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Resource RU Viability Ranking
- Thread starter DTC
- Start date
- Status
I didn't even think of this, this makes me happy
Jellicent to B+. This thing has great special bulk, good physical bulk when the opponent is burned, a decent offensive presence, taunt, recover, and two great abilities. I actually had a good amount of success with this in a trick room team with a set of WoW, surf, hex, and recover.
Nominating Omastar for B-/B Rank. It is an amazing special sweeper with an amazing boosting move and special attack. It is an amazing mon in sticky web as it can set up on flying types such as Braviary that are immune to sticky web and proceed to tear through teams with boosted Hydro Pumps. It enjoys Sticky Web support to outrun Choice Scarf Delphox and Cinccino making it very hard to revenge kill. It is also extremely priority resilient if it runs White Herb taking around 10% from LO Ambipom Fake Out and around 50% from LO max Attack Zoroark using Sucker Punch (the strongest user in the tier). If you run Life Orb you can potentially OHKO Escavalier and Amoonguss at +2 but Omastar is usually powerful enough without an Item. It struggles against Bulky Water and some Grass Types but it can severely weaken them for a teammate so it is not totally useless against them
Fits the description Perfectly as it has a definite niche in Sticky Web Teams. It might be outperformed by Gorebyss who also has Baton Pass but the Priority Resiliency and the fact that it hits a bit harder makes it better on teams without a dedicated receiver.
Sceptile should stay where it is. It is much different than Virizion (not to mention hots harder unboosted). I agree with Omastar for B- because it is strong, decently fast after a boost, has excellent STAB coverage (and other options as well), and has a usable defense so it /can/ take a hit. It does have an unfortunate defensive typing, however, and an abysmal defense. It is also outsped by a lot of mons even with the boost.
Okay, so another round of changes have been made:
I personally feel that Pelipper is viable enough to be ranked, due to good defenses and defensive typing as well as an amazing move pool (scald, defog, u-turn, recovery, etc.).
- Rhyperior from A+ to S
- Fletchinder from B- to C+
- Stoutland from D to unlisted (E)
- Ludicolo from C+ to B-
- Shuckle from B to B+
- Heliolisk from B+ to A-
- Aromatisse from B+ to A-
- Shiftry from C to C+
- Gogoat to C
- Roselia to C+
- Carracosta to D
- Pelipper (is this viable enough to be listed?)
- Liepard (is this viable enough to be listed? seems absurdly niche to me)
- Eelektross placement
- Slowking
- Virizion
I personally feel that Pelipper is viable enough to be ranked, due to good defenses and defensive typing as well as an amazing move pool (scald, defog, u-turn, recovery, etc.).
I wanted Gothorita ranked but i guess next time T.T
Pelipper's only niche is as a defogger and Escavalier counter that doesn't care about Knock Off. The problem is that it is not much bulkier than non Eviolite Golbat and Gligar so it's hard to justify its use. It is not as great as a Fighting check either as it is 2hkoed by Reckless Hjk after rocks and Cobalion does a lot of Damage with Volt Switch. It doesn't have Gligar's sheer bulk nor Golbat's stallbreaking capabilities. I guess scald is always good but not enough to get him ranked
I'll make a post later about the others i have experience with.
I honestly think Togetic should drop to C+/C. I don't see a ton of reason to use it over Golbat or Gligar, as they have better abilities and niches. All Toekiss has over them is Heal Bell (and NastyPass I guess but thats uncommon and a bit situational imo.), and that doesn't really justify it being on par with them.
Some thoughts on the ranks for defog users
Shiftry for B- Shiftry is honestly a great choice as an offencive deffoger for offencive teams. It has great stabs in leaf storm, knock off and sucker punch and has decent offencive stats to back it up. Shiftry's typing forces many switches which gives it free turns to defog. Shiftry forces switches with alomola, slowking, all eviolite users, ryhperior, reuniclus, sygilyph, jellicent and other weakened pokemon among others. Shiftry just has great offencive typing, acces to defog which makes it a great deffoger for offencive teams and it forces a lot of switches to abuse defog. Shiftry is also not weak to stealth rock which is cool. Shiftry can also run sets such as SD, which have suprise but are quite lackluster and struggle to do much. The things holding shiftry back are its horrible defencive typing which stops it from deffoging against a lot of offencive pokemon, its frailness and somewhat lackluster speed. All in all shiftry is one of the best choices as a deffoger for an offencive team.
Gligar for A- Gligar is by far the best option as a defoger for many teams in the current Ru meta. It can fit on stall, balanced and some offence and brings a lot to a team such as obsene bulk, good resistances, longevity, defog and a backbone to fall upon. Gligar is immune to spikes and takes normal damage from stealth rock which allows it to be a very reliable deffoger. Gligar is a great check to the many powerful fighting types in the tier such as hitmonlee, virizion, medicham and coballion aswell as being able to switch into all physically offencive pokemon in the tier withought super effective coveredge. Gligar proves that it has a large effect on the meta because many pokemon run coveredge moves such as ice fang/punch to get through gliscor (it still takes all of these super effective hits so well). Gligar also has access to roost for longevity, u-turn to catch forced switches and stealth rock to be a defogger and stealth rocker. Although these are all pros, Gliscors main problem is that, too be so extremely bulky it needs to hold the eviolite, it has 4mms with u-turn/earthquake/roost/stealth rock/defog ect. and good but not great sp.defence (unless invested). All in all gligar is the best and most used defogger and is definately at the level of other A- pokemon.
Attachments
Ok, I'll go with the 3 I have experience with:
Virizion: With Rhyperior's move to S, there's no reason for Virizion to not move up to A rank imo. She is, quite possibly, the best offensive check to Rhyperior in the entire tier while she can use SD to set up as Rhyperior is forced out. While not nearly as effective, her CM set will most assuredly destroy Rhyperior. And regardless of the set that Virizion runs, she is a great offensive check to most Dark-types, the most notable being Sharpedo and Zoroark. While Virizion can struggle against Escavalier (sort of) Reuniclus, and Cresselia, her strong matchups against most of the rest of S and A rank mons (such as Rhyperior, Sharpedo, Zoroark, Alomomola, and Heliolisk) and high Speed tier to outspeed things that could otherwise take her out (Moltres, Hitmonlee, and Yanmega) I see no reason to keep Virizion from A rank. So long as you have something to deal with bulky Ghost- and Psychic-types as well as physical Scarf mons, Virizion is a fine physical sweeper to use.
Slowking: Slowking is a really solid Pokemon. It is perhaps the only hard counter to Delphox in the entire tier. Slowking's Assault Vest set is perhaps the most annoying thing to take out in the tier thanks to Regenerator and respectable offensive presence. Add to this the fact that King can also go Choice Specs, TR, CM, NP, or full-on defensive, and you have a very versatile Pokemon capable of fitting onto many team archetypes. Thanks to Regenerator, Slowking is about the only bulky Psychic-type in the tier that can still take on the likes of Hitmonlee and Gallade as the newly buffed Knock Off just doesn't hurt King as much due to Regnerator compensating for Leftovers recovery. While top threats such as Zoroark, Sharpedo, Yanmega, and Rhyperior (should they run Megahorn) can pose problems for Slowking, its ability to check p. much the entire special end of the spectrum with one set is astonishing, especially when it still has other viable sets to run. I don't see a problem with Slowking moving up to A rank.
Liepard: Ok, I know I'm the one that brought this up in the first place. While I may have been giving it a bit too much credit at first, I still feel it should be ranked somewhere. It still has a neat movepool to utilize Prankster with while having better offensive presence than Whimsicott. It's also what is arguably the best rain setter in the tier and rain is quite the viable strategy right now. I think C-/C would be ok. It certainly has some faults, but its ability to set up rain and provide moderate offensive presence for a Prankster mon can be helpful for some teams.
Virizion: With Rhyperior's move to S, there's no reason for Virizion to not move up to A rank imo. She is, quite possibly, the best offensive check to Rhyperior in the entire tier while she can use SD to set up as Rhyperior is forced out. While not nearly as effective, her CM set will most assuredly destroy Rhyperior. And regardless of the set that Virizion runs, she is a great offensive check to most Dark-types, the most notable being Sharpedo and Zoroark. While Virizion can struggle against Escavalier (sort of) Reuniclus, and Cresselia, her strong matchups against most of the rest of S and A rank mons (such as Rhyperior, Sharpedo, Zoroark, Alomomola, and Heliolisk) and high Speed tier to outspeed things that could otherwise take her out (Moltres, Hitmonlee, and Yanmega) I see no reason to keep Virizion from A rank. So long as you have something to deal with bulky Ghost- and Psychic-types as well as physical Scarf mons, Virizion is a fine physical sweeper to use.
Slowking: Slowking is a really solid Pokemon. It is perhaps the only hard counter to Delphox in the entire tier. Slowking's Assault Vest set is perhaps the most annoying thing to take out in the tier thanks to Regenerator and respectable offensive presence. Add to this the fact that King can also go Choice Specs, TR, CM, NP, or full-on defensive, and you have a very versatile Pokemon capable of fitting onto many team archetypes. Thanks to Regenerator, Slowking is about the only bulky Psychic-type in the tier that can still take on the likes of Hitmonlee and Gallade as the newly buffed Knock Off just doesn't hurt King as much due to Regnerator compensating for Leftovers recovery. While top threats such as Zoroark, Sharpedo, Yanmega, and Rhyperior (should they run Megahorn) can pose problems for Slowking, its ability to check p. much the entire special end of the spectrum with one set is astonishing, especially when it still has other viable sets to run. I don't see a problem with Slowking moving up to A rank.
Liepard: Ok, I know I'm the one that brought this up in the first place. While I may have been giving it a bit too much credit at first, I still feel it should be ranked somewhere. It still has a neat movepool to utilize Prankster with while having better offensive presence than Whimsicott. It's also what is arguably the best rain setter in the tier and rain is quite the viable strategy right now. I think C-/C would be ok. It certainly has some faults, but its ability to set up rain and provide moderate offensive presence for a Prankster mon can be helpful for some teams.
Out of the 'mons that need discussion right now I have only used Eelektross so yea here goes.
Eel is a kind of weird mon. It has great mixed offensive stats, a absolutely HUGE movepool (Electric, Fight, Grass, Water, Fire, Steel, Ice), including both U-turn and Volt Switch, and a cool typing, letting it have no weaknesses bar Mold Breaker Earthquake. However thats where the good things stop.
Eelektross has decent bulk in 85/80/80, but it is worn down very quickly due to having no recovery outside of Giga Drain and Drain Punch, which are quite unreliable.
It's best sets imo are Expert Belt and Assault Vest. However, the first can't come in on neutral hits (which is almost every type) and as such is worn down very quickly. The latter is a bit better on the SpDef side due to AV, however it still takes quite a lot of damage from some hits like Moltres, Exploud, etc.
252 SpA Moltres Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 141-166 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Yanmega Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 156-185 (41.7 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Exploud Boomburst vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 159-187 (42.5 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
However I'm not saying Eelektross is bad. But the thing is, you have to choose either between power and bulk. When you choose power, you lose out on bulk which sucks when your speed stat is 50. If you invest in bulk to take hits, however, you lose out on power.
Based on this I feel that Eelektross should sit somewhere in B- or let it stay in C+
Eel is a kind of weird mon. It has great mixed offensive stats, a absolutely HUGE movepool (Electric, Fight, Grass, Water, Fire, Steel, Ice), including both U-turn and Volt Switch, and a cool typing, letting it have no weaknesses bar Mold Breaker Earthquake. However thats where the good things stop.
Eelektross has decent bulk in 85/80/80, but it is worn down very quickly due to having no recovery outside of Giga Drain and Drain Punch, which are quite unreliable.
It's best sets imo are Expert Belt and Assault Vest. However, the first can't come in on neutral hits (which is almost every type) and as such is worn down very quickly. The latter is a bit better on the SpDef side due to AV, however it still takes quite a lot of damage from some hits like Moltres, Exploud, etc.
252 SpA Moltres Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 141-166 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Yanmega Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 156-185 (41.7 - 49.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Exploud Boomburst vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Eelektross: 159-187 (42.5 - 50%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
However I'm not saying Eelektross is bad. But the thing is, you have to choose either between power and bulk. When you choose power, you lose out on bulk which sucks when your speed stat is 50. If you invest in bulk to take hits, however, you lose out on power.
Based on this I feel that Eelektross should sit somewhere in B- or let it stay in C+
molk approved this post because too lazy to write more at 3 am
[02:25] <~Molk> add ultimate TL;DR for what you want
[02:25] <~Molk> and say you'll edit later with more reasoning
TL;DR version:
[02:25] <~Molk> add ultimate TL;DR for what you want
[02:25] <~Molk> and say you'll edit later with more reasoning
TL;DR version:
- Banette (Mega) up to A (it should obviously be S but one step at a time)
- Samurott up to C+
- Bronzong down to at least B-
- Jellicent down to C+
K, so I got a couple of noms.
I think it's about time that Virizion moves up to A. Its Swords Dance set is fantastic and its typing is gold, allowing it to serve as a solid offensive checks to a variety of Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Sharpedo, and Rhyperior. What's more is that it possess a fantastic speed tier, allowing it to outrun a vast majority of the unboosted meta. Furthermore, its Swords Dance set lacks very few viable counters, and what's more is that it can use a lot of good walls a setup bait (Registeel, Alomomola, etc).
Aromatisse should move up to A as well. It's a damn good Wish passer and cleric; its typing is great and its ability only makes it better seeing as how it's a fucking wall that's immune to Taunt. Between general cleric and wish support in tandem with its great mixed bulk, Aromatisse is a very solid defensive Pokemon that will almost always pull its weight. It's just a really great supporter in general and the best Fairy-type available in RU. It can pull its weight on a variety of teams (typically stall, semi-stall, and sometimes balanced) and its very difficult to stop it from doing its job b/c of how awesome its ability is. I think that's what really differentiates it from other walls, is that you can only stop it from supporting its teammates with offensive pressure and no other means outside of that.
I'm really annoyed seeing this thing below garbage like Hariyama and Regirock. It has a legitimate niche and it's not that hard to support. It's really good check to Delphox due to Thick Fat and full SpD investment. It can cripple Delphox with Thunder Wave then spam Milk Drink till parahax and then proceed to comfortably take it out with Seismic Toss. What's more is that it can use this same tactic to check a bunch of top-tier threats Sharpdeo, Zoroark, Yanmega, Moltres, etc. It can also provide its team with quite a bit of support in either Heal Bell or Stealth Rock. Miltank's speed tier and recovery option is also really good, allowing it to recover off hits before having to take another as well as pull off a pretty fast heal bell if need be. Overall, it's not very difficult to support, and quite honestly, it supports its teammates more than they supports it. Having it bumped up to B- isn't too much to ask. Yeah I know going from B- to D is a huge jump, but the whole "nominating something to be bumped up for more than one rank at a time is a sign of bias" or what have is a load of bullshit to begin with. If something is wrong, then it shouldn't be held back due to arbitrary policy calls. Furthermore, neither do the C nor D rank descriptions even fit it. It doesn't have "crippling flaws that prevent them from consistently executing their strategy"; it's damn consistent and will always check at least one Pokemon on any given team or cripple another on the switch. And it sure as hell isn't "more trouble than [it's] worth". In every typical team you face, it's checking at least one Pokemon, if not two on average and this is on top of its ability to support its teammates with Heal Bell or Rocks. Bah.
I think it's about time that Virizion moves up to A. Its Swords Dance set is fantastic and its typing is gold, allowing it to serve as a solid offensive checks to a variety of Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Sharpedo, and Rhyperior. What's more is that it possess a fantastic speed tier, allowing it to outrun a vast majority of the unboosted meta. Furthermore, its Swords Dance set lacks very few viable counters, and what's more is that it can use a lot of good walls a setup bait (Registeel, Alomomola, etc).
Aromatisse should move up to A as well. It's a damn good Wish passer and cleric; its typing is great and its ability only makes it better seeing as how it's a fucking wall that's immune to Taunt. Between general cleric and wish support in tandem with its great mixed bulk, Aromatisse is a very solid defensive Pokemon that will almost always pull its weight. It's just a really great supporter in general and the best Fairy-type available in RU. It can pull its weight on a variety of teams (typically stall, semi-stall, and sometimes balanced) and its very difficult to stop it from doing its job b/c of how awesome its ability is. I think that's what really differentiates it from other walls, is that you can only stop it from supporting its teammates with offensive pressure and no other means outside of that.
I'm really annoyed seeing this thing below garbage like Hariyama and Regirock. It has a legitimate niche and it's not that hard to support. It's really good check to Delphox due to Thick Fat and full SpD investment. It can cripple Delphox with Thunder Wave then spam Milk Drink till parahax and then proceed to comfortably take it out with Seismic Toss. What's more is that it can use this same tactic to check a bunch of top-tier threats Sharpdeo, Zoroark, Yanmega, Moltres, etc. It can also provide its team with quite a bit of support in either Heal Bell or Stealth Rock. Miltank's speed tier and recovery option is also really good, allowing it to recover off hits before having to take another as well as pull off a pretty fast heal bell if need be. Overall, it's not very difficult to support, and quite honestly, it supports its teammates more than they supports it. Having it bumped up to B- isn't too much to ask. Yeah I know going from B- to D is a huge jump, but the whole "nominating something to be bumped up for more than one rank at a time is a sign of bias" or what have is a load of bullshit to begin with. If something is wrong, then it shouldn't be held back due to arbitrary policy calls. Furthermore, neither do the C nor D rank descriptions even fit it. It doesn't have "crippling flaws that prevent them from consistently executing their strategy"; it's damn consistent and will always check at least one Pokemon on any given team or cripple another on the switch. And it sure as hell isn't "more trouble than [it's] worth". In every typical team you face, it's checking at least one Pokemon, if not two on average and this is on top of its ability to support its teammates with Heal Bell or Rocks. Bah.
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Fastank is faster than rayquaza. Gotta go fast!K, so I got a couple of noms.
I think it's about time that Virizion moves up to A. Its Swords Dance set is fantastic and its typing is gold, allowing it to serve as a solid offensive checks to a variety of Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Sharpedo, and Rhyperior. What's more is that it possess a fantastic speed tier, allowing it to outrun a vast majority of the unboosted meta. Furthermore, its Swords Dance set lacks very few viable counters, and what's more is that it can use a lot of good walls a setup bait (Registeel, Alomomola, etc).
Aromatisse should move up to A as well. It's a damn good Wish passer and cleric; its typing is great and its ability only makes it better seeing as how it's a fucking wall that's immune to Taunt. Between general cleric and wish support in tandem with its great mixed bulk, Aromatisse is a very solid defensive Pokemon that will almost always pull its weight. It's just a really great supporter in general and the best Fairy-type available in RU. It can pull its weight on a variety of teams (typically stall, semi-stall, and sometimes balanced) and its very difficult to stop it from doing its job b/c of how awesome its ability is. I think that's what really differentiates it from other walls, is that you can only stop it from supporting its teammates with offensive pressure and no other means outside of that.
I'm really annoyed seeing this thing below garbage like Hariyama and Regirock. It has a legitimate niche and it's not that hard to support. It's really good check to Delphox due to Thick Fat and full SpD investment. It can cripple Delphox with Thunder Wave then spam Milk Drink till parahax and then proceed to comfortably take it out with Seismic Toss. What's more is that it can use this same tactic to check a bunch of top-tier threats Sharpdeo, Zoroark, Yanmega, Moltres, etc. It can also provide its team with quite a bit of support in either Heal Bell or Stealth Rock. Miltank's speed tier and recovery option is also really good, allowing it to recover off hits before having to take another as well as pull off a pretty fast heal bell if need be. Overall, it's not very difficult to support, and quite honestly, it supports its teammates more than they supports it. Having it bumped up to B- isn't too much to ask. Yeah I know going from B- to D is a huge jump, but the whole "nominating something to be bumped up for more than one rank at a time is a sign of bias" or what have is a load of bullshit to begin with. If something is wrong, then it shouldn't be held back due to arbitrary policy calls. Furthermore, neither do the C nor D rank descriptions even fit it. It doesn't have "crippling flaws that prevent them from consistently executing their strategy"; it's damn consistent and will always check at least one Pokemon on any given team or cripple another on the switch. And it sure as hell isn't "more trouble than [it's] worth". In every typical team you face, it's checking at least one Pokemon, if not two on average and this is on top of its ability to support its teammates with Heal Bell or Rocks. Bah.
Sap sipper is nice too, and can be used on a slightly more offensive set using body slam
Very versatile, B- is an insult. B+!
note said policy is not end-all be-all, nor is it arbitrary. the policy is put in place to cut down on the many unreasonable requests that can be seen on viability ranking. exceptions can be made if something is truly misplaced and its case is presented well. if you have a problem with a policy, make sure you communicate it in the many opportunities you have had rather than keeping it inside until now. be more careful with usage of such words as "arbitrary".
as for miltank moving up to b-, i do not have a problem with that, as miltank is a solid cow.
Eelektross -> C+ Rank: I've actually used Eelektross quite extensively this gen, and I can say that C+ rank is where it belongs and should stay. The main problem with Eelektross is that unlike other pokemon slow pokemon like Emboar or Clawitzer, who also usually have to take a hit before dealing damage, it is simply weak. For a pokemon that almost always has to take hits first, it doesn't hit hard enough back (due to the low BP of its physical moves and its lower special attack), nor can it tank many hits effectively due to its mediocre bulk (unlike Rhyperior). Offensively and defensively, this thing is the epitome of mediocrity, often not doing much throughout the match. However, its faults ends there. Whenever I use Eelektross on my teams, I use it for pretty much one reason: a slow Volt Switch. A slow pivot is surprisingly amazing, as it can bring all sorts of things that hit hard, but are too frail to actually attempt to switch in. It can safely bring in stuff like Zoroark or Hitmonlee, or whatever the hell you want, without fear of taking a hit. Furthermore, it can activate status orbs on things like Zangoose and Swellow. It does face stiff competition from Lanturn, who has many advantages, but ultimately, Eelektross has a much more definite offensive presence, giving it a solid niche. Speaking of offense, Eelektross also has an amazing movepool, especially Aqua Tail/Giga Drain to deal with Rhyperior, has at least some sort of recovery in Drain Punch and Giga Drain, and can roast Escavalier and Grass-types with Flamethrower (which, notably, Heliolisk cannot). This thing shouldn't go higher to B- rank, due to its rather modest power and bulk, but I defenitely don't think it should drop lower than C+.
I strongly support this. Sorry for stealing your future edit, lol, but I had to say something, seeing that I use Banette on pretty much every other team.
Banette is, easily, one of the top threats in the tier. Honestly, looking at the entire S and A rank list right now, I cannot see a single pokemon that can reliably get past Mega-Banette. Here's a rather unprofessional demonstration, but w/e:
Anyways, that goes to show that Mega-Banette can deal with ANY offensive threat by using Prankster Destiny Bond to stop their sweep cold, pick off weakened ones (usually around half health) with Sucker Punch, or cripple them with WoW, and can deal with ANY defensive threat by shutting them down with Taunt (well, except for Aromatisse and Lickilicky). Absolutely nothing can safely get past Mega Banette 100% of the time, due to Destiny Bond. Mega Banette is the ultimate safety net against all setup sweepers, as well as the ultimate stallbreaker. However, like its ability's name suggests, Mega Banette is to be played like a Prankster. It needs a pretty big deal of prediction and manipulation in order for it to work effectively 100% of the time. Often, the difference between selecting Taunt or Destiny Bond/Sucker Punch can be monumental, and one mispredict can ruin your day. Mega Banette needs a large amount of prediction to be played effectively, but that is about its one and only flaw. Well, except for the fact that it doesn't get Prankster on the turn it mega evolves. Otherwise, it is perhaps one of the most anti-meta pokemon there is, stopping literally every threat cold in its tracks. I really can't see a reason it is not ranked higher.
Also one more thing:
Hitmontop -> B Rank: First, when considering to rank Top, you must consider its competition as a rapid spinner: Hitmonlee, Kabutops, and Claydol. Ignoring Claydol, its fairly obvious that Hitmontop is the only good defensive rapid spinner in the tier. If you need a solid defensive spinner on a team, Hitmontop is pretty much your only choice. And before you say Gligar, or any other Defogger, it is important to note that Defog and Rapid Spin are completely different, and Hitmontop is in no way outclassed by Gligar. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, Hitmontop is guaranteed to remove your hazards, since it has Foresight. No spinblocker is going to spin block Hitmonlee (unless if your opponent runs like Double Ghosts, but lol, who does that anymore). Of course, Hitmontop has some pretty noticeable flaws, including being setup bait to a wide variety of things, but the fact that it faces no competition and the fact that he does his job *100% of the time succesfully*, something no other spinner can boast, he deserves B rank.
While it is true that Mega Abomasnow can destroy a large portion of defensive pokemon, the reverse is true as well. Abomasnow's atrocious defensive typing outshines its offensive potential. Almost any offensive pokemon in the tier with a SE move destroys Abomasnow, greatly limiting its effectiveness. Every Fire-type in the tier can consistently force out Mega Abomasnow, as well as other common threats like Hitmonlee and Escavalier. Furthermore, its abysmal speed means that its going to have to be taking hits before it attacks, something it dislikes greatly. It's crippling flaws requires heavy support (like Trick Room), that mostly eclipses its strengths. However, that being said, it still is a force to be reckoned with, destroying the common pokemon you listed. It should remain in B+.
EDIT: Oh, I also support Slowking moving up to A, for reasons already covered.
I strongly support this. Sorry for stealing your future edit, lol, but I had to say something, seeing that I use Banette on pretty much every other team.
Banette is, easily, one of the top threats in the tier. Honestly, looking at the entire S and A rank list right now, I cannot see a single pokemon that can reliably get past Mega-Banette. Here's a rather unprofessional demonstration, but w/e:
S Rank:
Delphox
Screws it over with Sucker Punch
Escavalier
Cripples it with Will-O-Wisp, picks off weakened ones (with ~40% health or less) with Shadow Claw, or destroys it with D-Bond
Froslass
Quite complex, but Mega-Banette can get past Froslass almost every time if you play it right. Basically:
1) Froslass Taunts (which they usually and should do), while M-Banette brings it to its sash w/ Shadow Claw
2) Froslass D-Bonds, while M-Banette switches to an offensive threat
3) Froslass D-Bonds again, while you switch back into M-Banette
4) Prankster Taunt FTW
Again, it takes some manipulation, but Mega Banette can effectively get past Froslass without it getting up a single layer of Spikes.
Rhyperior
Cripples with Will-O-Wisp, or takes down the mighty tank in one blow with D-Bond
A Rank:
A+ Rank
Hitmonlee
Cripples with WoW, or it can take a Knock Off to the face and KO back with Shadow Claw, or simply D-Bond
Reuniclus
Shuts down CM with Taunt, D-Bonds to handle out of control CM version, or wrecks with Shadow Claw.
Sharpedo
Stops its sweep COLD with D-Bond, or picks of weakened ones with Sucker Punch
Zoroark
D-Bond much?
A Rank
Alomomola
Shuts down with Taunt
Cobalion
Taunts to prevent setup, D-Bond to handle out of control SD, cripples with WoW
Cresselia
Shuts down with Taunt, nails with Shadow Claw, takes down with D-Bond for CM out of control
Druddigon
Cripples with WoW, picks off with Shadow Claw, takes down with D-Bond, prevents shit with Taunt
Moltres
Picks off with Sucker Punch, or stops with D-Bond
Yanmega
Picks off with Sucker Punch, stops with D-Bond
A- Rank
Aromatisse
Yeah, can't really stop this thing, but its not like this thing can do much back, and if it attacks, it gets taken down with D-Bond
Banette (mega)
Winner of speed-tie (or speed creep) OHKOs with Shadow Claw
Durant
Stops setup with Taunt, stops sweep with D-Bond, cripples with WoW, or picks off weakened ones with Sucker Punch
Emboar
Picks off with Shadow Claw, stops with D-Bond
Gallade
Cripples with WoW, Taunts to prevent setup, Shadow Claw to maul, or D-Bond to stop SD or BU sweep
Gorebyss
Prankster Taunt = The Shit
Heliolisk
Picks off with Sucker Punch, stops with D-Bond
Meloetta
Taunt to prevent setup, wrecks with Sucker Punch, stop sweep with D-Bond, you get the drill by now...
Sceptile
Sucker Punch pick off, D-Bond, etc...
Slowking
Destroy with Shadow Claw
Virizion
Cripple with WoW, stop sweep with D-Bond
Screws it over with Sucker Punch
Cripples it with Will-O-Wisp, picks off weakened ones (with ~40% health or less) with Shadow Claw, or destroys it with D-Bond
Quite complex, but Mega-Banette can get past Froslass almost every time if you play it right. Basically:
1) Froslass Taunts (which they usually and should do), while M-Banette brings it to its sash w/ Shadow Claw
2) Froslass D-Bonds, while M-Banette switches to an offensive threat
3) Froslass D-Bonds again, while you switch back into M-Banette
4) Prankster Taunt FTW
Again, it takes some manipulation, but Mega Banette can effectively get past Froslass without it getting up a single layer of Spikes.
Cripples with Will-O-Wisp, or takes down the mighty tank in one blow with D-Bond
A Rank:
A+ Rank
Cripples with WoW, or it can take a Knock Off to the face and KO back with Shadow Claw, or simply D-Bond
Shuts down CM with Taunt, D-Bonds to handle out of control CM version, or wrecks with Shadow Claw.
Stops its sweep COLD with D-Bond, or picks of weakened ones with Sucker Punch
D-Bond much?
A Rank
Shuts down with Taunt
Taunts to prevent setup, D-Bond to handle out of control SD, cripples with WoW
Shuts down with Taunt, nails with Shadow Claw, takes down with D-Bond for CM out of control
Cripples with WoW, picks off with Shadow Claw, takes down with D-Bond, prevents shit with Taunt
Picks off with Sucker Punch, or stops with D-Bond
Picks off with Sucker Punch, stops with D-Bond
A- Rank
Yeah, can't really stop this thing, but its not like this thing can do much back, and if it attacks, it gets taken down with D-Bond
Winner of speed-tie (or speed creep) OHKOs with Shadow Claw
Stops setup with Taunt, stops sweep with D-Bond, cripples with WoW, or picks off weakened ones with Sucker Punch
Picks off with Shadow Claw, stops with D-Bond
Cripples with WoW, Taunts to prevent setup, Shadow Claw to maul, or D-Bond to stop SD or BU sweep
Prankster Taunt = The Shit
Picks off with Sucker Punch, stops with D-Bond
Taunt to prevent setup, wrecks with Sucker Punch, stop sweep with D-Bond, you get the drill by now...
Sucker Punch pick off, D-Bond, etc...
Destroy with Shadow Claw
Cripple with WoW, stop sweep with D-Bond
Anyways, that goes to show that Mega-Banette can deal with ANY offensive threat by using Prankster Destiny Bond to stop their sweep cold, pick off weakened ones (usually around half health) with Sucker Punch, or cripple them with WoW, and can deal with ANY defensive threat by shutting them down with Taunt (well, except for Aromatisse and Lickilicky). Absolutely nothing can safely get past Mega Banette 100% of the time, due to Destiny Bond. Mega Banette is the ultimate safety net against all setup sweepers, as well as the ultimate stallbreaker. However, like its ability's name suggests, Mega Banette is to be played like a Prankster. It needs a pretty big deal of prediction and manipulation in order for it to work effectively 100% of the time. Often, the difference between selecting Taunt or Destiny Bond/Sucker Punch can be monumental, and one mispredict can ruin your day. Mega Banette needs a large amount of prediction to be played effectively, but that is about its one and only flaw. Well, except for the fact that it doesn't get Prankster on the turn it mega evolves. Otherwise, it is perhaps one of the most anti-meta pokemon there is, stopping literally every threat cold in its tracks. I really can't see a reason it is not ranked higher.
Also one more thing:
Hitmontop -> B Rank: First, when considering to rank Top, you must consider its competition as a rapid spinner: Hitmonlee, Kabutops, and Claydol. Ignoring Claydol, its fairly obvious that Hitmontop is the only good defensive rapid spinner in the tier. If you need a solid defensive spinner on a team, Hitmontop is pretty much your only choice. And before you say Gligar, or any other Defogger, it is important to note that Defog and Rapid Spin are completely different, and Hitmontop is in no way outclassed by Gligar. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, Hitmontop is guaranteed to remove your hazards, since it has Foresight. No spinblocker is going to spin block Hitmonlee (unless if your opponent runs like Double Ghosts, but lol, who does that anymore). Of course, Hitmontop has some pretty noticeable flaws, including being setup bait to a wide variety of things, but the fact that it faces no competition and the fact that he does his job *100% of the time succesfully*, something no other spinner can boast, he deserves B rank.
While it is true that Mega Abomasnow can destroy a large portion of defensive pokemon, the reverse is true as well. Abomasnow's atrocious defensive typing outshines its offensive potential. Almost any offensive pokemon in the tier with a SE move destroys Abomasnow, greatly limiting its effectiveness. Every Fire-type in the tier can consistently force out Mega Abomasnow, as well as other common threats like Hitmonlee and Escavalier. Furthermore, its abysmal speed means that its going to have to be taking hits before it attacks, something it dislikes greatly. It's crippling flaws requires heavy support (like Trick Room), that mostly eclipses its strengths. However, that being said, it still is a force to be reckoned with, destroying the common pokemon you listed. It should remain in B+.
EDIT: Oh, I also support Slowking moving up to A, for reasons already covered.
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A very minor nitpick to the above post, Meloetta isn't rekted by Shadow Claw due to her normal typing. But othrwise Banette is really amazing thanks to priority Taunt D-bond and its relatively low speed to "lengthen" D-bonds. It does however hate status and volt turn wearing it down, but otherwise does its job consistently as your emergency get out of bail with sweepers.
Ok, covering more starting.... NOW:
Tangrowth: While Firespam really sucks for this thing right now and Delphox and Escavalier shit all over this thing, Tangrowth can be pretty cool. That high defense stat and Regenerator allows it to check most physical threats, and even flat out stop some serious ones like Rhyperior, Sharpedo (if no Ice Beam) and Zoroark (if full physical) Like Slowking, Tangrowth can run Assault Vest to greatly improve its special bulk while having Regenerator make up for lack of Lefties. While it does have some issues with key threats like Delphox and Escavalier, it can still check the vast majority of a single end of the spectrum, which can make it a decent option. I think B+ is as high as it should go considering Mola is a thing in the tier and it's a physical wall too... with a much better defensive typing for RU.
Bannette (Mega): This thing is really freaking good. I've been using it recently on Web Offense and it really exceeded my expectations for it honestly. It has a crazy good Attack stat, Prankster Taunt + D-Bond, and a cool offensive movepool that includes Shadow Claw, Knock Off, Sucker Punch, and even Shadow Sneak. While Will-O-Wisp is neat, I don't find a good use for it on Mega-Bannette as it's an offensive Pokemon by nature and generally wants to attack when possible. I find D-Bond, Taunt, and two of Sucker Punch, Shadow Claw, and Knock Off to be sufficient in most cases. Offensive SubSplit may be interesting though with Prankster. Definitely deserving of A/A+ rank imo.
Bronzong: Yeah, I don't feel B+ is very good for this thing. While it can be pretty decent, there's a ton of other bulky Rocks setters in the tier. The main ones are Rhyperior and Registeel. Both are quite bulky, and both have consistent ways of dealing out damage. Rhyperior just has a naturally high Attack stat and good offensive typing while Registeel can just sit there and S-Toss half of the tier while crippling random shit like Delphox and Moltres with paralysis. Bronzong has to rely on super low Speed to make Gyro Ball deal decent damage, and if it gets resisted, the opponent is likely setting up. That said, Levitate gives it a cool Ground immunity while the secondary Psychic-typing trades in Ghost- and Dark-type weaknesses for a neutrality to Fighting. It does have use, but in a tier with Rhyperior and Registeel, I think Bronzong is best suited for B-.
Abomasnow (Mega): First of all, this needs to be denoted in the OP as it currently isn't as of this post. Aside from that, Mega-Abomasnow is fine in B+. It is a very serious offensive threat that can cause some serious problems if you don't have a Fire-type, but considering there are great Fire-types in Delphox, Moltres, and Emboar, there is little reason not to run one. Defensive / bulky Steel-types such as Registeel and Escavalier are also around to tank out Mega-Abomasnow's STAB moves. It's stupidly slow, has a pretty poor defensive typing, and has its STAB combination resisted by two of the more common types in the tier, thus limiting its potential. That said, it can run EQ for coverage and TR support can be provided to make up for the lack of Speed, so it isn't like Mega-Abomasnow is impossible to support. It's just that I think it requires a little too much specific support to function at optimal capacity. I think B+ is fitting for it.
Aromatisse: This thing definitely needs to move up. It has a fantastic support movepool, a neat ability in Aroma Veil, and solid mixed defenses.... Yeah, that's right, I said mixed defenses. A lot of people think Aromatisse is only capable of being a special wall, but it can do more than that. It can perform as a full-on physical wall thanks to its great set of physical-based resistances in Fighting, Bug, and Dark. If that weren't enough, it is possible to EV Aromatisse to not only avoid a 2HKO from Reckless LO Hitmonlee's HJK, but also to avoid a 2HKO from LO Heliolisk's Thunderbolt! A feat that isn't easily accomplished considering Fighting and Electric don't share a resistance or immunity (it requires dual types like Ground/Flying or Ghost/Grass to do this) This means that Aromatisse is capable of being a special wall, physical wall, or mixed tank, depending on what you need from her. Definitely approve of her moving to A rank. Also, some calcs with the mixed spread I elluded to:
Tangrowth: While Firespam really sucks for this thing right now and Delphox and Escavalier shit all over this thing, Tangrowth can be pretty cool. That high defense stat and Regenerator allows it to check most physical threats, and even flat out stop some serious ones like Rhyperior, Sharpedo (if no Ice Beam) and Zoroark (if full physical) Like Slowking, Tangrowth can run Assault Vest to greatly improve its special bulk while having Regenerator make up for lack of Lefties. While it does have some issues with key threats like Delphox and Escavalier, it can still check the vast majority of a single end of the spectrum, which can make it a decent option. I think B+ is as high as it should go considering Mola is a thing in the tier and it's a physical wall too... with a much better defensive typing for RU.
Bannette (Mega): This thing is really freaking good. I've been using it recently on Web Offense and it really exceeded my expectations for it honestly. It has a crazy good Attack stat, Prankster Taunt + D-Bond, and a cool offensive movepool that includes Shadow Claw, Knock Off, Sucker Punch, and even Shadow Sneak. While Will-O-Wisp is neat, I don't find a good use for it on Mega-Bannette as it's an offensive Pokemon by nature and generally wants to attack when possible. I find D-Bond, Taunt, and two of Sucker Punch, Shadow Claw, and Knock Off to be sufficient in most cases. Offensive SubSplit may be interesting though with Prankster. Definitely deserving of A/A+ rank imo.
Bronzong: Yeah, I don't feel B+ is very good for this thing. While it can be pretty decent, there's a ton of other bulky Rocks setters in the tier. The main ones are Rhyperior and Registeel. Both are quite bulky, and both have consistent ways of dealing out damage. Rhyperior just has a naturally high Attack stat and good offensive typing while Registeel can just sit there and S-Toss half of the tier while crippling random shit like Delphox and Moltres with paralysis. Bronzong has to rely on super low Speed to make Gyro Ball deal decent damage, and if it gets resisted, the opponent is likely setting up. That said, Levitate gives it a cool Ground immunity while the secondary Psychic-typing trades in Ghost- and Dark-type weaknesses for a neutrality to Fighting. It does have use, but in a tier with Rhyperior and Registeel, I think Bronzong is best suited for B-.
Abomasnow (Mega): First of all, this needs to be denoted in the OP as it currently isn't as of this post. Aside from that, Mega-Abomasnow is fine in B+. It is a very serious offensive threat that can cause some serious problems if you don't have a Fire-type, but considering there are great Fire-types in Delphox, Moltres, and Emboar, there is little reason not to run one. Defensive / bulky Steel-types such as Registeel and Escavalier are also around to tank out Mega-Abomasnow's STAB moves. It's stupidly slow, has a pretty poor defensive typing, and has its STAB combination resisted by two of the more common types in the tier, thus limiting its potential. That said, it can run EQ for coverage and TR support can be provided to make up for the lack of Speed, so it isn't like Mega-Abomasnow is impossible to support. It's just that I think it requires a little too much specific support to function at optimal capacity. I think B+ is fitting for it.
Aromatisse: This thing definitely needs to move up. It has a fantastic support movepool, a neat ability in Aroma Veil, and solid mixed defenses.... Yeah, that's right, I said mixed defenses. A lot of people think Aromatisse is only capable of being a special wall, but it can do more than that. It can perform as a full-on physical wall thanks to its great set of physical-based resistances in Fighting, Bug, and Dark. If that weren't enough, it is possible to EV Aromatisse to not only avoid a 2HKO from Reckless LO Hitmonlee's HJK, but also to avoid a 2HKO from LO Heliolisk's Thunderbolt! A feat that isn't easily accomplished considering Fighting and Electric don't share a resistance or immunity (it requires dual types like Ground/Flying or Ghost/Grass to do this) This means that Aromatisse is capable of being a special wall, physical wall, or mixed tank, depending on what you need from her. Definitely approve of her moving to A rank. Also, some calcs with the mixed spread I elluded to:
252 Atk Life Orb Reckless Hitmonlee High Jump Kick vs. 248 HP / 196 Def Aromatisse: 160-190 (39.5 - 46.9%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Heliolisk Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 64+ SpD Aromatisse: 157-187 (38.7 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Heliolisk Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 64+ SpD Aromatisse: 157-187 (38.7 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
As someone who has experience using Mega Banette, i can definitely say that a promition to A rank is justified. Mega Banette's access to Prankster Destiny Bond and Will-O-Wisp is absolutely invaluable for offensive teams that need a hard hitting Ghost-type (think Sticky Web). I don't always use Will-O-Wisp on nette, but when i do it really comes in handy to be able to quickly burn otherwise threatening offensive Pokemon and/or get chip damage on common switchins. Destiny Bond really is the most important thing though, once Banette is safely mega evolved priority Destiny Bond becomes pretty much the best "oh shit" button in the tier. All kinds of Pokemon that would normally sweep your team at that point otherwise have to win multiple 50/50s to get past Mega Banette at best or end up in a one for one at worst. Of course, Mega Banette has to sacrifice itself for this to work, but what would you rather have happen, a dead mega banette and the biggest threat to your team completely eliminated, or for that said threat to just run through your entire team? Combine this with a great base 165 Attack stat, the ability to spinblock in a pinch (priority dbond also comes in handy here), and access to useful moves such as Sucker Punch and Knock Off, and you have an excellent utility Pokemon on your hands that definitely deserves a spot in A rank.
As for Bronzong, i also agree that this guy needs to be moved down a bit. Its typing, bulk, and access to Stealth Rock might seem good at first, but idk i just find it to be pretty underwhelming at times :x. The Steel-type nerf and the Knock Off buff really hurt Bronzong's walling capabilities, as not just does a really common move now hit Bronzong super hard, but it also removes Bronzong's only recovery in leftovers after being hit. Being weak to other moves such as Shadow Ball and Pursuit doesn't really help out zonger either. Another thing keeping Bronzong down is competition from Registeel, who has significantly higher defenses on both sides and access to Seismic Toss for consistent damage. Of course, Bronzong isn't completely outclassed by Registeel due to the (admittedly big) Levitate, as well as the access to a much stronger STAB in Gyro Ball, but if i didn't absolutely need my Steel-type rocks pokemon to be immune to ground at that point i'd be strongly considering running the Iron Golem over bronze bell to say the least. B- sounds good to me
As for Bronzong, i also agree that this guy needs to be moved down a bit. Its typing, bulk, and access to Stealth Rock might seem good at first, but idk i just find it to be pretty underwhelming at times :x. The Steel-type nerf and the Knock Off buff really hurt Bronzong's walling capabilities, as not just does a really common move now hit Bronzong super hard, but it also removes Bronzong's only recovery in leftovers after being hit. Being weak to other moves such as Shadow Ball and Pursuit doesn't really help out zonger either. Another thing keeping Bronzong down is competition from Registeel, who has significantly higher defenses on both sides and access to Seismic Toss for consistent damage. Of course, Bronzong isn't completely outclassed by Registeel due to the (admittedly big) Levitate, as well as the access to a much stronger STAB in Gyro Ball, but if i didn't absolutely need my Steel-type rocks pokemon to be immune to ground at that point i'd be strongly considering running the Iron Golem over bronze bell to say the least. B- sounds good to me
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EonX- Definitely agree on Bronzong moving down, and I already stated my opinion on that. I also agree on Aromatisse moving up, excellent defensive typing with excellent defensive stats, and it puts an absolute stop to otherwise very threatening Pokemon, most notably Hitmonlee. It's also a great cleric/wish passer.
I have two nominations here:
Jellicent: B- ---> B
Jellicent is a very good Pokemon in the current meta. It can spinblock very effectively against any Rapid Spinner not named Hitmonlee, which is almost impossible to spinblock. Its access to Recover, decent Speed, and ability to Taunt or Will-o-Wisp most common threats lets it do fairly well, better than a B- Pokemon should imo. In addition, it can destroy teams with a Choice Specs Water Spout, especially under Sticky Web. Shit just dies.
Pokemon Jellicent Walls: (Assume Taunt / Scald / WoW / Recover)
S: None
A+: Reuniclus (esp. if using Taunt)
A: LO Cobalion, Cresselia, Yanmega
A-: Aromatisse, Durant, Emboar, Gorebyss
B+: Bronzong, Registeel, Shuckle
B: Dragalge, Meowstic-M, Uxie
B-: Combusken, Hitmontop
In conclusion, Jellicent's ability to wall a decent portion of the mata and check even more make it worthy of B tier.
Barbaracle: B- ---> B+
At +2, Barbaracle is an absolute menace, pulverizing walls left and right with power STAB and Tough Claws-boosted attacks. Why, then, is it B- rank? Barbaracle's useful 4x resist to Fire grants it setup opportunities on the likes of Choice Specs Delphox locked into Fire Blast / Flamethrower. In addition, it has useful resistances to Flying, Normal, Poison and Ice which let it set up on a decent portion of the meta. If you can't set up on your own with Barbaracle, some Memento support will make it a menace. In conclusion, Barbaracle deserves B+ Rank because of the sheer power of SS / Razor Shell / Stone Edge / Poison Jab or EQ with a Life Orb; that set can demolish entire teams. A White Herb is also usable to let it live some priority :)
Jellicent: B- ---> B
Jellicent is a very good Pokemon in the current meta. It can spinblock very effectively against any Rapid Spinner not named Hitmonlee, which is almost impossible to spinblock. Its access to Recover, decent Speed, and ability to Taunt or Will-o-Wisp most common threats lets it do fairly well, better than a B- Pokemon should imo. In addition, it can destroy teams with a Choice Specs Water Spout, especially under Sticky Web. Shit just dies.
Pokemon Jellicent Walls: (Assume Taunt / Scald / WoW / Recover)
S: None
A+: Reuniclus (esp. if using Taunt)
A: LO Cobalion, Cresselia, Yanmega
A-: Aromatisse, Durant, Emboar, Gorebyss
B+: Bronzong, Registeel, Shuckle
B: Dragalge, Meowstic-M, Uxie
B-: Combusken, Hitmontop
In conclusion, Jellicent's ability to wall a decent portion of the mata and check even more make it worthy of B tier.
Barbaracle: B- ---> B+
At +2, Barbaracle is an absolute menace, pulverizing walls left and right with power STAB and Tough Claws-boosted attacks. Why, then, is it B- rank? Barbaracle's useful 4x resist to Fire grants it setup opportunities on the likes of Choice Specs Delphox locked into Fire Blast / Flamethrower. In addition, it has useful resistances to Flying, Normal, Poison and Ice which let it set up on a decent portion of the meta. If you can't set up on your own with Barbaracle, some Memento support will make it a menace. In conclusion, Barbaracle deserves B+ Rank because of the sheer power of SS / Razor Shell / Stone Edge / Poison Jab or EQ with a Life Orb; that set can demolish entire teams. A White Herb is also usable to let it live some priority :)
Expulso I definitely agree on Barbaracle. I've actually been wanting to talk about it for a while now but I couldn't find a suitable rank for it, I would put it like A- but that would be a pretty big jump, especially considering Barbaracle needs support, but its surely well worth the support.
Anyway, the set-up opportunities Barbaracle gets are pretty big. It can set up on Choice-locked Braviary, Emboar and Exploud, and also on defensive Pokemon like Aromatisse, Slowking (assuming no scald burn lel) etc. It's typing is unique, but sadly it makes it weak to Mach Punch. It has decent enough defenses to take random Sucker Punches if using White Herb, and it has fucking frightening power with LO. At +2 it also outspeeds most if not all common scarfers, and with Stone Edge / Razor Shell / Poison Jab it gets nasty coverage. Sadly though, as I said before, the mach punch weaknesses suck.
It's a perfect teammate to the likes of Dugtrio and Meowstic, who can support him a lot with Memento and Dual Screens respectively. Definitely B+ worthy. Frightening sweeper, but needs enough support and has a flaw or two keeping it from going A- or higher.
Anyway, the set-up opportunities Barbaracle gets are pretty big. It can set up on Choice-locked Braviary, Emboar and Exploud, and also on defensive Pokemon like Aromatisse, Slowking (assuming no scald burn lel) etc. It's typing is unique, but sadly it makes it weak to Mach Punch. It has decent enough defenses to take random Sucker Punches if using White Herb, and it has fucking frightening power with LO. At +2 it also outspeeds most if not all common scarfers, and with Stone Edge / Razor Shell / Poison Jab it gets nasty coverage. Sadly though, as I said before, the mach punch weaknesses suck.
It's a perfect teammate to the likes of Dugtrio and Meowstic, who can support him a lot with Memento and Dual Screens respectively. Definitely B+ worthy. Frightening sweeper, but needs enough support and has a flaw or two keeping it from going A- or higher.
nominating Wynaut for C Rank.
wynaut has a small but potentially very powerful niche in the ru meta thanks to the combination of trapping and countercoat+encore.
it can eliminate scarfers without fail (except base-form rotom and haunter i guess), and hard check setup sweepers lacking strong se moves. with encore it can reliably provide openings to dangerous sweeper and wallbreakers by locking opposing mons into sub, setup moves, recovery moves or weak/resisted attacks.
wynaut has some very notable flaws, such as being worn down very easily over the course of a match, bad defensive typing leaving it weak to knock off, and heavy reliance on prediction both to get in safely and to actually perform its role. however, its perks justify using it on certain offensive teams despite this.
wynaut has a small but potentially very powerful niche in the ru meta thanks to the combination of trapping and countercoat+encore.
it can eliminate scarfers without fail (except base-form rotom and haunter i guess), and hard check setup sweepers lacking strong se moves. with encore it can reliably provide openings to dangerous sweeper and wallbreakers by locking opposing mons into sub, setup moves, recovery moves or weak/resisted attacks.
wynaut has some very notable flaws, such as being worn down very easily over the course of a match, bad defensive typing leaving it weak to knock off, and heavy reliance on prediction both to get in safely and to actually perform its role. however, its perks justify using it on certain offensive teams despite this.
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