Giratina-o is not ability lockedmay as well unban slaking at this point (with a pheal suspect proposed lol) if you want a faster than barraskewda uber statline mon with a free ability and item slot to be legal and are absolutely convinced it wont be a problem at all i mean if you really wanna test an uber that much why not test the absolute crappiest like giratina-origin, that would unironically be fine as its definetly worse than zama-c
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AAA Almost Any Ability
- Thread starter LordBox
- Start date
Damn i thought it was locked into levitate like xerneas into fairy aura cause of gen 9 mechanics, well nevermind that then lol
Giratina (as well as Dialga, Palkia, Arceus, Kyurem, Necrozma, and probably a couple others) are out-of-battle transformations, meaning their alternate formes can be seen out of battle and and directly sent into battle without having to transform from something first, meaning they can have whatever ability they want. Things like Zacian-C and Xerneas transform from a base forme (Zacian-H and Xerneas-Neutral) when entering battle, which overrides whatever ability the base has, and many of these types of transformations (see this post for a complete list) have the in-battle forme revert to the base one when hacked in. For these reasons, it's impossible to have a Xerneas or Zacian-C with a custom ability, but something like Adaptability Giratina-O is completely fine.
DLC 1 Unban Voting Slate
| Isaiah | QT | DFM | Tranquility | Ivar57 | Atha | LordBox | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | 5-2 UNBAN |
 | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | 2-5 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | 2-5 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | 4-3 UNBAN |
 (Poison Heal) | UNBAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
 | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | ABS | 5-1-1 UNBAN |
 | UNBAN | UNBAN | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | 4-3 UNBAN |
| UNBAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
| Revival Blessing | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | UNBAN | BAN | BAN | 3-4 KEEP BANNED |
In essence, Great Tusk, Walking Wake, Gengar, and Dragonite will all be unbanned with DLC 1! Thanks to everyone who posted sharing thoughts, all of the ideas about potential metagame impacts definitely influenced the initial votes. Also as you may have noticed, DeepFriedMagikarp is back on council! Stay tuned, we'll probably also vote on a post-home VR update just to have a reference for post-DLC meta.
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Quick fix, apparently Discord can show 3 reactions even if there are 4...anyway, Walking Wake will be unbanned too!DLC 1 Unban Voting Slate
Isaiah QT DFM Tranquility Ivar57 Atha LordBox Result UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN 5-2 UNBAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN BAN BAN 2-5 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 2-5 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 4-3 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN ABS 5-1-1 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 4-3 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED Revival Blessing UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED In essence, Great Tusk, Walking Wake, Gengar, and Dragonite will all be unbanned with DLC 1! Thanks to everyone who posted sharing thoughts, all of the ideas about potential metagame impacts definitely influenced the initial votes. Also as you may have noticed, DeepFriedMagikarp is back on council! Stay tuned, we'll probably also vote on a post-home VR update just to have a reference for post-DLC meta.
Nice was about to lose my shit to dragonite unbanned and wake banned, still cant possibly understand how anybody could think dragonite is not gonna be broken in the same exact way again and i would very much like to hear opinions of prodnite on the matter, just out of curiosity since i wont be touching AAA again till dragonite is legal anyway, but first hold on let me just
*Aerinite Hater used Imprison!*
But Unaware Scream Tail (8/8)
But Bulk Up Corviknight (8/8)
Skill issue just run 2 potential checks in every team if u dont wanna run one of the few specific unaware ones (16/16)
Skill issue just always keep your unaware at >80% health (16/16)
Dnite free?DLC 1 Unban Voting Slate
Isaiah QT DFM Tranquility Ivar57 Atha LordBox Result UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN 5-2 UNBAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN BAN BAN 2-5 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 2-5 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 4-3 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED UNBAN BAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN ABS 5-1-1 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 4-3 UNBAN UNBAN UNBAN BAN BAN BAN UNBAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED Revival Blessing UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN UNBAN BAN BAN 3-4 KEEP BANNED In essence, Great Tusk, Walking Wake, Gengar, and Dragonite will all be unbanned with DLC 1! Thanks to everyone who posted sharing thoughts, all of the ideas about potential metagame impacts definitely influenced the initial votes. Also as you may have noticed, DeepFriedMagikarp is back on council! Stay tuned, we'll probably also vote on a post-home VR update just to have a reference for post-DLC meta.
How am i supposed to run HO on week one now?
Interesting!
I think I agree on everything here.
Great Tusk might be not too centralizing, since its best set was Regenerator and now it has to compete for that.. Maybe my CB Adapt/Tough Claws/SoR sets will shine a bit... Hopefully.
Walking Wake was really strong, so let's see what happens.
Gengar and Dragonite free mean that I won't be able to try other stuff until we ban them again LMAO I love them so much.
A question for all the people (not on the council) who were on the fence about banning/unbanning Goldhengo. Are we talking about the same mon who was UNIRONICALLY able to use 12-15 abilities?
lol
i'm a total beginner to this metagame, but being able to use a ton of abilities doesn't sound too bad? it just sounds versatile as all hell, doesn't necessarily mean its a negative influence initially
though i wouldn't be shocked if it is a negative influence lol, if anyone could explain why the mon is so good that'd be nice
Gholdengo is a proverbial box of surprises able to fit nearly any role you can find for it from scarf trick to Magic Guard Life Orb, to defensive Bulky Offensive sets, to Hex + Thunder Wave sets, and each role it performs exceedingly well in. It is a guessing game for many that pushes Gholdengo into a dangerous territory that adds a bit to much variability, guess wrong and it can easily cost you from getting nuked with Steel Beam to boosting a Gholdengo to +2 Defense. Great Typing, and the flexibility of virtually any ability is simply to much for many.
Edit: I wanted it free, but whatever...
Can anyone explain to me why eq hits corv with a resist in t11?
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1941249844-zvt76hlf8jf9lxtqquo8krmoja4i200pw
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1941249844-zvt76hlf8jf9lxtqquo8krmoja4i200pw
The Primeape was using Normalize; which makes all attacks become normal type as well as boost the power of Normal-type moves by 20%.
(Thanks TPP)
I yoinked TPP's cool post from SV OU forum to start discussion (added missing stuff using :Pokemon: bc I'm not crazy enough to manually change all the image heights with html) because it's pretty much the same info here anyway. Post away! Note that this is primarily based on new/returning Pokemon rather than existing ones.
Resources:
Here is a text dump with available pokemon and their stats, abilities and full move list
Here is a doc by RoiDadadou that has all the information as well
New move distribution can be found here
Move additions for existing pokemon can be found here
Unbanned Pokemon:
New Pokemon:
Returning Pokemon:
Entry Hazards:
Hazard Removal:
Setup Sweepers/Breakers:
Limited Distribution (Only listing new additions):
I yoinked TPP's cool post from SV OU forum to start discussion (added missing stuff using :Pokemon: bc I'm not crazy enough to manually change all the image heights with html) because it's pretty much the same info here anyway. Post away! Note that this is primarily based on new/returning Pokemon rather than existing ones.
Resources:
Here is a text dump with available pokemon and their stats, abilities and full move list
Here is a doc by RoiDadadou that has all the information as well
New move distribution can be found here
Move additions for existing pokemon can be found here
Unbanned Pokemon:
New Pokemon:
Returning Pokemon:
Entry Hazards:
| Spikes:
|
| Stealth Rock:
|
| Sticky Web:
|
| Toxic Spikes:
|
Hazard Removal:
| Defog:
|
| Rapid Spin:
|
| Tidy Up:
|
Setup Sweepers/Breakers:
| Belly Drum:
|
| Bulk Up:
|
| Calm Mind:
|
| Coil:
|
| Clangorous Soul:
|
| Dragon Dance:
|
| Nasty Plot:
|
| Quiver Dance:
|
| Shell Smash:
|
| Swords Dance:
|
| Tail Glow:
|
| Take Heart:
|
| Tidy Up:
|
Limited Distribution (Only listing new additions):
Knock Off:
|
Scald: 
|
Toxic: 
|
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New Abilities
Mind's Eye: The Pokémon ignores changes to opponents' evasiveness, its accuracy can't be lowered, and it can hit Ghost types with Normal- and Fighting-type moves.
Supersweet Syrup: A sickly sweet scent spreads across the field the first time the Pokémon enters a battle, lowering the evasiveness of opposing Pokémon.
Hospitality: When the Pokémon enters a battle, it showers its ally with hospitality, restoring a small amount of the ally's HP.
Toxic Chain: The power of the Pokémon's toxic chain may badly poison any target the Pokémon hits with a move.
Embody Aspect - Teal Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Teal Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Speed stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Wellspring Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Wellspring Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Sp. Def stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Hearthflame Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Hearthflame Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Attack stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Cornerstone Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Cornerstone Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Defense stat to be boosted.
The only thing really usable here is Toxic Chain. Mind's Eye is just Scrappy with extra effects (and no Intimidate immunity), the rest are too situational, and Embody Aspect presumably only works for Ogerpon.
Mind's Eye: The Pokémon ignores changes to opponents' evasiveness, its accuracy can't be lowered, and it can hit Ghost types with Normal- and Fighting-type moves.
Supersweet Syrup: A sickly sweet scent spreads across the field the first time the Pokémon enters a battle, lowering the evasiveness of opposing Pokémon.
Hospitality: When the Pokémon enters a battle, it showers its ally with hospitality, restoring a small amount of the ally's HP.
Toxic Chain: The power of the Pokémon's toxic chain may badly poison any target the Pokémon hits with a move.
Embody Aspect - Teal Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Teal Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Speed stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Wellspring Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Wellspring Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Sp. Def stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Hearthflame Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Hearthflame Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Attack stat to be boosted.
Embody Aspect - Cornerstone Mask: The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Cornerstone Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Defense stat to be boosted.
The only thing really usable here is Toxic Chain. Mind's Eye is just Scrappy with extra effects (and no Intimidate immunity), the rest are too situational, and Embody Aspect presumably only works for Ogerpon.
after that room tour...
Darkrai @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Substitute
- Ice Beam / Focus Blast/ Thunder / dude whatever its a fucking darkrai
- Dark Pulse
PLEASE JUST BAN THIS I AM BEGGING YOU
this survives dnite sharp beak espeed, subs up on 80% of the tier, and then just clicks np and wins. its a darkrai. there is really not much more to say.
:the fucked up guy with the mask-hearthstone: we all agree this is broken, right? like, in what universe is pre-nerf isword balanced in aaa?
:the fucked up guy with the mask-the speed one: this is also probably broken. completely throws off all speed tiers. you think you're tough shit until volcanion switches in endgame, gets +1 speed instantly, and you're fucked ggwp
:the fucked up guy with the mask-the def and spdef ones: they're prob gonna stay around? obviously extremely good but doesnt seem *broken*, yk?
the new goat steel, with the spdef embody aspect it can actually switch into darkrai(that dont have focus blast lmao) and not do anything because it has sub up! gonna be super, SUPER good once the big brokens get banned
its broken for everything you think it is. what more is there to say
hey remember when we banned this thing and everyone agreed it was broken because we had no resists to water/dragon? yeah we still dont
honestly its mostly teal aspect, but regen is also crazy strong. wouldnt be surprised if this was the leading cause for a teal ban
:fucked up evil ursaluna:
idk ill prob edit this more tomorrow with other broken stuff like walking wake but i just wanna sleep rn
Darkrai @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Substitute
- Ice Beam / Focus Blast/ Thunder / dude whatever its a fucking darkrai
- Dark Pulse
PLEASE JUST BAN THIS I AM BEGGING YOU
this survives dnite sharp beak espeed, subs up on 80% of the tier, and then just clicks np and wins. its a darkrai. there is really not much more to say.
:the fucked up guy with the mask-hearthstone: we all agree this is broken, right? like, in what universe is pre-nerf isword balanced in aaa?
:the fucked up guy with the mask-the speed one: this is also probably broken. completely throws off all speed tiers. you think you're tough shit until volcanion switches in endgame, gets +1 speed instantly, and you're fucked ggwp
:the fucked up guy with the mask-the def and spdef ones: they're prob gonna stay around? obviously extremely good but doesnt seem *broken*, yk?
the new goat steel, with the spdef embody aspect it can actually switch into darkrai(that dont have focus blast lmao) and not do anything because it has sub up! gonna be super, SUPER good once the big brokens get banned its broken for everything you think it is. what more is there to say hey remember when we banned this thing and everyone agreed it was broken because we had no resists to water/dragon? yeah we still dont honestly its mostly teal aspect, but regen is also crazy strong. wouldnt be surprised if this was the leading cause for a teal ban:fucked up evil ursaluna:
idk ill prob edit this more tomorrow with other broken stuff like walking wake but i just wanna sleep rn
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For anyone who doesn't know, all of the Embody abilities work on any Pokemon right now (and you don't need a special item for them, either).
Let's be real though, the Attack one is probably getting banned ASAP because...come on now. We weren't certain if it would work like old Intrepid Sword (and still aren't; this is just current PS important). We'll see about the others though :P
Ceruledge @ Life Orb
Ability: Embody Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bitter Blade
- Poltergeist
- Close Combat
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Embody Speed Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball
Great Tusk @ Leftovers
Ability: Embody Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
I don't know, the Speed Boost one looks pretty broken too. It's like Triage, but it works for all the moves.
The dlc wave 1 update is here and I wanted to drop 2 teams that I used in the OM Room tour that I won as well as some quick thoughts
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1942895516 (replay of it in action)
Quick pseudo screens team I made, mainly wanted to try out the new broken set ups and dragonite with a backbone of Cresselia for opposing HO and Empoleon for special attackers. Triage Kommo-o is pretty strong, but with Dragonite around its a bit hard to find opportunities at times. Darkrai is very strong, and actually had an instance of it 2HKOing Hoodra (not in this replay). Cresselia is very good rn with all the set up mons imo, and can counter back with stored power, and emp is cool pivot especially with the new specially defense dauntless.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1942898972 (replay)
More straight forward balance, wanted to try some of the gen 8 staples and the new sword ability. Barraskewda and Azelf are pretty good, no surprise there. Manaphy is really really good and probs my early pick for the best mon in the tier (that or dnite), emp does the same stuff as it did previously (knock flip turn wall every special mon) and Chien-Pao is very very broken with the Attack ability. Corviknight is still pretty good, though I opted for helmet to punish flip turn / u-turn / knock (and also won vs dnite).
Quick Thoughts:
- Ridiculously overkill, this mon is very very hard to counter offensively and unless you're running unaware can just sweep teams of all kind, want this gone asap.
- Honestly would be an advocate for banning this too, light clay enables a lot of broken setup right now and has even taken off lately in AAAPL pre dlc, makes HO very hard to counter unless you're hard walling them.
- Crazy mon, take heart is insane (even though I haven't tried it yet) especially with the speed boosting ability, though I also think it'll be very nice as a Regen mon with all the moves it gets and the fact it can actually take mixed hits (Rip Volcanion and Heatran).
- I haven't found it too insane yet with how offensive and fast paced the meta is, it can be revenged by stuff, though if it can get a hit it can be very very strong, will need to test with it more before having a more articulate opinion.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1942895516 (replay of it in action)
Quick pseudo screens team I made, mainly wanted to try out the new broken set ups and dragonite with a backbone of Cresselia for opposing HO and Empoleon for special attackers. Triage Kommo-o is pretty strong, but with Dragonite around its a bit hard to find opportunities at times. Darkrai is very strong, and actually had an instance of it 2HKOing Hoodra (not in this replay). Cresselia is very good rn with all the set up mons imo, and can counter back with stored power, and emp is cool pivot especially with the new specially defense dauntless.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9almostanyability-1942898972 (replay)
More straight forward balance, wanted to try some of the gen 8 staples and the new sword ability. Barraskewda and Azelf are pretty good, no surprise there. Manaphy is really really good and probs my early pick for the best mon in the tier (that or dnite), emp does the same stuff as it did previously (knock flip turn wall every special mon) and Chien-Pao is very very broken with the Attack ability. Corviknight is still pretty good, though I opted for helmet to punish flip turn / u-turn / knock (and also won vs dnite).
Quick Thoughts:
- Ridiculously overkill, this mon is very very hard to counter offensively and unless you're running unaware can just sweep teams of all kind, want this gone asap. - Honestly would be an advocate for banning this too, light clay enables a lot of broken setup right now and has even taken off lately in AAAPL pre dlc, makes HO very hard to counter unless you're hard walling them. - Crazy mon, take heart is insane (even though I haven't tried it yet) especially with the speed boosting ability, though I also think it'll be very nice as a Regen mon with all the moves it gets and the fact it can actually take mixed hits (Rip Volcanion and Heatran). - I haven't found it too insane yet with how offensive and fast paced the meta is, it can be revenged by stuff, though if it can get a hit it can be very very strong, will need to test with it more before having a more articulate opinion.
The mons I am really excited to use:
He is back, the best ice type is real (fuck you and 
)
At this rate, goodra actually has good niches over its hisuian brother. Who at gamefreak decided to give this goop Scald, Knock Off, Toxic...
I am very excited to use this mon in AAA. Goofy ahh boosting move, but I'd imagine it can just simply run Mold Breaker and call it a day...
"Siri can you define Role Compression?" This mon does it ALL, and it's unfortunately it's greatest weakness; It can't fit everything it wants.
He is back, the best ice type is real (fuck you
and )
At this rate, goodra actually has good niches over its hisuian brother. Who at gamefreak decided to give this goop Scald, Knock Off, Toxic...
I am very excited to use this mon in AAA. Goofy ahh boosting move, but I'd imagine it can just simply run Mold Breaker and call it a day...
"Siri can you define Role Compression?" This mon does it ALL, and it's unfortunately it's greatest weakness; It can't fit everything it wants.
quick day 1 team and thoughts
https://pokepast.es/ff7accf90ec49701
empoleon + mandibuzz attempts to wall as much special attackers as possible, kommo-o sets rocks and annoys skewda, ogrepon dnite and darkrai just try to kill stuff as fast as possible before your walls get overwhelmed since people be spamming random shit on day 1 ladder
embody aspect attack needs to go since it's literally just intrepid sword, embody aspect speed probably needs to go though i'm a little less sure on that. ban pls, really annoying without unaware. seems fine for now at least with how offensive the meta is rn
https://pokepast.es/ff7accf90ec49701
empoleon + mandibuzz attempts to wall as much special attackers as possible, kommo-o sets rocks and annoys skewda, ogrepon dnite and darkrai just try to kill stuff as fast as possible before your walls get overwhelmed since people be spamming random shit on day 1 ladder
embody aspect attack needs to go since it's literally just intrepid sword, embody aspect speed probably needs to go though i'm a little less sure on that. ban
pls, really annoying without unaware. seems fine for now at least with how offensive the meta is rn
after fooling around with anything and everything and losing to stamina hatterene, ive got my day 1 thoughts.
really good, you cant really send in a desoland fire since you dont like eating CCs / Drill Runs. also faster than chien so thats cool.
kaboom. everyone spammed the bad typhlosion-hisui on ladder, this has actual special attack but loses speed but who even needs that much speed tbh.
same stuff as last gen, BU triage works and cb embody attack are all cool
still dont know who legalized this. it still doesnt provide anything to the tier, clicks dumb buttons and wins games.
:its still dnite. yes, it provides good offensive counterplay to skewda, gappy, swing, etc, but just because broken 1 checks broken 2, 3, 4
doesnt mean broken 1 should be in the tier.
everyones not spamming this yet fsr... when the meta calms down, i expect to see it doing its thing again but slower.
still a great tusk.
fezandipiti: saw one ladderer use regenvest, dont. embody spdef works since it has roost and pivot. otherwise this thing kinda mid tbh
mglo sets are cool, quaqua is usually better tho apart from the immediate speed floatzel has.
this thing sounds good on paper, bad in practice (cos dnite, duh). mixed sflo sounds cool, mixed mglo too maybe?
when the meta settles i expect it to see use. it does normal rachi stuff as always since its a jirachi.
triage fish, otherwise looks cool w/ defensive options. mixed ddance / clangsoul might pop up w/ galavanize boomburst for corv, maybe even ironpress as a cool wincon maybe?
its like a chien-pao, but slower, bulkier, and trades stab crunch for stab eq and knock as coverage. also has a rocks neutrality.
embody speed + tail glow is funny. take heart might be cool too, but it isnt as immediate and doesnt have the recovery to back it up.
another defogger wooo!! also bulkier than corv but that fairy weakness is annoying. knock and toxic (and whirlwind but yknow, 4mss) help it stand out though, i expect this to be kinda popular after everything settles maybe? choosing what 4 moves you want sucks tho
its like a gapdos, but it doesnt have bb, bulk, or a flying type in exchange for speed.
munkidori: np sflo / specs tlens looks like it could work in practice, its pretty eh on paper. idt np sflo is any good later on, specs tlens might last though.
(all formes) ogerpon: kinda bad im ngl. nothing apart from utility sets really stand out too much but maybe i just need to be proved wrong. offensive wise, dnite trolls you, mid speed trolls you, etc.
okidogi: i thought this had u-turn, but fsr it doesnt get it... cb and scarf sets look nice, but i feel like it desperately craves for u-turn. BU triage also exists for now, ig.
its like triage kommo-o, but worse.
an actual webs setter! webs is bad anyways soo...
sinistcha: no smash, unviable
dont use this lol
(bloodmoon)
apparently it isnt meant to be banned...? dont feel like it will be too good apart from some niche surge surfing maybe
really neat mon. specs is still specs, utility sets are cool too.
really good, you cant really send in a desoland fire since you dont like eating CCs / Drill Runs. also faster than chien so thats cool. kaboom. everyone spammed the bad typhlosion-hisui on ladder, this has actual special attack but loses speed but who even needs that much speed tbh. same stuff as last gen, BU triage works and cb embody attack are all cool still dont know who legalized this. it still doesnt provide anything to the tier, clicks dumb buttons and wins games. :its still dnite. yes, it provides good offensive counterplay to skewda, gappy, swing, etc, but just because broken 1 checks broken 2, 3, 4 doesnt mean broken 1 should be in the tier.
everyones not spamming this yet fsr... when the meta calms down, i expect to see it doing its thing again but slower. still a great tusk.fezandipiti: saw one ladderer use regenvest, dont. embody spdef works since it has roost and pivot. otherwise this thing kinda mid tbh
mglo sets are cool, quaqua is usually better tho apart from the immediate speed floatzel has. this thing sounds good on paper, bad in practice (cos dnite, duh). mixed sflo sounds cool, mixed mglo too maybe? when the meta settles i expect it to see use. it does normal rachi stuff as always since its a jirachi. triage fish, otherwise looks cool w/ defensive options. mixed ddance / clangsoul might pop up w/ galavanize boomburst for corv, maybe even ironpress as a cool wincon maybe? its like a chien-pao, but slower, bulkier, and trades stab crunch for stab eq and knock as coverage. also has a rocks neutrality. embody speed + tail glow is funny. take heart might be cool too, but it isnt as immediate and doesnt have the recovery to back it up. another defogger wooo!! also bulkier than corv but that fairy weakness is annoying. knock and toxic (and whirlwind but yknow, 4mss) help it stand out though, i expect this to be kinda popular after everything settles maybe? choosing what 4 moves you want sucks tho its like a gapdos, but it doesnt have bb, bulk, or a flying type in exchange for speed. munkidori: np sflo / specs tlens looks like it could work in practice, its pretty eh on paper. idt np sflo is any good later on, specs tlens might last though.
(all formes) ogerpon: kinda bad im ngl. nothing apart from utility sets really stand out too much but maybe i just need to be proved wrong. offensive wise, dnite trolls you, mid speed trolls you, etc.
okidogi: i thought this had u-turn, but fsr it doesnt get it... cb and scarf sets look nice, but i feel like it desperately craves for u-turn. BU triage also exists for now, ig.
its like triage kommo-o, but worse. an actual webs setter! webs is bad anyways soo...sinistcha: no smash, unviable
dont use this lol(bloodmoon)
apparently it isnt meant to be banned...? dont feel like it will be too good apart from some niche surge surfing maybe really neat mon. specs is still specs, utility sets are cool too.embody attack and speed are dumb and bad, please remove it :3
embody def and spdef on the other hand help a fuckton of mons, we also got the pre-nerf spdef dauntless we always needed
triage is as fishy as ever, now with BU triage mons like okidogi and conk in the mix
gappy is hell. knock just removes every form of cplay ever to anything and everything thinking it can switch in freely.
zarude regained glide! unfortunately its now 55bp, unviable move.
is this venti pfp good?
embody def and spdef on the other hand help a fuckton of mons, we also got the pre-nerf spdef dauntless we always needed
triage is as fishy as ever, now with BU triage mons like okidogi and conk in the mix
gappy is hell. knock just removes every form of cplay ever to anything and everything thinking it can switch in freely.
zarude regained glide! unfortunately its now 55bp, unviable move.
is this venti pfp good?
Summary of all the new stuff relevant to AAA (according to me, a totally objective arbiter of meta relevance) and my thoughts on a bunch of mons in the meta rn after a bit of theorymonning and playing around.
+ Knock Off, Flip Turn, Scald
Yeah this is pretty obviously broken LOL. We released WWake under the assumption that our new RegenVests provide a good enough buffer to check WWake but now it just blows up Meloetta and Goodra-H hangs on by a thread without its Assault Vest. Unless you're using something like specially defensive Empoleon or coping with Goodra-H you're a goner, basically (or like WA STail LOL). Will be surprised if this lasts longer than a month in the tier once the meta has calmed down.
+ Flip Turn
THE RETURN. While there's an abudance of Water resists in the tier, Barraskewda is still a god mon for its ability to threaten out slower mons and accumulate chip while pivoting. No longer will we need to cope with horrible Protean sets which break nothing and can finally click the button 10x until the opponent dies of the infinite chip.
+ Knock Off
While the large Knock Off distribution hurts RegenVest walls as a whole, they most likely will still find themselves very popular as a simple necessity, and the Knock Off distribution goes both ways and adds some extra utility the RegenVest mons can spam to abuse themselves (Also both Goodra formes get Scald but I didn't want to seperate Melo by itself).
+ Poltergeist
Major addition for Ceruledge, giving it proper Ghost STAB that allows it to break checks like Garchomp with far greater ease as well as other annoying Fire immunes like Lando/Corv/Zapdos (+2 252 Atk Life Orb Sword of Ruin Ceruledge Poltergeist vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garchomp: 450-530 (107.1 - 126.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO). That being said, the addition does also come at the same time as the addition insane Knock Off distribution so you'll actually have to be a bit careful with spamming it mindlessly if you do have a Ceruledge in the back. The faster initial pace of the meta also probably hurts, but after a few bans I won't be surprised if it's very strong.
+ Knock Off
While the addition of Knock Off seems like a major plus to Roaring Moon, which it admittedly is, the addition of its best check ever in Great Tusk to the meta means most likely Roaring Moon will fall in viability despite this seemingly major plus. Rare RegenVest/Scarf sets do gain from this while not caring that much about Great Tusk, though, so that's one plus at least.
+ Icicle Spear, Knock Off
Major buff for Weavile that could potentially allow it to see usage despite competition with Chien-Pao. Knock Off enables all sets with Weavile with its extra power and utility while Icicle Spear is a major upgrade over Icicle Crash that could let Loaded Dice SD sets be potentially very deadly in combination with Beat Up (or CB/LO if you're that confident in your luck + Beat Up). For reference the damage it could potentially do: +1 252 Atk Technician Weavile Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Corviknight: 300-360 (75.1 - 90.2%) -- approx. 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and -1 252 Atk Choice Band Technician Weavile Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Corviknight: 210-245 (52.6 - 61.4%) -- approx. 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery.
+ Knock Off
While its checks remain mostly the same (Fluffy, Intim Corv, STail) the addition of Knock for Gapdos just adds to its already formerly formidable breaking prowess to make it downright terrifying. The ability to wear down checks like Intim Corv and Fluffy STail significantly with the removal of their leftovers, making it significantly easier to potentially wear them into 2HKO range (or near instantly, for Banded variants against Intim Corv) and removing Boots and hitting hard against annoying Ghosts like Skeledirge. Will probably remain given it still suffers the same issues and checks remain still mostly the same but certainly a mon to keep your eye out against.
+ Knock Off, Grassy Glide
Adds some variety to its sets with Grassy Glide making Grassy Surge possible, potentially. That being said the nerf did significantly reduces it power which means who knows if it'll really be viable. Knock Off adds some extra utility and damage Zarude can abuse, although might be worse than Crunch in the power department given Knock Off deals less after the initial removal, still probably a good move to abuse on Zarude though.
+ Flip Turn, Knock Off
Bonus moves that benefit both its defensive and offensive sets. Flip Turn will most likely find some usage over U-turn on offensive PrimSea sets while Knock could be useful for both its offensive and defensive sets for its utility and ok neutral damage, removing the boots from checks like Desolate Land Iron Moth and Skeledirge which both can prove annoying. That being said, Quaq finds it hard enough to pick and choose with its 4 moveslots and these additions dont exactly lighten the burden, but still, a plus for Quaquaval.
+ Roost, Flip Turn, Knock Off
Empoleon returns this DLC, now able to be transferred from Home, and it returns with new useful moves up its sleeve that could possibly make it viable. Roost in combination with Flip Turn and Knock Off allows its defensive sets to shine, although it lacks Defog from what I can tell, its typing allows it to check the likes of Walking Wake with a specially defensive set while a physically defensive Fluffy set would serve as a solid Chien-Pao and Barraksewda check.
+ Expanding Force
While I doubt Azelf is going to do much breaking even with EForce due to the omnipresence of resists and RegenVest everywhere, the addition of EForce still bolsters its usage case on Scarf sets to threaten out more and pivot more consistently. The addition of threats like Triage Drum Kommo-o and Dragonite also gives Azelf a far better use case than normal, which should increase its usage for as long as they remain.
+ Weather Ball
A neat little addition but ultimately I don't think matters that much for Zapdos. Allows it to stop being walled by random things like Iron Treads and Sandy Shocks and kinda kills Kilowattrel, even if its speed is much better I doubt many will stick with using it. Defensive sets like Fluffy don't really care much as they aren't using PrimSea and offensive sets haven't found too much popularity recently, especially where everything is so fast and strong (and Ceruledge can smack it hard with Poltergeist hard).
+ Toxic
A neat extra option that Iron Moth can potentially abuse, able to irritate checks like Regen Chomp/Manaphy and potentially able to run a Corrosion set if you really hate checks like Goodra-H and random WBB steels. Still remains ok but addition of checks like Manaphy, extra poisons and Spin for TSpikes sets and the addition of more Water-type it fails to effectively check annoys it and budges it into competition with the likes of Moltres.
+ Flip Turn
While Flip Turn is quite a neat addition, I don't think Samurott-Hisui benefits that much from the addition. Most of the time it actually wants to make progress by spamming Ceaseless/Knock or Hydro Pump on any Corvs/GTusk that try to Defog away its hazards. Can't utilise Flip Turn as effectively as Barraskewda as it can't force out offensive mons as effectively being weaker and far slower and gain that chip/momentum as consistently. Still neat, but this in combination with the far more offensive pace of the meta means I doubt it'll gain that much from the addition and be that good.
+ Knock Off
The extremely fast pace of the meta as of right now means these mons will probably lurk in the background just for a little while. Still, they serve as potentially very threatening breakers once the dust truly settles and the meta (hopefully) calms down. The addition of Knock Off for both bolsters their annoying breaking potential further but I suppose we'll see in a month.
+ Weather Ball, Flip Turn, Scald
All mostly small neat additions that probably wont affect Inteleon place in the meta. Weather Ball provides a more consistent button to click than Hydro Miss and could potentially snipe annoying Desoland mons while Flip Turn can help accrue some extra chip against something like Meloetta and Scald could annoy answers like Goodra formes and RegenVest Manaphy to help break through with other chip.
+ Lash Out
A small addition that I know Tranquility was raving about. The addition of the moves provide a possible tech for Chien-Pao to abuse to break Intimidate Corv more easily, its primary check, while not losing out on that much compared to Crunch. Could also possibly be abused on Kingambit variants, as it also works with Defiant (which I tested!) so I guess we'll see (probably not that good on Gambit outside of Defiant ones, though since it wont work with SD).
100% broken I had no input in freeing this thing wtf. Knock Off enables it to cripple RegenVest mons while Nasty Plot, Dark Pulse and Focus Blast allow it to demolish many teams. You have other funny coverage moves like Sludge Bomb or even Psyshock (which is valid, btw) and Thunder + Hadron Engine in the last slot to blow up stuff like Manaphy and the new Poison-Fairy if it actually gains popularity. (Also +2 Hadron Psyshock can OHKO Kanto Goodra). Worse yet it isn't the most fragile thing in this world meaning it can actually take hits from the RegenVest mons (and lives a Sharp Beak DNite ESpeed!) mostly fine and is faster than a good majority of the tier.
I didn't believe in it being a balanced mon originally and it receives very little in the way of any new checks so my opinion remains the same towards Dragonite. The same issues of its immense sweeping potential coupled with endless coverage make it a very toxic mon to build and account for. I suppose in such an offense-heavy metagame currently we can cope but I don't and never saw Dragonite as a healthy mon long-term unless we free like FurScales again lol.
While its popularity noticeably declined towards the end of the old meta due to its passivity, Scream Tail is back again as one of the few saviours against offense for balance teams that are only barely holding on against this offensive onslaught. Calm Mind means its able to stuff many annoying special breakers if it gets in beforehand or against annoying setup mons like Manaphy and is one of the few actual consistent checks to Aerilate DNite. The reintroduction of Gengar is annoying but the fast pace of few games I've seen most likely make annoyances like MGLO Heatran less popular. (Cresselia probably also works)
I doubt Great Tusk will end up banned again, at least not for a very long while. The introduction of many strong offensive threats like Wake, Gengar and Dragonite most likely push the meta at a far faster pace than Great Tusk is comfortable with and new checks like Mandibuzz and the popularity of Unaware STail compared to the old meta it dominated means it wont be winning too many games with its annoying bulky setup variants in all likelihood.
Returning with Tail Glow, Manaphy presents interesting options defensively and offensively. With pivot and utility moves like Knock Off, Manaphy makes for a decent RegenVest candidate that stuffs like the like of mixed Volcanion and Heatran while on the other hand Tail Glow means Manaphy could potentially serve as a deadly breaker, although the previous popularity of mons like Goodra-H/Goodra make that prospect seem difficult, even if Manaphy can force the Knock and its low speed also doesn't help.
BDrum Triage is annoying af but with all the other offensive menaces in the tier necessitating Unaware on most balance teams anyway, I suspect it'll take a bit before any action is taken if at all against Triage or Kommo-o. Defensive sets are also ok, if annoying to use due to 1AC while mixed Boomburst sets could also be ok although you might need Refridgerate to deal with GTusk (but I suppose it also has Clanging Scales).
Most likely will have to bide its time as its incredibly slow speed relative to the meta means it most likely just gets outpaced and murdered before doing too much but in a future slower more balanced meta it could potentially be threatening. Intimidate Corv could be annoying but Tech Icicle Spear sets could do a lot and could potentially spam Ice Shard + set Stealth Rocks somewhat consistently.
Mandibuzz returns as extra relief in terms of the hazard removal department. As a wall I don't predict Mandibuzz will be that great on either side, as a physical wall suffering from its Ice weakness and lack of relevant resists. Still could annoy stuff like DNite and GTusk with Foul Play and Toxic potentially. On the special side, its Dark and Ghost resist with a lack of Fighting weakness grants it some decent options to check the likes of Gengar and Darkrai although both being able to carry Knock can be annoying with a loss of your precious boots. Defog and Knock + Pivot is always nice as well.
Seems okay as a defensive RegenVest given its typing and U-turn. Okay Walking Wake and (non-Psyshock) Darkrai check at the very least that take too much from Knock Off although is still always irritated by a removed Assault Vest. It is somewhat passive though so don't get caught clicking something that isn't U-turn.
On an ending note, I haven't talked about any of the new Embody abilities as I don't even know if they'll last as the interaction hasn't even been confirmed yet. Don't expect Teal or Hearthflame to last in any case. Meta is super offensive, which is somewhat expected because we freed a bunch of stupid stuff and people just spam braindead offense. Dragonite, Wake and Darkrai are all super dumb I hate them and want them out.
+ Knock Off, Flip Turn, Scald
Yeah this is pretty obviously broken LOL. We released WWake under the assumption that our new RegenVests provide a good enough buffer to check WWake but now it just blows up Meloetta and Goodra-H hangs on by a thread without its Assault Vest. Unless you're using something like specially defensive Empoleon or coping with Goodra-H you're a goner, basically (or like WA STail LOL). Will be surprised if this lasts longer than a month in the tier once the meta has calmed down.
+ Flip Turn
THE RETURN. While there's an abudance of Water resists in the tier, Barraskewda is still a god mon for its ability to threaten out slower mons and accumulate chip while pivoting. No longer will we need to cope with horrible Protean sets which break nothing and can finally click the button 10x until the opponent dies of the infinite chip.
+ Knock Off
While the large Knock Off distribution hurts RegenVest walls as a whole, they most likely will still find themselves very popular as a simple necessity, and the Knock Off distribution goes both ways and adds some extra utility the RegenVest mons can spam to abuse themselves (Also both Goodra formes get Scald but I didn't want to seperate Melo by itself).
+ Poltergeist
Major addition for Ceruledge, giving it proper Ghost STAB that allows it to break checks like Garchomp with far greater ease as well as other annoying Fire immunes like Lando/Corv/Zapdos (+2 252 Atk Life Orb Sword of Ruin Ceruledge Poltergeist vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garchomp: 450-530 (107.1 - 126.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO). That being said, the addition does also come at the same time as the addition insane Knock Off distribution so you'll actually have to be a bit careful with spamming it mindlessly if you do have a Ceruledge in the back. The faster initial pace of the meta also probably hurts, but after a few bans I won't be surprised if it's very strong.
+ Knock Off
While the addition of Knock Off seems like a major plus to Roaring Moon, which it admittedly is, the addition of its best check ever in Great Tusk to the meta means most likely Roaring Moon will fall in viability despite this seemingly major plus. Rare RegenVest/Scarf sets do gain from this while not caring that much about Great Tusk, though, so that's one plus at least.
+ Icicle Spear, Knock Off
Major buff for Weavile that could potentially allow it to see usage despite competition with Chien-Pao. Knock Off enables all sets with Weavile with its extra power and utility while Icicle Spear is a major upgrade over Icicle Crash that could let Loaded Dice SD sets be potentially very deadly in combination with Beat Up (or CB/LO if you're that confident in your luck + Beat Up). For reference the damage it could potentially do: +1 252 Atk Technician Weavile Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Corviknight: 300-360 (75.1 - 90.2%) -- approx. 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and -1 252 Atk Choice Band Technician Weavile Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Corviknight: 210-245 (52.6 - 61.4%) -- approx. 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery.
+ Knock Off
While its checks remain mostly the same (Fluffy, Intim Corv, STail) the addition of Knock for Gapdos just adds to its already formerly formidable breaking prowess to make it downright terrifying. The ability to wear down checks like Intim Corv and Fluffy STail significantly with the removal of their leftovers, making it significantly easier to potentially wear them into 2HKO range (or near instantly, for Banded variants against Intim Corv) and removing Boots and hitting hard against annoying Ghosts like Skeledirge. Will probably remain given it still suffers the same issues and checks remain still mostly the same but certainly a mon to keep your eye out against.
+ Knock Off, Grassy Glide
Adds some variety to its sets with Grassy Glide making Grassy Surge possible, potentially. That being said the nerf did significantly reduces it power which means who knows if it'll really be viable. Knock Off adds some extra utility and damage Zarude can abuse, although might be worse than Crunch in the power department given Knock Off deals less after the initial removal, still probably a good move to abuse on Zarude though.
+ Flip Turn, Knock Off
Bonus moves that benefit both its defensive and offensive sets. Flip Turn will most likely find some usage over U-turn on offensive PrimSea sets while Knock could be useful for both its offensive and defensive sets for its utility and ok neutral damage, removing the boots from checks like Desolate Land Iron Moth and Skeledirge which both can prove annoying. That being said, Quaq finds it hard enough to pick and choose with its 4 moveslots and these additions dont exactly lighten the burden, but still, a plus for Quaquaval.
+ Roost, Flip Turn, Knock Off
Empoleon returns this DLC, now able to be transferred from Home, and it returns with new useful moves up its sleeve that could possibly make it viable. Roost in combination with Flip Turn and Knock Off allows its defensive sets to shine, although it lacks Defog from what I can tell, its typing allows it to check the likes of Walking Wake with a specially defensive set while a physically defensive Fluffy set would serve as a solid Chien-Pao and Barraksewda check.
+ Expanding Force
While I doubt Azelf is going to do much breaking even with EForce due to the omnipresence of resists and RegenVest everywhere, the addition of EForce still bolsters its usage case on Scarf sets to threaten out more and pivot more consistently. The addition of threats like Triage Drum Kommo-o and Dragonite also gives Azelf a far better use case than normal, which should increase its usage for as long as they remain.
+ Weather Ball
A neat little addition but ultimately I don't think matters that much for Zapdos. Allows it to stop being walled by random things like Iron Treads and Sandy Shocks and kinda kills Kilowattrel, even if its speed is much better I doubt many will stick with using it. Defensive sets like Fluffy don't really care much as they aren't using PrimSea and offensive sets haven't found too much popularity recently, especially where everything is so fast and strong (and Ceruledge can smack it hard with Poltergeist hard).
+ Toxic
A neat extra option that Iron Moth can potentially abuse, able to irritate checks like Regen Chomp/Manaphy and potentially able to run a Corrosion set if you really hate checks like Goodra-H and random WBB steels. Still remains ok but addition of checks like Manaphy, extra poisons and Spin for TSpikes sets and the addition of more Water-type it fails to effectively check annoys it and budges it into competition with the likes of Moltres.
+ Flip Turn
While Flip Turn is quite a neat addition, I don't think Samurott-Hisui benefits that much from the addition. Most of the time it actually wants to make progress by spamming Ceaseless/Knock or Hydro Pump on any Corvs/GTusk that try to Defog away its hazards. Can't utilise Flip Turn as effectively as Barraskewda as it can't force out offensive mons as effectively being weaker and far slower and gain that chip/momentum as consistently. Still neat, but this in combination with the far more offensive pace of the meta means I doubt it'll gain that much from the addition and be that good.
+ Knock Off
The extremely fast pace of the meta as of right now means these mons will probably lurk in the background just for a little while. Still, they serve as potentially very threatening breakers once the dust truly settles and the meta (hopefully) calms down. The addition of Knock Off for both bolsters their annoying breaking potential further but I suppose we'll see in a month.
+ Weather Ball, Flip Turn, Scald
All mostly small neat additions that probably wont affect Inteleon place in the meta. Weather Ball provides a more consistent button to click than Hydro Miss and could potentially snipe annoying Desoland mons while Flip Turn can help accrue some extra chip against something like Meloetta and Scald could annoy answers like Goodra formes and RegenVest Manaphy to help break through with other chip.
+ Lash Out
A small addition that I know Tranquility was raving about. The addition of the moves provide a possible tech for Chien-Pao to abuse to break Intimidate Corv more easily, its primary check, while not losing out on that much compared to Crunch. Could also possibly be abused on Kingambit variants, as it also works with Defiant (which I tested!) so I guess we'll see (probably not that good on Gambit outside of Defiant ones, though since it wont work with SD).
100% broken I had no input in freeing this thing wtf. Knock Off enables it to cripple RegenVest mons while Nasty Plot, Dark Pulse and Focus Blast allow it to demolish many teams. You have other funny coverage moves like Sludge Bomb or even Psyshock (which is valid, btw) and Thunder + Hadron Engine in the last slot to blow up stuff like Manaphy and the new Poison-Fairy if it actually gains popularity. (Also +2 Hadron Psyshock can OHKO Kanto Goodra). Worse yet it isn't the most fragile thing in this world meaning it can actually take hits from the RegenVest mons (and lives a Sharp Beak DNite ESpeed!) mostly fine and is faster than a good majority of the tier.
I didn't believe in it being a balanced mon originally and it receives very little in the way of any new checks so my opinion remains the same towards Dragonite. The same issues of its immense sweeping potential coupled with endless coverage make it a very toxic mon to build and account for. I suppose in such an offense-heavy metagame currently we can cope but I don't and never saw Dragonite as a healthy mon long-term unless we free like FurScales again lol.
While its popularity noticeably declined towards the end of the old meta due to its passivity, Scream Tail is back again as one of the few saviours against offense for balance teams that are only barely holding on against this offensive onslaught. Calm Mind means its able to stuff many annoying special breakers if it gets in beforehand or against annoying setup mons like Manaphy and is one of the few actual consistent checks to Aerilate DNite. The reintroduction of Gengar is annoying but the fast pace of few games I've seen most likely make annoyances like MGLO Heatran less popular. (Cresselia probably also works)
I doubt Great Tusk will end up banned again, at least not for a very long while. The introduction of many strong offensive threats like Wake, Gengar and Dragonite most likely push the meta at a far faster pace than Great Tusk is comfortable with and new checks like Mandibuzz and the popularity of Unaware STail compared to the old meta it dominated means it wont be winning too many games with its annoying bulky setup variants in all likelihood.
Returning with Tail Glow, Manaphy presents interesting options defensively and offensively. With pivot and utility moves like Knock Off, Manaphy makes for a decent RegenVest candidate that stuffs like the like of mixed Volcanion and Heatran while on the other hand Tail Glow means Manaphy could potentially serve as a deadly breaker, although the previous popularity of mons like Goodra-H/Goodra make that prospect seem difficult, even if Manaphy can force the Knock and its low speed also doesn't help.
BDrum Triage is annoying af but with all the other offensive menaces in the tier necessitating Unaware on most balance teams anyway, I suspect it'll take a bit before any action is taken if at all against Triage or Kommo-o. Defensive sets are also ok, if annoying to use due to 1AC while mixed Boomburst sets could also be ok although you might need Refridgerate to deal with GTusk (but I suppose it also has Clanging Scales).
Most likely will have to bide its time as its incredibly slow speed relative to the meta means it most likely just gets outpaced and murdered before doing too much but in a future slower more balanced meta it could potentially be threatening. Intimidate Corv could be annoying but Tech Icicle Spear sets could do a lot and could potentially spam Ice Shard + set Stealth Rocks somewhat consistently.
Mandibuzz returns as extra relief in terms of the hazard removal department. As a wall I don't predict Mandibuzz will be that great on either side, as a physical wall suffering from its Ice weakness and lack of relevant resists. Still could annoy stuff like DNite and GTusk with Foul Play and Toxic potentially. On the special side, its Dark and Ghost resist with a lack of Fighting weakness grants it some decent options to check the likes of Gengar and Darkrai although both being able to carry Knock can be annoying with a loss of your precious boots. Defog and Knock + Pivot is always nice as well.
Seems okay as a defensive RegenVest given its typing and U-turn. Okay Walking Wake and (non-Psyshock) Darkrai check at the very least that take too much from Knock Off although is still always irritated by a removed Assault Vest. It is somewhat passive though so don't get caught clicking something that isn't U-turn.
On an ending note, I haven't talked about any of the new Embody abilities as I don't even know if they'll last as the interaction hasn't even been confirmed yet. Don't expect Teal or Hearthflame to last in any case. Meta is super offensive, which is somewhat expected because we freed a bunch of stupid stuff and people just spam braindead offense. Dragonite, Wake and Darkrai are all super dumb I hate them and want them out.
| Isaiah | Atha | QT | DFM | LB | Ivar57 | Tranquility | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embody Aspect (Hearthflame) | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | 7-0 BAN |
| Embody Aspect (Teal) | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | BAN | 7-0 BAN |
Embody Aspect (Hearthflame) and Embody Aspect (Teal) are now banned! Tagging Kris for implementation. Also, unban Ursaluna Blood Moon pls :]
*If researchers find out that these abilities work differently thanthe way they're currently implemented on PS, then we'll consider freeing them.
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First team post, tested it against some good players and for the most part it works well. I will try to cover a new thing within AAA with every team member.
Team Here
Corviknight @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Embody Aspect (Cornerstone)
Tera Type: Flying
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Body Press
- Defog
- Roost
It's a fairly standard Corviknight that is highly reminicent of Gen 8 with Dauntless Shield, I had it previously set to Unaware for the sake of dealing with Embody Aspect users but since it is banned I reverted to Cornerstone which is a +1 Defense boost. You can optionally swap either Brave Bird or Body Press for U-Turn if you value momentum over coverage.
Fezandipiti (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Corrosion
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Play Rough / Acid Spray
- U-turn
- Toxic
- Roost
Really good special pivot and with Corrosion you can punish a lot of common "counters" such as fellow Fezandipiti's or Corviknights. It's unique Poison/Fairy typing is pretty good and the pokemon as a whole is probably gonna be a mainstay of AAA going forward.
Dragonite @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Aerilate
Tera Type: Dragon
EVs: 252 Atk / 164 SpA / 92 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
Not all that original or anything, it is a mixed Sharp Beak Dnite with flamethrower and Tbolt for coverage however you could probably get away with one of the two (probably Tbolt) and sub it for DD, or Roost, or something else... It is still as strong as it was when it was banned and should definitely be prepped for if possible. This set is mixed to abuse Cornerstone Corviknights and Flamethrower + Tbolt covers for the odd Well Baked Body Corv's that you still run into here and there.
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- U-Turn
- Knock Off
- Take Heart
This Pokemon is INSANE, Take Heart is INSANE, Tail Glow sets are INSANE, it's well-rounded stats are INSANE. This set specifically takes hits and sets up to take something down then switches when low, it can be used for momentum and is unstatusable with great utility in knock off and scald burns.
Insane, is all I can say.
Weavile @ Loaded Dice
Ability: Technician
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
- Beat Up
A nice side-grade to Chien-Pao, albeit probably a bit weaker then it is in the overall scheme of things it does have it's benefits with it being quite consistent in what it does. Icicle Spear and Beat Up are great at breaking Sashes, and Subs, they automatically fish for crits and Knock Off brings some good utility. I typically lead with it unless the opponent has something they are likely to lead that it doesn't handle well.
Heatran @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Steel Beam
- Power Gem
- Stealth Rock
Good ol MGLO is as strong as ever, mixed, results in it being very hard to handle and SR just is a nice tool to harass the opponents team.
There is a ton to explore currently and I feel like I've only touched the surface what is good and bad, so we will see as the days turn to weeks what ends up too strong.
Team Here
Corviknight @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Embody Aspect (Cornerstone)
Tera Type: Flying
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Body Press
- Defog
- Roost
It's a fairly standard Corviknight that is highly reminicent of Gen 8 with Dauntless Shield, I had it previously set to Unaware for the sake of dealing with Embody Aspect users but since it is banned I reverted to Cornerstone which is a +1 Defense boost. You can optionally swap either Brave Bird or Body Press for U-Turn if you value momentum over coverage.
Fezandipiti (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Corrosion
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Play Rough / Acid Spray
- U-turn
- Toxic
- Roost
Really good special pivot and with Corrosion you can punish a lot of common "counters" such as fellow Fezandipiti's or Corviknights. It's unique Poison/Fairy typing is pretty good and the pokemon as a whole is probably gonna be a mainstay of AAA going forward.
Dragonite @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Aerilate
Tera Type: Dragon
EVs: 252 Atk / 164 SpA / 92 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
Not all that original or anything, it is a mixed Sharp Beak Dnite with flamethrower and Tbolt for coverage however you could probably get away with one of the two (probably Tbolt) and sub it for DD, or Roost, or something else... It is still as strong as it was when it was banned and should definitely be prepped for if possible. This set is mixed to abuse Cornerstone Corviknights and Flamethrower + Tbolt covers for the odd Well Baked Body Corv's that you still run into here and there.
Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- U-Turn
- Knock Off
- Take Heart
This Pokemon is INSANE, Take Heart is INSANE, Tail Glow sets are INSANE, it's well-rounded stats are INSANE. This set specifically takes hits and sets up to take something down then switches when low, it can be used for momentum and is unstatusable with great utility in knock off and scald burns.
Insane, is all I can say.
Weavile @ Loaded Dice
Ability: Technician
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
- Beat Up
A nice side-grade to Chien-Pao, albeit probably a bit weaker then it is in the overall scheme of things it does have it's benefits with it being quite consistent in what it does. Icicle Spear and Beat Up are great at breaking Sashes, and Subs, they automatically fish for crits and Knock Off brings some good utility. I typically lead with it unless the opponent has something they are likely to lead that it doesn't handle well.
Heatran @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Steel Beam
- Power Gem
- Stealth Rock
Good ol MGLO is as strong as ever, mixed, results in it being very hard to handle and SR just is a nice tool to harass the opponents team.
There is a ton to explore currently and I feel like I've only touched the surface what is good and bad, so we will see as the days turn to weeks what ends up too strong.
I have a personal opinion about embody speed and attack and how they could be unbanned with restrictions: I'm not sure how this could be coded well, but perhaps have attack have to have the mon have an attack of 60 or less to be usable, and same for speed but 70 speed. This could help give some more weaker or slower mons a chance to shine without being too broken, while also not letting broken mons be even more broken.