
A Ghost of a Chance
[OVERVIEW]
Dusknoir may look enticing to use due to its decent Attack backed up with high-Base Power moves. However, Dusknoir can only set up a Substitute against overly passive teams, which is not helped by its average bulk and low Speed. Most importantly, Dusknoir is grossly outperformed as an attacker by Gourgeist formes and Trevenant due to its lower Speed and lack of a secondary STAB option.
[SET]
name: Substitute + 3 Attacks
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Poltergeist
move 3: Focus Punch
move 4: Shadow Sneak
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Adamant
evs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Dusknoir attempts to exploit walls like Miltank and Articuno through Substitute and fire off as many attacks it can before going down. However, Dusknoir is usually too slow and defensively vulnerable to pull it off reliably. Gourgeist formes and Trevenant are much better options as offensive Ghost-types, with both of them sporting better Speed, additional Grass-type STAB moves, and additional utility with Trick. To make matters worse, Dusknoir's strongest STAB move relies on foes having an item, making it even harder to fit on a team when Knock Off users are common.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/5dots.543866/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tuthur.369076/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
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