OMotM/LCotM Spotlight: Re-Evolution and Category Swap

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What is an OMotM/LCotM?

The OMotM, or Other Metagame of the Month, is the metagame that is voted by the players to have a ladder for a specific month. The LCotM, or Leader's Choice of the Month, is a second ladder that is chosen specifically by OM Forum Mods. For the most part, the LCotM is a metagame that needs more love, as it may not be able to compete with the metagames that get nominated for the OMotM voting.

For August 2022, the OM of the Month is Re-Evolution, while Leader's Choice is Category Swap, two brand new metagames.

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Introduction to Re-Evolution

Re-Evolution is a metagame where the stat boosts from evolution are applied twice! For example, because it gains 30 base HP upon evolving, Corviknight gains an extra base 30 HP to have a whopping base 128 HP, and so on with each of its stats. This metagame opens up a lot of variety, as Pokémon gain very different stat boosts depending on their previous evolution. Something like Scizor receives very little from this metagame, while a Pokémon like Noivern gains massive stat boosts. With such variation in power and new threats, this metagame offers an experience unlike any other OM. Looking at some of the stat boosts, this metagame may seem wacky, but with Ubers like Kyogre and Eternatus allowed and both strong threats and bulky walls, the metagame is surprisingly well balanced. To see the stats of re-evolved Pokémon, be sure to use the /reevo command on PS!, or /showevo if you only want to see the stat increases given in the metagame.

Threats in Re-Evolution

Golisopod is the epitome of Re-Evolution, sporting a whopping 831 BST despite only base 1 Speed. The sheer amount of stats it possesses enough to make it viable, even if Emergency Exit can be a detriment at times. Golisopod can be a powerful wallbreaker with its 215 base Attack and Swords Dance or can threaten teams in the long run with Spikes. Spikes sets prefer First Impression for an opportunity to revenge kill threats, while Swords Dance sets prefer Leech Life for longevity and better coverage alongside Liquidation. Knock Off removes opposing items, which is particularly helpful against Pokémon with Heavy-Duty Boots. Overall, Golisopod is an absolute monster in Re-Evolution and for once it's not because it gets a new ability.

Noivern is a great revenge killer in Re-Evolution with base 191 Speed and great coverage. While Noivern has always had rather mediocre stats in other tiers, it excels in Re-Evolution. With great bulk, Noivern can also run support or stallbreaker sets, there's honestly very little it can't do. If you're looking for a great all-around threat to use in Re-Evolution, Noivern is the way to go.

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Introduction to Category Swap

Category Swap is a metagame where physical moves become special, and vice versa! This creates an interesting dynamic, as once powerful attackers may miss out on their previously good movepool, while others may find brand new STAB moves or coverage. This is made more interesting by the fact that setup moves stay the same, so seeing Swords Dance Focus Blast Pokémon can be quite humorous. Foul Play and Body Press are still reliable options for defensive Pokémon thanks to their mechanics still retaining the aspects which made them appealing to defensive Pokémon. This metagame is largely undeveloped being so new, so this month's ladder will be a great time to try out different ideas! Be careful when building though, the teambuilder does suggest incorrect EVs, IVs, and natures.

Threats in Category Swap

• Gyarados @ Leftovers
• Ability: Intimidate
• EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
• Adamant Nature
• - Hurricane
• - Surf
• - Substitute
• - Dragon Dance

Gyarados has been an early threat in Category Swap, with Dragon Dance sets benefiting from its wider special movepool and significantly stronger STAB moves, with a single turn Flying-type STAB move for once. Gyarados can opt for Substitute Dragon Dance sets to take advantage of defensive Pokémon or use strong coverage like Flamethrower and Thunderbolt to hit switch-ins such as Ferrothorn. It's very possible that Gyarados will be banned throughout this month, so use it while you can!

• Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
• Ability: Iron Barbs
• EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
• Impish Nature
• - Giga Drain
• - Body Press
• - Leech Seed
• - Spikes

Ferrothorn gains an interesting new move; Giga Drain. The formerly mediocre move for it is now a strong option to help keep it healthy throughout games, especially when wielded by Ferrothorn's surprisingly capable base 94 Attack. The added coverage means Ferrothorn can reliably damage threats like Keldeo and Hippowdon. One downside to using Ferrothorn as a physical wall is that special moves turned physical by the Category Swap mechanic are mostly non-contact, though it can double as a strong mixed wall as special attackers tend to be a bit weaker in this metagame.

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Conclusion

Re-Evolution and Category Swap are both metagames that introduce viable Pokémon that are typically bad and offer unique experiences for anyone to enjoy. Enjoy these metagames this August and check out the Other Metas room on PS! to discuss them.

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