>>24825279Darmanitan is a lot stronger than Arcanine, but it's also a lot frailer, too.
Arcanine can take a hit if needed, Darmanitan can't.
Being critical, Arcanine should be compared with mostly Entei: Similar BST and distribution, function and what they can offer.
Darmanitan exists to punch holes, Heatran, Volcarona and Charizard Y are special attackers, Charizard X is best used as a pivot in Doubles. Talonflame is a Flying Type that uses its Fire-Type to resist Steel and Fairi.
But both Entei and Arcanine do almost the same thing. One have Intimidate but the other can abuse Pressure. Entei have Sacred Fire to fish Burns while doing damage but it lacks Priority, Coverage and Recovery.
It's subpar, its a well known fact, but it have its proper usage, there's no possible (and plausible) Attack that could give to Arcanine a notorious rise in usage. But it has its tools and can work with them. It's not a "shitmon", Arcanine was in the top 12 in every season that banned "the main top 12" in Battle Spot. It's not top tier, but it's something.
