Is Dusknoir Any Good? A Comprehensive Analysis
The simple answer to the question, “Is Dusknoir any good?”, is: It’s complicated. Dusknoir is not a top-tier powerhouse in most formats, but it’s far from useless. It has a niche, and understanding that niche is key to determining its worth. Dusknoir struggles to compete with other Ghost-type Pokémon in both Player vs. Environment (PvE) and Player vs. Player (PvP) battles due to specific shortcomings. Primarily, while it boasts impressive defensive stats, its relatively low Stamina (HP) leaves it with average bulk overall. It doesn’t hit particularly hard either, which means it’s not going to sweep the opponent. It’s a Pokemon that, in its own way, has a lot of use, but other Pokemon fill its roles more effectively. The Pokemon is a Stage 2 Pokémon with a high Defense and Special Defense, so it has the capability of staying in battle longer than some glass cannons, but it doesn’t have the raw power or speed to take advantage of that fact. Ultimately, whether or not Dusknoir is “good” depends on your specific needs, expectations, and the context of the battle.
Dusknoir in PvE: A Shadow of Its Peers
In PvE (raids and gym battles), Dusknoir is generally considered a poor choice. This is largely because its offensive capabilities are outclassed by other Ghost-types. Powerful options like Gengar, Shadow Banette, Chandelure, and Giratina all boast significantly higher damage output. Even considering potential Mega Evolutions, Mega Gengar and the future Mega Banette leave Dusknoir far behind in terms of pure offensive potential.
Even with access to Shadow Ball, considered its best charged move (but often requiring an Elite TM or specific event), Dusknoir simply doesn’t hit hard enough to be a worthwhile investment for PvE. This is why most players will find that there is just no reason to power up Dusknoir for PvE purposes.
A Closer Look at Dusknoir’s Stats
Dusknoir has a high DEF stat, but that is counterbalanced by a poor STA (HP) stat. This means that its bulk is not as significant as one might think. Furthermore, its Attack stat, while decent, is not sufficient to compete with other stronger attackers in the Ghost-type category. Ultimately, it’s outclassed by others in nearly every aspect of PvE.
Dusknoir in PvP: A Niche Defender
Dusknoir fares slightly better in PvP, although it still falls short of being a top-tier competitor. Its high defenses allow it to take a few hits, and its Ghost-typing offers a mostly neutral matchup in terms of resistances, meaning its moves aren’t likely to be resisted. In this format, the most common move pool for Dusknoir are: Shadow Ball, Ominous Wind, and Dark Pulse, with Shadow Ball being the most desirable.
Dusclops vs. Dusknoir: A Different Story
The comparison between Dusclops and Dusknoir is critical. Dusclops, the pre-evolution, often sees more play in certain PvP formats. This is because when equipped with an Eviolite, Dusclops becomes exceptionally bulky, often outperforming Dusknoir in terms of sheer defensive capabilities. Additionally, Dusclops’ lower speed makes it better suited for Trick Room strategies. The primary advantage Dusknoir has over Dusclops is its higher base Attack stat and the ability to hold items like Leftovers. But overall, Dusclops’ superior bulk and speed make it a more useful choice in many situations.
Defensive Potential Outclassed
While Dusknoir can be considered a defensive Pokemon due to its high base 135 defenses, it is, unfortunately, outclassed by many other defensive Pokémon in competitive formats. One prime example is Rotom-A, which is a more versatile option as a defensive Pokemon.
Is Dusknoir Worth Powering Up?
Considering its performance across both PvE and PvP, the question of whether to power up Dusknoir is a resounding: Probably not. If you’re looking for a Ghost-type attacker for raids, you’re better off investing in Gengar, Shadow Banette, Chandelure, or Giratina. If you’re seeking a defensive Pokémon for PvP, there are many better choices. The niche that Dusknoir could fill is usually better filled by its pre-evolution Dusclops. Unless you have a specific fondness for Dusknoir or have a particular strategy in mind that can utilize its strengths and minimize its weaknesses, you should invest your resources elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Dusknoir, along with detailed answers to further help you decide if it’s worth using.
1. Is Dusknoir a rare Pokemon?
Dusknoir isn’t considered a particularly rare Pokémon. While its pre-evolution, Dusclops, needs to be traded with a Reaper Cloth to evolve, this item is not particularly difficult to obtain. The Pokemon is also available in many events and formats, and it is a Stage 2 Pokémon.
2. What is the best charged move for Dusknoir?
The best charged move for Dusknoir is generally considered to be Shadow Ball. However, access to Shadow Ball is often limited to Community Day events or requires the use of an Elite TM. Dark Pulse is also a decent choice. Psychic is generally avoided because of its lack of offensive use.
3. Is Gengar the strongest Ghost-type?
While Gengar isn’t definitively the strongest, it’s undoubtedly one of the best offensive Ghost-type Pokémon, and the introduction of its Mega Form makes it exceptionally powerful. Gengar is preferred over Dusknoir as an attacker.
4. Why do people use Dusclops and not Dusknoir?
Dusclops is often preferred for its superior defensive bulk when equipped with an Eviolite and its lower speed, which benefits Trick Room strategies. Dusknoir loses some bulk for a slight increase in Attack, which is not enough to make up the deficit.
5. How good was Dusclops & Dusknoir in competitive Pokemon?
Dusclops has found its niche as a bulky Trick Room setter, while Dusknoir has struggled to gain traction in competitive play due to its lackluster offensive presence and better alternatives as a spin blocker.
6. What’s the difference between Banette and Dusclops?
Banette is better for fast KOs due to its higher Attack and Speed, while Dusclops is more fit for stalling out the enemy with its high defenses. Dusknoir does not factor in these comparisons due to lacking the extreme features of either.
7. Are there Pokémon you should not evolve?
Yes, some pre-evolved forms, like Haunter and Kadabra, are often viable even without evolution. However, in most cases, evolving them is ideal. Dusclops is a special case, as it sometimes out performs the evolved form.
8. Is Dusknoir a good competitive Pokemon?
Dusknoir has the potential to be a good defensive Pokemon with its pure Ghost typing and high defenses, but it is often outclassed by other defensive Pokémon like Rotom-A, who is often better at the role.
9. What does Dusknoir evolve from and into?
Dusknoir evolves from Dusclops, which evolves from Duskull. Dusknoir is the final form in this evolution line.
10. When should I evolve Dusclops?
Dusclops should be evolved whenever the player sees fit. If they are playing in Trick Room, it’s not an efficient use to evolve, but for standard gameplay, it can be evolved whenever it levels up.
11. Should I get rid of 0-star Pokemon?
Generally, yes. Zero-star Pokemon are good to transfer for Candy because they don’t have any redeeming qualities. They’re also easier to sacrifice during events where transfer candy is doubled.
12. Who can defeat Dusknoir?
The best Pokémon to defeat Dusknoir are Mega Gengar, Shadow Tyranitar, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Houndoom, Mega Rayquaza and Shadow Weavile. These strong Dark and Ghost Pokemon are effective against the Ghost Type.
13. What is the Max CP of Dusknoir?
Dusknoir has a Max CP of 2700 in Pokémon GO. It is weather boosted by Fog weather and was originally found in the Sinnoh region.
14. Which Pokemon should I not evolve right away?
Certain Pokemon, such as Buizel, benefit from delayed evolution, allowing them to learn essential moves earlier. The same is also true for Chimchar.
15. Which Pokemon refuse to evolve?
Some Pokemon are unevolved but still very powerful. Examples include Druddigon, Mawile, Heracross, Wishiwashi, Ditto, Heatmor, Durant, and Duraludon. Certain Pokemon, such as Pikachu, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur, also refuse to evolve during the course of the anime.
Conclusion
Dusknoir is a Pokémon with interesting stats, but it struggles to find a place in the current meta. Its high defenses are offset by low stamina, and its offensive capabilities are easily outshined by other Ghost-type Pokémon. While it has some niche uses, it’s generally not worth the investment for most players. If you’re determined to use a Ghost type, other options are generally better choices. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Dusknoir will help you determine if it fits your personal preferences.