Darkest Lariat

Darkest Lariat
Incineroar using Darkest Lariat in Ultimate.
User	Incineroar
Universe	Pokémon
Article on Bulbapedia	Darkest Lariat (move)

Darkest Lariat (ＤＤラリアット, DD Lariat) is Incineroar's neutral special move.

Overview

Darkest Lariat is a move where Incineroar rapidly performs a series of discus lariats. Its early hit is powerful — even being a KO option with or without Revenge — but weakens over time with its gradually changing hitboxes. Due to the way the hitboxes work, however, the move will always poke or break shields unless the opponent perfect shields or dodges the last hit. As a result, the move is relatively safe to use as a shield pressure tool. It can also be used after hitting shield with an aerial to guard against slow out of shield options.

It can also trample throughout its duration, beating out many moves and thus making it a prime defensive option. It comes out on frame 5, with invincibility on Incineroar's whole body from frames 5-6, but only if used on the ground. After this, the head and arms become invincible for a frame, before it remains on the arms until frame 57, allowing it to completely negate weak projectiles and out-prioritize attacks without sufficient reach. However, while it is strong as a defensive option, the committal nature makes it extremely punishable against a prepared opponent. It is also vulnerable to moves with armor or disjoints.

While using Darkest Lariat, Incineroar can also move along the ground, albeit slowly, similarly to the grounded versions of Spinning Kong and Mach Tornado. Additionally, it can slow Incineroar's air speed while being able to move as well, making it a niche recovery option. It can also be used when running off the ledge as an edgeguarding option against poor recoveries.

Instructional quote

Move List

Twirls like a tornado with arms spread wide. Tilting left or right can move the attack.

Origin

Darkest Lariat in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Darkest Lariat is a Dark-type move introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, and was Incineroar's signature move; in Pokémon Sword and Shield, this move was made available to more Pokémon via TR93. It has 85 base power, ignores all changes to the opponent's Defense and Evasion stats, and can be upgraded into the Z-Move Malicious Moonsault while Incineroar holds Incinium Z.

Darkest Lariat's properties bear a major resemblance to — and are likely directly inspired by — the Double Lariat, an attack originated by Mike Haggar from the Final Fight series, itself based on the Discus Lariat, a move involing extending one's arms and spinning in place used by many professional wrestlers. However, the move has been adopted and is arguably more commonly associated with Zangief from the Street Fighter series. When explaining the move, Masahiro Sakurai compared Incineroar to a "Red Cyclone", which is a reference to Zangief's nickname. While extremely limited in combat effectiveness, the Discus Lariat's dramatic and flashy nature makes it great for a big moment that excites a crowd.

Gallery

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  Darkest Lariat as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

Names in other languages

Language	Name
Japanese	ＤＤラリアット, DD Lariat
English	Darkest Lariat
French	Dark Lariat
German	Dark Lariat
Spanish	Lariat Oscuro
Italian	Braccioteso
Chinese	ＤＤ金勾臂
Korean	DD래리어트, DD Lariat
Dutch	Duistere Lasso
Russian	Тёмное Лассо

Trivia

• If Darkest Lariat is used right when Incineroar bounces on top of the ropes of Boxing Ring, it will launch itself incredibly high into the air. This is presumably due to the move altering Incineroar's falling speed while it is used.
  • This effect also applies to any other level that has springs or elements that resemble springs.
• The colour of the tornado visual effect changes with palette swaps.
  • When using Darkest Lariat through his Copy Ability, Kirby will have grey visuals.

Incineroar's special moves

Neutral special	Darkest Lariat
Side special	Alolan Whip
Up special	Cross Chop
Down special	Revenge
Final Smash	Max Malicious Moonsault