The old thread was pretty much dead, but I'm in the mood to create a new one. At least until I inevitably have tons of stuff to do and won't be able to update it often. But for the time being, I think we can get a more up-to-date version. There's some subjectivity in this one at the moment, but feel free to chime in!
Also I wouldn't mind a mod taking over this one - I just wanted a more up to date version.
Note that I won't be covering all techmons in here (i.e Gyarados, Lapras). I'm also not doing a C rank because at that point it gets really difficult and very team specific. The bottom of B- rank is already sketchy as it is. However, being unranked here does not necessarily mean the Pokemon you're using is unviable - it just needs a really good reason to be on a team.
S Rank
Reserved for the top threats in the VGC 2016 metagame. These Pokemon are the primary definers of the VGC 2016 metagame. These are the Pokemon you want to be building your team around as they are the most likely Pokemon to take over games when properly supported. Pokemon in S-Rank either have a well-rounded set of positive traits, allowing them to perform many roles to tremendous effect, or a few focused set of amazing traits that demand complete and utter respect. Support Pokemon in this rank, if any, can easily create free turns for its partners while being extremely difficult for its opponents to exploit.
Primal Groudon
Primal Kyogre
Xerneas
A Rank
Reserved for Pokemon that function very well within the current VGC16 metagame. The Pokemon in this tier are either able to perform multiple roles to great effect, or execute one extremely well. Support Pokemon in this tier can create free turns, but not as easily as those in the S Rank. The flaws that the Pokemon in this tier may have are usually mitigated by their positive traits, or with minimal team support.
A+ Rank
Smeargle
Mega Kangaskhan
Mega Salamence
Mega Rayquaza
A Rank
Bronzong
Cresselia
Thundurus
Mega Gengar
Rayquaza
A- Rank
Yveltal
Talonflame
Amoonguss
Crobat
B Rank
Reserved for Pokemon that fit well in the VGC16 metagame, but they have notable flaws that prevent them from filling their role to the fullest extent. The Pokemon in this tier are not very splashable and can only fit into rather specific teams. The Pokemon in this tier are either predictable, require some team support to work to its full potential, or are at disadvantageous match-ups against some common threats. The flaws that the Pokemon in this tier have are mostly mitigated by their positive traits.
B+ Rank
Weavile
Dialga
Whimsicott
Zapdos
Raichu
Hitmontop
Scrafty
Mega Manectric
Landorus-T
Ferrothorn
Togekiss
Kyurem-White
Suicune
B Rank
Mega Venusaur
Palkia
Mega Mawile
Gengar
Meowstic-M
Infernape
Clefairy
Scizor
Sableye
Kyogre
Mewtwo
B- Rank
Ho-Oh
Aegislash
Liepard
Mienshao
Arcanine
Jumpluff
Terrakion
Slowbro
Azumarill
Giratina-O
Exeggutor
Also I wouldn't mind a mod taking over this one - I just wanted a more up to date version.
Note that I won't be covering all techmons in here (i.e Gyarados, Lapras). I'm also not doing a C rank because at that point it gets really difficult and very team specific. The bottom of B- rank is already sketchy as it is. However, being unranked here does not necessarily mean the Pokemon you're using is unviable - it just needs a really good reason to be on a team.
S Rank
Reserved for the top threats in the VGC 2016 metagame. These Pokemon are the primary definers of the VGC 2016 metagame. These are the Pokemon you want to be building your team around as they are the most likely Pokemon to take over games when properly supported. Pokemon in S-Rank either have a well-rounded set of positive traits, allowing them to perform many roles to tremendous effect, or a few focused set of amazing traits that demand complete and utter respect. Support Pokemon in this rank, if any, can easily create free turns for its partners while being extremely difficult for its opponents to exploit.
A Rank
Reserved for Pokemon that function very well within the current VGC16 metagame. The Pokemon in this tier are either able to perform multiple roles to great effect, or execute one extremely well. Support Pokemon in this tier can create free turns, but not as easily as those in the S Rank. The flaws that the Pokemon in this tier may have are usually mitigated by their positive traits, or with minimal team support.
A+ Rank
A Rank
A- Rank
B Rank
Reserved for Pokemon that fit well in the VGC16 metagame, but they have notable flaws that prevent them from filling their role to the fullest extent. The Pokemon in this tier are not very splashable and can only fit into rather specific teams. The Pokemon in this tier are either predictable, require some team support to work to its full potential, or are at disadvantageous match-ups against some common threats. The flaws that the Pokemon in this tier have are mostly mitigated by their positive traits.
B+ Rank
Scrafty
Mega Manectric
B Rank
B- Rank
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