Valmanway
My jimmies remain unrustled
Approved by Haunter and alexwolf
Have you ever looked at some sets on a Pokemon and wondered "Wow. How is this set A+ worthy?", or "Is this set really that much better than the other sets?"? Have you ever just wondered where your favorite sets truly stand in terms of viability? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then let me introduce you to OU Viability Ranking: Sets!
In this thread, we as a community will decide the viability of each individual set for every Pokemon that's viable in OU. There are a few rules here that will explain how things will work around here:
1. If a Pokemon is in the official OU Viability Ranking list, regardless of how bad it is, then that Pokemon is going to be on this list as well. This means that even the D Rank Pokemon are going to be on this list, though this could lead to D+ and/or D- rankings depending on the number and varying viability of the sets, as well as possible S+ and/or S- rankings.
2. Do not make nominations here for Pokemon that are not on the official OU Viability Ranking list. Make those nominations there, as they will be ignored here.
3. A Pokemon's set cannot be ranked higher than its rank in the official OU Viability Ranking list, so Sand Rush Excadrill can't be S Rank here because it's only A+ Rank there. If a Pokemon's ranking is moved down in the official OU Viability Ranking list in a way that would make it lower than one of its set placements here, then its placement here is also lowered. No exceptions.
4. Post maturely and intelligently, as well as with good evidence and support for any nominations you make. I don't want to see any one-liners like "Why is *insert a Pokemon set* A Rank? It sucks, so bring it down!".
5. For the love of god, don't forget rule #4.
XY OU Ranking: Sets Tier List
(In alphabetical order)
S Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are amazing in the OU metagame. These Pokemon are usually able to perform a variety of roles effectively, or can just do one extremely well. Their use has low risk involved and high reward exerted. Pokemon in this rank have very few flaws that are patched up by numerous positive traits.
Charizard (Mega-X)
Greninja
Keldeo
Latios
A Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are fantastic in the OU metagame, and can sweep, support, or wall significant portions of the metagame. These Pokemon require less support than most others to be used effectively and have few flaws that can easily be compensated for when compared to their positive traits.
A+ Rank
Azumarill (Assault Vest: A+)
(Choice Band: A)
(Belly Drum: A-)
Bisharp (Defiant Attacker: A+)
Charizard (Mega-Y) (Wall Breaker: A+)
(Specially Defensive: A-)
Clefable (Magic Guard + Calm Mind: A+)
(Unaware +Calm Mind: A+)
(Stealth Rock: A)
(Unaware Cleric + Wishpasser: A-)
Gardevoir (Mega) (Offensive: A+)
Garchomp (Focus Sash Lead: A+)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
(Swords Dance: B+)
Gengar (Substitute + 3 Attacks: A)
(Utility Attacker: A)
Heatran (Offensive Air Balloon): A+
(Choice Scarf: A)
(Specially Defensive: A)
Landorus-T (Choice Scarf: A+)
(Offensive Pivot: A)
Landorus (Special Attacker: A+)
(Calm Mind: A+)
(Rock Polish: A+)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
Latias (Offensive Defog: A+)
Mew (Stall Breaker: A+)
(Hazard Control: B+)
Pinsir (Mega) (Swords Dance: A+)
Scizor (Mega) (Bulky Swords Dance: A+)
(Swords Dance + 3 Attacks: A)
Talonflame (Stall Breaker: A+)
(Swords Dance: A+)
(Revenge Killer: A)
(Swords Dance + Natural Gift: B)
Thundurus (Mixed Attacker: A+)
(Nasty Plot: A+)
(Prankster Attacker: A+)
Venusaur (Mega) (Offensive Tank: A+)
(Defensive: A-)
A Rank
Dragonite (Choice Band: A)
(Dragon Dance: A)
(Bulky Roost: A-)
Excadrill (Sand Rush: A)
Ferrothorn (Utility: A)
Gliscor (Specially Defensive: A)
(Substitute + Toxic: A)
Gyarados (Mega) (Mega Dragon Dance: A)
Heracross (Mega) (Wall Breaker: A)
(Swords Dance + Substitute: A)
Manectric (Mega) (Special Attacker: A)
Mamoswine (Focus Sash: A)
(Life Orb: A-)
Medicham (Mega) (Physical Attacker: A)
Rotom-W (Defensive: A)
Slowbro (Physical Wall: A)
Terrakion (All-Out Attacker: A)
(Focus Sash: A)
(Choice Band: A)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
A- Rank
Aerodactyl (Mega) (Physical Attacker: A-)
Diggersby (Swords Dance: A-)
(Choice Scarf: B+)
Jirachi (Specially Defensive: B+)
(Choice Scarf: B+)
Kyurem-B (Life Orb: B+)
(Substitute + 3 Attacks: B+)
(Choice Scarf: B)
Magnezone (Choice Scarf: A-)
(Choice Specs: B+)
Manaphy (Tail Glow: A-)
(Calm Mind: B+)
Politoed (Specially Defensive: A-)
Tyranitar (Choice Scarf: A-)
(Support: A-)
Tyranitar (Mega) (Dragon Dance: A-)
B Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are great in the OU metagame. These Pokemon have more notable flaws than those above them that affect how they function in the tier. Their positive traits still outshine their negatives, but they require a bit more team support to bring out their full potential.
B+ Rank
Alakazam (Mega) (Special Attacker: B+)
Breloom (Focus Sash: B+)
(Leech Seed: C)
Celebi (Defensive: B+)
(Offensive: B)
(Baton Pass: B)
Chansey (Support: B+)
(Wish Support: B+)
Hawlucha (Swords Dance: B+)
Hippowdon (Physical Wall: B+)
(Special Wall: B)
Gyarados (Bulky Dragon Dance: B+)
(Specially Defensive: B+)
Kabutops (Physical Attacker: B+)
Kingdra (Mixed Rain Sweeper: B)
(Choice Band: C-)
Raikou (Assault Vest: B+)
(Choice Specs: B)
Rhyperior (Defensive: B+)
Skarmory (Physically Defensive: B+)
(Specially Defensive: B)
Starmie (Defensive: B+)
(Offensive: B)
Suicune (CroCune: B+)
Tornadus-T (Pivot: B+)
Victini (Stall Breaker: B+)
(Wall Breaker: B)
(Trick Room: C+)
B Rank
Alomomola (Wish Pass: B)
Amoonguss (Pivot: B)
Chesnaught (Defensive Spikes: B)
Crawdaunt (Wall Breaker: B)
Lucario (Swords Dance: B)
Mandibuzz (Utility: B)
Omastar (Choice Specs: B)
(Life Orb: C+)
Quagsire (Unaware: B)
Scizor (Choice Band: B)
Scolipede (Quick Pass: B)
(Life Orb: B-)
Zapdos (Defensive: B)
B- Rank
Azelf (Dual Screens: B-)
Conkeldurr (Assault Vest: B-)
Cresselia (Defensive: B-)
Doublade (Defensive Pivot: B-)
Empoleon (Specially Defensive: B-)
(Choice Specs: B-)
Garchomp (Mega) (Mixed: B-)
Gothitelle (Trapper: B-)
Houndoom (Mega) (Nasty Plot: B-)
(Stall Breaker: B-)
Klefki (Dual Screens: B-)
Staraptor (Choice Band: B-)
(Choice Scarf: B-)
(Life Orb: C+)
Sylveon (Choice Specs: B-)
(Cleric: B-)
Togekiss (Defensive: B-)
Weavile (Revenge Killer: B-)
C Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that have notable niches in the OU metagame, but have just as many notable flaws that prevent them from being effective. Pokemon in the C tier often require significant support to be effective. Pokemon from this rank tend to face a lot of competition with the more commonly used Pokemon.
C+ Rank
Ampharos (Mega) (Agility: C+)
(All-Out Attacker: C+)
(Specially Defensive: C+)
Cobalion (Volt Switch: C+)
Entei (All-Out Attacker: C+)
Gastrodon (Physically Defensive: C+)
Goodra (Assault Vest Tank: C+)
Magneton (Choice Scarf: C+)
(Choice Specs: C-)
Sableye (Prankster Utility: C+)
Tangrowth (Assault Vest: C+)
Toxicroak (Attacker: C+)
Wobbuffet (Trapper: C+)
C Rank
Aggron (Mega) (Tank: C)
Alakazam (Revenge Killer: C)
Blastoise (Mega) (Rapid Spin: C)
Bronzong (Dual Screens: C)
Chandelure (Choice Scarf: C)
(Stall Breaker: C-)
Ditto (Choice Scarf: C)
Espeon (Dual Screens: C)
Froslass (Suicide Spiker: C)
Infernape (Focus Sash Lead: C)
Lantern (Defensive: C)
Mienshao (Life Orb: C)
Porygon2 (Physically Defensive: C)
Rotom-H (Choice Scarf: C)
Seismitoad (Rain Sweeper: C)
Shuckle (Sticky Web: C)
Slowking (Assault Vest: C)
Smeargle (Quick Pass: C)
Tentacruel (Defensive: C)
Thundurus-T (Agility: C)
C- Rank
Absol (Mega) (All-Out Attacker: C-)
Blissey (Cleric: C-)
(Wish Passer: C-)
Diancie (Tank: C-)
Exploud (Choice Specs: C-)
Gourgeist-Small (Physically Defensive: C-)
Haxorus (Wall Breaker: C-)
Ludicolo (Rain Sweeper: C-)
Noivern (Choice Specs: C-)
(Life Orb: C-)
Tornadus (Prankster: C-)
Volcarona (Bulky Quiver Dance: C-)
Zygarde (Coil: C-)
D Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are mediocre in the OU metagame, but are viable enough to justify their use on select teams. These Pokemon are either usable but have no real niche, or are only capable of doing their specific task and fail at doing anything more than that. Pokemon from this rank have multiple crippling flaws that prevent them from being successful a majority of the time, and are often severely outclassed because of it.
Cofagrigus (Trick Room: D)
Dugtrio (Revenge Killer: D)
Gorebyss (Quick Pass: D)
Heracross
Hydreigon (Wall Breaker: D)
Jellicent (Defensive: D)
Meloetta (Assault Vest: D)
Metagross (Offensive Pivot: D)
Salamence (MoxieMence: D)
Whimsicott (Prankster: D)
Venomoth (Quiver Dance + Baton Pass: D)
Have fun!
Have you ever looked at some sets on a Pokemon and wondered "Wow. How is this set A+ worthy?", or "Is this set really that much better than the other sets?"? Have you ever just wondered where your favorite sets truly stand in terms of viability? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then let me introduce you to OU Viability Ranking: Sets!
In this thread, we as a community will decide the viability of each individual set for every Pokemon that's viable in OU. There are a few rules here that will explain how things will work around here:
1. If a Pokemon is in the official OU Viability Ranking list, regardless of how bad it is, then that Pokemon is going to be on this list as well. This means that even the D Rank Pokemon are going to be on this list, though this could lead to D+ and/or D- rankings depending on the number and varying viability of the sets, as well as possible S+ and/or S- rankings.
2. Do not make nominations here for Pokemon that are not on the official OU Viability Ranking list. Make those nominations there, as they will be ignored here.
3. A Pokemon's set cannot be ranked higher than its rank in the official OU Viability Ranking list, so Sand Rush Excadrill can't be S Rank here because it's only A+ Rank there. If a Pokemon's ranking is moved down in the official OU Viability Ranking list in a way that would make it lower than one of its set placements here, then its placement here is also lowered. No exceptions.
4. Post maturely and intelligently, as well as with good evidence and support for any nominations you make. I don't want to see any one-liners like "Why is *insert a Pokemon set* A Rank? It sucks, so bring it down!".
5. For the love of god, don't forget rule #4.
Everything Between B+ and B-.
XY OU Ranking: Sets Tier List
(In alphabetical order)
S Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are amazing in the OU metagame. These Pokemon are usually able to perform a variety of roles effectively, or can just do one extremely well. Their use has low risk involved and high reward exerted. Pokemon in this rank have very few flaws that are patched up by numerous positive traits.
(Bulky Will-O-Wisp: A+)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 148 SpD / 112 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
- Dragon Claw
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
(Bulky Dragon Dance: A+)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
- Roost
(Dragon Dance: A)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch / Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake / Roost
(Swords Dance + Tailwind: A)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Tailwind
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 148 SpD / 112 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
- Dragon Claw
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
(Bulky Dragon Dance: A+)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
- Roost
(Dragon Dance: A)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch / Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake / Roost
(Swords Dance + Tailwind: A)
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Tailwind
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Earthquake / Fire Punch
Greninja
(All-Out Special Attacker: S)
Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Extrasensory
- Grass Knot / Hidden Power Fire
(Spikes: S)
Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Spikes
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Extrasensory
Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Extrasensory
- Grass Knot / Hidden Power Fire
(Spikes: S)
Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Spikes
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Extrasensory
Keldeo
(Choice Specs: S)
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Scald
- Icy Wind / Hidden Power Flying
(Choice Scarf: A+)
Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
(Substitute + Calm Mind: A)
Keldeo @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Scald
- Secret Sword
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Scald
- Icy Wind / Hidden Power Flying
(Choice Scarf: A+)
Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
(Substitute + Calm Mind: A)
Keldeo @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Scald
- Secret Sword
(Life Orb: S)
Latios @ Life Orb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fire
- Defog / Roost
(Choice Scarf: A)
Latios @ Choice Scarf
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Trick
- Hidden Power Fire / Surf
Latios @ Life Orb
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf / Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fire
- Defog / Roost
(Choice Scarf: A)
Latios @ Choice Scarf
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Trick
- Hidden Power Fire / Surf
A Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are fantastic in the OU metagame, and can sweep, support, or wall significant portions of the metagame. These Pokemon require less support than most others to be used effectively and have few flaws that can easily be compensated for when compared to their positive traits.
A+ Rank
(Choice Band: A)
(Belly Drum: A-)
(Specially Defensive: A-)
(Unaware +Calm Mind: A+)
(Stealth Rock: A)
(Unaware Cleric + Wishpasser: A-)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
(Swords Dance: B+)
(Utility Attacker: A)
(Choice Scarf: A)
(Specially Defensive: A)
(Offensive Pivot: A)
(Calm Mind: A+)
(Rock Polish: A+)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
(Hazard Control: B+)
(Swords Dance + 3 Attacks: A)
(Swords Dance: A+)
(Revenge Killer: A)
(Swords Dance + Natural Gift: B)
(Nasty Plot: A+)
(Prankster Attacker: A+)
(Defensive: A-)
A Rank
(Dragon Dance: A)
(Bulky Roost: A-)
(Substitute + Toxic: A)
Heracross (Mega) (Wall Breaker: A)
(Swords Dance + Substitute: A)
(Life Orb: A-)
(Focus Sash: A)
(Choice Band: A)
(Choice Scarf: A-)
A- Rank
Diggersby (Swords Dance: A-)
(Choice Scarf: B+)
(Choice Scarf: B+)
(Substitute + 3 Attacks: B+)
(Choice Scarf: B)
(Choice Specs: B+)
(Calm Mind: B+)
(Support: A-)
Tyranitar (Mega) (Dragon Dance: A-)
B Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are great in the OU metagame. These Pokemon have more notable flaws than those above them that affect how they function in the tier. Their positive traits still outshine their negatives, but they require a bit more team support to bring out their full potential.
B+ Rank
Breloom (Focus Sash: B+)
(Leech Seed: C)
(Offensive: B)
(Baton Pass: B)
Chansey (Support: B+)
(Wish Support: B+)
(Special Wall: B)
(Specially Defensive: B+)
(Choice Band: C-)
(Choice Specs: B)
(Specially Defensive: B)
(Offensive: B)
(Wall Breaker: B)
(Trick Room: C+)
B Rank
Chesnaught (Defensive Spikes: B)
(Life Orb: C+)
(Life Orb: B-)
B- Rank
(Choice Specs: B-)
(Stall Breaker: B-)
(Choice Scarf: B-)
(Life Orb: C+)
(Cleric: B-)
C Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that have notable niches in the OU metagame, but have just as many notable flaws that prevent them from being effective. Pokemon in the C tier often require significant support to be effective. Pokemon from this rank tend to face a lot of competition with the more commonly used Pokemon.
C+ Rank
Ampharos (Mega) (Agility: C+)
(All-Out Attacker: C+)
(Specially Defensive: C+)
(Choice Specs: C-)
C Rank
(Stall Breaker: C-)
C- Rank
(Wish Passer: C-)
(Life Orb: C-)
D Rank: Reserved for Pokemon that are mediocre in the OU metagame, but are viable enough to justify their use on select teams. These Pokemon are either usable but have no real niche, or are only capable of doing their specific task and fail at doing anything more than that. Pokemon from this rank have multiple crippling flaws that prevent them from being successful a majority of the time, and are often severely outclassed because of it.
Have fun!
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