The Brains of RarelyUsed: A look at the various Psychic-type Pokémon of the RU Tier

Psychic-type Pokémon throughout this generation

From the beginning of XY RU, Psychic-type Pokémon have been a huge influence on the tier, with powerful threats like Delphox and Meloetta having close to no switch-ins, Cresselia and Slowking tanking almost every single hit from any Pokémon, and setup sweepers in Calm Mind Reuniclus and Meloetta, which were very good win conditions for teams to build around with and also pressured teambuilding. Pursuit was not nearly as popular as it is now; Psychic-type checks like Scarf Drapion were yet to be mainstream, which further lead to Psychic-types' dominance of the tier.

Coming into ORAS, Psychic-type Pokémon still ran the tier. Shortly after, however, Sharpedo rose up to UU, its Mega Evolution having proven to be great in the tier. With Sharpedo gone, offense lost a great check to Psychic-types, having Doublade as the best Psychic-type check at that point. Cresselia, Reuniclus, and Slowking were the best Psychic-type Pokémon, since they all had great bulk to sponge up hits from powerful offensive threats, especially with each of them having viable Calm Mind sets. Psychic-types remained the best for this period of time, despite Pokémon like Doublade remaining popular. A team with a Psychic-type was arguably much better than a team without one. This was what RU was like, until May 2015. Doublade, the best staple check to Psychic-type Pokémon, had suddenly ascended past RU into UU. Sadly, Doublade wasn't the only Pokémon to leave. Slowking and Cresselia went along with Doublade, and left RU with a vastly different metagame upon losing 3 of the best Pokémon. However, Reuniclus had become the best Pokémon in the tier, with its Calm Mind set tearing apart teams while taking recoverable damage, and an offensive Trick Room set cleaning up during the lateegame by taking advantage of its low Speed and Magic Guard with a Life Orb, provided its checks had been slightly weakened. Eventually, the RU council had brought up Reuniclus for a suspect test, and the voters voted for Reuniclus to be banned. However, it reached UU through usage anyway, so the vote ultimately didn't matter much.

Fast forward to more recent times, and Psychic-types started getting more usage again, especially after Durant's ban. Medicham dropped down with the Mega Pokémon split (along with Sharpedo, which shortly got banned), Hoopa got released, and Slowking dropped from UU to RU. When Mega Steelix got banned, however, many Psychic-type Pokémon checks, such as Sneasel and Escavalier, rose in popularity, since Mega Steelix , which had made them struggle so much with its presence, was gone. As these Pokémon usually use Pursuit, they have made Psychic-types fear trapping, and also force some Psychic-types to use items like Colbur Berry and their players to play more conservatively. Colbur Berry is also commonly used on Psychic-type Pokémon to survive Knock Off from Pokémon that run it as a coverage option. Nonetheless, Psychic-type Pokémon have adapted to the newer metagame, and still prove to be huge nuisances to many playstyles today.

The prominent

These Psychic-type Pokémon help shape the metagame and are among the best Pokémon of the tier. They either have multiple viable roles or one role that is pulled off exceedingly well. Prominent Psychic-type Pokémon's flaws are fixed by their numerous positive traits.

Medicham

Medicham's dual typing, along with a decent movepool, makes it one of the metagame defining wallbreakers and a nuisance for any playstyle to face. Blessed with Pure Power and High Jump Kick, the strongest physical attack in the tier, which can be further boosted with a Life Orb. Since Ghost-type Pokémon are not that common in the tier, Medicham can often find itself clicking High Jump Kick against many teams lacking a Ghost-type Pokémon. If a Ghost-type is present, Medicham can still use Zen Headbutt, its other STAB move of choice, which keeps Poison-type Pokémon such as Weezing and Qwilfish at bay and also makes Aromatisse think twice about switching in. Medicham's Speed tier is perfect for a Choice Scarf, since with one, it outspeeds the whole unboosted metagame and becomes a nightmare for offense to deal with. While its STAB options are resisted by Psychic-types, even bulky Psychic-type Pokémon have a hard time switching into Medicham's supplemental coverage, which includes the elemental punches. Thunder Punch, for example, hits Slowking and Sigilyph, which are both good answers to Medicham's STAB moves. Typical Medicham checks, such as Uxie and Spiritomb, typically don't have good recovery outside of Leftovers, so they are not that hard to wear down in order for Medicham to break teams efficiently. Medicham also has access to Trick, which helps neutralize walls in the tier, such as Alomomola and Aromatisse, if the held item is a Choice Scarf. Thanks to Medicham's Fighting typing, it can handle Pursuit users in a pinch.

Meloetta

Meloetta is the perfect example of the phrase "looks can be deceiving." Underneath its unassuming appearance lies a powerful wallbreaker, thanks to its great stats, movepool, and ability to run many competitively viable items. Since Meloetta is a part Normal-type Pokémon, it is able to check many of the Ghost-type Pokémon that would otherwise threaten Psychic-type Pokémon, such as Jellicent and Cofagrigus. The Substitute + Calm Mind set is one of Meloetta's best sets, as it can sweep many teams late-game with the almost perfect coverage of Psyshock and Focus Blast. Meloetta also can run a Calm Mind set with immediate pressure from Life Orb and have Dazzling Gleam as its last move, which no longer leaves it countered by Spiritomb; that set can be used as a wallbreaker instead of a sweeper if the team is more offensive. If wallbreaking is desired from Meloetta over sweeping, it can opt to run Choice Specs, which can strain teams especially hard with its coverage. U-turn also assists Meloetta on a predicted switch, which gains momentum for you. Specs also means Meloetta can use its Normal-type STAB option easily, with only Steel- and Ghost-type Pokémon able to easily deal with its STAB moves. If predicted correctly and Meloetta goes for Focus Blast, then their main Meloetta check has just been chipped away at, and Meloetta has an easier time. Of course, Meloetta isn't invincible. Its Speed tier means that any good set is outsped by the popular Pursuit users, Sneasel and Drapion, which can result in a loss after they are given a free switch. A Colbur Berry set with 4 attacks is an option that allows Meloetta to take any Dark-type move, such as Sneasel's Knock Off and Spiritomb's Pursuit, and KO the foe with a Focus Blast and switch out safely, respectively. Despite Meloetta hating the rising use of Pursuit, it still can get at least one KO or heavily damage teams before it goes down, making Meloetta a top-tier Pokémon. Just when you think Meloetta is done with its sets, there's more. Meloetta can also run Relic Song to transform into its Pirouette form, which gets rid of Meloetta's typical Dark-type checks and Registeel, since Meloetta turns from a Psychic-type special attacker into a Fighting-type physical sweeper. Thanks to the Pirouette forme's high base Speed and Attack, it is able to defeat weakened teams late-game with STAB Close Combat and Return rounded off with Knock Off as coverage.

Sigilyph

Sigilyph is a versatile Psychic-type Pokémon of the metagame, thanks to Magic Guard and its extensive movepool that grants it access to many viable sets, which compliments its Special Attack and Speed stats. With a Life Orb, Sigilyph's STAB Psyshock handles many Pokémon weak to it and hits more common special walls of the tier for physical damage. Psychic can also be used; while it misses out on Virizion, it works better with other coverage options. However, its success doesn't entirely lie in its STAB moves; rather, it is successful because of its many coverage moves that are able to handle many typical checks to Psychic- or Flying-type Pokémon, such as Heat Wave, Energy Ball, Dazzling Gleam, and Air Slash. If Sigilyph opts for a Focus Sash set, it has support options to use when down at 1 HP, such as Hypnosis and Thunder Wave, and thanks to Magic Guard, the Sash is easy to preserve. Sigilyph's other set is completely different and allows Sigilyph to become a wincon and stallbreaker. With Magic Guard, Calm Mind, and Psycho Shift while holding a Flame Orb, Sigilyph can become a wall that is hard to handle, since it can make physical attacks weaker with Flame Orb and Psycho Shift and boost its Special Defense with Calm Mind. The set is rounded off with Air Slash to hit all Pokémon. This set puts a lot of pressure on slower, bulkier builds, since they may not be able to keep up with Sigilyph's boosting and reduction of physical damage. Thanks to Sigilyph's large movepool, offense can find itself struggling with Life Orb or Focus Sash sets, while stall is troubled by the stallbreaker set.

Slowking

With Slowking's return to RU, it has brought back its amazing defensive utility with decent offensive presence, especially with Calm Mind or a Trick Room set. Slowking is so naturally bulky that super effective special attacks on their own aren't enough to deal with Slowking, and with max Defense, it is also a great sponge to weaker physical Pokémon, and can patch up the missing Special Defense EVs with Calm Mind, which can also make Slowking a late-game wincon. With a Colbur Berry, Slowking becomes one of the rare Psychic-type Pokémon that can switch in to Knock Off from initially weaker Fighting-type Pokémon like Gurdurr, and threaten it with its Psychic-type STAB moves. A Colbur Berry also allows Slowking to check Sneasel and gives Slowking a safe switch against Pursuit users like Escavalier and Drapion, as well as more longevity in the game. Thunder Wave is another option Slowking can use as the last slot on a defensive Calm Mind set, catching Dark-type Pokémon on the switch; it also can be used as a last-ditch effort to help support the team. Since Slowking has great stats and Regenerator, an Assault Vest set works as a great pivot to threatening special attackers, such as Meloetta, as well as to phasze out special boosting sweepers with Dragon Tail, such as Delphox and Omastar. It doesn't end there for Slowking, however, since it has decent Special Attack, low Speed, and Nasty Plot, it can effectively utilize a Trick Room sweeper set. Such a set can win with its STAB moves plus a Life Orb, which hits most of the tier (Escavalier and Tangrowth are hurt by Fire Blast), which could stop a sweep if they are kept alive and are the Water-type check of the team. Nasty Plot, however, gives Slowking the chance to smack everything with its coverage, sacrificing a Trick Room turn.

Hoopa

Hoopa is a perfect example of a glass cannon in the RU metagame. Hoopa has an astounding base 150 Special Attack along with Psychic- and Ghost-type STAB options, which smacks everything hard in the tier bar Meloetta. Its typing helps it on offense by not allowing Pokémon such as Blastoise and Hitmontop to get a free Rapid Spin. Hoopa's job is to KO and weaken as much as it can by utilizing its powerful Shadow Ball and Hyperspace Hole. Hyperspace Hole is Hoopa's signature move and allows it to bypass Protect from the likes of Alomomola and Aromatisse, deterring them from switching in. Focus Blast can hit predicted switch ins such as Drapion before it is able to Pursuit trap Hoopa, and Knock Off hits Meloetta, which otherwise counters Hoopa. Choice Scarf can also be used on Hoopa, allowing it to outspeed much of the metagame and revenge kill Pokémon with its power. Like many Psychic-type Pokémon, Hoopa has a variety of utility options that it can choose to run if desired, such as Destiny Bond, Taunt, and Trick (on the Choice Scarf set). The main thing that holds Hoopa back is its huge weakness to Pursuit, which is 4x effective on Hoopa; due to a combination of Hoopa's low Defense and the popularity of Pursuit, Hoopa is often hindered from getting multiple KOs. This doesn't mean that Hoopa is bad, since it is still able to heavily damage teams before it goes down; this is why Hoopa is a glass cannon instead of a solid wallbreaker.

Uxie

Uxie is different from the other prominent Psychic-type Pokémon, which are known for their offensive presence. Uxie, on the other hand, is known for its defensive capability and good support options, and with its high Speed stat along with its other decent stats and movepool, Uxie is often found on offense teams as a pivot. Uxie's ability to set up Stealth Rock also helps offense, as it means there doesn't need to be a lead Stealth Rock user, since hyper offense with a lead Stealth Rock user is hard to pull off, so having a reliable rocker on offense is a gift. Uxie can use Yawn on Pokémon that would like to switch in on it, such as a Pursuit user or Registeel, and then get a free switch with U-turn, since the opponent would likely not want to allow a Pokémon to go to sleep. Thunder Wave is also an option that pressures offense, since offense typically needs its Speed in order for the team to be effective. Psyshock makes sure Uxie isn't dead weight against Pokémon like Gurdurr or Virizion. Uxie is also one of the few Pokémon that is able to check Medicham decently, which many teams can otherwise struggle with.

Delphox

While Delphox isn't as good as it was in XY, it still is a great wallbreaker or revenge killer today, depending on its set. As a Fire-type Pokémon, it is able to get past Pokémon like Registeel and Escavalier, which otherwise are decent Psychic-type checks, with relative ease. A Calm Mind set can utilize Substitute, which helps Delphox set up on a variety of walls in the tier, such as Alomomola, Registeel, and Aromatisse; also, after it sets up a Substitute on a weaker Pokémon, it is protected from Dark-type Pokémon, allowing it to either KO them without fear of being revenge killed or switch out of Pursuit safely. Delphox's Fire and Psychic STAB options hit a lot of neutral resistances for nice damage, thanks to Delphox's solid Special Attack stat. If Delphox opts for Grass Knot over Substitute, it is able to be a more immediate threat to Fire-type checks, including Blastoise and Rhyperior. With options like Will-O-Wisp and Hypnosis, Delphox is also able to catch common switch-ins to it and cripple them. Delphox can also forgo being able to catch many of its checks and run a Choice Scarf, which makes Delphox a solid revenge killer and able to outspeed all of the Pursuit users in the tier as well.

The unorthodox

Unorthodox Psychic-type Pokémon typically don't find themselves fitting on many teams due to being outclassed by many other Pokémon of the tier or simply not being good enough. However, Unorthodox Psychic-type Pokémon have certain niches that can tie up loose strings on certain teams, which can justify a team slot.

Bronzong

Bronzong is a unique Pokémon that has many traits that set it apart from the premier Steel-type Stealth Rocker of the tier, Registeel. It isn't known as much for its Psychic typing; rather, it is a solid part Steel-type Pokémon that isn't weak to Ground thanks to Levitate. This means that it loses a weakness and is not vulnerable to trapping from Dugtrio, unlike Registeel. It is able to set up Stealth Rock as well, which means Bronzong can be used to sponge a hit and lay up hazards on teams that are weak to Dugtrio. Since Bronzong has low Speed, Gyro Ball is able to do decent damage to Pokémon like Flygon, and Earthquake rounds off its coverage by hitting the Pokémon that resist Steel-type, such as Jolteon and Emboar, on the switch. Toxic hits Pokémon such as Alomomola, as well as setup sweepers like Slowking, which Bronzong otherwise cannot do much to offensively. Since Bronzong has low Speed, it can be used as a Trick Room setter as well. Gyro Ball powered by Macho Brace can do hefty damage, while Explosion can be used to give a safe switch in to a powerful Trick Room wallbreaker while heavily damaging the foe. While Bronzong has to deal with the weaknesses of the Psychic typing, it is repaid with blessings in its Steel typing and Levitate, which set it apart from Registeel.

Gallade

While Gallade is mostly outclassed by Medicham, which is outright much stronger, Gallade has some tricks up its sleve that makes it a formidable threat. Its Special Defense along with Swords Dance means Gallade can set up on Pokémon like Blastoise safely, espeically with a Lum Berry. It can then proceed to punch through teams with Close Combat and Zen Headbutt, as well as Knock Off, a move Medicham doesn't have, for Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokémon. Gallade can also use its Special Defense more with Bulk Up to make Gallade a bulky sweeper, with Drain Punch as a way to heal off damage. It is able to get up Substitutes on Pokémon like Alomomola so that it can safely start setting up. Gallade also has Safeguard, which is nice alongside Bulk Up, as it prevents Gallade from being inflicted with status, mainly burns, which can essentially take Gallade out from the game. If people use Gallade, it's for its special bulk and ability to set up on walls, something that is hardly possible for Medicham, due to its weak defenses.

The dark horses

Dark Horse Psychic-type Pokémon can be a wildcard; threats that may not be prepared for on the opposing team. These Psychic-type Pokémon have niches that are viable in the metagame, and can often be a solid team choice.

Malamar

Malamar is one of the better Psychic-type Pokémon from NU, despite not utilizing its typing often. Malamar has Contrary and Superpower, and unlike the gimmicky Spinda, Malamar's stats actually let it became a very solid bulky sweeper against teams once its counters, such as Aromatisse, are gone. Its Special Defense allows it to switch in easily against passive Pokémon and start boosting up with Superpower. With Knock Off's buff in the sixth generation to add onto this, Malamar's coverage is really solid and really only is lacking against Fairy-type Pokémon. Rest and Sleep Talk means Malamar can safely set up without fearing status. Malamar is a really straightforward Pokémon for the most part, and while it can find itself struggling against VoltTurn teams due to its 4x weakness to Bug-type moves, it is otherwise an easy choice for building a team with Malamar as a solid stallbreaker. Its Dark typing means that it can't be Pursuit trapped by Dark-type Pokémon, and Psycho Cut can be used to make Malamar a "real" Psychic-type Pokémon, since many of the common Psychic-type checks can't beat a boosted Malamar, bar Escavalier.

Mesprit

Mesprit has a few qualities that set it apart from the more common pixie of the tier, Uxie. First, it has a decent Special Attack stat, which can be used with its movepool to hit various different threats. Colbur Berry and Dazzling Gleam can be used in combination to deal with Dark-type Pokémon, and if caught on the switch, Mesprit can 2HKO some Pokémon and not have to be scared of fainting thanks to its Colbur Berry. Knock Off is able to cripple passive Pokémon that rely on Leftovers for their main recovery, while specialized options like Ice Beam and Thunderbolt can hit Pokémon like Flygon and Fletchinder, respectively. Mesprit's main attraction is its utility for offense. Like Uxie, Mesprit has access to Stealth Rock, which allows it to set up hazards. However, Uxie doesn't have the ability to fully heal a Pokémon after it has been weakened, while Mesprit can use Healing Wish to do so; since offensive sweepers can get worn down really easily, they appreciate another chance to continue to power through teams. It can also cure unfortunate status, which can otherwise make a Pokémon useless in a game.

Musharna

Musharna is hardly seen on many teams; however, its bulk is very solid and with its access to great utility moves, Musharna is able to distinguish itself as a rare Psychic-type wall. Its high bulk and reliable recovery in Moonlight mean Musharna can repeatedly switch in on powerful Fighting-type Pokémon, such as Medicham, Gurdurr, and Sawk; it also doesn't fear Knock Off thanks to Colbur Berry and Knock Off not doing much damage after the berry has been consumed. Psychic and Dazzling Gleam are able to hit many Fighting-type Pokémon, while Thunder Wave is really good against powerful offensive Pokémon that can't afford to get crippled. With Baton Pass, Musharna can easily gain momentum, since it can switch in on the aforementioned Fighting-type Pokémon, and choose to Baton Pass over attacking. Baton Pass can also be used with Calm Mind, since Musharna is already so bulky that it can be used as a slow Baton Passer into special attackers that can handle Musharna's weaknesses as well. Musharna can also be used with Healing Wish, and like Mesprit, Musharna is able to assist more offensive teams with its utility.

Xatu

Xatu is among the few Pokémon to be graced with Magic Bounce, which makes it good on certain builds that don't appreciate hazards and status. Night Shade is Xatu's most reliable move to get damage, since its other moves are weak even with STAB, though Night Shade and Toxic can wear down walls down quickly. Roost ensures Xatu can survive throughout the game, which it needs to do in order to the hazards off of the field when possible. U-turn helps Xatu gain momentum, as well as keeping it away from harm from the Pursuit users on the switch. Xatu is really meant to be a pivot on most teams rather than a defensive wall, since many Pokémon in the tier can easily pressure it due to its weak offensive presence, but Xatu excels at keeping hazards away and being able to beat passive Pokémon.

Jynx

The power of Jynx's kiss is able to put Pokémon to sleep, which is why Jynx is a handy Pokémon in many instances, because its checks are scared of being put to sleep. Jynx also has a great Special Attack stat, which can destroy many teams, and Dry Skin means Jynx can handle many of the Water-type Pokémon of the tier. Its STAB moves and Focus Blast give it unresisted coverage and not many Pokémon can switch in to check it for fear of being put to sleep. With the foe being asleep, Jynx can also run Substitute to set up on the sleeping Pokémon or have a free Substitute up against the next switch-in. If they do choose to stay in, Jynx can proceed to use Nasty Plot and start breaking teams with its STAB moves and it can put its check back to sleep if it ever wakes up. Substitute is very useful against the previously mentioned Water-type Pokémon, since most of the passive ones can't touch Jynx. Choice Scarf is more of a niche option that allows Jynx to get fast Lovely Kisses off and turns it into a dangerous revenge killer.

Get out there!

Psychic-type Pokémon have always been a big part of the RU metagame since the tier was released in XY, and they have definitely proven to shape the entire metagame. Building with a Psychic-type Pokémon on your next team will give results and won't leave you disappointed.

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