Metagame SS OU Metagame Discussion Thread v7 (Usage Stats in post #3539)



Solrock and Lunatone

I promised this post to all of you about making Lunatone work in OU, and I'm finally delivering. After endless testing and some much-appreciated help and testing from musiquepkmn we have discovered not only a usable niche in OU for one of the coolest Pokemon ever (Lunatone), but for his counterpart Solrock. Now you're probably thinking "with stats like that, are you kidding me?" Both Solrock and Lunatone have a very usable niche on balance teams, while Lunatone has an additional offensive niche. This is going to take a lot of explaining, so let's not spend forever on an introduction paragraph. Time to jump right into analyzing some of the coolest and most forgotten Pokemon!

Disclaimer - Solrock and Lunatone fit onto VERY specific team archetypes, and are not easily splashable Pokemon. Your team needs to be specifically teched to make them work. If you can fulfill these requirements though, either of these wonderful Pokemon could have a fulfilling, unique place on your team and bring some neat variety and surprise factor to any match!

PS: musiquepkmn is a beautiful human being.


Lunatone: Role #1 - Balance

Lunatone @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 84 HP / 160 Def / 20 SpA / 160 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Role #1 Explanation:

Lunatone fulfills a unique role on balance teams, it is a Stealth Rock setter that can switch in and set up on Heatran, acts as a stop to Dragonite, along with being able to handle Pokemon such as Nidoking, Moltres, and Zapdos. Lunatone is able to condense taking care of those problematic Pokemon into one slot, which is crucial and necessary for these kinds of teams (in addition to being able to handle other Pokemon that have problems with STAB Rock-type attacks and immunity to Earthquake. Typical answers to Heatran, Dragonite, and Nidoking (such as Hydreigon, Blissey, and Zapdos) can only handle one of the three each, so having a Pokemon that can compress this into a single slot is extremely helpful. Lunatone has just the right combination of moves, stats, and ability to handle these threats.

Role #1 EV Allotment:

So let's explain the EV spread first, as these EVs are specifically teched for Lunatone's unique niche. 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Lunatone to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Outspeeding these specific Pokemon is crucial to not only gain an advantage and slap Rocks onto the field but to attack first as well. Putting in a small investment of 20 into Special Attack allows Lunatone to get off decently powerful attacks with a strong chance to 2HKO Heatran and numerous other Pokemon with minimal investment (assured 2HKO with minor chip).

20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Heatran: 188-224 (48.7 - 58%) -- 50.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 160-190 (52.8 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 186-218 (48.4 - 56.7%) -- 35.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 208 HP / 0 SpD Moltres: 388-460 (104 - 123.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragonite: 168-200 (52 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (With Multiscale Broken)

The 160 EVs in Defense and Special Defense allow for Lunatone to survive essential hits from key threats, ensuring that combined with the Ground immunity provided by Levitate that it provides important defensive cover for your team.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 86-101 (25.1 - 29.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Dragonite Dragon Claw vs. 84 HP / 160 Def Lunatone: 153-181 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 111-132 (32.4 - 38.5%) -- 3.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Moltres Flamethrower vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 51-61 (14.9 - 17.8%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates partners who can heal off status (such as Toxic from Heatran or Mandibuzz) and thus clerics like Aromatherapy Clefable or Heal Bell Magearna are extremely appreciated. Having a spin blocker never hurts either, and can provide some coverage with STAB Ghost offense as well (Spectrier, anyone?) Offensive Tyranitar is a fantastic partner, as the Special Defense boost from Sandstorm and the additional chip damage/leftovers negation that it enables allows Lunatone to get even more done. Lunatone has some additional move options it can rely on such as Magic Coat, Toxic, reliable recovery with Moonlight, or even Nasty Plot. Usually, however, scouting with Protect tends to have far more potential for success.

Lunatone: Role #2 - Late Game Cleaner

Lunatone @ Power Herb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 56 SpD / 200 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Meteor Beam
- Rock Polish
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam​

Role #2 Explanation:

Lunatone's role as a late-game cleaner is to act as a Special based pseudo-Shift Gear with a fantastically strong STAB attack that boosts its Special Attack by +1 alongside Rock Polish and follow up with great coverage options in Ice Beam and Earth Power. Lunatone's bulk and setup opportunity is actually deceptively easy thanks to its typing and ability Levitate. While this set requires more support than the Balance set, the benefits of using it are immense. Not many Pokemon are prepared to handle a +1 Meteor Beam, Ice Beam, and Earth Power all on the same set.

Role #2 EV Allotment:

Lunatone's full investment into Special Attack alongside a Modest Nature is absolutely necessary to get critical OHKOs and 2HKOs, as without the Meteor Beam boost it's relatively lackluster. 56 Special Defense is specifically meant to allow Lunatone to always survive a Modest un-status'd Spectrier Hex from full health. (Please make sure you scout the Spectrier set beforehand). Spectrier will often switch in, and you can set up Rock Polish predicting the switch

252+ SpA Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone: 270-320 (84.1 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Lunatone then can proceed to have a 50/50 chance to OHKO Spectrier in return with Meteor Beam, increasing its Special Attack by 1 in the process and preparing for a clean. With some chip, it's almost an assured OHKO.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Spectrier: 313-369 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

After a Meteor Beam boost, Lunatone being able to either OHKO or 2HKO some of the game's premier threats, especially with chip damage if you've worn down the team enough.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 192-226 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 328-388 (108.2 - 128%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 240-284 (79.7 - 94.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 628-740 (164.3 - 193.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 518-612 (122.4 - 144.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 260-306 (61.4 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 248-292 (52.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon: 340-402 (80.9 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

I could post calculations all day for this, but you get the picture. It sets up speed, sets up its Special Attack boost while firing off a powerful STAB attack, and proceeds to lay waste to weakened teams. Lunatone's speed is 452 at +2, allowing it to outspeed most of the metagame that isn't carrying a Scarf.

Role #2 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates hazard and status support. Stealth Rocks and/or Spikes can turn many 2HKOs into OHKOs, as many are right at the damage threshold. Alternatively, Sticky Webs support fits like a glove and prevents certain problematic Scarfed Pokemon (or naturally bonkers speed tiers such as Regieleki or Beast Boosted Pheromosa) from outspeeding Lunatone at +2. Shuckle is a great partner that can set up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs while also spreading status. Cleaner Lunatone (like Balance Lunatone) fits right at home on Sand teams thanks to Tyranitar's Sand giving additional chip damage and Special Defense. With the 56 Special Defense investment and the Sand boost, Lunatone actually has a chance to survive a Modest Life Orb STAB Shadow Ball from Spectrier.

252+ SpA Life Orb Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone in Sand: 289-343 (90 - 106.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

Pokemon that can scout for and deal with Pokemon that have priority is absolutely crucial here, as Grassy Glide Rillaboom and other Pokemon can be a serious thorn in Lunatone's side.


Solrock: Role #1 - Balance

Solrock @ Leftovers
Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpD / 84 Spe
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
- Protect​

Role #1 Explanation:

Solrock is a physical variant to Lunatone's balancing abilities that is more solid against certain threats while being a little shakier against others. The main draw of Solrock is its ability to handle Stored Power Draining Kiss Magearna (on the switch-in), have a consistent 2HKO against Heatran while having a different kind of defensive utility. Basically, an alternative that handles even more specific threats that works in the same way that you would want Lunatone to function (with some tradeoffs).

Role #1 EV Allotment:

Like with Lunatone, 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Solrock to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Having 172 HP and 252 Special Defense allows Solrock to take specific hits from otherwise troublesome Pokemon (and includes some great defensive synergy courtesy of its ability Levitate).

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 94-109 (25.8 - 29.9%) -- 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Stored Power (120 BP) vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 101-119 (27.7 - 32.6%) -- 82% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 120-142 (32.9 - 39%) -- 11.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Draining Kiss vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 127-150 (34.8 - 41.2%) -- 73.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

In addition to this, Solrock hitting on the physical side allows it to get specific benchmarks that Lunatone cannot get.

0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 124-146 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Support Options:

Everything that applies to Lunatone's Balance set can be applied here with the exception of movepool options. Tyranitar's sand makes for excellent additional support while having a cleric like Clefable can be an Arceus-send for increasing Solrock's longevity. Solrock also has access to reliable recovery in Morning Sun and Will-O-Wisp to cripple Physical attackers, but Protect's scouting abilities are still extremely useful.

Final Thoughts:
I'm going to continue testing these two Pokemon, along with some additional Pokemon that I will be making posts about later. I absolutely love the state of Crown Tundra's Overused, and the flexibility this meta provides in terms of team building and options is a breath of fresh air. I hope you all are able to make use of Solrock and Lunatone's unique talents for your teams!
 
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Solrock and Lunatone

I promised this post to all of you about making Lunatone work in OU, and I'm finally delivering. After endless testing and some much-appreciated help and testing from musiquepkmn we have discovered not only a usable niche in OU for one of the coolest Pokemon ever (Lunatone), but for his counterpart Solrock. Now you're probably thinking "with stats like that, are you kidding me?" Both Solrock and Lunatone have a very usable niche on balance teams, while Lunatone has an additional offensive niche. This is going to take a lot of explaining, so let's not spend forever on an introduction paragraph. Time to jump right into analyzing some of the coolest and most forgotten Pokemon!

Disclaimer - Solrock and Lunatone fit onto VERY specific team archetypes, and are not easily splashable Pokemon. Your team needs to be specifically teched to make them work. If you can fulfill these requirements though, either of these wonderful Pokemon could have a fulfilling, unique place on your team and bring some neat variety and surprise factor to any match!

PS: musiquepkmn is a beautiful human being.


Lunatone: Role #1 - Balance

Lunatone @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 84 HP / 160 Def / 20 SpA / 160 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Role #1 Explanation:

Lunatone fulfills a unique role on balance teams, it is a Stealth Rock setter that can switch in and set up on Heatran, acts as a stop to Dragonite, along with being able to handle Pokemon such as Nidoking, Moltres, and Zapdos. Lunatone is able to condense taking care of those problematic Pokemon into one slot, which is crucial and necessary for these kinds of teams (in addition to being able to handle other Pokemon that have problems with STAB Rock-type attacks and immunity to Earthquake. Typical answers to Heatran, Dragonite, and Nidoking (such as Hydreigon, Blissey, and Zapdos) can only handle one of the three each, so having a Pokemon that can compress this into a single slot is extremely helpful. Lunatone has just the right combination of moves, stats, and ability to handle these threats.

Role #1 EV Allotment:

So let's explain the EV spread first, as these EVs are specifically teched for Lunatone's unique niche. 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Lunatone to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Outspeeding these specific Pokemon is crucial to not only gain an advantage and slap Rocks onto the field but to attack first as well. Putting in a small investment of 20 into Special Attack allows Lunatone to get off decently powerful attacks with a strong chance to 2HKO Heatran and numerous other Pokemon with minimal investment (assured 2HKO with minor chip).

20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Heatran: 188-224 (48.7 - 58%) -- 50.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 160-190 (52.8 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 186-218 (48.4 - 56.7%) -- 35.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 208 HP / 0 SpD Moltres: 388-460 (104 - 123.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragonite: 168-200 (52 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (With Multiscale Broken)

The 160 EVs in Defense and Special Defense allow for Lunatone to survive essential hits from key threats, ensuring that combined with the Ground immunity provided by Levitate that it provides important defensive cover for your team.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 86-101 (25.1 - 29.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Dragonite Dragon Claw vs. 84 HP / 160 Def Lunatone: 153-181 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 111-132 (32.4 - 38.5%) -- 3.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Moltres Flamethrower vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 51-61 (14.9 - 17.8%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates partners who can heal off status (such as Toxic from Heatran or Mandibuzz) and thus clerics like Aromatherapy Clefable or Heal Bell Magearna are extremely appreciated. Having a spin blocker never hurts either, and can provide some coverage with STAB Ghost offense as well (Spectrier, anyone?) Offensive Tyranitar is a fantastic partner, as the Special Defense boost from Sandstorm and the additional chip damage/leftovers negation that it enables allows Lunatone to get even more done. Lunatone has some additional move options it can rely on such as Magic Coat, Toxic, or even Nasty Plot. Usually, however, scouting with Protect tends to have far more potential for success.

Lunatone: Role #2 - Late Game Cleaner

Lunatone @ Power Herb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 56 SpD / 200 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Meteor Beam
- Rock Polish
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam​

Role #2 Explanation:

Lunatone's role as a late-game cleaner is to act as a Special based pseudo-Shift Gear with a fantastically strong STAB attack that boosts its Special Attack by +1 alongside Rock Polish and follow up with great coverage options in Ice Beam and Earth Power. Lunatone's bulk and setup opportunity is actually deceptively easy thanks to its typing and ability Levitate. While this set requires more support than the Balance set, the benefits of using it are immense. Not many Pokemon are prepared to handle a +1 Meteor Beam, Ice Beam, and Earth Power all on the same set.

Role #2 EV Allotment:

Lunatone's full investment into Special Attack alongside a Modest Nature is absolutely necessary to get critical OHKOs and 2HKOs, as without the Meteor Beam boost it's relatively lackluster. 56 Special Defense is specifically meant to allow Lunatone to always survive a Modest un-status'd Spectrier Hex from full health. (Please make sure you scout the Spectrier set beforehand). Spectrier will often switch in, and you can set up Rock Polish predicting the switch

252+ SpA Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone: 270-320 (84.1 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Lunatone then can proceed to have a 50/50 chance to OHKO Spectrier in return with Meteor Beam, increasing its Special Attack by 1 in the process and preparing for a clean. With some chip, it's almost an assured OHKO.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Spectrier: 313-369 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

After a Meteor Beam boost, Lunatone being able to either OHKO or 2HKO some of the game's premier threats, especially with chip damage if you've worn down the team enough.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 192-226 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 328-388 (108.2 - 128%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 240-284 (79.7 - 94.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 628-740 (164.3 - 193.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 518-612 (122.4 - 144.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 260-306 (61.4 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 248-292 (52.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon: 340-402 (80.9 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

I could post calculations all day for this, but you get the picture. It sets up speed, sets up its Special Attack boost while firing off a powerful STAB attack, and proceeds to lay waste to weakened teams. Lunatone's speed is 452 at +2, allowing it to outspeed most of the metagame that isn't carrying a Scarf.

Role #2 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates hazard and status support. Stealth Rocks and/or Spikes can turn many 2HKOs into OHKOs, as many are right at the damage threshold. Alternatively, Sticky Webs support fits like a glove and prevents certain problematic Scarfed Pokemon (or naturally bonkers speed tiers such as Regieleki or Beast Boosted Pheromosa) from outspeeding Lunatone at +2. Shuckle is a great partner that can set up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs while also spreading status. Cleaner Lunatone (like Balance Lunatone) fits right at home on Sand teams thanks to Tyranitar's Sand giving additional chip damage and Special Defense. With the 56 Special Defense investment and the Sand boost, Lunatone actually has a chance to survive a Modest Life Orb STAB Shadow Ball from Spectrier.

252+ SpA Life Orb Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone in Sand: 289-343 (90 - 106.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

Pokemon that can scout for and deal with Pokemon that have priority is absolutely crucial here, as Grassy Glide Rillaboom and other Pokemon can be a serious thorn in Lunatone's side.


Solrock: Role #1 - Balance

Solrock @ Leftovers
Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpD / 84 Spe
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
- Protect​

Role #1 Explanation:

Solrock is a physical variant to Lunatone's balancing abilities that is more solid against certain threats while being a little shakier against others. The main draw of Solrock is its ability to handle Stored Power Draining Kiss Magearna (on the switch-in), have a consistent 2HKO against Heatran while having a different kind of defensive utility. Basically, an alternative that handles even more specific threats that works in the same way that you would want Lunatone to function (with some tradeoffs).

Role #1 EV Allotment:

Like with Lunatone, 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Solrock to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Having 172 HP and 252 Special Defense allows Solrock to take specific hits from otherwise troublesome Pokemon (and includes some great defensive synergy courtesy of its ability Levitate).

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 94-109 (25.8 - 29.9%) -- 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Stored Power (120 BP) vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 101-119 (27.7 - 32.6%) -- 82% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 120-142 (32.9 - 39%) -- 11.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Draining Kiss vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 127-150 (34.8 - 41.2%) -- 73.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

In addition to this, Solrock hitting on the physical side allows it to get specific benchmarks that Lunatone cannot get.

0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 124-146 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Support Options:

Everything that applies to Lunatone's Balance set can be applied here with the exception of movepool options. Tyranitar's sand makes for excellent additional support while having a cleric like Clefable can be an Arceus-send for increasing Solrock's longevity. Solrock also has access to reliable recovery in Morning Sun and Will-O-Wisp to cripple Physical attackers, but Protect's scouting abilities are still extremely useful.

Final Thoughts:
I'm going to continue testing these two Pokemon, along with some additional Pokemon that I will be making posts about later. I absolutely love the state of Crown Tundra's Overused, and the flexibility this meta provides in terms of team building and options is a breath of fresh air. I hope you all are able to make use of Solrock and Lunatone's unique talents for your teams!
First of all, good job on finding a niche for a really really niche mon. Great read. I liked how you put in the EVs on lunatone and it is one of the most optimized spread I've ever seen since advance. How long did it take to find a niche for this mon?
Second, what made you choose solrock and lunatone? Is it just a favorite mon of yours or just another mon in the chopping block of finding a niche mon a niche usage in OU?
Lastly, which team did you use that has a lunatone on it?
 


Solrock and Lunatone

I promised this post to all of you about making Lunatone work in OU, and I'm finally delivering. After endless testing and some much-appreciated help and testing from musiquepkmn we have discovered not only a usable niche in OU for one of the coolest Pokemon ever (Lunatone), but for his counterpart Solrock. Now you're probably thinking "with stats like that, are you kidding me?" Both Solrock and Lunatone have a very usable niche on balance teams, while Lunatone has an additional offensive niche. This is going to take a lot of explaining, so let's not spend forever on an introduction paragraph. Time to jump right into analyzing some of the coolest and most forgotten Pokemon!

Disclaimer - Solrock and Lunatone fit onto VERY specific team archetypes, and are not easily splashable Pokemon. Your team needs to be specifically teched to make them work. If you can fulfill these requirements though, either of these wonderful Pokemon could have a fulfilling, unique place on your team and bring some neat variety and surprise factor to any match!

PS: musiquepkmn is a beautiful human being.


Lunatone: Role #1 - Balance

Lunatone @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 84 HP / 160 Def / 20 SpA / 160 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Role #1 Explanation:

Lunatone fulfills a unique role on balance teams, it is a Stealth Rock setter that can switch in and set up on Heatran, acts as a stop to Dragonite, along with being able to handle Pokemon such as Nidoking, Moltres, and Zapdos. Lunatone is able to condense taking care of those problematic Pokemon into one slot, which is crucial and necessary for these kinds of teams (in addition to being able to handle other Pokemon that have problems with STAB Rock-type attacks and immunity to Earthquake. Typical answers to Heatran, Dragonite, and Nidoking (such as Hydreigon, Blissey, and Zapdos) can only handle one of the three each, so having a Pokemon that can compress this into a single slot is extremely helpful. Lunatone has just the right combination of moves, stats, and ability to handle these threats.

Role #1 EV Allotment:

So let's explain the EV spread first, as these EVs are specifically teched for Lunatone's unique niche. 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Lunatone to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Outspeeding these specific Pokemon is crucial to not only gain an advantage and slap Rocks onto the field but to attack first as well. Putting in a small investment of 20 into Special Attack allows Lunatone to get off decently powerful attacks with a strong chance to 2HKO Heatran and numerous other Pokemon with minimal investment (assured 2HKO with minor chip).

20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Heatran: 188-224 (48.7 - 58%) -- 50.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 160-190 (52.8 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 186-218 (48.4 - 56.7%) -- 35.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 208 HP / 0 SpD Moltres: 388-460 (104 - 123.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
20 SpA Lunatone Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragonite: 168-200 (52 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (With Multiscale Broken)

The 160 EVs in Defense and Special Defense allow for Lunatone to survive essential hits from key threats, ensuring that combined with the Ground immunity provided by Levitate that it provides important defensive cover for your team.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 86-101 (25.1 - 29.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Dragonite Dragon Claw vs. 84 HP / 160 Def Lunatone: 153-181 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 111-132 (32.4 - 38.5%) -- 3.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Moltres Flamethrower vs. 84 HP / 160+ SpD Lunatone: 51-61 (14.9 - 17.8%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates partners who can heal off status (such as Toxic from Heatran or Mandibuzz) and thus clerics like Aromatherapy Clefable or Heal Bell Magearna are extremely appreciated. Having a spin blocker never hurts either, and can provide some coverage with STAB Ghost offense as well (Spectrier, anyone?) Offensive Tyranitar is a fantastic partner, as the Special Defense boost from Sandstorm and the additional chip damage/leftovers negation that it enables allows Lunatone to get even more done. Lunatone has some additional move options it can rely on such as Magic Coat, Toxic, or even Nasty Plot. Usually, however, scouting with Protect tends to have far more potential for success.

Lunatone: Role #2 - Late Game Cleaner

Lunatone @ Power Herb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 56 SpD / 200 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Meteor Beam
- Rock Polish
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam​

Role #2 Explanation:

Lunatone's role as a late-game cleaner is to act as a Special based pseudo-Shift Gear with a fantastically strong STAB attack that boosts its Special Attack by +1 alongside Rock Polish and follow up with great coverage options in Ice Beam and Earth Power. Lunatone's bulk and setup opportunity is actually deceptively easy thanks to its typing and ability Levitate. While this set requires more support than the Balance set, the benefits of using it are immense. Not many Pokemon are prepared to handle a +1 Meteor Beam, Ice Beam, and Earth Power all on the same set.

Role #2 EV Allotment:

Lunatone's full investment into Special Attack alongside a Modest Nature is absolutely necessary to get critical OHKOs and 2HKOs, as without the Meteor Beam boost it's relatively lackluster. 56 Special Defense is specifically meant to allow Lunatone to always survive a Modest un-status'd Spectrier Hex from full health. (Please make sure you scout the Spectrier set beforehand). Spectrier will often switch in, and you can set up Rock Polish predicting the switch

252+ SpA Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone: 270-320 (84.1 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Lunatone then can proceed to have a 50/50 chance to OHKO Spectrier in return with Meteor Beam, increasing its Special Attack by 1 in the process and preparing for a clean. With some chip, it's almost an assured OHKO.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Spectrier: 313-369 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

After a Meteor Beam boost, Lunatone being able to either OHKO or 2HKO some of the game's premier threats, especially with chip damage if you've worn down the team enough.

+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 192-226 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 328-388 (108.2 - 128%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 240-284 (79.7 - 94.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 628-740 (164.3 - 193.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Meteor Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 518-612 (122.4 - 144.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 260-306 (61.4 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Earth Power vs. 244 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 248-292 (52.5 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunatone Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Hippowdon: 340-402 (80.9 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

I could post calculations all day for this, but you get the picture. It sets up speed, sets up its Special Attack boost while firing off a powerful STAB attack, and proceeds to lay waste to weakened teams. Lunatone's speed is 452 at +2, allowing it to outspeed most of the metagame that isn't carrying a Scarf.

Role #2 Team Support Options and Additional Set Options:

Lunatone appreciates hazard and status support. Stealth Rocks and/or Spikes can turn many 2HKOs into OHKOs, as many are right at the damage threshold. Alternatively, Sticky Webs support fits like a glove and prevents certain problematic Scarfed Pokemon (or naturally bonkers speed tiers such as Regieleki or Beast Boosted Pheromosa) from outspeeding Lunatone at +2. Shuckle is a great partner that can set up both Stealth Rock and Sticky Webs while also spreading status. Cleaner Lunatone (like Balance Lunatone) fits right at home on Sand teams thanks to Tyranitar's Sand giving additional chip damage and Special Defense. With the 56 Special Defense investment and the Sand boost, Lunatone actually has a chance to survive a Modest Life Orb STAB Shadow Ball from Spectrier.

252+ SpA Life Orb Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 56 SpD Lunatone in Sand: 289-343 (90 - 106.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

Pokemon that can scout for and deal with Pokemon that have priority is absolutely crucial here, as Grassy Glide Rillaboom and other Pokemon can be a serious thorn in Lunatone's side.


Solrock: Role #1 - Balance

Solrock @ Leftovers
Careful Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpD / 84 Spe
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
- Protect​

Role #1 Explanation:

Solrock is a physical variant to Lunatone's balancing abilities that is more solid against certain threats while being a little shakier against others. The main draw of Solrock is its ability to handle Stored Power Draining Kiss Magearna (on the switch-in), have a consistent 2HKO against Heatran while having a different kind of defensive utility. Basically, an alternative that handles even more specific threats that works in the same way that you would want Lunatone to function (with some tradeoffs).

Role #1 EV Allotment:

Like with Lunatone, 84 Speed is an important benchmark that allows Solrock to reach key milestones including outspeeding 0 speed Heatran and 0 speed Mandibuzz. Having 172 HP and 252 Special Defense allows Solrock to take specific hits from otherwise troublesome Pokemon (and includes some great defensive synergy courtesy of its ability Levitate).

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 94-109 (25.8 - 29.9%) -- 0.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Stored Power (120 BP) vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 101-119 (27.7 - 32.6%) -- 82% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 120-142 (32.9 - 39%) -- 11.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ SpA Magearna Draining Kiss vs. 172 HP / 252+ SpD Solrock: 127-150 (34.8 - 41.2%) -- 73.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

In addition to this, Solrock hitting on the physical side allows it to get specific benchmarks that Lunatone cannot get.

0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 264-312 (68.3 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Solrock Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 124-146 (34 - 40.1%) -- 35.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Role #1 Team Support Options and Additional Support Options:

Everything that applies to Lunatone's Balance set can be applied here with the exception of movepool options. Tyranitar's sand makes for excellent additional support while having a cleric like Clefable can be an Arceus-send for increasing Solrock's longevity. Solrock also has access to reliable recovery in Morning Sun and Will-O-Wisp to cripple Physical attackers, but Protect's scouting abilities are still extremely useful.

Final Thoughts:
I'm going to continue testing these two Pokemon, along with some additional Pokemon that I will be making posts about later. I absolutely love the state of Crown Tundra's Overused, and the flexibility this meta provides in terms of team building and options is a breath of fresh air. I hope you all are able to make use of Solrock and Lunatone's unique talents for your teams!
Very good idea, I have been thinking too about using Lunatone as Nidoking and Heatran check. However, I have to ask why do you run Protect when they learn Morning Sun and Moonlight respectively?
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
Galarian Forms in SS OU!

Galarian Forms
are actually a pretty interesting topic in the SS OU Metagame, as we have some Galarian Forms which are viable in the OU Tier -
from most viable to least viable, with that being sad, let us move to the discussion about these Pokemon:​

:slowking-galar: this Pokemon is a really interesting one, as it provides almost the same amount of utility which its kantonian counterpart offers, it has Future Sight to pressure fighting-types and also the bulky water-type in Toxapex. It can also make use of Psychic and has a great secondary stab in Slusdge Bomb. Flamethrower and Scald are great coverage-moves and therefore Galar-Slowking is able to pressure steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Corviknight, and Heatran. Galar-Slowking excells best as a specially defensive Pivot with either an Assault Vest or sometimes Black Sludge as recovery-option. Galar-Slowking is a great Pokemon in case the team is in need for a great specially defensive tool to put on the team, it can help against Pheromosa, Magearna, Clefable, Tapu Fini, and Tapu Koko. Its amazing ability Regenerator helps it to maintain healthy over the coruse of the game and I feel this Pokemon has a lot more potential in the future of the metagame. I think this Pokemon deserves more attention as it can really help versus a plethora of Pokemon in the tier due to its amazing typecombination in Psychic and Poison.

Slowking-Galar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 176 SpA / 80 SpD
Calm Nature
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower
- Scald​

:zapdos-galar: this bird has an interesting typing in Flying and Fighting, and can act really well on Sticky Web-teams as it acts nice as a Defog deterend with a huge base attack of 125 and Defiant as ability, however it can't spam Close Combat as much as it wants to because it faces alot of issues with Spectrier, Dragapult, Clefable, Garchomp, Toxapex, Moltres, Zapdos, and Landorus-Therian in the tier, so it relies on its other move in Brave Bird to dish out damage, but it leaves it vulnerable because of the recoil-damage it'll take in the game. However I think it can still perform well as a Defog deterend on Sticky Web-teams as it'll give it a free Defiant-boost when the opponent tries to Defog.

Zapdos-Galar @ Choice Band
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Stomping Tantrum / Thunderous Kick / Throat Chop

Zapdos-Galar @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- Throat Chop​

:moltres-galar: this bird has the blessing Yveltal- and Mandibuzz-typing in Flying and Dark, it can act as a Spectrier-check and it can check other Ghost-types offensively with its great signature move in Fiery Wrath, the Ghost-types which have to fear it are Dragapult, and Aegislash. It can also check Zarude, Necrozma, and Slowking offensively. Moltres-Galar however has a big issue in one Pokemon especially, Magearna, Magearna resists both of its dual-stabs which means this Pokemon likes to have a partner which can help against it. Moltres-Galar can function well in Hyper Offensive-teams with Screens up, as Nasty Plot is a superb boosting-move which gives it more power with its amazing 100 Spatt stat and its amazing bulk of 90 / 90 / 125 and a decent speed-tier in 90. I feel this Pokemon really deserves more attention, as it is able to break through teams easily with its dual-dance-set or either a Nasty Plot + 3 Attack-set

Moltres-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots / @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Berserk
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fiery Wrath
- Hurricane
- Agility / Sucker Punch / U-turn​

:weezing-galar: G-Weezing saw a really good use in Pre-DLC2 as a formidable Urshifu-S check and it checkd Pokemon such as Hawlucha as well. This Pokemon is a really interesting case, as I feel it had brighter days in the past, but it can still work as a check to Urshifu-S and its cool typing in Fairy and Poison and its abilities in Neutralizing Gas helps it to make the opposing Pokemons abilities without any effect. It's great set contains Sludge Bomb, Will-o-Wisp, Pain Split and Toxic or Haze, but it can also run Strange Steam as its Fairy-type signature move or Aromatherapy to keep its teammates healthy and act like a great cleric.

Weezing-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Neutralizing Gas
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Aromatherapy / Toxic / Haze​

:slowbro-galar: This Pokemon was initially hyped with its Quick Draw + Quick Claw combination and its set-up moves such as Nasty Plot and very very rarely Belly Drum. This Pokemon was very heavily discussed in lower tiers, however this Pokemon didn't have that much of an impact in the OU tier, like it had in the lower tiers. This Pokemon is very luck-based with its Quick Draw-ability and Quick Claw as its Item, but I think it does a better job as fringe sweeping-option for Trick Room-teams, as its low speed leaves it vulnerable to a plenty amount of Pokemon, and its typing isn't that great like the typing is from its kantonian counterpart. But it can still find its place on some Trick Room oriented structures and with as Nasty Plot-boost it is able to break past most Pokemon.

Slowbro-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower​

I thought Galarian Forms are a worthy Topic to dive into as these Pokemon are all pretty interesting, and some are worth to try out more in the metagame, such Pokemon would be Galarian-Slowking and Galarian-Moltres, whereas other Galarian Forms like Gapdos and Glowbro have more trouble in the current metagame due to too many great checks to the former and the latter is left with a niche-option on teams especially built around it.

How do you guys feel about the Galarian Forms in OU? Are there any other thought you guys would like to bring up around these Pokemon?
 
Tier Shifts come out today! What Pokemon do you guys think is gonna drop for OU, or rise to OU?


I'm thinking Buzzwole will drop. It cannot live a hit from any special move that is it's weakness, gets checked by many things in the tier, and haven't seen it in battles for a long time, 2-3 weeks to be honest.
 
This Pokemon was initially hyped with its Quick Draw + Quick Claw combination and its set-up moves such as Nasty Plot and very very rarely Belly Drum. This Pokemon was very heavily discussed in lower tiers, however this Pokemon didn't have that much of an impact in the OU tier, like it had in the lower tiers. This Pokemon is very luck-based with its Quick Draw-ability and Quick Claw as its Item, but I think it does a better job as fringe sweeping-option for Trick Room-teams, as its low speed leaves it vulnerable to a plenty amount of Pokemon, and its typing isn't that great like the typing is from its kantonian counterpart. But it can still find its place on some Trick Room oriented structures and with as Nasty Plot-boost it is able to break past most Pokemon.

Slowbro-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower​
I thought Galarian Forms are a worthy Topic to dive into as these Pokemon are all pretty interesting, and some are worth to try out more in the metagame, such Pokemon would be Galarian-Slowking and Galarian-Moltres, whereas other Galarian Forms like Gapdos and Glowbro have more trouble in the current metagame due to too many great checks to the former and the latter is left with a niche-option on teams especially built around it.
This Nasty Plot set seems completely outclassed in a vacuum by Slowking-Galar which is stronger and overall bulkier. The only thing Slowbro might have going for it is the surprise factor, but Slowking still retains it somewhat since it is usually a defensive pivot. Regardless, I do not see a compelling reason to use Regenerator Slowbro-Galar in this meta at all.
 

Red Raven

I COULD BE BANNED!
I really like Galarian Slowking. Max special defense with assault vest is the ultimate middle finger to any special attacking Pheromosa and when combined with regular Moltres, it forms a complete cockroach proof core. And it's design is also incredibly badass, I love it. Personally, I would go with surf over scald because really, the only thing you're gonna wanna use your water type move is Heatran, which doesn't care about burns so the faster it dies the better

Galarian Zapdos is an interesting mon. It's basically just Staraptor on steroids but has the same problem as raptor, just too many pokemon deal with it and when both your stabs get walled by one of the best defoggers in the tier and you have zero tools to deal with it other than brute force, it's in severe danger and I believe that you can't use two of the same pokemon even if they are of different forms so that already presents a different problem. If I use this thing, which I will if the damned Urshifu gets banned or neutered because it is absolute bullshit, I'm gonna go with a throwback subsalac reversal set with no brave bird because why not. At least Staraptor can double edge is way thru regular Zapdos. I'm gonna bet ten cents on this that Galarian Zapdos is gonna be a bl for life xD

On Galarian Moltres, it also faces the same problem as Galarian Zapdos, their regular forms just offer more utility. I think it's ability is kinda annoying since it requires it to be half hp I believe. Altho, now that I think about it, maybe a sub leftovers agility stabs set would work. I think that this is a must pair with an offensive ground type like Garchomp as it can deal with both Tyranitar and Magearna. This shouldn't be too much trouble considering how many pokemon get badly ripped apart by Garchomp

I'm not sure what to think about the last two. Galaran Weezing looks ugly so I'm probably never gonna use it and Galarian Slowbro suffers from the same problem as the other two Galarian Birds, the regular forms jut offers more, unlike Galarian Slowking
 
Tier Shifts come out today! What Pokemon do you guys think is gonna drop for OU, or rise to OU?


I'm thinking Buzzwole will drop. It cannot live a hit from any special move that is it's weakness, gets checked by many things in the tier, and haven't seen it in battles for a long time, 2-3 weeks to be honest.
I agree that following Zyg ban, it's become really clear that Buzz is a more niche pick as it is just such a momentum sink it's not worth using most of the time.

I also think Eleki and Dragonite will likely fall to UU, as Elekis issue is being able to fit only into HO as a screens lead. Dragonite is also hard to fit right now but I think Pheromosa ban could benefit it and give it a more defined role in the metagame.

Suicune and Kyurem are two Pokémon that have seen a lot of usage as a really underrated wincon in this meta. Kyurem especially is going to become big with both Specs and SubRoost sets once Phero is gone and I would be surprised if one or both does not rise in these next few tier shifts.
 
Dunno why Buzzwole is being seen as unviable/having a minor niche in OU when it's most splashable defensive answer to nearly all Urshifu (barring Banded Zen/Aerial Ace, which aren't really things and mean Urshifu can't break other things) sets, and also handles things like Kartana.
 
It sucks that buzzwole could possibly fall since being the best Urshifu counter in the game will always be very useful.But its issues with the metagame are really hard to overlook
 

AM

is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past WCoP Champion
LCPL Champion
Galarian Forms in SS OU!

Galarian Forms
are actually a pretty interesting topic in the SS OU Metagame, as we have some Galarian Forms which are viable in the OU Tier -
from most viable to least viable, with that being sad, let us move to the discussion about these Pokemon:​

:slowking-galar: this Pokemon is a really interesting one, as it provides almost the same amount of utility which its kantonian counterpart offers, it has Future Sight to pressure fighting-types and also the bulky water-type in Toxapex. It can also make use of Psychic and has a great secondary stab in Slusdge Bomb. Flamethrower and Scald are great coverage-moves and therefore Galar-Slowking is able to pressure steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Corviknight, and Heatran. Galar-Slowking excells best as a specially defensive Pivot with either an Assault Vest or sometimes Black Sludge as recovery-option. Galar-Slowking is a great Pokemon in case the team is in need for a great specially defensive tool to put on the team, it can help against Pheromosa, Magearna, Clefable, Tapu Fini, and Tapu Koko. Its amazing ability Regenerator helps it to maintain healthy over the coruse of the game and I feel this Pokemon has a lot more potential in the future of the metagame. I think this Pokemon deserves more attention as it can really help versus a plethora of Pokemon in the tier due to its amazing typecombination in Psychic and Poison.

Slowking-Galar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 176 SpA / 80 SpD
Calm Nature
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower
- Scald​

:zapdos-galar: this bird has an interesting typing in Flying and Fighting, and can act really well on Sticky Web-teams as it acts nice as a Defog deterend with a huge base attack of 125 and Defiant as ability, however it can't spam Close Combat as much as it wants to because it faces alot of issues with Spectrier, Dragapult, Clefable, Garchomp, Toxapex, Moltres, Zapdos, and Landorus-Therian in the tier, so it relies on its other move in Brave Bird to dish out damage, but it leaves it vulnerable because of the recoil-damage it'll take in the game. However I think it can still perform well as a Defog deterend on Sticky Web-teams as it'll give it a free Defiant-boost when the opponent tries to Defog.

Zapdos-Galar @ Choice Band
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Stomping Tantrum / Thunderous Kick / Throat Chop

Zapdos-Galar @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Bulk Up
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- Throat Chop​

:moltres-galar: this bird has the blessing Yveltal- and Mandibuzz-typing in Flying and Dark, it can act as a Spectrier-check and it can check other Ghost-types offensively with its great signature move in Fiery Wrath, the Ghost-types which have to fear it are Dragapult, and Aegislash. It can also check Zarude, Necrozma, and Slowking offensively. Moltres-Galar however has a big issue in one Pokemon especially, Magearna, Magearna resists both of its dual-stabs which means this Pokemon likes to have a partner which can help against it. Moltres-Galar can function well in Hyper Offensive-teams with Screens up, as Nasty Plot is a superb boosting-move which gives it more power with its amazing 100 Spatt stat and its amazing bulk of 90 / 90 / 125 and a decent speed-tier in 90. I feel this Pokemon really deserves more attention, as it is able to break through teams easily with its dual-dance-set or either a Nasty Plot + 3 Attack-set

Moltres-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots / @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Berserk
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fiery Wrath
- Hurricane
- Agility / Sucker Punch / U-turn​

:weezing-galar: G-Weezing saw a really good use in Pre-DLC2 as a formidable Urshifu-S check and it checkd Pokemon such as Hawlucha as well. This Pokemon is a really interesting case, as I feel it had brighter days in the past, but it can still work as a check to Urshifu-S and its cool typing in Fairy and Poison and its abilities in Neutralizing Gas helps it to make the opposing Pokemons abilities without any effect. It's great set contains Sludge Bomb, Will-o-Wisp, Pain Split and Toxic or Haze, but it can also run Strange Steam as its Fairy-type signature move or Aromatherapy to keep its teammates healthy and act like a great cleric.

Weezing-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Neutralizing Gas
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Aromatherapy / Toxic / Haze​

:slowbro-galar: This Pokemon was initially hyped with its Quick Draw + Quick Claw combination and its set-up moves such as Nasty Plot and very very rarely Belly Drum. This Pokemon was very heavily discussed in lower tiers, however this Pokemon didn't have that much of an impact in the OU tier, like it had in the lower tiers. This Pokemon is very luck-based with its Quick Draw-ability and Quick Claw as its Item, but I think it does a better job as fringe sweeping-option for Trick Room-teams, as its low speed leaves it vulnerable to a plenty amount of Pokemon, and its typing isn't that great like the typing is from its kantonian counterpart. But it can still find its place on some Trick Room oriented structures and with as Nasty Plot-boost it is able to break past most Pokemon.

Slowbro-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Sludge Bomb
- Flamethrower​

I thought Galarian Forms are a worthy Topic to dive into as these Pokemon are all pretty interesting, and some are worth to try out more in the metagame, such Pokemon would be Galarian-Slowking and Galarian-Moltres, whereas other Galarian Forms like Gapdos and Glowbro have more trouble in the current metagame due to too many great checks to the former and the latter is left with a niche-option on teams especially built around it.

How do you guys feel about the Galarian Forms in OU? Are there any other thought you guys would like to bring up around these Pokemon?
OTR Gslowking good I’ve used Life Orb and I seen someone use with Black Sludge but AV has a lot more utility and lowkey its an A- mon. Some super effective hits strong ones too dont even clear half fully smh.

Relatively speaking as far as G-Zap goes I think Agility is better than Bulk Up. Bulk Up probably better for a defensive build but a lot of offensive teams dont handle it well once an Agility is up, seeing as a lot of the current priority is in the former of either Sucker Punch or Grassy Glide from Rillaboom. I cant really say too much about item choice as this is one of the few mons that would probably benefit from using Protective Pads for Rocky Helmet and Kanto birds.

GMoltres should probably be running HDB all the time considering its only going to do well on more offensive teams like screens and its ability is somewhat a bit iffy depending on matchup. I do like double dance though and outclassed is probably the wrong word in context to regular Moltres, considering ones defensive the others offensive.

GWeezing good Ursh counterplay but its also overlooked as something that can pretty much stop Garchomp in it tracks cause it needs both SD and Lum to actually ever break GWeezing, which requires for Stone Edge to even hit in the first place. Only really going to fit on defensive cores and builds, kind of neat but eh.

Quick Draw didnt trigger on GSlowbro for me 5/6 times and on the 6th time it missed a Focus Blast so probably not going to ever use this again in a serious manner lol. I used Life Orb Slack Off instead of Nasty Plot. A mon thats slower than Melmetal fishing for RNG already is kind of a reach but to somehow set up a Nasty Plot too? Idk man this seems kind of RUish to me.
 
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Very good idea, I have been thinking too about using Lunatone as Nidoking and Heatran check. However, I have to ask why do you run Protect when they learn Morning Sun and Moonlight respectively?
Wait I am a complete and total moron. This entire time I thought they didn't have recovery :psycry: It's not like protect does anything other than lefties recovery. I will definitely change that on my Solar System buddy teams.

smh

Edit: I'm about to start my final and i am still kicking myself over this help
 
Dunno why Buzzwole is being seen as unviable/having a minor niche in OU when it's most splashable defensive answer to nearly all Urshifu (barring Banded Zen/Aerial Ace, which aren't really things and mean Urshifu can't break other things) sets, and also handles things like Kartana.
I'm gonna guess because if the urshifu has a slowbro partner buzwole can't do the thing it's meant to do since it just goes down to FS, and it has a bro partner a LOT of the time
 
I'm gonna guess because if the urshifu has a slowbro partner buzwole can't do the thing it's meant to do since it just goes down to FS, and it has a bro partner a LOT of the time
that's entirely fair and important to account for, but Urshifu can muscle past pretty much everything with Future Sight up and the right move, and Urshifu will still be brought in without a Future Sight having been fired off in many instances

plus Buzzwole should run Toxic for this reason, since Slowbro isn't going to hit Buzzwole with anything outside of Scald on the same turn
 
Dunno why Buzzwole is being seen as unviable/having a minor niche in OU when it's most splashable defensive answer to nearly all Urshifu (barring Banded Zen/Aerial Ace, which aren't really things and mean Urshifu can't break other things) sets, and also handles things like Kartana.
Hey just wanted to clarify that I don't think Buzzwole is unviable or anything. Just here's a couple of the big issues I think it faces

:clefable::toxapex:
- vs balance, clef and pex get free switches on it all day to make progress via status/knock/hazards

:landorus-therian::garchomp:
- many things it could be used to check like lando and chomp are running toxic in many of their sets, and its very prone to being chipped down over time as it is often forced to switch in and roost

:kartana::rillaboom::hawlucha:
- re:kart, maybe it's just my experience but I've only seen kart on grassy spam teams with lucha and boomer rn and kart can run the SD LO set to bait and destroy buzz

:clefable::moltres::zapdos:
- I don't think the opportunity cost of using buzzwole as a physical wall over clefable (which checks similar threats while providing much more) or the birds like zapdos or moltres is worth it with how much those mons can blanket check

:slowbro:
- and the biggest one is futureport like glava said, the best partner of urshifu atm is bro

But yeah, I don't think buzz is bad, just its more of a B/B- mon imo and isn't that splashable when teambuilding. Still is the only urshifu counter besides clef (I've barely seen poison jab being run in practice tbh, mostly sucker for the third slot) which is a valuable role in some teams weak to it.
 
First of all, good job on finding a niche for a really really niche mon. Great read. I liked how you put in the EVs on lunatone and it is one of the most optimized spread I've ever seen since advance. How long did it take to find a niche for this mon?
Second, what made you choose solrock and lunatone? Is it just a favorite mon of yours or just another mon in the chopping block of finding a niche mon a niche usage in OU?
Lastly, which team did you use that has a lunatone on it?
Thank you so much! The EVs were the most difficult part and required a ton of testing on both musique and I's parts to find out specifically what spreads worked for their specific roles. I chose Lunatone originally because he's one of my favorite Pokemon, and I absolutely love him. It was also quite a challenge and I do love finding ways to make Pokemon in tiers as low as ZU fully usable in OU.

I used a Balance experimental team where my Haxorus from earlier in the thread was also present. It's a very tech-heavy team. I haven't posted an RMT in a while but I might.

Very good idea, I have been thinking too about using Lunatone as Nidoking and Heatran check. However, I have to ask why do you run Protect when they learn Morning Sun and Moonlight respectively?
Both of us forgot that they have access to reliable recovery so I added those into the post as additional options, however, I've found that having the ability to scout is absolutely crucial in my testing (my team has Wish support along with Tyranitar so Sand Stream lowers the recovery of Moonlight and Morning Sun down to 1/4 from 1/2) so I'd still prefer to use Protect over Morning Sun or Moonlight, but they're definitely very usable options!
 
Last edited:
Yh, it isn't so much that buzzwole is unviable, it's more that it's really clunky to use both in team builder and in actual battle, so most people just take the more streamlined mons. It absolutely has some great strengths, but it just has some very exploitable weaknesses such as special attacks, being very passive and a mild tendency towards chipping, which combined with slowbro making it's actual defensive role hard means most of the time people just don't bother with it
 
Nothing really too surprising tbh, Koko is something I'm glad to see maintain high usage as a lot of people thought it was bad this gen but I still think its a really good pivot and Specs sets do tons of work against non-Blissey teams. Pert kinda surprises me as I thought it would've been on a bit of a downtic in usage since I don't think it does that much in the average game, but ppl seem to like it. Regieleki dropping is likewise unsurprising and seeing my bbys Suicune and Kyurem rising makes me think hope they'll be OU sooner rather than later.
 
Quick comments
#1 -
- The king is back.
#4 -
- Just one word: Hate.
#8 -
- With the most stable metagame one step at a time, Cinderace can choose her 4 moves more efficiently.
#14 -
- CM/DK/Taunt/Scald is so good against passive teams, while is a great Hydreigon answer too. Choice Scarf is also cool.
#16 -
overcoming #17
it is not surprising, and should continue to rise, AV is so bulky. Although Slowbro is still Slowbro doing Slowbro things.
#22 -
- This powerful guy is still very little explored, but that shouldn't change as long as Magearna is with us (hopefully for a little while).
#23 -
- Solid wallbreaker with great coverage and is expected to rise even higher.
#26 -
- Defensively solid and very flexible offensively thanks to NP, Flash Cannon, Fire Blast, Earth Power and even Superpower, virtually nothing except Tapu Fini can safely switch.
#32 -
- Really surprised here, I haven't seen this guy anywhere except for some HO or Defog niche, and now that Hydreigon is in high Dragonite it might fall to UU.
#34 -
- Muscle Bug still has things to offer and I have my doubts if only Urshifu is holding Buzzwole in OU.

#38 -
- I thought I would fall by the wayside after Heatran's return, but I was wrong.
#41 -
- New toy syndrome is over finally (Until useful Dual Screen Lead).
#47 -
and #49 -
- Underestimated, especially Kyurem with Specs and stall / SubRoost niche.
 
Urshifu-R is on the verge of dropping to UU, which is a shame, because it is honestly pretty solid. I guess the opportunity cost of using it over Urshifu-S is just to great.
Urshifu-R: exists
Rocky helmet pex: I'm about to end this man's whole career
It's just too bad that single strike has a much better offensive typing, and that surging strikes a helmet bro or pex makes urshifu-r wanna cry,since this mon could in theory hit like a truck, but with a lot of bulky water types which resist it's stabs it just can't. The OU meta is a bit unfair to it outside of rain. That being said, do the usual sets run thunder punch, it seems like that might help it against some of its' switch ins?
 

TPP

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Head TD
Mid-December usage stats are here! Credit to Kalalokki for the visual below:
Code:
Combined usage for OU (1695 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 31.692% |
| 2    | Clefable           | 26.395% |
| 3    | Urshifu            | 24.220% |
| 4    | Magearna           | 23.910% |
| 5    | Toxapex            | 19.538% |
| 6    | Pheromosa          | 19.346% |
| 7    | Ferrothorn         | 18.017% |
| 8    | Cinderace          | 17.110% |
| 9    | Garchomp           | 16.424% |
| 10   | Rillaboom          | 16.095% |
| 11   | Zapdos             | 16.070% |
| 12   | Heatran            | 15.064% |
| 13   | Spectrier          | 14.559% |
| 14   | Tapu Fini          | 14.361% |
| 15   | Mandibuzz          | 11.668% |
| 16   | Slowking-Galar     | 10.642% |
| 17   | Slowbro            | 10.503% |
| 18   | Tapu Koko          |  9.702% |
| 19   | Excadrill          |  9.648% |
| 20   | Moltres            |  9.486% |
| 21   | Swampert           |  9.417% |
| 22   | Melmetal           |  9.147% |
| 23   | Nidoking           |  9.080% |
| 24   | Pelipper           |  8.870% |
| 25   | Blissey            |  8.561% |
| 26   | Hydreigon          |  8.404% |
| 27   | Corviknight        |  7.671% |
| 28   | Kartana            |  7.656% |
| 29   | Tyranitar          |  7.573% |
| 30   | Tornadus-Therian   |  7.469% |
| 31   | Dragapult          |  7.445% |
| 32   | Dragonite          |  7.308% |
| 33   | Hippowdon          |  7.274% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  6.606% |
| 35   | Barraskewda        |  6.374% |
| 36   | Hawlucha           |  5.463% |
| 37   | Tapu Lele          |  5.231% |
| 38   | Volcarona          |  5.086% |
| 39   | Latios             |  4.883% |
| 40   | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike |  4.876% |
| 41   | Regieleki          |  4.438% |
| 42   | Zapdos-Galar       |  4.047% |
| 43   | Azumarill          |  3.988% |
| 44   | Victini            |  3.006% |
| 45   | Aegislash          |  2.884% |
| 46   | Slowking           |  2.825% |
| 47   | Kyurem             |  2.579% |
| 48   | Zarude             |  2.554% |
| 49   | Suicune            |  2.487% |
| 50   | Skarmory           |  2.339% |
| 51   | Seismitoad         |  2.282% |
| 52   | Magnezone          |  2.269% |
| 53   | Mamoswine          |  2.192% |
| 54   | Shuckle            |  2.179% |
| 55   | Quagsire           |  2.073% |
| 56   | Dracozolt          |  2.063% |
| 57   | Tangrowth          |  2.043% |
| 58   | Thundurus-Therian  |  1.960% |
| 59   | Blaziken           |  1.957% |
| 60   | Crawdaunt          |  1.885% |
| 61   | Gastrodon          |  1.882% |
| 62   | Mew                |  1.786% |
| 63   | Nihilego           |  1.691% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  1.644% |
| 65   | Latias             |  1.626% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |  1.616% |
| 67   | Celesteela         |  1.605% |
| 68   | Arctozolt          |  1.540% |
| 69   | Volcanion          |  1.508% |
| 70   | Kommo-o            |  1.498% |
| 71   | Ditto              |  1.405% |
| 72   | Torkoal            |  1.312% |
| 73   | Bisharp            |  1.293% |
| 74   | Zeraora            |  1.263% |
| 75   | Grimmsnarl         |  1.227% |
| 76   | Reuniclus          |  1.224% |
| 77   | Moltres-Galar      |  1.223% |
| 78   | Blacephalon        |  1.208% |
| 79   | Venusaur           |  1.195% |
| 80   | Scizor             |  1.184% |
| 81   | Weavile            |  1.045% |
| 82   | Amoonguss          |  1.016% |
| 83   | Keldeo             |  0.986% |
| 84   | Marowak-Alola      |  0.981% |
| 85   | Hatterene          |  0.913% |
| 86   | Rotom-Wash         |  0.896% |
| 87   | Tapu Bulu          |  0.865% |
| 88   | Obstagoon          |  0.844% |
| 89   | Porygon2           |  0.844% |
| 90   | Kingdra            |  0.842% |
| 91   | Togekiss           |  0.832% |
| 92   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 93   | Weezing-Galar      |  0.819% |
| 94   | Vanilluxe          |  0.781% |
| 95   | Jirachi            |  0.715% |
| 96   | Diggersby          |  0.706% |
| 97   | Nidoqueen          |  0.691% |
| 98   | Rotom-Heat         |  0.668% |
| 99   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.648% |
| 100  | Cresselia          |  0.639% |
| 101  | Shedinja           |  0.632% |
| 102  | Rhyperior          |  0.615% |
| 103  | Krookodile         |  0.588% |
| 104  | Salamence          |  0.545% |
| 105  | Regidrago          |  0.541% |
| 106  | Alakazam           |  0.527% |
| 107  | Exploud            |  0.521% |
| 108  | Conkeldurr         |  0.513% |
| 109  | Klefki             |  0.483% |
| 110  | Toxtricity         |  0.464% |
| 111  | Primarina          |  0.427% |
| 112  | Cloyster           |  0.423% |
| 113  | Snorlax            |  0.421% |
| 114  | Ribombee           |  0.403% |
| 115  | Gyarados           |  0.396% |
| 116  | Umbreon            |  0.361% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.354% |
| 118  | Glastrier          |  0.352% |
| 119  | Lucario            |  0.349% |
| 120  | Azelf              |  0.341% |
| 121  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.340% |
| 122  | Omastar            |  0.305% |
| 123  | Charizard          |  0.291% |
| 124  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.289% |
| 125  | Arctovish          |  0.288% |
| 126  | Druddigon          |  0.269% |
| 127  | Terrakion          |  0.268% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.263% |
| 129  | Thundurus          |  0.247% |
| 130  | Darmanitan         |  0.246% |
| 131  | Araquanid          |  0.228% |
| 132  | Metagross          |  0.221% |
| 133  | Mantine            |  0.218% |
| 134  | Stakataka          |  0.218% |
| 135  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.215% |
| 136  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.209% |
| 137  | Vaporeon           |  0.202% |
| 138  | Polteageist        |  0.197% |
| 139  | Diancie            |  0.197% |
| 140  | Kabutops           |  0.195% |
| 141  | Tentacruel         |  0.179% |
| 142  | Raikou             |  0.178% |
| 143  | Registeel          |  0.178% |
| 144  | Indeedee           |  0.167% |
| 145  | Regigigas          |  0.164% |
| 146  | Heliolisk          |  0.159% |
| 147  | Aurorus            |  0.157% |
| 148  | Espeon             |  0.156% |
| 149  | Jellicent          |  0.153% |
| 150  | Zoroark            |  0.150% |
| 151  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 152  | Tornadus           |  0.144% |
| 153  | Uxie               |  0.143% |
| 154  | Scolipede          |  0.142% |
| 155  | Blastoise          |  0.140% |
| 156  | Milotic            |  0.139% |
| 157  | Gardevoir          |  0.139% |
| 158  | Accelgor           |  0.139% |
| 159  | Heracross          |  0.134% |
| 160  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.130% |
| 161  | Entei              |  0.129% |
| 162  | Porygon-Z          |  0.128% |
| 163  | Trubbish           |  0.124% |
| 164  | Archeops           |  0.123% |
| 165  | Haxorus            |  0.122% |
| 166  | Whimsicott         |  0.119% |
| 167  | Poliwrath          |  0.116% |
| 168  | Xatu               |  0.113% |
| 169  | Necrozma           |  0.107% |
| 170  | Dragalge           |  0.104% |
| 171  | Noivern            |  0.102% |
| 172  | Audino             |  0.101% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
This post is gonna be shorter than usual since OU is starting to stabilize and the last quickban was a month ago (this is the 2nd shift after those bans so the changes are less surprising).

Changes to the Top 10:

#12 (15.558%) > #8 (17.110%)
#15 (12.767%) > #9 (16.424%)
#14 (13.636%) > #10 (16.095%)
The above mons were already increasing in usage since last month, and now all 3 have finally cracked the top 10. Cinderace is a pretty strong offensive mon with with a really nice Speed stat, and Sucker Punch is a really solid option on it nowadays as it's able to pick off faster mons like Pheromosa after being chipped by Stealth Rock a few times, as well as Choice Scarf/Specs Spectrier. I already talked about Garchomp and Rillaboom last month so I'll just leave the link for that here.

Notables increases:

#38
(4.644%) > #16 (10.642%)
After making it into OU at the start of the month, Slowking has only skyrocketed in usage since then. More and more people are seeing how difficult it is to switch into, and it's also proving its reliability as a defensive pivot with Assault Vest and Regenerator.

#25 (7.956%) > #18 (9.702%)
This might seem like a small increase, but I decided to include it partially because Koko was on the decline for a while, and it's also been positively affected by Hawlucha's rise to OU. Koko is Hawlucha's best partner on hyper offense, as it provides terrain for Unburden to activate, as well as setup screens in order to help Hawlucha more safely setup.

Notable decreases:

#28 (7.173%) > #39 (4.883%)
This one is a little surprising since Latios went from doing fine to nearly dropping out of OU. The biggest change for Latios has been Galarian Slowking rising, as it's a solid Latios switchin. It'll be interesting to see if Latios is able to adapt by doing something like running Earthquake to hit Slowking-Galar and Steel-types, or if it'll fall down to UU next month.

#29 (6.702%) > #40 (4.876%)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike is also on the verge of falling into UU. Rain as a whole saw a small decrease in usage the last 2 weeks and then Urshifu-Single-Strike on the other hand saw a 2.5% increase in usage, which indirectly cuts into Urshifu-Rapid-Strike's usage as you can only run one or the other.

Rising to OU:

#49
(2.696%) > #36 (5.463%)
Hawlucha is back and dual screen hyper offense teams probably saw an overall increase while people attempted to get voting requirements for the Pheromosa suspect test. Hawlucha with Stone Edge is a nice option for hyper offense, as it's able to bypass Zapdos and Moltres with Stone Edge, and weaken or finish off physically defensive mons like Clefable or Toxapex for a teammate like Urshifu-Single-Strike.

#54 (2.123%) > #38 (5.086%)
Volcarona has returned to OU as well, and it's a nice bulky mon that provides some defensive utility while also being a solid win condition. Thanks to its typing, and a physically defensive EV spread, it's able to take on both Choice Band and Quiver Dance variants of Pheromosa. Additionally, depending on the situation, Volcarona can also handle Spectrier, as Volcarona being immune to Wisp means Hex remains at base 65 power. If Spectrier is Calm Mind, then Volcarona has a high chance of winning the 1v1, and if Spectrier is Nasty Plot, then things get a little tougher and it could go either way. Finally, Volcarona is able to provide a good switchin to Magearna, which has started to get some discussion as a threat in the metagame that might be too good for OU.

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!
 
Urshifu-R: exists
Rocky helmet pex: I'm about to end this man's whole career
It's just too bad that single strike has a much better offensive typing, and that surging strikes a helmet bro or pex makes urshifu-r wanna cry,since this mon could in theory hit like a truck, but with a lot of bulky water types which resist it's stabs it just can't. The OU meta is a bit unfair to it outside of rain. That being said, do the usual sets run thunder punch, it seems like that might help it against some of its' switch ins?
Thunder punch is definitely one of its main coverage moves, but I can run pretty much anything the other form can for coverage. I've been experimenting with an endure reversal acrobatics set to help with its bulky grass matchup, but it doesn't help much against bulky waters and rocky helmet. I think if you want to use rapid strike, you're going to want a good electric type and lots of knock off support. It's definitely a bit support reliant but it can definitely punch holes in the opponents team if it gets the chance
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
I Like the Swords Dance-set of Rillaboom and the Swords Dance-Set of Garchomp the most currently, Rillaboom with a strong SD-boost and a Grassy Terrain-boosted Grassy Glide just clicks through everything in the late-game when everything is weakend. Garchomp on the other hand is a really great Pokemon in the current metagame, and i'd like to suggest that people should try it out more. Its SD + Scale Shoft-Set is really great on offensive team archetypes and its a great tool too, with setting up Stealth Rocks, in case the team needs a great ground-type with Stealth Rocks, but my favorite Set is still SD + Scale Shot.

8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
I like OU as with the many Pokemon we have, it is a fun experience to build, but also restrictive on the other hand, due to Pokemon like Spectrier, Urshifu-S, and Magearna - I feel once Spectrier might hit up a suspect-test and a Ban, the amount of Dark-types running around is less necessary and the usage of Pokemon like Mandibuzz will further drop, and Hydreigon could see a more offensive oriented-set again with something like Nasty Plot.

9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
Ban of :dracovish: lol just kidding, I think my favorite memory is, that a lot of old faces finally came back due to the Crown Tundra, I missed Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Heatran, and Garchomp, therefore as hectic as Crown Tundra was/is it is my favorite memory of Gen8 so far. I also liked the new Galarian Forms we've got, as I am a fan of Galarian-Moltres, furthermore trying out Glastrier and Spectrier a lot in the metagame was/is really fun. I also like Galarian-Slowking as this is such a great defensive Pivot and has the movepool, to threaten a large portion of the metagame allthough less offensive but still almost as dangerous as Nidoking, speaking of the King, I also like that this Pokemon gets the attention it deserves as a superb Wallbreaker for many teams, which struggle to switch into its many coverage-options.

10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!
Thanks, you as well! ^.^
 

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