Trimming the Nasty Plot and Swords Dance analyses, as there were lots of unnecessary words taking up valuable space. Some of the wording was also changed so that the analyses are easier to read, but I've tried to keep the analysis as similar to the original analysis as possible: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55707 P.S. It's a Theorymon analysis.
Status: Finished
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Dark Void
move 4: Focus Blast / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash / Lum Berry
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Nasty Plot Darkrai quickly decimates weakened teams with its swift 125 base Speed and 135 base Special Attack. With Dark Void, it can cripple an opposing Pokémon and set up Nasty Plot. STAB Dark Pulse is its main form of attack, hitting many Ubers super effectively. Focus Blast complements Dark Pulse well, eliminating Tyranitar, Dialga, and opposing Darkrai, whilst Substitute scouts switch-ins, eases prediction, and helps against status and Sleep Talkers.</p>
<p>Focus Sash guarantees lead Darkrai at least one attempt to put the opposing Pokémon to sleep with Dark Void. Bad Dreams, combined with Dark Void, renders the Focus Sash held by leads like Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S useless. Lum Berry Darkrai can use Nasty Plot while status leads like Groudon use Thunder Wave. When using Substitute, Lead Darkrai should hold a Lum Berry to set up on Choice Darkrai locked into Dark Void, otherwise, use Leftovers for the HP recovery. Life Orb is generally superior late game for the extra power.</p>
<p>Max Speed ensures Darkrai ties with other Darkrai at worst and outruns Latios and Latias. Max Special Attack EVs augments Darkrai's offence capabilities.</p>
<p>Countering Darkrai is difficult, as Dark Void cripples many would-be counters. Heracross can switch in on any attack and OHKO Darkrai with either Close Combat, Megahorn, or Sleep Talk. Choice Scarf Vital Spirit Primeape does the same with Close Combat, or it can U-turn to scout switch-ins, but Primeape should avoid Focus Blast and Substitute. Sleep Talk Kyogre survives two Dark Pulses and OHKOs Darkrai with Surf or 2HKOs with Thunder or Ice Beam. Teamwise, Giratina walls Heracross and Primeape, whilst Giratina-O can set up on either one locked into Close Combat and then proceed to sweep. Latias walls and sets up on any Sleep Talking Kyogre.</p>
<p>Darkrai is most vulnerable after Sleep Clause is activated. Choice Scarf Palkia and Dialga can switch into Darkrai and OHKO with Draco Meteor. Choice Scarf Kyogre and Darkrai do the same with Surf and Focus Blast respectively. Life Orb Shaymin-S OHKOs Darkrai with Seed Flare after Stealth Rock damage. Although Mewtwo cannot switch into Dark Pulse or Substitute, it outspeeds Darkrai and has an 87% chance to OHKO Darkrai with Aura Sphere after Stealth Rock damage (guaranteed with Life Orb). Finally, Life Orb Scizor 2HKOs Darkrai with Bullet Punch, or OHKOs with U-turn, but keep in mind that a +2 Life Orb Focus Blast OHKOs Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. A Scizor of your own can switch Choice Scarf Dialga's and Palkia's Draco Meteor and into any offensive Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and either Roost or U-turn (or Pursuit in Mewtwo’s case). Wobbuffet destroys Choice Scarf Dialga and Palkia with Mirror Coat, whilst Encore can help Dakrai set up. Choice Scarf Dialga counters Shaymin-S with its quadruple Grass resistance, and it can switch into any of Scizor’s attacks except Superpower and OHKO with Fire Blast. Latias handles Kyogre and can switch into a Choiced Darkrai's Focus Blast.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Punch / Brick Break
move 4: Dark Void / Taunt / Substitute
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai jeopardizes offensive teams. Darkrai’s Sucker Punch is more powerful than Rayquaza’s ExtremeSpeed. It OHKOs Mewtwo, and with a Swords Dance boost, OHKOs Palkia (both KOs require Stealth Rock). Focus Punch complements Sucker Punch well, hitting Pokémon hard that do not attack. However, Dark-resisting Pokémon can simply attack Darkrai whilst shrugging off Sucker Punch. This makes a Brick Break a more reliable choice at the cost of power. For the last slot, Dark Void can put a Pokémon to sleep and enable a free Swords Dance, but then Pokémon that shrug off Focus Punch can set up against Darkrai whilst being unaffected by Sucker Punch, like Lugia, Giratina, Giratina-O, and Mewtwo. Taunt prevents this from occurring. Substitute eases prediction, but it does not prevent Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory from phazing Darkrai, and Darkrai’s HP will drain quickly with both Substitute and Life Orb.</p>
<p>Adamant Darkrai hits harder and deals over 50% to Groudon with a +2 Sucker Punch, whilst Jolly Darkrai speed ties with other Darkrai at worst. Adamant is often preferred due to Sucker Punch's and Focus Punch's abnormal priorities, but despite this, defensive EVs have little use, as Life Orb depletes Darkrai's health quickly, and Darkrai has mediocre defences. 252 Speed EVs to outrun most Latias and Lugia.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can be a huge surprise to the opponent, eliminating some of Darkrai’s common switch-ins if played right. For example, Choice Scarf revenge killers like Palkia are OHKOed by Sucker Punch. After using Dark Void, it may be wise to immediately use Focus Punch, to 2HKO Choice Scarf Dialga (and Palkia) with the combination of Focus Punch and Sucker Punch. Removing Dialga from play aids Lucario and Swords Dance Rayquaza in sweeping, whilst removing Palkia aids Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Choice Specs Kyogre.</p>
<p>Whilst Sucker Punch's priority can tear up offensive teams late game, it is easily walled and almost useless against stall teams. Base 90 Attack is substandard, and some Pokémon, like Groudon, wall Sucker Punch without resisting it. Furthermore, it is extremely reliant on prediction, and with Darkrai’s mediocre defences, Darkrai can be KOed due to a single misprediction. Support Dialga cripples Lugia and Groudon with Toxic, whilst roasting Scizor, Forretress, and Skarmory with Fire Blast (Scizor OHKOs Darkrai and doesn’t fear Sucker Punch, whilst Forretress and Skarmory only fear Dark Void). Giratina-O can switch into Forretress and use it as set-up bait, whilst destroying Giratina, Mewtwo, and Lugia, who wall Darkrai. Thus Darkrai can threaten offensive Pokémon, while Giratina-O threatens defensive Pokémon. Wobbuffet helps Darkrai set up, and can utilize Tickle to beat Lugia when paired with a Pursuit user like Tyranitar or Scizor.</p>
Status: Finished
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Dark Void
move 4: Focus Blast / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash / Lum Berry
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Nasty Plot Darkrai quickly decimates weakened teams with its swift 125 base Speed and 135 base Special Attack. With Dark Void, it can cripple an opposing Pokémon and set up Nasty Plot. STAB Dark Pulse is its main form of attack, hitting many Ubers super effectively. Focus Blast complements Dark Pulse well, eliminating Tyranitar, Dialga, and opposing Darkrai, whilst Substitute scouts switch-ins, eases prediction, and helps against status and Sleep Talkers.</p>
<p>Focus Sash guarantees lead Darkrai at least one attempt to put the opposing Pokémon to sleep with Dark Void. Bad Dreams, combined with Dark Void, renders the Focus Sash held by leads like Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S useless. Lum Berry Darkrai can use Nasty Plot while status leads like Groudon use Thunder Wave. When using Substitute, Lead Darkrai should hold a Lum Berry to set up on Choice Darkrai locked into Dark Void, otherwise, use Leftovers for the HP recovery. Life Orb is generally superior late game for the extra power.</p>
<p>Max Speed ensures Darkrai ties with other Darkrai at worst and outruns Latios and Latias. Max Special Attack EVs augments Darkrai's offence capabilities.</p>
<p>Countering Darkrai is difficult, as Dark Void cripples many would-be counters. Heracross can switch in on any attack and OHKO Darkrai with either Close Combat, Megahorn, or Sleep Talk. Choice Scarf Vital Spirit Primeape does the same with Close Combat, or it can U-turn to scout switch-ins, but Primeape should avoid Focus Blast and Substitute. Sleep Talk Kyogre survives two Dark Pulses and OHKOs Darkrai with Surf or 2HKOs with Thunder or Ice Beam. Teamwise, Giratina walls Heracross and Primeape, whilst Giratina-O can set up on either one locked into Close Combat and then proceed to sweep. Latias walls and sets up on any Sleep Talking Kyogre.</p>
<p>Darkrai is most vulnerable after Sleep Clause is activated. Choice Scarf Palkia and Dialga can switch into Darkrai and OHKO with Draco Meteor. Choice Scarf Kyogre and Darkrai do the same with Surf and Focus Blast respectively. Life Orb Shaymin-S OHKOs Darkrai with Seed Flare after Stealth Rock damage. Although Mewtwo cannot switch into Dark Pulse or Substitute, it outspeeds Darkrai and has an 87% chance to OHKO Darkrai with Aura Sphere after Stealth Rock damage (guaranteed with Life Orb). Finally, Life Orb Scizor 2HKOs Darkrai with Bullet Punch, or OHKOs with U-turn, but keep in mind that a +2 Life Orb Focus Blast OHKOs Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. A Scizor of your own can switch Choice Scarf Dialga's and Palkia's Draco Meteor and into any offensive Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and either Roost or U-turn (or Pursuit in Mewtwo’s case). Wobbuffet destroys Choice Scarf Dialga and Palkia with Mirror Coat, whilst Encore can help Dakrai set up. Choice Scarf Dialga counters Shaymin-S with its quadruple Grass resistance, and it can switch into any of Scizor’s attacks except Superpower and OHKO with Fire Blast. Latias handles Kyogre and can switch into a Choiced Darkrai's Focus Blast.</p>
[SET]
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Dark Void
move 4: Focus Blast / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash / Lum Berry
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Nasty Plot Darkrai is an incredible threat, countered by very little. Sporting a blindingly fast 125 base Speed, coupled with base 135 Special Attack, it quickly decimates weakened teams. It also has the unique Dark Void, a reliable sleep move which allows it to set up Nasty Plot and cripple an opposing Pokémon. Its main form of attack is its STAB Dark Pulse, which hits many Ubers super effectively. The last slot is flexible; Focus Blast complements Dark Pulse well, ripping Tyranitar, Dialga, and Darkrai apart. Substitute scouts switch-ins and eases prediction, and is useful against Sleep Talkers, which often only carry one attack. It also protects it from status.</p>
<p>The item choice depends on its position within the team and role. With Focus Sash, Darkrai makes a very suitable lead, surviving any attack and then putting the opposing Pokemon to sleep with Dark Void. Darkrai’s ability, Bad Dreams, complements Dark Void pretty well, rendering the Focus Sash held by leads such as Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S utterly useless. With Lum Berry, Darkrai can use Nasty Plot while common status leads such as Groudon use Thunder Wave. Substitute is recommended if you are using a Lum Berry lead, as it allows you to set up on Choice Scarf Darkrai that use Dark Void on you. If one decides to keep Darkrai into late game, most of the time Life Orb becomes a superior option, as it provides Darkrai with extra power that might be needed to break down opponents such as Blissey and Kyogre. When using Substitute on non-lead Darkrai, Leftovers is the recommended item, as Life Orb recoil is too much to add to Darkrai’s short life after its health is chipped away by Substitute.
<p>Its EVs are fairly straightforward. Maximum Speed ensures that it ties with other Darkrai at worst, and outruns Latios, Latias, and Modest Mewtwo. Maximum Special Attack is obvious, providing Darkrai with immediate power. </p>
<p>Most Pokémon have difficulty stopping Darkrai, as the threat of Dark Void can easily cripple many would-be counters. Choice Scarf Primeape is one of the few Pokemon that can switch into Darkrai regardless of sleep clause, as Vital Spirit gives immunity to sleep. It can then OHKO Darkrai with Close Combat, or U-turn to scout switch-ins. In a similar manner, Heracross can switch into Dark Void, and use Sleep Talk, which can end up OHKOing Darkrai if it chooses either Close Combat or Megahorn. Finally, a Sleep Talk Kyogre with three attacks will survive two of Darkrai's assaults, and either do severe damage with Thunder or Ice Beam, or OHKO Darkrai with Surf. Because of these threats, Giratina or Giratina-o are very good partners for Darkrai. Giratina can use Will-o-Wisp to cripple Primeape, and wall both Heracross and Primeape thanks to its Ghost typing. Giratina-o can use its immunities to set up on Primeape that are locked into Close Combat, and will do a severe amount of damage to Heracross with Dragon Pulse. Latias can take care of any Sleep Talking Kyogre thanks to its massive Special Defense aided by Soul Dew. Latias can then use Calm Mind to set up on Kyogre.</p>
<p>Darkrai is most vulnerable after Sleep Clause is activated. Choice Scarf Palkia and Choice Scarf Dialga can switch into Darkrai as it uses Nasty Plot, and threaten to OHKO Darkrai with a STAB Draco Meteor. In a similar manner, a Choice Scarf Kyogre can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Surf. An opposing Choice Scarf Darkrai can switch in and OHKO Darkrai with Focus Blast. Although Mewtwo cannot switch into Dark Pulse, it can not only outspeed Darkrai, but it also has a 87% chance of KOing Darkrai with Aura Sphere after it has taken damage from Stealth Rock, and will always KO with Life Orb. A Life Orb Scizor can threaten to 2HKO Darkrai with Bullet Punch, or OHKO Darkrai with U-turn. Scizor can only do this if Darkrai has not boosted its Special Attack yet, as a 2+ Focus Blast with Life Orb will always KO Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. Finally, a Life Orb Shaymin-s will OHKO Darkrai with Seed Flare after Darkrai has taken Stealth Rock damage. Because of these threats, Scizor can be an excellent partner with Nasty Plot Darkrai. Scizor can switch into both Choice Scarf Dialga's and Choice Scarf Palkia's Draco Meteors, and choose to either use Roost to recover or U-turn to scout the opponent’s next switch-in. Scizor can also switch into any offensive Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and force them out with the threat of a STAB super effective U-turn. Wobbuffet is also a great teammate for Darkrai. Wobbuffet is able to destroy both Choice Scarf Dialga and Choice Scarf Palkia with Mirror Coat, which will allow Darkrai to have a much easier time sweeping. Wobbuffet can also help set up Darkrai thanks to the combination of Encore and Shadow Tag. Choice Scarf Dialga can help Darkrai deal with Shaymin-s, thanks to its 4x resistance to Grass and its STAB Dragon moves. Dialga can also switch into Scizor's Bullet Punch or U-turn, and OHKO it with a Fire attack if Scizor uses Bullet Punch. Palkia can switch into a Choiced Kyogre's Water attacks, and 2HKO it with Thunder, while Latias can handle Calm Mind Kyogre. Latias also has the bonus of being able to switch into a Choice Scarf Darkrai's Focus Blast, allowing you to set up on it.</p>
name: Nasty Plot
move 1: Nasty Plot
move 2: Dark Pulse
move 3: Dark Void
move 4: Focus Blast / Substitute
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash / Lum Berry
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Nasty Plot Darkrai is an incredible threat, countered by very little. Sporting a blindingly fast 125 base Speed, coupled with base 135 Special Attack, it quickly decimates weakened teams. It also has the unique Dark Void, a reliable sleep move which allows it to set up Nasty Plot and cripple an opposing Pokémon. Its main form of attack is its STAB Dark Pulse, which hits many Ubers super effectively. The last slot is flexible; Focus Blast complements Dark Pulse well, ripping Tyranitar, Dialga, and Darkrai apart. Substitute scouts switch-ins and eases prediction, and is useful against Sleep Talkers, which often only carry one attack. It also protects it from status.</p>
<p>The item choice depends on its position within the team and role. With Focus Sash, Darkrai makes a very suitable lead, surviving any attack and then putting the opposing Pokemon to sleep with Dark Void. Darkrai’s ability, Bad Dreams, complements Dark Void pretty well, rendering the Focus Sash held by leads such as Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S utterly useless. With Lum Berry, Darkrai can use Nasty Plot while common status leads such as Groudon use Thunder Wave. Substitute is recommended if you are using a Lum Berry lead, as it allows you to set up on Choice Scarf Darkrai that use Dark Void on you. If one decides to keep Darkrai into late game, most of the time Life Orb becomes a superior option, as it provides Darkrai with extra power that might be needed to break down opponents such as Blissey and Kyogre. When using Substitute on non-lead Darkrai, Leftovers is the recommended item, as Life Orb recoil is too much to add to Darkrai’s short life after its health is chipped away by Substitute.
<p>Its EVs are fairly straightforward. Maximum Speed ensures that it ties with other Darkrai at worst, and outruns Latios, Latias, and Modest Mewtwo. Maximum Special Attack is obvious, providing Darkrai with immediate power. </p>
<p>Most Pokémon have difficulty stopping Darkrai, as the threat of Dark Void can easily cripple many would-be counters. Choice Scarf Primeape is one of the few Pokemon that can switch into Darkrai regardless of sleep clause, as Vital Spirit gives immunity to sleep. It can then OHKO Darkrai with Close Combat, or U-turn to scout switch-ins. In a similar manner, Heracross can switch into Dark Void, and use Sleep Talk, which can end up OHKOing Darkrai if it chooses either Close Combat or Megahorn. Finally, a Sleep Talk Kyogre with three attacks will survive two of Darkrai's assaults, and either do severe damage with Thunder or Ice Beam, or OHKO Darkrai with Surf. Because of these threats, Giratina or Giratina-o are very good partners for Darkrai. Giratina can use Will-o-Wisp to cripple Primeape, and wall both Heracross and Primeape thanks to its Ghost typing. Giratina-o can use its immunities to set up on Primeape that are locked into Close Combat, and will do a severe amount of damage to Heracross with Dragon Pulse. Latias can take care of any Sleep Talking Kyogre thanks to its massive Special Defense aided by Soul Dew. Latias can then use Calm Mind to set up on Kyogre.</p>
<p>Darkrai is most vulnerable after Sleep Clause is activated. Choice Scarf Palkia and Choice Scarf Dialga can switch into Darkrai as it uses Nasty Plot, and threaten to OHKO Darkrai with a STAB Draco Meteor. In a similar manner, a Choice Scarf Kyogre can outspeed and OHKO Darkrai with Surf. An opposing Choice Scarf Darkrai can switch in and OHKO Darkrai with Focus Blast. Although Mewtwo cannot switch into Dark Pulse, it can not only outspeed Darkrai, but it also has a 87% chance of KOing Darkrai with Aura Sphere after it has taken damage from Stealth Rock, and will always KO with Life Orb. A Life Orb Scizor can threaten to 2HKO Darkrai with Bullet Punch, or OHKO Darkrai with U-turn. Scizor can only do this if Darkrai has not boosted its Special Attack yet, as a 2+ Focus Blast with Life Orb will always KO Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. Finally, a Life Orb Shaymin-s will OHKO Darkrai with Seed Flare after Darkrai has taken Stealth Rock damage. Because of these threats, Scizor can be an excellent partner with Nasty Plot Darkrai. Scizor can switch into both Choice Scarf Dialga's and Choice Scarf Palkia's Draco Meteors, and choose to either use Roost to recover or U-turn to scout the opponent’s next switch-in. Scizor can also switch into any offensive Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and force them out with the threat of a STAB super effective U-turn. Wobbuffet is also a great teammate for Darkrai. Wobbuffet is able to destroy both Choice Scarf Dialga and Choice Scarf Palkia with Mirror Coat, which will allow Darkrai to have a much easier time sweeping. Wobbuffet can also help set up Darkrai thanks to the combination of Encore and Shadow Tag. Choice Scarf Dialga can help Darkrai deal with Shaymin-s, thanks to its 4x resistance to Grass and its STAB Dragon moves. Dialga can also switch into Scizor's Bullet Punch or U-turn, and OHKO it with a Fire attack if Scizor uses Bullet Punch. Palkia can switch into a Choiced Kyogre's Water attacks, and 2HKO it with Thunder, while Latias can handle Calm Mind Kyogre. Latias also has the bonus of being able to switch into a Choice Scarf Darkrai's Focus Blast, allowing you to set up on it.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Punch / Brick Break
move 4: Dark Void / Taunt / Substitute
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai jeopardizes offensive teams. Darkrai’s Sucker Punch is more powerful than Rayquaza’s ExtremeSpeed. It OHKOs Mewtwo, and with a Swords Dance boost, OHKOs Palkia (both KOs require Stealth Rock). Focus Punch complements Sucker Punch well, hitting Pokémon hard that do not attack. However, Dark-resisting Pokémon can simply attack Darkrai whilst shrugging off Sucker Punch. This makes a Brick Break a more reliable choice at the cost of power. For the last slot, Dark Void can put a Pokémon to sleep and enable a free Swords Dance, but then Pokémon that shrug off Focus Punch can set up against Darkrai whilst being unaffected by Sucker Punch, like Lugia, Giratina, Giratina-O, and Mewtwo. Taunt prevents this from occurring. Substitute eases prediction, but it does not prevent Lugia, Giratina, and Skarmory from phazing Darkrai, and Darkrai’s HP will drain quickly with both Substitute and Life Orb.</p>
<p>Adamant Darkrai hits harder and deals over 50% to Groudon with a +2 Sucker Punch, whilst Jolly Darkrai speed ties with other Darkrai at worst. Adamant is often preferred due to Sucker Punch's and Focus Punch's abnormal priorities, but despite this, defensive EVs have little use, as Life Orb depletes Darkrai's health quickly, and Darkrai has mediocre defences. 252 Speed EVs to outrun most Latias and Lugia.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can be a huge surprise to the opponent, eliminating some of Darkrai’s common switch-ins if played right. For example, Choice Scarf revenge killers like Palkia are OHKOed by Sucker Punch. After using Dark Void, it may be wise to immediately use Focus Punch, to 2HKO Choice Scarf Dialga (and Palkia) with the combination of Focus Punch and Sucker Punch. Removing Dialga from play aids Lucario and Swords Dance Rayquaza in sweeping, whilst removing Palkia aids Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Choice Specs Kyogre.</p>
<p>Whilst Sucker Punch's priority can tear up offensive teams late game, it is easily walled and almost useless against stall teams. Base 90 Attack is substandard, and some Pokémon, like Groudon, wall Sucker Punch without resisting it. Furthermore, it is extremely reliant on prediction, and with Darkrai’s mediocre defences, Darkrai can be KOed due to a single misprediction. Support Dialga cripples Lugia and Groudon with Toxic, whilst roasting Scizor, Forretress, and Skarmory with Fire Blast (Scizor OHKOs Darkrai and doesn’t fear Sucker Punch, whilst Forretress and Skarmory only fear Dark Void). Giratina-O can switch into Forretress and use it as set-up bait, whilst destroying Giratina, Mewtwo, and Lugia, who wall Darkrai. Thus Darkrai can threaten offensive Pokémon, while Giratina-O threatens defensive Pokémon. Wobbuffet helps Darkrai set up, and can utilize Tickle to beat Lugia when paired with a Pursuit user like Tyranitar or Scizor.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Punch / Brick Break
move 4: Dark Void / Taunt / Substitute
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can pack quite a punch against offensive teams. Swords Danced Sucker Punch is not really something to be scoffed at; it is more powerful than Rayquaza’s ExtremeSpeed, and with the help of Stealth Rock, OHKOs Palkia. Sucker Punch helps against faster Pokémon such as Deoxys-A, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo, as they are also OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch. Focus Punch complements Sucker Punch decently, for if they decide not to attack, they will eat a Focus Punch, whereas if they do, they eat a Sucker Punch. However, as good as it sounds in theory, Dark-resisting Pokémon can simply attack Darkrai without worrying about Focus Punch or Sucker Punch. A good example of this is Dialga, whose massive base Defense allows it to take Sucker Punch easily, while it KOs Darkrai swiftly. In such cases Brick Break can sometimes be more reliable. There are several options for the last slot, and these moves are mostly up to what the user feels to be most effective for their team. Dark Void can place a Pokémon to sleep and enables a free Swords Dance, but it leaves Darkrai open to be walled by, ironically, Psychics and Ghosts. Taunt allows Darkrai to force Lugia, Giratina, and physically defensive Mewtwo to attack, thus preventing them from otherwise walling the set. Substitute eases the prediction in using this set, but be aware that Darkrai can lose a bit of health from Substitute and Life Orb damage, and does not prevent the likes of Lugia and Giratina from phazing Darkrai away with Whirlwind and Roar, respectively.</p>
<p>The choice between Jolly and Adamant is very much up to user preference. With Adamant, Darkrai packs more of a punch and deals over 50% to Groudon with Sucker Punch after a Swords Dance. Jolly can be used to tie with other Darkrai at worst, and outpaces Adamant Darkrai, allowing it to KO with Brick Break. Due to Sucker Punch’s and Focus Punch’s abnormal priorities, Adamant is often preferred as Darkrai either outruns or is outpaced either way.</p>
<p>The EVs seem a bit contradictory, considering the priorities of the set’s main moves, but Life Orb depletes its health quickly, and with Brick Break Speed is just as useful as usual anyway.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai, while capable of severely denting teams, is often regarded as almost a gimmick. This is simply because while the positive priority in Sucker Punch can tear up offensive teams during the later game, it can be walled by quite a number of Pokémon. Furthermore, it is extremely reliant on prediction, much more than the mixed set, and with Darkrai’s mediocre defensive capabilities it can be KOed because of a single misprediction. Finally, base 90 Attack isn’t impressive at all, and some Pokémon do not need to resist Sucker Punch to wall it, such as Groudon.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can be a huge surprise to the opponent, as it can take down some of Darkrai’s common switch-ins if played right. For example, after using Dark Void, it can be a good idea to use Focus Punch instead of Swords Dance first. This is because it can nail Choice Scarf Dialga, with the combination of Focus Punch and Sucker Punch guaranteeing a KO; the same is also true for Palkia. With Dialga out of the way, it can clear a path for Lucario or Swords Dance Rayquaza to sweep; removing Palkia from play can greatly aid Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Choice Specs Kyogre in sweeping. Because of Swords Dance Darkrai’s status as a “gimmick”, many opponents will leave common Choice Scarf revenge killers like Palkia in, only to be OHKOed by Sucker Punch.</p>
<p>While Swords Dance Darkrai can be a very powerful force against offensive teams, it is almost useless against stall teams. Because of this, Giratina-O is an excellent teammate for Swords Dance Darkrai. Giratina-O can switch into Forretress (which gives Swords Dance Darkrai problems), and start setting up Calm Minds and Substitute. Giratina-O can then threaten to tear apart the entire stall team thanks to its immunity to Toxic Spikes, immunity to Seismic Toss, and powerful STAB Ghost and Dragon attacks. Giratina-O destroys walls such as Giratina, Mewtwo, and Lugia, which give Swords Dance Darkrai problems. Thus, Swords Dance Darkrai can be the threat against offensive Pokémon, while Giratina-O can be the threat against defensive Pokémon. Because Scizor, and Skarmory can be problems for Swords Dance Darkrai, support Dialga is once again a very useful teammate. Not only can support Dialga roast them with Fire Blast, but it can also cripple Lugia and Groudon with Toxic. Like most sets that involve stat-ups, Wobbuffet is a useful teammate. Not only can Wobbuffet help set up Darkrai, but it can also utilize Tickle to beat Lugia when paired with a Pursuit user such as Tyranitar or Scizor.</p>
name: Swords Dancer
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Focus Punch / Brick Break
move 4: Dark Void / Taunt / Substitute
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can pack quite a punch against offensive teams. Swords Danced Sucker Punch is not really something to be scoffed at; it is more powerful than Rayquaza’s ExtremeSpeed, and with the help of Stealth Rock, OHKOs Palkia. Sucker Punch helps against faster Pokémon such as Deoxys-A, Shaymin-S, and Mewtwo, as they are also OHKOed by a +2 Sucker Punch. Focus Punch complements Sucker Punch decently, for if they decide not to attack, they will eat a Focus Punch, whereas if they do, they eat a Sucker Punch. However, as good as it sounds in theory, Dark-resisting Pokémon can simply attack Darkrai without worrying about Focus Punch or Sucker Punch. A good example of this is Dialga, whose massive base Defense allows it to take Sucker Punch easily, while it KOs Darkrai swiftly. In such cases Brick Break can sometimes be more reliable. There are several options for the last slot, and these moves are mostly up to what the user feels to be most effective for their team. Dark Void can place a Pokémon to sleep and enables a free Swords Dance, but it leaves Darkrai open to be walled by, ironically, Psychics and Ghosts. Taunt allows Darkrai to force Lugia, Giratina, and physically defensive Mewtwo to attack, thus preventing them from otherwise walling the set. Substitute eases the prediction in using this set, but be aware that Darkrai can lose a bit of health from Substitute and Life Orb damage, and does not prevent the likes of Lugia and Giratina from phazing Darkrai away with Whirlwind and Roar, respectively.</p>
<p>The choice between Jolly and Adamant is very much up to user preference. With Adamant, Darkrai packs more of a punch and deals over 50% to Groudon with Sucker Punch after a Swords Dance. Jolly can be used to tie with other Darkrai at worst, and outpaces Adamant Darkrai, allowing it to KO with Brick Break. Due to Sucker Punch’s and Focus Punch’s abnormal priorities, Adamant is often preferred as Darkrai either outruns or is outpaced either way.</p>
<p>The EVs seem a bit contradictory, considering the priorities of the set’s main moves, but Life Orb depletes its health quickly, and with Brick Break Speed is just as useful as usual anyway.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai, while capable of severely denting teams, is often regarded as almost a gimmick. This is simply because while the positive priority in Sucker Punch can tear up offensive teams during the later game, it can be walled by quite a number of Pokémon. Furthermore, it is extremely reliant on prediction, much more than the mixed set, and with Darkrai’s mediocre defensive capabilities it can be KOed because of a single misprediction. Finally, base 90 Attack isn’t impressive at all, and some Pokémon do not need to resist Sucker Punch to wall it, such as Groudon.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Darkrai can be a huge surprise to the opponent, as it can take down some of Darkrai’s common switch-ins if played right. For example, after using Dark Void, it can be a good idea to use Focus Punch instead of Swords Dance first. This is because it can nail Choice Scarf Dialga, with the combination of Focus Punch and Sucker Punch guaranteeing a KO; the same is also true for Palkia. With Dialga out of the way, it can clear a path for Lucario or Swords Dance Rayquaza to sweep; removing Palkia from play can greatly aid Dragon Dance Rayquaza and Choice Specs Kyogre in sweeping. Because of Swords Dance Darkrai’s status as a “gimmick”, many opponents will leave common Choice Scarf revenge killers like Palkia in, only to be OHKOed by Sucker Punch.</p>
<p>While Swords Dance Darkrai can be a very powerful force against offensive teams, it is almost useless against stall teams. Because of this, Giratina-O is an excellent teammate for Swords Dance Darkrai. Giratina-O can switch into Forretress (which gives Swords Dance Darkrai problems), and start setting up Calm Minds and Substitute. Giratina-O can then threaten to tear apart the entire stall team thanks to its immunity to Toxic Spikes, immunity to Seismic Toss, and powerful STAB Ghost and Dragon attacks. Giratina-O destroys walls such as Giratina, Mewtwo, and Lugia, which give Swords Dance Darkrai problems. Thus, Swords Dance Darkrai can be the threat against offensive Pokémon, while Giratina-O can be the threat against defensive Pokémon. Because Scizor, and Skarmory can be problems for Swords Dance Darkrai, support Dialga is once again a very useful teammate. Not only can support Dialga roast them with Fire Blast, but it can also cripple Lugia and Groudon with Toxic. Like most sets that involve stat-ups, Wobbuffet is a useful teammate. Not only can Wobbuffet help set up Darkrai, but it can also utilize Tickle to beat Lugia when paired with a Pursuit user such as Tyranitar or Scizor.</p>
