Resource SV Monotype Viability Rankings

[kiru]

Temporary Artwork by CodyFontanazza | VR Sheet by Ticken & Managed by roxie​

Welcome to the Scarlet and Violet Monotype Viability Rankings! In Monotype, Pokemon are ranked based on their viability relative to the other Pokemon you have available on a particular type. The Pokemon in A rank are more viable than those in B rank, but that does not mean B-rank Pokemon aren't useful or don't have a very valuable niche. Anything that is ranked must be usable and have some value that prevents it from being outclassed. Most Pokemon are placed into one of four different rankings: S, A, B, and C. Previously, the D ranking was included, but collectively, we've decided not to include D rankings during this era of Monotype. Some Pokemon aren’t listed either because they are completely outclassed or haven't been ranked yet. Pokemon are ranked separately for each type. For example, Grass teams love Toedscruel's access to Spikes and Rapid Spin, but Ground teams have limited interest in Toedscruel because there are superior options for its niches; Toedscruel would be ranked separately for each type.

General / Write-up Rules

• Flaming will not be tolerated. Please respectfully debate each other's nominations.
• Post smartly, don't just be like "I like Magnezone, so it should be in S Tier!"
• Stay on topic. This thread is intended for the discussion of how viable Pokemon are relative to each other, which does involve sometimes referring to Pokemon as broken or extremely good. However, there are other more suited threads for posting about whether a Pokemon is too broken, so make sure to frame your posts appropriately.
• Please only nominate rank changes for Pokemon that you have direct experience using. Do not use theory or on-paper ideas.
• Avoid posting very brief and simple questions such as "Why is Galarian Corsola A Rank? It sucks!" The Simple Questions and Simple Answers are the perfect place to ask your simple question to get a simple answer!

Viability Ranking Council: These people will have the final say if a decision by the community cannot be reached or if a Pokemon is completely misplaced. If you do not contribute to this thread, do not expect your suggestions to be added miraculously. We each vote individually on Pokemon, so post here if you want all of us to see your suggestion!

• Attribute
• Azick
• Felines
• maroon
• Neko
• roxie
• yedla

How to rank

• Include the Pokemon you're rating, the type, and what rank you want it to be.
• Explain as to why you put it in that rank and how it fares in Monotype. (Why should it be ranked lower or higher?)

Bug

S Rank
Scizor
Volcarona

A Rank
Forretress
Kleavor

B Rank
Frosmoth
Slither Wing

C Rank
Heracross
Lokix

D Rank
Rabsca
Venomoth
Vivillon

Dark

S Rank
Chien-Pao
Kingambit
Sableye

A Rank
Greninja
Meowscarada
Ting-Lu

B Rank
Hoopa-Unbound
Hydreigon
Moltres-Galar
Muk-Alola

C Rank
Grimmsnarl
Iron Jugulis
Lokix
Overqwil
Samurott-Hisui

D Rank
Krookodile
Roaring Moon
Wo-Chien
Zarude

Dragon

S Rank
Baxcalibur
Dragapult

A Rank
Cyclizar
Dragonite
Garchomp
Goodra-Hisui
Hydreigon
Walking Wake

B Rank
Dragalge
Roaring Moon

C Rank
Regidrago

D Rank
Noivern
Salamence

Electric

S Rank
Iron Hands
Rotom-Wash
Sandy Shocks

A Rank
Magnezone
Zapdos

B Rank
Pawmot
Regieleki

C Rank
Electrode-Hisui
Rotom-Mow
Thundurus-Therian
Toxtricity

D Rank
Bellibolt
Eelektross
Iron Thorns
Kilowattrel
Oricorio-Pom-Pom
Pincurchin
Raichu-Alola
Rotom-Frost
Rotom-Heat
Thundurus

Fairy

S Rank
Flutter Mane
Klefki

A Rank
Azumarill
Hatterene
Iron Valiant

B Rank
Enamorus
Mimikyu
Tinkaton

C Rank
Enamorus-Therian

D Rank
Grimmsnarl
Scream Tail

Fighting

S Rank
Great Tusk
Iron Hands
Iron Valiant
Zamazenta

A Rank
Lilligant-Hisui
Sneasler
Urshifu-R

B Rank
Breloom
Tauros-Paldea-Fire

C Rank
Gallade
Pawmot
Zapdos-Galar

D Rank
Hawlucha
Heracross
Lucario
Quaquaval
Slither WIng
Toxicroak

Fire

S Rank
Volcarona

A Rank
Cinderace
Heatran
Scovillain
Torkoal
Volcanion

B Rank
Arcanine-Hisui
Ceruledge
Iron Moth
Moltres
Skeledirge
Tauros-Paldea-Fire

C Rank
Armarouge
Rotom-Heat
Salazzle
Talonflame

D Rank
Coalossal
Typhlosion-Hisui

Flying

S Rank
Corviknight
Dragonite
Landorus-Therian

A Rank
Enamorus
Landorus
Zapdos

B Rank
Articuno
Iron Jugulis
Moltres-Galar
Thundurus-Therian

C Rank
Gyarados
Moltres
Tornadus-Therian
Zapdos-Galar

D Rank
Bombirdier
Braviary-Hisui
Enamorus-Therian
Flamigo
Kilowattrel
Pelipper
Salamence
Talonflame
Thundurus

Ghost

S Rank
Spectrier

A Rank
Dragapult
Flutter Mane
Gholdengo
Mimikyu
Skeledirge

B Rank
Brambleghast
Ceruledge
Zoroark-Hisui

C Rank
Froslass
Gengar
Sableye

D Rank
Basculegion
Decidueye
Palossand
Polteageist
Spiritomb

Grass

S Rank
Amoonguss
Lilligant-Hisui
Meowscarada

A Rank
Breloom
Zarude

B Rank
Rotom-Mow

C Rank
Brambleghast
Electrode-Hisui
Iron Leaves
Rillaboom
Toedscruel
Wo-Chien

D Rank
Abomasnow
Appletun
Brute Bonnet
Decidueye-Hisui

Ground

S Rank
Clodsire
Great Tusk
Landorus

A Rank
Iron Treads
Landorus-Therian
Quagsire
Sandy Shocks
Ursaluna

B Rank
Garchomp
Ting-Lu

C Rank
Gastrodon

D Rank
Hippowdon
Krookodile
Palossand
Toedscruel

Ice

S Rank
Baxcalibur
Chien-Pao

A Rank
Abomasnow
Cetitan

B Rank
Froslass
Frosmoth

C Rank
Avalugg
Cloyster
Glastrier

D Rank
Articuno
Glaceon
Rotom-Frost

Normal

S Rank
Ditto
Ursaluna
Zoroark-Hisui

A Rank
Blissey
Cyclizar

B Rank
Indeedee
Maushold
Meloetta
Staraptor

C Rank
Braviary
Chansey
Indeedee-F

D Rank
Arboliva
Dudunsparce
Grafaiai

Poison

S Rank
Amoonguss
Glimmora
Toxapex

A Rank
Muk-Alola
Sneasler

B Rank
Clodsire
Gengar
Iron Moth
Salazzle
Slowking-Galar

C Rank
Overqwil

D Rank
Haunter
Skuntank
Slowbro-Galar
Toxicroak
Toxtricity

Psychic

S Rank
Hatterene

A Rank
Espathra
Hoopa-Unbound

B Rank
Armarouge
Gallade
Indeedee
Iron Leaves
Mew
Scream Tail
Slowbro
Slowking-Galar

C Rank
Bronzong
Cresselia
Gardevoir
Indeedee-F
Meloetta
Slowking

D Rank
Azelf
Braviary-Hisui

Rock

S Rank
Garganacl

A Rank
Arcanine-Hisui
Glimmora
Tyranitar

B Rank
Kleavor
Lycanroc

C Rank
Coalossal
Drednaw
Iron Thorns
Lycanroc-Dusk

D Rank
Diancie

Steel

S Rank
Corviknight
Gholdengo
Heatran
Kingambit

A Rank
Goodra-Hisui
Iron Treads

B Rank
Scizor

C Rank
Forretress
Klefki
Magnezone
Orthworm

D Rank
Lucario
Tinkaton

Water

S Rank
Toxapex

A Rank
Barraskewda
Greninja
Pelipper
Quagsire
Rotom-Wash
Samurott-Hisui
Urshifu-R

B Rank
Basculegion-F
Gastrodon
Quaquaval
Walking Wake

C Rank
Azumarill
Dondozo
Gyarados
Slowking
Volcanion

D Rank
Alomomola
Basculegion
Cloyster
Floatzel
Slowbro
Tatsugiri

Blacklist
These Pokemon have been brought up multiple times for discussion with the same arguments or are just awful. A type can be blacklisted if it is an extreme circumstance. If anyone talks about a Pokemon that is blacklisted, your post will be deleted and or infracted.

• None

 

[TheWyvernKing]

Some short opinions I have
(Ice), I honestly don't know if I even think snowless is better than snow rn is kinda why I'm thinking about Abomasnow maybe for B, I'll give snow Ice another shot since I've mostly been running snowless recently, but Abomasnow in general is deadweight if they can threaten it in any way. In general though I just don't see it as worth for Ice as the other 2 mons listed in A tier.

Feels the most expendable on any team I use it on for fire, though we did just get it so my opinion will probs change when I see someone who knows their way around fire do something with it. Moreso a mon I want to see other's thoughts on.

being in the same ranking as Cacturne just doesn't sit right with me lol, Cacturne can't guaranteed OHKO Flutter even with a Life Orb which Brute does, and similarly Brute has a 75% kill with black glasses from full. Gonna need more understanding of what Cacturne does that sets it apart from Brute if anything, I suppose spikes support, but ultimately I kinda want to see explanation for Cacturne here.

C-->B, this one I'm far more confident about. Palo brings rock support alongside incredible bulk, and honestly I find brings similar worth to some of the mons listed in B (Skeledirge/Froslass/Gengar). Solid to have for some important matchups such as Ground as well.

(Electric), Drop this thing lower, A-->C if we're being honest with ourselves. I made a decent team with it, but it can be such a deadweight in so many matchups and doesn't bring the support or worth of mons in B tier. could arguably go B, but as reference in comparison to a C tier mon I find Eel more worth it than Iron-Thorns.

 

[bigasschungusboi]

Slowbro is a fantastic defensive mon for Water and can reliably do Slowking's job with much better offensive pressure and an equally damaging Future Sight Its iron defense body press set that can cleanly OHKO Kingambit without a boost should be kept in mind as this is a feat that Slowking can realistically try with Focus Blast but fails to find usefulness outside of this matchup. Therefore in my opinion Slowbro should be at the same tier as Slowking or maybe even a little higher

 

[Dragapult]

Rotom-H needs to be A on Fire. It's the better of the only two available Ground immunities and provides Fire a unique asset in that it can burn Great Tusk (hell to deal with under Sun) and set screens. B -> A

Feels the most expendable on any team I use it on for fire, though we did just get it so my opinion will probs change when I see someone who knows their way around fire do something with it. Moreso a mon I want to see other's thoughts on.

Built and played a ton of Fire this gen so I can +1 TheWyvernKing re: the observation that Ace feels a bit lackluster this generation. and it is certainly not as good as Moth or Scovillain. Ace provides solid utility as a Scarfer given it's the fastest mon on Fire but beyond being decent speed control it's not exceptional or anything. Court Change is a unique asset on Fire but is very hard to fit onto a a set given Pyro Ball/HJK/Sucker Punch/Gunk Shot and U-Turn, and the combination of HDB + Torkoal's Rapid Spin + Tauros' Raging Bull normally means Fire can play through/around hazards in most matchups. Swords Dance is effectively incompatible with Libero and basically requires the use of Blaze. Tauros' access to Raging Bull/Intimidate/and Fighting STAB provides a layer of utility and stability that Ace doesn't, and most builds running Ace probably still want Tauros in some capacity anyway. A -> B or B -> A.

 

[Arkter]

C > B
I would like to argue that it deserves at-least a B tier spot in the viability rankings for Steel, it is useful for Steel teams that prefer a more offensive composition as well as allowing setup sweepers or win conditions like Kingambit or Gholdengo to come into the field with the move Shed Tail, as well providing a useful defensive ability in Earth Eater, it can not easily be answered to as it enjoys having offensive utility in both Earthquake and Body Press, as well as a niche role as being a Stealth Rocks or Spikes setter for a Hazard based team

Unranked > B
A incredible utility mon that allows a variety of playstyles, while it can be fitted into more offensive contexts such as a Shift Gear sweeper set or Band, it also provides a strong defensive backbone due to its ability Filter, being able to use Parting Shot allows its teammates to have some breathing space to offensive pressure. Toxic/Toxic Spikes allows it to poison defensive threats to Steel teams like Ting Lu or Dondozo, as well as being able to threaten high BP moves such as Spin Out or Gunk Shot to threats such as Azumarill or Iron Valiant

 

[Metrona]

and I feel like should get like a C in viability for mono rock, since, while not the most ideal, it allows for you to have an additional glimmora/garganacl in your team with a different set
i.e. scarf glimmora + suicide lead glimmet or salt cure stealth rock stall garg + iron press eviolite naclstack

while not the strongest sets they are at least viable

 

[Derickituuu]

I have opinion

Sett

Greedent @ Ganlon Berry
Ability: Cheek Pouch
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stuff Cheeks
- Body Press
- Body Slam
- Earthquake

I made a sett for greedent and realized that it can be quite useful I think it deserves either rank A

Stuff checks with body press ganlon berry provides greedent 2.5× defense giving a total of 792 Def in addition to recovering a good part of hp, so it has a great setup compared to mono normal pokemons

 

[Snapteryx]

Talonflame (Flying) C --> A​

Bulky Talonflame is really valuable to have for mono flying. Corv can already fill the defogger role just fine, but if you plan on running iron defense Corv or just want a 2nd defogger, Talonflame is your only real option. Talonflame is also just solid defensively. With will o wisp to burn monotype's various physical threats and flame body for good measure, Talonflame can make it a lot safer for flying's offensive threats to come in. You also have u turn as an alternate option if you can already deal with physical attackers. Until Moltres comes out, I don't see Talonflame being anywhere near C tier. Consiering how big of a jump this is, I wouldn't complain with B tier either.

Other noms I don't want to make full writeups for

(Flying) C --> B
(Ghost) S --> A
(Ghost) A --> S
(Flying) UR --> C
I'm only nominating this one because if the standards for C tier are low enough for mons like Honchkrow, Bombirdier and Charizard to be ranked, Masquerain should get in there too
The following mons are mons I haven't used yet so I won't fully nominate them, I'd just like to know the reasoning behind their rankings
(Electric) Is setting electric terrain to boost electric attacks and activate quark drive enough of a niche for B tier? This thing just feels underwhelming every time I fight it.
(Flying) When I read that the VR wouldn't include D tier, I thought Gyarados wouldn't make it. I'm shocked it was ranked here, let alone getting B tier.
(Flying) I have never seen a single Honchkrow in any compeitive scene. Nothing about it really stands out to me either.
(Flying) This seems better than Honchkrow and it's flying's only rocker but I'm still kinda skeptical.
(Flying) Charizard outside of sun seems kinda useless. Talonflame outclasses it defensively, so is it's offensive potential good enough to get ranked even without sun?
(Ghost) I feel like this one sticks out like a sore thumb compared to the other C tiers. B just fits way better for a solid defensive wall that happens to be ghost's only rock setter.
(Rock) I mean, it's Klawf.

 

[Day Healer]

Nice VR, just a couple of mons:

(Bug) C -> B : Is legit better than all other C mons, have revival blessing (plus can use it 2 times with leppa) and is one of the few Dondozo answers

(Electric) B -> A: A more offensive alternative to rotom-w, but with grass STAB again grounds, levitate for ground immunity . Again water shines too.

A -> B: Bro these rodents are so overrated, I could put this even in C cause all three B ranks offer more to the type than this. With maushold you tidy up for the sweep hoping your opponent dont have any of its infinite counters. If anything, hazard removal saves the rodent family so give it B rank.

Rotom-H needs to be A on Fire. It's the better of the only two available Ground immunities and provides Fire a unique asset in that it can burn Great Tusk (hell to deal with under Sun) and set screens. B -> A

(Flying) UR --> C
I'm only nominating this one because if the standards for C tier are low enough for mons like Honchkrow, Bombirdier and Charizard to be ranked, Masquerain should get in there too

Also these


Ps. Oops ty for correct Metrona, fixed.

 

[Metrona]

Nice VR, just a couple of mons:

(Bug) D -> C : Is legit better than all other D mons, have revival blessing (plus can use it 2 times with leppa) and is one of the few Dondozo answers

(Electric) B -> A: A more offensive alternative to rotom-w, but with grass STAB again grounds, levitate for ground immunity . Again water shines too.

A -> B: Bro these rodents are so overrated, I could put this even in C cause all three B ranks offer more to the type than this. With maushold you tidy up for the sweep hoping your opponent dont have any of its infinite counters. If anything, hazard removal saves the rodent family so give it B rank.

Also this

there's no D on bug though
also I do agree that rabsca should be higher especially considering specs rabsca also happens to be one of the few ways bug can win vs garg after 1 iron def lol
though I'm a bit more bias to that mostly cause the one time I lost to mono bug as mono rock was due to a specs rabsca

 

[lavarina]

B --> A
Besides Toedscruel, Appletun is one of if not the only counter for Fire types such as Tauros or Scovillain. I've spammed Grass in the ladder a few times and honestly without Appletun I wouldn't know how to beat them except cry and pray. Having Thick Fat just increases its defensive utility against Fires even more along with Earthquake to actually deal damage. Until HOME comes (i don't know what the hell is coming from HOME because i never checked), Appletun is pretty solid to be in Grass teams that need a way to deal with Fires easier. It's not entirely passive either, being a wall in general and breaking down SpDEFs of the opponents with Apple Acid.

 

[Bryceyyy]

On Ghost:

B-->A: Skeledirge provides the most defensive utility of any mon on ghost. It can switch into opposing shadow sneaks nearly endlessly. As well as it counters many enemy physical threats (Ceruledge, Mimikyu, Scizor, Iron Hands, Cinderace, etc.) and some important special sweepers (Volcarona, some Hatterene sets, Iron Valiant) that can otherwise be problematic for ghost teams. It can burn sucker-punch users, which has been key for me to win dark match-ups as well as match-ups against bug and steel teams with lokix and kingambit. It is also incredibly problematic for opposing fire match-ups since it generally beats their A and S tier mons aside from an opposing skeledirge and it being a roll on scovillain.

C-->B: Ghost has some incredible sweepers in Gholdengo, Dragapult, and Flutter Mane. These pokemon often end up involved in speed ties especially in the mirror, which can result in a lot of 50/50s dictating a ghost mirror matchup. The ability of Sableye to set priority screens adds significant bulk to the team making it necessary to do 2 or 3 hits to any of these sweepers to ko them, which enables them to much more easily sweep teams. Sableye can also switch into opposing ghost moves because of its ghost typing and then set screens, which further strengthens the mirror match-up.

 

[Black Rabbit]

I'm curious as to why both

and

are rated as high as A on Psychic. I've never used them as I didn't think there was anything that useful about them. Based on my experience with Psychic, Bronzong doesn't seem that exceptional for Psychic. It does have a good typing, ability, and utility with Stealth Rock and Screens and a decent offensive movepool with Body Press, Earthquake, Ice Spinner, Gyro Ball. However, it seems flawed to me with being too passive due to its speed tier and its offensive movepool just being decent for Psychic's needs. As for Slowbro, Psychic would appreciate a physical defensive wall like Slowbro, but I think the loss of Scald and Teleport-- does not get Chilly Reception-- just hurts its viability that to me it seems like a momentum loss. I don't see why Slowbro would be rated higher than Slowking other than being a physical defensive wall, as I think Psychic would appreciate good pivoting over a physically defensive wall. Had Slowbro received Chilly Reception as well, I could see it being rated higher than Slowking.

C -> B (Psychic): I think Psychic's most optimal build is similar to that of Fairy by utilizing screens for setup and offense, and I believe Scream Tails is Psychic's best screener due to sporting a nice defensive typing that compliments Psychic along with very good base defenses and speed. Scream Tails can also use some moves like Flamethrower/Fire Blast and/or Focus Blast to target and apply pressure to steel types like Kingambit, Scizor, and Fortress. It also has other utility with Encore, Thunder Wave, and Stealth Rock-- with the two first options helping alleviating its weakness as a passive role. I've seen wishpass sets exploiting Scream Tail's high base HP, but I personally do not think that is Scream Tail's best set at the moment due to a lack of a defensive core and reliable hazard control in Psychic.

 

[TheWyvernKing]

I'm curious as to why both

and

are rated as high as A on Psychic. I've never used them as I didn't think there was anything that useful about them. Based on my experience with Psychic, Bronzong doesn't seem that exceptional for Psychic. It does have a good typing, ability, and utility with Stealth Rock and Screens and a decent offensive movepool with Body Press, Earthquake, Ice Spinner, Gyro Ball. However, it seems flawed to me with being too passive due to its speed tier and its offensive movepool just being decent for Psychic's needs. As for Slowbro, Psychic would appreciate a physical defensive wall like Slowbro, but I think the loss of Scald and Teleport-- does not get Chilly Reception-- just hurts its viability that to me it seems like a momentum loss. I don't see why Slowbro would be rated higher than Slowking other than being a physical defensive wall, as I think Psychic would appreciate good pivoting over a physically defensive wall. Had Slowbro received Chilly Reception as well, I could see it being rated higher than Slowking.

C -> B (Psychic): I think Psychic's most optimal build is similar to that of Fairy by utilizing screens for setup and offense, and I believe Scream Tails is Psychic's best screener due to sporting a nice defensive typing that compliments Psychic along with very good base defenses and speed. Scream Tails can also use some moves like Flamethrower/Fire Blast and/or Focus Blast to target and apply pressure to steel types like Kingambit, Scizor, and Fortress. It also has other utility with Encore, Thunder Wave, and Stealth Rock-- with the two first options helping alleviating its weakness as a passive role. I've seen wishpass sets exploiting Scream Tail's high base HP, but I personally do not think that is Scream Tail's best set at the moment due to a lack of a defensive core and reliable hazard control in Psychic.

Yeah Scream Tail should go up and Zong/Bro should go down. Many successful Psys I see are something like Indeedee/Scream Tail/Hatt/Espathra/Gallade/Armourage, and Bro/Zong both have to fight for a spot much harder than anything else in A tier.

 

[Shokkking]

Orthworm C -- > B
It has access to Stealth Rock, Heavy Slam, Body Press, Shed Tail to pass sub to Kingambit, Scizor, Iron Threads or Goldengo (whatever you decide to use), meaning a free hit that can be game changer in most matches. Its moveset is basicaly what Bronzong wants to run rn. Both even have an ability that grants ground immunity (Orthworm actually have a way to heal, unlike Zong). In a meta where Dark and Ghost are top tier types, Orthworm can check Mimikyu, Flutter Mane, Kingambit, Meowscarada with such facility, not to mention its capacity to check ground types.

calcs

Def 252+ Atk Meowscarada Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Orthworm: 85-102 (24.7 - 29.6%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
Atk 252+ Def Orthworm Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Meowscarada: 280-330 (95.5 - 112.6%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

Def 252+ Atk Kingambit Kowtow Cleave vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Orthworm: 87-103 (25.2 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Atk 252+ Def Orthworm Body Press vs. 112 HP / 0 Def Kingambit: 356-420 (96.4 - 113.8%) -- 75% chance to OHKO]

Bronzong B -- > C
As stated above, in a meta where Dark and Ghost are popular types with powerful mons, there is no way a Steel team can fit Bronzong without losing power. Its defensive capacities are really low rn in this meta, specially since Steel have access to Orthworm and Forretress, which both provide a ground answer without the downside of Ghost/Dark weakness. Its ability fireproof is good vs fire, but Zong can't do much against these mons. Psychic as a secondary type isn't really good vs most mon and the neutral damage from fighting doesn't add much since we have Goldengo and Corviknight in the meta. Bronzong is a really niche mon and doesn't deserve to be higher/same tier than Forretress/Orthworm, that is why I think it should be lower in the tier list.

 

[mushamu]

Some nominations:
Dark

-> B

-> B

-> B

Fire

-> A

-> S /

-> A &

-> B

-> A

Flying

-> A

-> B

-> B

-> B

Ghost

-> S /

-> A

-> A

-> B

Poison

-> S

-> A

-> B

Reasonings:

Dark

Dark

I think Hydreigon and Iron Jugulis should be the same rank. I personally like Iron Jugulis over Hydreigon because of its Speed stat and immediate breaking power on a hazard stacking type like Dark, and can run Choice Specs much better than it. As for Hydreigon, its Dragon STAB is nice but not needed as Chien-pao should be rank on every team regardless to answer Dragon. Nasty Plot is cool too but Iron Jugulis + Chien-pao already breaks pretty much everything.

Lokix is underrated as an offensive Pokemon and should be B ranked. OHKOing Chien-pao is a feat that not any Pokemon on Dark can do thanks to its priority and Speed, and it's great as a sweeper otherwise in pretty much any matchup.

Fire

Cinderace is still really good in this metagame because of Court Change. The nerf to Libero definitely hurt it, but in a metagame centralized by hazards offense especially with Ting-lu dominating the tier, it takes on a new role in the form of hazard control. It should definitely stay A due to the utility it provides for the type alongside being a great offensive pivot. Choice Band is also nice too and hits extremely hard.

Skeledirge is really good and glues the type together and provides a decent defensive backbone along with Torkoal. It's a bit tricky since I don't feel either Volcarona or Skeledirge are as good as Torkoal, but they both are a cut above the rest of the A ranked Pokemon. In order to prevent the A rank from being flooded with Pokemon a simple solution would be Volcarona, Torkoal, and Skeledirge at S and Cinderace, Paldean Tauros, Scolvillain, and Iron Moth at A.

Paldean Tauros is one of the premier offensive Pokemon on Fire and should be A ranked. Not only is Raging Bull an extremely good move in a metagame where screens are decently common, Intimidate allows it to neuter Pokemon like Dragapult and Dragonite just by switching in and out. A lot of offensive utility in one slot and Outrage being great against Dragon makes this Pokemon as good as Scolvillain, Iron Moth, and Cinderace.

Flying

Gyarados should be A ranked, it has amazing utility alongside being a great setup sweeper. I would argue that its main merit on Flying lies in its defensive utility in Intimidate and its great typing. For example, Intimidate alongside Corviknight neuters Chien-pao to the point where its a manageable threat and is useful for many other interactions against setup sweepers. Defensive sets are unironically not bad and wall all Chien-pao sets.

Bombirdier is unironically not bad and should be B ranked. Defensive sets with Taunt, Knock Off, Parting Shot, and Stealth Rock is unironically okay for a lead especially given how Flying is an offensive type. Parting Shot is also very useful for Hatterene under screens, a threat that would be almost impossible to handle unless you use Specially Defensive Corviknight spread which causes the team to miss out on Chien-pao completely.

Salamence is a cool Choice Scarf user and should be B ranked. It's great in an offensive metagame and all of its answers lose to Kilowattrel, giving the team a nice form of speed control and offensive pressure in the same slot. Pelipper itself is not that good, with rain Flying only being a thing so that Kilowattrel doesn't miss Hurricanes, so it's fair to put it on the same level as Bombirdier, Pelipper, and Flamigo.

Flamigo is basically Galarian Zapdos in SV and is an incredible offensive threat. It's especially great in a metagame where Dark is thriving and should be B ranked, alongside Pelipper, Salamence, and Bombirdier.

Ghost

Dragapult should be S ranked due to its versatility. It can run around 10+ good sets, making it amazing in tournament play. As a standalone Pokemon it's just incredibly good; 142 Speed and a wide offensive movepool makes it one of the most valuable Pokemon in an offensive metagame such as this. I would even argue that it's better than Gholdengo.

Brambleghast is needed in a metagame that is dominated by hazards. Both Water and Ground being amazing means Brambleghast thrives even more, and is basically a mandatory Pokemon since the lack of hazard removal can really hurt over time as Ghost. It should be A ranked at worst.

Spiritomb does its job as a defensive wall very well and provides a sturdy Dark neutrality. It's noticeably better than some of the B ranks, but I think putting it at B makes a lot of sense for now. I feel like it should be ranked above Palossand if anything because it has a Dark neutrality as well as Foul Play, two importable attributes that overide Palossand's access to Stealth Rock defensively.

Poison

Toxapex should be S ranked. There isn't really much else to say besides that it's Toxapex on a type that is centered around Regenerator spam and slow progress using hazards and status. It answers a lot of threats like Volcarona and Chien-pao that would otherwise be frustrating to deal with and is very comparable to Amoonguss in the role it fills.

Salazzle is better than Iron Moth because Encore is huge for Pokemon like Kingambit, Hydreigon, and Corviknight, while Toxic is always going to be great against fat teams. I would move it up to A and put Iron Moth down to B, because I think it is the premier Fire-type on Poison teams. Iron Moth is good, but the way Salazzle handles the metagame is more accustomed to how Poison teams function.

 

[HueWasTaken]

Temporary Artwork by CodyFontanazza | VR Sheet by Ticken & Managed by roxie​

Welcome to the Scarlet and Violet Monotype Viability Rankings! In Monotype, Pokemon are ranked based on their viability relative to the other Pokemon you have available on a particular type. The Pokemon in A rank are more viable than those in B rank, but that does not mean B-rank Pokemon aren't useful or don't have a very valuable niche. Anything that is ranked must be usable and have some value that prevents it from being outclassed. Most Pokemon are placed into one of four different rankings: S, A, B, and C. Previously, the D ranking was included, but collectively, we've decided not to include D rankings during this era of Monotype. Some Pokemon aren’t listed either because they are completely outclassed or haven't been ranked yet. Pokemon are ranked separately for each type. For example, Grass teams love Toedscruel's access to Spikes and Rapid Spin, but Ground teams have limited interest in Toedscruel because there are superior options for its niches; Toedscruel would be ranked separately for each type.

General / Write-up Rules

• Flaming will not be tolerated. Please respectfully debate each other's nominations.
• Post smartly, don't just be like "I like Magnezone, so it should be in S Tier!"
• Stay on topic. This thread is intended for the discussion of how viable Pokemon are relative to each other, which does involve sometimes referring to Pokemon as broken or extremely good. However, there are other more suited threads for posting about whether a Pokemon is too broken, so make sure to frame your posts appropriately.
• Please only nominate rank changes for Pokemon that you have direct experience using. Do not use theory or on-paper ideas.
• Avoid posting very brief and simple questions such as "Why is Galarian Corsola A Rank? It sucks!" The Simple Questions and Simple Answers are the perfect place to ask your simple question to get a simple answer!

Viability Ranking Council: These people will have the final say if a decision by the community cannot be reached or if a Pokemon is completely misplaced. If you do not contribute to this thread, do not expect your suggestions to be added miraculously. We each vote individually on Pokemon, so post here if you want all of us to see your suggestion!

• Attribute
• Felines
• Floss
• maroon
• roxie
• yedla

How to rank

• Include the Pokemon you're rating, the type, and what rank you want it to be.
• Explain as to why you put it in that rank and how it fares in Monotype. (Why should it be ranked lower or higher?)

Bug

S Rank

Scizor

Volcarona

A Rank

Forretress
Lokix
Slither Wing

B Rank

Heracross

Vivillon

C Rank

Frosmoth

Masquerain
Rabsca
Venomoth

Dark

S Rank
Chien-Pao
Ting-Lu

A Rank

Grimmsnarl

Hydreigon
Kingambit
Meowscarada

Sableye

B Rank
Roaring Moon

Skuntank

C Rank
Brute Bonnet
Iron Jugulis

Krookodile
Lokix

Spiritomb

Weavile
Wo-Chien

Dragon

S Rank
Baxcalibur
Cyclizar

Dragapult

A Rank

Dragonite

Garchomp

Hydreigon

B Rank

Dragalge
Roaring Moon

C Rank

Appletun

Haxorus

Noivern

Salamence
Tatsugiri

Electric

S Rank
Iron Hands
Rotom-Wash

A Rank
Iron Thorns

Magnezone
Pawmot
Sandy Shocks

B Rank
Oricorio Pom

Pincurchin
Rotom-Heat
Rotom-Mow

Toxtricity

C Rank

Eelektross

Jolteon
Kilowattrel

Luxray

Rotom
Rotom-Frost

Fairy

S Rank
Flutter Mane

Klefki

A Rank

Azumarill

Hatterene
Iron Valiant

Mimikyu

B Rank

Gardevoir

Grimmsnarl
Tinkaton

C Rank
Scream Tail

Sylveon

Fighting

S Rank
Great Tusk
Iron Hands
Iron Valiant

A Rank

Breloom
Quaquaval

B Rank

Gallade

Hawlucha

Lucario
Slither WIng
Tauros-Paldea-F

Toxicroak

C Rank

Heracross
Pawmot

Medicham

Fire

S Rank

Torkoal

Volcarona

A Rank

Cinderace
Iron Moth

scovillian
Skeledirge

B Rank
Ceruledge
Rotom-Heat

Talonflame
Tauros-Paldea-F

C Rank
Arcanine
Armarouge
Charizard

Salazzle

Flying

S Rank

Corviknight

Dragonite

A Rank
Iron Jugulis
Kilowattrel

B Rank

Gyarados

Pelipper

C Rank
Bombirdier
Charizard
Flamigo

Hawlucha

Honchkrow

Noivern

Salamence

Staraptor

Talonflame

Vivillon

Ghost

S Rank
Flutter Mane
Gholdengo

Mimikyu

A Rank

Dragapult

B Rank
Brambleghast
Ceruledge

Froslass
Gengar
Skeledirge

C Rank

Mismagius

Palossand

Polteageist

Sableye

Spiritomb

Grass

S Rank

Amoonguss

Breloom
Meowscarada

A Rank
Rotom-Mow
Toedscruel
Wo-Chien

B Rank

Appletun
Brambleghast

C Rank
Arboliva
Brute Bonnet

Cacturne

Flapple
Scovillain

Tsareena

Ground

S Rank
Clodsire
Great Tusk

A Rank

Gastrodon
Iron Treads

Quagsire
Ting-Lu

B Rank

Garchomp

Palossand
Sandy Shocks

C Rank

Hippowdon

Krookodile
Toedscruel

Ice

S Rank
Baxcalibur
Chien-Pao

A Rank

Abomasnow
Cloyster

Froslass

B Rank

Avalugg
Cetitan
Rotom-Frost

C Rank

Crabominable

Frosmoth

Weavile

Normal

S Rank

Blissey

Ditto

A Rank
Cyclizar

Indeedee
Maushold

Staraptor

B Rank
Arboliva

Chansey

Pyroar

C Rank

Braviary
Farigiraf
Grafaiai

Indeedee-F

Komala

Ursaring

Poison

S Rank

Amoonguss
Clodsire

A Rank
Glimmora
Iron Moth

Skuntank

Toxapex

B Rank
Gengar

Salazzle

Toxicroak

C Rank
Revavroom

Dragalge
Haunter

Qwilfish
Venomoth

Toxtricity

Psychic

S Rank

Hatterene

Indeedee

A Rank

Bronzong
Espathra

Gallade
Slowbro

B Rank
Armarouge

Gardevoir

Slowking

C Rank

Indeedee-F

Medicham
Rabsca
Scream Tail

Rock

S Rank
Garganacl
Glimmora

Tyranitar

A Rank

Drednaw

Lycanroc-Dusk

B Rank

Coalossal
Iron Thorns
Klawf

Lycanroc

Steel

S Rank

Corviknight
Gholdengo
Iron Treads

A Rank
Kingambit

Klefki

B Rank

Bronzong

Forretress

Lucario

Magnezone

Scizor

C Rank
Orthworm

Water

S Rank

Toxapex

A Rank
Dondozo

Gastrodon

Pelipper

Quagsire
Quaquaval

Slowking

B Rank

Azumarill

Barraskewda
Cloyster

Rotom-Wash
Tatsugiri

C Rank

Alomomola

Floatzel

Gyarados
Slowbro
Tauros-Paldea-W
Veluza

Blacklist
These Pokemon have been brought up multiple times for discussion with the same arguments or are just awful. A type can be blacklisted if it is an extreme circumstance. If anyone talks about a Pokemon that is blacklisted, your post will be deleted and or infracted.

• None

I might be hella wrong but I used many monotype normal teams and this is what I think

S -> A. While Blissey is a very good pokemon, the lack of teleport and soft boiled pp being nerfed makes it less obrigatory in normal teams, now being a optional choice. It needs to choose between Physically defensive, or specially defensive. And in both cases, you lose to setup mons that are very popular, and most physical mons too. Not to mention most sets that blissey is running have 0 way of hitting ghost type pokemon, making you fight basically a 5 vs 6.

B -> A. This mon is hella underated in normal type teams. The only special pokemon we have is indeede, and while we wait for Hisuian-Zoroark, this mon is the best mon to deal with steel types at the moment. And with moves like overheat to deal with bulkier mons, and dark pulse for most ghost types. This pokemon is very good. A Special mention to its ability to deal with skeledirge, which most of the type can beat Blissey in a 1v1.

C -> B. It pairs really well with Indeedee and Staraptor, not to mention a fighting neutrality is always great.Not only that, but this mon can be very threatning behind a shed tail from Cyclizar. Encore, Swords dance, gunk shot, knock off. You can take advantage of many setup mons,spikes and stealth rock setters and prepare for a sweep late game.

 

[Ethereal Sword]

Got a few thoughts on Bug, based on possibly biased experience:

C -> B. A few people here have already suggested this and I echo their reasoning: Rabsca is one of the only ways for Bug to handle Dondozo, and Revival Blessing support is incredibly useful. With 115 base SpA, fantastic coverage (Psychic, Earth Power, Sludge Bomb, Dazzling Gleam, Energy Ball, Power Gem, Shadow Ball), and access to Trick, Rabsca is rarely dead weight even in less ideal matchups.

Unranked -> C. Sticky Web is perhaps not the best way to play Bug in general (though in teams that don't spam First Impression as much, Webs support is still valuable), but Spidops is at least Masquerain's equal in its role due to its access to Spikes and First Impression (base 79 Atk is not necessarily revolutionary, but it at least gets STAB), as well as other options like U-Turn, Circle Throw, Sucker Punch, and Memento. (Masquerain gets Quiver Dance, true, but its abilities as a setup sweeper are diminished when Sticky Web occupies a move slot.)

 

[TheQueenWaddle]

-> A: Supporting a Skeledirge rise to A on Ghost!

• It's ability Unaware allows it to stopping set up threats such Iron Valiant, Hatterene, DD Dragapult, Mimikyu, non-Shadow Claw Ceruledge, Volcarona, Scizor, Lokix, etc. that are problematic otherwise
• Torch Song allows it to become an offensive threat, pivoting into Pokemon that have set up and turning the tables with just 1 or 2 Torch Song boosts along with Unaware
• Access to Yawn and Slack Off give it the ability to tank attacks, force out threats, and offer opportunities to pivot into offensive teammates, then heal off the damage on passive Pokemon later
  • This is notably useful as Ghost is uniquely able to utilize hazards with Brambleghast/Froslass and Gholdengo and Ghosts' immunity to Rapid Spin, allowing Mimikyu, Scarfed Dragapult and Flutter Mane to clean up late game
• It can dominate Ice, Grass, and Bug matchups with minimal support from Gholdengo

Though its movepool and sets are not as versatile as Dragapult, the other Ghost in the A-Tier, Skeledirge is a great answer in a variety of situations and is an invaluable defensive backbone on Ghost teams, I think it deserves a spot in A.

-> A: Also supporting this rise in Ghost

• Access to Spikes, Rapid Spin, and Strength Sap give Brambleghast great supportive capabilities
• Brambleghast shores up Ghost's weakness to Ground, given that Gholdengo, Ceruledge, and Skeledirge have weaknesses to Ground and other common Pokemon such as Dragapult and Flutter Mane are physically frail
• It has decent enough attack, allowing it to run Power Whip or Shadow Sneak to attack switch ins like Hatterene
• It also is oddly a good answer to some leads which gives it time to set up
  • Klefki: able to spin away hazards and set up its own, Power Whip can be used to predict Fairy switches to Hatterene/Flutter Mane, Strength Sap can be used against Steel switch ins to stay healthy
  • A slew of Wind Rider uses against common leads
    • Abomasnow: immunity to Blizzard, Giga Drain doesn't hurt at all and immunity to Leech Seed
    • Ting Lu: immunity to Whirlwind, can spin hazards
    • Pelipper: immunity to Hurricane, Power Whip hurts Water switch-ins

I was hesitant to use Brambleghast at first, but it has proven to be a great defensive and utility Pokemon that in my opinion makes it better than Gengar, Froslass, and Ceruledge on Ghost teams.

 

[TheWyvernKing]

Think could be considered for B tier on water, also second what Mush said of it being A on Fly.

For water specifically, it's taunt-dd set works wonders this gen. The ability to absolutely shut down Ground, while also putting in alot of work vs. the water mirror, prove very helpful in 2 top types this gen. Ground in general doesn't have too bad a mu vs. water, but Gyara alone can make it alot more one sided, while proving more helpful than Cloyster for stuff like Dozo, Water, and Steel.
At the very least I think Gyara is on par with mons currently in B tier. Cloyster as a comparison helps more with Grass + Dragon, but Gyara I think covers some some more important playstyles in the meta.

 

[readyletsgo]

(Electric) B -> A: A more offensive alternative to rotom-w, but with grass STAB again grounds, levitate for ground immunity . Again water shines too.

Here's my problem with this: Not that true balance is achievable right now for electric, but Rotom Wash is just so pivotal defensively that when you take that slot away in order to use rotom mow, in my opinion the net gain from having a potential strong grass stab does not compensate for the net loss of having the defensive pivot. I haven't found that having 8 leaf storms turns the tide against Ground, which is the main reason you'd wan't to use Mow in the first place, because of Clod and other neutral options allowing Ground users to play around it too easily. I've seen Memomiguel try to use Mow in high level matches with mixed results not only because of that, but also grass is a worse attacking type in way more matchups.

Not saying it's bad per say, just not sure I would put it in A rank.

 

[TTK]

Some noms for the types I care about.

Dark

• C to at least B and A to B: Crazy to me how these 2 mons are 2 ranks apart yet Jugulis is high-key better than Hydreigon. Higher speed, neutrality to Fighting, pulls off Specs/Scarf a lot better.
• C to UR: As long as Chien-Pao is in the tier, there's zero incentive to use this mon at all
• C to UR: Perhaps I am missing something but there's also like zero incentive to use this too. Bombirdier isn't ranked for example and neither is Honch, Jugulis already fills the Dark/Flying and there's better physical attackers on Dark. Ting-Lu is the Dark/Ground and guess what? There's better physical attackers to use on Dark. Even Scarf sets have been power crept the hell out of existence. Has no impact at all.

Electric

• C to at least B: Frankly, Eel is one of Electric's best options. It's so splashable when it comes to its bulk and coverage with Giga Drain and Flamethrower. It's if you combine Rotom Mow and Heat together since you can't use both on the same team and ideally you don't want to drop Rotom-Wash either.
• A to B: Now what WyvernKing said I agree with but I wouldn't drop it to C. For a mon that was placed in A rank, it has neither the consistency or splashability of an A rank. Too slow, common weaknesses, heavily reliant on Balloon. The only reason why you want Thorns on your team is rocks.

Ghost

• A to S: I'm also surprised that Dragapult isn't in S for Ghost either. There is never a good Ghost team without one of these guys on it. Fastest viable pokemon, a multitude of good sets ranging from Scarf to Band to Specs to DD and even some Hex Twave stuff. Screams S to me.
• B to A: What Mushamu said.

 

[The Black Hippopotas]

C to B:

I think C-rank for Hippowdon is low for what is able to do. The main reason it's C rank is because people use Ting-Lu (which has the almost the double of HP and inmunity to Prankster), but Hippowdon has some advantages over Ting-Lu that makes it viable too:
-It isn't weak to Fighting
-It sets Sandstorm providing residual damage
-It has recovery in the way of Slack Off

Unranked to C:

I think Dugtrio still has a lot of value thanks to Arena Trap and its ability to trap and revenge kill threads. I have used Dugtrio in my Ground team, and it has been a lot of times my main answer to get rid of that mecha-Delibird or mecha-Misdreavus. Also the main reason Chi-Yu wasn't never a threat when I faced it

B to A:

Garchomp is actually the nomination I'm the least sure to do, but I find it to be the main striker of a Ground team (together with Great Tusk). It's also a very versatile Pokemon that can be a second setter-pseudohazer with Spikes/Stealth Rock and Dragon Tail plus Rough Skin support, being a destroyer with a Swords Dance or Choice Band set, or a revenger killer with a Choice Scarf set

 

[TheWyvernKing]

Honestly put on Steel C or at least D Tier. Been trying it out with a scarf set and Parting Shot + T Spikes and it's pretty solid offensive support. VS. teams without Steel types it can put it solid amount of work, and Magnezone as a partner allows for it to have it's counters taken care of for some pretty decent synergy. Pretty neat in the fighting mu as well, as a mon not weak to fighting that can do ~60-70% on neutrals with Gunk Shot.

Main issue with it if I'm being completely honest is how Steel may struggle a bit with fitting needed spots with the rest of the team comp. I consider Zone a great partner, but having the 2 together, alongside essentials in Corviknight, Gholdengo, and Kingambit, puts alot of pressure on the last mon to compress roles. Not running Zone means Revavroom will be stifled by mons such as Corv on Flying, but is still workable when using wallbreakers for Rev to Parting Shot into such as Specs .

Either way I'll say I found Rev's scarf set surprisingly viable, alot of people don't expect it and it works as a great pivot as a result, and able to get off toxic spikes extremely easily as well on forced switches.

With overcoat it's also a mon with a solid lead mu vs. Breloom, which can't Spore if they decide to lead with it. Best case scenario you bring loom down to ~30% with Iron Head or Sash live with Gunk Shot without much risk unless they're a bulldoze set.

 

[Captain Funk]

PRIMEAPE
NR --> C​

Primeape has a solid niche in the fighting Monotype and nobody is giving it credit. And it has a good amount to offer such as:

• Has decent bulk such as being able to live a moonblast from Flutter Mane after spikes thx to eviolite and in return ohko it with rage fist after taking a hit​

Calc

252 SpA Flutter Mane Moonblast vs. 248 HP / 116 SpD Eviolite Primeape: 246-290 (73.8 - 87%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 1 layer of Spikes
0 Atk Primeape Rage Fist vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Flutter Mane: 242-286 (96.4 - 113.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

• Reliably breaks screens in front of the common screen setters(Grimmsnarl and Klefki )​
• Still has the potential to snowball into a somewhat hard hitter thx to both rage fist and defiant​
• All this while still being able to taunt/encore slow/passive mons, preventing hazards or status on your side.​

And most importantly
​

• Setting up rocks which compliments Great Tusk by giving it the freedom to use other sets​

Ever since Annihilape got banned, Primeape and Great Tusk are the only mons who has access to stealth rock for fighting(and heracross for spikes). And ever since that ban, Tusk has mainly been the only reliable defensive rock setter role on fighting due to role compression. And while it is a great set for the type, it has always been a huge problem not being able to use other sets without either breaking the structure of the team, or making a hazardless team. With Primeape being the rock setter, it now gives Great Tusk to have the freedom ot deserves to be versatile, making it more threatening as it's supposed to be, such as Choice Scarf, Choice Band, or my personal favorite, Bulk Up taunt body press EQ.