Who's on your side? Transitioning to Generation VII 1v1

By Elo Bandit and Dream Eater Gengar.
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Donphan

Art by Bummer.

Introduction

At the end of Generation VI, 1v1 entered a stale state due to a number of threats that were plaguing the tier. Every 1v1 player started posting that a change needed to take place and the distinction between what is broken and what is not was blurry. This is where a 1v1 suspect philosophy was written, but since it was in the last weeks of Generation VI, it wasn't really put to the test. Enter Generation VII, and the goal The Immortal and I had in mind was to make the metagame diverse. We started with a fresh banlist and decided to re-add Species Clause to amplify diversity, and we decided to not blanket ban Z-Moves, as they hide a key to the diversity we seek, and if a Z-Crystal seemed to be broken, we would ban the Pokémon or the stone.

At the start of Generation VII, 1v1 banned Perish Song again, as it never changed from last generation, except that it got better with the addition of Z-Refresh to fully restore the user's HP. Zygarde-C was also banned due to the sheer amount of bulk it had and the diverse sets it could run such as bulky Weakness Policy, Rest Dragon Dance, and even Dragon Dance + 3 attacks. More elements were up on the radar that I will discuss in the conclusion. But before that, we are going to discuss the best additions that the 1v1 metagame got out of Generation VII, and then we'll analyze the biggest winners and losers of Generation VI 1v1 going into the transition.

1v1's Finest New Additions

Played Generation VI 1v1 and not sure what's good this generation? Let me clue you in on the top threats introduced in Sun and Moon.

Z-Moves

With no restrictions on Z-Crystals, Generation VII 1v1 is full of new and interesting move combinations. In addition to some of the new Generation VII stars, we see lots of Z-Crystal usage from Crustle, Donphan, and Dragonite among others. Drastically boosting the power of a single move with very few drawbacks is a very useful tool for Pokémon able to utilize it effectively. Specifically, the Pokémon best suited for Z-Moves are either those that can tank a hit and boost up before firing off their strongest attack or those that outspeed nearly everything and nuke everything turn one, at the expense of reduced power afterward. Some Z-status moves also see usage, like Z-Conversion Porygon-Z and Z-Charm Umbreon, which can drop the target's Attack two stages while boosting its own Defense. While somewhat less flashy than most offensive Z-Crystal users, Z-status Pokémon also have a place in the metagame.

Golem

Golem

Similarly to Donphan and Crustle, Golem can tank a hit from anything not named Mega Gyarados and deal out some seriously heavy damage with either Continental Crush or Tectonic Rage. Sucker Punch picks up KOs on opposing Sturdy Pokémon or anything left with just a bit of HP. Counter helps your matchups versus most physical attackers—provided you aren't flinched by Iron Heads or Waterfalls, you can generally pick up KOs even when EdgeQuake coverage isn't quite enough. Superpower is also an option, as it better enables Golem to handle Normal-types like Chansey and Dark-types like Umbreon. Maximum Speed and Attack investment is standard, though maximum HP and Attack EVs can work to deal more damage with Counter and increase bulk in general.

Dragonite

Dragonite

Dragonite can boost up its Speed and Attack stats turn one with Dragon Dance and avoid lots of damage with Multiscale before bashing its target's head in with Outrage-based Devastating Drake. Dragonite also carries Extreme Speed for priority and Fire Punch or Earthquake for Steel-types, and it has the option of running Iron Head to hit Fairy-types. While Dragon / Flying isn't a great defensive typing, as it's 4x weak to Ice and hit super effectively by all the Dragons running around the tier, Multiscale does a great job at mitigating damage.

Porygon-Z

Porygon-Z

Porygon-Z can boost all its stats in one turn and change its typing with Z-Conversion. Then, it can land a powerful Adaptability-boosted STAB Thunderbolt (or Ice Beam, Shadow Ball, or Hyper Beam). Normalium Porygon-Z can also throw out a powerful Breakneck Blitz (Z-Hyper Beam) and follow it up with its blistering normal Hyper Beam. 188 Speed lets it outspeed all versions of Gyarados. HP is maxed out, since it's the only stat not boosted by Z-Conversion, and the rest of the points go into Special Attack. Porygon is unique defensively, as it can decide what type to be before taking any attack from a Pokémon slower than it. Don't change to Electric before taking an Earthquake, and don't stay Normal before getting nailed by a Close Combat.

Umbreon

Umbreon

Umbreon uses Z-Charm to drop an opposing physical Pokémon's Attack two stages while buffing its own defenses. Moonlight recovers HP while Foul Play or Toxic whittles down health. Snarl drops a foe's Special Attack, letting Umbreon even take on the likes of Mega Charizard Y. Mono-Dark typing is pretty nice because in addition to being Prankster-immune (bye bye Whimsicott), Umbreon is only weak to Fairy (think Magearna and Choice Specs Tapu Fini and Tapu Lele), Fighting (think Pinsir, Keldeo, Sawk), and Bug (think Pheromosa).

New Pokémon

Tapu Lele

Tapu Lele

Tapu Lele is one of the most powerful special attackers introduced this generation. With a blistering base 130 Special Attack stat and a free 1.5x boost for all its Psychic moves with Psychic Surge, this thing can drop some crazy damage. The most common set is a Psychium Z set that lets Tapu Lele either drop a single massive nuke (Shattered Psyche) or throw up huge defenses with Z-Reflect. It's even capable of taking on Gyarados, though it has to watch out for Steel-types and faster special attackers. Other sets include Choice Specs, which lets Tapu Lele drop more powerful Moonblasts, or Choice Scarf, which lets it outspeed foes like Charizard and pick up surprise KOs.

Tapu Koko

Tapu Koko

Tapu Koko was the face of "OP Z-Moves" when this generation first came into being. Its Gigavolt Havoc hits harder than any Electric move in the metagame: a 185-Base Power move coming off a base 95 Special Attack with a 1.5x Electric Terrain boost means that Tapu Koko can even pick up several resisted OHKOs. However, this Pokémon has a few glaring weaknesses. It's worthless against every Ground-type in the metagame, and running coverage is completely useless. Hidden Power Ice and Grass Knot don't actually end up KOing anything (except minimum Special Defense Landorus). If you can't KO Garchomp or Dragonite, you're better off running moves like Taunt, Substitute, Charge, and Nature's Madness. Taunt hurts stall and setup Pokémon, Substitute can be used to block opposing Z-Moves or take advantage of a non-attacking enemy, Charge boosts Tapu Koko's Special Defense and boosts the power of Gigavolt Havoc even further, letting it take on most Mega Venusaur, and Nature's Madness lets Tapu Koko chunk half of its foe's HP, leaving it open to getting nailed by Gigavolt Havoc.

Kartana

Kartana

Choice Band Kartana might not be able to take damage (especially specially), but it sure can deal it. Most of Kartana's moves have low Base Power (Smart Strike is only 70 BP), but this origami warrior makes up for it with an absurd base Attack stat of 181. Dual STAB attacks in Smart Strike and Leaf Blade offer pretty good coverage, and Giga Impact is Kartana's strongest neutral hit, always KOing Mega Charizard Y and having an 80% chance to KO offensive Mega Charizard X. Sacred Sword hits Normal-types like Chansey, whereas Night Slash hits Psychic-types like Mega Metagross. Notably, Kartana is able to take on Mega Gyarados by taking any hit and 2HKOing it with Leaf Blade. Other options include a Choice Scarf set, which picks up KOs on Choice Scarf Porygon-Z and Choice Specs Greninja, and a wallbreaking Steelium Z set with Swords Dance and Substitute. Even though Beast Boost is useless in 1v1, an extremely solid defensive typing lets Kartana take on a lot of physical attackers and balances it out as a potent, all-out attacking threat.

Mimikyu

Mimikyu

One of the most anticipated Pokémon of the generation, Mimikyu comes into 1v1 with sheer versatility on its side. Coming up against a Mimikyu is a coin flip, since you never know if it's about to blow your Kyurem-B away with Twinkle Tackle or your Metagross with Never-Ending Nightmare. Sometimes, the coin lands on its edge and you come up against the terror that is maximum Speed Curse Mimikyu, which uses its free Disguise turn to place a 4-5-turn Curse timer on your Pokémon and then blocks damage with Protect and Substitute before healing up with a Sitrus or Aguav Berry. It's worth noting how good Ghost / Fairy typing is—you mitigate Mimikyu's weaknesses to Dark, and it's left with only Ghost and Steel weaknesses alongside three immunities in Normal, Fighting, and Dragon. It takes a lot to damage this monster, let alone defeat it.

Magearna

Magearna

Magearna (AKA specially attacking Mawile) is a brutal new force in the metagame. It can either utilize a Choice Specs set to deal out 1.5x the pain or equip an Air Balloon to avoid damage from pesky Ground-type attackers. Magearna's duel STAB attacks Fleur and Flash Cannon melt everything from Gyarados to Tapu Lele. Thunderbolt is a good option versus Flying-types, and Hidden Power Fire takes out Genesect and Ferrothorn. Other options for moveslots include Aura Sphere, Focus Miss Blast, Energy Ball, Substitute (not on the Specs set, though), and Heart Swap (you didn't hear it from me, but giving your target -2 Special Attack and taking their boosts can be hilarious). 216 Speed EVs lets Magearna outpace Modest Magnezone, and 64 HP / 12 SpD investment prevents Choice Specs Genesect from getting a Special Attack boost and KOing Magearna with Flamethrower. Magearna can tank all kinds of hits thanks to its typing, which only leaves it weak to Fire (from the likes of Charizard) and Ground, which can be mitigated via Air Balloon.

While there were several other interesting Pokémon introduced this generation, most were either bugged (looking at you, Pyukumuku) or simply not as powerful as they might appear at first glance. You can definitely find success using Choice Band Bewear or Pheromosa, but against the rest of the metagame they simply don't cut it like the above mentioned Pokémon do. Creativity is always encouraged, so don't be afraid to try out whatever new Pokémon you like, with whatever set can beat the largest portion of the meta—you may find us a new S rank.

Winners and Losers from Generation VI

Winners

Mega Gyarados

Mega Gyarados

While some Pokémon took a huge drop in their viability and others gained more checks and counters due to the introduction of new Pokémon, Mega Gyarados didn't go down a step on the viability ranks. While it's true it gained some checks, they are still minimal and didn't hurt Mega Gyarados's rampage. Its ranking isn't the only thing that hasn't changed; Mega Gyarados is still blessed with the same versatility and great sets.

Its typing and ability make it able to take on new Pokémon or Pokémon that were polished due to Z-Moves such as Mimikyu, Crustle, and Dragonite. Furthermore, Prankster not affecting Dark-type Pokémon gave the edge to Mega Gyarados against Whimsicott and Sableye.

It uses the same set as last generation. The EV spread is optimized to take on threats more easily; the defenses investments allow Mega Gyarados to sponge two Fusion Bolts from Kyurem-B and two Solar Beams from Timid Mega Charizard Y. It also has enough Speed to outspeed a Jolly Garchomp after a Dragon Dance. Dragon Dance is an essential move on Mega Gyarados, as it boosts it Attack and Speed, especially against physically offensive Pokémon due to Intimidate. Waterfall is the main STAB attack that lets Mega Gyarados take on popular types in the metagame like Ground-, Rock-, and Fire-type Pokémon such as Donphan, Crustle, and Mega Charizard Y. Outrage is a great non-STAB move that makes Mega Gyarados threatening, allowing to take on the omnipresent Dragon-types such as Kyurem-B, Dragonite, and Garchomp. Crunch is a secondary STAB move that lets it take on Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokémon such as Deoxys-D and Aegislash, which are also doing great in today's metagame. Taunt can also be used instead to easily take on the opponent's stall Pokémon or the ones that rely on boosting moves to win. If a Steel-type check is needed, Mega Gyarados can also run Earthquake, allowing it to widen the list of Pokémon it beats.

All of these positive traits made Mega Gyarados stay still in the Viability Rankings as one of the only two Pokémon that are in the S-ranks.

Mega Charizard X

Mega Charizard X

Nothing really changed from the transition to Generation VII for Mega Charizard X other than the metagame shifting in its favor, with the addition of new threats that it can take advantage of such as Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, and Magearna. Additionally, the persistence of some past generation threats like Mega Metagross, Magnezone, Mega Charizard Y and Mega Mawile makes Mega Charizard X a low-risk, high-reward Pokémon. It is hard not to consider it a winner this generation, seeing that it gained few checks while keeping the traits that made it a top-tier threat last generation: a great offensive typing combined with great overall bulk and raw power with a pinch of unpredictability thanks to the Mega Stone being shared with Mega Charizard Y.

Mega Charizard X still uses the same set. Outrage and Flare Blitz are the main STAB moves with great Base Power used to punch holes into anything that doesn't resist it thanks to Tough Claws. Dragon Dance is used to boost Mega Charizard X's outstanding offensive capabilities when facing a defensive threat such as Deoxys-D or to secure the OHKO against some Pokémon such as opposing Mega Charizard X using the defensive spread, which consists of 252 HP and 252 Defense EVs. Will-O-Wisp stops bulky offensive threats or slower attackers, giving Mega Charizard X more time to set up or to attack the foe twice more easily. Counter is an inferior choice this generation, but with a defensive spread of 252 HP / 252 Def, Mega Charizard X may be able to sponge some hits from Dragonite, Kyurem-B, and Garchomp and retaliate.

With all of these traits and a great moveset it is hard not consider Mega Charizard X the second S-ranked Pokémon.

Crustle

Crustle

Crustle is a Pokémon that was good but not that great in Generation VI due different factors, such as the abundance of its threats and it being somewhat easier to check due to Rock Wrecker being a rechargeable move. In Generation VII, thanks to the addition of Z-Moves, Crustle saw a new road to take. Rockium Z gives Crustle more power while removing the rechargeable effect of Rock Wrecker, giving it an outstanding Continental Crush. Furthermore, Crustle's checks such as Rhyperior and Whimsicott are no longer abundant this generation due to their nerfs.

Crustle's ability Sturdy allows it to easily set up with Shell Smash, enabling it to beat the likes of Mega Charizard Y and Dragonite. Additionally, its EVs allow it to survive an Adamant Mega Gyarados's Waterfall, set up Shell Smash, and outspeed it, all while keeping its Attack maximized, allowing it to nail the OHKO against other various threats such as Genesect and Porygon-Z. Its Speed investment puts it at 153, or 306 after a Shell Smash, allowing it to outspeed Pokémon with a base Speed of 90 or less such as Porygon-Z and Meloetta. Rock Wrecker powered up by Rockium Z offers a high-Base Power move without the downside of having to recharge, giving Crustle more power, epecially after a Shell Smash, letting it OHKO or cause heavy damage to most Pokémon that doesn't resist the move. Earthquake hits Steel-type Pokémon, which can stop troublesome Pokémon that Rock Wrecker doesn't defeat such as Magearna. Last but not least, Counter stops most physical attackers that both Rock Wrecker and Earthquake can't deal with, such as Mega Metagross.

Crustle is definitely a winner in this transition, gaining Rockium Z and seeing its threats drop in viability, which made it place higher on the Viability Rankings this generation.

Donphan

Donphan

Donphan is the exact definition of a winner. Making it from just a niche Pokémon into a threat, the transition gave Donphan everything it needed to assert its dominance. Its stats stayed unchanged, as did its moves and ability, but what made Donphan a threat is the introduction of Z-Moves. Both Groundium Z and Rockium Z give it enough power to take on a lot of threats in the metagame such as Mega Charizard X and Y, Mega Metagross, Porygon-Z, and Crustle.

Sturdy makes sure Donphan doesn't get knocked out easily by a other threats such as Hyper Beam Porygon-Z and Meloetta and Solar Beam Mega Charizard Y. Its EVs maximize its ability to take down the foe while keeping its defensive capabilities high, allowing it to not get 2HKOed. 19 Speed IVs allow it to underspeed Aegislash by one point, OHKOing it in Blade forme with Earthquake. Head Smash is used as a main move alongside Rockium Z, allowing Donphan to fire off a strong Rock-type move to take out Flying-types, Fire-types, and other frail Pokémon such as Greninja and Tapu Koko. Earthquake is used as STAB move, allowing it to take on Steel-type Pokémon that resist Head Smash, for example Mega Metagross, and can be used in tandem with Groundium-Z to take on Mega Mawile and other Steel-type Pokémon. Counter is used when you are sure the opponent will go for the physically offensive move and when you doubt Head Smash or Earthquake will OHKO the foe, such as against Tapu Bulu. Ice Shard is used as fourth move to finish off Pokémon that survived the move with a little amount of HP or against Sturdy Pokémon like Crustle.

Donphan has seriously climbed through the Viability Rankings this generation, thanks to the introduction of Z-Moves.

Obviously, more Pokémon got the winning status this generation, and Kyurem-B is one of them, being an honorable mention. It got another set in Icium Z, allowing it to defeat a lot of bulky Pokémon, notably bulky Mega Charizard X, which can still beat its other sets. Kyurem-B can still use most of its last generation's sets to adapt to the ladder such as Choice Scarf and Choice Band. It is still one of the best Pokémon in the metagame, even though it has fallen to A+. However, it might rise back up to S rank soon.

Losers

Chansey

Chansey

Chansey is a Pokémon that drew the short end of the stick in this transition to Generation VII 1v1. Directly, it didn't get nerfed, but the metagame shifts and changes didn't favor it. The introduction of Z-Moves is a major reason for this, since they have high Base Power move and when boosted by the likes of Sword Dance can wreak havoc. Most Z-Move users are also physically oriented, which Chansey has trouble against, such as Crustle and Mimikyu. Additionally, new Pokémon such as Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Mimikyu have no problem taking out Chansey. Moreover, Ghost-type Pokémon and Taunt users are more notably present this generation, which hinders Chansey's capabilities. Still, Chansey didn't turn out to be useless; it still has the fantastic ability to check all specially offensive Pokémon thanks to its colossal Special Defense, but it didn't get as much as others.

This set allows Chansey to sponge hits and either retaliate with Counter if taking physical damage or paralyze the foe thanks to Thunder Wave and Seismic Toss its way to victory. Soft-Boiled is used to heal Chansey's wounds, which is a necessity to ensure its longevity as defensive threat. This set makes Chansey a scary threat to face if not prepared for, but not as dominant as last generation.

Rhyperior

Rhyperior

Rhyperior is one of the Pokémon that fell in viability during this transition. Firstly, the addition of Rockium Z and Groundium Z made it face stiff competition from many Pokémon that could pull both of these sets better due to their typings or abilities, such as Crustle and Donphan. Secondly, its best set, which needed Custap Berry to work, is no longer available due to the absence of the main link, which is the item. Additionally, the usage of bulkier Pokémon that can tank any move and 2HKO Rhyperior, such as Psychium Z Reflect Tapu Lele and Mega Venusaur, was a factor for its drop.

This set utilizes Rhyperior's bulk and offensive capabilities to its favor. Assault Vest mitigates Rhyperior's low Special Defense, allowing it to tank hits from Pokémon such as Choice Specs Magearna, while its physical bulk is enough to sponge most physically oriented hits. Both of these defensive traits combined with its ability Solid Rock make Rhyperior hard to take down with some Pokémon. Rock Wrecker is the main STAB that OHKOes most threats that don't resist it, while Earthquake complements it quite well, giving it great coverage against a large portion of the metagame. Fire Punch ensures it can hit Grass-types and levitating Steel-types effectively, especially Ferrothorn, while Rock Blast can be used to avoid Rock Wrecker's recharge turn. Counter is used against physically offensive Pokémon that do great damage against Rhyperior but cannot OHKO it.

Whimsicott

Whimsicott

Whimsicott was one of the best yet most annoying defensive threats in the metagame last generation, as it was able to beat a good number of threats in the metagame, such as Mega Mawile when holding Babiri Berry, Mega Gyarados, Mega Charizard X with Occa Berry, and more. While the annoying part hasn't changed, it isn't really considered one of the best anymore. While the Prankster nerf affected it a little bit, it wasn't the essential point, as the only relevant Dark-type Pokémon are Mega Gyarados and Umbreon, to an extent. The power creep that Generation VII gave us is what made Whimsicott drop; newer threats such as Tapu Lele, which is immune to Prankster thanks to Psychic Terrain, and Magearna, combined with the metagame shifting to favor more Steel-type Pokémon such as Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Kartana, made it hard for Whimsicott to survive. Furthermore, Taunt has become used more and more to defeat stall Pokémon on users like Tapu Koko and Deoxys-D. Additionally, it is getting competition as a stall Grass-type Pokémon from Mega Venusaur, which is bulkier and has a better typing and ability to adapt to the metagame trend, and Jumpluff, which is fast enough and has access to Sleep Powder.

Whimsicott's set this generation is pretty similar to last generation's. It's pretty straightforward; Leech Seed is used to sap the foe's health while the defensive EVs ensure that it doesn't get knocked out. If it can put up Leech Seed, it will easily stall out the foe with Protect and priority Substitute. Moonblast replaced Encore this generation to allow it to have a chance against Mega Gyarados, but it will not help it against the prominent Taunt users.

As the metagame shifts more into offense and the usage of anti-stall moves like Taunt and Steel-type Pokémon increases, Whimsicott will hardly be able to adapt to the metagame, causing it to fall and making it always the second choice against its rivals.

Mega Sableye

Mega Sableye

While Mega Sableye is still the defensive behemoth it was last generation, it isn't as effective as it used to be. Everyone is wondering why, and the reasons are simple. Firstly, the Mega Evolution Speed mechanics changes make Mega Sableye unable to pull of a Prankster Will-O-Wisp or Recover before Mega Evolving, making it suffer against most offensive Pokémon. Secondly, the special and physical power creep in the metagame makes it unable to sponge hit that effectively. Furthermore, the abundance of Fairy-type Pokémon in the metagame shifting toward more toward bulky offense with Fire-type and Substitute Pokémon, and offense with Z-Moves, are the elements keeping Mega Sableye from truly shining; Substitute, Fire-type Pokémon, and recovery keep it away.

This is also a Generation VI set; Will-O-Wisp halves the foe's Attack and makes it more vulnerable to Recover stalling while Mega Sableye chips away at it with Foul Play or Metal Burst. Taunt can be used instead to stop opposing stall Pokémon such as Mega Slowbro and Chansey. Foul Play is a key move in the moveset, allowing it to keep users of boosting moves like Swords Dance and Dragon Dance in check. Metal Burst is mostly used against a Choice-locked user, physically or specially, as Mega Sableye can sponge a hit and retaliate.

Mega Sableye itself didn't get nerfed directly, but the metagame trend isn't really favoring it at the moment; bulky offense and power creep are running the metagame, and foes like that either don't die from Foul Play and Metal Burst or just muscle through Mega Sableye.

These winners and losers are subject to change, as the metagame really goes through different suspects phases and trends. This is just the beginning, and with the release of the other Mega Stones and items, we might see these Pokémon's viability increase, but for the moment, they aren't what they used to be in the previous generation; they either got better or got worse.

Conclusion

Generation VII 1v1 is a gift for the 1v1 community, as it kicked in fresh with new threats and Pokémon that impacted the metagame in a positive way. At the moment, it is diverse, and we are hoping to continue this way. However, it still isn't perfectly balanced, as problematic elements are appearing in the metagame, and the community has been focusing on Mega Gyarados and some Z-Moves. The former is unpredictable and able to beat more than half of the metagame, while the latter shape 1v1 to a bulky offensive metagame that takes on other playstyles like stall and offense. While the newly released Mega Mawile is also sparking a lot of discussion as being a broken key in the metagame due to its high power, great typing and bulk allowing it to beat a good bunch of the metagame. Discussions about these elements on the radar and more take place in the 1v1 thread. Also, if you're a new player and wish to learn more about 1v1, you can head over the resources thread, which has a lot of information such as Viability Rankings and Speed tiers, and even videos are made for learning purposes. As a closing remark, 1v1 is changing and continuously changing, and we can't wait for the release of other Mega Stones such as Altarianite, Aggronite, and Ampharosite to see how they will effect the gameplay. Thanks for reading!

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