Metagame SV ZeroUsed Speculation Thread

[Tuthur]

Waiting for SV ZU release on April 1st is a bit boring, so let's make it more fun with speculating about what the tier would look like. Jett and I worked on a speculative list based on what is currently available in PU, this list is meant to evolved with time as the PU metagame develops and discussions take place here.

Here you can discuss about this speculative metagame, what you think will (or not) drop to ZU, your expectations, or anything else you think is related to SV ZU! This is a fun thread, so let's have fun!

Challenge command: /chall gen9pu @@@ -Ampharos, -Cacturne, -Camerupt, -Crabominable, -Dragonair, -Dugtrio, -Falinks, -Flapple, -Frogadier, -Gabite, -Gogoat, -Golduck, -Grumpig, -Hattrem, -Haunter, -Houndoom, -Indeedee-F, -Leafeon, -Lycanroc-Midnight, -Magneton, -Misdreavus, -Perrserker, -Pyroar, -Quaxwell, -Rabsca, -Raichu, -Rotom-Frost, -Squawkabilly, -Shroodle, -Skuntank, -Stonjourner, -Tinkatuff, -Vigoroth, -Vivillon , -Wugtrio

Paste of available FE

Visual list

 

[Toto]

ban

 

[TTK]

ban (I won't let this drop anyway)

 

[CaydenButBubbles?]

rain meta? hail meta? who is to say

 

[plznostep]

Behold!

Stantler @ Eviolite
Ability: Intimidate
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tera Blast
- Calm Mind
- Sleep Talk
- Rest

Can't wait for Stantler to be Top Tier in a metagame!​

 

[SwordIsBored]

All fun and games until Flittle destroys the tier

 

[Melons-N-Soda]

Okay, let me say right off the bat that Serene Grace Sawsbuck will be severely uncompetitive, even if not necessarily broken in the traditional sense. A set of Body Slam/Headbutt/Horn Leech/SD or w/e can quite easily get out of hand, and essentially turn games into coinflips. Tera Ghost or bust lol.

Vigoroth also seems like a problem from the Pokemon on the list. The thing is bulky, decently strong, AND fast. This thing can tank a Tera Psychic Terrain boosted Psychic from Indeedee-F decently well with SpD investment, and that's a mon that'll for sure stay PU and maybe even get on the PUBL list. Reliable recovery adds to this.

 

[JonAmon 25]

As it was in gen 8, there were a lot of moveset changes between generations. While a lot don't matter at all, there's a lot that buffed, nerfed, or can outright change how the pokemon is played. Here's a list of every listed mon's (probably) relevant moveset changes :)

FEs

- +Dazzling Gleam, +Dragon Tail, -Heal Bell, -Toxic
- +Close Combat, +Crunch, +Earthquake, -Icicle Spear, -Toxic
- +Agility, +Draining Kiss, -Toxic
- +Acrobatics, +Foul Play, -Icicle Spear, -Triple Axel, -Toxic
- -Magic Coat, -Reflect, -Toxic
- -Icicle Spear
- +Calm Mind, +Trailblaze, -Heal Bell, -Roar, -Scorching Sands, -Superpower
- +Calm Mind -Aurora Veil, -Heal Bell, -Roar, -Toxic, -Weather Ball
- +Foul Play, +Ice Spinner, -Explosion, -Icicle Spear -Super Fang, -Toxic
- +Focus Blast, -Expanding Force, -Heal Bell, -Magic Coat, -Toxic
- +Trailblaze, -Gyro Ball, -Iron Tail, -Superpower, -Tail Slap
- +Body Slam, +Psychic Fangs, +Wild Charge, -Roar, -Toxic
- +Body Press, +Draining Kiss, +Encore, +Night Shade, -Magic Coat, -Seismic Toss, -Teleport, -Toxic, -Wish
- +Dazzling Gleam, +Encore, -Defog, -Scald, -Toxic
- +Wish, -Scald, -Toxic
- +Trailblaze, -Superpower, -Toxic
- -Knock Off, -Toxic
- +Encore, -Toxic
- -Scald
- +Body Slam, +Play Rough, +Trailblaze, +Zen Headbutt, -Aromatherapy, -Toxic
- +Fire Fang, +Gunk Shot, +Ice Fang, +Iron Head, +Zen Headbutt, -Aqua Tail, -Dragon Tail, -Knock Off -Sludge Wave, -Sucker Punch, -Switcheroo, -Toxic
- +Body Press, +Drain Punch, +Heavy Slam, +Outrage, +Poison Jab, +Seed Bomb, +Wild Charge, +Zen Headbutt, -Double Edge -Throat Chop, -Toxic
- +Low Kick, -Heat Crash, -Superpower
- +Drain Punch, +Spikes, +Trailblaze, -Explosion, -Focus Punch, -Toxic
- +Dazzling Gleam, -Toxic
- +Hurricane, +Trailblaze, +U-turn, +Zen Headbutt, -Dragon Hammer, -Roar, -Roost, -Toxic
- +Body Press, +Calm Mind, +Dark Pulse, +Focus Blast, +Nasty Plot, +Psyshock, +Stored Power, +Taunt -Knock Off, -Pain Split, -Magic Coat, -Seismic Toss, -Teleport - Toxic

NFEs

- +Earthquake, +Heavy Slam, -Power Whip
- +Earth Power, +Hyper Drill, +Stone Edge, -Dual Wingbeat, -Gyro Ball, -Magic Coat, -Toxic
- +Brave Bird, +Flare Blitz, -Toxic
- +Leaf Storm
- +Brick Break, -Superpower, -Toxic
- +Nasty Plot, -Knock Off, -Sludge Wave
- +Twin Beam, -Magic Coat, -Sucker Punch, -Toxic
- -Scald, -Knock Off, -Sludge Wave
- +Close Combat, +Taunt, +Trailblaze, -Toxic
- +Stone Edge, -Toxic
- -Lash Out, -Knock Off, -Rock Polish, -Toxic
- +Swords Dance, -Blaze Kick
+Hex, +Night Shade, -Scorching Sands, -Toxic
- -Knock Off, -Lash Out -Throat Chop, -Triple Axel, -Toxic
- +Agility, +Psyshield Bash, +Trailblaze -Iron Tail, -Sucker Punch, - Throat Chop, -Toxic
- -Scald, -Toxic
- +Drain Punch, +Outrage, +Poison Jab, +Seed Bomb, +Trailblaze -Throat Chop, -Toxic
- +Stomping Tantrum, -Aqua Tail, -Superpower, -Toxic

(this took an embarrassingly long time to make I really spent two entire class periods on this shit LMAO)

 

[diegoyuhhi]

heyo, i know speculation just started a few days ago but i’d like to share a team i’ve been having some decent success with in room tours m. hope y’all like it :)



this team features varoom, which i think could have an interesting niche in this meta as a tspikes absorber and setter (tspikes are busted) + soft check to the offensive normals we have like sawsbuck or slaking (beware of ground coverage tho), while having access to parting shot to generate momentum. sandygast is a great catch-all physical wall, doubling down on a normal check while also switching in on most ground moves without much trouble, having reliable recovery, spinblocking, and setting rocks. frogadier is a great offensive pivot which can also set spikes and which is also a decent enough switchin to the few water types we have. goth works as a defog deterrent thanks to competitive, and with its newly learnt focus blast it actually has good coverage now; i prefer it over pawn cause it’s less threatened by fletchlinder, which i’ve seen quite a while in room tours. slaking is an offensive menace and great speed control, being able to get huge hits off every time it comes in, altho it is a bit abusable so i might replace it in the future. to round the team off i’ve added a flareon as a decent switchin to most special attackers and fast fire types, which are somewhat threatening to the team. the team lacks a spinner, but often it doesn’t matter at all since you have a tspikes absorber, two boots mons, two rock resisting ones and wish passing from flareon to patch up a bit hazard damage. beware of setup sweepers like flittle or vigoroth, you shouldn’t give them too many free turns and stop them before they can over set up. that’s all for the team, hope you like it :))

 

[Turtlek]

Toedscool seems very strong, with T-Spikes+Knock Off the two best moves in that meta

 

[SwordIsBored]

Tera Normal E Speed Pikachu

 

[5Dots]

Here’s some speculation as to what Pokemon may drop (according to the FE/NFE list, at least)

All-Out Attacker Raboot

Raboot @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Libero
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn
- Sucker Punch

Swords Dance Raboot

Raboot @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Libero / Blaze
Tera Type: Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Flare Blitz
- Sucker Punch / Double-Edge
- Swords Dance

Even with the nerf to Libero, Raboot is still likely going to be one of ZU’s best pivots and breakers thanks to a good Speed tier and a great offensive movepool, loaded with high BP coverage options like Flare Blitz, High Jump Kick, and Gunk Shot, while also retaining some key utility in U-turn and Sucker Punch. Swords Dance might be worth taking a look, as even though it forces you to run Blaze (Or in rarer cases, Double Edge with Libero), Raboot is strong and fast enough to force enough switch-ins with the aformentioned traits.

Calm Mind (Glaceon)

Glaceon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Ice Body
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Freeze-Dry
- Tera Blast
- Ice Beam / Wish

Swords Dance + 3 Attacks (Beartic)

Beartic @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Slush Rush
Tera Type: Ground / Fighting
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake / Close Combat
- Aqua Jet

Ice-types are infamous for being lower-tier Pokemon, but Glaceon’s newfounded access to Calm Mind and Tera Blast gives it even more set variety. A lack of Ice resists helps a LOT, which can make it even more difficult to switch into. SpD variants of Flareon and Cufant can probably switch in safely, but both of them can fall victim to Tera Ground. The previous generation had Glaceon be stuck with a shallow offensive movepool; now, Tera + Freeze-Dry alongside Calm Mind makes it one of the scariest Pokemon in the tier.

Like Glaceon, Beartic also enjoys a lack of Ice-resistant Pokemon and the access to Terastalization as a way to negate its defensive weaknesses while powering up a coverage move. Unlike Glaceon, Beartic gets significantly stronger priority with Aqua Jet, and has a more expansive attacks at its disposal. Earthquake, Close Combat, Aqua Jet, Crunch, and Stone Edge are some of the many options Beartic can slap on to induce terror on teams; I prefer running SD + STAB + Earthquake + Aqua Jet to have its coverage options be unresisted (aside from Surskit); Earthquake in particular runs over Mareanie and provides an even stronger hit against Fire-types. I’d expect both Glaceon and Beartic to be prominent wallbreakers that must be taken into account by the builder.

Choice Band Fraxure

Fraxure @ Choice Band
Ability: Mold Breaker
Tera Type: Steel / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- First Impression
- Outrage
- Stomping Tantrum
- Iron Head / Tera Blast

Dragon Dance Fraxure

Fraxure @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
Tera Type: Ground / Steel / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Stomping Tantrum / Iron Head / Tera Blast
- Substitute

One of the few Dragon-types remaining, Fraxure will likely make a terrific First Impression premier wallbreaker or setup sweeper with its unique access to said move and Dragon Dance. Like the Ice-types, Tera Blast can significantly help it with coverage, giving it more consistent longevity. I anticipate there may not be any viable Fairy-types, though, but it still has a sufficent Speed tier and lots of power to compensate. The viable Steel-types I’d expect to arrive are Cufant, Pawniard, Varoom, and perhaps Magnemite, but all of them bar Cufant are likely not bulky enough to withstand 2 +1 Outrages from Fraxure, and Pawniard relies on significant chip to finish Fraxure off (or running a Jolly nature and hoping the dragon is Adamant).

Calm Mind + 3 Attacks

Girafarig @ Eviolite
Ability: Sap Sipper
Tera Type: Fighting
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock / Psychic
- Tera Blast
- Thunderbolt / Energy Ball / Thunder Wave

Unlike Stantler, who does NOT have an evolution in the game yet, like most Pokemon, Girafarig can use Tera Blast to turn its meager typing into a powerful offensive force, or perhaps a better defensive one. The other important tool it received was now being able to use Eviolite! Girafarig is now actually pretty specially bulky and reasonably fast, able to set up Calm Minds in front of Glaceon and fire back with powerful Tera Blasts. Though it faces competition with lots and lots of potential Tera candidates, Tera Girafarig gets signifcant mileage out of Tera Blast, turning checks like Cufant and Pawniard into KOing targets (it must be wary of potential Teras themselves, though). The only other predicted Psychic-types that may fall into ZU are Gothitelle (which is more niche), and Hypno (likely also unviable and bad with the loss of three important defensive moves). Perhaps in this stage of the meta, Girafarig may be able to stand tall like its neck!

Meditite Choice Band

Meditite @ Choice Band
Ability: Pure Power
Tera Type: Fighting / Psychic
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Psycho Cut
- Bullet Punch
- Trick

Game Freak was not lying about this Fighter being made of Pure Power! The only Ghost-type that might drop, Gastly, falls to Psycho Cut or even Bullet Punch…but even for Terastalization, Ghost is a rare type to turn into. Gothitelle may work to resist both of its STABs, but it requires nearly max Speed EVs to outspeed Meditite and can still be 2HKOed with Stealth Rock damage with such a spread. Though Tera may not be needed, it may certainly help KO certain targets faster than anticipated, with Close Combat being the star move. While it may not be the first Pokemon in thought due to the builder showing pitiful stats, Pure Power is enough of a reason to consider it.

 

[Catalisador]

FATHER AND SON

​

Boasting an absurdly high 670 BST, ludicrous 160 Atk and 150/100/65 bulk, Slaking stands out as an absolute menance for the current speculation ZU meta, comprised majoritarily of NFEs and low BST fully evolved Pokémon. With Choice Scarf, it turns into one of the fastest Pokémon in the meta, while coupled with a Choice Band its attacks gain such sheer power that nearly every speculated drop is OHKOed or 2HKOed by its STAB Body Slam or coverage options in Earthquake, Sucker Punch, Fire Punch, etc. Even with Truant hindering its full potential, it already shows signs of being a borderline unhealthy threat in the metagame. Slaking Jr. also proves to be a potential threat itself. With great base 90 Speed and workable 80/80/55 bulk coupled with access to reliable recovery in Slack Off, the sloth is quickly solidifying itself as a major component of the speculative ZU meta. Furthermore, its access to the combination of Taunt + Bulk Up allows it to effectively shut down defensive staples such as Sandygast, Mareanie, Cufant, etc., providing an incredibly threatening secondary (or even primary) win condition for teams.

GROUNDED

​

Ground-types seem really potent as well. Firstly, Mudbray sports an obscene amount of bulk, further potentialized by its ability Stamina, providing an impressive defensive option for teams. Secondly, Sandygast and Hippopotas each possess an incredible tool in the access to reliable recovery, namely Shore Up and Slack Off - furthermore, the first also has the incredibly valuable Ghost-type, allowing it to check the likes of Slaking, Stantler, etc. Thirdly, Krokorok is an incredibly threatening offensive presence with its valuable dual STAB combination coupled with the ability Moxie, while utility moves in Taunt and Stealth Rock makes it versatile enough to run a wider variety of sets. Last but not least, Toedscool stands out as the tier's premier spinner - and one of the strongest, most annoying Pokémon, with incredibly useful tools like Spore, Spikes and the rare Knock Off - the later being especially useful for denying Eviolite boosts.

CORSOLA BEWARE

​

Mareanie is a very potent defensive staple in this brand new meta. Sporting great (eviolite-boosted) bulk and defensive typing coupled with reliable recovery and an incredible utility movepool with options like Haze, Toxic and Toxic Spikes, the starfish offers incredible role compression, checking two of the most splashable, offensive Pokémon in the tier in Raboot and Frogadier, while offering a blanket check to most offensive threats. Definitely a very solid pick right now.

(ALMOST) ALL GROWN UP

​

The Eviolite trio is super fun right now! Each providing a unique niche, these three definitely stand out as potent threats on their own. Stantler can be a very potent all-out offensive attacker, an offensive setupper with access to options like Agility or Calm Mind, a bulky setupper thanks to its great eviolite-boosted bulk and access to Intimidate or even an utility pick with options like Trick and Trick Room and Thunder Wave. Girafarig also stands out as a potent, extremely versatile Pokémon with the same splashability as Stantler thanks to its similarly wide movepool and stats. Lastly, Dunsparce has an incredible amount of bulk and very interesting utility moves like Glare, Stealth Rock, Calm Mind, etc., working both as a bulky win-con or an incredibly solid defensive option.

DUMB AND DUMBER

​

This type-changing duo is very interesting. Frogadier stands out as one of the most splashable, customizable offensive threats in the metagame with its wide movepool and very decent offensive stats and Speed. Also, access to Spikes further cements the frog as an insane offensive threat, specially with how limited hazard removal seems to be. In a similar vein, Raboot is pretty cool, too, thanks to a similarly wide offensive movepool and stats (although more physically inclined). Their Speed tier is also very nice in a naturally slower metagame like speculation ZU.

QUICK THOUGHTS​

Sneasel is an absolutely menancing threat. Its unparalelled Speed tier and and Attack makes it one of the most dangerous attackers in the current metagame.



Absolutely the fastest Pokémon in the tier, Electrode poses as an incredible threat in the current metagame, although its reliance on Tera to hit Ground-types keeps it in check.



A very useful defensive staple with incredible utility in Stealth Rock and Whirlwind coupled with one of the best defensive types in the game (Steel).



Very hard hitting, decently fast and incredibly versatile with utility options in Trick, Substitute, Nasty Plot, etc.



Probably my favourite option of hazard removal right now. Its great movepool lets it act as a great defensive pivot with insane utility.

 

[hduser]

Can't wait till S/V ZU comes out! Imma list some eviolite mons that *may* have some potential.


Flittle @ Eviolite/Leftovers
Ability: Speed Boost
Tera Type: Fighting/Fairy
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Calm Mind
- Stored Power
- Tera Blast/Dazzling Gleam

This thing is gonna be outrageous. Calm Mind and Speed Boost is already a deadly combination and has the power to kill almost everything. Though its terrible defenses hold it back, I'm sure that Flittle will be a nightmare to deal with

Stantler @ Eviolite
Ability: Intimidate
Tera Type: Flying/Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 150 Def / 106 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Tera Blast/Psyshock
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

With the addition of Wyrdeer coming to S/V, Stantler can finally hold the Eviolite item, turning its bad 73/62/65 defenses into a really good wall.
It can threaten the tier with CM Tera Blast or Psyshock, doing massive damage.

Fraxure @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
Tera Type: Bug/Dark/Steel
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- First Impression
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage/Dragon Claw
- Poison Jab/Crunch

I feel like this mon is a little underrated. If you set up ONE Dragon Dance, you can out-speed and sweep everything with Outrage or Dragon Claw. You can also tera into a Bug to get STAB from First Impression, or tera into a Dark to get STAB.

There are lots of other good eviolite users out there, like Corvisquire for hazard removal, or Mareanie for Toxic Spikes.

 

[Corthius]

This mon is so fucking good. VoltTurn benefits a lot from every Electric type basically having BoltBeam coverage, and with the recent trend of PU using Pinccurchin a lot, our Electric immunities look pretty dire, especially in the face of pokemon like Raichu, which can boost its SpA stat to overwhelm them. Frog adds something unique and very effective to the tier; that being able to both set up Spikes and pivot out with (STAB if used the first turn) U-turn. Spikes can also mess with the opponent who might want to attack you with an Electric type attack. Additionally it is blazingly fast for the metagame, outspeeding staples like Sawsbuck and Girafarig. The currently standard approach I've seen this run (Hydro/Surf, Ice Beam, Spikes and U-turn) struggles to break other, bulky Water types, but with Tera Blast everything is possible. Really splashable pokemon and easy to use as well.
I truly believe that, unless PU takes it, this will become a viable pokemon in early SV ZU.


No one has talked about it yet, so here is another Regenerator-Baby and Toxic Spikes Absorber at that!
In general I'd argue it is worse to bring than Mareanie, simply because of its superior typing, but it fits so nicely with together with Frog. My favorite moves to run at the moment are Spore, for obvious reasons; Clear Smog, in order to not be as easily exploidable by set up sweepers; Foul Play, for the very same reason; and lastly it is usually Giga Drain, just a nice-to-have Grass STAB allowing you to actually beat stuff like opposing Frog or Ground types. It has a bunch more options to choose from; Toxic, Synthesis, Stun Spore, maybe even Body Slam if you want to fish for a para vs Sawsbuck or Sap Sipper Girafarig. I like Foongus for it not being as exploidable as Mareanie. Clear Smog and Foul Play are really nice tools vs opposing Taunt-set up sweeper like Vigoroth and Gothitelle.
As per usual you can literally tera into what ever you want. Steel and Fairy are cool, so are Water and Dark.

Here is a team featuring neither of these:

https://pokepast.es/abb2d33cc6e53d35

 

[MattC (Banned)]

A Speculative ZU thread, eh? Well, here's my thoughts on potential good mons in the tier's first few weeks of life

Flareon @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
Tera Type: Normal or smth for Rock-types if Tera Blast
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Quick Attack/Tera Blast/Protect (?)
- Flare Blitz
- Trailblaze

I feel like this thing could be a threat. It has a wicked strong Facade before tera - and after tera, its a wrap. Gastly being as frail as it is makes it 2HKOd by Guts Trailblaze (either way drops to Flare Blitz). Your only option against it imo is using Rock types such as Stonjourner and whatever else there may be. Then again, it can tera into a type that hits the rock types super effectively and use Tera Blast to smack those - seeing as a neutral Facade still is stupid powerful. Frail as it is, it can also gain entry via Volt Switch and U-Turn. Its speculation, but I think Flareon is a legimiate sweeping threat.



Tinkatuff (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
- Play Rough

Tinkatuff to me will be one of the most important mons in the tier. Now, at first glance it doesnt seem like anything special. Then you realize its the Eviolite version of Tinkaton and go: Waiiiiiit a minute. Its one of... well, it may be the ONLY viable user of knock off in the tier. Because its Tinkaton lite, it can also opt for an Eviolite Swords Dancer following in the footsteps of Rhydon. However, I believe the Stealth Rock set with Knock Off will provide immense early and mid game utility.

Thats where I end off today. With that beign said, goodbye - and see you in ZU :)

EDIT: Hope Tinkatuff is allowed

 

[Tuthur]

Based on the usage from SV PU Kickoff, we updated the banlist.

+:
-:

The OP and room commands will be updated in the next hours. Stay tuned.

 

[Corthius]

BIG STEPPER

 

[plznostep]

maybe webs time to shine :3​

 

[diegoyuhhi]

MY GIRLY LILLIGANT IS IN
TIME TO GET SWEPT

 

[BaitWiz]

thank god sawsbuck is gone, that mon was broken

NOW WHO’S READY FOR SOME SUNNY DAYS WITH LIKE EVERY OTHER SUN ABUSER FREED

 

[sleid]

Hello ZU community! We’ve had a lot of great posts in this thread over the past couple weeks. I know everyone is looking forward to getting our beloved tier officially up and running come April 1st! I’m just as excited as you all are. It has been nice to see everyone discussing the potential meta and having new faces come around to participate. With that said, let’s talk about getting started with some fun and more concrete speculation as we are now 2 weeks into PU: the SV ZU Crystal Ball!

The way it works is really simple: based on the March usage stats, anyone who wishes to participate just needs to make a list of what Pokémon you believe will drop to ZU on April 1st, and whoever scores the most points will win a custom role in our official Discord server! 2 points are awarded for a correct guess and 1 point is deducted for an incorrect guess. Simple enough, right? To keep things easier and cleaner on this thread, we’re going to have a couple rules set in place:

• All Pokémon names must be written correctly (votes aren’t case sensitive, though). I suggest just copy-pasting the list available at the end of this post and removing the Pokémon you think won't stay;
• You must use the Hide command and add your list there, i.e. [.hide]Your list[/hide] (without the initial . on the first one), to avoid polluting the thread since discussion will still be encouraged here. Make sure your list contains ONLY the names of the pokemon you think will drop.
• For Pokémon with multiple forms with purely cosmetic changes, only add the base form (like Vivillon instead of Vivillon-Fancy for example, even if it’s Unreleased). However, in case of multiple forms that incur in gameplay changes, such as Oinkologne and Oinkologne-F, each form will count as a separate entry;
• To prevent needing to add all the NFEs, of which many will drop without a shadow of doubt, the list will only include those that have at least a minimal shot at staying in PU. Anything outside the list will not count;
• In case of a tie, the following totally non-arbitrary criteria will be used to determine the winner: Number of correct NFE guesses > A Bo5 Rock-Paper-Scissors on PS!;
• You CAN edit your posts, as long as it's done before the deadline. Any list edited after that will be disqualified;
• The deadline of this event will be on March 31th, 10pm GMT -5.

Don’t let this event discourage anyone from still posting their thoughts about SV ZU Speculations! You can go in details about your list, talk about your potentially controversial picks, or comment about another user’s list too! Let’s keep up the good work and keep having some fun. Good luck everyone!

SV ZU Crystal Ball List

Ampharos
Banette
Beartic
Cacturne
Camerupt
Crabominable
Dedenne
Delibird
Dugtrio
Eiscue
Electrode
Falinks
Flapple
Flareon
Glaceon
Glalie
Gogoat
Gothitelle
Greedent
Grumpig
Gumshoos
Houndoom
Hypno
Indeedee-F
Jumpluff
Kricketune
Leafeon
Lilligant
Lumineon
Luvdisc
Luxray
Lycanron-Midnight
Oinkologne
Oinkologne-F
Oranguru
Oricorio-Pa'u
Pachirisu
Perrserker
Persian
Pincurchin
Pyroar
Rabsca
Raichu
Rotom-Fan
Rotom-Frost
Sawsbuck
Scovillain
Seviper
Skuntank
Slaking
Squawkabilly
Stantler
Stonjourner
Sudowoodo
Sunflora
Swalot
Tropius
Vivillon
Wigglytuff
Wugtrio

NFEs:
Carkoal
Dragonair
Fraxure
Frogadier
Gabite
Glimmet
Hattrem
Haunter
Magneton
Misdreavus
Murkrow
Quaxwell
Shroodle
Tinkatuff
Toedscool
Vigoroth
Zweilous

Please reach out to 5Dots or myself with any questions!

Post and idea stolen from Shaneghoul who stole it from Ren-chon. Thank you :)

 

[Melons-N-Soda]

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Beartic
Dedenne
Delibird
Eiscue
Electrode
Flareon
Glaceon
Glalie
Gothitelle
Greedent
Gumshoos
Hypno
Jumpluff
Kricketune
Leafeon
Lilligant
Lumineon
Luvdisc
Luxray
Oinkologne
Oinkologne-F
Oranguru
Pachirisu
Persian
Pincurchin
Raichu
Rotom-Fan
Rotom-Frost
Scovillain
Seviper
Stantler
Stonjourner
Sudowoodo
Sunflora
Swalot
Tropius
Wigglytuff

NFEs:
Fraxure
Frogadier
Glimmet
Misdreavus
Murkrow
Toedscool
Vigoroth
Zweilous

Based on my laddering experience so far. Also add Quaxwell, Magneton, and Gabite to NFEs even though they will likely stay PU.

 

[5Dots]

Gking to send some of my predicts with some quick thoughts on every Pokemon I’d think would make it!

SV ZU Predicts

Could be a cool slow pivot that can run tanky offense or bulky resttalk sets.
One of the few Pokemon with Knock Off and I anticipate this to be a terrific wallbreaker, especially with gained access to Swords Dance and its two priority moves. Shame it still doesn’t have a strong Ghost STAB, even after 6 generations.
Talked about Beartic here, I am excited to use this.
A usable revenge killer? Still not impressed even with its great Speed and being one of the few Fairy-types.
Despite hazard control being more demanded, it’s still the same horrible Pokemon it was in previous gens…
Could be okay as a cleaner but i find it hard to justify over other Ice-types and cleaners.
Got better with terastalization. Shame Light Clay got banned and how it lost Reflect.
Would be great once it lans here. Great setup sweeper with No Retreat and First Impression comes in handy.
It gets Calm Mind and Tera Blast now! Could be used for the same reasons Glaceon is used, but the Fire-typing feels less effective for offense
See Beartic.
No Explosion hurts, but it still does suicide lead sets great!
Worse than Pawniard at punishing Defog, but could be a good alternative, especially with its higher Speed, Focus Blast, and Tera.
A generic Normal-type that is too slow to set up Belly Drum reliably.
Stakeout is great, not great on Gumshoos.
Losing Wish was one thing, but Belly Drum is another level of cruelty.
It still has Webs! I don’t think it’ll be good considering the shakiness of the archetype, and it lost Knock Off and Endeavor.
No Knock Off hurts, but the Speed is nice!
Could still Pivot and be annoying with Encore. Otherwise hard to use over other Waters.
It gets Wish now! Otherwise, still the same old Luvdisc.
Could be a cool wallbreaker with Guts or a pivot with Intimidate. A cool Pokemon to try out for the first few weeks.
could probably pull off some weird Glutonny tricks or be a generic wall with Thick Fat.
Oinkologne but with slightly more unfavorable stats.
might be worth trying out with its bulk and decent coverage.
Hard to justify over Pikachu, Raichu, or even Dedenne. Super Fang might be the only reason to use it.
No Return or Double-Edge feels very hard to justify using the cat. It feels too weak and frail otherwise, Fake Out or Nasty Plot sets.
A defensive spiker that has a neat electric immunity and recovery. Can be good to use over longer games.
Actually pretty scared of this mouse. One of the fastest revenge killers that can rip apart teams with coverage and nasty plot. I’d definitely keep an eye on this.
The black sheep of Rotom formes does Rotom things, without being outclassed at last!
Serene Grace sets can be pretty annoying, and it’s a great Scarfer too!
I’d rather use Swalot. Special coverage can be worth noting.
Probably will still be bad even in the first stages. It’s good in OMs though!
I still like Girafarig better. Having intimidate and megahorn is okay i guess
SS ZU’s former hero will likely return to stardom once more!
No explosion sucks, but it can still be a decent suicide lead.
Gets Dazzling Gleam, but otherwise, same ol’ Sunflora being outclassed.
A neat Pokemon with Toxic Spikes and Body Press. I anticipate it’ll be a premier wall and tspikes setter, probably as good as its ORAS version.
Hard to justify over other grasses. SubSeed is pretty bad and Dragon Dance sets are still not good.
Highest HP Wishes and Stealth Rock makes it a good defensive Pokemon. I want to try this out.
Aside from Mareanie, it might be the best Water in the tier with its amazing Speed!

NFEs:
:Carkoal: A passive but good rapid spinner that can be annoying with Flame Body.
Covered this in my post above.
Will be a popular HO lead that annoys physical attackers a lot.
Can be a pretty threatening Nasty Plot sweeper or a decent mixed attacker.
One of our few spinners and knock off users. Would be pretty neat to try out!
Excited to try this, as it’s a fast bulk up user with reliable recovery and a wide offensive movepool.
Hard to justify over Fraxure or loads of other wallbreakers. RestTalk sets may be the way to go, though I’m still not sold.

 

[BaitWiz]

Who knows if I’ll revisit this list before the deadline? I certainly don’t.

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Ampharos
Banette
Beartic
Cacturne
Dedenne
Delibird
Dugtrio
Eiscue
Flareon
Glaceon
Glalie
Gogoat
Gothitelle
Greedent
Gumshoos
Houndoom
Hypno
Kricketune
Leafeon
Lilligant
Luvdisc
Luxray
Oinkologne
Oinkologne-F
Oranguru
Pachirisu
Pincurchin
Rabsca
Raichu - this might tear apart the tier
Rotom-Fan
Scovillain - this will definitely tear apart the tier
Seviper
Slaking
Squawkabilly
Stantler
Stonjourner
Sudowoodo
Sunflora
Swalot
Tropius
Wigglytuff
Wugtrio

NFEs:
Carkoal
Fraxure
Glimmet
Murkrow
Toedscool
Zweilous