While we're here, I figure I'll dump some additional thoughts as far as what's currently on the table and lob a couple more noms before the slate ends.
Slowking-Galar: A- to
A
Agreed. This Pokemon has been making incredible waves the past couple of months, and I feel as though its rank should definitely rise to reflect this. I don't feel as though it is worthy just yet of A+ since it lacks the glue-like attributes of other A+ contenders, however, it is bar none my favorite special wall in the tier with its genuinely incredible coverage being able to pressure anything willing to take on its dual STABs, powerful Future Sight, remarkable stats, and access to Regenerator letting it operate with incredible consistency for teams in need of a specially bulky pivot. I think my favorite thing about it, though, is its lack of passiveness. Being able to actually adapt to potentially sour matchups such as Trick or switch-ins to its STABs with its natural strength and coverage respectively is a huge standout, imo, especially against the increasingly popular Choice Specs Magearna and how difficult it can be to reliably swap in against it without forcing damage on valuable allies. I think it's definitely worth a rise.
Toxapex: A+ to
A
Although I understand the discussion against it, I'm inclined to
disagree. In my opinion, Toxapex only really has one major weakness right now, that being Future Sight. This can be a pretty big issue as with Future Sight active, reliably checking what it is supposed to check can be a really tall order and force progress against the Toxapex user. However, barring that, Toxapex is still one of the most reliable walls and checks to Magearna in the tier with Regenerator and a godlike defensive typing, making it a top tier glue that's able to take on the onslaught of a lot of threats like Cinderace, Magearna, and Melmetal, and provide valuable reinforcement for balance teams that can force progress of its own using Scald/Knock Off.
Zeraora: C+ to
B+/A-
I
agree, but not to A- just yet. I remember initially agreeing with the B- nomination, however, SPL use has really shown just how valuable its niche as a Knock Off/Toxic user actually is. However, it's mostly seen use with Close Combat, which is also very effective, as Knock Off alone can lay out a lot of necessary pressure to Landorus-T by removing its only form of recovery and allow Zeraora to pick off Ferrothorn and Heatran after some prior chip damage. It's also shown just how effective of a wincon it can be even despite that fact, being a dope pivot and progress forcer and cleaning up the rubble in the endgame with its phenomenal speed tier and STAB Plasma Fists alongside CC + Knock Off. It can be prone to chip damage, however. Though, overall, I think i'd like to see a bit more use with it before I agree with A-. Its a surprisingly viable pick.
Cinderace: A+ to
S
Easily
agreed; it's probably the best offensive glue in the tier, and one that has incredibly explosive potential with its setup variants on HO cores. A fairly obvious rise, in my opinion, that doesn't really need to be parroted.
Dragapult: A- to
A
Agreed! Even with Spectrier in the tier, the merit of its Hex and Specs variants have really shined, and it can perform phenomenally on Balance Offense, Balances, and VoltTurns in need of a speedy Dragon-type and general purpose wallbreaker that is able to provide momentum. With its Hex variant, it can also be a pretty great wincon as well in a similar vein to Zeraora, using its utility and pivoting abilities to butter up walls, and then clean using its STAB of choice. However, even from a comparative POV, its defensive typing and status lets it stand out a bit more, especially now that its main competition is removed from the tier.
Corviknight: A- to
A/A+
I 100%
agree with this. Although I'm not sure where I'd put it yet, I would be comfortable with either tier. Although it initially faced quite a bit of competition as a Defog user, its defensive typing has really been highlighted by the metagame's need for a reliable Garchomp check, and luckily Corviknight is pretty damn good at providing that, removal for balances, and other really nifty matchups against such things as Rillaboom or Landorus-T. I think the thing about Corviknight that lets it really stand out in the current climate, though, really is its typing. Although it provides the unique, aforementioned benefits, being able to afford Leftovers or, imho the preferable option of a Rocky Helmet, lets it not be as prone to Knock Off and even punish pivoting attempts with the latter item choice.
Tornadus-Therian: A to
A+
Yeah, Torn-T is shaped like an absolute threat, so this is an easy
agree from me. We've been seeing an uprise of Nasty Plot variants, which are utterly devastating to handle due to its super spammable Hurricane and access to very solid coverage in Focus Blast/Heat Wave to punish potential Hurricane switch-ins, or even Knock Off/U-Turn to force progress/garner momentum. It's just,
really good.
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With all of this in mind, I'd like to make a quick nom that's been on my mind lately:
Slowbro: A -> A+
In my eyes, I feel as though Slowbro has earned a place in the A+ ranks. To me, it is probably the best defensive glue and progress forcer in the entire tier. Not only is it attributed with amazing resistances and natural bulk, but it is one of two Pokemon to be graced with the most unique, yet most deadly combination of synergistic attributes we've seen in the tier for a long while. In case that's not obvious, that would be Future Sight + Regenerator + Teleport. Not only is it able to gain momentum super easily using Teleport, but it is able to heal back potential damage it takes as it pivots, while also being able to easily get in a wallbreaker to capitalize upon its Future Sight with. It just does
so much, and it's such an effective enabler and backbone component that keeping it in A, to me, is really underselling just how much it provides for bulky offense and balance teams. There's a lot I could say about Slowbro, but I find myself usually having a pretty easy time giving it a place on teams in general despite a few less-than-great weaknesses keeping it from joining the higher A+/S tiers.