Dusknoir
Gripper Pokémon
It is said to take lost spirits into its pliant body and guide them home.
Base Stats
Type Effectiveness
Abilities
Held Items
Evolution Chain
Moves
Details
Sprites
Competitive
Strategy Overview
Dusknoir is able to distinguish itself from its fellow Ghost-types in the PU metagame by acting as a bulky spinblocker on offensive teams with access to both Shadow Sneak and Sucker Punch, as well as with a wide array of coverage moves in Ice Punch, Rock Slide, and Earthquake. Its STAB- and Life Orb-boosted Shadow Sneak supplies Dusknoir with strong counterplay against physically frail attackers like Kadabra and Mr. Mime. What's more, Sucker Punch can be used alongside Shadow Sneak in order to strike faster Normal-types such as Dodrio. Dusknoir is able to use its Ghost typing to switch into powerful Normal- and Fighting-type moves such as Chatot's Boomburst and Monferno's Close Combat in order to sponge those attacks for its teammates. Its Ghost typing can also be used to absorb Rapid Spin, meaning that in tandem with its great bulk and access to Pursuit, Dusknoir is easily able to switch into Cryogonal and Pursuit trap it in order to preserve any entry hazards that may have been set by its teammates. On the downside, the fact that it will be taking attacks from Rapid Spin users like Armaldo each time it enters the field, the possibility of entry hazards, and status effects such as burn and poison, coupled with its lack of reliable recovery, all leave Dusknoir liable to be worn down rather quickly over the course of a battle. Dusknoir also struggles against most Dark-types, as Vullaby is able to sponge Ice Punch thanks to its Eviolite-boosted bulk and strike back with Foul Play, while Pawniard can threaten it out with a faster, STAB-boosted Knock Off. Despite these shortcomings, Dusknoir's offensive presence and ability to spinblock place an enormous amount of pressure on its foes, making Dusknoir an advantageous choice for bulky offensive teams built around stacking entry hazards.
Most Used Moves
Competitive data from Smogon University via data.pkmn.cc