Other XY OU Viability Ranking Thread (B- and C+ Pokemon discussion)

[AOPSUser]

Since I often (Weekly I believe) create new account to try out new pokemons, Knock off is extremely common in the lower ladders, I have seen Knock off on Alakazam (Not kidding), but as I go +2000, Knock off does get rarer, but it is still quite common, as really, Tentacruel DOES use it, for the sake of removing the item and not the damage, and so does Deoxys-D.

That's not my point tho, being locked to EQ is generally bad, as tons of things are immune/resistant, but Knock off only gets stronger.

In a late-game sweep situation, Heracross will either be spamming Close Combat or Megahorn. It's pretty much a given that Aegislash and co. are gone at that point. Earlier in the game, I'd rather be locked into EQ than Knock Off against Aegislash.

Also lol Knock Off Alakazam. And I haven't seen any Deoxys-D use it, nor Tentacruel, yet.

 

[Ruffles]

I have seen a lot of weird things in the lower ladder like SubPunch gengar w/ knock off.

However, Tentacruel and Deo-D are two pokemons that I have seen use Knock off constantly even in high ladders.

 

[Kawaii Kyouko]

I have seen a lot of weird things in the lower ladder like SubPunch gengar w/ knock off.

However, Tentacruel and Deo-D are two pokemons that I have seen use Knock off constantly even in high ladders.

Don't bring in what "the lower ladders" does to prove what's common or not.

 

[Antonius the Great]

Prediction in lower ladders was so annoying I can't even... I've never seen a Tentacruel running Knock Off, but maybe that's just my luck. Deo-D has knocked off so many items of mine though >.< I wish this move was blockable like Rapid Spin, but Dark hits everything. Maybe this move could add viability to Sticky Hold, being that Knock Off is actually relatively common now

 

[Jazzy]

Why is X above Y, when a majority of people are running Y. Other dragons do X job so much better, Y does something exlcusive (Charizard)

 

[Bluwing]

When i'm talking about Tonr-T sorry ove been drinking! Ofc he STAB of choice is Air Slash whic more than good tho also has amazing coverage.

 

[TheUltimateStorm]

Why is X above Y, when a majority of people are running Y. Other dragons do X job so much better, Y does something exlcusive (Charizard)

Like? Zard X is unburnable which can screw other Dragon Dancers and has a great STAB Combination as well, the only two relevant Pokemon to block it are Heatran and Azumarill, the former can be nailed with EQ while the latter is able to be nailed by TPunch should Azumarill be a problem. I could also mention Tough Claws 33% Boost to Contact moves and how It's the best Tough Claws user out there, or how it can easily run a mixed set with those 130/130/100 Offensive Stats, but I'll stop here.

Prediction in lower ladders was so annoying I can't even... I've never seen a Tentacruel running Knock Off, but maybe that's just my luck. Deo-D has knocked off so many items of mine though >.< I wish this move was blockable like Rapid Spin, but Dark hits everything. Maybe this move could add viability to Sticky Hold, being that Knock Off is actually relatively common now

It has ways around it. Either A, run a Mega, because Mega Stones are immune to KO'S effect, or switch something in that wouldn't mind losing it's item, like Gliscor after it's been Poisoned by it's TO.

 

[Ruffles]

Don't bring in what "the lower ladders" does to prove what's common or not.

I ... I ... I said that KO was relatively common in the high ladders, almost every 2 teams had one pokemons that could KO, I just said that lower ladders have it way more common as 2 pokemons out of 1 team have KO

Prediction in lower ladders was so annoying I can't even... I've never seen a Tentacruel running Knock Off, but maybe that's just my luck. Deo-D has knocked off so many items of mine though >.< I wish this move was blockable like Rapid Spin, but Dark hits everything. Maybe this move could add viability to Sticky Hold, being that Knock Off is actually relatively common now

Usually I sacrifice something I don't need like TO or FO on a pokemon w/ Guts/Poison heal, a pokemon that is not full health that has FS (Focus Sash), or just a death fodder

 

[termi]

Replies in bold:

Let's calc:

Still a lot of damage, Volca does not appreciate and now it absolutely lacks SpA investment because it is focused on HP and Speed, even at +1 it cannot OHKO Mismagius (unlike Gengar who would be complete set-up bait). Another Power Gem will easily KO.
yeah so basically, Volcarona can't switch in on it, big fucking whoop. Realistically, you're not gonna switch in your Volc on Mismagius anyways, but rather, you're gonna switch in your Missy on Volc while Volc boosts, then heavily dents Missy, Missy dents Volc, Volc KOs. The fact that Mismagius can potentially form a shaky check to Volc is hardly a niche, now is it? If you wanna get rid of Volcarona, set SR and run Heatran (who fits on a lot of teams), don't run some obscure inferior version of Gengar for it.

And that is without the boosting item that Mismagius requires if you do not run Nasty Plot.
I'm sure Missy likes taking a Fire Blast to the face when it's trying to switch in (hint: it doesn't, it gets OHKO'd lol). And don't give me the "but-zard-is-switching-in-on-missy"-face because, well, let's put it this way: Would you comfortably switch in your Zard on a Gengar? No? Then would you comfortably switch your Zard in on Missy? Exactly.

Even with a Specs it is likely fail to OHKO.
It's outsped though, so it can't switch in on Gengar safely (who even runs Tbolt on Gengar though, Gar has better shit to do than catch Charizards switching in off-guard)

But as I said, I am vouching for D-rank, not any higher for obvious reasons ^^ .
Mismagius has one niche and that's being a worse Gengar with Nasty Plot. If you're not using Nasty Plot, then you're using a Gengar without poison typing (and the poison typing is basically nothing but beneficial, the weakness to psychic doesn't really hurt at all), worse speed, worse power, more bulk (but still frail as hell so who fucking cares lol) and without the perfect coverage that Focus Blast provides. And the NP set is just really hard to pull off when you're using a Pokemon as frail as this.

tl;dr Mismagius is not worthy of any ranking

 

[ShadowMarioGalaxy64]

I didn't want to post on this thread again for a while. I did some reading and after Emboar, Mega Venusaur, and Mismagius wars, it didn't feel like a good time to even try to give out my opinion. I also saw conversations on Knock Off and wanted to say that I've used Knock Off on Thundurus-I, which is the designated annoyance Pokemon on my team. It worked to some extent, but that's not why I decided to post here again. I wanted to argue about some of the rankings yet again.

I may have brought it up once, but I do believe that Hydreigon deserves some form of ranking (yes, there is an OU Analysis in the making--just checked). I'm unsure as to where currently, though. Hydreigon is one of my favorite Choice Scarf users and is still a difficult Pokemon to switch into. It has the right movepool in the right places like Superpower for Chansey, Flash Cannon for Faeries not named Klefki, Mawile, or Azumarill, Flamethrower/Fire Blast for Steel-Types, Dragon Pulse/Draco Meteor to nuke once Steel and Fairy-Types are gone, U-Turn to maintain momentum, Dark Pulse for Psychic and Ghost-Types, Earthquake and...Stone Edge...(wait, when did it get those?)? Hydreigon's offensive options are everywhere, but the dark hydra has some flaws. Its typing has become even more hit and miss. While its coverage against Steel-Types is much better, Faeries run amock and can not only tank its STABs, but also hit it for 4x the damage. It also carries the same problems from last gen, with Mach Punch and Ice Shard Priority not being very nice. It is, however, still difficult to switch into and carries great attributes, but isn't what it used to be. At the moment, I can only see Hydreigon at B, but I will need to use it quite a few more times before I begin making complete assumptions. Thoughts about this one are welcome.

I'm also unsure about Aerodactyl. This one I personally cannot speak about, as I have no experience with it, but I would love to hear how everybody else thinks about Aerodactyl. The same could go for Ampharos as well since I never really used it.

 

[Ruffles]

I didn't want to post on this thread again for a while. I did some reading and after Emboar, Mega Venusaur, and Mismagius wars, it didn't feel like a good time to even try to give out my opinion. I also saw conversations on Knock Off and wanted to say that I've used Knock Off on Thundurus-I, which is the designated annoyance Pokemon on my team. It worked to some extent, but that's not why I decided to post here again. I wanted to argue about some of the rankings yet again.

I may have brought it up once, but I do believe that Hydreigon deserves some form of ranking (yes, there is an OU Analysis in the making--just checked). I'm unsure as to where currently, though. Hydreigon is one of my favorite Choice Scarf users and is still a difficult Pokemon to switch into. It has the right movepool in the right places like Superpower for Chansey, Flash Cannon for Faeries not named Klefki, Mawile, or Azumarill, Flamethrower/Fire Blast for Steel-Types, Dragon Pulse/Draco Meteor to nuke once Steel and Fairy-Types are gone, U-Turn to maintain momentum, Dark Pulse for Psychic and Ghost-Types, Earthquake and...Stone Edge...(wait, when did it get those?)? Hydreigon's offensive options are everywhere, but the dark hydra has some flaws. Its typing has become even more hit and miss. While its coverage against Steel-Types is much better, Faeries run amock and can not only tank its STABs, but also hit it for 4x the damage. It also carries the same problems from last gen, with Mach Punch and Ice Shard Priority not being very nice. It is, however, still difficult to switch into and carries great attributes, but isn't what it used to be. At the moment, I can only see Hydreigon at B, but I will need to use it quite a few more times before I begin making complete assumptions. Thoughts about this one are welcome.

I'm also unsure about Aerodactyl. This one I personally cannot speak about, as I have no experience with it, but I would love to hear how everybody else thinks about Aerodactyl. The same could go for Ampharos as well since I never really used it.

I have to disagree about Flash Cannon, no fairy is OHKO-ed by it (No OU viable fairy at the very least), but I have to agree, Hydreigon is really good, has average bulk 92/90/90 that it survives at least STAB Priority (252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 174-211 (53.5 - 64.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO) without investment and has amazing coverage other than what you have mentioned, it does get Focus Blast, which is better than being locked into Superpower (Running Scarf that is, I do agree it is the best item on him), but he has good items too, LO, because he can also chain (Supwerpower + Draco Meteor) w/ LO, can fake a choice item with Expert Belt, and do crazy damage with Choice Specs, furthermore, he has enough speed to wallbreak (98) so a choice scarf is only necessary for sweeping. I have used Hydreigon amny times this generation, and it has some new niche, having more synergy, I have noticed that Mega Mawile, Mega Manectric (VoltTurn baby), and Klefki are great synergy, along with the good old Tentacruel. I do agree, Hydreigon for B. B- is the lowest I see it in IMO.

 

[Sergeant Spooky]

I'm also unsure about Aerodactyl. This one I personally cannot speak about, as I have no experience with it, but I would love to hear how everybody else thinks about Aerodactyl. The same could go for Ampharos as well since I never really used it.

Ampharos is IMO a highly underrated mega. It's is a great, bulky slow pivot. It has a lot of switch in opportunities in the form of Talonflame and Rotom-W, the two most common Pokemon in OU, and with its slow Volt-turn (coming off of huge 165 SpA) it's great at building momentum. It has excellent 90/105/110 defenses, and due to its poor speed you'll usually be running max HP EVs. Its typing, while possessing a weakness to Earthquake, gives it six resistances and the ability to switch into any Electric attack with barely a scratch. Its speed is good for a pivot, but with Agility it can also boost itself to a great speed tier and attempt a sweep. However, its ability is mostly useless.

As for Aerodactyl, it's underrated but not that good of a mega. Its ridiculous speed, decent attack and high-powered coverage moves mean few things can safely switch in. QuakeEdge is not boosted by its ability, however the elemental fangs, Crunch, Aqua Tail, Iron Head, and Pursuit all are. It also has a huge number of support moves, such as a ridiculously fast Taunt, Stealth Rock, Whirlwind, Roost, and Defog.

Its only attack boosting move is the mediocre Hone Claws, which at least makes Stone Edge 100% accurate. Rock/flying is a really poor defensive typing, leaving it weak to a lot of priority and also stealth rock. It also doesn't have any good Flying STABs, which is a shame because STAB Tough Claws Brave Bird would be crazy.

Due to its movepool, decent attack, and ridiculous speed it's IMO able to fill a lot of roles, but it doesn't really excel at anything and I wouldn't put it as my first pick for a mega slot. It's also not much of an upgrade over regular Aerodactyl.

 

[November Blue]

Yeah, Hydreigon is still almost impossible to switch into safely, and has very few "counters." Modest Scarf Dark Pulse sweeps teams, and its typing, bulk, and U-turn are all really good. I'd rank Hydreigon A. It's still a very good Poke, even with the poor thing's fairy phobia.

 

[Photofluid]

I think it's time to reveal yet another underrated and forgotten Pokemon who shines in this metagame: Krookodile.

Dark is now one of the best offensive and even defensive typings right now, as the buff to Knock Off, the fact that Steel no longer resists Dark, and Dark resisting itself and Ghost, make it very powerful. Krookodile has two excellent abilities that allow it to effectively fulfill an offensive or defensive role.

For me, I've been using Krookodile defensively on a stall team I made with Plus, and it's been a very important member. With Intimidate and its workable defensive spread of 95 HP/80 Def/70 SpD, it's actually really bulky on the physical side, to the surprise of many people. For comparison sake:

-1 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Krookodile: 102-121 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 118-141 (28 - 33.5%) -- 92.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Intimidate itself is just one of the best abilities in the game right now, easily hindering the slew of scary physical sweepers from causing too much harm, and it's the only Intimidate Pokemon that can actually beat Bisharp. Furthermore, I'd consider it to be on par with Mandibuzz when it comes to countering all variants of Aegislash (even ones with Head Smash!). Krookodile is also very fast as a defensive supporter, making it a potent stallbreaker at the same time with Taunt + Knock Off. It also has access to Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Dragon Tail, depending on what your team prefers. I've been running Stealth Rock/Taunt/Knock Off/Earthquake and it works like a charm. The only unfortunate thing about Krookodile is its lack of reliable recovery, as you're limited to Leftovers recovery or running some kind of RestTalk set with Dragon Tail and Knock Off, but this doesn't really matter. It forces switches like mad, doesn't take much of a beating from the things it's switched into, has a sweet defensive typing, and arguably one of the most overpowered moves in the game in Knock Off.

Looking at the other side of Krookodile, you'll notice that it's a very formidable offensive Pokemon. Base 117 Attack is nothing to scoff at, not even accounting for Krookodile's Moxie ability, and its base 92 Speed is pretty decent (outpaces Landorus-T). Switch Krookodile in against a weakened target or that's Dark weak and you'll essentially be guaranteed a Moxie boost with Pursuit. STAB Dark/Ground is stellar coverage on its own as well, only being resisted by Hydreigon, Togekiss, Chesnaught, Breloom, and Mandibuzz I think. Using Stone Edge as coverage allows Krookodile to bypass Togekiss and Mandibuzz and hits Hydreigon neutrally. Although it's walled by Chesnaught and Breloom, the former is kind of underused and the latter can't switch into a boosted Knock Off or Earthquake. Breloom also sucks now so whatever.

For these reasons, I am nominating Krookodile for B rank.

Wow, accidentally find someone other than my ownself using Krookodile as a stall mon. Yes it packs so many useful quality that fits the current meta so well, it is even a solution to some of the TF sets. The gen VI gives it a 10 BST buff on it def which is huge. Arguably one of the best defensive intimidate user right now which possess the extra niche of walling dark type. Weak against fight type is huge though. Overall I think it agree it should make B- at least. And that is before I inspect its offensive quality.

 

[reale]

I still can't believe jirachi is nowhere on the list, sure it's psychic typing give weakness, and steel got nerfed, but seriously it got body slam/thunder wave+iron head with serene grace, has speed above togekiss (I think it could check her well), good defense in both physical and special and not weak to SR, learn expansive support movepool not losing to togekiss (wish, toxic, stealth rock, trick, trick room, substitute, calm mind). I think it should be at least a rank below togekiss.

 

[DoABarrelRoll]

Nominating Weavile for B+ or maybe even A.

Now that Steel no longer resists Night Slash, many steel-types like jirachi can no longer wall it. In addition, Weavile's got a new physical Ice-type move, Icicle Crash, so it can finally hit harder and that 30% flinch rate isn't too shabby either. It can also shut down weakened Fairy-types with moves like Poison Jab.

Weavile is still set up bait for some dangerous sweepers, such as mega scizor, which prevent it from being higher.

 

[xSilentDeviL]

I still can't believe jirachi is nowhere on the list, sure it's psychic typing give weakness, and steel got nerfed, but seriously it got body slam/thunder wave+iron head with serene grace, has speed above togekiss (I think it could check her well), good defense in both physical and special and not weak to SR, learn expansive support movepool not losing to togekiss (wish, toxic, stealth rock, trick, trick room, substitute, calm mind). I think it should be at least a rank below togekiss.

The only thing Jirachi has gained is a buff to Iron Head doing super effective damage to Fairies. However, Thunderwave also received a nerf in not being able to hit electric types, all of whom in turn also resist Iron Head. On top of all of this, like you said, Jirachi is now weak to Ghost and Dark mons, and Ghost is now as popular as ever. Before we get into Jirachi, lets discuss the mons who have received buffs. I have yet to see more than a single Jirachi in my playing so far, which Im not at all complaining about. Considering the #1 and #2 pokemon straight up rape Jirachi (Rotom-W and Talonflame), I'm not surprised at all. The emergence of Excadrill and Aegislash on most teams don't help Jirachi either. Also, Togekiss is better as a support pokemon this gen thanks to her new Fairy typing, Defog and of course Roost.

 

[NeonNinja96]

I would like to nominate cloyster for A ranking, as after one turn of setup it can destroy anything that does not resist it (and even some that do) with icicle spear and rock blast. It also functions as a rapid spinner for rain teams.

 

[effyouzion]

Nominating Weavile for B+ or maybe even A.

Now that Steel no longer resists Night Slash, many steel-types like jirachi can no longer wall it. In addition, Weavile's got a new physical Ice-type move, Icicle Crash, so it can finally hit harder and that 30% flinch rate isn't too shabby either. It can also shut down weakened Fairy-types with moves like Poison Jab.

Weavile is still set up bait for some dangerous sweepers, such as mega scizor, which prevent it from being higher.

Weavile was B+ last gen because of its trapping niche. Skarmory + Gengar + Weavile was a great HO core that all but guaranteed you would be able to keep your hazards up the entire match. This gen, with Excadrill single handedly beating this core and defog being what it is, that niche is gone. By default, Weavile has to be lower than B+. I could see him being better in UU because of those buffs you mentioned, but in OU his fast trapping is no longer an asset, and he was never a great sweeper.

 

[Punchshroom]

Weavile was B+ last gen because of its trapping niche. Skarmory + Gengar + Weavile was a great HO core that all but guaranteed you would be able to keep your hazards up the entire match. This gen, with Excadrill single handedly beating this core and defog being what it is, that niche is gone. By default, Weavile has to be lower than B+. I could see him being better in UU because of those buffs you mentioned, but in OU his fast trapping is no longer an asset, and he was never a great sweeper.

Weavile was never a great sweeper due to the ubiquity of Steels and Weavile's lack of immediate power. Now with Steel's neutrality to Dark and a buffed Knock Off, Weavile's potential as a sweeper is renewed. Its trapping niche is lessened but it is still there, providing one of the easiest ways to trap stuff like Gengar, Noivern, Trevenant, and non-Dark Greninja, and Ice STAB is still great for picking off threats like Garchomp, Zygarde, Thundurus and Mega-Pinsir. It's still frail as all hell though, but B+ isn't too much of a stretch.

 

[RP2865]

I nominate Chesnaught for B, B+ or A-. as a defensive pokemon. Spiky Shield, Leech Seed, Substitute, Bulletproof, and Leftovers make it nearly impossible to defeat for certain pokemon such Sludge Bomb Gengar. It can heal ¼ HP in two turns due to LS and Leftovers, and it can use Spiky Shield one Turn and Substitute the other. If it is faster, and it doesn't have abysmal speed, it will never be hurt except for priority and multi-hit. It also walls many Rotom-W, one of the most popular Pokemon in the league right now. Max SpDef invested Chesnaught (even with Adamant Nature!) is almost never 3HKOd by HP Ice. Its weaknesses are mainly in typing, because its main stab (Grass) is resisted by many Pokemon and Sap Sipper Pokemon are immune (Goodra, etc.). Defensively, it is 4x weak to flying (and Talonflame!) as well as other weaknesses to common types (Ice, Fire, Psychic). Also, prediction must be strong since using Spiky Shield on a switch when you could have used LeechSeed or Subs hurts.

 

[vonK]

I nominate Chesnaught for B, B+ or A-. as a defensive pokemon. Spiky Shield, Leech Seed, Substitute, Bulletproof, and Leftovers make it nearly impossible to defeat for certain pokemon such Sludge Bomb Gengar. It can heal ¼ HP in two turns due to LS and Leftovers, and it can use Spiky Shield one Turn and Substitute the other. If it is faster, and it doesn't have abysmal speed, it will never be hurt except for priority and multi-hit. It also walls many Rotom-W, one of the most popular Pokemon in the league right now. Max SpDef invested Chesnaught (even with Adamant Nature!) is almost never 3HKOd by HP Ice. Its weaknesses are mainly in typing, because its main stab (Grass) is resisted by many Pokemon and Sap Sipper Pokemon are immune (Goodra, etc.). Defensively, it is 4x weak to flying (and Talonflame!) as well as other weaknesses to common types (Ice, Fire, Psychic). Also, prediction must be strong since using Spiky Shield on a switch when you could have used LeechSeed or Subs hurts.

Chesnaught is definitely at least a B, just because it's not seeing a lot of play right now doesn't mean it's not excellent. It's one of the best spike-setters and scouts in the game right now, its physical bulk is incredible, its grass typing paired with bulletproof allow it to wall and set up on Mega-Venusaur of all pokemon and switch into a lot of Aegislash/Gengar builds without fear. Plus its movepool is huge, it packs synthesis, leech seed and spiky shield for recovery; spikes and taunt to make it a decent lead and bulk up, swords dance, EQ, Hammer Arm, Wood Hammer, Dragon Claw, etc for coverage. Seriously this guy is a sleeper hit.

 

[SansNickel]

I would like to nominate cloyster for A ranking, as after one turn of setup it can destroy anything that does not resist it (and even some that do) with icicle spear and rock blast. It also functions as a rapid spinner for rain teams.

+2 252+ Atk Cloyster Icicle Spear (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 125-150 (38.5 - 46.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Cloyster: 229-271 (94.6 - 111.9%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
Sorry I don't think it's happening. I didn't even account for the spD drop, nor the fact that most Aegislash sets are now 252+ SpA.

With its nonexistent special defense and HP, and subpar typing, it finds it difficult to come in to set up. Priority is also running around, like vacuum wave mega lucario.

I personally run a suicune which is only 3hko'd at +2, and can 2hko (I believe) back with scald after the defense drop. If I get a burn it's even better.

Cloyster is good but just not fit for the metagame. It can maybe be B-/C+

 

[effyouzion]

Weavile was never a great sweeper due to the ubiquity of Steels and Weavile's lack of immediate power. Now with Steel's neutrality to Dark and a buffed Knock Off, Weavile's potential as a sweeper is renewed. Its trapping niche is lessened but it is still there, providing one of the easiest ways to trap stuff like Gengar, Noivern, Trevenant, and non-Dark Greninja, and Ice STAB is still great for picking off threats like Garchomp, Zygarde, Thundurus and Mega-Pinsir. It's still frail as all hell though, but B+ isn't too much of a stretch.

Mamoswine does ice priority better. The only edge Weavile has on Mamo is the faster secondary STAB and pursuit. While trapping Gengar is nice, he's hardly something you need to dedicate a teamslot for, and Noivern is not even going to be in OU. Trevenant is a threat, but pursuit is a risky gamble against him; a failed prediction here and you have a burned (aka useless) Weavile. Being faster than Greninja is nice, but I don't see that as worthy of B+

 

[rolrctermaniac]

I would like to nominate Chandelure for B+ tier

Reserved for Pokemon who cannot sweep through or wall significant portions of the metagame, but can properly fulfill a given offensive/defensive niche. Support Pokemon in this category have flaws that prevent them from doing their job or are setup bait for dangerous sweepers. Pokemon who are partially outperformed by a Pokemon in A or S Rank, but are otherwise very dangerous, may also fall into this category.

Chandelure did not get a significant number of tools this generation, however the metagame shift was very kind to it. The decrease in weather really helps chandelure because the 2 most common weathers of the last generation have gotten nerfed. Chandelure can now spam fire blast a lot easier now. Chandelure's awesome typing also allows it to check many of the metagame's top offensive threats and can blow holes in many defensive threats.

Calcs

Defenisive Threats

220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 246-290 (67.5 - 79.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 186-218 (51 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Ferrothorn: 184-217 (52.2 - 61.6%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heatran: 144-171 (37.3 - 44.3%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 186-219 (62.4 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 186-219 (62.4 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 0+ SpD Rotom-W: 268-316 (88.1 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0+ SpD Rotom-W: 178-211 (58.5 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mandibuzz: 298-352 (70.2 - 83%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Mandibuzz: 213-252 (50.2 - 59.4%) -- 80.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 271-319 (65.4 - 77%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Offensive Threats

252 Atk Mega Lucario Crunch vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 208-246 (77.3 - 91.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Mega Lucario Crunch vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 226-268 (84 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Lucario: 277-327 (98.5 - 116.3%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Genesect Thunderbolt vs. 32 HP / 4 SpD Chandelure: 102-120 (37.9 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Genesect: 217-256 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Genesect: 1192-1408 (421.2 - 497.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Aegislash-Blade Shadow Sneak vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 176-210 (65.4 - 78%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 290-344 (89.5 - 106.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 402-474 (124 - 146.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 234-276 (86.9 - 102.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Sky Plate Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 187-222 (69.5 - 82.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 282-333 (94.6 - 111.7%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 194-228 (65.1 - 76.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 174-206 (64.6 - 76.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Azumarill: 374-442 (92.5 - 109.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Azumarill: 249-294 (61.6 - 72.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 32 HP / 4 SpD Chandelure: 156-184 (57.9 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 250-295 (83.3 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 345-406 (115 - 135.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mamoswine: 468-552 (110.3 - 130.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Thick Fat Mamoswine: 432-510 (101.8 - 120.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mamoswine: 313-369 (73.8 - 87%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Psycho Cut vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 208-246 (77.3 - 91.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 474-560 (181.6 - 214.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 325-384 (124.5 - 147.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 SpA Togekiss Air Slash vs. 32 HP / 4 SpD Chandelure: 103-123 (38.2 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Togekiss: 187-222 (50 - 59.3%) -- 78.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Pursuit vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 236-278 (87.7 - 103.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 1368-1612 (397.6 - 468.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Scizor: 249-294 (72.3 - 85.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Mega Heracross Pin Missile (5 hits) vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 80-95 (29.7 - 35.3%) -- approx. 14.8% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Mega Heracross Bullet Seed (5 hits) vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 110-130 (40.8 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Mega Heracross Rock Blast (5 hits) vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 440-520 (163.5 - 193.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Heracross: 546-644 (150 - 176.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Heracross: 199-235 (54.6 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

These calcs show that with SR support Chandelure can blow holes in many defensive threats. They also show that with defog or rapid spin support chandelure can also handle many offensive threats. The buff to ghost typing really helps chandelure with taking out steel type defensive threats and its new ability infiltrator allows for it to take out pokes through subs (breloom, latias, mega heracross etc). For these reasons I feel chandelure belongs in B+ tier.