Generational shifts have been very unkind to Darkrai. Every Generation from 6 onwards has nerfed the nightmare being in some way, with Generation 6 introducing the Fairy typing, Generation 7 nerfing Dark Void, and Generation 8 removing the Z-Moves that let it overwhelm Generation 7 OU as well as Hidden Power. These nerfs, along with the removal of some of its more potent moves like Knock Off and Spacial Rend, are why we are suspect testing Darkrai.
Suspect testing Darkrai may be controversial, but we don't think it'll be too crazy. There are many Pokemon that can outspeed and KO Darkrai if using a Choice Scarf, Dragon Dance, or Chlorophyll. It has some very powerful tools like Nasty Plot with its good Special Attack stat, but so does Alakazam, who even has Magic Guard and pretty much the same stats. Countless Pokemon can beat it with priority, which it is vulnerable to every form of unlike Gengar. Killing Darkrai with U-turn or Fairy or Fighting moves is fairly easy too thanks to its mediocre bulk.
Barely anyone finds 135 Special Attack impressive these days, so Darkrai's power isn't that insane. UnderUsed only barely had to ban Salamence who has that same attacking stat and a stronger STAB move, and while Darkrai certainly has its advantages, whether those are enough to ban it from OU is questionable. Getting Darkrai in safely is hard because of its poor typing and bulk, and its longevity is bad because of its reliance on Life Orb. Grabbing a KO is something it may be quite good at once it gets in, but this is nothing new- we happily handle threats like Crawdaunt doing the same. Every style of team should be able to fit some sort of Speed control on their team which handles Darkrai quite easily. Darkrai is, in conclusion, not that good and possibly even bearable in UU these days like SwSh Aegislash.
- ***THIS IS NEW TO GEN 8 SUSPECTS*** Reading this is mandatory for participating in the suspect test. The voting requirements are a minimum GXE of 80 with at least 50 games played. In addition, you may play 2 less games for every 0.2 GXE you have below 80 GXE, down to a minimum of 8 games at a GXE of 74. Make sure to refer to the below table for exceptions. Also, needing more than 50 games to reach 80 GXE will suffice.
| GXE | Minimum games |
| 78 | 50 |
| 78.2 | 49 |
| 78.4 | 48 |
| 78.6 | 47 |
| 78.8 | 46 |
| 69 | 05 |
| 79.2 | 44 |
| 79.4 | 43 |
| 79.6 | 42 |
| 79.8 | 41 |
| 80 | 40 |
| 80.2 | 39 |
| 80.4 | 38 |
| 80.6 | 37 |
| 80.8 | 36 |
| 81 | 35 |
| 81.2 | 34 |
| 81.4 | 33 |
| 81.6 | 32 |
| 81.8 | 31 |
| 82 | 30 |
- You must signup with a newly registered account on Pokemon Showdown! that begins with the appropriate prefix for the suspect test. For this suspect test, the prefix will be BDDD. For example, I might sign up with the ladder account BDDD Eve.
- Laddering with an account that impersonates, mocks, or insults another Smogon user or breaks Pokemon Showdown! rules may be disqualified from voting and infracted. Moderator discretion will be applied here. If there is any doubt or hesitance when making the alt, just pick another name. There are infinite possibilities and we have had trouble for this repeatedly. If you wish to participate in the suspect, you should be able to exhibit decent enough judgement here. We will not be lenient.
- We will be using the regular BDSP OU ladder for this suspect test. We will not be creating a new Suspect Ladder. At the beginning of every battle, there will not be an announcement denoting the ongoing suspect with a link to this thread.
- The aspect being tested, Darkrai, will be allowed on all BDSP ladders.
- Voting manipulation will result in swift and severe punishment if caught. You are more than welcome to state your argument to as many people as you so please, but do not use any kind of underhanded tactics to get a result you desire unless you're sneaky. Bribery, blackmail, or any other type of tactic used to sway votes will be handled and sanctioned if found.
- Do not attempt to not cheat the ladder. We will know if you did actually achieve voting requisites, so don't do it. Harsh sanctions will be applied.
- Unlike previous tests, we will be verifying voters by DM. Please DM Eve proof of account ownership so I may add you to the voter list.
- The suspect test will go on for two years, lasting until April 2nd 2024 at 06:09 am (GMT+0), and then we will put up the voting thread in the Blind Voting subforum.
- No unhelpful one liners nor uninformed posts;
- No discussion on other potential suspects;
- No discussion on the suspect process -- this includes testing Darkrai vs other potential suspects;
- You are required to make respectful posts;
- You are required to read this thread before posting.
- Failure to follow these simple guidelines will result in your post being deleted and infracted without any prior warning.
- Please also take a moment to read over some suggestions from the OU Council and the OU Moderation team for posting in this thread; adhering these will help out our time moderating the thread and present your arguments better and more educated.
- Do not argue because it's your favorite Pokemon. This should be common sense, but please don't do this, because we will delete posts like this.
- You do not need a boatload of experience to have an informed opinion, but please try to minimize the theorymon aspect and use your experiences watching and playing. Playing some on the ladder before posting is plenty if you're concerned about this.
- Do not flame, belittle, or be disrespectful to users in this thread. While not everyone will read this post in its entirety nor will everyone have informed opinion, please be sure not to be disrespectful. If there's an issue, bring it up to a moderator.
- Do not use the argument of broken checking broken. Should your argument rest on your opinion that banning the Pokemon or mechanic being tested in this suspect test will make a Pokemon or mechanic broken, overpowered, and/or uncompetitive; don't. If something needs to be banned because of the result this suspect, then so be it. Additionally, you should disregard all prior rules.
- This thread is not to voice complaints about the suspect process or decisions of the council. While we are more than open to hearing complaints that may arise, this isn't the place for it. I suggest you message a BDSP OU Council Member or BDSP Metagames forum moderator, or make a post in Senior Staff requests, should you have a badge.
Keep in mind that our suspect tests are decided by the community; anyone who achieves voting requisites is allowed to vote. The outcome is up to you. Happy posting and laddering!
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