This is a strategy guide for using Darmanitan in competitive play for the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. Read on for tips on the best Nature, EV spreads, Movesets, and Held Items to use with Darmanitan, as well as its strengths and weak points.
Darmanitan - Related Guides | |
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Evolution and Learnset | Build for Ranked Battle |
List of Contents
Pokemon | Type 1 | Type 2 |
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Abilities | ||
Sheer Force | Removes added effects to increase move damage. | |
Zen Mode (Hidden) | Changes form when HP drops below half. |
Type | |
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Takes 4x damage |
|
Takes 2x damage | |
Takes 0.5x damage | |
Takes 1/4x damage |
|
Takes 0x damage |
|
HP | Attack | Defense | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
105 | 140 | 55 | 30 | 55 | 95 |
Best Natures | ||
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Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk) |
Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk) |
Nature | Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk) |
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EV Spread | HP 4 / Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 |
Final Stat Values | HP 181 / Atk. 192 / Def. 75 / Sp.Def. 75 / Spd. 161 |
Ability | Sheer Force |
Held Item | Choice Scarf |
Moveset | ・
Flare Blitz
・ Earthquake ・ Rock Slide ・ Trick |
These values are from base stats and ideal EVs, excluding external factors.
Equipping Choice Scarf will boost Darmanitan's speed, and its Ability Sheer Force will boost the power of its moves, allowing you to deal high damage fast, like its counterpart Galarian Darmanitan.
If you have Choice Scarf equipped, you can use Trick to force the opponent to hold Choice Scarf and prevent an attacker from setting up or a defensive Pokemon from using support moves. After switching items, you'll be able to start using other moves as normal, but be careful as Darmanitan's Speed will return to its original value.
When using Darmanitan simply as a high-speed attacker, U-turn is recommended, so when it's at a disadvantage against its opponent, it can escape while simultaneously dealing damage.
U-turn | High priority alternate choice for Trick. |
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Iron Head | Used for hitting Fairy types. |
Superpower | A powerful Fighting-type move effective against the likes of Tyranitar. |
Zen Headbutt | Effective against Poison and Fighting types. |
Nature | Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk) |
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EV Spread | HP 4 / Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 |
Final Stat Values | HP 181 / Atk. 192 / Def. 75 / Sp.Def. 75 / Spd. 161 |
Ability | Sheer Force |
Held Item | Life Orb |
Moveset | ・
Flare Blitz
・ Earthquake ・ Rock Slide ・ Iron Head |
These values are from base stats and ideal EVs, excluding external factors.
Darmanitan has the unique potential to deal increased damage with Life Orb, which boosts the power of moves, without the cost of losing HP. Due to its Ability Sheer Force, Darmanitan will avoid the effects of taking damage from Life Orb, while still being able to benefit from the power increase.
Superpower | A powerful Fighting-type move effective against the likes of Tyranitar. |
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Zen Headbutt | Effective against Poison and Fighting types. |
U-turn | Lets you manipulate the flow of battle. When faster, allows escape from a threatening opponent. |
Moves that have additional effects will reach 1.3x their normal power due to Sheer Force. It is specifically compatible with Flare Blitz, a move which is powerful regardless of the target's type.
And unlike Galarian Darmanitans with Gorilla Tactics, a similar Ability, Darmanitan is not locked to using only one move.
Weakness |
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It is highly recommended that you use defensive Pokemon that can withstand Darmanitan's heavy damage, such as Pokemon with HP-restoring moves and abilities.
Pokemon | Description |
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Milotic | Ranking: ★★★★★ ・Its ability Marvel Scale makes it effective against Physical attackers ・Recover allows it to recover HP Moveset & Best Build for Milotic |
Counter with Pokemon that can fight back after being hit. Since Darmanitan does not have strong defensive stats, it is easy to beat it with its weaknesses.
Mimikyu has the opportunity to use Darmanitan to set up, thanks to its Ability Disguise, which will protect it from any attack once. You can use this chance to use Attack-boosting moves such as Swords Dance, and after Dynamaxing, it can take out Darmanitan and be ready for the next Pokemon.
Pokemon | Description |
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Rhyperior | Ranking: ★★★★☆ ・A good type matchup and strong defenses ・Can hit super-effectively and try for a KO Moveset & Best Build for Rhyperior |
Mimikyu | Ranking: ★★★★☆ ・Its Ability Disguise allows it to weather one hit Moveset & Best Build for Mimikyu |
All Competitive Builds for Ranked Battle
Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier List | Best Builds | Series 10 List of Contenders | |||
Doubles Tier List | Team Building | Rental Teams |
Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tier List | Best Builds | Series 10 List of Contenders | |||
Doubles Tier List | Team Building | Rental Teams |
Darmanitan - Moveset & Best Build for Ranked Battle
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