Resource National Dex Viability Rankings (Post Tera Ban)

Waiting for game data to download so here have some thoughts and noms

:Landorus-Therian: S- -> A+
Weirdly I have to agree with the recent feelings around it being less consistent. I wasn't totally sold on this at first but playing more, I've found that it gets worn down quicker than you'd like in some match ups, and as a ground it does have some strong competition. I still think it's overall great, but not on the level of the other mons in S-.

:Great Tusk: A -> A+/S-
I was a hater earlier on, but not anymore. Very top tier right now, both enabling sun and as a general pick in the meta with a nice amount of role compression and versatility in how it can be run. The presence of Zap/teMolt is mildly annoying, but I've seen some Tusk adjust to running Stone Edge to snipe both alongside Ice Spinner for Lando-T still.

:Zamazenta: A+ -> S-
Surprised, but Zama is easily still a top 3 pick in this post Tera meta and I'd argue the mon that commands the most respect in building. Teams not prepped for IDBP are very easy for this mon to pick apart, and even teams that are prepped have to be careful in their gameplay so it can't get into a position to just clean up.

:Ogerpon-Wellspring: A -> A+
Still mega cracked as a threat. Outside Zama which is a great check (until you get Ivy crit) most checks to it are niche or not the easiest to fit so it's capable of feasting on defensive structures just as it did before.

:Ting-Lu: A- -> A
This thing is great. While the lack of reliable recovery stings at times, its a very good hazard setter that's rather annoying to deal with for anything not named Great Tusk or Defog Gliscor, and even the former is prone to being chipped through Ruination and other in battle chip. Its natural bulk also makes it a very nice emergency check to various threats, and is even a good counter-lead into Mega Diancie teams since it threatens to blow it up while not even being 2HKOd from full. Also Ruination is a massive pain to switch into so that's there.

:Slowbro: B+ -> A-
Comfortable in saying this mon is good right now. Fits on teams more than before despite the presence of Gambit/Ttar thanks to Colbur, even being used on ZardY Sun teams and does classic Slowbro things, and checks a good amount of big physical threats. Also use Psychic Noise on this. Very good disruptive tool in general that's underused right now.
 
Waiting for game data to download so here have some thoughts and noms

:Landorus-Therian: S- -> A+
Weirdly I have to agree with the recent feelings around it being less consistent. I wasn't totally sold on this at first but playing more, I've found that it gets worn down quicker than you'd like in some match ups, and as a ground it does have some strong competition. I still think it's overall great, but not on the level of the other mons in S-.

:Great Tusk: A -> A+/S-
I was a hater earlier on, but not anymore. Very top tier right now, both enabling sun and as a general pick in the meta with a nice amount of role compression and versatility in how it can be run. The presence of Zap/teMolt is mildly annoying, but I've seen some Tusk adjust to running Stone Edge to snipe both alongside Ice Spinner for Lando-T still.

:Zamazenta: A+ -> S-
Surprised, but Zama is easily still a top 3 pick in this post Tera meta and I'd argue the mon that commands the most respect in building. Teams not prepped for IDBP are very easy for this mon to pick apart, and even teams that are prepped have to be careful in their gameplay so it can't get into a position to just clean up.

:Ogerpon-Wellspring: A -> A+
Still mega cracked as a threat. Outside Zama which is a great check (until you get Ivy crit) most checks to it are niche or not the easiest to fit so it's capable of feasting on defensive structures just as it did before.

:Ting-Lu: A- -> A
This thing is great. While the lack of reliable recovery stings at times, its a very good hazard setter that's rather annoying to deal with for anything not named Great Tusk or Defog Gliscor, and even the former is prone to being chipped through Ruination and other in battle chip. Its natural bulk also makes it a very nice emergency check to various threats, and is even a good counter-lead into Mega Diancie teams since it threatens to blow it up while not even being 2HKOd from full. Also Ruination is a massive pain to switch into so that's there.

:Slowbro: B+ -> A-
Comfortable in saying this mon is good right now. Fits on teams more than before despite the presence of Gambit/Ttar thanks to Colbur, even being used on ZardY Sun teams and does classic Slowbro things, and checks a good amount of big physical threats. Also use Psychic Noise on this. Very good disruptive tool in general that's underused right now.
As another previous tusk hater, I have to agree that tusk is quite brilliant in the current meta, at least A+ material, probably S- would be more fitting.

Regarding zama and the power of IDBP sets, I clearly have to disagree. Dragapult and gholdengo are decent/good checks to IDBP. There are also scarf lele, even koko in some circumstances, tornT, glowking, etc. Overall, the mon has a pretty hard time getting to +3 behind a sub and then has to decide between heavy slam and crunch, while still losing against pult and ghold as long as they are healthy. If you pair your zama with trapping (as you should), you usually find yourself playing 5v5 with zama and the opponent’s ghost kinda sitting it out. Zama has a tough time getting into sweeping position (+3 and sub) while still losing to some of the most common mons in the meta when it does. So the unprepared team is quite a lot rarer than it used to be with tera factored in. I would say :zamazenta: A+ -> A. The mon feels a lot closer in viability to A stuff like valiant then to gholdengo and zardY
 
Waiting for game data to download so here have some thoughts and noms

:Landorus-Therian: S- -> A+
Weirdly I have to agree with the recent feelings around it being less consistent. I wasn't totally sold on this at first but playing more, I've found that it gets worn down quicker than you'd like in some match ups, and as a ground it does have some strong competition. I still think it's overall great, but not on the level of the other mons in S-.

:Great Tusk: A -> A+/S-
I was a hater earlier on, but not anymore. Very top tier right now, both enabling sun and as a general pick in the meta with a nice amount of role compression and versatility in how it can be run. The presence of Zap/teMolt is mildly annoying, but I've seen some Tusk adjust to running Stone Edge to snipe both alongside Ice Spinner for Lando-T still.

:Zamazenta: A+ -> S-
Surprised, but Zama is easily still a top 3 pick in this post Tera meta and I'd argue the mon that commands the most respect in building. Teams not prepped for IDBP are very easy for this mon to pick apart, and even teams that are prepped have to be careful in their gameplay so it can't get into a position to just clean up.

:Ogerpon-Wellspring: A -> A+
Still mega cracked as a threat. Outside Zama which is a great check (until you get Ivy crit) most checks to it are niche or not the easiest to fit so it's capable of feasting on defensive structures just as it did before.

:Ting-Lu: A- -> A
This thing is great. While the lack of reliable recovery stings at times, its a very good hazard setter that's rather annoying to deal with for anything not named Great Tusk or Defog Gliscor, and even the former is prone to being chipped through Ruination and other in battle chip. Its natural bulk also makes it a very nice emergency check to various threats, and is even a good counter-lead into Mega Diancie teams since it threatens to blow it up while not even being 2HKOd from full. Also Ruination is a massive pain to switch into so that's there.

:Slowbro: B+ -> A-
Comfortable in saying this mon is good right now. Fits on teams more than before despite the presence of Gambit/Ttar thanks to Colbur, even being used on ZardY Sun teams and does classic Slowbro things, and checks a good amount of big physical threats. Also use Psychic Noise on this. Very good disruptive tool in general that's underused right now.
Disagree with Zama rise. Many teams have many checks to this Pokemon between Gholdengo, Slowbro, Scarf Tapu Lele, Lando-T, Toxapex, Dragapult, etc, which are often used together. This can make it tricky for Zamazenta to even begin making progress, esp if its facing a Helmet Pex or Lando which are continuously chipping away at it. While Pursuit support can help against some of these targets, its a double-edged sword, as Pursuit also makes it harder for many of Zamazenta's Future Sight friends like Slowking-Galar to help it break past threats. I think its fairly rated in A.

:Garchomp: -> A+ / S-
Mon is very cracked, eats most of the teams relying on Alomomola, Zapdos or Moltres as their Ground resist for free, while being one of the best offensive checks to Charizard Y. What's impressive to me is how versatile it is with the same set, able to run a plethora of items on its SD sets like Z-Crystals, resistance berries, and Soft Sand, as well as a wide variety of moves like Outrage, Stone Edge, Scale Shot, Spikes Stealth Rock, etc. Compresses a lot of defensive utility while also being one of the most offensively threatening mons in the game, espicially in this metagame where most mons like Lele, Ghold, Zard Y, Toxapex, and Raging Bolt are outsped and folded quite easily by its powerful STABs. Out of all the mons in A-Rank, this always feels like the scariest and most versatile threat.

:Tapu Lele: -> S-
Another Pokemon that compresses a lot of valuable utility, largely due to its high power & moderate versatility. Scarf is one of the better revenge killers for many annoying threats like Zamazenta, Garchomp (that don't run Roseli Berry), Iron Valiant, and even mons hit neutrally like Ogerpon-W, while specs can be one of the scarier breakers in the game. This mon also runs Z-Moves quite well, with Never-ending Nightmare for Gholdengo, or All-out pummeling for the Steels. Pretty much all its counterplay can be beaten with the correct set actually. What makes Tapu Lele go above and beyond though is the fact that it provides Psychic Terrain support, which enables many scary strategies with partners like Hawlucha able to go crazy with the double speed boost, blocking priority from other big threats like Raging Bolt and Kingambit, and enabling some expanding Force cheese guys like Iron Crown.
 
:Landorus-Therian: S- -> A+

Honestly I agree with this a lot. Anyone that knows me this hurts because I preach Lando till the sun goes down. In this meta it has severe longevity issues and not being able to tera out of a mismatch which made it very good in Tera meta by the way. It really wants helmet and lefties but it can only hold one. It gets worn down in the face of mons like Great Tusk very easily. Although fog sets still see use it’s severely hindered by lando’s longevity issues.

:Great Tusk: A -> S-

I’d go as far to say that this is indeed S. Why? Well for one it’s very splashable fits on a variety of different team styles. Great utility in Rapid Spin and can use Knock as it pleases. It matches quite well into a lot of opposing hazard setters like Landorus-T, Heatran, Gliscor, and even Ferrothorn when it’s running Close combat. Being a great check to the tiers premier Dark types in Kingambit and Mega Tyranitar.

:Primarina: C+ > B-

Honestly I do not know how many is on board with this. I laddered with this Mon and brought it to a few friendlies and it can be an absolute menace. All it needs is one sub to put in work. You scare out Pokemon like Great tusk, Gliscor, Lando because they do not knock it out in one hit. You have the opportunity to burn checks like ferrothorn. Matches well into Pokemon like Heatran. If it some how gets to low-hp its water stab becomes disgustingly strong. I know it’s probably meager but I think this Mon is deserving of B- when I look at what’s is C+.
 
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I tried to follow the criteria listed below this paragraph as best I can, most of the Pokemon on this VR are ordered in their tier but B and under I got a little lazy so it doesn't fully represent my opinions on these Pokemon. This VR is based off personal usage and what I have seen on ladder, tour and generally how I view the meta from my own perspective. Brief notes about each Pokemon and why I think they are good, you decide if they should be ranked somewhere else. I haven't used everything so my opinion might be shortsighted at certain parts of this list, I am open to discussion ofc. LETS GO!
S and S- Tier are for the Pokémon who are meta defining and work exceptionally on a variety of teams while being self-sufficient.

A+, A and A- Tier are for the Pokémon who are meta defining and work exceptionally in their role while needing team support.

B+, B and B- Tier are for the Pokémon who are not meta defining and they fill more specific roles while needing more team support.

C+, C and UR are Pokémon that are borderline unviable or already unviable. They are outclassed in most scenarios and/or fill a niche that is not valued highly in the current metagame. NC = Not Considered

S tier
:Dragapult:
I think this Pokemon as well as Kingambit are the most meta defining Pokemon in the tier but Dragapult is much more consistent, offers more to a single slot than anything else. Pretty versatile Pokemon, fits on a lot of structres, great enabler and supports offensive cores very well. Spin Blocker. Speed Control. The list is too long to get specific about anything because everything about this Pokemon stands out.

S- tier
:Gholdengo:
The addition of Gholdengo has really added a lot of role compression in one slot, I really love this pokemon and I think it is great in every mu. There is still more sets to be explored, so many Pokemon are out to get this guy, similar to Kingambit in that regard but any issues this Pokemon faces can be patched up pretty easily with offensive or defensive cores because it compliments a lot of pokemon well. Fantastic breaker and defensive sets can check so many Pokemon in one slot.

:Tapu Lele:
Contreversial to some maybe but nobody can deny how strong this Pokemon is in this meta. I learned Scarf can 2hko 136HP Kingabit with Moonblast but what I find most threatening is 4A Z sets which punishes teams who relied on checking Lele through scouting and first. Non-choiced really makes it difficult to rely on defensive counter play at all since there are only a few viable Pokemon that safely switch into Lele. Pokemon like Moltres, Corviknight have to fear Z moves and attempt to outplay if they are not healthy enough to live the second attack. Looking past Lele's breaking power, Psychic terrain blocks priority from Kingambit and Raging Bolt, which supports teammates like Gholdengo, Wellspring, Volc.

:Kingambit:
I know a lot of people have this pokemon higher on their list but the issue with this Pokemon is iteself lol. It is hard to deny that one of the reasons Great Tusk is so popular is due to Kingabit's return. Despite abundant counterplay in the meta, this Pokemon is still a threatening win condition as well as providing great offensive/defensive utility. Supreme Overlord is standard in most cases but Defiant probably fine too. My only issue is there are better ways to punish Defog and the best hazard control is Rapid Spin, but I digress. Somewhat flexible movesets, you always want Knock + Sucker Punch (although Toxic Ariados has experimented with Kowtow Z) but typically Pursuit can be paired with Iron Defense Zamazenta or Spdef walls on Sun teams to help Yard break through bulkier teams faster. Other options are Swords Dance, Iron Head, Low Kick and it can run Leftoevers, HDB, Lum Berry, Black Glasses, Air Balloon, Asssault Vest...

A+ tier

:Raging Bolt:
Originally had this in S- but it feels kind of weak into certain structures when you're not using it on Yard teams. Which leads me to another concern I had was putting it over Yard on this list but I feel like it is slightly better atm. Volt Switch is so great because you beat every Ground type except 2 but neither of them are very sturdy anyways. Ting-Lu can come in on Volt Switch or Draco safely but it does not have recovery so eventually you will be forced to outplay. Though I'll say that the odds are probably in the Ting-Lu players favor while it is still healthy. Ting + Lele can be really problematic for this Pokemon if you are not able to pressure either of them with your teammates. Raging Bolt still manages to stake such a high spot on this list because like the Pokemon above, it enables other Pokemon like Volcarona and Gholdengo or even Wellspring if you can block Leech Seed after Draco Meteor. Other Pokemon like Iron Valiant also pair so well with this Pokemon because of their ability to cover each others checks. Less defensively oriented but Raging Bolt is a decent secondary water resist and it is very strong into Yard structures as well as a switch in to Yard itself.

:Charizard Mega Y:
This should not be contreversial, Yard structures require a lot of support which is why it isn't S or above Raging Bolt but it is one of the best enablers and consistent breakers in the tier. I want to set the record straight that Yard structures do not have to be fully offensive, defensive pivots are appreicated. Fire Blast is perfectly fine with Air Slash, you do not sacrifice the rain mu and you get better rolls vs switch ins like 2hkos on Hippo/Clod, ohko on Lele, Torn-T, Gliscor etc. If you opt for Weather Ball which is more consistent, you can drop Air Slash. Solar Beam is pretty mandotory, and Scorching Sands/Focus Blast are exchangable. If you want to know how good this Pokemon is, just look at the VR and count how many pokemon above A- can switch in safely. Additionally, sun can be used defensively to survive attacks like Surging Strikes from Urshifu or Ivy Cudgel from Wellspring.

:Zamazenta:
Very threatening win con, ID really wants pursuit support or specific way to pressure Gholdengo. AOA wether it is Banded or Heavy Duty Boots can slot coverage for a lot, it's speed control is fantastic.

:Great Tusk:
Best Rapid Spinner in the tier, great on Yard teams, Z/coverage can threaten switch ins that are looking to defog or punish Spin like Zap/Molt/Lando. Great Gambit check and pretty nice speed tier but unfortunately falls short of Lando.

:Ogerpon Wellspring:
Arguably higher, SD does not have defensive checks (long term), ofc Pivot sets are just as good. I dont think this Pokemon needs much analysis and I am getting tired as I'm writing this.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Not explaining every ranking but I'll mention a few others I feel like.

:Glimmora: B+
Sounds kinda absurd maybe but Toxic Spikes is amazing rn. Gholdengo replaced Ceru on a lot of these structures, HO in general is still decent, Offense is better but both have lots of fun tools to work with.

:Mantine: C
Never considered this Pokemon in generation 9 but I saw it on the tier maker and it looked interesting to try. Prob not very good but on paper checks a lot of Special Attackers and threatens some Stealth Rockers like Tusk, Lando. More going for it than the UR shitters I think.

:Ogerpon Cornerstone:
Broken Stab is really strong into this meta rn. SD is super threatening to common defensive cores, ass defensive typing and revenged killed by a lot but powerful breaker.

:tapu fini: A-
Yes. I won't take credit for this but I happen to agree with ranking this Pokemon very high, B+ the lowest. Ting Fini cores grant so much counterplay to the meta and Gholdengo really glues that core together. Before passing judgement, I suggests you all try it first. CM/Trapping sets are best, GL.

further inquiries on discord prob
my-image(1).png
 
I disagree about Lele. it's strong but it's just like Zardy the First days Of post-tera. Counters aren't being Spammed yet, Like Spdef Dengo, AV Iron Crown, or Jirachi.


Jirachi btw

to A-
Jirachi is a Great mon in a handful of teams. It's got utility in Twave, Wish, stealth rock, Cosmic power and Encore, can Go Cosmic power stored power with Aura sphere, a scary set in Late game, can go Offensive with Leftos/Boots and Scarf. Sorry, Z Happy Hour is to be thrown in the depths of "use porygonZ instead LOL" because of how bad it is. In current meta, Rachi does NOT like clikcing Body slam, with Molt, Zapdos, and Ferro around, but it can sure click Secret power.
Secret power
1737793896451.png

So as you can see it's Body slam that reacts differently to terrains. Para's on Electric terrain and no Terrain, so you basically hve no-contact Bslam, -1 spA on Misty terrain comes up rarely but you still Blanket wall fini thanks to this, -1 Spe on Psychic Terrain is also Somewhat useful on Pokémon that, for example, already have a status condition. The real killer though is on Grassy Terrain: Secret power on Grassy Terrain, when used by
1737799389289.png
is 60% Sleep. This is Insane, it's basically having Hypnoss as a secondary effect of a 100% accurate move. Grassy Terrain is also generally z good partner of Jirachi, since gives it leftovers-level of healing every end of turn and halves the power of Earthquake. However the main factor of the viabiity of Jirachi is Jirachi. Flinch hax, fast bulky mon, Yea I think I'd go with that too.


to A-
SD :ogerpon-wellspring: does not have defensive checks
Watch that.
MVenu is a Terror. Spdef AND Physdef are among the best Walls, MVenu's Bulk is incredible, bro packs Utility Sleep powder, knock, Leech seed, Bro is teching
1737800504944.png
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in Current Meta the best set is imo Synthesis giga Drain Sludge Bomb Earth Power tho Earth power can be changed for knock in certain cases.
But Why A-??
well Mvenu is a hard to remove mon that checks Koko, Valiant, Great tusk, Shifu, Zama, Mola, Mdia, Mpert, Serp, Hands, wins the duel vs Ferro (if using Earth Power It's gonna hopefully take less then 30 turns), outlasts a ton of other mons, and its only weaknesses are Flying and Psychic. A beast if you ask me, among the best Megas, Comfortably in the Top 10.



Give it Flip turn and then we talk. Solid Defogger in UU but OU's too crowded with Tbolts.

Spinners are WAY too Hostile to this mon for it to be consistent. Tspikes are nice but Steels Dominate rn.

I hate the dog but if you bring in Galarsola, Buzzwole, Recover Dengo, Mvenu, Earth Power Lando, Slowbro, Haze pex, Encore Ival, Bulky Torn T, Glisc, Lele, Clefable, Mti@s, Gking, ID Helm Corv, Helm Whirl/Roar Skarm, Msab, Hatte, Tangrowth, Hippowdon, Cresselia, Pecharunt, Gweez n shit Zama is NOT putting in work, and then you realize only 20% of em fear Pursuit, I'm sorry this dog goes to B-.

also Y'all remember this :porygon-z: ahaha? Yea I'd nom it to B+ instead bcause it has around 1 reliable check in Tinglu, and got knows how ting gets chipped the FUC down by Hazards? Well Once it's in range of Ice beam, if you're on Grassy Terrain (we don't like Earthquake) you are almost guaranteed a win. Mons like Zapdos and -2 SpA Rbolt give it free Z converions, Neither Tclap nor Bullet Punch hit electric PZ, and Sucker punch needs SO and SD to kill it. btw, only B+if running Converion into electric, bc ghost is shit, hits like shit and doesn't live shit. Arguably Ice could work but not in Gambit+Dengo Meta (go try it in UU).



:iron-boulder: to UR
just let it go bruh
 
I tried to follow the criteria listed below this paragraph as best I can, most of the Pokemon on this VR are ordered in their tier but B and under I got a little lazy so it doesn't fully represent my opinions on these Pokemon. This VR is based off personal usage and what I have seen on ladder, tour and generally how I view the meta from my own perspective. Brief notes about each Pokemon and why I think they are good, you decide if they should be ranked somewhere else. I haven't used everything so my opinion might be shortsighted at certain parts of this list, I am open to discussion ofc. LETS GO!
S and S- Tier are for the Pokémon who are meta defining and work exceptionally on a variety of teams while being self-sufficient.

A+, A and A- Tier are for the Pokémon who are meta defining and work exceptionally in their role while needing team support.

B+, B and B- Tier are for the Pokémon who are not meta defining and they fill more specific roles while needing more team support.

C+, C and UR are Pokémon that are borderline unviable or already unviable. They are outclassed in most scenarios and/or fill a niche that is not valued highly in the current metagame. NC = Not Considered

S tier
:Dragapult:
I think this Pokemon as well as Kingambit are the most meta defining Pokemon in the tier but Dragapult is much more consistent, offers more to a single slot than anything else. Pretty versatile Pokemon, fits on a lot of structres, great enabler and supports offensive cores very well. Spin Blocker. Speed Control. The list is too long to get specific about anything because everything about this Pokemon stands out.

S- tier
:Gholdengo:
The addition of Gholdengo has really added a lot of role compression in one slot, I really love this pokemon and I think it is great in every mu. There is still more sets to be explored, so many Pokemon are out to get this guy, similar to Kingambit in that regard but any issues this Pokemon faces can be patched up pretty easily with offensive or defensive cores because it compliments a lot of pokemon well. Fantastic breaker and defensive sets can check so many Pokemon in one slot.

:Tapu Lele:
Contreversial to some maybe but nobody can deny how strong this Pokemon is in this meta. I learned Scarf can 2hko 136HP Kingabit with Moonblast but what I find most threatening is 4A Z sets which punishes teams who relied on checking Lele through scouting and first. Non-choiced really makes it difficult to rely on defensive counter play at all since there are only a few viable Pokemon that safely switch into Lele. Pokemon like Moltres, Corviknight have to fear Z moves and attempt to outplay if they are not healthy enough to live the second attack. Looking past Lele's breaking power, Psychic terrain blocks priority from Kingambit and Raging Bolt, which supports teammates like Gholdengo, Wellspring, Volc.

:Kingambit:
I know a lot of people have this pokemon higher on their list but the issue with this Pokemon is iteself lol. It is hard to deny that one of the reasons Great Tusk is so popular is due to Kingabit's return. Despite abundant counterplay in the meta, this Pokemon is still a threatening win condition as well as providing great offensive/defensive utility. Supreme Overlord is standard in most cases but Defiant probably fine too. My only issue is there are better ways to punish Defog and the best hazard control is Rapid Spin, but I digress. Somewhat flexible movesets, you always want Knock + Sucker Punch (although Toxic Ariados has experimented with Kowtow Z) but typically Pursuit can be paired with Iron Defense Zamazenta or Spdef walls on Sun teams to help Yard break through bulkier teams faster. Other options are Swords Dance, Iron Head, Low Kick and it can run Leftoevers, HDB, Lum Berry, Black Glasses, Air Balloon, Asssault Vest...

A+ tier

:Raging Bolt:
Originally had this in S- but it feels kind of weak into certain structures when you're not using it on Yard teams. Which leads me to another concern I had was putting it over Yard on this list but I feel like it is slightly better atm. Volt Switch is so great because you beat every Ground type except 2 but neither of them are very sturdy anyways. Ting-Lu can come in on Volt Switch or Draco safely but it does not have recovery so eventually you will be forced to outplay. Though I'll say that the odds are probably in the Ting-Lu players favor while it is still healthy. Ting + Lele can be really problematic for this Pokemon if you are not able to pressure either of them with your teammates. Raging Bolt still manages to stake such a high spot on this list because like the Pokemon above, it enables other Pokemon like Volcarona and Gholdengo or even Wellspring if you can block Leech Seed after Draco Meteor. Other Pokemon like Iron Valiant also pair so well with this Pokemon because of their ability to cover each others checks. Less defensively oriented but Raging Bolt is a decent secondary water resist and it is very strong into Yard structures as well as a switch in to Yard itself.

:Charizard Mega Y:
This should not be contreversial, Yard structures require a lot of support which is why it isn't S or above Raging Bolt but it is one of the best enablers and consistent breakers in the tier. I want to set the record straight that Yard structures do not have to be fully offensive, defensive pivots are appreicated. Fire Blast is perfectly fine with Air Slash, you do not sacrifice the rain mu and you get better rolls vs switch ins like 2hkos on Hippo/Clod, ohko on Lele, Torn-T, Gliscor etc. If you opt for Weather Ball which is more consistent, you can drop Air Slash. Solar Beam is pretty mandotory, and Scorching Sands/Focus Blast are exchangable. If you want to know how good this Pokemon is, just look at the VR and count how many pokemon above A- can switch in safely. Additionally, sun can be used defensively to survive attacks like Surging Strikes from Urshifu or Ivy Cudgel from Wellspring.

:Zamazenta:
Very threatening win con, ID really wants pursuit support or specific way to pressure Gholdengo. AOA wether it is Banded or Heavy Duty Boots can slot coverage for a lot, it's speed control is fantastic.

:Great Tusk:
Best Rapid Spinner in the tier, great on Yard teams, Z/coverage can threaten switch ins that are looking to defog or punish Spin like Zap/Molt/Lando. Great Gambit check and pretty nice speed tier but unfortunately falls short of Lando.

:Ogerpon Wellspring:
Arguably higher, SD does not have defensive checks (long term), ofc Pivot sets are just as good. I dont think this Pokemon needs much analysis and I am getting tired as I'm writing this.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Not explaining every ranking but I'll mention a few others I feel like.

:Glimmora: B+
Sounds kinda absurd maybe but Toxic Spikes is amazing rn. Gholdengo replaced Ceru on a lot of these structures, HO in general is still decent, Offense is better but both have lots of fun tools to work with.

:Mantine: C
Never considered this Pokemon in generation 9 but I saw it on the tier maker and it looked interesting to try. Prob not very good but on paper checks a lot of Special Attackers and threatens some Stealth Rockers like Tusk, Lando. More going for it than the UR shitters I think.

:Ogerpon Cornerstone:
Broken Stab is really strong into this meta rn. SD is super threatening to common defensive cores, ass defensive typing and revenged killed by a lot but powerful breaker.

:tapu fini: A-
Yes. I won't take credit for this but I happen to agree with ranking this Pokemon very high, B+ the lowest. Ting Fini cores grant so much counterplay to the meta and Gholdengo really glues that core together. Before passing judgement, I suggests you all try it first. CM/Trapping sets are best, GL.

further inquiries on discord probView attachment 707077
- FINALLY ANOTHER FINI TRUTHER
- Agree on gambit's biggest weakness being its own prominence lol, lots of the mons it 'beats' can slot in bs focus blast or chople to snipe the 1v1
- Lele is the hardest mon to defensively check in this metagame, i remember getting my iron crown blown up by z ghost that one time lol
- Not sure about urshifu at A+ considering how easy it is to thud and how prediction reliant choice sets can be
 
LAST MINUTE NOM POST

:dp/Salamence:
UR -> C/C+

This guy is basically alternate universe Dragonite. It has 1 more point in its attack than Dragonite and is 20 points faster. It has a lot of set variety that can make it difficult for the opponent to play against. Imagine trying to switch in a bulky mon like lando to toxic dragon z and salamence clicks sub and ddances until it nukes everything (everything except corv and skarm) with fly z and eq. It also has two VERY good abilities, with Intimidate being Intimidate and Moxie enabling sweeps/cleaning without needing to click ddance. It has less of a need for HDB since Intimidate only needs to switch in to activate, where as Multiscale requires Dragonite to be at full HP.

REPLAYS
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288091501-gwn6yrggpat3pmyvmxzavf56l87mqxtpw
Salamence securing 2 KO’s including one shotting Z Dragonite through Multiscale, while getting decent chip on Kingambit to help Gholdengo clean up now that it didn’t have to fear a ground type attack from Tusk and an EQ from Dragonite

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288230783-2etmeywahgt6e03s6sno3mux9ivkltbpw
Unboosted Dragon Z one shotting SD Lando, on top being able to clean up the rest of the opponents team.

RESPECT MENCE
 
I have a nomination:

:rotom-heat: -> C-

Example set:

Rotom-Heat @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Levitate
Tera Type: Electric
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 16 SpA / 60 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Defog / will-o-wisp
- Pain Split


What is microwave rotom’s niche and why does it deserve to be on the VR? It cooks gholdengo, simple as that. But let’s see some pros and cons

Pros:

-pivot
-levitate
-reliable defog vs gholdengo
-can eat some hits from zardy and other meta mons

Cons:
-scared by knock off
-not that bulky
-not running willowisp kinda sucks
-bad recovery

The set given ohkos offensive gholdengo with overheat while living any +2 hit from it (except for ghostium z) and outspeeding bulkier ghold sets so they cannot recover through the overheats. The set also avoids a 2hko from zardy making it a decent lead into sun, lives a +2 CC from fully invested mscizor, and does quite a lot to offensive tusk with an overheat (about 70) while not really caring about anything tusk does except for knock, as most tusks dont fit close combat these days. Also, it generally scares kingambit and overheat does quite a bit of damage, but rotom generally wants to avoid coming in on a knock off. There are some mons which take advantage of it, such as raging bolt or mega swampert (fearing willowisp) in the not so great rain matchup. Having a defogger which gets murdered by hsam is not ideal, but at least volt switch and the potential willo scare hsam from coming in.

It should be mentioned that the unreliable recovery from pain split means it may get chipped and miss some of the defensive thresholds which are its main selling points, so care is advised. It is a good addition to a balance team which worries about gholdengo, especially to bulkier builds, which can run an actual wall alongside it. However that is probably its limit and more offensive builds should run a more durable pivot, or at least one which has an easier time finding switch ins.

Comparing it to other defogging pivots like lando, corv, zap, and rotomw, being able to ohko gholdengo without worring about balloon is a big selling point. Having a pretty strong fire stab is always nice and it outdamages zap’s heat wave by quite a bit.


Now for the replays, while I did not get a gholdengo matchup, you can see rotom heat serve the team decently well, but also see its lackluster bulk in some situations.

Notice how the team I am running has actual bulky mons alongside rotom and how it gets straight up 6-0d by NP gholdengo without it


https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288226183-872gzgbynk6k08j9bcc8ovkzbv7x78tpw

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288229767-2zg7hg51apg0yno3mzswbeff6s4snntpw
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288259315
 
:sv/chesnaught: ->C-

Chesnaught has a surprisingly decent defensive typing which allows it to get up and maintain spikes against great tusk and iron treads and non-toxic gliscor/landorus therian. It also dissuades other removal/denial by threatening big damage against mega-diancie and terapagos on the switch. The dark types, the ogerpons, the steels and lopunny also don't want to get into a 1v1 due to matching up poorly with either of its STAB's or giving it free spikes. What it truly brings over the much more prominent spiky spiker in ferrothorn is its bulletproof ability. This allows for it to assist in pivoting around dangerous threats such as the ghosts, mega-charizard-y and cinderace as you can come into shadow ball, focus blast, weather ball and pyro ball. Happens to block gyro ball too so you dominate every ferrothorn variant.

Somehow I did not manage to get a single yard MU, but there are some other replays showing the bit of worth this mon has.

Chesnaught helps to stall trick room turns, take out ogerpon and chip the melmetal
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288960313
Chesnaught runs train on triple dark HO when the ghold is removed
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2284171112-9g02hqztwt9giqgmfwr6cbatzgp2vfdpw?p2
The rain match-up is pretty self explanatory
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288966196-nbjsp2ixihjn443qmoxlg5dcm91ybmopw
The cinderace MU actually happens
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288971333
 
:sv/chesnaught: ->C-

Chesnaught has a surprisingly decent defensive typing which allows it to get up and maintain spikes against great tusk and iron treads and non-toxic gliscor/landorus therian. It also dissuades other removal/denial by threatening big damage against mega-diancie and terapagos on the switch. The dark types, the ogerpons, the steels and lopunny also don't want to get into a 1v1 due to matching up poorly with either of its STAB's or giving it free spikes. What it truly brings over the much more prominent spiky spiker in ferrothorn is its bulletproof ability. This allows for it to assist in pivoting around dangerous threats such as the ghosts, mega-charizard-y and cinderace as you can come into shadow ball, focus blast, weather ball and pyro ball. Happens to block gyro ball too so you dominate every ferrothorn variant.

Somehow I did not manage to get a single yard MU, but there are some other replays showing the bit of worth this mon has.

Chesnaught helps to stall trick room turns, take out ogerpon and chip the melmetal
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288960313
Chesnaught runs train on triple dark HO when the ghold is removed
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2284171112-9g02hqztwt9giqgmfwr6cbatzgp2vfdpw?p2
The rain match-up is pretty self explanatory
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288966196-nbjsp2ixihjn443qmoxlg5dcm91ybmopw
The cinderace MU actually happens
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2288971333
Thoroughly read your post and watched your replays and looked down the vr and seen what is in C- honestly think this is better than that. I’d go as far to rank this C tbh. This matches well into alot of mons surprisingly.
 
Grass Starters have always been the least popular ones except in the 3 Latest gens where it was Water -sobble does not deserve this- but are they really bad? not always!

to B
MVenu has the Coverage To get good Kills, the Bulk to get Growth up (I'm sorry Scovillain), the Speed to outspeed most of the Scarfed Metagame with modest, and the typing to Smack valiant, the one Pkémon Faster than it (shut up, Iron Boulder). Growt Giga Drain can do a lot of Simple things: Pressure the opponent to death if they don't carry the two (2) "meta" Counters to Venu: Moltres and yard (no one Runs Dnite anymore), the Latter not being able to switch in on Weather ball, (do not run Sludge Bomb), Solo (6-0) Stall not running (you smack the protein off of the blobs with Giga Drain since you have 301 HP you can Get to +6 in their face with 3 growths, then Giga does
47.3 - 56.2% (51.4 - 61.1% recovered) which leans now you're UNSTOPPABLE and destroy Stall. it also Destroys a lot Teams that have a Poison-, Grass- or Steel-type as their Grass check as they get SMACKED by Earth power + Weather ball, even tho Ferro was never having a good time vs Sun lol, and the Main Bulky Dragon in the tier Raging bolt can't really Tclap it,
252+ SpA Protosynthesis Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Venusaur: 84-100 (27.9 - 33.2%) -- 94.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
while it gets Smacked by Earth power. Definetely an underrated Menace, Giga Drain reallly Goated for keeping it at 91% Health almost thoughout the whole game due to Life Orb Recoil. Solar Beam could Potentially Work if you want to go Nuke more than sweeper, but I don't see the point (maybe on Grassium Z?).


replays:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290378509
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290354216
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290401646-i5ejf0k1k9uhyvpwjek963vlx8vca72pw
 
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Grass Starters have always been the least popular ones except in the 3 Latest gens where it was Water -sobble does not deserve this- but are they really bad? not always!

to B
MVenu has the Coverage To get good Kills, the Bulk to get Growth up (I'm sorry Scovillain), the Speed to outspeed most of the Scarfed Metagame with modest, and the typing to Smack valiant, the one Pkémon Faster than it (shut up, Iron Boulder). Growt Giga Drain can do a lot of Simple things: Pressure the opponent to death if they don't carry the two (2) "meta" Counters to Venu: Moltres and yard (no one Runs Dnite anymore), the Latter not being able to switch in on Weather ball, (do not run Sludge Bomb), Solo (6-0) Stall not running (you smack the protein off of the blobs with Giga Drain since you have 301 HP you can Get to +6 in their face with 3 growths, then Giga does
47.3 - 56.2% (51.4 - 61.1% recovered) which leans now you're UNSTOPPABLE and destroy Stall. it also Destroys a lot Teams that have a Poison-, Grass- or Steel-type as their Grass check as they get SMACKED by Earth power + Weather ball, even tho Ferro was never having a good time vs Sun lol, and the Main Bulky Dragon in the tier Raging bolt can't really Tclap it,
252+ SpA Protosynthesis Raging Bolt Thunderclap vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Venusaur: 84-100 (27.9 - 33.2%) -- 94.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
while it gets Smacked by Earth power. Definetely an underrated Menace, Giga Drain reallly Goated for keeping it at 91% Health almost thoughout the whole game due to Life Orb Recoil. Solar Beam could Potentially Work if you want to go Nuke more than sweeper, but I don't see the point (maybe on Grassium Z?).


replays:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290378509
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290354216
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldex-2290401646-i5ejf0k1k9uhyvpwjek963vlx8vca72pw
I disagree with a lot of this, first of all your calcs for counters assume venusaur is at +2 before the counter switches in which is not happening. Adding on the fact that one-or two-time checks work fine against it bc of the limited sun time. Taking that away, things like garchomp, lati twins, can handle it and a lot of other stuff can check it.
Also yes it can kill the pink blobs but it’s clodsire that stall teams are walling it with anyways
 
:sv/latios-mega: B -> A

Absolutely wild that this thing is this low, Mega Latios is one of the best megas right now and offers a huge amount of utility to the teams that its on. This thing is very challenging to switch into between Aura Sphere to pressure the classic Pursuit Trappers and Luster Purge SpDef drops letting it potentially break though bulky neutral targets in conjunction with Draco Meteor. Mystical Fire is a good option too to pressure Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Defensively it offers a lot as well, checking Zard Y and many Waterpon sets while also exerting huge offensive pressure is an excellent niche that holds together many offensive teams. Criminally underrated, and it's been used a lot in recent weeks in BD for good reason.

:sv/dragapult: S- -> S

This to me has become the clear best Pokemon in the metagame. It's gotten to a point where I'm wavering as to whether this is still a healthy presence or not; I initially thought it was strong but overall fine, but the proliferation of Will-O-Wisp sets has launched this thing to another level in my mind. Pursuit trapping is everywhere, sure, but you are essentially conceding to the fact that your Kingambit or Mega Tyranitar is getting ruined for the rest of the game in order to remove Dragapult, which is very abusable in builder and is just not a dynamic I enjoy in the slightest. Wisp also ensures progress vs Ting-Lu and just about any standard build, especially since the best status absorber in the tier, Gholdengo, can't actually switch in either. DD is still extremely dangerous as well and can punish incorrectly played turns very easily, on top of the fact that many are running Wisp instead of Substitute now. Specs is the worst viable set, but its still a solid breaker especially if you catch Kingambit with the right move, its just hard for it to click its STABs in a lot of matchups. Regardless, this thing is absolutely ridiculous, and I'm curious as to how its upcoming suspect is going to play out.

:sv/venusaur-mega: B -> B+

This is a cool choice right now, its defensive profile is very useful for checking dangerous threats like Zama, Ival, Mega Diancie, Tapu Koko, and Shifu while helping out vs. Great Tusk and Landorus-T even if it can't be your only option vs these. It then turns these Pokemon into opportunities to spread Poison with Sludge Bomb or just get a decently strong hit off, since STABs+Earth Power is not easy to switch into, especially considering the Poison chance that can cripple otherwise solid options to come in. The defensive profile is a little bit weird to fit on teams sometimes, so it shouldn't rise that much, but this is a good antimeta option right now and deserves more usage.
 
first of all your calcs for counters
Where?
the fact that one-or two-time checks work fine against it bc of the limited sun time.
Venu is Not good at all in Semi Sun, but great in Full sun, where Sun lasts 8 Turns. Besides, I wouldn't consider the lati twins as Meta for now, even less if croissant edgelord :roaring-moon: gets unbanned. Besides, Garchomp?
Chomp has to run Dragon Tail or Roar to Counter Venu, has to be in before Venu growths, and does not resist Giga Drain or solar Beam.
Clodsire is not too much of an Issue either since No attack investment is needed for LO EQ to 2HKO, and LO EQ Isn't stupid of an Idea since it gives you better rolls on Glowking Heatran and, as said, Clodsire. Venu has tricks up its ugly skin that should not be underestimated so I nom it to B
 
I wouldn't consider the lati twins as Meta for now, even less if croissant edgelord :roaring-moon: gets unbanned
you seem to partially rely a lot on stuff “not being meta” to prove a point. earlier you had claimed that “no one uses dnite anymore” and now you’re claiming that lati twins will fall off

by the way, neither are true lmao. dnite is for sure still used because it has amazing tools as wincon and a cleaner. the lati twins are still used a considerable amount too, in a meta with some of the best mons in the tier being dark type and ghost type. both of these pokémon will be fine, and will stop venu in its tracks

additionally, you assume that venu will be getting that +2 every time in order to beat its counters. it still needs to get in safely (which can be difficult for sun) and needs to not get hit by a strong ass attack in order to set up and do things. semi sun or not, you’re still wasting 2 turns minimum of sun pivoting in venu safely and setting it up
 
Chomp has to run Dragon Tail or Roar to Counter Venu, has to be in before Venu growths, and does not resist Giga Drain or solar Beam.
Clodsire is not too much of an Issue either since No attack investment is needed for LO EQ to 2HKO, and LO EQ Isn't stupid of an Idea since it gives you better rolls on Glowking Heatran and, as said, Clodsire. Venu has tricks up its ugly skin that should not be underestimated so I nom it to B
venu has a hard time setting up, with its low bulk and life orb chip. it also suffers from 4ms, as it wants grass stab with solar as a nuke or giga drain for recovery, wball for fire coverage, eq/ep to hit fire types, growth for set up, and sludge bomb for moltres, yard, and dnite. its also very chippable to hazards and suffers from being, well, useless outside sun, whereas other pokemon like bolt still have a threat level outside sun.
 
:bw/alomomola: ---> A/A+

This mon is absolutely great in the current metagame. It's ability regenerator and fantastic bulk allows it to swap in on so many mons like :great-tusk:, :landorus-therian:, :kingambit:, :gholdengo:, :samurott-hisui:, :melmetal:, :volcarona:, :scizor-mega:, :zamazenta:, :lopunny-mega: (and a bunch of other mons, i mentioned these since these are the most prevalent mons in the meta that first comes to mind.) Once it comes in it can do a variety of stuff like toxic, wish or flip turn into a teammate letting it swap in safely. Even if it swaps into attacks it can get 2HKO'd by like specs :gholdengo:, band :zamazenta: and band :urshifu-rapid-strike:, it still was able to scout their moves which is huge to play around such threats. It is also one of the few viable wish passers which can be crucial for mons lacking recovery like :ferrothorn:, :heatran:, :kingambit:, :landorus-therian:, :great tusk: and even in general it can be useful to heal up breakers like :tapu-lele:, :dragapult:, :kyurem: from the hazard chip they take from repeatedly swapping in on them.

It's only weak point is it let's in threats like :ogerpon-wellspring:, :raging-bolt:, :tapu-koko:, :zapdos: Now all of these mons are able to threaten :alomomola: but all of them fear toxic while it can flip turn out if it wants against the latter 3. Other mons like :Clefable:, :Toxapex:, :Ferrothorn: can also pivot into mola but so can mola pivot out of them into something that threatens the said mons.

My point here basically is it is very difficult to take advantage of :alomomola: (outside of :ogerpon-wellspring:) and it is able to provide so much team support that i feel like it deserves a higher rank.
 
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With the first weeks of ND Winter Seasonal and ND Blind Draft having solidified the meta, a new VR is here! As always, here is a list of all drops and rises, alongside a few newly ranked Pokemon.

Code:
Rises:
Ferrothorn: A -> A+
Gliscor: A -> A+
Ogerpon-Wellspring: A -> A+
Tapu Lele: A -> A+
Toxapex: A -> A+
Alomomola: A- -> A
Ting-Lu: A- -> A
Slowbro: B+ -> A-
Cinderace: B -> B+
Ogerpon-Cornerstone: B- -> B
Araquanid: C+ -> B-
Charizard-Mega-X: C+ -> B-
Primarina: C+ -> B-
Buzzwole: C -> C+
Hippowdon: C -> C+
Manaphy: C -> C+
Hydrapple: C- -> C
Pecharunt: C- -> C
Tapu Bulu: C- -> C
Tapu Fini: C- -> C+
Tinkaton: C- -> C
Weezing-Galar: C- -> C

Drops:
Kingambit: S- -> A+
Charizard-Mega-Y: A+ -> A
Raging Bolt: A+ -> A
Heatran: A -> A-
Melmetal: A -> A-
Tornadus-Therian: A- -> B+
Archaludon: B+ -> B
Pelipper: B+ -> B
Swampert-Mega: B+ -> B
Barraskewda: B -> C+
Garganacl: B -> B-
Latias-Mega: B -> B-
Rillaboom: B -> B-
Ursaluna: B -> B-
Corviknight: B- -> C+
Glimmora: B- -> C+
Blissey: C+ -> C
Ceruledge: C+ -> C
Clodsire: C+ -> C
Dondozo: C+ -> C
Magnezone: C+ -> C
Meowscarada: C+ -> C
Sableye-Mega: C+ -> C
Grimmsnarl: C -> UR
Nidoking: C -> C-
Ribombee: C -> C-
Volcanion: C -> C-
Cresselia: C- -> UR
Garchomp-Mega: C- -> UR
Iron Boulder: C- -> UR

New:
Heracross-Mega: UR -> C-
Salamence: UR -> C-
Chesnaught: UR -> C-
Venusaur: UR -> C-

You can find the full VR slate here.
 
Going on the record to say this is the worst vr update I’ve ever seen. I mean there is really no where to begin… Dragapult and Lando are just not in the same class lmao. Yard dropping does not make any sense with the other changes, this is just completely inconsistent and wrong in many ways. I am questioning wether or not we are playing the same meta as each other right now. I don’t completely disagree, I would say Kingambit dropping is completely fair and Ferrothorn in A+ is also a good take. Back at the negatives again… seriously Fini in C+ is mental. I don’t know what to say anymore lmao
 
venu has a hard time setting up, with its low bulk and life orb chip.
I wouldnt consider It true as Giga Drain Really easily Compensates the LO chip, and Venu lives strong Neutral hits, like Tusk HLR outside Proto Atk, Lando EQ, and its def type is neat.

needs to get in safely (which can be difficult for sun)
:hatterene::eject-button:
and sludge bomb for moltres, yard, and dnite
Actually You do not OHKO Molt or Dnite with Sludge Bomb so you do not, in fact, need sludge Bomb.



With the first weeks of ND Winter Seasonal and ND Blind Draft having solidified the meta, a new VR is here! As always, here is a list of all drops and rises, alongside a few newly ranked Pokemon.

Code:
Rises:
Ferrothorn: A -> A+
Gliscor: A -> A+
Ogerpon-Wellspring: A -> A+
Tapu Lele: A -> A+
Toxapex: A -> A+
Alomomola: A- -> A
Ting-Lu: A- -> A
Slowbro: B+ -> A-
Cinderace: B -> B+
Ogerpon-Cornerstone: B- -> B
Araquanid: C+ -> B-
Charizard-Mega-X: C+ -> B-
Primarina: C+ -> B-
Buzzwole: C -> C+
Hippowdon: C -> C+
Manaphy: C -> C+
Hydrapple: C- -> C
Pecharunt: C- -> C
Tapu Bulu: C- -> C
Tapu Fini: C- -> C+
Tinkaton: C- -> C
Weezing-Galar: C- -> C

Drops:
Kingambit: S- -> A+
Charizard-Mega-Y: A+ -> A
Raging Bolt: A+ -> A
Heatran: A -> A-
Melmetal: A -> A-
Tornadus-Therian: A- -> B+
Archaludon: B+ -> B
Pelipper: B+ -> B
Swampert-Mega: B+ -> B
Barraskewda: B -> C+
Garganacl: B -> B-
Latias-Mega: B -> B-
Rillaboom: B -> B-
Ursaluna: B -> B-
Corviknight: B- -> C+
Glimmora: B- -> C+
Blissey: C+ -> C
Ceruledge: C+ -> C
Clodsire: C+ -> C
Dondozo: C+ -> C
Magnezone: C+ -> C
Meowscarada: C+ -> C
Sableye-Mega: C+ -> C
Grimmsnarl: C -> UR
Nidoking: C -> C-
Ribombee: C -> C-
Volcanion: C -> C-
Cresselia: C- -> UR
Garchomp-Mega: C- -> UR
Iron Boulder: C- -> UR

New:
Heracross-Mega: UR -> C-
Salamence: UR -> C-
Chesnaught: UR -> C-
Venusaur: UR -> C-

You can find the full VR slate here.
Where is PZ bruh and why tf is Hydrapple rising in Lele Rbolt Yard Ice spinner tusk And Ice beam pagos meta + weak to U-turn + Even cyclizar does Better as a Regen mon
:tornadus-therian: what the hell has happened? It dislikes Koko And Rbolt for sure but is deadly to So much with NP z sets that are resisted by none but Brambleghast And feared by All?

So erm


I'd like to Nom Jirachi to B-

Jirachi with its deadly secret power on Gterrain And infamous Iron head, And U-turn pivot, And trick to hinder walls when It holds Scarf, And It can win Games by itself out of sheer luck and really os Rilla's Best friend, and 100 along the line lets It be bulky and fast and not hit like paper and It Also got Heart stamp as a Psychic type Iron head and It will prolly win against 90% of the dex If It has Choice Scarf Iron head ready.
 
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:Pecharunt: C -> B

I initially wrote off this mon given the prevalence of Kingambit and Pursuit as a whole, but I wanted to give it another shot after witnessing its dominance in SPL. Frankly, I believe Pecharunt is both extremely underrated and underexplored in this tier as well, specifically this set running max speed:

Pecharunt @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Air Balloon
Ability: Poison Puppeteer
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Malignant Chain
- Parting Shot
- Recover
- Hex

To begin, it checks some of the best Pokemon in the tier all in one slot. It shuts down all Zamazenta variants, is probably one of the best Waterpon checks around, generally beats Iron Valiant, and various physical attackers.

While certainly not the most viable, it is probably the best dedicated spinblocker in the tier. Uniquely, it is the only viable Ghost that can spinblock Terapagos, arguably the most reliable spinner in the tier. I'm not sure on the exact numbers but Flamethrower sets appear to be more common as well as better in my experience and Pecharunt completely shuts them down. Earth Power only does around 50% too, and since Pecharunt outspeeds Terapagos, you can easily weave in and out to make them predict- or roll the dice with Malignant Chain. The same applies for Great Tusk, who you force to guess multiple times in a row or simply hax through with Malignant Chain. If you run Air Balloon, it's even more skewed in Pecharunt's favour.

It's also deceptively difficult to Pursuit trap due to Parting Shot and its ridiculous bulk, check this out:

-1 252+ Atk Kingambit switching boosted Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Pecharunt: 132-156 (34.7 - 41%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
-1 252+ Atk Supreme Overlord 3 allies fainted Kingambit switching boosted Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Pecharunt: 170-204 (44.7 - 53.6%) -- 35.2% chance to 2HKO
-1 252+ Atk Tyranitar-Mega switching boosted Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Pecharunt: 152-180 (40 - 47.3%) -- 37.9% chance to 2HKO after sandstorm damage
252 Atk Choice Band Weavile switching boosted Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Pecharunt: 246-290 (64.7 - 76.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

These are obscene numbers - and this is assuming you get the turn wrong and don't simply Parting Shot on the switch. Not only that, none of these mons except Weavile run Boots, so they're taking hazard chip every time they come in as well. You can't think Kingambit is a free switch in if 3 layers of Ting Lu's Spikes dig into it every single time it comes in.

Finally, Garg and Glowking are significantly less prominent here in comparison to SV, and they are probably the two best real answers to this mon. Anything that isn't a Poison or Steel doesn't want to take Malignant Chain, and most of those get mauled by Hazards + Parting Shot, or Hex in the case of Gholdengo and Gliscor. Corviknight is definitely a potential issue for Lu + Pech teams in my opinion but that mon isn't too common right now.

I may share some replays in the future after testing it out some more but I highly recommend trying this thing.
 
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