing you've mentioned about using it is using it against TR users and it doesn't want to switch in. The comments about counters e.g. Scarf users and Fairy-types belong in Counters section, not here.

Here is an example of a well-written Usage Tips section.


You should mention that Darkrai can hist most TR users super-effectively with Dark-type STAB and through Taunt. Stopping them isn't theoretically correct, as Darkrai cannot OHKO them and doesn't usually carry Taunt, so you should change this your statement accordingly. Also aid that Aromatisse doesn't take much from Darkrai thanks to its Fairy-typing and cannot be Taunted because of Aroma Veil. Also, change the oHKO to Moonblast to OHKO or 2HKO depending on its EV investment (Sassy or Relaxed 4 SpA variants always 2HKO, Quiet 252 SpA variants will OHKO; the former is more common)

After this is done, I'll give this another look and hopefully a QC approval.

Oh, i must have forgot to do that. Thanks for all the effort you put in to help me!!

I think it is better now, i have mentioned how krai should be played

 

[Bughouse]

Get Blizzard on there in OO. Darkrai is one of basically two things you can use on a BlizzSpam that is both fast and powerful (the other being Greninja). Mizu has shown this to be very viable on one of her teams.

 

[Anty]

Get Blizzard on there in OO. Darkrai is one of basically two things you can use on a BlizzSpam that is both fast and powerful (the other being Greninja). Mizu has shown this to be very viable on one of her teams.

It was on, and then some one told me to take it off -_-

The thing is, most hail teams will be hail room and without STAB on blizzard, it is quite weak with it being a spread move

 

[Darkmalice]

I said to remove Blizzard because I didn't think it was good personally, but if Mizu has used it well, then I'm happy for it to remain in OO.

• Unlike most fast attackers, it has the ability to hit most trick room setters super effectively or taunt them making it a good lead against potential trick room teams
• Your main aim is to deal heavy damage. Taunt or will-o-wisp should only be used in neccessary situations, e.g. vs amoongus
• Protect should be used against threats to darkrai or to block fake outs. This is a safe way to scout and lets your other mon hit the threat
• Darkrai plays well end game, being able to out speed and ko weakened pokes
• It can also be played mid or early game as a wall breaker and status spreader
• It may have decent natural bulk, but it doesnt want to switch in and possibly take a hit especcially due to lack of resistances. It prefers to be switched in after a ko to revenge kill

Mention dealing heavy damage first in Usage tips and mention outspeeding both opponents in the process. Taunt or WoW should be mentioned separately from this.

After all this

QC 1/3

 

[Lolk]

Overview:

• I think you mean "poor defensive typing". It's offensive typing is great.

Set:

• The 4 Def EVs are unnecessary and make the set more cluttered. Just put them in HP.
• The order of the EVs goes HP / SpAtk / Speed
• Is there a reason for only using 244 SpAtk EVs? Investing in bulk to tank a kanga return is pointless when it outspeeds and OHKOs with Focus blast.
• Sorry for going back on my thought, but I am seeing less of a reason to use Focus Sash now after seeing some calcs. I mean i has a chance to survive mega kanga's return. Life Orb should be the only item.

Moves and Set Details:

• Good job!

Usage Tips:

• I would take out the midgame status spreader part. WoW is more of a last resort.
• Also don't use the term Wallbreaker. Doubles doesn't really have any dedicated walls.
• Add a point about using teammates to deal chip damage, as Darkrai misses out on many KOs.

Team Options:

• Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn also take care of Fairy-types.
• Helping Hand. Cress synergizes well, threatens some Fighting-types, and can reverse opposing Trick Room with its own Trick Room.
• Talonflame can deal some quick key damage, or it can take out Fighting types that threaten Darkrai.

Other Options:

• Knock Off

Checks & Counters:

• Note that Conkeldurr and Breloom can take it out with Mach Punch before it has the chance to attack.
• Thunder Wave
• Scarf Genesect and Landoge should probably go in their own **Speed** tab as they cannot switch in safely to Darkrai, but they can take it out with a safe switch-in.
• If Thundurus is OKHOed by Ice Beam, don't include it :O

 

[Anty]

Overview:

• I think you mean "poor defensive typing". It's offensive typing is great.

Set:

• The 4 Def EVs are unnecessary and make the set more cluttered. Just put them in HP.
• The order of the EVs goes HP / SpAtk / Speed
• Is there a reason for only using 244 SpAtk EVs? Investing in bulk to tank a kanga return is pointless when it outspeeds and OHKOs with Focus blast.
• Sorry for going back on my thought, but I am seeing less of a reason to use Focus Sash now after seeing some calcs. I mean i has a chance to survive mega kanga's return. Life Orb should be the only item.

Moves and Set Details:

• Good job!

Usage Tips:

• I would take out the midgame status spreader part. WoW is more of a last resort.
• Also don't use the term Wallbreaker. Doubles doesn't really have any dedicated walls.
• Add a point about using teammates to deal chip damage, as Darkrai misses out on many KOs.

Team Options:

• Steel-types such as Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn also take care of Fairy-types.
• Helping Hand. Cress synergizes well, threatens some Fighting-types, and can reverse opposing Trick Room with its own Trick Room.
• Talonflame can deal some quick key damage, or it can take out Fighting types that threaten Darkrai.

Other Options:

• Knock Off

Checks & Counters:

• Note that Conkeldurr and Breloom can take it out with Mach Punch before it has the chance to attack.
• Thunder Wave
• Scarf Genesect and Landoge should probably go in their own **Speed** tab as they cannot switch in safely to Darkrai, but they can take it out with a safe switch-in.
• If Thundurus is OKHOed by Ice Beam, don't include it :O

Most likely meant defensive

I definately agree with only life orb, it loves the power increase, and sash only blocks it from clodecombat and it ohkos terrak anyway (iirc) and sashs are hard to keep in tact. Good point with the ev's

Will replace wallbreaker, only relevant term i could think of.

Imo, there is no point with knock off, dark pulse hits harder and there are better users. Darkrai is a heavy hitter, ko would be used for support reasons, which turns ohko's into 2ko's and it doesnt have room.

Thundurus can para it before krai hits it.
Neither mach punch's can actually ko it, but i will still mention it. Same with both uturns, gene at +0 (0.0)
dont know how i forgot twave

Thanks for the responce, i have edited it

 

[Lolk]

I thinking in Knock Off in a physical set with sucker punch but yea it's pretty niche so you can leave it out.

For Thundurus I was just thinking of using mons that can take a hit and retaliate with Thunder Wave, such as Gyarados, Washtom or Klefki as opposed to threats that will feint that turn.

 

[Anty]

I thinking in Knock Off in a physical set with sucker punch but yea it's pretty niche so you can leave it out.

For Thundurus I was just thinking of using mons that can take a hit and retaliate with Thunder Wave, such as Gyarados, Washtom or Klefki as opposed to threats that will feint that turn.

Sucker punch at least gives it prio. I originally had it because it revenges talon as well, but it is very niche from experience.
ok, twave makes sense will change.

 

[Lolk]

Sorry late but QC 2/3

 

[Anty]

Written up.

 

[Electrolyte]

Hello there

OVERVIEW
Ok this really needs to be cleaned up, both content and grammar wise

1st P:
- I would stress just how great Dark-type offense is, though, able to hit a large portion of the metagame for a lot of damage.
- Damage calculations don't belong in the Overview. You want to give a general idea of the goods / bads of Darkrai. Cut the sentence at "it has nice natural bulk as well" and put the damage calc into set details
2nd P:
- When talking about Darkrai defensively, don't "judge" its typing. The offensive / defensive performance of the Dark-type is often heavily dependent on the Pokemon in question. Instead, just skip to the common weaknesses and explain those.
- When you mention 4MSS, say slight 4MSS (or even remove it completely). Dark Pulse + Focus Blast have great coverage, so Darkrai is perfectly capable of using his third slot to run a support move (especially since Ice Beam only helps with Togekiss- you're not beating Fairy-types either way)


MOVES
- Mention how Focus Blast's poor accuracy makes it really risky


SET DETAILS
- Now is the time to mention that (with the given spread) it survives those Kanga attacks


USAGE TIPS
- "It appreciates chip damage and weakened opponents to score ko's as well as team support such as wide guard to block pixilate hyper voices." <- That belongs in Team Options.
- Mention that its primary job is to deal damage (and Taunt of it carries it). Will-O-Wisp is for attack control but should only be used in specific situations (eg vs a team threat). Darkrai is usually better of slamming things with its STAB Dark Pulse. Also, many physical attackers can hit it super effectively anyway so it's not always safe to stay in
- "It may have decent natural bulk, but it doesnt want to switch in and possibly take a hit especcially due to lack of resistances, it prefers to switch in after a ko to revenge kill." <- for the bolded part: no, it doesn't want to switch in because lack of significant bulk, not lack of resistances (it resists the trifecta of special attack types- Dark, Ghost, and Psychic!)
- Stress scouting with Protect more! Darkrai isn't the bulkiest, and LO recoil quickly pulls it down into KO range


TEAM OPTIONS
Let's organize this some more:

- First, put FM / RP. Amoong / Toge both fall into that category; no reason to mention one in the intro and one at the end of the paragraph. Once you cover that, then mention Spore + Bad Dreams teamwork because that is of secondary importance.
- Wide Guard- Aegi
- Transition using Aegi's Steel typing to mention other Steel-types. Replace Ferrothorn with Mega Mawile and Genesect. Ferro's Gyro doesn't do much since most Fairies are slow. Both mentioned love Taunt, WoW, and offensive support. Mega Mawile also helps keep Fighting-types out, and has priority Sucker Punch for faster threats. Scarf Genesect can slam Terrakion / Keldeo / Fairy / Bug-types with its coverage.
- Don't just mention Talonflame and Cresselia! Other Psychic- / Flying-types work too. Thundurus checks Keldeo. Mega Pinsir loves Lando-T being removed and can check Fighting and Bug-types. Mega Gardevoir appreciates burn support, keeps Fighting-types out, and can help sweep with Hyper Voice. Lati@s can provide Tailwind and hit Musketeers with Psyshock.
- Physical attackers in general. The ability to KO Landorus, Salamence, and Scrafty, 3 of the 4 main Intimidaters, is HUGE. Plus WoW support is always nice. Mention things like DD Zard X, Blaziken, Azumarill, Terrakion (which also provides Quick Guard), etc


OTHER OPTIONS
- "Blizzard could be used instead of ice beam on a hail room as it hits both the opponents." <- hailroom is Hail + TR. Take out room- Darkrai has no place on TR teams
- Mention bulky Snarl set before other utility moves, because that's a pretty nice OO set


CHECKS AND COUNTERS
Type Advantage:
-Toge has to watch out for Taunt and Ice Beam
- Garde is 2HKOd by Dark Pulse; mention that
- Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp (can still KO though) Also, if you mention MMaw, might as well mention Azumarill too

Speed Control
- "Darkrai is useless in trick room" <- not entirely true. Many Ghost / Psychic / Dark types still can't get past it, and it hits many TR sweepers very hard. It won't be worth much but it can still deal some damage

Also, Landorus / Genesect mention should go in their own tag, like:
**Speed**:
- Choice Scarf Pokemon (Lando / Gene / Tyranitar)
- Priority (TFlame BBird, Mach Punch)
- Natural Speed (Deo-A's Super Power, max Spe Skymin's Seed Flare, Mega Manetric TBolt, Mega Gengar's Sludge Bomb)



As for grammar:
Please read through your analysis before you send it to GP. There are many not only PokeGrammar errors but also regular grammar errors. I know you can do better than this! Please patch it up so it at least makes sense the whole way through! :)


Anyway I'm not QC so take these suggestions as you will

 

[Anty]

Hello there

OVERVIEW
Ok this really needs to be cleaned up, both content and grammar wise

1st P:
- I would stress just how great Dark-type offense is, though, able to hit a large portion of the metagame for a lot of damage.
- Damage calculations don't belong in the Overview. You want to give a general idea of the goods / bads of Darkrai. Cut the sentence at "it has nice natural bulk as well" and put the damage calc into set details
2nd P:
- When talking about Darkrai defensively, don't "judge" its typing. The offensive / defensive performance of the Dark-type is often heavily dependent on the Pokemon in question. Instead, just skip to the common weaknesses and explain those.
- When you mention 4MSS, say slight 4MSS (or even remove it completely). Dark Pulse + Focus Blast have great coverage, so Darkrai is perfectly capable of using his third slot to run a support move (especially since Ice Beam only helps with Togekiss- you're not beating Fairy-types either way)


MOVES
- Mention how Focus Blast's poor accuracy makes it really risky


SET DETAILS
- Now is the time to mention that (with the given spread) it survives those Kanga attacks


USAGE TIPS
- "It appreciates chip damage and weakened opponents to score ko's as well as team support such as wide guard to block pixilate hyper voices." <- That belongs in Team Options.
- Mention that its primary job is to deal damage (and Taunt of it carries it). Will-O-Wisp is for attack control but should only be used in specific situations (eg vs a team threat). Darkrai is usually better of slamming things with its STAB Dark Pulse. Also, many physical attackers can hit it super effectively anyway so it's not always safe to stay in
- "It may have decent natural bulk, but it doesnt want to switch in and possibly take a hit especcially due to lack of resistances, it prefers to switch in after a ko to revenge kill." <- for the bolded part: no, it doesn't want to switch in because lack of significant bulk, not lack of resistances (it resists the trifecta of special attack types- Dark, Ghost, and Psychic!)
- Stress scouting with Protect more! Darkrai isn't the bulkiest, and LO recoil quickly pulls it down into KO range


TEAM OPTIONS
Let's organize this some more:

- First, put FM / RP. Amoong / Toge both fall into that category; no reason to mention one in the intro and one at the end of the paragraph. Once you cover that, then mention Spore + Bad Dreams teamwork because that is of secondary importance.
- Wide Guard- Aegi
- Transition using Aegi's Steel typing to mention other Steel-types. Replace Ferrothorn with Mega Mawile and Genesect. Ferro's Gyro doesn't do much since most Fairies are slow. Both mentioned love Taunt, WoW, and offensive support. Mega Mawile also helps keep Fighting-types out, and has priority Sucker Punch for faster threats. Scarf Genesect can slam Terrakion / Keldeo / Fairy / Bug-types with its coverage.
- Don't just mention Talonflame and Cresselia! Other Psychic- / Flying-types work too. Thundurus checks Keldeo. Mega Pinsir loves Lando-T being removed and can check Fighting and Bug-types. Mega Gardevoir appreciates burn support, keeps Fighting-types out, and can help sweep with Hyper Voice. Lati@s can provide Tailwind and hit Musketeers with Psyshock.
- Physical attackers in general. The ability to KO Landorus, Salamence, and Scrafty, 3 of the 4 main Intimidaters, is HUGE. Plus WoW support is always nice. Mention things like DD Zard X, Blaziken, Azumarill, Terrakion (which also provides Quick Guard), etc


OTHER OPTIONS
- "Blizzard could be used instead of ice beam on a hail room as it hits both the opponents." <- hailroom is Hail + TR. Take out room- Darkrai has no place on TR teams
- Mention bulky Snarl set before other utility moves, because that's a pretty nice OO set


CHECKS AND COUNTERS
Type Advantage:
-Toge has to watch out for Taunt and Ice Beam
- Garde is 2HKOd by Dark Pulse; mention that
- Mega Mawile has to watch out for Will-O-Wisp (can still KO though) Also, if you mention MMaw, might as well mention Azumarill too

Speed Control
- "Darkrai is useless in trick room" <- not entirely true. Many Ghost / Psychic / Dark types still can't get past it, and it hits many TR sweepers very hard. It won't be worth much but it can still deal some damage

Also, Landorus / Genesect mention should go in their own tag, like:
**Speed**:
- Choice Scarf Pokemon (Lando / Gene / Tyranitar)
- Priority (TFlame BBird, Mach Punch)
- Natural Speed (Deo-A's Super Power, max Spe Skymin's Seed Flare, Mega Manetric TBolt, Mega Gengar's Sludge Bomb)



As for grammar:
Please read through your analysis before you send it to GP. There are many not only PokeGrammar errors but also regular grammar errors. I know you can do better than this! Please patch it up so it at least makes sense the whole way through! :)


Anyway I'm not GP so take these suggestions as you will

Thanks for the rate. Only from reading through it now i see grammar flaws, and i will read through multiple times. When i wrote it up and checked it was late and i was going to do it later but i guess i just forgot - not as if thats a valid excuse.

After looking through it i really kicked myself (esp with the hail room thing, i guess i didnt notice). Im definitely going to read through it carefully and get rid of stupid grammar mistakes, i think i rushed it and i feel like an idiot because i have been slightly impatient and a major ass.

I shall change part of it now and most in the mourning when i am paying attention. I really appreciate the comment and your niceness (if thats a word), makes me feel worse about haxing you

e: i'll do it in the mourning so i dont go full retard again, thanks :P

e2: implemented most of the changes, didnt realise that speed was a check and counter tag
e3: done. I also fixed some grammar and spelling

e4: Improved some more, i think it all makes sense now '._.

 

[Anty]

This has been ded for too long so im Bumping it. I made sure this is allowed

500 post :D. shout out to the next person to qc this

 

[Audiosurfer]

the super thorough audio mega check:

ok the writing on this could definitely be better. for example "Dark pulse is its main STAB move and has a nice type and a 20% chance to flinch. Focus blast is the preferred coverage move and with dark pulse, it has near perfect neutral coverage, but it has a low accuracy." <--- the reader doesn't need a move description, the info you should be providing is when best to use the different moves in darkrai's arsenal since that's what they'll actually need/want to know when using the set (aka like Dark Pulse is the STAB move, and is what you'll use most due to good neutral hits + nifty flinch rate. Focus Blast is only used to nail things like X, Y, and Z that resist Dark Pulse. etc. etc. etc.).

specific points:

• "Darkrai appreciates sleep users as the status activates its ability, bad dreams. Of the sleep inducers, Amoongus is particularly good, as it can redirect moves aimed at darkrai and resists two of Darkrai's weaknesses." <-- reword this by removing any reference to sleep users as partners, Darkrai doesn't like them any more than any other mon (I don't want people assuming they need sleep users to take advantage of slight little residual damage).
  
• "Thunderbolt hits flying and water types super effectively, sludge bomb hits fairy types, whilst psychic hits fighting types." <-- as I was saying before, giving a type-chart description doesn't fly. If thiese moves are being listed, just name what they hit. For example, Tbolt hits Pokemon such as Gyarados, Azumarill, etc., y'know? Giving specific examples helps them decide whether the coverage move is worth it on their team and gives a bit of insight into the tier.
  
• The word is wary, not weary. Wary = watch out for, weary = tired. Should fix this mistake where it occurs.
• "Keldeo can also ohko it but has to be weary of psychic or thunderbolt." <-- no it doesn't lol. when making these sorts of statements in checks & counters, only make references to moves actually slashed or mentioned somewhere that's not Other Options. I might think that Sucker Punch is worth an OO mention, but I certainly wouldn't tell anyone to look out for it/prep for it.
• Speaking of Sucker Punch please remove it from OO, it's weak and Darkrai is already fast as heck.
• "has the power to punch wholes" <--- come on now friend -.-
• "careful against potential thunder wave users, such as Gyarados or Klefki," <--- Thundurus is a much better example for this seein as it's like the face of Thunder Wave.

and don't you dare just address these and not scan over the analysis again dude, these were just the ones I bothered to point out, so there are probably other instances of these things that need to be addressed.

Also, please capitalize all the moves you mention, don't just get lazy and put em in lowercase. will save you time in the GP phase to just do it now lol. speaking of gp there are a lot of grammatical errors in this. not gonna point em all out (not really my job) but giving this a second look wouldn't hurt.

so yeah tl;dr:
don't use fluffy statements / things that aren't giving valuable information to the reader. if something is just serving as a way for you to pad out the analysis but isn't something the reader needs to know here, please get rid of it or replace it with some pertinent info. also, for the love of god please proofread your stuff lol, GPers are gonna hate you otherwise.

Anty