QC: hollywood, Punchshroom, marilli
GP: Antemortem, Weebl
Overview
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Immunities to Normal- and Fighting-type attacks grant Dusknoir plenty of opportunities to switch in and function as a bulky, offensively inclined spinblocker. Dusknoir boasts a decent offensive presence and a vast movepool that includes priority, many coverage options, and Trick, which Dusknoir can use to cripple walls. Dusknoir can also Pursuit trap foes should its team benefit from the elimination of Cryogonal and frail Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon. Additionally, Dusknoir outclasses Golurk by virtue of its access to priority, Pursuit, and Trick and not being weak to Cryogonal's STAB moves. However, Dusknoir's incredible defensive stats are undermined by a poor HP stat that makes it prone to being worn down quickly, and its lack of reliable recovery further exacerbates this issue. It also has no powerful STAB moves, and Golurk, Rotom, and Mismagius are generally superior offensive Ghost-types, whereas Gourgeist-XL, Gourgeist-S, and Misdreavus outclass Dusknoir defensively.
Choice Band
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name: Choice Band
move 1: Shadow Sneak
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Fire Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
Shadow Sneak's priority serves to somewhat mitigate Dusknoir's poor Speed. Earthquake has great neutral coverage with Shadow Sneak. Ice Punch can 2HKO Sandslash but will only 3HKO if Dusknoir's Choice Band is removed via Knock Off), though Fire Punch nails the likes of Cryogonal and Ferroseed. Trick can reduce the utility of an opposing wall by giving it a Choice Band and locking it into a single move. Pursuit can take advantage of switches forced against frail Ghost- and Psychic-types. It can OHKO Cryogonal on the switch out and takes a hefty bite out of a switching Claydol's health.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Attack EVs bolster Dusknoir's overall bulk and offensive presence, and an Adamant nature takes Dusknoir's Attack up anotch. Choice Band provides Dusknoir with a much-appreciated power boost, enabling it to net OHKOs and 2HKOs with greater ease. For example, with Choice Band, Dusknoir OHKOes a switching Cryogonal with Pursuit. Pressure deprives the foe of one extra PP when it attacks. This can come in handy against attackers relying on moves with low PP.
Usage Tips
========
Spinblocking is a big part of Dusknoir's niche; therefore, it should be brought in when you predict a Rapid Spin from the foe. From there, Dusknoir should aim to dispose of the spinner with the appropriate move. Given that a Normal-type can switch in on a Choice-locked Shadow Sneak and force Dusknoir out, one should play this set with careful prediction. In a similar vein, Flying-types can use a Choice-locked Earthquake to their advantage. Trick should be used if you predict a wall coming in to sponge Dusknoir's attacks, though make sure it's definitely necessary to use Trick, as without a Choice Band, Dusknoir's damage output is somewhat lacking. If you are running Pursuit in the last moveslot, Dusknoir should use it when it is against Cryogonal or a Psychic- or Ghost-type foe and you predict a switch.
Team Options
========
As Dusknoir is a spinblocker, it wants teammates that can set up entry hazards so that it can prevent the foe from removing said entry hazards. Examples of entry hazard setters are Crustle, Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Garbodor. Wish and cleric support are ideal for Dusknoir, as it lacks reliable recovery and is prone to being worn down by status. Audino and Lickilicky are examples of Pokemon that can provide this support; they have good synergy with Dusknoir, as it is immune to their sole weakness. Partner Dark- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Cacturne, Pawniard, Sawk, and Gurdurr can cover Dusknoir's weaknesses to Ghost and Dark. Pokemon that appreciate Dusknoir's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types make for great teammates. For example, Garbodor appreciates Dusknoir's ability to trap Xatu, though Dusknoir will need a small amount of prior damage to score the OHKO. As Dusknoir can cripple walls with Trick, and lure and dispose of irksome defensive Pokemon such as Ferroseed with its offensive moves, teammates that can take advantage of this, such as Feraligatr and Klinklang, are solid choices. In a similar vein, Virizion and Sawk appreciate having Dusknoir cripple Pelipper and Gourgeist-XL.
Other Options
########
A tank set running two attacks, Will-O-Wisp, and Pain Split, is a possibility, though it generally fails to accomplish as much as the Choice Band set. Dusknoir has alternative coverage options available, such as Brick Break and Rock Slide. These moves are useful against specific targets, such as Pawniard and Articuno, respectively, though Dusknoir would rather not forgo any of the listed options. Shadow Punch is more powerful than Shadow Sneak, but lacks priority and is weak. Dusknoir can run a SubPunch set, though it is better off being played as an all-out offensive spinblocker, and Pokemon such as Poliwrath run SubPunch sets better. Toxic can wear down walls. Dusknoir's access to Calm Mind and an array of special attacks make a special set a possibility, though its meager Special Attack and Speed limit the potential of such a set.
Checks and Counters
########
**Dark-types**: Dark-type attackers such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Sneasel can put the hurt on Dusknoir, though they must be wary of the prospect of taking a hit from a super effective coverage move. If a foe such as Sneasel or Pawniard happens to be running Pursuit, then it can hit a Dusknoir locked into Shadow Sneak on the switch for great damage.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Many physically bulky Pokemon, such as Gurdurr, Seismitoad, Poliwrath, Gourgeist-XL, Pelipper, and Tangela, can take hits from Dusknoir and cripple it with status, set up, heal off damage taken from Dusknoir's attacks, Knock Off Duskoir's Choice Band, or just simply outdamage it, though most need to be wary of Trick. Mega Audino gets a special mention for being unaffected by Trick.
**Status**: Poison and burn from users of Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald, such as Seismitoad and Weezing, wear Dusknoir down and limit its longevity. Burn also weakens Dusknoir's physical potential.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Golurk and Mismagius hit Dusknoir hard with their super effective STAB moves and outspeed Dusknoir, assuming that it is not locked into Shadow Sneak.
GP: Antemortem, Weebl
Overview
########
########
name: Choice Band
move 1: Shadow Sneak
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Fire Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
========
========
========
########
########
**Dark-types**: Dark-type attackers such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Sneasel can put the hurt on Dusknoir, though they must be wary of the prospect of taking a hit from a super effective coverage move. If foe such as Sneasel or Pawniard happens to be running Pursuit, then they can hit a Dusknoir locked into Shadow Sneak on the switch for great damage.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon with good physical bulk, such as Gurdurr, Seismitoad, Poliwrath, Gourgeist-XL, Pelipper, and Tangela, can take hits from Dusknoir and cripple it with status, set up, heal off damage taken from Dusknoir's attacks, Knock Off Duskoir's Choice Band, or just simply outdamage it, though most need to be wary of Trick. Mega Audino gets a special mention for being unaffected by Trick. Many physically bulky Pokemon can take on Dusknoir if it is not locked into the right move for dealing with them.
**Status**: Toxic and burn from users of Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald such as Seismitoad and Weezing wear Dusknoir down and limit its longevity. Burn also weakens Dusknoir.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Golurk and Mismagius hit Dusknoir hard with their super effective STAB moves and outspeed Dusknoir, assuming that it is not locked into Shadow Sneak.
########
- Immunities to Normal- and Fighting-type attacks grant Dusknoir plenty of opportunities to switch in and function as a bulky, offensively inclined spinblocker that can beat common spinners
- Decent offensive presence
- Vast movepool includes priority, many coverage options, and Trick to cripple walls with. Dusknoir can also Pursuit trap foes should your team benefit greatly from the elimination of frail Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon
- Has the niche of access to priority, Pursuit, Trick over Golurk and is not weak to the STAB moves of common spinners, unlike the latter
- Incredible defensive stats are undermined by a poor HP stat that makes Dusknoir prone to being worn down quickly
- Lacks reliable recovery
- No powerful STAB
- Golurk, Rotom, and Mismagius are superior offensive Ghost-types, and Gourgeist-XL, Gourgeist-S, and Misdreavus outclass Dusknoir defensively
########
name: Choice Band
move 1: Shadow Sneak
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Fire Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
- Shadow Sneak is Dusknoir's STAB option, and its increased priority serves to somewhat mitigate Dusknoir's poor Speed.
- Earthquake has great neutral coverage with Shadow Sneak.
- In the third moveslot, Ice Punch is a nice option as it can 2HKO Sandslash (though will only 3HKO if Dusknoir's Choice Band is removed via Knock Off).
- Alternatively, Fire Punch can be used to nail the likes of Cryogonal and Ferroseed.
- Trick can reduce the utility of an opposing wall by forcing it to be locked into a single move because of Choice Band.
- Pursuit is a possibility in the last moveslot to advantage of switches forced against frail Ghost- and Psychic-types. It can OHKO Cryogonal on the switch out and takes a hefty bite out of a switching Claydol's health.
========
- Maximum HP and Attack EVs bolster Dusknoir's overall bulk and offensive presence.
- An Adamant nature takes Dusknoir's Attack up another notch.
- Choice Band provides Dusknoir with a much appreciated power boost.
- Pressure is the chosen ability to deprive the foe of one extra PP when it attacks. This can come in handy against attackers relying on moves with low PP.
========
- Spinblocking is a big part of Dusknoir's niche, therefore it should be brought in when you predict a Rapid Spin from the foe. From there, Dusknoir should aim to dispose of the spinner with the appropriate move.
- Given that a Normal-type can switch in on a choice-locked Shadow Sneak and force Dusknoir out, and similarly, one should play this set with careful prediction. In a similar vein, Flying-types can use a choice-locked Earthquake to their advantage.
- Trick should be used if you predict a wall coming in to sponge your attacks, though make sure it's definitely necessary to use Trick, as without a Choice Band, Dusknoir's damage output is somewhat lacking.
- If you are running Pursuit in the last moveslot, use it when you are against Cryogonal or a Psychic- or Ghost-type foe and you predict a switch.
========
- As Dusknoir is a spinblocker, it wants teammates that can set up hazards, so that it can prevent the foe from removing said hazards. Examples of hazard setters are Crustle, Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Garbodor.
- Wish and cleric support are ideal for Dusknoir, as it lacks reliable recovery and is prone to being worn down by status. Audino and Lickilicky are examples of Pokemon that can provide this support; these two Pokemon also have good synergy with Dusknoir as it is immune to their sole weakness.
- Dark- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Cacturne, Pawniard, Sawk, and Gurdurr can cover Dusknoir's weaknesses to Ghost and Dark, making them good teammates.
- Pokemon that appreciate Dusknoir's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types make for great teammates. For example, Garbodor appreciates Dusknoir's ability to trap Xatu, though it will need a small amount of prior damage to OHKO the latter with Pursuit.
- As Dusknoir can cripple walls with Trick, and lure and dispose of irksome defensive Pokemon such as Ferroseed, teammates that can take advantage of this are solid choices. Examples are Feraligatr and Klinklang; they appreciate having Ferroseed crippled with Trick or KOed by Fire Punch. In a similar vein, Virizion and Sawk appreciate having Dusknoir cripple Pelipper and Gourgeist-XL.
########
- A tank set running two attacks, Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split is a possibility, though it generally fails to accomplish as much as the Choice Band set.
- Dusknoir has alternative coverage options available, such as Brick Break and Rock Slide. These moves are useful against specific targets, though Dusknoir would rather not forego any of the listed options.
- Shadow Punch is more powerful than Shadow Sneak, though lacks priority and is still weak.
- Dusknoir can run a SubPunch set, though it is better off being played as an all-out offensive spinblocker, and Pokemon such as Poliwrath do SubPunch better.
- Toxic can be used to wear down walls.
- Access to Calm Mind and an array of special attacks make a special set a possibility, though Dusknoir's lacking Special Attack and Speed limit the potential of such a set.
########
**Dark-types**: Dark-type attackers such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Sneasel can put the hurt on Dusknoir, though they must be wary of the prospect of taking a hit from a super effective coverage move. If foe such as Sneasel or Pawniard happens to be running Pursuit, then they can hit a Dusknoir locked into Shadow Sneak on the switch for great damage.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon with good physical bulk, such as Gurdurr, Seismitoad, Poliwrath, Gourgeist-XL, Pelipper, and Tangela, can take hits from Dusknoir and cripple it with status, set up, heal off damage taken from Dusknoir's attacks, Knock Off Duskoir's Choice Band, or just simply outdamage it, though most need to be wary of Trick. Mega Audino gets a special mention for being unaffected by Trick. Many physically bulky Pokemon can take on Dusknoir if it is not locked into the right move for dealing with them.
**Status**: Toxic and burn from users of Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald such as Seismitoad and Weezing wear Dusknoir down and limit its longevity. Burn also weakens Dusknoir.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Golurk and Mismagius hit Dusknoir hard with their super effective STAB moves and outspeed Dusknoir, assuming that it is not locked into Shadow Sneak.
########
Immunities to Normal- and Fighting-type attacks grant Dusknoir plenty of opportunities to switch in and function as a bulky, offensively inclined spinblocker. Dusknoir boasts a decent offensive presence and a vast movepool that includes priority, many coverage options, and Trick, which Dusknoir can use to cripple walls. Dusknoir can also Pursuit trap foes should its team benefit from the elimination of Cryogonal and frail Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon. Additionally, Dusknoir outclasses Golurk by virtue of its access to priority, Pursuit, and Trick and not being weak to Cryogonal's STAB moves. However, Dusknoir's incredible defensive stats are undermined by a poor HP stat that makes it prone to being worn down quickly, and its lack of reliable recovery further exacerbates this issue. It also has no powerful STAB moves, and Golurk, Rotom, and Mismagius are generally superior offensive Ghost-types, whereas Gourgeist-XL, Gourgeist-S, and Misdreavus outclass Dusknoir defensively.
Choice Band
########
name: Choice Band
move 1: Shadow Sneak
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch / Fire Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
ability: Pressure
item: Choice Band
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
nature: Adamant
Moves
========
Shadow Sneak's priority serves to somewhat mitigate Dusknoir's poor Speed. Earthquake has great neutral coverage with Shadow Sneak. Ice Punch can 2HKO Sandslash but will only 3HKO if Dusknoir's Choice Band is removed via Knock Off), though Fire Punch nails the likes of Cryogonal and Ferroseed. Trick can reduce the utility of an opposing wall by giving it a Choice Band and locking it into a single move. Pursuit can take advantage of switches forced against frail Ghost- and Psychic-types. It can OHKO Cryogonal on the switch out and takes a hefty bite out of a switching Claydol's health.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Attack EVs bolster Dusknoir's overall bulk and offensive presence, and an Adamant nature takes Dusknoir's Attack up anotch. Choice Band provides Dusknoir with a much-appreciated power boost, enabling it to net OHKOs and 2HKOs with greater ease. For example, with Choice Band, Dusknoir OHKOes a switching Cryogonal with Pursuit. Pressure deprives the foe of one extra PP when it attacks. This can come in handy against attackers relying on moves with low PP.
Usage Tips
========
Spinblocking is a big part of Dusknoir's niche; therefore, it should be brought in when you predict a Rapid Spin from the foe. From there, Dusknoir should aim to dispose of the spinner with the appropriate move. Given that a Normal-type can switch in on a Choice-locked Shadow Sneak and force Dusknoir out, one should play this set with careful prediction. In a similar vein, Flying-types can use a Choice-locked Earthquake to their advantage. Trick should be used if you predict a wall coming in to sponge Dusknoir's attacks, though make sure it's definitely necessary to use Trick, as without a Choice Band, Dusknoir's damage output is somewhat lacking. If you are running Pursuit in the last moveslot, Dusknoir should use it when it is against Cryogonal or a Psychic- or Ghost-type foe and you predict a switch.
Team Options
========
As Dusknoir is a spinblocker, it wants teammates that can set up entry hazards so that it can prevent the foe from removing said entry hazards. Examples of entry hazard setters are Crustle, Ferroseed, Qwilfish, and Garbodor. Wish and cleric support are ideal for Dusknoir, as it lacks reliable recovery and is prone to being worn down by status. Audino and Lickilicky are examples of Pokemon that can provide this support; they have good synergy with Dusknoir, as it is immune to their sole weakness. Partner Dark- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Cacturne, Pawniard, Sawk, and Gurdurr can cover Dusknoir's weaknesses to Ghost and Dark. Pokemon that appreciate Dusknoir's ability to Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types make for great teammates. For example, Garbodor appreciates Dusknoir's ability to trap Xatu, though Dusknoir will need a small amount of prior damage to score the OHKO. As Dusknoir can cripple walls with Trick, and lure and dispose of irksome defensive Pokemon such as Ferroseed with its offensive moves, teammates that can take advantage of this, such as Feraligatr and Klinklang, are solid choices. In a similar vein, Virizion and Sawk appreciate having Dusknoir cripple Pelipper and Gourgeist-XL.
Other Options
########
A tank set running two attacks, Will-O-Wisp, and Pain Split, is a possibility, though it generally fails to accomplish as much as the Choice Band set. Dusknoir has alternative coverage options available, such as Brick Break and Rock Slide. These moves are useful against specific targets, such as Pawniard and Articuno, respectively, though Dusknoir would rather not forgo any of the listed options. Shadow Punch is more powerful than Shadow Sneak, but lacks priority and is weak. Dusknoir can run a SubPunch set, though it is better off being played as an all-out offensive spinblocker, and Pokemon such as Poliwrath run SubPunch sets better. Toxic can wear down walls. Dusknoir's access to Calm Mind and an array of special attacks make a special set a possibility, though its meager Special Attack and Speed limit the potential of such a set.
Checks and Counters
########
**Dark-types**: Dark-type attackers such as Pawniard, Cacturne, and Sneasel can put the hurt on Dusknoir, though they must be wary of the prospect of taking a hit from a super effective coverage move. If a foe such as Sneasel or Pawniard happens to be running Pursuit, then it can hit a Dusknoir locked into Shadow Sneak on the switch for great damage.
**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Many physically bulky Pokemon, such as Gurdurr, Seismitoad, Poliwrath, Gourgeist-XL, Pelipper, and Tangela, can take hits from Dusknoir and cripple it with status, set up, heal off damage taken from Dusknoir's attacks, Knock Off Duskoir's Choice Band, or just simply outdamage it, though most need to be wary of Trick. Mega Audino gets a special mention for being unaffected by Trick.
**Status**: Poison and burn from users of Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Scald, such as Seismitoad and Weezing, wear Dusknoir down and limit its longevity. Burn also weakens Dusknoir's physical potential.
**Ghost-types**: Ghost-types such as Golurk and Mismagius hit Dusknoir hard with their super effective STAB moves and outspeed Dusknoir, assuming that it is not locked into Shadow Sneak.
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