Co-opping with Colonel M, and taking over from Venser here.
Colonel_M will be writing up the Life Orb set, and I will be writing up everything else.
Status: Written, implementing checks
GP APPROVED 2/2: [Calm Pokemaster] [jc104]
Darmanitan
Old thread written by reyscarface.
Official Pokemon site
[Overview]
<p>Darmanitan, in terms of stats as well as appearance, seems to be a Pokemon that likes to go ape. Boasting one of the strongest base Attack stats in OU as well as good HP and Speed stats, it can easily rip holes in unprepared teams. This fact is only compounded by Darmanitan's ability, Sheer Force, which coincidentally boosts some of its strongest moves, namely Flare Blitz. Darmanitan is so strong that, carrying a Choice Band, a sun-boosted Flare Blitz from its base 140 Attack can usually 2HKO any Pokemon indiscriminately. Aside from its amazingly powerful attacks, it also has some interesting support options that can be used alongside its other attacks, namely Encore, Taunt, and Yawn, which can be used to surprise the opponent whenever necessary.</p>
<p>Despite all these amazing traits, Darmanitan is hindered by being a Fire-type, a type that is rare in OU for a reason; Darmanitan loses one quarter of its health every time it switches in while Stealth Rock is on the field, and possibly even more if there are Spikes or Toxic Spikes present. Another thing of note is Darmanitan's fairly average base Speed, meaning many Pokemon can outspeed it and pick it off, especially if it is weakened from firing off its mighty Flare Blitz. However, Darmanitan is still an amazing Pokemon that can work as a great offensive center for a team.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Life Orb / Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Darmanitan's Flare Blitz, when combined with Sheer Force and a boosting item, causes total devastation, 2HKOing walls such as Gliscor and Hippowdon. U-turn, though not boosted by Sheer Force, helps to ease prediction and maintain offensive momentum. The remaining moves provide coverage; Rock Slide is only slightly less powerful than Stone Edge thanks to Sheer Force, and Superpower helps to hit Balloon Heatran and Terrakion while taking out Blissey without recoil. Earthquake may be used instead to dish out consistent damage without lowering Darmanitan's Attack and Defense. Choice Band cranks the damage up a notch, allowing Darmanitan to 2HKO bulky Water-types such as Vaporeon, Jellicent, and Milotic with Flare Blitz, but Life Orb is usually the better option, providing versatility. Also, thanks to Sheer Force, no Life Orb recoil is incurred while using Flare Blitz or Rock Slide, though Life Orb recoil experienced when using Darmanitan's other moves adds to Flare Blitz recoil, Stealth Rock, and sandstorm, quickly wearing Darmanitan down. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ninetales can help provide valuable sunlight for Darmanitan thanks to Drought. With Choice Band equipped, sun-boosted Flare Blitz has enough power to OHKO Pokemon who doubly resist it. Since Rapid Spin is a good idea to prevent Stealth Rock from staying on the field, Forretress would be a good teammate for Darmanitan. As an added bonus, Forretress can lay entry hazards to help ensure some crucial 2HKOs and OHKOs for Darmanitan. If Darmanitan has Forretress for a teammate, Jellicent would also be a great partner. With Water Absorb, Jellicent can soak any Water-type attacks aimed at Darmanitan. If Darmanitan's team lacks Forretress or has a different spinblocker, Vaporeon can be a great teammate for Darmanitan. Vaporeon not only boasts Water Absorb, but can also keep Darmanitan alive with Wish support. Pokemon such as Terrakion and Conkeldurr can pummel the opponent once Darmanitan incapacitates the physical walls that otherwise plague them.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>While Life Orb Darmanitan is meant to hit hard right off the bat, Choice Scarf Darmanitan functions differently in that it boosts its mediocre Speed to decent levels, allowing it to get the jump on more opponents and smash them to pieces with its attacks, which are still powerful despite the lack of a boost from Life Orb or Choice Band. Fortunately, two of its most powerful attacks, Flare Blitz and Rock Slide, are still boosted by Sheer Force.</p>
<p>The moves on this set reflect the general idea of switching Darmanitan in and out repeatedly. Flare Blitz is the most powerful STAB move Darmanitan gets, and hits like a truck from Darmanitan's base 140 Attack. U-turn allows it to scout the opponent while doing decent damage as well, maintaining momentum. Rock Slide provides good coverage in tandem with Flare Blitz, and receives a Sheer Force boost, making it very powerful. Superpower fits perfectly with the idea of constant switching, as it is nearly mandatory due to the stat drops. It also has great neutral coverage in tandem with Rock Slide. However, if you prefer to stay in for longer than one turn, Earthquake may be used instead of Superpower, despite the loss in power. It also pairs well with Rock Slide in that they form a slight alteration of the famous EdgeQuake combo.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>As this set is meant to switch in and out of the battlefield repeatedly, Rapid Spin users are good teammates, especially as Darmanitan's weakness to entry hazards hinders its offensive capabilities. Forretress is an ideal example, as it spins away entry hazards on its side while at the same time putting down hazards of its own, giving Darmanitan and its teammates a bit of an edge. As Darmanitan likes entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field, it might be a good option to invest in a spinblocker. Jellicent fits this role almost to a tee, covering most of Darmanitan's weaknesses at the same time as well. Another thing to take note of is that if you are using this set at the beginning of a match, Earthquake and Superpower should not be used recklessly. Many Pokemon are resistant or immune to these attacks, and can hence use them as an opportunity to set up.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Darmanitan has several interesting support options it can use, such as Yawn, Encore, and Will-O-Wisp, which are all good moves in their own right. They may be used as filler if one decides to, though Darmanitan does not really have the defenses to use them effectively. It also loses out on coverage when using a support move over an attacking move. Fire Punch also has a niche over Flare Blitz, lacking recoil and being boosted by Sheer Force at the same time. However, the power drop is very significant, causing Darmanitan to miss out on most of its key KOs. Flame Charge may also seem like a good idea, but despite the increase in power, the boost in Speed is removed due to Sheer Force, completely removing its usefullness.</p>
<p>Belly Drum is an interesting option, giving Darmanitan an Attack stat capable of razing large cities. However, Belly Drum often leaves Darmanitan weak enough to be easily revenge killed after the boost, and sometimes even before that. A Jolly nature can be used in lieu of Adamant nature on both sets, outspeeding Pokemon such as Lucario and the Rotom formes. However, the drop in power is noticeable, and aside from the aforementioned threats, few other notable Pokemon are outsped with a Jolly nature as opposed to Adamant. Stone Edge may seem like an interesting option over Rock Slide. However, Rock Slide has higher accuracy, and its Base Power is boosted by Sheer Force to 98 as opposed to Stone Edge's 100, making Rock Slide the better choice.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>In general, if you are looking for something that can directly switch into Darmanitan, look for something with reasonable defenses and a resistance to Flare Blitz. Swampert and other bulky Water-types are good examples, and ones with recovery moves, such as Jellicent, are an even better option. However, if you can't fit one on your team, something more offensive may be in order. Revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Landorus can wipe Darmanitan off the face of the battlefield with Earthquake. However, it must be emphasized that most revenge killers cannot come in on Darmanitan directly due to the immense power of Flare Blitz. Thunder Wave and other moves which inflict paralysis can stop Darmanitan's sweep cold, as it will be easily outsped and disposed of.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Darmanitan received Zen Mode as its Dream World ability. Although gimmicky, it is a very interesting ability that transforms Darmanitan into a completely different Pokemon when its HP is under half. This ability swaps its Attack with its Special Attack, allowing it to use its specially oriented movepool, which would be left to rot otherwise. However, the problem with Zen Mode Darmanitan is that it will usually not have time or spare HP to activate Zen Mode, being OHKOed fairly easily. Being at half health when activated does not help either, especially as Darmanitan is hit neutrally by all but two priority attacks. Frankly, Darmanitan can't usually afford the severe loss in HP.</p>
Colonel_M will be writing up the Life Orb set, and I will be writing up everything else.
Status: Written, implementing checks
GP APPROVED 2/2: [Calm Pokemaster] [jc104]
Darmanitan
Old thread written by reyscarface.
Official Pokemon site
[Overview]
<p>Darmanitan, in terms of stats as well as appearance, seems to be a Pokemon that likes to go ape. Boasting one of the strongest base Attack stats in OU as well as good HP and Speed stats, it can easily rip holes in unprepared teams. This fact is only compounded by Darmanitan's ability, Sheer Force, which coincidentally boosts some of its strongest moves, namely Flare Blitz. Darmanitan is so strong that, carrying a Choice Band, a sun-boosted Flare Blitz from its base 140 Attack can usually 2HKO any Pokemon indiscriminately. Aside from its amazingly powerful attacks, it also has some interesting support options that can be used alongside its other attacks, namely Encore, Taunt, and Yawn, which can be used to surprise the opponent whenever necessary.</p>
<p>Despite all these amazing traits, Darmanitan is hindered by being a Fire-type, a type that is rare in OU for a reason; Darmanitan loses one quarter of its health every time it switches in while Stealth Rock is on the field, and possibly even more if there are Spikes or Toxic Spikes present. Another thing of note is Darmanitan's fairly average base Speed, meaning many Pokemon can outspeed it and pick it off, especially if it is weakened from firing off its mighty Flare Blitz. However, Darmanitan is still an amazing Pokemon that can work as a great offensive center for a team.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Life Orb / Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Darmanitan's Flare Blitz, when combined with Sheer Force and a boosting item, causes total devastation, 2HKOing walls such as Gliscor and Hippowdon. U-turn, though not boosted by Sheer Force, helps to ease prediction and maintain offensive momentum. The remaining moves provide coverage; Rock Slide is only slightly less powerful than Stone Edge thanks to Sheer Force, and Superpower helps to hit Balloon Heatran and Terrakion while taking out Blissey without recoil. Earthquake may be used instead to dish out consistent damage without lowering Darmanitan's Attack and Defense. Choice Band cranks the damage up a notch, allowing Darmanitan to 2HKO bulky Water-types such as Vaporeon, Jellicent, and Milotic with Flare Blitz, but Life Orb is usually the better option, providing versatility. Also, thanks to Sheer Force, no Life Orb recoil is incurred while using Flare Blitz or Rock Slide, though Life Orb recoil experienced when using Darmanitan's other moves adds to Flare Blitz recoil, Stealth Rock, and sandstorm, quickly wearing Darmanitan down. </p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Ninetales can help provide valuable sunlight for Darmanitan thanks to Drought. With Choice Band equipped, sun-boosted Flare Blitz has enough power to OHKO Pokemon who doubly resist it. Since Rapid Spin is a good idea to prevent Stealth Rock from staying on the field, Forretress would be a good teammate for Darmanitan. As an added bonus, Forretress can lay entry hazards to help ensure some crucial 2HKOs and OHKOs for Darmanitan. If Darmanitan has Forretress for a teammate, Jellicent would also be a great partner. With Water Absorb, Jellicent can soak any Water-type attacks aimed at Darmanitan. If Darmanitan's team lacks Forretress or has a different spinblocker, Vaporeon can be a great teammate for Darmanitan. Vaporeon not only boasts Water Absorb, but can also keep Darmanitan alive with Wish support. Pokemon such as Terrakion and Conkeldurr can pummel the opponent once Darmanitan incapacitates the physical walls that otherwise plague them.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Flare Blitz
move 2: U-Turn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
<p>While Life Orb Darmanitan is meant to hit hard right off the bat, Choice Scarf Darmanitan functions differently in that it boosts its mediocre Speed to decent levels, allowing it to get the jump on more opponents and smash them to pieces with its attacks, which are still powerful despite the lack of a boost from Life Orb or Choice Band. Fortunately, two of its most powerful attacks, Flare Blitz and Rock Slide, are still boosted by Sheer Force.</p>
<p>The moves on this set reflect the general idea of switching Darmanitan in and out repeatedly. Flare Blitz is the most powerful STAB move Darmanitan gets, and hits like a truck from Darmanitan's base 140 Attack. U-turn allows it to scout the opponent while doing decent damage as well, maintaining momentum. Rock Slide provides good coverage in tandem with Flare Blitz, and receives a Sheer Force boost, making it very powerful. Superpower fits perfectly with the idea of constant switching, as it is nearly mandatory due to the stat drops. It also has great neutral coverage in tandem with Rock Slide. However, if you prefer to stay in for longer than one turn, Earthquake may be used instead of Superpower, despite the loss in power. It also pairs well with Rock Slide in that they form a slight alteration of the famous EdgeQuake combo.</p>
[Additional Comments]
<p>As this set is meant to switch in and out of the battlefield repeatedly, Rapid Spin users are good teammates, especially as Darmanitan's weakness to entry hazards hinders its offensive capabilities. Forretress is an ideal example, as it spins away entry hazards on its side while at the same time putting down hazards of its own, giving Darmanitan and its teammates a bit of an edge. As Darmanitan likes entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field, it might be a good option to invest in a spinblocker. Jellicent fits this role almost to a tee, covering most of Darmanitan's weaknesses at the same time as well. Another thing to take note of is that if you are using this set at the beginning of a match, Earthquake and Superpower should not be used recklessly. Many Pokemon are resistant or immune to these attacks, and can hence use them as an opportunity to set up.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Darmanitan has several interesting support options it can use, such as Yawn, Encore, and Will-O-Wisp, which are all good moves in their own right. They may be used as filler if one decides to, though Darmanitan does not really have the defenses to use them effectively. It also loses out on coverage when using a support move over an attacking move. Fire Punch also has a niche over Flare Blitz, lacking recoil and being boosted by Sheer Force at the same time. However, the power drop is very significant, causing Darmanitan to miss out on most of its key KOs. Flame Charge may also seem like a good idea, but despite the increase in power, the boost in Speed is removed due to Sheer Force, completely removing its usefullness.</p>
<p>Belly Drum is an interesting option, giving Darmanitan an Attack stat capable of razing large cities. However, Belly Drum often leaves Darmanitan weak enough to be easily revenge killed after the boost, and sometimes even before that. A Jolly nature can be used in lieu of Adamant nature on both sets, outspeeding Pokemon such as Lucario and the Rotom formes. However, the drop in power is noticeable, and aside from the aforementioned threats, few other notable Pokemon are outsped with a Jolly nature as opposed to Adamant. Stone Edge may seem like an interesting option over Rock Slide. However, Rock Slide has higher accuracy, and its Base Power is boosted by Sheer Force to 98 as opposed to Stone Edge's 100, making Rock Slide the better choice.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>In general, if you are looking for something that can directly switch into Darmanitan, look for something with reasonable defenses and a resistance to Flare Blitz. Swampert and other bulky Water-types are good examples, and ones with recovery moves, such as Jellicent, are an even better option. However, if you can't fit one on your team, something more offensive may be in order. Revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Landorus can wipe Darmanitan off the face of the battlefield with Earthquake. However, it must be emphasized that most revenge killers cannot come in on Darmanitan directly due to the immense power of Flare Blitz. Thunder Wave and other moves which inflict paralysis can stop Darmanitan's sweep cold, as it will be easily outsped and disposed of.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Darmanitan received Zen Mode as its Dream World ability. Although gimmicky, it is a very interesting ability that transforms Darmanitan into a completely different Pokemon when its HP is under half. This ability swaps its Attack with its Special Attack, allowing it to use its specially oriented movepool, which would be left to rot otherwise. However, the problem with Zen Mode Darmanitan is that it will usually not have time or spare HP to activate Zen Mode, being OHKOed fairly easily. Being at half health when activated does not help either, especially as Darmanitan is hit neutrally by all but two priority attacks. Frankly, Darmanitan can't usually afford the severe loss in HP.</p>
