1v1 [GP 1/1] - Galarian Darmanitan

Itchy

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[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake / Iron Head
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan uses its great Attack, decent Speed tier, Gorilla Tactics, and Choice Band to OHKO as many opponents as possible before they can move. Either Icicle Crash or Ice Punch can be used; Ice Punch has perfect accuracy, but Icicle Crash has more power, notably securing matchups against Bulk Up Zarude, Rocky Helmet Aromatisse, and physically bulky Tapu Lele. Icicle Crash also has a 30% flinch chance, allowing Galarian Darmanitan to potentially beat Sturdy users and bulkier threats like Crustle and Aromatisse. Giga Impact OHKOes many bulkier Pokemon such as Sylveon and Primarina and even has a chance to OHKO physically defensive Tapu Fini. Flare Blitz does massive damage to Steel-types, notably OHKOing Registeel and non-Occa Berry Celesteela, and also helps Galarian Darmanitan defeat slower Volcarona sets. The last move is usually one of Superpower, Earthquake, or Iron Head. Superpower helps against Tyranitar, Air Balloon Heatran, bulky Kyurem and Chansey, Earthquake beats some Arcanine and Sitrus Berry Volcanion more reliably, and Iron Head reliably beats Aromatisse.

EVs
=============
Adamant is usually preferred, as it performs better versus bulkier Pokemon, like Tapu Fini and Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it lacks the necessary Attack investment to OHKO Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina.

An alternative spread of 88 Atk / 244 Def / 176 Spe outspeeds Rillaboom and survives Celesteela's uninvested Heavy Slam and Life Orb Rillaboom's Fake Out + Grassy Glide.

An alternative spread of 8 HP / 116 Atk / 132 SpD / 252 Spe survives Choice Scarf Togekiss's Fire Blast and Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump so that it can KO them with Icicle Crash and two Earthquakes, respectively.

Usage Tips
=============
If Galarian Darmanitan does not have Iron Head, it should use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch against Aromatisse, rather than Giga Impact. Even though Giga Impact has a chance to OHKO, it has better odds to 2HKO with Ice Punch or Icicle Crash + Struggle. Galarian Darmanitan is 2HKOed by Moonblast and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges, and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan.

With the defensive spread, use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch versus Celesteela instead of Flare Blitz. This ensures that Celesteela will not KO Galarian Darmanitan afterwards, and the Ice-type moves 2HKO most Celesteela.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Rock Slide / Lash Out
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Icicle Crash is Galarian Darmanitan's strongest STAB option. Superpower beats non-Chople variants of Porygon-Z, Urshifu-S, and Kyurem. Earthquake is for Nihilego, Entei, and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of the team; Flare Blitz for a better Celesteela and Metagross matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, Rock Slide for Volcarona, or Lash Out for Spectrier.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Pheromosa. The leftover 4 EVs are put into Special Defense so Download users like Porygon2 get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

An Adamant nature instead of a Jolly nature helps versus Heatran, but loses out on Timid Choice Scarf Kyurem and Porygon-Z, as well as other Galarian Darmanitan.

An alternative spread of 160 Atk / 112 Def / 236 Spe and an Adamant nature allows Galarian Darmanitan to survive Jolly Garchomp's Stone Edge and Adamant Garchomp's Outrage, so this spread is fairly reliable versus Choice Scarf and Custap Berry Garchomp.

If using Thrash, consider an EV spread of 4 HP / 144 Atk / 104 SpD / 252 Spe to survive Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage to come out on top.

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Icicle Crash and, after activating Zen Mode, Flare Blitz are Galarian Darmanitan's strongest STAB options. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO it, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Z can use Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, such as Endure. Reversal is another option, which can defeat Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
Adamant is the preferred nature, as base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed outspeeds all relevant threats.

Usage Tips
=============
When Galarian Darmanitan-Z can outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as Venusaur and Ferrothorn, Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa and Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, activate the Salac Berry, and OHKO the next turn.

Note that Galarian Darmanitan-Z is much weaker without Gorilla Tactics, so it does not KO bulkier Pokemon that it normally expects to like Regidrago.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [Mishlef, 509647], [Waylaid, 474883]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
 
Last edited:

Here Comes Team Charm!

Perhaps the stars
is a Community Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Hi! QC is me.

Blue add red remove green comment

There's some gp mistakes, might be smart to read through the grammar standards to make the eventual grammar check go smoother.

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Superpower/Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Darmanitan-Galar uses its 140 Attack stat, boosted even further when holding the Choice Band and using its signature ability Gorilla Tactics, to OHKO as many opponents as possible with its decent 95 speed. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Darmanitan-Galar’s STAB-boosted attacks, with Ice Punch used for its 100 accuracy and Icicle Crash used because of its additional power, notable against Custap Lele and Rhyperior and its 30% flinch chance. Giga Impact is used as a super powerful attack, doing more damage on targets that take neutral damage from both Normal-type and Ice-type moves. Giga Impact has good chances to KO many bulkier Pokemon such as Tapu Fini (Mention 1-2 others here), although it comes with the drawback of 90 accuracy and a potential recharge turn. Flare Blitz is used to do massive damage to Steel-types, notably OHKOing Registeel. Flare Blitz also guarantees Darmanitan-Galar's matchup versus Volcarona, ensuring Darmanitan-Galar does not risk missing Giga Impact. The last move on Choice Band Darmanitan-Galar is usually one of Superpower or Earthquake. Superpower can be used to turn matchups such against bulky Kyurem in Darmanitan-Galar’s favor (Kyurem is far from the most reliable matchup here, maybe mention Chansey?), and Earthquake allows Darmanitan-Galar to beat bulky Volcanion more reliably.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan usually wants maximum Attack power and speed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. Adamant is usually preferred, as it makes damage rolls on is necessary to beat bulkier Pokemon, like Tapu Fini or Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack against Darmanitan-Galar.

Usage Tips
=============
Usually, using Darmanitan-Galar is fairly straightforward, but, Darmanitan-Galar does have room to make reads (Very awkward phrasing, this makes it almost sound like being forced to predict is a nice bonus, maybe cut this entire section) versus opponents that sometimes hold the Custap Berry and run Endure, like Primarina, Porygon-Z or Tapu Lele (Mention that Lele is only prediction-based if you run Ice Punch, and Porygon-Z can endure on anything you throw at it and get knocked into custap no matter what you clicked). This combo allows Pokemon to tank a hit (and then use custap to outspeed) and KO before Darmanitan-Galar moves. This results in these matchups being based on predicting the opponent’s set. Darmanitan-Galar can go for the OHKO or go for a risk and predict an Endure, clicking a less effective move that 2HKOs instead. Going for the 2HKO can backfire - the opponent can get the 1 in 3 chance of a double Endure, or they could decide not to Endure turn 1 and hit Darmanitan-Galar before Enduring to KO Darmanitan-Galar. (really not sure about this entire section, ik it's darmG and it's not too complicated by you don't need to spend eight lines explaining how to play around endure in the abstract, especially when band is so strong that in many cases clicking a different move would still OHKO)

Against Aromatisse, rather than clicking Giga Impact, which has a good chance to OHKO, Darmanitan-Galar has better chances to beat Aromatisse using Icicle Crash. Darmanitan-Galar is KOed by 2 Moonblasts and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges and use Moonblast again to KO Darmanitan-Galar. The odds that Darmanitan-Galar hits and OHKOs Aromatisse with Giga Impact maximum defense investment is only slightly better than a coinflip. To beat Aromatisse more reliably, Darmanitan-Galar should use Icicle Crash instead, if it is running the move. Icicle Crash + Struggle KOs Aromatisse, and avoids taking the Rocky Helmet damage until after KOing Aromatisse. Darmanitan-Galar still has to rely on hitting Icicle Crash, but it is more reliable than trying to OHKO Aromatisse with Giga Impact.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Giga Impact
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Darmanitan-Galar runs Icicle Crash for a STAB-boosted attack, OHKOing many Dragons, such as Zygarde or Naganadel. In addition to this, Darmanitan-Galar runs Superpower, useful for Heatran, Kyurem and the Darmanitan-Galar mirror matchup as well as Earthquake for Nihilego and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team. Darmanitan-Galar may use Flare Blitz, useful for a better Celesteela and Venusaur matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, or Giga Impact for a better Volcarona matchup.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan-Galar runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to at worst speed tie other Choice Scarf base 95s, useful for such as opposing Darmanitan-Galar as well as Choice Scarf Kyurem. Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the leftover 4 EVs put into Special Defense for Download users, like Porygon2, to get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

Usage Tips
=============
Usually, using Darmanitan-Galar is fairly straightforward, but, Darmanitan-Galar does have room to make reads versus opponents that sometimes hold the Custap Berry and run Endure, like Moltres-Galar, Garchomp or Zapdos-Galar. The combo of Endure and the Custap Berry allows Pokemon to tank a hit and KO before Darmanitan-Galar moves. This results in these matchups being based on predicting the opponent’s set. Darmanitan-Galar can go for the OHKO, ensuring the win against non-Custap variants or go for a risk and predict an Endure, clicking a less effective move that 2HKOs instead. This play is high risk, but gives an out against a set that would normally beat Darmanitan-Galar. (This section is slightly more relevant here bc scarf rarely ohkos with every move, but I'm still not 100% on including it; it's a darmG, if the usage tips section is 'click the move that hits hardest' them I'll be happy)

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Zen Mode Darmanitan-Galar runs Icicle Crash as its STAB-boosted attack, and runs Flare Blitz as an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Darmanitan-Galar endures on an attack that would otherwise OHKO, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Darmanitan-Galar gains the Fire typing, gets a base 160 Attack stat and a 135 base Speed stat from the Zen Mode ability, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry, outspeeding almost everything in the format. (Not sure about this line, ) To round out this set, Darmanitan-Galar-Zen can run Encore to lock opponents into setup, such as Endure or Iron Defense or Reversal, (Incredibly awkward structuring that makes it sound like you want to Encore opponents into setup, like Reversal) which becomes 200 base power when Enduring to 1 HP. while very low on HP and can beat [blank] and [blank].

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Darmanitan-Galar to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The nature boosts Attack over Speed because at base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Darmanitan-Galar-Zen is already outspeeding nearly everything in the format.

Usage Tips
=============
When Zen Mode Darmanitan-Galar can outdamage an opponent, such as its matchup versus Zygarde or Togekiss, Darmanitan-Galar should just attack turn 1 (Fire Blast Scarf Togekiss exists and wins if you're not enduring) . Other matchups, where Darmanitan is OHKOed, like versus Garchomp or Regieleki, Darmanitan-Galar should use Endure, hoping to survive an attack. Regieleki and some Garchomp sets have counterplay to Darmanitan-Galar, but both come with drawbacks (Regieleki is the worst example to give for something to Endure on: just pick another fast mon like kartana?). Regieleki can click Thunder Cage, KOing Darmanitan-Galar through Endure with passive damage, and non-Choiced Garchomp can use Swords Dance or an Endure of their own to avoid hitting Darmanitan-Galar to 1 HP.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchyy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2], [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]


Implement and tag me, I'd like to have another look before giving QC 1/2.
 

Here Comes Team Charm!

Perhaps the stars
is a Community Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Superpower/Earthquake
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan uses its 140 Attack, boosted even further when holding the Choice Band and its signature ability Gorilla Tactics. Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan attempts to OHKO as many opponents as possible with this incredible attack power coupled with its decent 95 Speed. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Galarian Darmanitan’s STAB-boosted attacks, with Ice Punch used for its 100 Accuracy and Icicle Crash used because of its additional Base Power, notable against Rhyperior and physically bulky Tapu Lele. Icicle Crash has a 30% flinch chance as well, providing a chance for Galarian Darmanitan to beat some Pokemon 2HKOed at best by any move Darmanitan-Galar can throw at them, such as physically bulky Necrozma. Giga Impact is used as a super powerful attack, doing more damage on targets that take neutral damage from both Normal-type and Ice-type moves. Giga Impact has good chances to KO many bulkier Pokemon such as Tapu Fini, Sylveon and Primarina, although it comes with the drawback of 90 accuracy and a potential recharge turn. Flare Blitz is used to do massive damage to Steel-types, notably OHKOing Registeel. Flare Blitz also guarantees Galarian Darmanitan's matchup versus Volcarona, ensuring Galarian Darmanitan does not risk missing Giga Impact. The last move on Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan is usually one of Superpower or Earthquake. Superpower can be used to turn matchups such against bulky Kyurem and Chansey in Galarian Darmanitan’s favor, and Earthquake allows Galarian Darmanitan to beat bulky Volcanion more reliably.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan usually wants maximum Attack and speed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. Adamant is usually preferred, as it is necessary to beat bulkier Pokemon, like Tapu Fini or Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack against Galarian Darmanitan.

Usage Tips
=============
Against Aromatisse, rather than clicking Giga Impact, which has a good chance to OHKO, Galarian Darmanitan has better chances to beat Aromatisse using Icicle Crash. Galarian Darmanitan is KOed by 2 Moonblasts and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan. The odds that Galarian Darmanitan hits and OHKOs Aromatisse with Giga Impact maximum defense investment is only slightly better than a coinflip. To beat Aromatisse more reliably, Galarian Darmanitan should use Icicle Crash instead, if it is running the move. Icicle Crash + Struggle KOs Aromatisse, and avoids taking the Rocky Helmet damage until after KOing Aromatisse. Galarian Darmanitan still has to rely on hitting Icicle Crash, but it is more reliable than trying to OHKO Aromatisse with Giga Impact.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Giga Impact
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan runs Icicle Crash for a STAB-boosted attack, OHKOing many Dragons, such as Zygarde or Naganadel. In addition to this, Galarian Darmanitan runs Superpower, useful for Frail Air Balloon Heatran (Bulky heatran sets can actually tank a scarf superpower), Kyurem and the Galarian Darmanitan mirror matchup as well as Earthquake for NIhilego and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team. Galarian Darmanitan may use Flare Blitz, useful for a better Celesteela and Venusaur (I know it's technically an improvement, but surely there's another target for fire coverage: just pick one of ferrothorn and metagross) matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, or Giga Impact for a better Volcarona matchup.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to speed tie other Choice Scarf base 95s, such as useful for opposing Galarian Darmanitan as well as Choice Scarf Kyurem. Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the leftover 4 EVs put into Special Defense for Download users, like Porygon2, to get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Zen Mode Galarian Darmanitan runs Icicle Crash as its STAB-boosted attack, and runs Flare Blitz as an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO Galarian Darmanitan, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Galarian Darmanitan gains the Fire typing, gains a base 160 Attack and a 135 base Speed stat from the Zen Mode ability, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry. To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen can run Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, such as Endure or Iron Defense. In other cases, Galarian Darmanitan can also run Reversal which becomes up to 200 base power when low on HP, beating opposing Galarian Darmanitan, Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Galarian Darmanitan to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The nature boosts Attack over Speed because at base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen is already outspeeding nearly everything in the format.

Usage Tips
=============
When Zen Mode Galarian Darmanitan can outdamage outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as its matchup versus Zygarde or Ferrothorn Goodra (I'm sorry but once more this isn't a great example, goodra commonly runs counter and 252+ Atk Darmanitan-Galar Icicle Crash vs. 168 HP / 172+ Def Goodra: 318-374 (87.6 - 103%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO, the matchup is awkward all-around but the play would probably be something like blitz into endure), Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa or Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, hoping to survive an attack activate its Salac Berry and OHKO the next turn.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchyy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [username2, userid2]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]



Alright, a few more minor comments and after that you can bump this up to QC 1/2.
 
AMQC

Blue Add Red Remove Green comment/suggestion

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz / Earthquake
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake / Iron Head
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant/Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan uses its 140 Attack, boosted even further with Choice Band and Gorilla Tactics, coupled with its decent speed tier, to OHKO as many opponents as possible before they can move. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Galarian Darmanitan’s STAB attacks, with Ice Punch used for its perfect accuracy, but Icicle Crash is more powerful, notable against Rhyperior, Bulk Up Zarude, Rocky Helmet Aromatisse (move aroma to front as its the most revelant out of all of these considering rhyp can bulk both punch and crash), and physically bulky Tapu Lele. Icicle Crash has a 30% flinch chance as well, providing extra chances against Aromatisse as well as giving Galarian Darmanitan a chance to bypass some sturdies such as Crustle and non-Custap Magnezone. Giga Impact is used as a super powerful attack (worded strange maybe instead say high Base Power alongside neutral coverage against Water types); it OHKOes many bulkier Pokemon such as Sylveon and Primarina, and has good chances to OHKO Tapu Fini, although it comes with the drawback of a potential recharge turn (fluff explaining what giga impact does). Flare Blitz is used to do massive damage to Steel-types, notably for non-Custap Ferrothorn as well as OHKOing Registeel and non-Occa Berry Celesteela. Flare Blitz also helps Galarian Darmanitan defeat slower Volcarona (you talked about giga before accuracy changes isn't worth this difference imo). The last move on Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan is usually one of Superpower, Earthquake, or Iron Head (Iron Head should probably be talked about alongside other niche 4th moves like Thrash, Iron Head, Rock Slide maybe). Superpower can be used to turn matchups such against bulky Kyurem and Chansey in Galarian Darmanitan’s favor (I think any of TTar, non Chople Shifu (giga impact exists but eh) are better choices here as well as like air balloon Heatran) , Earthquake allows Galarian Darmanitan to beat bulky Volcanion and Arcanine more reliably, and Iron Head guarantees the Aromatisse matchup.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan usually wants maximum Attack and speed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. Adamant is usually preferred, as it is necessary to beat bulkier for the best odds against Pokemon, like Tapu Fini or Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack against Galarian Darmanitan.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it will miss out on Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina.

An alternative spread of 88 Atk / 244 Def / 176 Spe outspeeds Rillaboom while surviving LO Fake Out into Grassy Glide while also surviving and survives Celesteela's uninvested Heavy Slam allowing for Icicle Crash to 2HKO. (you already know I think that this could be its own section and it should be noted that the bulk allows for Gdarm to survive weaker custap moves as well as random techs like rock tomb vish which u now avoid the 2hko for example. You can write a section that says that in contrast to the OHKO or get OHKO'd nature of the 252/252 spread this spread gives some flexibility allowing for GDarm to 2hko certain threats while not being ohko'd by them)

An alternative spread of 8 HP / 116 Atk / 132 SpD / 252 Spe survives Choice Scarf Togekiss's Fire Blast and Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump. (Spdef is much more niche so u can keep it in OO but you should mention Thrash is better for this Gdarm)

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage and you will be fine.

If Galarian Darmanitan does not have Iron Head, it should use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch against Aromatisse, rather than Giga Impact. Even though Giga Impact has a chance to OHKO, it is better to 2HKO with Ice Punch or Icicle Crash + Struggle. Galarian Darmanitan is 2HKOed by Moonblast and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan. (Draining Kiss Aroma's mess up the math on this a bit but I believe its still in GDarm's favor)

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Giga Impact / Lash Out / Rock Slide (realistically an optional choice to include but ye)
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan uses Icicle Crash as its STAB move. In addition to this, Galarian Darmanitan runs Superpower, useful for Frail Air Balloon Heatran (even the bulky heatran set drops to Adamant guaranteed), Porygon-Z, non-Chople Urshifu-S, Kyurem and other Galarian Darmanitan matchup(I think you should pick 2-3 of these like 5 choices leaning away from the Ditto and Heatran) , and Earthquake for Nihilego and Zeraora (switch this order for sure and other options like Volcanion, Enteis, Arcanines, are better imo). The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team. Galarian Darmanitan may use Flare Blitz, for a better Celesteela(arguable but then against Flare Blitz in general is kinda mid) and Metagross matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, Giga Impact for a better Volcarona matchup (Rock Slide is better for this just because technically really bulky volcarona can win especially if ur jolly while Rock Slide also gives you Talonflame), or Lash Out for Spectrier.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to outspeed and Pheromosa Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and speed tie other base 95s at +1, useful for opposing Galarian Darmanitan as well as Choice Scarf Kyurem. Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the leftover 4 EVs put into Special Defense for Download users, like Porygon2, to get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

An Adamant nature instead of a Jolly nature helps versus Heatran, but loses out on other Galarian Darmanitan and Pheromosa and Choice Scarf Kyurem.

An alternative spread of 160 Atk / 112 Def / 236 Spe and an Adamant nature allows Galarian Darmanitan to survive any move Choice Scarf or Custap Berry Garchomp may throw at it.(unless I'm missing something this is overbulking for Garchomp but also Stone Edge can be run on Chomp so I would change it to Outrage from Adamant Chomp which is only 104 def evs)

If you are using Thrash, consider an EV spread of 4 HP / 144 Atk / 104 SpD / 252 Spe to survive Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage and you will be fine.

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan-Z uses Icicle Crash as a STAB attack, as well as Flare Blitz for an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO it(technically put below 25% might be relevant for something), activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z gains the Fire typing, base 160 Attack and 135 base Speed, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry. To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen can run Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, most notably such as Endure or Iron Defense(I would elaborate on Endure in a separate paragraph just because this set is so barren plus idk what is clicking ID against you really so it seems too niche to include so I would just simplify it because Endure is the most important one). In other cases, Galarian Darmanitan can use Reversal instead, which becomes up to 200 base power when low on HP, beating Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Galarian Darmanitan to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The nature boosts Attack over Speed because at base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z is already outspeeding nearly everything in the format.

Usage Tips
=============
When Galarian Darmanitan-Z can outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as its matchup versus Venusaur or Ferrothorn, Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa or Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, activate the Salac Berry, and OHKO the next turn. It should be noted that even when in Zen-Mode Galarian Darmanitan is weaker than Gorilla Tactics Boosted Base Form which is why Zen Mode is often the most niche of the sets.

(Other options technically can include WP Zen which is probably better than Salac Zen anyways, but also if you want to stretch items like charti with wisp can beat aggron and AV is maybe a usable set but I don't think either of those should be mentioned especially if you heed my advice and make the bulkier GDarm spreads their own paragraphs. I guess you can also make some note about how you can mix and match GDarm evs and items and moveset to match whatever you need because writing about both physdef bulky band and physdef bulky scarf seems not ideal and a waste of time)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchyy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [username2, userid2] , [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
 
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz / Earthquake
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake / Iron Head
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan uses its 140 Attack, boosted even further with Choice Band and Gorilla Tactics, coupled with its decent speed tier, to OHKO as many opponents as possible before they can move. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Galarian Darmanitan’s STAB attacks, with Ice Punch used for its perfect accuracy, but Icicle Crash is more powerful, notabley securing matchups against Bulk Up Zarude, Rocky Helmet Aromatisse, and physically bulky Tapu Lele. Icicle Crash has a 30% flinch chance as well, providing extra chances against Crustle and Aromatisse. Giga Impact is a super powerful attack; it OHKOes many bulkier Pokemon such as Sylveon and Primarina, and has good chances has odds to OHKO even physically defensive Tapu Fini, although it comes with the drawback of a potential recharge turn. (without specificying that it's set dependent it seems like 1v1 finis are all the same EVs or all ohko if you don't miss) Flare Blitz is used to do massive damage to Steel-types, notably OHKOing Registeel and non-Occa Berry Celesteela. Flare Blitz also helps Galarian Darmanitan defeat slower Volcarona sets. The last move on Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan is usually one of Superpower, Earthquake, or Iron Head. Superpower can be used to turn matchups such against Tyranitar, Air Balloon Heatran, bulky Kyurem and Chansey in Galarian Darmanitan’s favor, Earthquake allows Galarian Darmanitan to beat some Arcanine and bulky sitrus Volcanion sets more reliably, and Iron Head guarantees the Aromatisse matchup. (bulky volc can run custap and air balloon and shit which eq does not help vs)

EVs
=============
Darmanitan usually wants maximum Attack and speed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. Adamant is usually preferred, as it is necessary for better chances versus bulkier Pokemon, like Tapu Fini or Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack against Galarian Darmanitan.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it will miss out on lacks the necessary attack investment to OHKO Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina.

An alternative spread of 88 Atk / 244 Def / 176 Spe outspeeds Rillaboom and survives while surviving Celesteela's uninvested Heavy Slam and Life Orb Rillaboom's Grassy Glide + Fake Out Fake out + Grassy Glide.

An alternative spread of 8 HP / 116 Atk / 132 SpD / 252 Spe survives Choice Scarf Togekiss's Fire Blast and Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump, allowing Darmanitan knock them out the following turn.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage and you will be fine. (I think this is unnecessary, you can keep it if you want but it seems strikingly casual for what is otherwise written as a quite formal analysis)

If Galarian Darmanitan does not have Iron Head, it should use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch against Aromatisse, rather than Giga Impact. Even though Giga Impact has a chance to OHKO, it is better to 2HKO with Ice Punch or Icicle Crash + Struggle. Galarian Darmanitan is 2HKOed by Moonblast and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges, and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan.

With the defensive spread, use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch versus Celesteela instead of Flare Blitz. This ensures that Celesteela will not KO Galarian Darmanitan afterwards, and the Ice-type moves 2HKO most Celesteela.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Giga Impact / Lash Out
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe


[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan uses Icicle Crash as its STAB move. In addition to this, Galarian Darmanitan runs Superpower, useful for non-Chople variants of Porygon-Z, Urshifu-S, and Kyurem. (this way makes it clear that all 3 of these mons can run chople, not just PZ) Earthquake is for Nihilego, Entei, and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team. Galarian Darmanitan may use Flare Blitz, for a better Celesteela and Metagross matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, Giga Impact for a better Volcarona matchup, or Lash Out for Spectrier.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Pheromosa. Galarian Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the leftover 4 EVs put into Special Defense for Download users, like Porygon2, to get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

An Adamant nature instead of a Jolly nature helps versus Heatran, but loses out on other Galarian Darmanitan and the Timid Choice Scarf Kyurem and Porygon-Z matchups, as well as weaking the Galarian Darmanitan mirror matchup.

An alternative spread of 160 Atk / 112 Def / 236 Spe and an Adamant nature allows Galarian Darmanitan to survive any move Choice Scarf or Custap Berry Garchomp may throw at it.

If you are using Thrash, consider an EV spread of 4 HP / 144 Atk / 104 SpD / 252 Spe to survive Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage and you will be fine. (ig it's more fine here but this is still a wonky way to phrase)

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan-Z uses Icicle Crash as a STAB attack, as well as Flare Blitz for an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO it, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z gains the Fire typing, base 160 Attack and 135 base Speed, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry. To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen can use Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, such as Endure. In other cases, Galarian Darmanitan can use Reversal instead, which becomes up to 200 base power when low on HP, beating to defeat Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Galarian Darmanitan to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The nature boosts Attack over Speed because at base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z is already outspeeding nearly everything in the format.

Usage Tips
=============
When Galarian Darmanitan-Z can outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as its matchup versus Venusaur or Ferrothorn, Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa or Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, activate the Salac Berry, and OHKO the next turn.

Note that Galarian Darmanian-Z is much weaker than the base from, so it does not KO bulkier Pokemon that it normally expects to like Regidrago.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchyy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [Mishlef, 509647] , [username3, userid3]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

qc 2/2 once implemented
QC-Waylaid.gif
 

Isaiah

Here today, gone tomorrow
is a Site Content Manageris an official Team Rateris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributor
UM/OM Leader
AMGP
Add Remove Conjecture

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz / Earthquake (The way it's discussed in the analysis makes Flare Blitz seem as though it isn't optional, but it's still slashed with Earthquake here.)
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake / Iron Head
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Boasting an already high 140 Attack and decent Speed tier, Choice Band Gorilla Tactics Galarian Darmanitan seeks uses its 140 Attack, (comma) boosted even further with Choice Band and Gorilla Tactics, coupled with its decent speed tier, to OHKO as manyits opponents as possible before they can move. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Galarian Darmanitan’s options for STAB moves.attacks,(comma) with Ice Punch used for its perfect accuracy, but Icicle Crash is more powerful and can flinch, notably securing winsmatchups against Bulk Up Zarude, Rocky Helmet Aromatisse, and physically bulky Tapu Lele,(comma) and Crustle. Icicle Crash has a 30% flinch chance as well, providing extra chances against Crustle and Aromatisse. Giga Impact is a super powerful attack; it OHKOes bulkymany bulkier Pokemon such as Sylveon and Primarina, (comma) and even has a chanceodds to OHKO even physically defensive Tapu Fini, although it runs the risk of being forced to recharge.comes with the drawback of a potential recharge turn. Flare Blitz is used to do massive damage to Steel-types, notably scoring OHKOs oning Registeel and non-Occa Berry Celesteela. Flare Blitz also helps Galarian Darmanitan defeat slower Volcarona sets. The last move on Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan is usually one of Superpower, Earthquake, or Iron Head. Superpower is a great last move for turning can be used to turn matchups such against Tyranitar, Air Balloon Heatran, bulky Kyurem,(comma) and Chansey in Galarian Darmanitan’s favor,(comma).(period) Earthquake instead allows Galarian Darmanitan to beat some Arcanine variants and Sitrus Berry Volcanion more reliably, and Iron Head guarantees a win versus the Aromatisse.(period) matchup.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan benefits most from usually wants maximum Attack and Speed investmentspeed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. An Adamant Nature is usually preferred,(comma) to improve damage output against as it is necessary for better chances versus bulkier bulky Pokemon,(comma) like Tapu Fini or Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block prevent Pokemon with the ability Download,(comma) users most notably such as Porygon2,(comma) from getting gaining +1 Special Attack against Galarian Darmanitan.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it lacks the necessary attack investment to OHKO Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina.

An alternative spread of 88 Atk / 244 Def / 176 Spe outspeeds Rillaboom and survives Celesteela's uninvested Heavy Slam and Life Orb Rillaboom's Fake Out + Grassy Glide.

An alternative spread of 8 HP / 116 Atk / 132 SpD / 252 Spe survives Choice Scarf Togekiss's Fire Blast and Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump so that it can KO them with Icicle Crash and two Earthquakes, respectively.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it lacks the necessary attack investment to OHKO Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina. (Move this to after you actually discuss the bulky EV spreads)

Usage Tips
=============
If Galarian Darmanitan does not have Iron Head, it should use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch against Aromatisse,(comma) rather than instead of Giga Impact. Even though Giga Impact has a chance to OHKO, it is better to 2HKO with Ice Punch or Icicle Crash + Struggle. Galarian Darmanitan is 2HKOed by Moonblast and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse,(comma):(colon) which means that if If Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges, and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan.

With the defensive spread, use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch versus Celesteela instead of Flare Blitz. This ensures that Celesteela will not KO Galarian Darmanitan after the recoil and guarantees a wards, and the Ice-type moves 2HKO against most Celesteela.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Rock Slide / Lash Out
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan uses Icicle Crash as its STAB move. In addition to this, Galarian Darmanitan runs Superpower,(comma) useful for to target non-Chople Berry variants of Porygon-Z, Urshifu-S, and Kyurem. Earthquake is for Nihilego, Entei, and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team.(period):(colon) Galarian Darmanitan may use Flare Blitz,(comma) for a better Celesteela and Metagross matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, Rock Slide for Volcarona, or Lash Out for Spectrier.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed investment and a Speed-boosting nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Pheromosa. Galarian Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the leftover 4 EVs put into Special Defense so that for Download users,(comma) like Porygon2,(comma) to get gain an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

An Adamant nature instead of a Jolly nature maximizes damage helps versus Heatran, but loses out on is outsped by Timid Choice Scarf Kyurem and Porygon-Z,(comma) as well as other opposing Jolly Galarian Darmanitan.

An alternative spread of 160 Atk / 112 Def / 236 Spe and an Adamant nature allows Galarian Darmanitan to survive Jolly Garchomp's Stone Edge and Adamant Garchomp's Outrage, so this spread is fairly reliable versus Choice Scarf and Custap Berry Garchomp.

If you are using Thrash, consider an EV spread of 4 HP / 144 Atk / 104 SpD / 252 Spe to survive Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage to come out on top.
(This isn't necessary)
[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan-Z uses Icicle Crash and Flare Blitz as its STAB moves of choice post-transformation. as a STAB attack, as well as Flare Blitz for an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO it, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z gains the Fire typing, base 160 Attack and 135 base Speed, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry. To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen can use Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, such as Endure. AlternativelyIn other cases, Galarian Darmanitan can use Reversal at low HP valuesinstead, which becomes up to 200 base power when low on HP, to KO defeat Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Galarian Darmanitan to maximize damage output and speed.hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The An Adamant nature is preferred boosts Attack over Speed because at base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z is already outspeeds outspeeding nearly everything in the format.

Usage Tips
=============
When Galarian Darmanitan-Z should always attack on the first turn in matchups where it can outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as its matchup versus Venusaur or Ferrothorn, Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Otherwise, it should use Endure to activate the Salac Berry and OHKO faster threats such as Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa or Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, activate the Salac Berry, and OHKO on the next turn.

Note that Galarian Darmanitan-Z is much weaker without Gorilla Tactics, so it does not KO bulkier Pokemon that it normally expects to like Regidrago.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [Mishlef, 509647], [Waylaid, 474883]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
 

UT

Old habits die SCREAMING
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Team Rateris a Battle Simulator Administratoris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Appeals + C&C Lead
add remove conjecture
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Icicle Crash / Ice Punch
move 2: Giga Impact
move 3: Flare Blitz / Earthquake it is not implied that Flare Blitz is optional
move 4: Superpower / Earthquake / Iron Head
item: Choice Band
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan uses its 140 Attack, boosted even further with Choice Band and Gorilla Tactics, coupled with its decent speed tier, great Attack, decent Speed tier, Gorilla Tactics, and Choice Band to OHKO as many opponents as possible before they can move. Icicle Crash or Ice Punch are used as Galarian Darmanitan’s STAB attacks Either Icicle Crash or Ice Punch can be used, with Ice Punch used for its boasting perfect accuracy, but Icicle Crash is more powerful providing much more power, notably securing matchups against Bulk Up Zarude, Rocky Helmet Aromatisse, and physically bulky Tapu Lele. Icicle Crash has a 30% flinch chance as well, providing extra chances against also has a 30% flinch chance, allowing Galarian Darmanitan to potentially beat Sturdy users and bulkier threats like Crustle and Aromatisse. Giga Impact is a super powerful attack; it OHKOes many bulkier Pokemon such as Sylveon and Primarina, has odds to OHKO even and even has a chance to OHKO physically defensive Tapu Fini, although it comes with the drawback of a potential recharge turn. Flare Blitz is used to do does massive damage to Steel-types, notably OHKOing Registeel and non-Occa Berry Celesteela. Flare Blitz Celesteela, and also helps Galarian Darmanitan defeat slower Volcarona sets. The last move on Choice Band Galarian Darmanitan is usually one of Superpower, Earthquake, or Iron Head. Superpower can be used to turn matchups such helps against Tyranitar, Air Balloon Heatran, bulky Kyurem and Chansey in Galarian Darmanitan’s favor, Earthquake allows Galarian Darmanitan to beat beats some Arcanine and Sitrus Berry Volcanion more reliably, and Iron Head guarantees the reliably beats Aromatisse matchup.

EVs
=============
Darmanitan usually wants maximum Attack and speed, so that it can OHKO as many opponents as possible before being OHKOed in return. don't need to explain max/max EVs Adamant is usually preferred, as it is necessary for better chances performs better versus bulkier Pokemon, like Tapu Fini or and Aromatisse. The 4 Special Defense EVs block Pokemon with the ability Download, most notably Porygon2, from getting +1 Special Attack against Galarian Darmanitan.

On bulkier spreads, Giga Impact is less valuable, since it lacks the necessary Attack investment to OHKO Tapu Fini. However, it is still valuable versus Sylveon and Primarina.

An alternative spread of 88 Atk / 244 Def / 176 Spe outspeeds Rillaboom and survives Celesteela's uninvested Heavy Slam and Life Orb Rillaboom's Fake Out + Grassy Glide.

An alternative spread of 8 HP / 116 Atk / 132 SpD / 252 Spe survives Choice Scarf Togekiss's Fire Blast and Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump so that it can KO them with Icicle Crash and two Earthquakes, respectively.

Usage Tips
=============
If Galarian Darmanitan does not have Iron Head, it should use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch against Aromatisse, rather than Giga Impact. Even though Giga Impact has a chance to OHKO, it is better to it has better odds to 2HKO with Ice Punch or Icicle Crash + Struggle. Galarian Darmanitan is 2HKOed by Moonblast and Rocky Helmet damage from Aromatisse, which means that if Aromatisse dodges or survives Giga Impact turn 1 and uses Trick Room, it can use Moonblast, disable Giga Impact as it recharges, and use Moonblast again to KO Galarian Darmanitan.

With the defensive spread, use Icicle Crash or Ice Punch versus Celesteela instead of Flare Blitz. This ensures that Celesteela will not KO Galarian Darmanitan afterwards, and the Ice-type moves 2HKO most Celesteela.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Flare Blitz / Thrash / Rock Slide / Lash Out
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Gorilla Tactics
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Choice Scarf Galarian Darmanitan uses Icicle Crash as its STAB move Icicle Crash is Galarian Darmanitan's stronges STAB option. In addition to this, Galarian Darmanitan runs Superpower, useful for beats non-Chople variants of Porygon-Z, Urshifu-S, and Kyurem. Earthquake is for Nihilego, Entei, and Zeraora. The last move is more variable, depending on the needs of a team. Galarian Darmanitan may use Flare Blitz, for the team; Flare Blitz for a better Celesteela and Metagross matchup, Thrash for Choice Scarf Tapu Fini, Rock Slide for Volcarona, or Lash Out for Spectrier.

EVs
=============
Galarian Darmanitan runs maximum Speed and a Speed-boosting nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Pheromosa. Galarian Darmanitan also has maximum Attack investment to deal as much damage as possible, with the The leftover 4 EVs are put into Special Defense for so Download users, like Porygon2, to get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack boost.

An Adamant nature instead of a Jolly nature helps versus Heatran, but loses out on Timid Choice Scarf Kyurem and Porygon-Z, as well as other Galarian Darmanitan.

An alternative spread of 160 Atk / 112 Def / 236 Spe and an Adamant nature allows Galarian Darmanitan to survive Jolly Garchomp's Stone Edge and Adamant Garchomp's Outrage, so this spread is fairly reliable versus Choice Scarf and Custap Berry Garchomp.

If you are using Thrash, consider an EV spread of 4 HP / 144 Atk / 104 SpD / 252 Spe to survive Choice Specs Tapu Fini's Hydro Pump.

Usage Tips
=============
In nearly every matchup, use the move that does the most damage to come out on top.

[SET]
name: Zen Mode
move 1: Icicle Crash
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Endure
move 4: Encore / Reversal
item: Salac Berry
ability: Zen Mode
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

Set Description
=============
Galarian Darmanitan-Z uses Icicle Crash as a STAB attack, as well as Flare Blitz for an additional STAB attack once it transforms due to the Zen Mode ability Icicle Crash and, after activating Zen Mode, Flare Blitz are Galarian Darmanitan's strongest STAB options. In most matchups, Zen Mode is triggered when Galarian Darmanitan uses Endure on an attack that would otherwise OHKO it, activating both Zen Mode and the Salac Berry. Once transformed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z gains the Fire typing, base 160 Attack and 135 base Speed, and gains +1 Speed from the Salac Berry. don't explain basic battle mechanics To round out this set, Galarian Darmanitan-Zen can use Encore to lock opponents into non-damaging moves, such as Endure. In other cases, Galarian Darmanitan can use Reversal instead is another option, which becomes up to 200 base power when low on HP, to can defeat Kyurem and Heatran.

EVs
=============
The set provided allows Galarian Darmanitan to hit as hard as possible and be as fast as possible. The nature boosts Attack over Speed because at Adamant is the preferred nature, as base 135 Speed and at +1 Speed, Galarian Darmanitan-Z is already outspeeding nearly everything in the format outspeeds all relevant threats.

Usage Tips
=============
When Galarian Darmanitan-Z can outspeed and OHKO an opponent, such as its matchup versus Venusaur or and Ferrothorn, Galarian Darmanitan should just attack turn 1. Other matchups, where Darmanitan is outsped and OHKOed, like versus Pheromosa or and Kartana, Galarian Darmanitan should use Endure, activate the Salac Berry, and OHKO the next turn.

Note that Galarian Darmanitan-Z is much weaker without Gorilla Tactics, so it does not KO bulkier Pokemon that it normally expects to like Regidrago.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Itchy, 518399]]
- Quality checked by: [[Here Comes Team Charm!, 501918], [Mishlef, 509647], [Waylaid, 474883]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]

GP 1/1!



GP Team done
 

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