Resource Monotype USM Viability Rankings

[Eien]

Monotype Viability Rankings

artwork by Chras
Welcome to the Ultra Sun and Moon Monotype Viability Rankings. Monotype ranks Pokemon differently from OU’s VR. In OU Pokemon are often ranked based on how many roles the Pokemon can perform. In Monotype, Pokemon are ranked based upon the number of positive matchups they provide for their type. For example, Mega Gardevoir can fill many roles on Psychic and Fairy teams, but is ranked lower than Mega Gallade and Mega Diancie because they can easily win certain matchups. Most Pokemon are placed into one of five different rankings S, A, B, C, D. Some Pokemon aren’t listed either because they are either completely outclassed or it hasn't been ranked yet. Pokemon are ranked separately for each type. For example, Lanturn is useful on Water because of Volt Absorb while on Electric the Electric-type immunity is unnecessary.​

General / Write up Rules

• Flaming will not be tolerated. (Please respectfully debate each other's nominations)
• Post smartly, don't just be like "I like Gogoat so it should be in S Tier!!!"
• Stay on topic. As much as I would like to see a petition saying that XYZ Pokemon should be unbanned (not here please use the discussion thread for that type of discussion)
• Only do a write up on Pokemon you have experience with (No theorymoning)
• Avoid posting pointless 1 Liners such as (Why is XYZ Pokemon XYZ Rank it sucks)

Viability Ranking Council: These people will have the final say if a decision by the community cannot be reached or a Pokemon is completely misplaced. If you have any questions or need help, please PM / VM these people.

• 
  Vid
• 
  Eien

How to rank

• Include the Pokemon you're rating, the type, and what rank you want it to be.
• Provide an explanation as to why you put it in that rank and how it fares in Monotype. (Why should it be ranked lower or higher?)

Monotype Viability Rankings in Alphabetical order

Bug

S Rank

Armaldo

Volcarona

A Rank

Forretress

Galvantula

Heracross

Mega Pinsir

Mega Scizor

Scizor

B Rank

Araquanid

Buzzwole

Mega Heracross


C Rank

Scolipede

Shuckle

Yanmega

D Rank

Durant

Ribombee

Vivillon

Dark

S Rank

Greninja

Mandibuzz

Muk-Alola

A Rank

Hydreigon

Mega Sableye

Tyranitar

B Rank

Bisharp

Krookodile

Mega Tyranitar

C Rank

Mega Sharpedo

Weavile

D Rank

Cacturne

Crawdaunt

Honchkrow

Dragon

S Rank

Dragonite

Kyurem-Black

Latios

A Rank

Garchomp

Kommo-o

Latias

B Rank

Dragalge

Hydreigon

Mega Altaria

C Rank

Mega Latias

D Rank

Mega Garchomp

Electric

S Rank

Rotom-Wash

Tapu Koko

Zeraora

A Rank

Raichu-Alola

Zapdos

B Rank

Golem-Alola

Magnezone

Thundurus

C Rank
Rotom-Cut

D Rank

Mega Manectric

Raikou

Xurkitree

Fairy

S Rank

Mega Diancie

Tapu Bulu

Tapu Koko

A Rank

Azumarill

Clefable

Klefki

Mimikyu

B Rank

Ribombee

Togekiss

C Rank

Primarina

Tapu Fini

D Rank

Gardevoir

Fighting

S Rank

Keldeo

Mega Gallade

Terrakion

A Rank

Cobalion

Heracross

Kommo-o

B Rank

Breloom

Buzzwole

Infernape

C Rank

Hawlucha

Lucario

Toxicroak

D Rank

Mega Heracross

Fire

S Rank

Mega Charizard-X

A Rank

Blacephalon

Heatran

Infernape

Rotom-Heat

Torkoal

B Rank

Volcarona

C Rank

Victini

Marowak-Alola
D Rank

Entei

Mega Charizard-Y

Volcanion

Flying

S Rank

Celesteela

Landorus-Therian

A Rank

Dragonite

Gliscor

Mega Aerodactyl

Tornadus-Therian

Zapdos

B Rank

Aerodactyl

Landorus

Mega Charizard-Y

Thundurus-Therian

C Rank

Hawlucha

Mantine

Togekiss

D Rank

Mandibuzz

Skarmory

Thundurus

Ghost

S Rank

Mega Sableye

Mimikyu
A Rank

Blacephalon

Gengar

Marowak-Alola

B Rank

Decidueye

Jellicent

C Rank

Cofagrigus

Golurk

Hoopa

D Rank

Dhelmise

Dusclops

Froslass

Gourgeist-Super

Shedinja

Grass

S Rank

Ferrothorn

Mega Venusaur

A Rank

Breloom

Tapu Bulu

B Rank

Celebi

Decidueye

Whimsicott

C Rank

Cradily

Gourgeist-Super

Serperior

D Rank

Amoonguss

Rotom-Mow

Ground

S Rank

Excadrill

Landorus

A Rank

Garchomp

Gastrodon

Hippowdon

Mega Steelix

Seismitoad

B Rank

Mamoswine

Mega Garchomp

C Rank

Dugtrio

Gliscor

Landorus-Therian

Krookodile

Nidoking

D Rank

Diggersby

Mega Camerupt

Quagsire

Ice

S Rank

Kyurem-Black

Mamoswine

Ninetales-Alola

A Rank

Cloyster

Piloswine

Sandslash-Alola

Weavile

B Rank

Avalugg

Lapras

Rotom-Frost

Walrein

C Rank

Cryogonal

Froslass

D Rank

Articuno

Normal

S Rank

Chansey

Porygon2

Staraptor

A Rank

Diggersby

Ditto

Mega Lopunny

Porygon-Z

B Rank

Mega Pidgeot

Meloetta

Snorlax

C Rank

Bewear

Smeargle

D Rank

Heliolisk

Mega Audino

Poison

S Rank

Mega Venusaur

Muk-Alola

Toxapex

A Rank

Crobat

Nidoking

Nihilego

B Rank

Gengar

Salazzle

Scolipede

C Rank

Nidoqueen

D Rank

Dragalge

Skuntank

Tentacruel

Psychic

S Rank

Victini

A Rank

Celebi

Deoxys-Speed

Latios

Mega Gallade

Metagross

Mew

B Rank

Alakazam

Jirachi

Latias

Mega Latios


C Rank

Mega Latias

Mega Slowbro

Meloetta

Reuniclus

Slowbro

D Rank

Deoxys-Defense

Mega Alakazam

Mega Gardevoir

Rock

S Rank

Mega Diancie

Shuckle

Terrakion

Tyranitar

A Rank

Cradily

Golem-Alola

Nihilego

Rhyperior

B Rank

Omastar

C Rank

Mega Aerodactyl

Mega Tyranitar

D Rank

Diancie

Lycanroc-Dusk

Minior

Stakataka

Steel

S Rank

Celesteela

Heatran

A Rank

Excadrill

Ferrothorn

Jirachi

Mega Scizor

B Rank

Bisharp

Magnezone

C Rank

Cobalion

Klefki

Lucario

Stakataka

D Rank

Bronzong

Empoleon

Skarmory

Water

S Rank

Greninja

Toxapex

A Rank

Keldeo

Mega Swampert

Rotom-Wash

Swampert

B Rank

Empoleon

Gastrodon

Gyarados

Mega Sharpedo

Pelipper

Suicune

C Rank

Azumarill

Kingdra

Lanturn

Manaphy

Mantine

Mega Gyarados

Mega Slowbro
Slowking

Quagsire

D Rank

Alomomola

Jellicent

Milotic

Seismitoad

Tapu Fini

Blacklist
These Pokemon have been brought up multiple times for discussion with the same arguments or are just awful. A type can be blacklisted if it is an extreme circumstance. If anyone talks about a Pokemon that is blacklisted your post will be deleted and or infracted.

• 
  Gourgeist
• 
  Mega Banette

[/hide]

 

[Vid]

Here's what changed from the last thread. If anyone has any question about any of these changes feel free to PM / VM me with your concerns

Update

Bug

Ribombee Unranked---->C

Scizor S---->A

Yanmega B---->C

Vikavolt D---->Unranked

Vivillon C--->D

Mega Beedrill D---->Unranked
Dark

Mega Absol D---->Unranked

Mega Houndoom C--->D
Dragon

Naganadel Unranked---->S

Mega Altaria S--->A

Latios S--->A

Salamence A--->C

Kommo-o C--->B

Dragalge B--->C

Turtonator D--->Unranked

Goodra C--->D

Druddigon D---->Unranked

Hydreigon A--->B

Garchomp S--->A
Electric

Electivire D--->Unranked

Luxray D--->Unranked

Golem-Alola S--->A

Raichu-Alola S--->A

Xurkitree A--->B

Magnezone A--->B

Mega Manectric B--->C

Eelektross C--->Unranked
Fairy

Slurpuff D--->C

Ribombee Unranked--->A

Ninetales-Alola C---->Unranked

Diancie C--->D

Sylveon D---->Unranked

Gardevoir B--->C

Mega Gardevoir B--->C

Primarina C---->B

Tapu Fini B--->C
Fighting

Kommo-o C--->A

Buzzwole A--->B

Scrafty D---->Unranked

Pangoro D--->Unranked

Conkeldurr C--->D

Mega Heracross B---->C
Fire

Chandelure C---->Unranked

Blacephalon Unranked---->A

Arcanine D--->Unranked

Salazzle D---->Unranked

Entei B--->C

Darmanitan B--->C

Talonflame C--->D
Flying

Articuno D---->Unranked

Honchkrow D---->Unranked

Minior D---->Unranked

Talonflame D---->Unranked

Gyarados C--->D

Salamence C---->D

Tornadus-Therian C--->D

Hawlucha Unranked---->C

Mega Charizard-Y S--->A
Ghost

Blacephalon Unranked---->A

Jellicent A--->B

Decidueye D---->B

Chandelure D---->Unranked

Gourgeist-Super C--->D

Golurk B--->C

Hoopa B--->C

Doublade C--->D

Shedinja Unranked---->D
Grass

Tangrowth C--->Unranked

Mega Sceptile D--->Unranked

Amoonguss C--->D

Decidueye D--->Unranked

Dhelmise C---->Unranked
Ground

Torterra D--->Unranked

Flygon D---->Unranked

Krookodile B---->C

Nidoking B--->C
Ice

Avalugg S--->A

Aurorus C---->Unranked

Mega Glalie C---->Unranked
Normal

Swellow D---->Unranked

Milktank D---->Unranked
Poison

Naganadel Unranked---->S

Skuntank B--->C

Drapion B--->C

Tentacruel C---->D

Amoonguss C---->D

Salazzle D---->Unranked

Weezing D---->Unranked
Psychic

Mega Gardevoir A--->B

Mega Alakazam B---->C

Starmie D---->Unranked

Mega Latios Unranked---->C

Azelf C---->Unranked

Celebi D---->B

Deoxys-D C---->D
Rock

Stakataka Unranked--->B

Golem-Alola B--->A

Omastar A--->B

Aerodactyl C--->Unranked

Diancie C--->D

Aurorus D--->Unranked

Minior D--->Unranked

Lycanroc C--->Unranked

Lycanroc-Dusk Unranked--->D

Mega Aerodactyl B--->C

Mega Tyranitar B--->C
Steel

Stakataka Unranked--->A

Bisharp A--->B

Magnezone A--->B

Klefki B--->C

Durant C--->D

Empoleon C--->D

Lucario Unranked--->D

Forretress D---->Unranked
Water

Mega Sharpedo A--->B

Cloyster C--->D

Rotom-Wash C--->B

Politoed C--->D

Starmie D--->Unranked

Kabutops D--->Unranked

Araquanid Unranked--->C

Seismitoad C--->D

Lanturn B---->C

 

[smub]

I think I'll start with this nomination for Ice:

Lapras: A=>B (Ice)

I feel like Lapras isn't really worthy of A rank. The main thing that sets it apart from Walrein is its access to Freeze-Dry, but honestly Ice can still maintain a favorable matchup against Water without the need of Lapras thanks to Kyurem-Black and Alolan Ninetales, both of which are already staple picks regardless. As a Mega Scizor check, it isn't as reliable considering that a large majority of Mega Scizor variants are offensive, meaning that Lapras will go down to a Superpower after Stealth Rock, regardless of which spread its running:

252+ Atk Scizor-Mega Superpower vs. 172 HP / 0 Def Lapras: 384-454 (86.4 - 102.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Scizor-Mega Superpower vs. 80 HP / 0 Def Lapras: 384-454 (91.2 - 107.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

And that's assuming it hasn't already set up a Swords Dance. With the introduction of Blacephalon, Walrein's role as an actual Fire resist is especially more helpful against Choice Scarf sets that outspeed both Alolaslash under hail and Weavile. Being able to survive a +1 Fire Blast in the sun and KOing back with a Specs Surf is very impressive, especially since Piloswine will realistically have taken significant chip damage trying to set up Stealth Rock:

+1 252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Thick Fat Walrein in Sun: 247-292 (59.6 - 70.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Lapras in Sun: 471-555 (106 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Overall, I just don't think Lapras is as effective in the current metagame compared to the other A ranks, and is deserving of a drop to B rank.

 

[Breeze Sea]

Let’s do one for dark I guess
Alolan Muk S==>A

In comparison to greninja, a mon who is essential to both balance and offense, and sabelye, a mon essential to balance, Alolan Muk is not special in what it can do for dark. As a fairy check it’s dark pursuit stab is resisted by everything except for mega gard(who doesn’t see that much use on fairy). Sure it has access to knock off(most of dark does), poison stab(only good in the fairy mu but Klefki exists) and reliable special bulk(although easily widdled), but none of its atributes are essential on any dark archetype like the other two S ranked mons.

I would argue that Alolan Muk is good in conjugation with offensive ttar on offense but otherwise spdef ttar is usually a better choice as a special wall( access to rocks plus weather removal which helps in the water mu). As a naganadel check muk never OHKOs and after chip which alolamuk is very prone to plus two z Draco can do immense damage. Spdef ttar on the other hand depending on set can reliably secure the kill with earthquake.

+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 120 SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 370-436 (89.5 - 105.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

68+ Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 278-328 (96.8 - 114.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO


I’m not saying Alolan Muk is bad by any means on dark I’m just saying it’s not as necessary as the other S ranked mons and would fit better at A rank (do we really think mandibuzz is worse on dark than alola muk?).

 

[Rio Vidal]

Stakataka

Steel: A to B

Stakataka is a fun new toy with access to TR and Gyro Ball this makes Stakataka very hard to take down however Stakataka dos require very specific builds around Trick Room to function at its best. Stakataka is also completely matchup reliant like in the fact that it pressures Fairy and Dragon type teams however it is practically dead weight in matchup like Water, Ground and Flying. Yes, I did say Flying as it is practically hard walled by Celesteela and Skarmory which are on almost every flying team. While I'm not saying Stakataka is a bad Pokemon because it certainly isn't it just doesn't do as much for steel such as ferrothorn, excadrill or celesteela and not to mention it is completely reliant on tr. That's why I think Stakataka should be B rank for Steel.

 

[The Consort]

Let’s do one for dark I guess
Alolan Muk S==>A

In comparison to greninja, a mon who is essential to both balance and offense, and sabelye, a mon essential to balance, Alolan Muk is not special in what it can do for dark. As a fairy check it’s dark pursuit stab is resisted by everything except for mega gard(who doesn’t see that much use on fairy). Sure it has access to knock off(most of dark does), poison stab(only good in the fairy mu but Klefki exists) and reliable special bulk(although easily widdled), but none of its atributes are essential on any dark archetype like the other two S ranked mons.

I would argue that Alolan Muk is good in conjugation with offensive ttar on offense but otherwise spdef ttar is usually a better choice as a special wall( access to rocks plus weather removal which helps in the water mu). As a naganadel check muk never OHKOs and after chip which alolamuk is very prone to plus two z Draco can do immense damage. Spdef ttar on the other hand depending on set can reliably secure the kill with earthquake.

+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 120 SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 370-436 (89.5 - 105.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

68+ Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 278-328 (96.8 - 114.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO


I’m not saying Alolan Muk is bad by any means on dark I’m just saying it’s not as necessary as the other S ranked mons and would fit better at A rank (do we really think mandibuzz is worse on dark than alola muk?).

As a fairy check, obviously its dark stab is going to be resisted. That is what the poison stab is for. Also, Muk now gets Fire Punch for things like Scizor and Klefki, making it able to handle those two threats better.

Also, do check your calcs. 1. The calc you posted does not utilize the common set we see for Muk. This is the correct calc.
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 248+ SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 303-357 (73.3 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
2. The calc that you provided is still decently impressive as Naga only has a 37.5% chance of ohkoing that with a +2 ZDraco.

It would be correct to discuss how Muk cannot do much in return to Naga as there is no item to remove, and Muk's poison stab would be resisted, and that would be a reason to knock it down in terms of Naga, but Dark has access to one of the best (and only) revenge killers to Naga that exists: Scarf Greninja. Dragon already fears Scarf Greninja a lot, and Poison has the potential Extrasensory to worry about (though Ice Beam still ohko's Naga, which is the point).

252 SpA Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 324-384 (112.8 - 133.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Protean Greninja Extrasensory vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 288-342 (100.3 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

So focusing on Naga isn't the most relevant thing for Muk as Scarf Greninja already handles that situation rather nicely.

And besides, how can you really discount Muk's utility in the Fairy MU, easily the hardest one for Dark. Klefki exists, sure, but what will Klefki be doing to Muk? The most that Klefki can do is set up (screens/spikes) while you chip at it with Fire Punch until the Fairy user sends in something else for Muk to Poison Jab. The only way "around this" would be for the Fairy user to send in Diancie which is neutral to Poison Jab and is a bigger threat to Muk with Diamond Storm.

Also, the difference between Muk and Mandibuzz is that Muk is ALWAYS useful as a special defense tank, even against the likes of Nidoking with EP. Mandibuzz is a good physical wall, but it is pretty much dead weight vs Fairy as the only thing it can really check is Tapu Bulu (which Muk can do too even though it isn't the wisest use of the mon). That is why I personally believe that Muk is sitting at S while Mandibuzz is sitting at A, and it should stay that way.

 

[Breeze Sea]

As a fairy check, obviously its dark stab is going to be resisted. That is what the poison stab is for. Also, Muk now gets Fire Punch for things like Scizor and Klefki, making it able to handle those two threats better.

Also, do check your calcs. 1. The calc you posted does not utilize the common set we see for Muk. This is the correct calc.
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 248+ SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 303-357 (73.3 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
2. The calc that you provided is still decently impressive as Naga only has a 37.5% chance of ohkoing that with a +2 ZDraco.

It would be correct to discuss how Muk cannot do much in return to Naga as there is no item to remove, and Muk's poison stab would be resisted, and that would be a reason to knock it down in terms of Naga, but Dark has access to one of the best (and only) revenge killers to Naga that exists: Scarf Greninja. Dragon already fears Scarf Greninja a lot, and Poison has the potential Extrasensory to worry about (though Ice Beam still ohko's Naga, which is the point).

252 SpA Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 324-384 (112.8 - 133.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Protean Greninja Extrasensory vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 288-342 (100.3 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

So focusing on Naga isn't the most relevant thing for Muk as Scarf Greninja already handles that situation rather nicely.

And besides, how can you really discount Muk's utility in the Fairy MU, easily the hardest one for Dark. Klefki exists, sure, but what will Klefki be doing to Muk? The most that Klefki can do is set up (screens/spikes) while you chip at it with Fire Punch until the Fairy user sends in something else for Muk to Poison Jab. The only way "around this" would be for the Fairy user to send in Diancie which is neutral to Poison Jab and is a bigger threat to Muk with Diamond Storm.

Also, the difference between Muk and Mandibuzz is that Muk is ALWAYS useful as a special defense tank, even against the likes of Nidoking with EP. Mandibuzz is a good physical wall, but it is pretty much dead weight vs Fairy as the only thing it can really check is Tapu Bulu (which Muk can do too even though it isn't the wisest use of the mon). That is why I personally believe that Muk is sitting at S while Mandibuzz is sitting at A, and it should stay that way.

Muk is not always useful as the spdef tank especially vs epower nido/lando it’s so easily chipped by switching in without reliable recovery and to be honest muk usually can only secure one kill if that in the fairy mu Klefki can setup spikes and screens(which btw is why mandibuzz is not deadweight in any mu with defog, reliable recovery and u-turn). I’m not discounting muk’s utility as a switch in to diancie and bulu but it doesn’t really do much back to fairy and doesn’t offer the same pressure as something like greninja or sabelye in most mu’s(for poison it’s a completely different story).

 

[The Consort]

Muk is not always useful as the spdef tank especially vs epower nido/lando it’s so easily chipped by switching in without reliable recovery and to be honest muk usually can only secure one kill if that in the fairy mu Klefki can setup spikes and screens(which btw is why mandibuzz is not deadweight in any mu with defog, reliable recovery and u-turn). I’m not discounting muk’s utility as a switch in to diancie and bulu but it doesn’t really do much back to fairy and doesn’t offer the same pressure as something like greninja or sabelye in most mu’s(for poison it’s a completely different story).

With Tap Koko and Diancie running around, the only thing Mandi can do in the Fairy MU that I didn't mention is Defog. It's very good at what it does, but there is still room for improvement, nor is it as vital as Sableye, Greninja, or Muk. Muk, however, is on a similar playing field to Greninja and Sableye as its role its role AND typing is unique with such a wide array of uses in other MUs. AV TTar does exist, sure, but the typing provided by Muk is far better for a Tank like that. TTar is better served a Rocker or used offensively as a Mega. Muk is as vital and defining as the other two, while Mandi is not.

 

[Haaku.]

I really hate to interrupt this discussion but why are you guys comparing Muk with Mandibuzz? They’re very different and it’s not like teams have to choose between one and the other, so it’s pointless. Focus on Muk itself. While I believe it should probably stay S ranked, a lot of the reasoning on both sides has been flawed. I’ll address some points:

Let’s do one for dark I guess
As a fairy check it’s dark pursuit stab is resisted by everything except for mega gard(who doesn’t see that much use on fairy). Sure it has access to knock off(most of dark does), poison stab(only good in the fairy mu but Klefki exists) and reliable special bulk(although easily widdled), but none of its atributes are essential on any dark archetype like the other two S ranked mons.

The Consort already pointed this out, but mentioning that it’s Dark is resisted by Fairy is pretty pointless and doesn’t add much to the nomination itself. The Fairy matchup isn’t even the main reason Muk is currently S Ranked. We should talk more about Mega Diancie and how huge of a threat it is to Muk and all of its teammates. It’s a very very tough matchup to win for Dark and if that was all Muk was good for then it wouldn’t be S or even A, but this isn’t the case. Another thing is that Klefki vs Muk is a matchup that will NEVER be in the Muk user’s favor, and this brings me to the next comment.

Muk now gets Fire Punch for things like Scizor and Klefki, making it able to handle those two threats better.

And besides, how can you really discount Muk's utility in the Fairy MU, easily the hardest one for Dark. Klefki exists, sure, but what will Klefki be doing to Muk?

This is amusing because Fire Punch is actually a pretty huge downgrade from Fire Blast when it comes to “beating” Klekfi.

0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki: 124-148 (38.9 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Klefki: 88-104 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Seriously though, all Klekfi has to do is set up Reflect and then go to Diancie and collect a kill pretty much every single time. Muk isn’t S Ranked because of Fairy at all. Rather, it’s an excellent Assault Vest user that fits on pretty much any playstyle as a Pokemon that can switch into problematic threats such as Greninja, Blacephalon, Volcarona, etc while maintaining a useful offensive presence.

 

[Breeze Sea]

With Tap Koko and Diancie running around, the only thing Mandi can do in the Fairy MU that I didn't mention is Defog. It's very good at what it does, but there is still room for improvement, nor is it as vital as Sableye, Greninja, or Muk. Muk, however, is on a similar playing field to Greninja and Sableye as its role its role AND typing is unique with such a wide array of uses in other MUs. AV TTar does exist, sure, but the typing provided by Muk is far better for a Tank like that. TTar is better served a Rocker or used offensively as a Mega. Muk is as vital and defining as the other two, while Mandi is not.

What mu’s does muk turn in darks favor that other viable dark mons don’t already? Greninja is invaluable for the dragon steel and fairy mu depending on the set and sabelye is great for most neutral mu’s as a spin blocker and hazard blocker as well as the fighting mu being notoriously harder to break for the type. Sure muk helps in the fairy mu but it doesn’t really threaten fairy like something such as greninja or bisharp or even late game krookodile. Again for poison muk is invaluable for the psychic mu as well as normal because of knock off pursuit but with darks abundant access to both moves as well as having little need for the poison coverage that muk does provide(only really being able to beat the special attackers dark usually doesn’t have a problem with on fairy ex. Koko, togekiss). Again mandi is much more helpful overall than muk with reliable hazard removal, fighting check and a setup check in general with foul play. Muk is just not as necessary on dark as the other two S-ranked mons.

I really hate to interrupt this discussion but why are you guys comparing Muk with Mandibuzz? They’re very different and it’s not like teams have to choose between one and the other, so it’s pointless. Focus on Muk itself. While I believe it should probably stay S ranked, a lot of the reasoning on both sides has been flawed. I’ll address some points:


The Consort already pointed this out, but mentioning that it’s Dark is resisted by Fairy is pretty pointless and doesn’t add much to the nomination itself. The Fairy matchup isn’t even the main reason Muk is currently S Ranked. We should talk more about Mega Diancie and how huge of a threat it is to Muk and all of its teammates. It’s a very very tough matchup to win for Dark and if that was all Muk was good for then it wouldn’t be S or even A, but this isn’t the case. Another thing is that Klefki vs Muk is a matchup that will NEVER be in the Muk user’s favor, and this brings me to the next comment.


This is amusing because Fire Punch is actually a pretty huge downgrade from Fire Blast when it comes to “beating” Klekfi.

0 SpA Muk-Alola Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki: 124-148 (38.9 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Muk-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Klefki: 88-104 (27.6 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Seriously though, all Klekfi has to do is set up Reflect and then go to Diancie and collect a kill pretty much every single time. Muk isn’t S Ranked because of Fairy at all. Rather, it’s an excellent Assault Vest user that fits on pretty much any playstyle as a Pokemon that can switch into problematic threats such as Greninja, Blacephalon, Volcarona, etc while maintaining a useful offensive presence.

Thank you greninja I can see as it being a reliable check too that dark otherwise might have problems with, but if special Wall is muks main attraction for dark then I would say tyranitar would be a better choice. Rock typing lets it resist v creates and pursuit trap, Volcarona usually can’t touch ttar unless it’s buggium, helpful vs weather teams, one of darks few good rockers, able to get rid of breloom’s sash.

I guess I’m having a hard time understanding why Alolan Muk is s-ranked in comparison to the other two s ranked mons as well as the fact that it’s job can be done better in multiple(not all) situations.

Eien: please don't double post

 

[The Consort]

Thank you greninja I can see as it being a reliable check too that dark otherwise might have problems with, but if special Wall is muks main attraction for dark then I would say tyranitar would be a better choice. Rock typing lets it resist v creates and pursuit trap, Volcarona usually can’t touch ttar unless it’s buggium, helpful vs weather teams, one of darks few good rockers, able to get rid of breloom’s sash.

I guess I’m having a hard time understanding why Alolan Muk is s-ranked in comparison to the other two s ranked mons as well as the fact that it’s job can be done better in multiple(not all) situations.

Tyranitar is still good for Vcreates and Volcarona, though Vcreates are not special attacks, even without an AV. TTar could be a rocker/utility or mega. No need to lock it into an AV when Muk has the better typing overall for it. Also, Muk can pursuit trap too, the only difference would be Victini, which isn't usually a special attacker that Muk needs to take care of, so again, that really is irrelevant to Muk. Also, TTar can exist along side Muk, working together, even without an AV on TTar.

Muk is the premier special defense tank due to better typing, and a good ability to help it out, with a 30% chance to poison with any contact moves, helping Muk whittle down threats. Leave TTar to be utility or mega, while Muk only really has the AV set. And because it is so good, it resides at S, along side Sab and Greninja because they are really good too, but with distinct roles, that makes it difficult to compare them.

 

[Breeze Sea]

Normal: Smeargle C==>B

In comparison to the other C ranked mons(bewear and snorlax) smeargle is undoubtedly more useful for normal thanks to its insane support movepull. Since VR is all about comparison, in terms of viability on normal smeargle is closer to Mega Pidgeot and meloetta than the other C ranks.

Smeargle has access to spore, sticky webs,stealth rock, healing wish, parting shot, magic coat, kings shield, memento, etc... it’s set can be catered to the team you are trying to build and most of all it offers emense support to porygon z, diggersby, and mega lop because with webs up it becomes extremely difficult to offensively check these mons. There isn’t a lot to say about smeargle but in the right hands it is extremely annoying to face and deserves a place above mons such as bewear and snorlax.

 

[Rei]

Normal: Smeargle C==>B

In comparison to the other C ranked mons(bewear and snorlax) smeargle is undoubtedly more useful for normal thanks to its insane support movepull. Since VR is all about comparison, in terms of viability on normal smeargle is closer to Mega Pidgeot and meloetta than the other C ranks.

Smeargle has access to spore, sticky webs,stealth rock, healing wish, parting shot, magic coat, kings shield, memento, etc... it’s set can be catered to the team you are trying to build and most of all it offers emense support to porygon z, diggersby, and mega lop because with webs up it becomes extremely difficult to offensively check these mons. There isn’t a lot to say about smeargle but in the right hands it is extremely annoying to face and deserves a place above mons such as bewear and snorlax.

Severely disagree, while it is the suicide lead on HO normal(which is not that good compared to Balance normal and what that can do), its frail and forced to run sash. Smeargle is not annoying and easy to play around because if it doesn't lead you can get down rocks and break the sash once Smeargle takes the field and bop it with any mon. While it has a good movepool, what holds it back is how frail it is and usually the opponent will get those hazards blown away with defog or rapid spin. It is not about being used in the right hands, its more the lack of skill that your opponent has ,or lack of knowing what Smeargle does on normal. Bewear at least has an offensive presence and has fluffy which can be a good switch in to physical contact moves. It also has drain punch as a sort of recovery move while bulking up. Same could be said about Snorlax with the recycle curse set or chesto rest curse set. Dunno why you are comparing the other C mons that have a different role they perform than Smeargle. Smeargle is where it belongs since its only(well should be) ran on HO normal while the other B mons (Meloetta and Mega Pidgeot) can be used both on HO and Balance normal and helpful in different MUs in their own way on any normal build than Smeargle.

 

[KingPiloswine]

Rock: Stakataka B==>A

On the current Mono ladder Dragon, Poison, Steel, Normal, and Fighting are types I feel are rather common at the momement. Stakataka is a mon with access to Stone edge, Gyro Ball, Super power, Earthquake and Trick room it is a mon that helps rock deal massive damage to threats others can not. People have said multiple time when I state this that it's not good because of the double quad weakness. I feel yes it hinders it but on my rock team it is a threat for late game. I would save it for when things that stop the sweep are gone or low HP and send it in when it uses a ground move or I sack a mon. It lives most hit due to great defense stat and not bad HP. I have T-tar for sand and it makes Stakataka a nice bulky mon. Then Gyro ball with base 131 attack base 13 speed and a lonely nature this gyro ball is doing nearly 150 base damage plus stab on nearly half the meta. And it gets a nice beast boost. It also gets super power that puts a lot of pressure on Steel and normal. It also had EQ which also helps pressure Steel as well as poison. Most of the dragon meta will get 1 shotted by a gyro ball after rocks and after 1 ball it gets a boost and it's a rough match for them.
This is my 1st time sharing my opinion on one of these as i didn't feel it necessary but I felt I should speak to the community. Thanks for reading :]

 

[mushamu]

Rock: Stakataka B==>A

On the current Mono ladder Dragon, Poison, Steel, Normal, and Fighting are types I feel are rather common at the momement. Stakataka is a mon with access to Stone edge, Gyro Ball, Super power, Earthquake and Trick room it is a mon that helps rock deal massive damage to threats others can not. People have said multiple time when I state this that it's not good because of the double quad weakness. I feel yes it hinders it but on my rock team it is a threat for late game. I would save it for when things that stop the sweep are gone or low HP and send it in when it uses a ground move or I sack a mon. It lives most hit due to great defense stat and not bad HP. I have T-tar for sand and it makes Stakataka a nice bulky mon. Then Gyro ball with base 131 attack base 13 speed and a lonely nature this gyro ball is doing nearly 150 base damage plus stab on nearly half the meta. And it gets a nice beast boost. It also gets super power that puts a lot of pressure on Steel and normal. It also had EQ which also helps pressure Steel as well as poison. Most of the dragon meta will get 1 shotted by a gyro ball after rocks and after 1 ball it gets a boost and it's a rough match for them.
This is my 1st time sharing my opinion on one of these as i didn't feel it necessary but I felt I should speak to the community. Thanks for reading :]

I disagree with your Stakataka nomination because of Rocks only niche in this metagame: sticky webs. Trick Room goes against Sticky Webs and I feel that Trick Room + Sticky Webs are a bit inconsistent as Sticky Webs allow Rocks breakers, most notably Terrakion and Mega Diancie to plow through teams. Stakataka should definitely remain at B.

Ribombee (Fairy) A --> B

I don't think Sticky Webs are enough to push such an underwhelming Fairy Pokémon to A, where it's sitting on the same rank as Tapu bulu and Clefable, both valued members of a Fairy team. I get that sticky webs are nice for speed control, but they're still very easily removed as almost every type carries Defog for hazard control and keep webs up isn't the easiest thing. Ribombee's coverage is also nothing special, and combined with it's lackluster Special Attack it can't provide much for a fairy team besides set sticky webs.

Decidueye (Ghost) B --> ???

I need an explanation as to why Decidueye rose 2 ranks. I don't see it having any good movesets besides SD + Z Move or Defog, which are both a bit lackluster on Ghost because of the types Z Crystal usually being on Mimikyu and the fact that Ghost relies on Mega Sableye for hazard control. I could definitely see its Grass typing and the amount of resistances that go along with it, but then again its kind of situational and has to roost constantly to keep itself healthy.

Sorry for bad grammar because I'm typing on an iPad

 

[KingPiloswine]

I disagree with your Stakataka nomination because of Rocks only niche in this metagame: sticky webs. Trick Room goes against Sticky Webs and I feel that Trick Room + Sticky Webs are a bit inconsistent as Sticky Webs allow Rocks breakers, most notably Terrakion and Mega Diancie to plow through teams. Stakataka should definitely be B rank.

Sticky web isn't needed for rock. I've been running no webs and have TR for Stakataka as well as Diancie before mega and Rhyperior so it breaks things as well as out speeding them.

 

[KingPiloswine]

Sticky web isn't needed for rock. I've been running no webs and have TR for Stakataka as well as Diancie before mega and Rhyperior so it breaks things as well as out speeding them.

I have scarf terrakion and Mega Diancie for speed but another part of team is slow so it gets help from TR. So i feel semi trick room is a great style for rock for the time being

 

[smub]

Rock: Stakataka B==>A

On the current Mono ladder Dragon, Poison, Steel, Normal, and Fighting are types I feel are rather common at the momement. Stakataka is a mon with access to Stone edge, Gyro Ball, Super power, Earthquake and Trick room it is a mon that helps rock deal massive damage to threats others can not. People have said multiple time when I state this that it's not good because of the double quad weakness. I feel yes it hinders it but on my rock team it is a threat for late game. I would save it for when things that stop the sweep are gone or low HP and send it in when it uses a ground move or I sack a mon. It lives most hit due to great defense stat and not bad HP. I have T-tar for sand and it makes Stakataka a nice bulky mon. Then Gyro ball with base 131 attack base 13 speed and a lonely nature this gyro ball is doing nearly 150 base damage plus stab on nearly half the meta. And it gets a nice beast boost. It also gets super power that puts a lot of pressure on Steel and normal. It also had EQ which also helps pressure Steel as well as poison. Most of the dragon meta will get 1 shotted by a gyro ball after rocks and after 1 ball it gets a boost and it's a rough match for them.
This is my 1st time sharing my opinion on one of these as i didn't feel it necessary but I felt I should speak to the community. Thanks for reading :]

I'm gonna have to disagree with this. While Stakataka can be a rather threatening late-game sweeper against offensive types, it isn't as valuable as the other A ranks. Stakataka shouldn't be running Superpower ever, since the standard set of Stone Edge, Gyro Ball, Earthquake, and Trick Room can't really afford to be altered. Besides, mentioning types like Normal, Dragon, and Poison aren't really that important since, while Stakataka does do well against these types, these are types that Rock already has favorable matchups against. If you're gonna make an argument for a Stakataka rise, at the very least mention how it can check one of the biggest metagame threats in Naganadel and gives Tyranitar extra incentive to run Choice Band, the far superior set in comparison to Assault Vest. It simply isn't worth a rise to A rank alongside all the other A rank mons that have far more value, and is more comparable to Omastar in its niche use. I would even make an argument to drop it to C rank, since as Decem stated, it can at times interfere with Sticky Web, one of Rock's defining aspects in the metagame.

Sticky web isn't needed for rock. I've been running no webs and have TR for Stakataka as well as Diancie before mega and Rhyperior so it breaks things as well as out speeding them.

Sticky Web is so incredibly important that I'd honestly say that Rock without Shuckle is borderline unviable, as it serves as an important factor in nearly every matchup, and even for some spreads on Rock. For example, Alolan Golem runs 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe with a Jolly nature simply because it can outspeed Jolly Excadrill after Sticky Web, which is an especially large threat to Rock. Scarf Terrakion, which you claim to use, is also reliant on Sticky Web as a means of outspeeding the aforementioned Excadrill in sand, as well as Choice Scarf Greninja, another important threat to Rock. However, I won't call for a Stakataka drop simply because of the offensive pressure it has under Trick Room, as well as some other slower Pokemon(Shuckle, Rhyperior, which you also mentioned, Tyranitar) also being able to take advantage of Trick Room. With all that being said, Stakataka does not deserve a rise to A rank at all.

 

[KingPiloswine]

I'm gonna have to disagree with this. While Stakataka can be a rather threatening late-game sweeper against offensive types, it isn't as valuable as the other A ranks. Stakataka shouldn't be running Superpower ever, since the standard set of Stone Edge, Gyro Ball, Earthquake, and Trick Room can't really afford to be altered. Besides, mentioning types like Normal, Dragon, and Poison aren't really that important since, while Stakataka does do well against these types, these are types that Rock already has favorable matchups against. If you're gonna make an argument for a Stakataka rise, at the very least mention how it can check one of the biggest metagame threats in Naganadel and gives Tyranitar extra incentive to run Choice Band, the far superior set in comparison to Assault Vest. It simply isn't worth a rise to A rank alongside all the other A rank mons that have far more value, and is more comparable to Omastar in its niche use. I would even make an argument to drop it to C rank, since as Decem stated, it can at times interfere with Sticky Web, one of Rock's defining aspects in the metagame.




Sticky Web is so incredibly important that I'd honestly say that Rock without Shuckle is borderline unviable, as it serves as an important factor in nearly every matchup, and even for some spreads on Rock. For example, Alolan Golem runs 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe with a Jolly nature simply because it can outspeed Jolly Excadrill after Sticky Web, which is an especially large threat to Rock. Scarf Terrakion, which you claim to use, is also reliant on Sticky Web as a means of outspeeding the aforementioned Excadrill in sand, as well as Choice Scarf Greninja, another important threat to Rock. However, I won't call for a Stakataka drop simply because of the offensive pressure it has under Trick Room, as well as some other slower Pokemon(Shuckle, Rhyperior, which you also mentioned, Tyranitar) also being able to take advantage of Trick Room. With all that being said, Stakataka does not deserve a rise to A rank at all.

That makes sense, I just felt webs isn't always needed but I see your points.

 

[Garry2Scary]

Decidueye B --> D (Ghost)

Unless I am missing something huge (I don't think I am), but Decidueye is a very fitting spot back to where is was D rank. It's pretty bad offensively and there are better physical attacking ghost pokemon like Dhelmise and Mimikyu. Dhelmise over Decidueye for a hazard remover if you even need one because you have mega Sableye in the back. Dhelmise is overall more useful for an offensive mon and a hazard remover. Even if you want a wall there is still Jellicent and Gourgeist-Super that does it better.

 

[Havens]

Kommo-o: B -> A (Dragon)

This may be a bit of a premature nomination, but considering the Naganadel suspect potentially booting it out of Monotype, I'd say that it would open up more explanation into what this mon can do. An infinitely better movepool overall includes the likes of better STAB in Close Combat and Superpower, better coverage w/ Elemental Punches and Iron Head, even utility options in Stealth Rock make this mon already more viable than in the previous generation. A custom Omni-boosting Z-move to boot also makes this mon a very dangerous Wallbreaker and Sweeper late game. In this kind of meta where Normal is currently Dragon's worst Matchup, Dragon consistently struggles to break the ever-popular Chansey/p2 defensive core, granted it is the best in the current metagame. Even Ditto is an offensive presence against many common Dragon teams, threatening setup sweepers in Naganadel and M-Altaria. With Mixed Kommo-o (the most common set today), not only does Dragon now have a reliable check to that core, but also isn't as easily revenged by Ditto considering Soundproof being immune to Kommo-o's most reliable STAB in Clanging Scales. Overall, it's a very solid mon that has the power to break the best walls in the tier given the right support and should at some point in time be awarded A rank.

General Calcs

(Set I used to Calculate)
Kommo-o @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
- Clanging Scales
- Close Combat
- Flamethrower
- Flash Cannon

+1 4 Atk Kommo-o Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 560-660 (79.6 - 93.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 4 Atk Kommo-o Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 218-258 (58.2 - 68.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 252+ SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 181-214 (59.5 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

+1 252+ SpA Kommo-o Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 192-228 (48.2 - 57.2%) -- 46.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252+ SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Venusaur-Mega: 169-199 (46.5 - 54.8%) -- 62.9% chance to 2HKO

252+ SpA Kommo-o Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 174-206 (44.1 - 52.2%) -- 14.8% chance to 2HKO (After Babiri Berry consumption)

 

[Yung Dramps]

Decidueye (Ghost): B ---> Lower: Agree
I may sound like a broken record here, but yeah, why was this even raised this high in the first place? Was Shadow Sneak really that much of a buff? I mean, I guess that's enough for mid to low C, but certainly not B when you consider all its other flaws. I would love for a Ghost player here to explain to everyone what's so great about Decidueye.

Kommo-o (Dragon): B ---> A: Agree if Naganadel goes
I think the main issue with Kommo-o right now is not that it sucks, but simply that NP Z-Draco Naganadel already uses up the Z-move slot. But since that mon is being suspected and likely will be banned, this'll free up the Z slot for Kommo-o to make use of. And in that case, yeah, it should move up.

now personal nom time

Volcanion (Fire): B ---> A
Now that it gets Defog, Volcanion is one of the lead utility Pokemon for fire teams. Its ability to absorb Water moves can be super helpful against certain Pokemon like Greninja on Dark. Being able to now remove Stealth Rocks on top of this job is what really seals the deal. Here's a little sample set I made:

Volcanion @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Earth Power/Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast

Handles: Greninja, Seismitoad, Mega Swampert, etc.

 

[smub]

now personal nom time

Volcanion (Fire): B ---> A
Now that it gets Defog, Volcanion is one of the lead utility Pokemon for fire teams. Its ability to absorb Water moves can be super helpful against certain Pokemon like Greninja on Dark. Being able to now remove Stealth Rocks on top of this job is what really seals the deal. Here's a little sample set I made:

Volcanion @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Earth Power/Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast

Handles: Greninja, Seismitoad, Mega Swampert, etc.

This nomination in particular I'm gonna have to disagree with. As a Defogger Rotom-H performs the job much better than Volcanion thanks to its Ground immunity, better albeit passable recovery in Pain Split, access to Volt Switch to pivot and form a solid momentum core with Infernape, and especially screens utility to support teammates like Z-Celebrate Victini and Mega Charizard X.

Sample Sets

Rotom-Heat @ Light Clay
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Defog
- Light Screen
- Reflect

Rotom-Heat @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Defog
- Pain Split
- Will-O-Wisp

Volcanion's usefulness as an Azumarill check for Fire has also been slightly diminished due to Fairy now having access to Sticky Web, which means it'll have to run either Scarf or Air Balloon to reliably handle it. Removing hazards against Fairy is already a hassle due to Tapu Koko either severely pressuring or just stopping all of Fire's hazard removers(Torkoal, Rotom-H with Taunt, Volcanion) as well as Mega Diancie also applying severe pressure. This isn't even factoring in Light Screen, which prevents Volcanion from securing the KO from half health. Its presence against Water is also pretty mediocre since the lack of reliable sustain means it'll get worn down rather quickly by Toxic Spikes, and the fact that it's still losing to Vincune regardless. The sample set you provided doesn't patch up any of these inherent faults with Volcanion, and it doesn't even reliably beat 2 of the threats you claimed that it did:

252 SpA Choice Specs Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 360-426 (98.9 - 117%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO(On Ground)
252 SpA Life Orb Seismitoad Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 312-369 (85.7 - 101.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock(On SS Water)
252+ Atk Swampert-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 342-404 (93.9 - 110.9%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO(you still speed tie with bulky variants since your set isn't running any Speed investment)

Volcanion just isn't largely worth it in the current metagame, so I say it should stay at B rank.

 

[mushamu]

Mega Aerodactyl C => B (Flying)

As Mega Charizard Y isn't even a mandatory option on Flying teams signified by its recent drop to A, Mega Aerodactyl has become quite usable. With a base 150 speed, it naturally outspeeds Tapu Koko, Mega Diancie, Greninja, Naganadel, and Mega Lopunny, and knocks all of the beforementioned threats with Earthquake, Aerial Ace, and Stone Edge respectively after Stealth Rock damage. It also outspeeds Dragon Dancers such as Dragonite as Gyarados after a boost, along with base 80 speed scarfers, which is also really nice. Mega Aerodactyl's Speed and coverage gives it an edge in a bunch of matchups, most notably Fire, Fairy and Psychic, while also helping with Dragon and Poison.

In addition to that, Mega Aerodactyl also gets access to Pursuit. That means it can Pursuit trap many Pokémon such as Victini locked into V Create, Alolan Raichu, and much more. The two beforementioned threats are huge threats to Flying and having Mega Aerodactyl to secure the KO on both of them helps a ton in both of the matchups. Pursuit also helps it trap weakened Pokémon that may want to switch out such as Chansey.

It's coverage is also what makes Mega Aerodactyl so nice as a revenge killer. EdgeQuake is nothing to laugh about, and throwing in Fire and Ice Fang allow it to hit Steel and Dragon types for super effective damage. That, combined with Aerial Ace, Aqua Tail, and Pursuit make Mega Aerodactyl very good at what it does. You could even throw in Taunt for utility and Stealth Rocks for role compression if you absolutely needed to.

But why Mega Aerodactyl and not Charizard? Charizard's mediocre speed leaves it prone to many faster threats such as Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny. Although it is amazingly strong as a wallbreaker, Charizards speed makes it oh-so vulnerable to faster Pokémon. I've found Mega Aerodactyl + Landorus-I Flying builds just as good as Mega Charizard ones or maybe even better. Mega Aerodactyl definitely has the potential to rise to B rank on Flying.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and tell me what you think about this nomination =D

 

[Yung Dramps]

Shuckle (Rock): A ---> S
In Monotype, S rank Pokemon are defined as Pokemon whose role(s) are so critical to a type's function that they are basically mandatory on teams of that type. It's also a well-documented fact that Rock's only remotely viable playstyle is Sticky Webs offense. Therefore, the rationale behind this nomination seems pretty clear.