Frequently Asked Questions

Be sure to look here and be sure to read through this entire page before going to this thread!

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Q: What exactly is an Other Metagame?

A: Other Metagames are formats created by users that are put through a submission process in which moderators review your idea and then improve upon it and ulitmately approve it. An Other Metagame is basically any format that is not standard; such standard tiers include Ubers, OU, UU, RU, NU, LC, and DOU (Doubles OU). Any tier besides that is typically considered an Other Metagame. Some popular metagames include STABmons, Almost Any Ability, and Balanced Hackmons.

Q: Who are the moderators of this subforum?

A: There are currently three moderators of the forum and they are the Other Metagames leader The Immortal, scpinion, imas.

Q: How long does submissions usually take?

A: The submission process could range anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or so, it all depends on how quickly the moderators are able to review it. A good tip is to never PM / VM spam them asking them to check your metagame, it will not make them go quicker; instead, it will annoy them. The one exception to this is if your metagame has had no replies after one week, tagging them in the thread can alert them; keep in mind that they are humans and will occasionally miss things.

Q: How do I vote for Other Metagame of the Month?

A: All OMotM info can be found here!

Q: What is a Pet Mod?

A: Pet Mods are, quite simply, formats in which mostly custom changes are made. This includes changing the type of specific Pokémon, adding new moves, or adding new Pokémon, even. These Pet Mods must also be approved by the OM team.

Q: Are all Pet Mods Other Metagames? Are all Other Metagames Pet Mods?

A: The answer to the first question is yes, the answer to the second question is no. All Pet Mods are Other Metagames, not all Other Metagames are Pet Mods.

Q: Where do we discuss the metagames?

A: The most relibale way of discussion is by simply posting in the metagame's thread. Keep in mind that this is a forum, so posts may not come that quickly. If you're looking for real-time discussion or answers, check out the Other Metagames room on Pokémon Showdown! We also have an IRC Channel!

Q: What do I submit?

A: Submitting metagames can be a bit tough at first, but there is really no limit on what you can submit! Be sure to check the index beforehand, though, to ensure a metagame has not already been approved. Generally, it's important to remember that the metagame should be a bit simple, so anyone can pick it up and learn it! For more information, check out this article for more information!

Q: With all these metagames, how do I know what's already been submitted?

A: This is where the Index is especially helpful.

Q: Are my OM Submissions viewable to everyone?

A: Nope! Your OM Submissions are only viewable by the Other Metagame Moderators and other people that have access to OM Submissions, and they don't really have a reason to leak what you post either!

Q: Do I earn anything for participating?

A: There is no "guaranteed" reward for good posting, but it does not go unnoticed. Consistent good activity can also lead to earning a badge. Do note, however, that winning OMotM does not earn you anything but bragging rights.

Q: This metagame is on the sixth page, permission to bump?

A: Short answer: no. Long answer: maybe not. Always check with a moderator and get permission before you bump anything, it's usually against the rules. However, one can bump an old metagame with permission should a metagame or project be deserving. Generally, it's never okay to bump outdated metagames from previous generations.

Q: Where do I play?

A: Sadly, most metagames do not have actual places to be played and are often left to discussion. A select few metagames, however, do have ladders and are able to be played on Pokémon Showdown!

Q: Where do I find sample teams?

A:You can find the sample teams thread here.

Q: What is a micro-meta?

A: A micro-meta is any metagame in which a total of 50 or under Pokémon are allowed to be used in a metagame. You can find out more information here.

Q: What's the deal with Balanced Hackmons?

A: Balanced Hackmons underwent a controversial change that involved the EV limit being changed from 1512 to 510, due to in-game mechanics. This led to a lot of concerns and issues in the community, but eventually things stabilized and were settled down a bit more.

Q: What's the policy on revamping old metagames?

A: Usually, it will be alright to update older metagames to better reflect the current one. Be sure to get permission from both the moderators and the previous metagame creator, though.

Q: Is this the place to discuss CAP?

A: Nope, CAP is it's own project, hence "Create-A-Pokémon Project". The best place for this is the CAP subforum for this.

Q: I have a server, am I allowed to host these?

A: As long as you have permission from the owner, it will be fine! All code can be found here.

Q: What is the edge on critism and being rude?

A: Think of it like this: if you are being helpful, you're doing it right. Giving constructive criticism is what is looked for, not someone telling someone else that their metagame idea is horrible. This defeats the whole purpose; plus, bashing on other people can lead to an infraction or ban. You'll most likely know the line, be sure not to cross!

Q: I saw someone make a bad post in the subforum, what do I do?

A: The best course of action in this case is to leave the post alone and not reply to the thread, the moderators will get to it as soon as they possibly can. Just a warning, minimodding is quite frowned upon.

Q: Is there an IRC channel?

A: Yes!

Q: How do I get involved with Other Metagames C&C?

A: Other Metagames Analyses are only allowed for Almost Any Ability, Anything Goes, Balanced Hackmons, and STABmons. Learn more here!

Q: Is there anything else I should know?

A: Hopefully this answers every single one of your questions regarding Other Metagames! If you are still confused, and have read everything on this page, then ask over here!