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 in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Overview

Darkest Lariat consists of Incineroar rapidly performing 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 possesses 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.

While using it, Incineroar can also move along the ground, albeit slowly, similarly to the grounded versions of Spinning Kong and Mach Tornado. Additionally, it can stall Incineroar's fall in the air while being able to move as well, making it a niche recovery option.

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. 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.

Gallery

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  Darkest Lariat as shown by a Skill Preview in Ultimate.

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.
• 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