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#491
Default
285
ATK
198
DEF
172
STA
Lvl 50Max CP
4227
Lvl 40
3739
Lvl 25Weather Boost
2671
Lvl 20Raids/Eggs
2136
Lvl 15Research
1602

PvE Analysis

Like a nightmare about to take over the mind of an unsuspecting dreamer, Darkrai looms over the anti-Ghost and anti-Psychic metagame... but, sadly, the shadow that it casts isn't exceptionally long. It was once one of the better Dark Type attackers, but Brutal Swing basically sealed its fate as an old-fashioned Dark Type attacker; good, but low on the DPS side. Hoestly, Darkrai's only real hope for the future is that its Signature Move, Dark Void, turns out to be great someday. It would also have the honor of giving Darkrai a strong Dark Type Charged Move so that it can stop using Shadow Ball.

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

Snarl + Shadow Ball or Dark PulseBest
  • Snarl is better than Feint Attack on Darkrai.
  • Shadow Ball is among the best moves in the game, perfect for Darkrai's role as a Dark / Ghost attacker.
  • Dark Pulse is slightly weaker, even with STAB, but it can perform better in very specific scenarios due to an early damage window.
  • Focus Blast has poor type-synergy on Darkrai and should be TM'd.
  • Sludge Bomb has no use on Darkrai

PvP Analysis

Snarl + Dark Pulse and Sludge Bomb* or Focus Blast

Snarl is the preferred fast move due to its significantly higher energy gains. 

Dark Pulse and Shadow Ball provide similar coverage, but the former is superior stat-wise due to STAB and lower energy cost. Focus Blast is recommended for its wide coverage even though it demands huge amounts of energy. Sludge Bomb can be used to hit Fairy-type Pokemon super effectively, although it is not enough to secure a win against either Pokemon.

Great League0 / 5

Darkrai is ineligible for the Great League even if it comes from research.

Ultra League / 5

Darkrai suffers in Ultra League due to a high ATK stat which limits its overall bulk due to the CP cap. This is significant enough that it causes Darkrai to lose to certain opponents which have disadvantageous typings against Darkrai, such as Cresselia. While Darkrai does have a good moveset and its typing is favorable against the meta-centric Giratina, the lack of bulk prevents Darkrai from performing well against the overall meta. 

Master League3 / 5

Darkrai possesses one of the highest ATK stats in the game, only being outshined by Mewtwo and Landorus-T as far as relevant threats go. Being a Dark type also allows it to threaten the numerous Psychic and Ghost-type Pokemon in the league. Unfortunately, that is probably the extent of Darkrai's standout traits. Darkrai is fragile and has a difficult time making use of its charge move focused, somewhat expensive moveset, making it an inconsistent threat. Perhaps Darkrai's biggest issue is that Yveltal outshines it in almost every way. Yveltal possesses roughly the same moveset, but has far greater bulk to increase its consistency, and still packs plenty of power despite having less ATK.

Second Charge Move Cost
100,000 Stardust + 100 Candy
Flee Rate
%
Buddy Distance
20 KM
Catch Rate
2 %
Female Ratio
%
Male Ratio
%