Overview and Key Stats
Dusk Mane Necrozma is a Psychic/Steel Ultra Beast from the Alola region, known for its high Defense and Special Defense. This form is obtained by using the Nuzlocke-style Dusk Stone on Necrozma in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, and it remains obtainable in core series games that retain the original stats and movepool. Below are the most consistent, version-agnostic base stats and attributes for Dusk Mane Necrozma.
| Stat | Base Value | Typical Competitive Range (Level 50) | Verification Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 97 | ~180–190 | Fixed base; in-game tested in Gen VII |
| Attack | 117 | ~200–220 | Physical emphasis for coverage moves |
| Defense | 137 | ~245–265 | High natural bulk; key trait |
| Special Attack | 127 | ~225–245 | Strong STAB and spread damage |
| Special Defense | 137 | ~245–265 | Equal to Defense; reliable walls |
| Speed | 77 | ~130–150 | Moderate; benefits from Speed control |
| Total | 612 | — | Consistent across games that retain this form |
Dusk Mane Necrozma’s stat distribution makes it a physical tank with strong special offense, enabling mixed sets that threaten multiple defensive cores.
Type Combination and Defensive Profile
As a Psychic/Steel type, Dusk Mane Necrozma holds several resistances and only a few weaknesses. Its Steel typing grants immunity to Poison and resistance to Dragon, Ice, and Psychic, while reducing damage from Normal, Flying, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Psychic, Ice, and Dragon moves. The Psychic typing adds a 4x weakness to Dark, which remains its primary threat. It also faces 2x damage from Fire, Ground, and Ghost. The table below summarizes common damage multipliers in the format: Attack Type / Multiplier.
| Attack Type | Multiplier | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dark | 4x | Greatest weakness; avoid direct hits |
| Fire, Ground, Ghost | 2x | Common offensive pressures |
| Poison | 0.25x | Immunity; useful against Toxic |
| Dragon, Ice, Psychic | 0.5x | Notable resistances |
| Bug, Grass, Rock | 0.5x | Defensive utility against common moves |
In practice, this means Dusk Mane Necrozma can switch into threats like Dragonite, Gengar, and various Steel- and Poison-types while applying pressure with strong neutral and super-effective returns.
Ability and Hidden Ability
Dusk Mane Necrozma has one standard ability and one Hidden Ability that define its playstyle.
- Magic Guard: Prevents indirect damage from hazards, status damage, weather, and recoil, enabling precise damage calculations and longer switch windows.
- Shadow Shield (Hidden): Reduces damage taken when at full HP by 50%, functioning similarly to Light Screen against burst damage while preserving longevity in prolonged fights.
Magic Guard is more common in competitive builds for consistency, while Shadow Shield offers a more forgiving defensive profile for newer teams.
Signature Move and Coverage Options
Dusk Mane Necrozma has access to a strong movepool that supports both physical and special sets. Its signature move, Moongeist Beam, is a 100 base power Steel-type move that always hits regardless of Ability or moves like Wonder Guard, making it a reliable primary STAB. For coverage, it commonly runs Photon Geyser, Earth Power, Flamethrower, and Trick, allowing it to target Fairy, Rock, Fire, and opposing Steel threats effectively.
| Move | Type | Category | Power / Effect | Usage Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moongeist Beam | Steel | Special | 100 base power, never misses | Primary STAB; reliable damage |
| Photon Geyser | Psychic | Special | 100 base power, lowers user’s Sp. Atk if higher | Coverage and flexibility |
| Earth Power | Ground | Special | 90 base power, 10% chance to lower Sp. Def | Coverage vs Steel, Rock, Fire |
| Trick | Psychic | Status | Swaps held items with target | Utility and disruption |
Competitive Role and Common Set Examples
Dusk Mane Necrozma functions primarily as a specially oriented wallbreaker and pivot, though mixed physical sets are viable in formats that appreciate its bulk. It benefits from entry hazard support and Speed control, allowing it to safely switch in and apply pressure with Moongeist Beam and coverage moves. Below are two representative set archetypes commonly used in Gen VII/VIII OU and similar tiers.
Special Wallbreaker Set
- Ability: Magic Guard
- Item: Weakness Policy or Life Orb
- EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Nature: Timid
- Moves: Moongeist Beam, Photon Geyser, Earth Power, Flamethrower / Trick
Mixed Physical Tank Set
- Ability: Magic Guard
- Item: Assault Vest or Leftovers
- EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
- Nature: Bold
- Moves: Moongeist Beam, Earth Power, Iron Head, Protect / Toxic
These builds illustrate how Dusk Mane Necrozma balances offense and durability, enabling it to function as either a late-game cleaner or a core defensive pivot.
Team Roles and Common Partners
Dusk Mane Necrozma pairs effectively with Pokémon that can cover its 4x Dark weakness and provide hazard support or Speed control. Common partners include Fairy-types to deter strong Dark moves, Ground-types to handle Electric threats that may trouble teammates, and entry hazard setters to pressure switches. It also benefits from teammates that can spread status or provide Tailwind/Trick Room depending on the team’s overall strategy.
Comparison with Other Ultra Beasts and Legendary Pokémon
Compared to other Ultra Beasts, Dusk Mane Necrozma stands out for its exceptional bulk and unique Steel typing, which is uncommon among Ultra Beasts. Unlike many Ultra Beasts that are strictly special attackers, Dusk Mane Necrozma can credibly run mixed offenses, giving it more set flexibility. Compared to legendaries like Metagross or Heatran, it trades some base power and consistency for a more unusual typing and higher Speed in many builds. Its role is closer to a defensive wallbreaker that can threaten through Steel and Psychic coverage rather than a pure sweeper.
Summary and Practical Takeaways
Dusk Mane Necrozma remains a relevant and durable choice in formats that support its movepool and role as a mixed tanky attacker. Its 612 total base stats, bolstered by high Defense and Special Defense, make it difficult to remove outright, while Moongeist Beam and strong coverage ensure consistent offensive pressure. Key factors for success include protecting it from Dark-type moves, leveraging its resistances, and integrating it into a team that supports its switching pattern. When built and paired thoughtfully, Dusk Mane Necrozma offers a versatile option that bridges defensive presence and meaningful damage output.