Announcement Gen 9 SV National Dex UU Metagame Discussion

[Danbear02]

Time for metagame thoughts! It's been a while since I've posted, so I want to talk about all the broken/interesting stuff thats popped up lately.


https://pokepast.es/995d6908af59b1d4

First lets talk about the Frog. Greninja is a great mon to have in the tier: Speed Control, a good offensive spiker ( in shambles), and a great tool for and against Offense. This thing just threatens so much while outspeeding everything. Notably, Greninja has the worst 4MSS syndrome I've ever seen on a mon in our tier. It wants Water and Dark coverage for and , Grass or Poison coverage for and , and Ice coverage to OHKO and . It also really wants Spikes and U-turn for utility. With different moveslot choices your frog is walled by different mons, but honestly just 4 Attacks Choice Specs might be the most broken set. Pivot Spikes is good, but Specs is just so immediately threatening that I'm not sure you need anything else. It's a bit too early to determine if Greninja is too much for the tier, but I'd keep an eye out for it. Also shout out to aiwla to pointing out that AV is a great Greninja check.


https://pokepast.es/cdb0296de291a0ae

This thing has been good for a while. Thundy is maybe the most insane Stall and Balance-breaker we have right now. doesn't really handle Nasty Plot as +2 Pummeling almost just OHKOs, and nothing else on Stall wants to come close to it except Spdef . Typical Balance cores like Spdef and a ground like or are also terrified of this thing. Pivot sets also just Volt Switch or U-turn on everything and can super easily chip down checks like and . Building defensively for Thundy is kind of a nightmare. Not sure that it makes it broken, but it is very, very good.


https://pokepast.es/51b32ca77c27e5b3

Hands is the trades master. This thing is just so ridiculously tanky, it can live hits it definitely shouldn't like Luster Purge. Generally you just need to outspeed and the rest of your EVs can be put into bulk or Attack. SD is definitely the better set, but Choice Band completely obliterates stuff like , , or thinking it can safely switch into SD. Hands can fit on Offense, Balance, Fat, pretty much wherever you want and it will always perform.


https://pokepast.es/42dcc17bc49d3a55

I don't know why we didn't ban this, but now with gone () Tspike Moth has gotten much better. There aren't many good Poisons right now to absorb, and our defoggers don't want to get near this thing (and also they don't really exist). Tspike + U-turn is almost impossible to fit, but being able to Poison and is pretty huge. Morning Sun/Tspike also is a really splashable Stall-breaker while being a good offensive presence. Booster Moth is fine and is getting better with Offense getting better, but is still only really usable on HO.



This thing is also very, very good. It generally only has one set, being Luster Purge + Flip Turn + Roost + Draco/Aura, but it does its job very well. Being one of the best offensive checks for , , AND , the utility this brings to Offense while being a great wallbreaker cannot be understated. Use this thing more.


A few other metagame thoughts. With the prevalence of these offensive threats, Stall isn't great right now. There are plenty of splashable breakers to use, so you shouldn't have an issue with a good team breaking Stall. The other big thing is that there are really no good Defoggers at the moment. is fine but hates getting Knocked and can't stay alive forever, and the same can be said of . Right now I think Offense is definitely the best playstyle, and we may see more Boots spam teams and Hazard Stack cropping up in the future.

All this being said, I like where the meta is at right now. I would keep an eye on Greninja, Thundurus-T, Iron Hands, and Iron Moth to see how they develop into this new meta. And if NDOU could graciously give us Moltres back, I would greatly appreciate that.

 

[Pubo]

Our Blue Friend got banned, so i would like to discuss about which Pokemon really likes this result!



Both lost their best and most splashable revenge killer / check and will continue to wreak havoc the tier for a while. Nasty Plot Thundurus-T have 1 really good check (Mega Latias) and forces some niche options like SpD Clefable (bad) or Skeledirge (solid, but you can't really fit Dirge everywhere) to be used. Iron Hands continues to do the same: it clicks SD, lives stuff that it definitely shouldn't be able to, and recover its HP back with Drain Punch. Choice Band sets are crazy powerful and if you don't have Mega Venusaur or Buzzwole on your team..... .



Hippowdon has always been overshadowed by Ting-Lu, but it got even worse once Luster Purge Latios released, making teams usually prefer another SpD Ground-type with immunity to Luster Purge. Skarmory has good tools, but with Latios and Alakazam running around, Celesteela became a much more popular choice. Unfortunately, i don't see Skarmory and Hippo shining any time soon, unless a certain Rock drops next month....


Hydreigon struggled as a wallbreaker since Latios got really similar results without needing to lock itself with Choice Specs or lost a turn with setup, had much better Speed tier AND could break past Fairy-types with the sheer power of Luster Purge. I don't see offensive variants getting more usage, but Choice Scarf can be an OK revenge killer with the right moveslot and its typing is good against Greninja, but Hydreigon is not really doing much at this moment. (good against slower teams? but why not just click buttons with Thundy anyways...)



Well it happens every generation, Latios gets banned and people remember about the existence of Latias. Unfortunately, she can't really replicate Latios's power, making Specs or Life Orb sets not worthy, but i think Calm Mind Z can be explored and have some potential. Something like CM / Sphere / Mystical Fire / Roost OR Psyshock could maybe surprise Mega Tyranitar and Steel-types? Probably a bit matchup fishy, but it could work!

Calm Mind

Latias (F) @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Levitate
Tera Type: Dragon
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Aura Sphere
- Mystical Fire
- Roost / Psyshock

 

[Lupla]

Shifts are Out! Is it sock eating time?
Full Link in here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/usage-based-tier-update-for-april-2024.3740273/#post-10056703

National Dex OU (1630 stats)

Combined usage for National Dex OU (1630 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 23.475% |
| 2    | Raging Bolt        | 13.853% |
| 3    | Tapu Koko          | 12.931% |
| 4    | Tapu Lele          | 12.880% |
| 5    | Ferrothorn         | 12.142% |
| 6    | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike | 11.764% |
| 7    | Alomomola          | 11.620% |
| 8    | Dragonite          | 11.274% |
| 9    | Great Tusk         | 10.893% |
| 10   | Heatran            | 10.682% |
| 11   | Gliscor            | 10.504% |
| 12   | Darkrai            | 10.206% |
| 13   | Scizor-Mega        | 10.008% |
| 14   | Corviknight        |  9.660% |
| 15   | Zamazenta          |  9.397% |
| 16   | Ogerpon-Wellspring |  9.349% |
| 17   | Iron Crown         |  9.161% |
| 18   | Slowking-Galar     |  8.747% |
| 19   | Garchomp           |  8.327% |
| 20   | Iron Valiant       |  8.324% |
| 21   | Iron Treads        |  8.164% |
| 22   | Zapdos             |  7.639% |
| 23   | Garganacl          |  7.429% |
| 24   | Moltres            |  7.383% |
| 25   | Volcarona          |  7.246% |
| 26   | Glimmora           |  7.053% |
| 27   | Rillaboom          |  6.946% |
| 28   | Clodsire           |  6.943% |
| 29   | Hatterene          |  6.767% |
| 30   | Kyurem             |  6.672% |
| 31   | Gouging Fire       |  6.566% |
| 32   | Banette-Mega       |  6.188% |
| 33   | Charizard-Mega-Y   |  6.178% |
| 34   | Lopunny-Mega       |  6.120% |
| 35   | Hoopa-Unbound      |  5.751% |
| 36   | Samurott-Hisui     |  5.736% |
| 37   | Serperior          |  5.660% |
| 38   | Diancie-Mega       |  5.633% |
| 39   | Toxapex            |  5.485% |
| 40   | Ceruledge          |  5.409% |
| 41   | Pelipper           |  5.399% |
| 42   | Archaludon         |  5.118% |
| 43   | Kartana            |  4.974% |
| 44   | Ursaluna           |  4.933% |
| 45   | Mawile-Mega        |  4.628% |
| 46   | Iron Boulder       |  4.442% |
| 47   | Medicham-Mega      |  4.433% |
| 48   | Swampert-Mega      |  4.216% |
| 49   | Slowbro            |  3.967% |
| 50   | Kommo-o            |  3.909% |
| 51   | Dondozo            |  3.840% |
| 52   | Greninja           |  3.693% |
| 53   | Aegislash          |  3.574% |
| 54   | Tyranitar          |  3.547% |
| 55   | Hawlucha           |  3.457% |
| 56   | Tornadus-Therian   |  3.408% |
| 57   | Tapu Fini          |  3.352% |
| 58   | Excadrill          |  3.242% |
| 59   | Skeledirge         |  3.191% |
| 60   | Ting-Lu            |  3.010% |
| 61   | Ribombee           |  2.995% |
| 62   | Gyarados-Mega      |  2.898% |
| 63   | Tyranitar-Mega     |  2.813% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  2.753% |
| 65   | Blissey            |  2.657% |
| 66   | Grimmsnarl         |  2.643% |
| 67   | Victini            |  2.594% |
| 68   | Torkoal            |  2.537% |
| 69   | Sableye-Mega       |  2.516% |
| 70   | Meowscarada        |  2.474% |
| 71   | Rotom-Wash         |  2.369% |
| 72   | Charizard-Mega-X   |  2.357% |
| 73   | Weavile            |  2.339% |
| 74   | Sinistcha          |  2.302% |
| 75   | Barraskewda        |  2.280% |
| 76   | Clefable           |  2.279% |
| 77   | Iron Moth          |  2.212% |
| 78   | Ninetales-Alola    |  2.138% |
| 79   | Venusaur-Mega      |  2.064% |
| 80   | Pinsir-Mega        |  1.962% |
| 81   | Celesteela         |  1.850% |
| 82   | Cresselia          |  1.794% |
| 83   | Cinderace          |  1.778% |
| 84   | Blaziken           |  1.760% |
| 85   | Magnezone          |  1.686% |
| 86   | Gardevoir-Mega     |  1.680% |
| 87   | Jirachi            |  1.619% |
| 88   | Skarmory           |  1.588% |
| 89   | Latios             |  1.535% |
| 90   | Bisharp            |  1.513% |
| 91   | Ogerpon-Cornerstone |  1.472% |
| 92   | Goodra-Hisui       |  1.442% |
| 93   | Latias-Mega        |  1.407% |
| 94   | Mew                |  1.380% |
| 95   | Hydreigon          |  1.335% |
| 96   | Volcanion          |  1.299% |
| 97   | Xurkitree          |  1.234% |
| 98   | Pecharunt          |  1.223% |
| 99   | Iron Hands         |  1.186% |
| 100  | Hydrapple          |  1.115% |
| 101  | Latios-Mega        |  1.104% |
| 102  | Ditto              |  1.034% |
| 103  | Beedrill-Mega      |  1.032% |
| 104  | Gyarados           |  1.028% |
| 105  | Blacephalon        |  1.027% |
| 106  | Garchomp-Mega      |  1.017% |
| 107  | Venusaur           |  1.010% |
| 108  | Lilligant-Hisui    |  0.997% |
| 109  | Kleavor            |  0.996% |
| 110  | Araquanid          |  0.954% |
| 111  | Arcanine-Hisui     |  0.940% |
| 112  | Nidoking           |  0.938% |
| 113  | Marowak-Alola      |  0.918% |
| 114  | Aggron-Mega        |  0.884% |
| 115  | Porygon2           |  0.872% |
| 116  | Thundurus-Therian  |  0.869% |
| 117  | Reuniclus          |  0.867% |
| 118  | Stakataka          |  0.851% |
| 119  | Salamence          |  0.842% |
| 120  | Kingdra            |  0.841% |
| 121  | Manaphy            |  0.837% |
| 122  | Tangrowth          |  0.801% |
| 123  | Aerodactyl-Mega    |  0.791% |
| 124  | Zapdos-Galar       |  0.774% |
| 125  | Togekiss           |  0.770% |
| 126  | Mandibuzz          |  0.757% |
| 127  | Zoroark-Hisui      |  0.751% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.747% |
| 129  | Hippowdon          |  0.744% |
| 130  | Keldeo             |  0.739% |
| 131  | Altaria-Mega       |  0.717% |
| 132  | Tapu Bulu          |  0.709% |
| 133  | Umbreon            |  0.704% |
| 134  | Lokix              |  0.698% |
| 135  | Slowking           |  0.695% |
| 136  | Enamorus           |  0.682% |
| 137  | Gallade-Mega       |  0.666% |
| 138  | Ogerpon            |  0.652% |
| 139  | Buzzwole           |  0.646% |
| 140  | Porygon-Z          |  0.639% |
| 141  | Haxorus            |  0.635% |
| 142  | Zeraora            |  0.634% |
| 143  | Swampert           |  0.618% |
| 144  | Gengar             |  0.610% |
| 145  | Suicune            |  0.604% |
| 146  | Scizor             |  0.604% |
| 147  | Muk-Alola          |  0.603% |
| 148  | Breloom            |  0.602% |
| 149  | Primarina          |  0.592% |
| 150  | Alakazam           |  0.584% |
| 151  | Sceptile-Mega      |  0.582% |
| 152  | Empoleon           |  0.580% |
| 153  | Eiscue             |  0.579% |
| 154  | Latias             |  0.549% |
| 155  | Nihilego           |  0.549% |
| 156  | Shuckle            |  0.545% |
| 157  | Armarouge          |  0.545% |
| 158  | Metagross          |  0.539% |
| 159  | Heracross-Mega     |  0.537% |
| 160  | Azumarill          |  0.535% |
| 161  | Manectric-Mega     |  0.530% |
| 162  | Gallade            |  0.515% |
| 163  | Sandy Shocks       |  0.512% |
| 164  | Moltres-Galar      |  0.504% |
| 165  | Weezing-Galar      |  0.502% |
| 166  | Dracozolt          |  0.497% |
| 167  | Galvantula         |  0.496% |
| 168  | Amoonguss          |  0.489% |
| 169  | Slowbro-Mega       |  0.486% |
| 170  | Necrozma           |  0.478% |
| 171  | Polteageist        |  0.465% |
| 172  | Sylveon            |  0.431% |
| 173  | Mamoswine          |  0.413% |
| 174  | Diggersby          |  0.402% |
| 175  | Pyukumuku          |  0.398% |
| 176  | Cloyster           |  0.393% |
| 177  | Snorlax            |  0.380% |
| 178  | Absol-Mega         |  0.377% |
| 179  | Entei              |  0.372% |
| 180  | Gastrodon          |  0.369% |
| 181  | Quaquaval          |  0.366% |
| 182  | Thundurus          |  0.360% |
| 183  | Klefki             |  0.349% |
| 184  | Mantine            |  0.349% |
| 185  | Camerupt-Mega      |  0.332% |
| 186  | Chandelure         |  0.325% |
| 187  | Abomasnow-Mega     |  0.325% |
| 188  | Raikou             |  0.325% |
| 189  | Milotic            |  0.323% |
| 190  | Goodra             |  0.320% |
| 191  | Swellow            |  0.318% |
| 192  | Pidgeot-Mega       |  0.315% |
| 193  | Arctozolt          |  0.312% |
| 194  | Incineroar         |  0.308% |
| 195  | Deoxys-Defense     |  0.305% |
| 196  | Lucario            |  0.305% |
| 197  | Espeon             |  0.296% |
| 198  | Gardevoir          |  0.292% |
| 199  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.290% |
| 200  | Crawdaunt          |  0.285% |
| 201  | Houndoom-Mega      |  0.281% |
| 202  | Pawmot             |  0.268% |
| 203  | Florges            |  0.265% |
| 204  | Glalie-Mega        |  0.248% |
| 205  | Iron Leaves        |  0.245% |
| 206  | Staraptor          |  0.244% |
| 207  | Infernape          |  0.243% |
| 208  | Smeargle           |  0.243% |
| 209  | Regidrago          |  0.241% |
| 210  | Iron Jugulis       |  0.235% |
| 211  | Pikachu            |  0.232% |
| 212  | Tentacruel         |  0.231% |
| 213  | Arcanine           |  0.231% |
| 214  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.230% |
| 215  | Indeedee           |  0.219% |
| 216  | Maushold           |  0.218% |
| 217  | Slurpuff           |  0.214% |
| 218  | Basculegion        |  0.211% |
| 219  | Steelix-Mega       |  0.210% |
| 220  | Gigalith           |  0.204% |
| 221  | Cinccino           |  0.197% |
| 222  | Basculegion-F      |  0.194% |
| 223  | Politoed           |  0.193% |
| 224  | Darmanitan         |  0.192% |
| 225  | Whimsicott         |  0.188% |
| 226  | Rabsca             |  0.185% |
| 227  | Forretress         |  0.184% |
| 228  | Mienshao           |  0.183% |
| 229  | Scream Tail        |  0.180% |
| 230  | Sharpedo-Mega      |  0.177% |
| 231  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.176% |
| 232  | Golisopod          |  0.176% |
| 233  | Audino-Mega        |  0.172% |
| 234  | Glastrier          |  0.170% |
| 235  | Blastoise          |  0.170% |
| 236  | Diancie            |  0.169% |
| 237  | Comfey             |  0.168% |
| 238  | Quagsire           |  0.166% |
| 239  | Tinkaton           |  0.165% |
| 240  | Enamorus-Therian   |  0.159% |
| 241  | Dragalge           |  0.156% |
| 242  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 243  | Orthworm           |  0.147% |
| 244  | Avalugg            |  0.140% |
| 245  | Conkeldurr         |  0.139% |
| 246  | Okidogi            |  0.138% |
| 247  | Azelf              |  0.138% |
| 248  | Braviary-Hisui     |  0.137% |
| 249  | Vaporeon           |  0.136% |
| 250  | Feraligatr         |  0.135% |
| 251  | Slither Wing       |  0.134% |
| 252  | Meloetta           |  0.133% |
| 253  | Roserade           |  0.128% |
| 254  | Ambipom            |  0.128% |
| 255  | Torterra           |  0.127% |
| 256  | Dhelmise           |  0.126% |
| 257  | Druddigon          |  0.126% |
| 258  | Krookodile         |  0.123% |
| 259  | Jolteon            |  0.121% |
| 260  | Tornadus           |  0.120% |
| 261  | Bronzong           |  0.119% |
| 262  | Talonflame         |  0.118% |
| 263  | Archeops           |  0.114% |
| 264  | Rotom-Heat         |  0.113% |
| 265  | Noivern            |  0.111% |
| 266  | Vikavolt           |  0.111% |
| 267  | Pincurchin         |  0.110% |
| 268  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.110% |
| 269  | Donphan            |  0.110% |
| 270  | Crobat             |  0.110% |
| 271  | Overqwil           |  0.110% |
| 272  | Spiritomb          |  0.108% |
| 273  | Typhlosion-Hisui   |  0.108% |
| 274  | Cofagrigus         |  0.107% |
| 275  | Zoroark            |  0.106% |
| 276  | Minior             |  0.105% |
| 277  | Kilowattrel        |  0.102% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

National Dex UU (1630 stats)

Combined usage for National Dex UU (1630 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Excadrill          | 35.816% |
| 2    | Iron Moth          | 29.397% |
| 3    | Aegislash          | 23.167% |
| 4    | Ting-Lu            | 19.437% |
| 5    | Iron Hands         | 18.464% |
| 6    | Celesteela         | 18.367% |
| 7    | Skarmory           | 17.966% |
| 8    | Tyranitar-Mega     | 17.873% |
| 9    | Thundurus-Therian  | 15.606% |
| 10   | Tapu Fini          | 14.214% |
| 11   | Clefable           | 12.752% |
| 12   | Rotom-Wash         | 12.721% |
| 13   | Greninja           | 12.487% |
| 14   | Latios             | 11.245% |
| 15   | Scizor             | 10.999% |
| 16   | Hippowdon          | 10.202% |
| 17   | Magnezone          | 10.137% |
| 18   | Bisharp            |  9.601% |
| 19   | Chansey            |  9.397% |
| 20   | Zapdos-Galar       |  9.270% |
| 21   | Alakazam           |  9.260% |
| 22   | Sinistcha          |  8.575% |
| 23   | Keldeo             |  8.415% |
| 24   | Victini            |  8.074% |
| 25   | Venusaur-Mega      |  7.517% |
| 26   | Sableye-Mega       |  7.146% |
| 27   | Dracozolt          |  7.002% |
| 28   | Azumarill          |  6.395% |
| 29   | Kleavor            |  6.372% |
| 30   | Skeledirge         |  6.215% |
| 31   | Hydreigon          |  5.663% |
| 32   | Quaquaval          |  5.600% |
| 33   | Haxorus            |  5.555% |
| 34   | Slowbro            |  5.489% |
| 35   | Gardevoir-Mega     |  5.363% |
| 36   | Amoonguss          |  5.211% |
| 37   | Latias-Mega        |  5.128% |
| 38   | Hydrapple          |  4.620% |
| 39   | Beedrill-Mega      |  4.613% |
| 40   | Latios-Mega        |  4.408% |
| 41   | Gallade-Mega       |  4.285% |
| 42   | Tyranitar          |  4.216% |
| 43   | Enamorus           |  3.949% |
| 44   | Moltres-Galar      |  3.939% |
| 45   | Ribombee           |  3.799% |
| 46   | Gastrodon          |  3.692% |
| 47   | Salamence          |  3.683% |
| 48   | Slowking           |  3.668% |
| 49   | Volcanion          |  3.341% |
| 50   | Golisopod          |  3.132% |
| 51   | Gallade            |  3.070% |
| 52   | Buzzwole           |  2.863% |
| 53   | Conkeldurr         |  2.670% |
| 54   | Mamoswine          |  2.368% |
| 55   | Aerodactyl-Mega    |  2.236% |
| 56   | Arcanine-Hisui     |  2.200% |
| 57   | Blacephalon        |  2.171% |
| 58   | Tangrowth          |  2.149% |
| 59   | Zoroark-Hisui      |  2.147% |
| 60   | Tentacruel         |  2.035% |
| 61   | Heracross-Mega     |  1.975% |
| 62   | Jirachi            |  1.941% |
| 63   | Porygon-Z          |  1.915% |
| 64   | Mandibuzz          |  1.905% |
| 65   | Blissey            |  1.841% |
| 66   | Quagsire           |  1.834% |
| 67   | Zeraora            |  1.788% |
| 68   | Nidoking           |  1.746% |
| 69   | Swampert           |  1.668% |
| 70   | Terrakion          |  1.614% |
| 71   | Altaria-Mega       |  1.592% |
| 72   | Sandy Shocks       |  1.566% |
| 73   | Pecharunt          |  1.269% |
| 74   | Hawlucha           |  1.266% |
| 75   | Ambipom            |  1.182% |
| 76   | Bellibolt          |  1.155% |
| 77   | Tinkaton           |  1.138% |
| 78   | Lokix              |  1.133% |
| 79   | Tapu Bulu          |  1.114% |
| 80   | Aggron-Mega        |  1.111% |
| 81   | Scolipede          |  1.007% |
| 82   | Goodra-Hisui       |  1.003% |
| 83   | Cloyster           |  0.985% |
| 84   | Reuniclus          |  0.959% |
| 85   | Xatu               |  0.954% |
| 86   | Cresselia          |  0.936% |
| 87   | Crawdaunt          |  0.928% |
| 88   | Polteageist        |  0.885% |
| 89   | Muk-Alola          |  0.838% |
| 90   | Sceptile-Mega      |  0.836% |
| 91   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 92   | Infernape          |  0.813% |
| 93   | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.795% |
| 94   | Mew                |  0.788% |
| 95   | Porygon2           |  0.773% |
| 96   | Ninetales-Alola    |  0.762% |
| 97   | Latias             |  0.750% |
| 98   | Donphan            |  0.736% |
| 99   | Mimikyu            |  0.721% |
| 100  | Torterra           |  0.703% |
| 101  | Deoxys-Defense     |  0.700% |
| 102  | Gligar             |  0.689% |
| 103  | Zygarde-10%        |  0.685% |
| 104  | Hitmontop          |  0.656% |
| 105  | Grimmsnarl         |  0.645% |
| 106  | Azelf              |  0.619% |
| 107  | Stakataka          |  0.610% |
| 108  | Sharpedo-Mega      |  0.587% |
| 109  | Slither Wing       |  0.578% |
| 110  | Talonflame         |  0.572% |
| 111  | Nihilego           |  0.564% |
| 112  | Smeargle           |  0.557% |
| 113  | Ampharos-Mega      |  0.555% |
| 114  | Arctozolt          |  0.550% |
| 115  | Metagross          |  0.546% |
| 116  | Pincurchin         |  0.537% |
| 117  | Darmanitan         |  0.524% |
| 118  | Empoleon           |  0.520% |
| 119  | Indeedee           |  0.520% |
| 120  | Pidgeot-Mega       |  0.520% |
| 121  | Entei              |  0.518% |
| 122  | Starmie            |  0.503% |
| 123  | Brambleghast       |  0.484% |
| 124  | Ditto              |  0.463% |
| 125  | Druddigon          |  0.458% |
| 126  | Iron Leaves        |  0.453% |
| 127  | Espeon             |  0.434% |
| 128  | Froslass           |  0.423% |
| 129  | Breloom            |  0.420% |
| 130  | Comfey             |  0.419% |
| 131  | Cetitan            |  0.416% |
| 132  | Blastoise          |  0.401% |
| 133  | Bronzong           |  0.396% |
| 134  | Scream Tail        |  0.393% |
| 135  | Pawmot             |  0.388% |
| 136  | Primarina          |  0.383% |
| 137  | Sceptile           |  0.381% |
| 138  | Lanturn            |  0.379% |
| 139  | Lilligant-Hisui    |  0.378% |
| 140  | Scyther            |  0.367% |
| 141  | Rotom-Heat         |  0.367% |
| 142  | Cyclizar           |  0.365% |
| 143  | Marowak-Alola      |  0.356% |
| 144  | Manectric-Mega     |  0.355% |
| 145  | Galvantula         |  0.351% |
| 146  | Camerupt-Mega      |  0.345% |
| 147  | Suicune            |  0.343% |
| 148  | Iron Jugulis       |  0.332% |
| 149  | Araquanid          |  0.324% |
| 150  | Steelix-Mega       |  0.315% |
| 151  | Absol-Mega         |  0.301% |
| 152  | Klefki             |  0.298% |
| 153  | Incineroar         |  0.286% |
| 154  | Lucario            |  0.284% |
| 155  | Chandelure         |  0.265% |
| 156  | Thundurus          |  0.265% |
| 157  | Maushold           |  0.259% |
| 158  | Swellow            |  0.257% |
| 159  | Meloetta           |  0.255% |
| 160  | Ogerpon            |  0.255% |
| 161  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.246% |
| 162  | Basculegion-F      |  0.241% |
| 163  | Armarouge          |  0.239% |
| 164  | Articuno           |  0.238% |
| 165  | Krookodile         |  0.237% |
| 166  | Medicham           |  0.235% |
| 167  | Arctovish          |  0.232% |
| 168  | Cobalion           |  0.230% |
| 169  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.228% |
| 170  | Noivern            |  0.228% |
| 171  | Diggersby          |  0.223% |
| 172  | Zarude             |  0.221% |
| 173  | Chesnaught         |  0.220% |
| 174  | Ninjask            |  0.220% |
| 175  | Togekiss           |  0.215% |
| 176  | Forretress         |  0.214% |
| 177  | Shuckle            |  0.211% |
| 178  | Grafaiai           |  0.209% |
| 179  | Gardevoir          |  0.208% |
| 180  | Raikou             |  0.204% |
| 181  | Houndoom-Mega      |  0.203% |
| 182  | Weezing-Galar      |  0.203% |
| 183  | Glalie-Mega        |  0.202% |
| 184  | Bewear             |  0.197% |
| 185  | Abomasnow-Mega     |  0.194% |
| 186  | Walrein            |  0.193% |
| 187  | Tsareena           |  0.192% |
| 188  | Mienshao           |  0.190% |
| 189  | Munkidori          |  0.189% |
| 190  | Pyukumuku          |  0.182% |
| 191  | Steelix            |  0.181% |
| 192  | Hoopa              |  0.180% |
| 193  | Audino-Mega        |  0.179% |
| 194  | Muk                |  0.173% |
| 195  | Florges            |  0.173% |
| 196  | Necrozma           |  0.171% |
| 197  | Staraptor          |  0.171% |
| 198  | Decidueye-Hisui    |  0.167% |
| 199  | Roserade           |  0.165% |
| 200  | Accelgor           |  0.164% |
| 201  | Flygon             |  0.161% |
| 202  | Typhlosion-Hisui   |  0.160% |
| 203  | Glastrier          |  0.159% |
| 204  | Vaporeon           |  0.157% |
| 205  | Jolteon            |  0.147% |
| 206  | Servine            |  0.146% |
| 207  | Obstagoon          |  0.139% |
| 208  | Gigalith           |  0.138% |
| 209  | Mantine            |  0.137% |
| 210  | Milotic            |  0.133% |
| 211  | Sylveon            |  0.130% |
| 212  | Celebi             |  0.129% |
| 213  | Toxapex            |  0.129% |
| 214  | Arboliva           |  0.128% |
| 215  | Togedemaru         |  0.125% |
| 216  | Feraligatr         |  0.122% |
| 217  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.118% |
| 218  | Zoroark            |  0.117% |
| 219  | Nidoqueen          |  0.114% |
| 220  | Tyrantrum          |  0.113% |
| 221  | Claydol            |  0.111% |
| 222  | Scrafty            |  0.110% |
| 223  | Delphox            |  0.109% |
| 224  | Audino             |  0.109% |
| 225  | Heracross          |  0.109% |
| 226  | Drapion            |  0.104% |
| 227  | Aerodactyl         |  0.103% |
| 228  | Aurorus            |  0.100% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

Drops (OU > UU)

Iron Boulder moved from NDOU to NDUU
Swampert-Mega moved from NDOU to NDUU

Raises (RU > UU)

Azumarill moved from NDRU to NDUU

Beedrill-Mega moved from NDRU to NDUU

Drops (UU > RU)

Enamorus moved from NDUU to NDRU

Gastrodon moved from NDUU to NDRU

Golisopod moved from NDUU to NDRU

Latias moved from NDUU to NDRU

Moltres-Galar moved from NDUU to NDRUBL


Looks like TBIC106 lives another day and we still have to deal with Iron Boulder anyway and ND RU is in shambles huh

 

[Moyashi]

Beedrill-Mega moved from NDRU to NDUU

w h y

How does both ou and uu have such awful noobmons getting spammed over actually good mons

 

[Lupla]

Now that we have spent almost a full week with Iron Boulder i think it's about time to discuss it's presence, starting this post with.


Iron Boulder and why it's not broken enough
​

Swords Dance

Iron Boulder @ Booster Energy / Rockium Z / Psychium Z / Groundium Z / Fightinium Z
Ability: Quark Drive
Tera Type: Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Mighty Cleave
- Zen Headbutt / Close Combat
- Earthquake / Close Combat

Choice Band

Iron Boulder @ Choice Band
Ability: Quark Drive
Tera Type: Rock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Mighty Cleave
- Zen Headbutt
- Close Combat
- Earthquake

So we already know what this mon does, the future paradox of Terrakion that does the exact same rolls with a few differences, being WAY faster with a base 124 Speed ( Speed Tier) and being another Rock type with a reliable stab option similar to Ogerpon-C. Even more can be found in it's great bulk for an offensive threat, allowing it to take one or two hits to setup or attack, alongside great coverage in Close Combat and Earthquake that dismantles the few Steels that actually resist Mighty Cleave, this thing has everything going for it to be banworthy.

Unfortunately despite looking amazing on paper, once in the field you'll start to realize the massive drawbacks this thing has. Iron Boulder trades it's decent Rock/Fighting typing with a far worse combination in Rock/Psychic, leaving it with more weaknesses than what regular Terrakion already had to be concerned with. It's weak to really common ofensive types in Water, Grass, Ground, Ghost and Dark which you'll find on every single team and this also means being weak to all priority options (Aegislash's Shadow Sneak, Scizor's Bullet Punch, Bisharp's Sucker Punch, Greninja's Water Shuriken and even the newly explored Lokix's First Impression).

Now this wouldn't be a deciding factor if Iron Boulder had the offense to make up for it right? Well time to rip off the band aid. If losing STAB Close Combat for a much weaker Zen Headbutt was already bad enough, Base 120 Attack with weaker moves is certainly not something to be happy about. This makes it a lot more dependant on Swords Dance and Choice Band as it's embarrasingly weak without a boost.

Calcs

252 Atk Iron Boulder Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar-Mega: 146-172 (42.8 - 50.4%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ting-Lu: 204-242 (39.6 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Boulder Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 270-320 (83.5 - 99%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Both: 156-184 (59.7 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Iron Boulder Mighty Cleave vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 144-169 (36.1 - 42.4%) -- 94.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Iron Boulder Mighty Cleave vs. 248 HP / 120+ Def Rotom-Wash: 112-133 (36.9 - 43.8%) -- 99.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Swords Dance Boost

+2 252 Atk Iron Boulder Mighty Cleave vs. 248 HP / 120+ Def Rotom-Wash: 225-265 (74.2 - 87.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Iron Boulder Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ting-Lu: 408-480 (79.3 - 93.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Iron Boulder Mighty Cleave vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 285-336 (71.6 - 84.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 Atk Iron Boulder Mighty Cleave vs. 252 HP / 152+ Def Venusaur-Mega: 196-232 (53.8 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

I could go on and on with calcs but point is, it struggles with power A LOT, often needing a lot of hazard support or chip in order to get past common defensive staples or bulky attackers. There's also the issue of coverage since it wants all 4 of Mighty Cleave (Consistent stab), Zen Headbutt (Way more damage than Earthquake agaisn't M-Venusaur, Iron Hands or Hippowdon especially when boosted), Close Combat (Hitting Ting-Lu and killing M-Tyranitar or Excadrill without giving them a chance to live and murder you) and Earthquake (Hitting Aegislash, opposing Boulder and Magnezone).



So now i wanna move on to the next point which is a short explanation as to why it could be too much for the tier despite all of this.

Swords Dance with Booster Speed on their own aren't a problem, even adding Choice Band to the mix doesn't give it enough pressure to be considered banworthy. The real deal are Swords Dance sets with Z-Crystals, those are not a thing in regular SV but in ND having access to these can allow Iron Boulder access to the power it desperately needs and break through some of these roadblocks with the right Z-Move, obviously this doesn't fix everything as you're always gonna miss out on something while not having the safety of outspeeding everything in the tier (opening up Scarfers to revenge you which wasn't possible before).

But despite that, the Speed Tier is still incredible and it's capable of taking one hit at the very least and leave a sizeable mark that wouldn't be possible with any other set. Being a decent answer to either fragile offensive threats such as Booster Speed Iron Moth, Battle Bond Greninja or Alakazam or literally anything in a pinch like Dragon Dance M-Tyranitar or Adamant Sand Rush Excadrill.

Unfortunately i don't have any notable replays at hand but anyone who has played Iron Boulder can probably understand a thing or two of what i said in this post and also the possibility of it being problematic in the future.

 

[Pubo]

​

The fraud allegations are real and our favorite Boulder does not seem as broken as expected. However, Iron Boulder is still a huge threat (especially for BOs since Rock + Fighting coverage eats our defensive cores) and i would like to discuss some of its best answers here. (Mostly Booster Speed, Z sets are really good as well but they all have different checks [BAN])

Hyper Offense​

Set

Aegislash @ Air Balloon
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak
- Close Combat

Air Balloon is probably the best counter for HO, being immune to Earthquake and KOing Boulder with Shadow Claw. Running Air Balloon is not bad at all since spinblocking Excadrill helps partners like Booster Moth or G-Moltres. If you are looking for a Boulder answer this guy is easily the first choice.

Scizor

Scizor @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Close Combat / Trailblaze / Dual Wingbeat / Quick Attack

Iron Hands, Celesteela, Skarmory, Rotom-W, and Iron Moth everywhere makes offensive Scizor look like a subpar choice most of the time, being incapable of cleaning games like previous generations. Without defensive investment, Scizor feels like a completely different Pokemon and a much worse version of itself. Iron Boulder popularity can maybe justify a niche, since Life Orb Bullet Punch always KO it, but you will probably need to sack something because Scizor can't really take hits from Boulder. Basically the Scizor Vs. Meteor Beam Nihilego scenario, but you re forced to run Life Orb this time.

​

Budget Kingambit

Bisharp @ Life Orb / Black Glasses / Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head

Azumarill

Azumarill @ Normalium Z / Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Knock Off / Liquidation / Encore

Bisharp is a weird Pokemon at this moment, Sucker Punch and Knock are for sure great tools, but you can't really setup (just Clefable and Fini ig) AND its breaking power is not fantastic. Black Glasses Sucker Punch KOs Boulder, which is cool... but this is not a switch-in AND Ferropalmas is everywhere, ready to hug you.

Azumarill is a more niche option since its typing allows it to somewhat check Greninja for HO, but we have a good amount of Water resistances that can eat +6 Jet AND Azu can't OHKO Boulder with Aqua Jet, making it a weird option as well.

Bulky Offense / Balance
​

Hippo

Hippowdon @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Whirlwind / Toxic

After 2 Bans and a drop, now you finally have a reason to run Hippo! Phy Def is easily the best or second best check available, easily eating hits even from Swords Dance Z sets and KOing back with Earthquake after small chip. Ting-Lu can eat a + 2 CC, but you really want to preserve its HP for other theats imo (). Z Crystals are broken so you might need to sack something.

Driller

Excadrill @ Steelium Z / Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin / Rock Slide

Excadrill is not really a switch-in unfortunately AND you must run Jolly. Most Scarfers can't outspeed Iron Boulder OR fail to OHKO it, making Driller the best Speed Control against this guy.

Tangrowth

Tangrowth @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Focus Blast / Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sleep Powder

Swampert

Swampert @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed / Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Flip Turn
- Earthquake
- Toxic / Yawn

Mega with some investment is probably consistent as well

Tangrowth can take Speed Booster, but just like most counterplay, Z sets can nuke this guy from Earth (Giga Drain 2HKOes and heals a good amount) .

Swampert can deal with Speed Booster quite well, but Z sets can be problematic after some chip. No reliable recovery or Boots means hazards will cook you really fast because you want this guy to pivot around.

Big Stall
​

Goat

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD or 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Recover
- Toxic / Scald

God is here to save you from Mega Tyranitar, Iron Hands, and Iron Boulder!

Quag is really good since Unaware makes Boulder unable to anything, but fitting this guy on any team besides stall feels like a nightmare because you are always losing momentum. I really hope gamefreak gives Flip Turn for him next Gen!

Choice Band sets are also interesting on paper (need some time to build teams with it), our Rock "resistances" are usually scared of coverage, having a 100% accuracy Rock-type move is REALLY good AND the Speed tier is crazy. (UR Terrakion)

 

[Runo]

Similar to what happened last seasonal I would like to ask people who got a high placement in Natdex UU Winter Seasonal to share their thoughts on the metagame.

Tags:
Lostmemories R1C3M4N Banbadoro Razorgliscor Baddy Runo Rafadude TBIC106 Oblivion Wing sufys sealoo jawabarat
Regardless of if you're apart of this list or not, we would still enjoy any sort of feedback!

Here's some icebreaker questions:

• How was your experience in playing the tier?
• What mons do you find to be underrated right now?
• What mons do you find to be overrated right now?
• what playstyle do you feel is the strongest / weakest?
• Are you willing to share any teams or sets?

 

[sealoo]

I only really touch NDUU when it's tour time but I like to think I sort of stay in touch with the meta as a whole as not a ton changes.


I think you have to actively find a reason to not use this on most teams, this is one of the single most dominant mons ive ever witnessed in a given tier.


If there's a reason to not use MTTar, here it is. Wonderful Frog is nothing short of spectacular and does a ton of work on a game-to-game basis.


Imo this mon has a lot of potential and people should try it out more.


You can tech so many random Z-moves on this shit it's not even funny, Id reckon giving it a shot.

example team I had from ssnl (albeit with Hands)


Reminds me of MTTar/MVenu in the sense that this shit is always gonna do work no matter what.


I used this mon a ton during the course of the tour- I think I rate it higher than most.


This mon is SO goated, great for those moth hos teams


Mon feels quite strong into a lot of builds. Im a fan of it especially with Z to ward off MTTar.


I honestly do not see the hype with this guy, way too exploitable.


Specs fini is the truth, highly recommend this set with good mvenu proof

Metagame Thoughts

• Iron Hands probably deserve its ban, although as the suspects waned I began to think that it may not be AS bad.
  
  
• Iron Moth isnt really broken at all, however, it is very constricting and makes building more strangling.
  
  
• A lot of neat techs that can be used to get around MTTar's dominance, specifically s/o to R1C3M4N , your creativity is very refreshing to see
  
  
• Speed control is AWFUL oh my god, it is such a chore to put it on a team while feeling confident. I think Scarf Zap is the pinnacle of the speed control atm but everything else...quite bad!
  
  
• What's worse than the speed control? REMOVAL!!! Oh my goodness...I dont know if Ive ever seen a tier with worse hazard removal. It is a barren wasteland of terrible foggers/spinners who lose to most hazard setters. I think this is the single biggest issue with the tier and honestly, idk how you fix it
  
  
• Overall, I think yall have been doing a great job when it comes to the bans (Latios, ThundyT, Hands). The tier had way too many offensive threats to cover to the point where building felt very demotivating and linear to me personally, however, I think the tier will be in a great state for open and I look forward to competing and (hopefully) winning. The only slight concern I may have is with , the aforementioned speed control issue makes this thing quite a pain to deal with in builder and the common sash makes it even harder in play when mttar sand is the primary form of chip. may end up being broken for the same reason (bar the sash part) but i dont see it. Seems manageable enough
  
  
• Special shoutouts to Runo // Lupla // TBIC106 // Danbear02 // Pubo , ur dedication is awesome to see and this tier is really coming into its own in regards to stability. Looking forward to open/ndpl! (hopefully nduupl too...)

 

[Razorgliscor]

Experience with the tier:

Roller coaster because of the bans (Cinderace, Latios, ThundT) which changed the shape of the meta drastically. Cinderace was one of the main speed control options in the tier and after we saw it leave it was considerably harder to make teams that were able to out offense threats like Latios and ThundT. These mons then took over the meta if they weren't already at the fore front especially for Latios. The main Latios check in TingLu could be baited by its new Buff in Flip Turn especially with spikes up since TingLu doesn't exactly appreciate constant hazard pressure. And then you have ThundT where if you didn't outspeed it, it was virtually impossible to win vs it as I saw vs Riceman when I accidentally brought a slow team. In the Aftermath the Tier felt a lot more stable albeit with an issue mon that later got banned(Iron Hands) and the continously Controversial mon(Iron Moth).

Underrated and Overrated:

This is a tough one since I think most mons are accurately rated but first I will shout out Mgallade for the 1 week we had in between Latios ban and the introduction of Boulder. Because in that week it felt like Mgallade would've ended up way better because it was able to punish essentially the entire meta with Stabs+Knock (and technically still can but idk if yall would like this over Boulder). Gun to the back of my head I'd probably have to say Harc didn't exactly use this in ssnl but used it vs Artymasion in Trios and this mon is strong as shit and doesn't have the drawback of a Victini Vcreate. As for Overrated I'm probably pointing towards Enamorus and Buzzwole here. Buzzwole will probably feel better post Hands ban but pre Hands ban it definitely felt like Hands was way more spammable and there are more preferable Physical walls than Buzzwole imo like Mvenu and Skarmory. Enamorus kinda hates choice locking into anything while CM sets feel like they're both not strong or fast enough. It's that simple, also you just struggle to break Mvenu ever even if you're using Specs.

Playstyle:

Definitely changed as the meta went at first it was definitely like Cinderace BO or HO but as we got to the pre Hands Ban Era it was way easier to use Mvenu Balance and that seemed like the meta even with the existence of Mtar. Post Hands I don't really know but I can't imagine anything happens besides Balance being able to diversify. The worst is definitely Stall imo, maybe I don't have the greatest sample but it seems like things like Subtox Aegislash, Band Boulder, Scarf Washer, and Rocks Clefable are some of the worst things to happen to stall. Can't imagine it's much better into things like Mtar, Moth, Excadrill, or Gren anyways. While Stall can probably work idt Msab really blocks hazards the same way it used to in SS NDUU.

Sets/Teams:

No, mostly because they're some of the most basic shits ever, you'd probably be able to make the same teams I had if you just looked at them

 

[Lostmemories]

v stale, u will see the same 14 mons maybe sometimes ru is better inspiration to build. Underated is prob Hisuian dec(never brought it but z fly by rice was p cool and hey a ttar switch can be fog support or offensive), bulu too i think is insane (some sort of ttar bulu build in future maybe, my hera build of it was really trash), and ofc this doesn't need to be said but Arctozolt is p goated even tho w sand supremacy I think maybe hail can find a way. Scizor is also p underrated imo, it carried my ass this snl and i initially used it as a check to boulder but it proved really useful w knock utility and strong endgame sweeper. Also looking forward to experimenting w haxorous and nape too in the future. Nothing i find really overrated, mons like Mega tar and ting are just really good and moth I've seen recently too is moth pivot tpsike support>booster value wise excluding ho. Balance/Bo i feel are best rn.

 

[Runo]

On a scale of 1-10, how much do you enjoy the current metagame?
7
As an UU addict I can't ever truely dislike a UU tier and as NatDex main I can't ever dislike a NatDex Tier since they are inherently tied to why I enjoy comp mons in the first place. But I can't help but agree with a lot of what Lostmemories said about the tier being stale. I think the tier as it is right now has a lot of options you can use but the issue lies within the players to actually use them so it kinda makes the tier seem more over-centralized than it actually is. Case in point would be people using Mega Venusaur over other Grass-types when there is truely no reason to run it, Ting-Lu over other Ground-types when the Iron Moth matchup is already sound, Celesteela over other Steel-types, etc. Like you can run none of these mons on a team and for the most part be fine so I don't get why we aren't.


On a scale of 1-10, how good/competitive do you find this metagame to be?
9
The only issue I have with the tier is Mega Tyranitar more or less invalidating a lot of hazard removal but aside from that I can easily build a team, load into a game, and not get harrassed by some random mon I couldn't possibly prep for in 6 slots so in that sense I am perfectly content with the tier's state. Again the stale/overcentralized feeling is kinda in our heads so I don't want to hold that as an issue.


What are your thoughts on Mega Tyranitar?
3
I gave it a 3 on the survey but after writing it out its probably a 4. It's not broken, but its not exactly balanced either? It's presence is 100% felt on the tier with it being able to freely spam Knock Off incredibly easily, almost to an unpunishing degree, meaning it is a suberb progress maker in the metagame and single-handedly invalidates a fuck ton of mons and strategies in general. I remember for a short time when we thought Blacephalon, Mew, and Galarian Moltres were considered good mons in the metagame and now they are seldom used outside of specific structures and it is almost entirely thanks to Mega Tyranitar's presence in the tier. The hazards metagame is also incredibly lopsided because of it as well since it pressures and can easily outlast every hazard control option in the tier, which severely limits our options.

In theory these are our current options for hazard control (niche options being seperated by "|")
|

In reality these are actually our "used" options
|

That is more than half of our options we can't even reliably use because of Mega Tyranitar's presence in the builder. Which to me is incredibly concerning when you consider that Mega Tyranitar is a mon you see everywhere and has very little opportunity cost to use. While the hazard removers, with the exception of maybe Rotom-Wash, you simply can't just slap on a team and call it a day because they need FAR more support than Mega Tyranitar. Hell even Rotom-Wash (considered by many here to be out best option for hazard control) is still heavily pressured by Mega Tyranitar's powerful Knock Off and Stone Edge and also shoehorned into running Defog (as we simply can't fit any others), resulting in moveslot issues.

And of course you can't talk about Mega Tyranitar without also talking about its best partner in the metagame: Sand Rush Excadrill. That mon is not even close to broken right now but it feels so scary to see because Mega Tyranitar can just bust open all of Excadrill's common checks like Slowbro, Celesteela, and Air Ballon Aegislash and cripple others such as Rotom-Wash and Skarmory. This of course lets Excadrill get a way with a whole bunch of shit when it has a ton of hard walls in the metagame right now and is a key reason why these Sand structures are so popular right now. You simply can't get this level of consistency with Hippowdon or even base Tyranitar as the setter and that adds onto the staleness felt in the metagame right now.

there is probably more I want to say about this mon but I can't find the words right now but tdlr I would support a suspect and probably vote to ban it for the health of the tier.


What are your thoughts on Iron Moth?
3
Earlier in the year I would've given this a 5, and eventually a 4. Now we are at a point where I'm more or less content with the counterplay we have for it. Boulder, Greninja, and Excadrill existing has been great at discouraging booster energy spam so more standard teams can actually revenge kill it. Mega Tyranitar, Ting-Lu, and Mega Latias are stellar checks but now Mega Venusaur, Hippowdon, and even Slowking work well to handle it. I also like to gas up Blissey a lot since Twave + Port is pretty good as a counter. That being said, it's still an annoyance in the builder and I still feel the need to prep for it in the tier and the metagame would definitely feel a lot less constrained with it gone. Lets probably test Mega Tyranitar and if that gets banned I would feel more comfortable re-discussing this.


What are your thoughts on Iron Boulder?
2?
If Mega Tyranitar wasn't enough of a reason to stop running Mega Venusaur then this has to be it here because Iron Boulder is probably one of the best wallbreakers this tier has to offer. Like Mega Tyranitar and Iron Moth, it is also a mon that you have to heavily consider in the builder or else you risk getting mauled by it. I still tolerate it's presence however since its not particularly hard to prep for. Loading a standard Sand balance, a well built Aegislash composition, Slowbro, Scizor, PhysDef Hippo, etc feel fine enough for now. I even think that it's a great reason to run some of the "lesser" mons like Lokix and Tangrowth. If Sand is nerfed then I might change my tune a bit, but I haven't messed with a Sand comp for a while and I think its still fine to deal with.


What are your thoughts on retesting Kommo-O?
suspect but not before other things
Kommo-O is still probably broken but on the off-chance that Clefable/Fini + revenge killers is enough then we would have ourselves a nice quality of life addition that helps to check Iron Moth, Mega Tyranitar, Mega Venusaur, Aegislash, and more. Not much to say there since I'm pretty apathetic/reluctant to retest it since those Clanger and Belly Drum sets are incredibly frightening to the tier's health.


What are your thoughts on retesting Drizzle?
Retest
I've been pretty vocal in the NDUU discord about a Drizzle unban and am probably the only reason this is on a survey to begin with. I don't think Rain broken, or at the very least not as broken as it was when it was originally banned. When Rain was banned originally, there were several reasons why it was generally unhealthy. For starters, Grass-types were not all that dominant in the tier with the best ones in the tier being Serperior and Meowscarada (generally shitty Rain checks for the time since Tera could easily blow them apart). Tera was also a very big part of why rain was dumb to begin with since you can just easily bypass your hard counters with Tera Water anything. Very good quality of life mons such as Cinderace, Iron Treads, and Moltres also loathed Rain in general. Rain also being in the same tier as Sun and very powerful HO structures also made building a nightmare and you would often seen this very unhealthy matchups due to the inablility to prep for common stuff in the builder.

What has changed since this? The biggest thing of course is the Tera ban, meaning that Rain can have actual splashable defensive counterplay instead of just needing some absurd fat ass to deal with it. Nowadays our common Grass-types are far more solid rain checks than ever and pretty easy to fit on teams as well, having a ton of great utility outside of the Rain matchup. Our quality of life mons still care about rain existing (it brings down stuff like Mega Tyranitar and Ting-Lu a little bit) but we also have newer additions such as Rotom-Wash and Hydrapple that help a tremendously to secure the Rain matchup, and even things like Mega Tyranitar can still be a big nuisance to Rain (this is generally still a Excadrill Sand metagame after all). Those other broken playstyles that were mentioned before are either severely nerfed or straight up don't exist anymore so now there is far more breathing room to effectively prep for Rain while still being able to deal with the rest of the metagame.

To support this idea, I have below a bunch of skeleton compositions to show how realistic it is to slot counterplay onto a team while also giving a minor preview on how I think the metagme would look if Rain were to be unbanned:

Spoiler

A final thing I want to add about Rain is I think it can actually help to diversify the metagame since it is simply encouraging the use of already good mons in order to deal with it. Not a single mon on here (except maybe the weird niche mons that have no relevance to checking rain) is bad and all still have good qualities outside of the rain matchup obviously. Hyper Offense and Sand teams also becomes a lot less good in theory, or at the very least they are on an even playing field with the rest of the metagame due to the added constraint of needing to have outs vs Rain.


What are your thoughts on retesting Drought?
Do not unban
If you are against a Drizzle suspect then suspecting Sun shouldn't even be a thought in your head. Fire-type attackers and Chlorophyll sweepers are significantly harder for the average team to deal with than it is for other weathers and adds even less to the metagame than a Rain unban. Mega-Tyranitar existing as one of the few consistent counters is not going to be enough to limit the playstyle when they easily maul every other team structure.

 

[Lupla]

Kind of skipped last month since the % didn't really matter as much and not much was actually in it, now i'll be posting shifts for June with what would had raised/dropped this month (could give you an idea of what can happen next month)

National Dex OU (1630 stats)

Combined usage for National Dex OU (1630 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 25.244% |
| 2    | Ferrothorn         | 13.923% |
| 3    | Tapu Lele          | 13.757% |
| 4    | Raging Bolt        | 13.724% |
| 5    | Tapu Koko          | 13.552% |
| 6    | Heatran            | 12.469% |
| 7    | Alomomola          | 11.783% |
| 8    | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike | 11.234% |
| 9    | Corviknight        | 10.983% |
| 10   | Dragonite          | 10.838% |
| 11   | Great Tusk         | 10.634% |
| 12   | Zamazenta          | 10.374% |
| 13   | Iron Valiant       | 10.336% |
| 14   | Iron Crown         | 10.184% |
| 15   | Gliscor            | 10.145% |
| 16   | Ogerpon-Wellspring | 10.076% |
| 17   | Slowking-Galar     |  9.694% |
| 18   | Scizor-Mega        |  9.360% |
| 19   | Darkrai            |  8.798% |
| 20   | Zapdos             |  8.757% |
| 21   | Iron Treads        |  8.229% |
| 22   | Volcarona          |  7.774% |
| 23   | Kyurem             |  7.594% |
| 24   | Charizard-Mega-Y   |  7.384% |
| 25   | Rillaboom          |  7.101% |
| 26   | Clodsire           |  6.816% |
| 27   | Hatterene          |  6.720% |
| 28   | Garchomp           |  6.630% |
| 29   | Kartana            |  6.623% |
| 30   | Gouging Fire       |  6.505% |
| 31   | Pelipper           |  6.496% |
| 32   | Garganacl          |  6.420% |
| 33   | Toxapex            |  6.390% |
| 34   | Samurott-Hisui     |  6.348% |
| 35   | Moltres            |  6.173% |
| 36   | Diancie-Mega       |  5.849% |
| 37   | Glimmora           |  5.833% |
| 38   | Mawile-Mega        |  5.690% |
| 39   | Lopunny-Mega       |  5.403% |
| 40   | Ceruledge          |  5.177% |
| 41   | Swampert-Mega      |  5.149% |
| 42   | Archaludon         |  5.108% |
| 43   | Ursaluna           |  5.040% |
| 44   | Serperior          |  4.994% |
| 45   | Hoopa-Unbound      |  4.892% |
| 46   | Tyranitar-Mega     |  4.779% |
| 47   | Banette-Mega       |  4.763% |
| 48   | Slowbro            |  4.376% |
| 49   | Iron Boulder       |  4.314% |
| 50   | Dondozo            |  4.176% |
| 51   | Ting-Lu            |  3.875% |
| 52   | Medicham-Mega      |  3.737% |
| 53   | Excadrill          |  3.470% |
| 54   | Tornadus-Therian   |  3.435% |
| 55   | Greninja           |  3.397% |
| 56   | Blissey            |  3.369% |
| 57   | Tyranitar          |  3.099% |
| 58   | Kommo-o            |  3.085% |
| 59   | Weavile            |  3.049% |
| 60   | Barraskewda        |  3.023% |
| 61   | Aegislash          |  2.853% |
| 62   | Iron Moth          |  2.837% |
| 63   | Tapu Fini          |  2.792% |
| 64   | Venusaur-Mega      |  2.736% |
| 65   | Grimmsnarl         |  2.731% |
| 66   | Gyarados-Mega      |  2.694% |
| 67   | Ribombee           |  2.630% |
| 68   | Skeledirge         |  2.606% |
| 69   | Hawlucha           |  2.582% |
| 70   | Chansey            |  2.579% |
| 71   | Ogerpon-Cornerstone |  2.519% |
| 72   | Sinistcha          |  2.462% |
| 73   | Sableye-Mega       |  2.454% |
| 74   | Torkoal            |  2.450% |
| 75   | Ninetales-Alola    |  2.121% |
| 76   | Clefable           |  2.112% |
| 77   | Victini            |  2.036% |
| 78   | Rotom-Wash         |  2.012% |
| 79   | Meowscarada        |  1.997% |
| 80   | Cresselia          |  1.904% |
| 81   | Latios-Mega        |  1.860% |
| 82   | Pinsir-Mega        |  1.824% |
| 83   | Skarmory           |  1.790% |
| 84   | Cinderace          |  1.664% |
| 85   | Charizard-Mega-X   |  1.536% |
| 86   | Latios             |  1.455% |
| 87   | Blaziken           |  1.454% |
| 88   | Celesteela         |  1.454% |
| 89   | Marowak-Alola      |  1.416% |
| 90   | Porygon2           |  1.314% |
| 91   | Latias-Mega        |  1.268% |
| 92   | Hydrapple          |  1.262% |
| 93   | Bisharp            |  1.247% |
| 94   | Magnezone          |  1.203% |
| 95   | Pecharunt          |  1.175% |
| 96   | Volcanion          |  1.172% |
| 97   | Gardevoir-Mega     |  1.154% |
| 98   | Blacephalon        |  1.132% |
| 99   | Stakataka          |  1.117% |
| 100  | Iron Hands         |  1.044% |
| 101  | Xurkitree          |  1.008% |
| 102  | Jirachi            |  1.003% |
| 103  | Slowking           |  0.980% |
| 104  | Hydreigon          |  0.972% |
| 105  | Beedrill-Mega      |  0.951% |
| 106  | Goodra-Hisui       |  0.938% |
| 107  | Ogerpon            |  0.927% |
| 108  | Tangrowth          |  0.901% |
| 109  | Thundurus-Therian  |  0.845% |
| 110  | Venusaur           |  0.837% |
| 111  | Araquanid          |  0.835% |
| 112  | Lilligant-Hisui    |  0.832% |
| 113  | Azumarill          |  0.821% |
| 114  | Muk-Alola          |  0.817% |
| 115  | Arcanine-Hisui     |  0.808% |
| 116  | Garchomp-Mega      |  0.807% |
| 117  | Mew                |  0.801% |
| 118  | Kingdra            |  0.768% |
| 119  | Ditto              |  0.762% |
| 120  | Kleavor            |  0.758% |
| 121  | Salamence          |  0.752% |
| 122  | Buzzwole           |  0.734% |
| 123  | Nidoking           |  0.730% |
| 124  | Zeraora            |  0.729% |
| 125  | Zapdos-Galar       |  0.724% |
| 126  | Tapu Bulu          |  0.700% |
| 127  | Hippowdon          |  0.678% |
| 128  | Primarina          |  0.666% |
| 129  | Altaria-Mega       |  0.665% |
| 130  | Sceptile-Mega      |  0.665% |
| 131  | Togekiss           |  0.660% |
| 132  | Enamorus           |  0.651% |
| 133  | Zoroark-Hisui      |  0.636% |
| 134  | Keldeo             |  0.616% |
| 135  | Shuckle            |  0.606% |
| 136  | Manaphy            |  0.606% |
| 137  | Lokix              |  0.600% |
| 138  | Gyarados           |  0.594% |
| 139  | Mimikyu            |  0.578% |
| 140  | Gengar             |  0.573% |
| 141  | Manectric-Mega     |  0.550% |
| 142  | Amoonguss          |  0.549% |
| 143  | Suicune            |  0.548% |
| 144  | Nihilego           |  0.543% |
| 145  | Alakazam           |  0.542% |
| 146  | Armarouge          |  0.539% |
| 147  | Camerupt-Mega      |  0.533% |
| 148  | Breloom            |  0.533% |
| 149  | Scizor             |  0.532% |
| 150  | Galvantula         |  0.528% |
| 151  | Necrozma           |  0.524% |
| 152  | Heracross-Mega     |  0.513% |
| 153  | Aggron-Mega        |  0.508% |
| 154  | Haxorus            |  0.507% |
| 155  | Umbreon            |  0.505% |
| 156  | Incineroar         |  0.485% |
| 157  | Quaquaval          |  0.483% |
| 158  | Dracozolt          |  0.478% |
| 159  | Sandy Shocks       |  0.474% |
| 160  | Polteageist        |  0.470% |
| 161  | Porygon-Z          |  0.469% |
| 162  | Latias             |  0.463% |
| 163  | Arctozolt          |  0.438% |
| 164  | Gallade-Mega       |  0.409% |
| 165  | Empoleon           |  0.403% |
| 166  | Mandibuzz          |  0.401% |
| 167  | Eiscue             |  0.400% |
| 168  | Iron Jugulis       |  0.399% |
| 169  | Pawmot             |  0.398% |
| 170  | Aerodactyl-Mega    |  0.388% |
| 171  | Reuniclus          |  0.385% |
| 172  | Metagross          |  0.381% |
| 173  | Sharpedo-Mega      |  0.343% |
| 174  | Smeargle           |  0.340% |
| 175  | Deoxys-Defense     |  0.338% |
| 176  | Pyukumuku          |  0.326% |
| 177  | Entei              |  0.322% |
| 178  | Gastrodon          |  0.319% |
| 179  | Slowbro-Mega       |  0.319% |
| 180  | Mamoswine          |  0.318% |
| 181  | Chandelure         |  0.311% |
| 182  | Chesnaught         |  0.308% |
| 183  | Gardevoir          |  0.304% |
| 184  | Abomasnow-Mega     |  0.302% |
| 185  | Crawdaunt          |  0.295% |
| 186  | Brambleghast       |  0.292% |
| 187  | Absol-Mega         |  0.285% |
| 188  | Weezing-Galar      |  0.276% |
| 189  | Swampert           |  0.274% |
| 190  | Quagsire           |  0.271% |
| 191  | Cloyster           |  0.270% |
| 192  | Basculegion-F      |  0.270% |
| 193  | Thundurus          |  0.269% |
| 194  | Slurpuff           |  0.267% |
| 195  | Glalie-Mega        |  0.265% |
| 196  | Rabsca             |  0.254% |
| 197  | Maushold           |  0.249% |
| 198  | Raikou             |  0.249% |
| 199  | Pidgeot-Mega       |  0.248% |
| 200  | Diggersby          |  0.246% |
| 201  | Basculegion        |  0.240% |
| 202  | Klefki             |  0.240% |
| 203  | Noivern            |  0.235% |
| 204  | Moltres-Galar      |  0.233% |
| 205  | Espeon             |  0.223% |
| 206  | Infernape          |  0.223% |
| 207  | Snorlax            |  0.217% |
| 208  | Steelix-Mega       |  0.214% |
| 209  | Overqwil           |  0.214% |
| 210  | Mantine            |  0.210% |
| 211  | Houndoom-Mega      |  0.210% |
| 212  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.210% |
| 213  | Sylveon            |  0.208% |
| 214  | Staraptor          |  0.204% |
| 215  | Forretress         |  0.202% |
| 216  | Regidrago          |  0.194% |
| 217  | Pikachu            |  0.190% |
| 218  | Blastoise          |  0.190% |
| 219  | Bronzong           |  0.186% |
| 220  | Seismitoad         |  0.186% |
| 221  | Charizard          |  0.184% |
| 222  | Rotom-Heat         |  0.184% |
| 223  | Lucario            |  0.178% |
| 224  | Glastrier          |  0.175% |
| 225  | Azelf              |  0.175% |
| 226  | Floatzel           |  0.174% |
| 227  | Arcanine           |  0.172% |
| 228  | Gigalith           |  0.172% |
| 229  | Iron Leaves        |  0.170% |
| 230  | Typhlosion-Hisui   |  0.170% |
| 231  | Swellow            |  0.169% |
| 232  | Gallade            |  0.167% |
| 233  | Politoed           |  0.165% |
| 234  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.164% |
| 235  | Milotic            |  0.161% |
| 236  | Cofagrigus         |  0.160% |
| 237  | Conkeldurr         |  0.158% |
| 238  | Audino-Mega        |  0.157% |
| 239  | Tentacruel         |  0.156% |
| 240  | Comfey             |  0.152% |
| 241  | Indeedee           |  0.148% |
| 242  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.146% |
| 243  | Slither Wing       |  0.146% |
| 244  | Braviary-Hisui     |  0.146% |
| 245  | Tinkaton           |  0.144% |
| 246  | Zygarde-10%        |  0.144% |
| 247  | Donphan            |  0.143% |
| 248  | Talonflame         |  0.142% |
| 249  | Torterra           |  0.140% |
| 250  | Toxtricity         |  0.140% |
| 251  | Munkidori          |  0.132% |
| 252  | Golisopod          |  0.127% |
| 253  | Meloetta           |  0.123% |
| 254  | Tornadus           |  0.123% |
| 255  | Flygon             |  0.123% |
| 256  | Crobat             |  0.121% |
| 257  | Mienshao           |  0.120% |
| 258  | Enamorus-Therian   |  0.118% |
| 259  | Darmanitan         |  0.117% |
| 260  | Scream Tail        |  0.114% |
| 261  | Sigilyph           |  0.113% |
| 262  | Arctovish          |  0.108% |
| 263  | Pyroar             |  0.107% |
| 264  | Starmie            |  0.105% |
| 265  | Krookodile         |  0.104% |
| 266  | Okidogi            |  0.103% |
| 267  | Whimsicott         |  0.103% |
| 268  | Hitmonlee          |  0.100% |
| 269  | Yanmega            |  0.100% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

National Dex UU (1630 stats)

Combined usage for National Dex UU (1630 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Skarmory           | 25.938% |
| 2    | Ting-Lu            | 23.333% |
| 3    | Aegislash          | 22.935% |
| 4    | Rotom-Wash         | 22.344% |
| 5    | Excadrill          | 20.970% |
| 6    | Iron Moth          | 18.382% |
| 7    | Clefable           | 18.223% |
| 8    | Tyranitar-Mega     | 16.990% |
| 9    | Celesteela         | 15.937% |
| 10   | Iron Boulder       | 13.134% |
| 11   | Venusaur-Mega      | 12.865% |
| 12   | Zapdos-Galar       | 12.796% |
| 13   | Hippowdon          | 10.160% |
| 14   | Iron Hands         | 10.121% |
| 15   | Greninja           | 10.086% |
| 16   | Tapu Fini          |  9.623% |
| 17   | Chansey            |  9.375% |
| 18   | Keldeo             |  9.335% |
| 19   | Hydreigon          |  8.930% |
| 20   | Victini            |  8.760% |
| 21   | Sableye-Mega       |  8.565% |
| 22   | Alakazam           |  8.348% |
| 23   | Amoonguss          |  8.116% |
| 24   | Scizor             |  7.757% |
| 25   | Beedrill-Mega      |  7.602% |
| 26   | Gardevoir-Mega     |  7.565% |
| 27   | Azumarill          |  7.421% |
| 28   | Skeledirge         |  7.310% |
| 29   | Magnezone          |  7.030% |
| 30   | Slowbro            |  6.559% |
| 31   | Quaquaval          |  6.476% |
| 32   | Hydrapple          |  6.001% |
| 33   | Kleavor            |  5.657% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  5.383% |
| 35   | Goodra-Hisui       |  5.215% |
| 36   | Dracozolt          |  5.174% |
| 37   | Latias-Mega        |  5.059% |
| 38   | Quagsire           |  4.818% |
| 39   | Bisharp            |  4.733% |
| 40   | Aerodactyl-Mega    |  4.594% |
| 41   | Blacephalon        |  4.411% |
| 42   | Sinistcha          |  4.174% |
| 43   | Enamorus           |  3.842% |
| 44   | Gastrodon          |  3.620% |
| 45   | Iron Leaves        |  3.498% |
| 46   | Hawlucha           |  3.453% |
| 47   | Zoroark-Hisui      |  3.411% |
| 48   | Blissey            |  3.195% |
| 49   | Haxorus            |  2.893% |
| 50   | Zeraora            |  2.819% |
| 51   | Slowking           |  2.680% |
| 52   | Altaria-Mega       |  2.678% |
| 53   | Latias             |  2.677% |
| 54   | Mew                |  2.633% |
| 55   | Ribombee           |  2.515% |
| 56   | Mandibuzz          |  2.387% |
| 57   | Heracross-Mega     |  2.333% |
| 58   | Smeargle           |  2.226% |
| 59   | Gallade-Mega       |  2.186% |
| 60   | Tangrowth          |  2.119% |
| 61   | Tyranitar          |  2.101% |
| 62   | Empoleon           |  2.025% |
| 63   | Salamence          |  1.948% |
| 64   | Tapu Bulu          |  1.895% |
| 65   | Jirachi            |  1.849% |
| 66   | Pecharunt          |  1.821% |
| 67   | Arcanine-Hisui     |  1.653% |
| 68   | Gengar             |  1.548% |
| 69   | Golisopod          |  1.506% |
| 70   | Tentacruel         |  1.467% |
| 71   | Galvantula         |  1.462% |
| 72   | Nidoking           |  1.307% |
| 73   | Swampert-Mega      |  1.293% |
| 74   | Ogerpon            |  1.288% |
| 75   | Aggron-Mega        |  1.285% |
| 76   | Sandy Shocks       |  1.271% |
| 77   | Volcanion          |  1.239% |
| 78   | Conkeldurr         |  1.180% |
| 79   | Swampert           |  1.147% |
| 80   | Thundurus          |  1.114% |
| 81   | Porygon-Z          |  1.103% |
| 82   | Lokix              |  1.100% |
| 83   | Deoxys-Defense     |  1.065% |
| 84   | Pincurchin         |  1.057% |
| 85   | Araquanid          |  1.046% |
| 86   | Mienshao           |  1.008% |
| 87   | Darmanitan         |  1.002% |
| 88   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.976% |
| 89   | Breloom            |  0.954% |
| 90   | Terrakion          |  0.954% |
| 91   | Naclstack          |  0.927% |
| 92   | Indeedee           |  0.908% |
| 93   | Shuckle            |  0.876% |
| 94   | Donphan            |  0.874% |
| 95   | Reuniclus          |  0.868% |
| 96   | Camerupt-Mega      |  0.847% |
| 97   | Mamoswine          |  0.845% |
| 98   | Corsola-Galar      |  0.835% |
| 99   | Forretress         |  0.825% |
| 100  | Gorebyss           |  0.821% |
| 101  | Whimsicott         |  0.819% |
| 102  | Hattrem            |  0.816% |
| 103  | Sharpedo-Mega      |  0.812% |
| 104  | Moltres-Galar      |  0.784% |
| 105  | Audino-Mega        |  0.784% |
| 106  | Umbreon            |  0.753% |
| 107  | Gligar             |  0.746% |
| 108  | Pidgeot-Mega       |  0.744% |
| 109  | Ninetales-Alola    |  0.730% |
| 110  | Absol-Mega         |  0.727% |
| 111  | Cyclizar           |  0.727% |
| 112  | Mimikyu            |  0.699% |
| 113  | Bellossom          |  0.696% |
| 114  | Crobat             |  0.693% |
| 115  | Arctozolt          |  0.666% |
| 116  | Pyukumuku          |  0.649% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.649% |
| 118  | Diggersby          |  0.647% |
| 119  | Cresselia          |  0.627% |
| 120  | Marowak-Alola      |  0.617% |
| 121  | Infernape          |  0.611% |
| 122  | Durant             |  0.607% |
| 123  | Espeon             |  0.600% |
| 124  | Cacturne           |  0.575% |
| 125  | Grimmsnarl         |  0.572% |
| 126  | Nihilego           |  0.569% |
| 127  | Hoopa              |  0.566% |
| 128  | Azelf              |  0.562% |
| 129  | Cloyster           |  0.557% |
| 130  | Primarina          |  0.545% |
| 131  | Klefki             |  0.524% |
| 132  | Rotom-Heat         |  0.514% |
| 133  | Suicune            |  0.504% |
| 134  | Tinkaton           |  0.503% |
| 135  | Entei              |  0.499% |
| 136  | Krookodile         |  0.499% |
| 137  | Eelektross         |  0.498% |
| 138  | Revavroom          |  0.489% |
| 139  | Polteageist        |  0.477% |
| 140  | Manectric-Mega     |  0.464% |
| 141  | Stakataka          |  0.464% |
| 142  | Zarude             |  0.461% |
| 143  | Talonflame         |  0.457% |
| 144  | Togekiss           |  0.441% |
| 145  | Lilligant-Hisui    |  0.426% |
| 146  | Porygon2           |  0.407% |
| 147  | Sceptile-Mega      |  0.406% |
| 148  | Scolipede          |  0.402% |
| 149  | Iron Jugulis       |  0.402% |
| 150  | Abomasnow-Mega     |  0.397% |
| 151  | Cradily            |  0.392% |
| 152  | Fezandipiti        |  0.389% |
| 153  | Dhelmise           |  0.389% |
| 154  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.385% |
| 155  | Slowbro-Mega       |  0.382% |
| 156  | Torterra           |  0.382% |
| 157  | Glalie-Mega        |  0.375% |
| 158  | Pawmot             |  0.372% |
| 159  | Armarouge          |  0.372% |
| 160  | Tornadus           |  0.364% |
| 161  | Brambleghast       |  0.362% |
| 162  | Shiftry            |  0.354% |
| 163  | Ampharos           |  0.351% |
| 164  | Crawdaunt          |  0.350% |
| 165  | Exploud            |  0.348% |
| 166  | Seismitoad         |  0.344% |
| 167  | Steelix-Mega       |  0.343% |
| 168  | Weezing-Galar      |  0.342% |
| 169  | Hitmonlee          |  0.339% |
| 170  | Blastoise          |  0.337% |
| 171  | Houndoom-Mega      |  0.335% |
| 172  | Basculegion        |  0.334% |
| 173  | Honchkrow          |  0.334% |
| 174  | Audino             |  0.332% |
| 175  | Hitmontop          |  0.332% |
| 176  | Milotic            |  0.325% |
| 177  | Gallade            |  0.325% |
| 178  | Ditto              |  0.320% |
| 179  | Chandelure         |  0.318% |
| 180  | Vaporeon           |  0.307% |
| 181  | Decidueye-Hisui    |  0.304% |
| 182  | Sylveon            |  0.301% |
| 183  | Cinccino           |  0.298% |
| 184  | Exeggutor-Alola    |  0.298% |
| 185  | Arctovish          |  0.277% |
| 186  | Gardevoir          |  0.275% |
| 187  | Okidogi            |  0.273% |
| 188  | Aggron             |  0.269% |
| 189  | Xatu               |  0.261% |
| 190  | Obstagoon          |  0.255% |
| 191  | Slurpuff           |  0.249% |
| 192  | Kabutops           |  0.244% |
| 193  | Gigalith           |  0.243% |
| 194  | Decidueye          |  0.239% |
| 195  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.236% |
| 196  | Solrock            |  0.231% |
| 197  | Necrozma           |  0.229% |
| 198  | Comfey             |  0.224% |
| 199  | Doublade           |  0.213% |
| 200  | Tyrantrum          |  0.211% |
| 201  | Feraligatr         |  0.208% |
| 202  | Raikou             |  0.205% |
| 203  | Electabuzz         |  0.201% |
| 204  | Braviary-Hisui     |  0.200% |
| 205  | Ninjask            |  0.199% |
| 206  | Lurantis           |  0.199% |
| 207  | Toedscruel         |  0.198% |
| 208  | Starmie            |  0.195% |
| 209  | Archeops           |  0.192% |
| 210  | Charizard          |  0.191% |
| 211  | Scrafty            |  0.188% |
| 212  | Ampharos-Mega      |  0.187% |
| 213  | Jolteon            |  0.186% |
| 214  | Stoutland          |  0.185% |
| 215  | Sigilyph           |  0.176% |
| 216  | Metagross          |  0.171% |
| 217  | Houndoom           |  0.170% |
| 218  | Arboliva           |  0.170% |
| 219  | Tsareena           |  0.167% |
| 220  | Arcanine           |  0.166% |
| 221  | Cobalion           |  0.159% |
| 222  | Druddigon          |  0.157% |
| 223  | Mr. Rime           |  0.157% |
| 224  | Dusclops           |  0.154% |
| 225  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.153% |
| 226  | Goodra             |  0.151% |
| 227  | Grafaiai           |  0.150% |
| 228  | Staraptor          |  0.147% |
| 229  | Mareanie           |  0.144% |
| 230  | Sableye            |  0.144% |
| 231  | Frosmoth           |  0.142% |
| 232  | Maushold           |  0.141% |
| 233  | Jellicent          |  0.139% |
| 234  | Flygon             |  0.136% |
| 235  | Basculegion-F      |  0.132% |
| 236  | Barraskewda        |  0.132% |
| 237  | Vikavolt           |  0.131% |
| 238  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.128% |
| 239  | Celebi             |  0.126% |
| 240  | Florges            |  0.124% |
| 241  | Regirock           |  0.124% |
| 242  | Cetitan            |  0.119% |
| 243  | Braviary           |  0.118% |
| 244  | Turtonator         |  0.115% |
| 245  | Heracross          |  0.112% |
| 246  | Muk-Alola          |  0.111% |
| 247  | Drampa             |  0.107% |
| 248  | Machamp            |  0.106% |
| 249  | Typhlosion-Hisui   |  0.105% |
| 250  | Bellibolt          |  0.102% |
| 251  | Munkidori          |  0.102% |
| 252  | Glaceon            |  0.102% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

Drop(s)

Swampert-Mega moved from NDUU to NDRU


Would-Be Raises

Tyranitar-Mega would have raised from NDUU to NDOU
Swampert-Mega would have raised from NDUU to NDOU

Goodra-Hisui would have raised from NDRU to NDUU
Quagsire would have raised from NDRU to NDUU
Aerodactyl-Mega would have raised from NDRUBL to NDUU


Would-Be Drops

Haxorus would have dropped from NDUU to NDRU
Sinistcha would have dropped from NDUU to NDRU

 

[Niadev]

So I was going to make a post on why Drizzle probably isn't the best idea to retest (honestly it still isn't) but recent meta shifts invalidated a lot of my point so maybe Drizzle would be fine now? I veer towards no still but assuming Drizzle retest still happens there's a decent chance it's ok.

Introducing...

The Grass Renaissance!
(pretend the blue is Dragon type blue)

Part 1: The Problem

For the longest time, Mega Venusaur has been the grass type of NDUU. It has had its ups and downs, but generally the meta was fast paced enough that its flaws of having basically no consistent recovery wasn't that big a deal. Compared to other grass types, it's bulkier (besides physdef Tangrowth), way less passive, was not scared out as much by Iron Moth, and checked what was needed of it. There was very little reason to use other grasses other than Hydrapple (who historically ran and still does run NP sets) beyond niche things like already having another mega, or needing something to handle Excadrill better. Thus, most of the grasses sat in B/B-.

The thing is, the meta has shifted a lot since then. Notably, it has slowed down a lot, something that has resulted in the surge in Boots Iron Moth usage to wear down Ting Lu for a lategame clean, and seen a surge in sand teams and spike stack. This means that Mega Venusaur's lack of consistent recovery and total lack of passive recovery rears its ugly head in a big way, not helped by the fact sand halves Synthesis recovery and Mega Tyranitar is the best mon in the tier. Oftentimes, Mega Venusaur winds up struggling to make a net positive in recovery, be it between Mega Tyranitar coming in and crippling Synthesis, hazards, especially Ting Lu spiking like its life depends on it, or just being overwhelmed by strong hits and offensive pressure. This makes Mega Venusaur often feel woefully lacking in one of its major roles - checking things. Oftentimes, it will just get worn down and forced out, or be forced to agressively come in to try and Synthesis (good luck if there's a Mega Tar lol).

Part 2: The Solution


If Mega Venusaur struggles to get the free time to heal up, then it's time to break out the Regenerator mons. If hazards are an issue, run boots. Hey, did you guys know we have grass types besides Mega Venusaur? Initially, they don't look like appealing options given MVenu still has a lot over them, but when you actually use them the difference is night and day. Suddenly, Greninja doesn't slowly wear down your grass, Mega Tyranitar isn't a death sentence to your recovery, Rotom-Wash is now still an annoyance but not one that can get chip on you for free, and that spike stack team no longer makes you sob at the mere sight of their Rotom-Wash.


Amoonguss checks most of what Mega Venusaur does (it's riskier vs Greninja but given Rotom-Wash is an extremely common mon to partner with it, so between the two handling all of its moves and Regenerator, realistically it's not a big deal to handle) while being notably far harder to wear down. While you're more passive than MVenu, Sludge Bomb still does a lot and Foul Play will make any brave Scizor weep for mercy. Oh, and Spore, only one of the most broken (still legal) moves in the game, unless you run into another Amoonguss or an MVenu. This is the grass closest in role to Mega Venusaur, so if your team needs a more reliable MVenu that consistently checks stuff, give this a go over MVenu. This, imo, is the poster child of the Grass Renaissance (I'm not doing the colours again).

I've run PhysDef the most and gotten pretty good results, but honestly SpDef probably checks more overall (more consistent into Gren), but a lot of the stuff you'd think it would be better into either beat you anyways (Clefable unless you're Clear Smog), aren't amazingly relevant (Enam has to be the hardest fall off in history, actually no I take that back, Thundy-I literally used to be an Uber), or you already check with PhysDef adequately enough anyways/SpDef wouldn't help you much with (Keldeo, Tapu Fini, Washtom, Greninja). I find PhysDef still answers most of the stuff you need it to anyways and gives you the possibility of suicide Sporing things like post Steelium Excadrill or post Ghostium SD Aegi in a pinch, plus you don't take as much from Pursuit MTar.


AKA "Nice 7% Washtom": The Mon. Ok, that's technically Mega Sceptile, but nobody runs that. While it doesn't do as well against Greninja (worse than Amoonguss actually), and it has a slightly different defensive profile, it's still adequate into its STABs and it also packs a mean Nasty Plot set that can run away with games surprisingly easily unless it runs into Air Slash Celesteela or Gapdos (Z blows the grasses back) and is the third hardest Washtom answer in the tier (the best ranked one), and Washtom is the major thing you want a grass for anyways. You also kinda sorta check Exca barring +2 Steelium and +2 Iron Head flinches, but it does have to be chipped first. Imma be real though I haven't used this much, so I won't say much more.


AKA The Knock Merchant. PhysDef for if you hate Excadrill and Iron Fraud with every fiber of your being, AV if you need a Aegi, Gren (be weary of IBeam and Protean Sludge Wave though) and Keldeo check, and want additional safety against Washtom. Honestly haven't used it yet but I've heard good things.

Part 3: Notes
Despite all of them being more consistent into the things you want to check, I want to stress that overall MVenu is still the better mon, as it is less passive than all of these bar maybe Hydrapple and has more bulk. We're not sinking this thing to B- by a long shot. Also, only really Amoonguss is directly comparable. That said, expect Amoonguss to have the greatest comeback in NDUU VR history.

Additional non Grass related notes:


So, yeah, now that the meta's slowed down, Boots Iron Moth is going crazy. Ting Lu and Mega Tyranitar are by far the best answers to Iron Moth and both get gradually worn down by Iron Moth over the course of a game, rendering them inconsistent answers. It lacks the game winning potential Booster Energy has but against teams with no reliable speed control against Iron Moth, especially since Boots has Morning Sun to stay healthy so chip + something like Zeraora or Scarf Hydreigon isn't going to work as well, you probably won't notice the difference.

Luckily, Hippowdon is a solid replacement for teams down horrendous vs Iron Moth thanks to it having reliable recovery + sand to wear Moth down, and most of our speed control are fairly reliable. It also just keels over and starts bawling if it sees Slowking. Unfortunately, Slowking also kind of keels over and starts bawling over Mega Tyranitar, so take it as you will. Most speed control actually answers it, however, since this isn't Booster Moth we're talking about here, so you're not dead in the water if you're not packing defensive checks like you are against Booster.


The defensive spread on its analysis sucks, use this spread by iirc Runo Danbear02 instead:

The Good Spread

PhysDef (Buzzwole) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Beast Boost
Tera Type: Bug
EVs: 244 HP / 16 Atk / 224 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Roost

The analysis spread fails to actually check half the stuff you need it to reliably, namely Excadrill in sand, Mega Tyranitar and SD Aegislash (ok it's still a bit iffy into SD Aegi but you can reliably eat a +2 Ghostium from full and kill with EQ while it is in Blade). The analysis spread puts a lot into outspeeding and 2HKOing Celesteela for some reason which you don't need, and with how much bulk it sacrifices in the process, it's not worth.

However, that's not the Buzzwole set I want to talk about, since Defensive is still tough to justify/fit, especially during the Grass Renaissance. The one I want to talk about is Choice Band.

Set

Choice Band (Buzzwole) @ Choice Band
Ability: Beast Boost
Tera Type: Bug
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat / Leech Life
- Poison Jab

Leech Life is the second slash because you struggle more with MVenu otherwise, but to be honest it's probably better if you're running it with MTar and agressive play vs MVenu. Everything else is pretty self explanatory.

In the wake of the Iron Hands ban, this is the closest replacement to CB Ferropalmas, boasting ludicrous damage (2HKOing Skarmory and Hippo easily) and comparable physical bulk. Its STAB combo is worse, but oh well. You also offensively check SD Aegislash which is hilarious.

Replays

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldexuu-2134465938?p2 - Still lost but it claimed 3 mons despite the team being mostly fighting resists.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldexuu-2132977888 - Buzzwole winning lategame against HO and checking SD Aegi
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldexuu-2130342867?p2 - Still lost but it dropped 2 mons and would have dropped a third if it weren't for dpulse flinch
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9nationaldexuu-2133662688 - Buzzwole offensively checking +4 SD Aegi

Ok yeah I lost most of the non HO ones but shush, Buzzwole still bagged half of their team both games and I forgot to save some games . Tbh most of it was down to that buzz team just not being very good, the sand team is better aside from having no wahstom MU.

However, despite the fact it's fun af to use when it works, I've got to concede it's not the greatest mon in the world. Gapdos mostly does the CB fighting role better, all while not having to predict as much vs MVenu and Amoonguss and having U-turn. That said, it's worth noting that Buzz doesn't get RKd by Zera, and Zera is seeing more usage. Fun mon to build and use, though.

It's probably not worth bothering with non boosting item Buzzwole, missing the 2HKO on Skarm and Hippo is lame, and BU is plain not worth defensive or otherwise. I'd say free SD Buzzwole but that's literally just Ferropalmas with Roost and worse STABs. Fist Plate Offensive Roost 3 Attacks might be fine though? It 2HKOs skarm after rocks at least and is a roll vs boots. Need something for grasses or Clef though depending on if you go PJab or Ice Punch third slot.


It's that point in the meta where Scizor is good again!

In the wake of Alakazam usage and Iron Fraud being good (but not broken lol), there's good merit to bulky Scizor again, who also doubles as a wincon and U-turn pivot. HP Fire MVenu is also basically nonexistent and it also can act as a countermeasure to some of the Grass Renaissance, especially with SD Bug Z. Checking Zeraora is pretty neat too. Neat option for BO teams who want something a bit more reliable for Alakazam than Aegislash.


Finally, speed control that doesn't trip over and stumble vs the steel birds! You RK boots moth if it takes about 25% chip, you RK Gapdoz, you threaten Celesteela and Skarmory, you even act as a volt immune, you can Volt around, and you contribute to the ever growing assault on MVenu's longevity! What's not to love? I've run it on a few teams and been pretty impressed. Here's one replay of it making the greatest comeback in mons history. Lots of good traits to this mon right now. Also, run CC, not Toxic. Being walled by Ting is not fun.

That's all for now. Viva la Moong.

 

[Pubo]

A bit late but NDUU tier shifts are here! (wow it's been a while since i posted something!)


Tyranitar-Mega moved from NDUU to NDOU

Everyone was expecting this to happen at some point, and well... it happened! Mega Tyranitar was one of the most splashable Pokémon available and the one who kept most of the controversial threats like Iron Moth in check. While losing Mega Tyranitar hurts a lot (especially on teambuilder) and probably makes other Pokémon a lot more annoying to deal with (Zam / G-Moltres / Blacephalon), this could be an interesting change, especially for a tier know for its really bad entry hazard control options. Regular Tyranitar can maybe replicate its Mega counterpart role at some extent, but most people will definitely choose to run Ting-Lu to make sure Mega Tyranitar's defensive role against Moth is well represented.




Swampert-Mega moved from NDRU to NDOU

I don't play NDOU so i really don't know what happend. Mega Swampert sucks without rain anyways so i guess rain is good up there? Mega Swampert is also weird considering its base is much more useful thanks to Leftovers, and the extra bulk / Attack power doesn't justify using the Mega Slot. Manual rain is also terrible so no one will miss this guy i guess (Grass-types like Guss and Mega Venusaur everywhere is also bad for Swamp!)

 

[Runo]

Ok before people start getting antsy about Iron Moth still being in the tier post Mega Tyranitar, I want to try to put the issue to bed and discuss how Mega Tyranitar's rise has done nothing but uplift pre-existing counterplay as opposed to constraining it down to 2-3 checks only. Now there are two main Iron Moth sets and both are pretty controversial in the tier. Boots is one of them, as it has a surprising amount of longevity with Morning Sun and Fiery Dance + Sludge Wave is a nasty combo for the tier in the first place. Leaving Iron Moth to run any of U-turn, Toxic Spikes / Toxic, and Energy Ball to wear down its checks. Pair that with it's high speed tier and it's a pretty threatening mon that can outlast even our sturdiest Spdef walls like Blissey. Speed Booster Energy is another popular set and often cited as the reason Iron Moth is broken since it's high speed tier makes it hard to revenge kill and its coverage makes it difficult to wall. Although the lack of Boots and the inability to slot moves like Toxic or U-Turn kills any sort of longevity or utility it has in the tier, making it easier to deal with short term. In my opinion, Boots is the more "problematic" set.

The Counterplay:
Note: Some of these are gonna be like one-liners since its rather obvious how they deal with Iron Moth.

Primary Options:
They almost always can force it out and consistently deal with it multiple times over.

Ting-Lu is like the go-to Iron Moth check for Bulky Offense teams and it does a stellar job at handling it...in the short term. Unless it's against Booster Energy Iron Moth, then it's not really a good check to the other set at all since it gets worn down way too easy. Not gonna hate on this mon any further because it's still a great pick but people who use Ting-Lu as the sole check will be in for a world of hurt and the more recent comps will either stack another defensive check or a sturdy revenge killer to compensate.


Similar to Ting-Lu here, great check to it but unlike Ting-Lu it can do a better job in the long term. The downside is that your matchup vs Booster Energy always has to result in trading your Hippowdon for it (Fiery Dance +Boosted Energy Ball does too much damage to easily recover from). Generally I think that is a perfectly fine interaction however. Hippowdon I don't think is ever put in a position where it is needed to check multiple HO mons aside from Iron Moth especially when Mega Tyranitar is a threat it no longer needs to concern itself with.


Tying with Iron Moth while still having enough bulk to shrug off hits from pivot while almost always beating Booster Energy sets is great. Can even use it as an opportunity to setup if it truely wanted to.


Psyshock doesn't nessearily kill always, but you can still choose to just Thunder Wave it or Teleport into an offensive/secondary check (typically Iron Boulder and Mega Venusaur) so problem solved. Loves Mega Tyranitar being gone so it can function on your typical BO and Balance teams as an alternative to Slowbro.


The only reason that Blissey (and by extention Chansey) aren't checks to begin with is because the common Morning Sun + Fiery Dance sets abuse the shit out of them. Blissey is the only mon of the two that can viably 1) cripple with Thunder Wave or 2) Teleport into an offensive check. That set in particular is a great way for Balance teams to control Iron Moth and even some BO teams would just love to have a blanket special wall that can slow pivot in annoying breakers like Iron Boulder.


Spdef Tyranitar can take on Iron Moth a couple of times and Pursuit trap the Boots variants. Unsure how this really works into the metagame though since this was a pretty rare set during the Mega Tyranitar metagame. Don't see a huge reason why this can't just replace Mega Tyranitar's role on a large chunk of the teams with some edits to be honest.


Potentially the most annoying mon an Iron Moth can face, Skeledirge just completely blanks it and punishes it from both switching out and staying in with Will-O-Wisp and Torch Song respectively. Typically a balance mon but some stall teams use it as well and even the occasional BO, even better now that it no longer needs to deal with Mega Tyranitar.


A stall exclusive pokemon made functionally better by Mega Tyranitar's rise; Hisian Goodra is a fantastic counter to it. Offering the ability to soak any hit from it and pressuring it out with Earthquake, Dragon Tail, or Knock Off.


Flygon @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Tera Type: Ground
EVs: 248 HP / 240 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Defog
- Toxic
- Roost
Before you laugh me off the stage, this is probably stall's only good option for hazard control outside of Skarmory (a terrible fogger btw). What niche does Flygon provide to stall. Well often because stall is so constrained for options, it is nearly impossible to slot a Defog user and and Iron Moth user without resorting to Defog Skarmory (again it's quite terrible at fogging) at which point said stall team needs to find another viable stall spiker without compromising any matchups which is...hard!! Because of that stall kinda stucks in this tier unless you get an insanely good MU (most viable teams have enough tools to deal with stall over the course of a game). This is where Flygon comes in here because the role compression it provides practically saves it in terms of consistency. Not only does it hard stop Iron Moth but it also blocks Washtom and Zeraora's Volt Switch, easily clear Ting-Lu's hazards while also punishing with Toxic, and check Encore Victini and Mixed Attacking Aegislash among other things. I use Flygon on this stall team and the only thing it truely struggles with is a well played Galarian Zapdos (more on that later) and Magnezone.

Secondary options:
They don't always win, but they are fine enough outs if you play your cards correctly.


When dealing with the Boots variants, then Iron Boulder is a pretty good emergency switch-in. Pair it with Hippowdon and it can take on even Booster Energy variants. Fits on every playstyle aside from stall if built right.


No one hit from Iron Moth can ever OHKO it, so the only thing the Mega Venusaur player needs to do here is safely come in without taking damage. After that you can just OHKO back with Earth Power. Every playstyle apart from HO can fit this mon.


Switches into Iron Moth in a pinch and avoids an KO from Booster Moth's Fiery Dance into Energy Ball most of the time (can lose if it gets a hella bad roll). This can be fixed by paring it Hippowdon, similar to Iron Boulder. Provided you have good hazard control you can just put it on your typical BO or Balance team in a similar manner to Iron Boulder.


Assault Vest with Knock Off or something is probably way better with Mega Tyranitar gone. If that is not to your liking then the standard PhysDef Calm Mind sets should be able to live any hit from a +1 Booster Energy Iron Moth. Can also do the same thing for Pivot sets but some minor Spdef investment would be required there. Only really seen this on balance teams but I know of some BO squads that love Calm Mind variants


Just gonna put these both in the same group here because they do the same thing when trying to check Iron Moth. They beat the Boots sets pretty much with no problem and has enough bulk to live an unboosted Energy Ball from the Booster Energy sets and OHKO back with Earthquake. Gastrodon is also really seen on the fatter playstyles however, but Swampert is definitely a solid option if you are playing something more offensive.


Holy shit I promise is a viable mon I'm begging you man. Zygarde-10% is like a B- threat on the right team and it also has the ability to switch into both of its stabs twice at the very least and force out Boots sets (I also belive it has the chance to live Booster Energy Moth's Fiery Dance into Energy Ball). Finds a place on some of the BO structures.

Revenge Killers:
Self-explanatory

Sand Rush Excadrill (albeit nerfed with the Mega Tyranitar rise) can still beat any Iron Moth variant offensively. And uh Choice Scarf beats Boots if you don't wanna run Sand I guess.


Unboosted Hydro Pump is a roll to OHKO + miss chance, but ideally this is not an issue since Iron Moth is rarely at full HP during the course of a game unless its really early and Specs and Life Orb variants can alleviate things. Scarf sets also can deal with all variants of Iron Moth using similar logic. But if Greninja is your only option at outplaying it in the early game then something has gone wrong in the teambuilder I fear but at the very least you still have some or response to it. I've seen this run on nearly every playstyle aside from Stall so not at all hard to fit.


One Choice Scarf assisted Brave Bird and Boots Iron Moth is GONE. And considering how this is probably one of the most splashble Choice Scarf users on BO and Balance teams nowadays, Pivot Iron Moth should barely be a true issue.


Boots sets are finished if this gets in, I think Zam eats like a hit from Booster Moth without boosts but it's not a likely scenario to happen. Not hard at all to fit on your typical HO team and even some BOs enjoy its presence.


Belly Drum sets do not check Iron Moth unless its under very specific conditions since Iron Moth just has too much bulk for Aqua Jet to OHKO cleanly. Choice Band however, that is OHKOing everytime. Band can fit on some BO teams provided they give it quality pivoting support and a Mega Venusaur check.


Umm ok so Choice Scarf is not exactly a consistent revenge killer since uninvested Hydro Pump never OHKOs from full. BUT this + priority from smth like Lokix or Bisharp should be workable. Scarf is really fucking easy to slap on a standard balance or BO team since our options for speed control are really slim.

Lures:
These are either mons that can fully 1v1 Iron Moth or has the tools to punish it coming in.


Clefable @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Magic Guard
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave / Knock Off
- Filler

Seen people run SpDef investment on this thing to always live an unboosted Iron Moth Sludge Wave (even with no investment it is merely a coinflip to kill). Clefable running Knock Off or Thunder Wave can also just straight up cripple Iron Moth for the rest of the game. A Moth without boots is significantly easier to deal with long term, evidenced by the fact that Booster Energy Iron Moths are forced into a "do or die" scenario with Hippowdon and Ting-Lu because they are practically useless after switching out. A paralyzed Moth is just impossible to win with. A lot of the standard BO and Balance teams run this quite easy due to Galarian Zapdos being annoying in the builder (again, more on that later)


Unless Celesteela has taken big chip, unboosted Fiery Dance is never OHKOing. Enter this fabulous move called Earthquake into the mix and Iron Moth is done for. Again, it's pretty to just slot on your standard BO/Balance team. Hell even Autotomize variants on HO can troll Boots Iron Moth with Meteor Beam in certain scenarios.


Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
Tera Type: Steel
EVs: 248 HP / 36 Atk / 224 Def
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Drill Run
- Brave Bird
- Roost

People look at me with some bewilderment when I reveal Drill Run Skarmory, but the Iron Moth player won't even know what hit them. Also great at preventing every Aegislash MU from being a massive pain in the ass. Not super difficult to run over the more standard sets on BO and Balance I don't think. Stall doesn't really need something this extreme as they have more consistent methods of beating it.


Amoonguss @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Grass
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Atk / 208 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Spore
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Stomping Tantrum

Unboosted Fiery Dance again is never OHKOing from full, giving Amoonguss the opportunity to either put it to sleep or kill it with Stomping Tantrum with some investment. Whatever damage it takes from Moth can be automatically recovered from also. Fairly decent variant on your standard BO/Balance teams.


This is clicking Earthquake on the switch in. Fits on most balances and BOs as an option over Mienshao/Galarian Zapdos.


Assault Vest sets can be a solid lure. Can bluff PhysDef sets (a set that Iron Moth OHKOs) in the early game, live the hit from Sludge Wave (even has a 75% change to live a boosted Sludge Wave from full) and return with a OHKO from Earthquake. Just like Amoonguss it can also heal off whatever damage it took automatically. Not to shabby on the stardard BO/Balance teams.


Again its just clicking a coverage move on the switch in (High Horsepower or Stone Edge). I don't use this a lot outside of hella offensive structures but I'm pretty sure this is fine on BO teams with good support.

Anyways conclusion of this wall of text is that none of the above mons are safe switch ins for Iron Moth and it is more than possible to fit Iron Moth counterplay onto a team. Yes there have been instances where Iron Moth has haxed its way to victory, but those cases are far less common now as we more or less understand how an interaction with an Iron Moth set is supposed to go now (before we would just try to bring in our Hippowdon and Ting-Lu to sit on it while Iron Moth just spams Fiery Dance and fishes for boosts, in the present day it is usually more optimal long term to just fully accept the trade). Definitely not a skillless mon that just auto-wins games or causes havoc if you're not running Ting-Lu or some shit, that would be crazy.

Other thoughts on the metagame:


I do think that the core of Galarian Zapdos + Iron Moth is rather overcentralizing to deal with, but I don't think it is Iron Moth that is causing all of the headaches. Choice Band Galarian Zapdos has a grand total of ONE consistent answer, and it is Rocky Helmet Clefable (I guess you can also count Rocky Helmet Slowbro but that mon's usage is not great right now imo and Banded U-Turn and Knock Off are awful for it). In no way is that seriously considered substantial defensive counterplay in this tier when this core can essentially just U-turn spam near endlessly into each other and shred each other's methods of counterplay (these two mons in general are pretty annoying to proactively play around since you are near forced to go into a hard defensive check if they come in since the midground options can be mauled too fast). The only downside that this core really has is that Galarian Zapdos can be worn down too fast I guess because of Brave Bird + Helmet Mons. Choice Scarf Galarian Zapdos is almost equally annoying if not for the fact that it opens a 2nd method of counterplay in Skarmory (notice how both of Galarian Zapdos's checks are dealt with by U-Turn into Iron Moth). Anyways I strong consider that we consider Galarian Zapdos up for the next tiering action, because if you read any of this post and your takeaway was that Iron Moth was the issue with this core then you need to expand your horizons in the teambuilder. Compared to Iron Moth, Galarian Zapdos has barely good answers defensively. I don't think anything else in this tier is problematic aside from that.


Mega Tyranitar rising does not help me think this is a fun mon to use and it has officially won the award of being the only mon to succesfully piss me off in the teambuilder. This tier at times has felt over-reliant on Skarm/Steela cores to function, and this very anti-meta mon forces me to either stop using them entirely or at the very least tech Ground coverage to properly handle it. Insanely underrated.


I kinda overhated this, Tank sets are super strong in this tier post-Mega Tyranitar. Defensive sets are also still great but I would only really use them on super fat shit. In either case running one of Knock Off or Leech Seed goes a long way when you're trying to generate progress for a team. I don't think it truely ever needs to use Giga Drain in this tier however. Just Sludge Bomb poison or Leech Seed all of the waters and grounds lol.

My own sets

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
Tera Type: Grass
EVs: 248 HP / 148 SpA / 16 SpD / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Knock Off
- Sludge Bomb
- Earth Power
- Synthesis

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 16 SpD / 96 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Earth Power
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis

Recently been running Calm Mind sets a lot more than I used to and not gonna lie they are pretty good outside of running into Mega Venusaur. Pretty easy to just come into a Celesteela and setup with Taunt Calm Mind to win nearly on the spot. I've only gotten the opportunity to use this on Balance so far but I don't see why it can't be used on BO teams either.


I don't think Excadrill is worth being A+ anymore but this isn't exclusively a sand mon either. I still kinda like the offensive utility it provides for a BO or Balance team, especially when you get over the fact that you can use Slowking and Mega Latias/Mega Venusaur as Moth/Washtom checks instead of defaulting to Ting-Lu. Even then it's not even impossible to use Excadrill on Ting-Lu teams (I imagine hazard stack teams enjoy a hazard removal mon that doesn't also remove their own hazards). I will say I think Swords Dance is the only "good" variant of this right now since its hard to pressure any of what you need to (harder to beat Amoonguss and Mega Venusaur, Ting-Lu and Hippowdon just sit on you, can't cheese Celesteela or Buzzwole, etc).


Mega Latias being more free to run Mystical Fire is kinda a game changer for its viability. Now Aegislash and Celesteela are forced to be more cautious around it and it's now capable of overpowering would be checks like Clefable and Tapu Fini even harder. Great mon to just fit on Balance and BO for a bulky win-con.

 

[Pubo]

2 months without a metagame post.... should we drop something cool to shake up this tier?... :pray:



Galarian Zapdos banned, so i would like to discuss some metagame thoughts + what i expect from October tier shifts.





Galarian Zapdos's ban opens up a lot of opportunities to other Fighting-types, and Mienshao is easily one of the best picks at this moment / solid replacement. Life Orb can replicate Choice Band Gapdos's wallbreaking potential by trading power + broken Flying STAB (sad ) with a slightly better Speed tier + more longevity. Scarf sets are still pretty much the same, but lack Galarian Zapdos's terrifying presence late-game without a powerful neutral STAB against Clef / Buzzwole / Mega Venusaur. Shao is a budget version of Gapdos so if you're having problems finding a replacement, here's a good one. Wouldn't be surprised if Shao's usage on seasonal starts to increase next week.




Clef + Skarmory was probably the best core to shut down Gapdos, but this meant you had to afford Steela as your Steel and be completely unable to deal with Zam / Latias / Gardevoir (a death sentence for any balance). Aegislash would most likely be the third option here, but then boom you noticed you stacked weakness to a certain insect? Well that's easy to fix, run Ting-Lu or Slowking and.... wait.. more Gapdos food?

October Shifts
​

| 43 | Tyranitar | 4.118% | (???????????????)
| 45 | Serperior | 3.949% |
| 46 | Ting-Lu | 3.942% | (no... not again....)
| 47 | Swampert-Mega | 3.920% |



Why Lu and Tyranitar are almost rising.... what's happening?

Glare machine might return.... but is this a big problem? Looking at our current teams is not really hard to slash one or even 2 Serperior checks (Venu or Amoonguss + Steela or something fast like Moth and Scarf Shao). Of course, Glare is broken etc etc etc but who knows?
Not sure if we are testing rain with Mega Swamp down here. Bro is faster than everything (except king ) and wipes out every non-Venusaur team? Rotom-W is a good check but dies too quickly. Our only setter is Politoed so this might slow down rain a little.

I don't expect drastic changes (lu is not rising!) or Pokémon like Aegislash / Mega Venu / Clef becoming a problem anytime soon tbh and the tier might look the same until 2025.

Page 8 before 2025!!!!!!!!!!!!! Only 7 posts left I think? @council or anyone post something

 

[Sami]

wipes out every non-Venusaur team? Rotom-W is a good check but dies too quickly. Our only setter is Politoed so this might slow down rain a little.

252+ Atk Swampert-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Venusaur-Mega: 168-198 (46.1 - 54.3%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO

252+ Atk Swampert-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Venusaur-Mega: 135-160 (37 - 43.9%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

granted the second ev spread is much better (u need 152+ for guaranteed 3hko after rocks) but considering how mvenu can be overwhelmed easily by flip turn i wouldnt say its a super reliable check, if anything serperior is a better answer since it outspeeds outside of rain unlike mvenu (usually, max spe mvenu when?) and actually resists earthquake, but there are better checks to mega swampert than him as well:

(it lives ice punch at full)

 

[Drag0n]

After a long break break from the tier (and Pokemon in general) I came back, but then took another 2-3 month break. Now I'm back again and made a team.

I would really appreciate feedback on the team. It might be good it might be bad you can suggest changes etc. So enough talking here is the team.

Pokepaste: https://pokepast.es/0dab5c7b682732f0

Explanation:

Clef + Lu + Moth is a balance core I threw together that might be good. Again feel free to criticize it.

I wanted to see how good Moth would be post- mega ttar meta so the team was built around it.

Wash is self-explanatory (for hazard removal)

and Mega-Gallade is to kinda help remove thing like Ting lu for moth

 

[Danbear02]

After a long break break from the tier (and Pokemon in general) I came back, but then took another 2-3 month break. Now I'm back again and made a team.

I would really appreciate feedback on the team. It might be good it might be bad you can suggest changes etc. So enough talking here is the team.

Pokepaste: https://pokepast.es/0dab5c7b682732f0

Explanation:

Clef + Lu + Moth is a balance core I threw together that might be good. Again feel free to criticize it.

I wanted to see how good Moth would be post- mega ttar meta so the team was built around it.

Wash is self-explanatory (for hazard removal)

and Mega-Gallade is to kinda help remove thing like Ting lu for moth

I think you'd get more traction in the Team Bazaar thread, but we don't have a team building thread so I'll give you some of my thoughts here.

Clef Lu Moth is a fantastic core in the current meta, and this team is very solid, being very similar to Niadev's MGallade team on the Sample Teams thread. However,a problem here is that you have no speed control, so a faster threat like Alakazam or Iron Boulder or even Zeraora would be annoying to handle as you would have to rely on defensive counterplay to handle them. Greninja therefore is the biggest threat to this team, as it can hit each member super effectively and you cannot outspeed it.

To fix this issue, I'd suggest adding Shadow Sneak and Close Combat on Aegislash, and making Rotom-W Choice Scarf.

 

[Lightniong]

So, since nobody’s posting, just wanted to say what I put on the survey and the thoughts on the metagame and stuff I’ll write down stuff on why later

-1

- 3

- 4

- Retest after other things

- Do not retest

- Do Not Retest

Quick things based off of usage, if Ting-Lu rises then Iron Moth is banworthy by a mile, and if Swampert-Mega drops then don’t retest drizzle.

 

[Pubo]

just wanted to say what I put on the survey and the thoughts on the metagame and stuff I’ll write down stuff on why later

Would like to hear more metagame thoughts so make sure to post them.

+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Use  | Usage % |  Win %  |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1    | Ting-Lu            |  102 |  43.97% |  52.94% |
| 2    | Iron Moth          |  100 |  43.10% |  48.00% |
| 3    | Rotom-Wash         |   93 |  40.09% |  51.61% |
| 4    | Zapdos-Galar       |   70 |  30.17% |  62.86% |
| 5    | Clefable           |   69 |  29.74% |  56.52% |
| 6    | Aegislash          |   56 |  24.14% |  53.57% |
| 7    | Celesteela         |   53 |  22.84% |  47.17% |
| 8    | Excadrill          |   51 |  21.98% |  52.94% |
| 9    | Scizor             |   47 |  20.26% |  53.19% |
| 10   | Iron Boulder       |   43 |  18.53% |  46.51% |
| 11   | Latias             |   41 |  17.67% |  51.22% |
| 11   | Venusaur           |   41 |  17.67% |  43.90% |
| 13   | Skarmory           |   38 |  16.38% |  39.47% |
| 14   | Greninja-*         |   33 |  14.22% |  45.45% |
| 15   | Zeraora            |   28 |  12.07% |  57.14% |
| 16   | Hippowdon          |   25 |  10.78% |  44.00% |
| 17   | Slowking           |   24 |  10.34% |  45.83% |
| 18   | Hydrapple          |   21 |   9.05% |  66.67% |
| 18   | Mienshao           |   21 |   9.05% |  61.90% |
| 20   | Alakazam           |   19 |   8.19% |  31.58% |
| 21   | Azumarill          |   18 |   7.76% |  50.00% |
| 22   | Amoonguss          |   17 |   7.33% |  64.71% |
| 22   | Hydreigon          |   17 |   7.33% |  47.06% |
| 24   | Keldeo             |   16 |   6.90% |  43.75% |
| 25   | Gardevoir          |   14 |   6.03% |  64.29% |
| 25   | Tapu Fini          |   14 |   6.03% |  50.00% |
| 27   | Enamorus           |   12 |   5.17% |  75.00% |
| 27   | Tyranitar          |   12 |   5.17% |  58.33% |
| 27   | Magnezone          |   12 |   5.17% |  33.33% |
| 30   | Gallade            |   11 |   4.74% |  72.73% |
| 30   | Tangrowth          |   11 |   4.74% |  63.64% |
| 30   | Lokix              |   11 |   4.74% |  27.27% |
| 33   | Skeledirge         |   10 |   4.31% |  50.00% |
| 34   | Okidogi            |    9 |   3.88% |  55.56% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |    9 |   3.88% |  55.56% |
| 36   | Gastrodon          |    8 |   3.45% |  75.00% |
| 36   | Dhelmise           |    8 |   3.45% |  62.50% |
| 36   | Victini            |    8 |   3.45% |  50.00% |
| 36   | Flygon             |    8 |   3.45% |  37.50% |
| 36   | Salamence          |    8 |   3.45% |  25.00% |
| 41   | Slowbro            |    7 |   3.02% |  71.43% |
| 41   | Arctovish          |    7 |   3.02% |  57.14% |
| 41   | Arctozolt          |    7 |   3.02% |  57.14% |
| 41   | Ribombee           |    7 |   3.02% |  42.86% |
| 41   | Blissey            |    7 |   3.02% |  42.86% |
| 41   | Aerodactyl         |    7 |   3.02% |  14.29% |
| 47   | Moltres-Galar      |    6 |   2.59% |  66.67% |
| 47   | Pecharunt          |    6 |   2.59% |  50.00% |
| 47   | Zarude             |    6 |   2.59% |  33.33% |
| 47   | Iron Leaves        |    6 |   2.59% |  33.33% |
| 47   | Bisharp            |    6 |   2.59% |   0.00% |
| 52   | Decidueye          |    5 |   2.16% |  80.00% |
| 52   | Zygarde-10%        |    5 |   2.16% |  80.00% |
| 52   | Chansey            |    5 |   2.16% |  40.00% |
| 52   | Jirachi            |    5 |   2.16% |  40.00% |
| 52   | Blacephalon        |    5 |   2.16% |  20.00% |
| 57   | Heracross          |    4 |   1.72% |  50.00% |
| 57   | Arcanine-Hisui     |    4 |   1.72% |  25.00% |
| 57   | Sinistcha          |    4 |   1.72% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Conkeldurr         |    3 |   1.29% |  66.67% |
| 60   | Nidoking           |    3 |   1.29% |  66.67% |
| 60   | Mandibuzz          |    3 |   1.29% |  33.33% |
| 60   | Froslass           |    3 |   1.29% |  33.33% |
| 60   | Reuniclus          |    3 |   1.29% |  33.33% |
| 60   | Beedrill           |    3 |   1.29% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Necrozma           |    2 |   0.86% | 100.00% |
| 66   | Iron Jugulis       |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Lycanroc           |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Kleavor            |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Mew                |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Hawlucha           |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Quagsire           |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Cobalion           |    2 |   0.86% |  50.00% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Volcanion          |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Sableye            |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Smeargle           |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Tapu Bulu          |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 66   | Sceptile           |    2 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Gengar             |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Accelgor           |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Thundurus          |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Shuckle            |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Manectric          |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Cloyster           |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Polteageist        |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Indeedee-F         |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Deoxys-Defense     |    1 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 80   | Rhyperior          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Zoroark-Hisui      |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Maushold-Four      |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Galvantula         |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Dipplin            |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Pidgeot            |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Metagross          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Quaquaval          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Porygon-Z          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Comfey             |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Terrakion          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Camerupt           |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Klefki             |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Xatu               |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Brute Bonnet       |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Goodra-Hisui       |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Sandy Shocks       |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Cresselia          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Diggersby          |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 80   | Altaria            |    1 |   0.43% |   0.00% |

Nothing to do so boom full usage stats from the current seasonal.

| 4 | Zapdos-Galar | 70 | 30.17% | 62.86% |

| 11 | Venusaur | 41 | 17.67% | 43.90% |

| 20 | Alakazam | 19 | 8.19% | 31.58% |

A bit odd to see Mega Venusaur and Zam with such low WRs. While Venusaur enjoys Ting-Lu + Rotom-W cores, having to deal with both + Mienshao wearing it down eveytime certainly difficults its tasks imo but i'm almost sure that was just Gapdos overwhelming presence making things difficult for our favorite frog. On the other hand, Alakazam is definitely a surprise for me, but this is probably because of bulky Scizor's increased popularity and the fact that Scarf Zapdos limited this guys potential by a lot.




Combos / Leads

Top 10

| 1 | Rotom-Wash / Ting-Lu | 73 | 31.47% | 53.42% |
| 2 | Iron Moth / Ting-Lu | 60 | 25.86% | 51.67% |
| 3 | Rotom-Wash / Iron Moth | 50 | 21.55% | 48.00% |
| 4 | Iron Moth / Aegislash | 37 | 15.95% | 54.05% |
| 5 | Rotom-Wash / Zapdos-Galar | 32 | 13.79% | 62.50% |
| 6 | Zapdos-Galar / Ting-Lu | 30 | 12.93% | 60.00% |
| 6 | Ting-Lu / Scizor | 30 | 12.93% | 53.33% |
| 8 | Rotom-Wash / Scizor | 29 | 12.50% | 51.72% |
| 9 | Iron Moth / Zapdos-Galar | 28 | 12.07% | 64.29% |
| 10 | Aegislash / Ting-Lu

+ or

Every BO runs this core or variations of it, so it's not really surprising the fact it has such high usage and a good WR. Even if they are unable to properly deal with certain important threats like SD Boulder, Mega Venu, and Mienshao (something that is usually fixed by a third member e.g Scizor / Aegislash / Mega Venu), Rotom and Ting-Lu still covers a large portion of the offensive metagame in Moth(!), Zeraora, Alakazam, and Victini. Moth and Scizor complements them nicely by forcing out Clefable and Boulder respectively and really enjoy the pivot support from Rotom-W and hazards from Lu wearing down opposing Ting-Lu and especially Mega Venusaur.



| 9 | Iron Moth / Zapdos-Galar | 28 | 12.07% | 64.29% |




One or two more posts before page 8....

 

[Iride]

A couple things


Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe OR 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind / Draco Meteor / Thunder Wave / Toxic / Defog
- Psyshock / Psychic
- Aura Sphere / Mystical Fire
- Roost

I really like Latias right now, has a ton of depth in both offensive and defensive guises, making it extremely easy to use and fit onto teams. Offensively its arguably one of the most demanding threats to account for, mostly on account of its bulk and recovery, with the combo of Draco or CM / Psychic / coverage also seriously putting one into common builds, with stuff like status Clef and Ting-Lu being unable to threaten it long-term. Defensively, its bulk and resistances really come together against the majority of fightings and fires running around, occasionally being able to slot something status in some cases to help with this. 252 SpA / 252 Spe invested CM stuff is also seriously potent (albeit plays differently enough from the standard max HP), instead being able to brute force its way through weaker psy resists like Slowbro/Victini while upholding the utility, as seen here and here. I could even see this being above Solchroma as the SpA attacker to watch out for.


Gastrodon @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Storm Drain / Sticky Hold
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Toxic / Earthquake
- Recover
- Scald

Gastrodon has been seeing a bit more use lately, and for good reason. Great alternative ground for teams looking to answer HDB Sol lacking Energy Ball long-term, and also has a net postive MU into other things like Rotom-W and Excadrill while using Spikes. It’s particularly solid on stack builds in particular where the goal is to win through long-term pressure right now. Personally opt for physdef sets so as to maximise the ability to check fightings and grounds but I don’t see why some spdef isn’t possible as a way to get status onto special threats like Aegislash and Lati as well.


Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Unnerve
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dual Wingbeat / Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Pursuit / Dragon Dance
- Roost

This mon has been pretty good for a while. Only real fast pursuitter in the metagame where psychics + Sol are extremely dominant. Even completely owns webs as speed control that can anti-lead Ribombee with DWB. One underrated aspect about it that I’ve also really enjoyed lately is the ability to go Adamant > Jolly (Ada still beats Gren, Boulder and Ada Zera able to do the same) for the extra KO potential vs things like Exca and M-Venu, having to give this up in previous metas was something I’ve found to be rather limiting about it besides the previous dominance of DD M-Tyranitar (forced Jolly) and Yokosuma which restricted its offense MU anyhow.