Glaceon
Type: Ice
Base Stats: 65 HP / 60 Atk / 110 Def / 130 SpA / 95 SpD / 65 Spe
Ability: Snow Cloak /
Ice Body
With the highest Special Attack in NU, Glaceon is certainly a threat. Choice Specs Ice Beam tears through pretty much anything that can't resist it, while Shadow Ball and Hidden Power round out coverage nicely. With moves such as Wish, Protect, Baton Pass, Heal Bell, and Roar, Glaceon can run a decent support set as well. Its biggest fault is probably its Ice typing, along with its terrible offensive movepool and low Speed. It can function well under Trick Room, and will happily spam Blizzard if you set up hail, but outside of these conditions, it will often get outsped and slammed with any of Ice's many weaknesses.
Glalie
Type: Ice
Base Stats: 80 HP / 80 Atk / 80 Def / 80 SpA / 80 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Ice Body / Moody(banned)
Glalie is one of the few spikers in NU. Glalie differentiates itself from the other spikers by courtesy of its offensive typing. Ice-type STAB means Glalie will often be hitting the opponent very hard, and base 80 Attack is nothing to laugh at, it is enough to hit much of the NU metagame very hard. Glalie's primary purpose is to lay hazards down and try to do as much damage in the process as possible, without worrying about its defenses. Glalie is a niche Pokemon, but can fill the roll of a fast Spiker very well, and should be considered when the hazard is needed.
Golbat
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/golbat
type: Poison / Flying
Base Stats: 75 HP / 80 Atk / 70 Def / 65 SpA / 75 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Infiltrator
Eviolite makes Golbat one of the most defensive Pokemon in the tier. When invested in Defense it is able to take on many physical threats such as Sawk and Samurott with ease. Golbat is good at handling stall teams because of its access to Taunt and Roost, allowing it to slowly wear them down over the course of the match, as Golbat is naturally faster than most Pokemon commonly seen on stall teams. Golbat's sheer bulk allows it to handle offense handily as well. Golbat has access to a powerful Brave Bird to dispatch foes switching in, as well as Super Fang to remove half the remaining HP of any Pokemon that is hit. Golbat is a Pokemon thats NFE status should not discourage you, as it is capable of destroying stall and offense alike, and is a large threat to be considered.
Golem
Type: Rock / Ground
Base stats: 80 HP / 110 Atk / 130 Def / 55 SpA / 65 SpD / 45 Spe
Abilities: Rock Head / Sturdy / Sand Veil (unreleased)
Golem is without a doubt one of the premier tanks in NU. Great physical bulk and Attack coupled with nigh-unresisted STAB coverage in Earthquake and Rock Blast make it a fearsome force to be reckoned with. In addition, its ability Sturdy and access to Stealth Rock allow it to act as a lead, although it can keep its utility as a check to physical attackers such as Swellow or Rapidash throughout the game. On top of this, Sucker Punch keeps opposing Pokemon on their toes when trying to attack it while Rock Blast punishes Substitute users for setting up. Other options for Golem include Rock Polish and Normal Gem Explosion, but those are rarely seen.
Golurk
Type: Ground / Ghost
Base Stats: 89 HP / 124 Atk / 80 Def / 55 SpA / 80 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Iron Fist / Klutz / No Guard
Golurk's immense power makes it a dominent force in the metagame. Most often seen wielding a Choice Band, to make use of its incredible power. In fact, Golurk is capable of 2HKO'ing all of the NU metagame! Providing hazards are down. However Golurk can still utilize sets such as Rock Polish and SubPunch to good effect. The release of BW2 and its tutors made Golurk even more deadly; Stealth Rock, Ice Punch and Drain Punch were added to its movepool. Stealth Rock makes Golurk one of the two Pokemon capable of blocking Rapid Spin, while being able to set-up hazards, the other is Froslass, who lives in UU. Its typing gives Golurk excellent resistances and immunities. Most notably, Golurk's resistance to Normal, Fighting and Electric, which give it multiple opportunities to switch-in, alongside its resistances to Poison, Bug and Rock.
Gorebyss
Type: Water
Base Stats: 55 HP / 84 Atk / 105 Def / 114 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe
One of the most prominent threats in NU. Gorebyss is one of the first pokemon people think of when building a team, whether it be using her or defending against her. Gorebyss packs decent bulk, below average speed and a great special attack stat, but the move that makes her so threatening is Shell Smash, doubling her Attack stats and her speed, which is enough to outspeed even Swellow. Gorebyss often is equipped with White Herb to negate the defense loss but sometimes Gorebyss has Life Orb to further boost its already absurdly strong attacks. With the near standard STAB move Surf and additional coverage in Ice Beam and Hidden Power Electric, Gorebyss covers her bases very well.
Gurdurr
Type: Fighting
Abilities: Guts / Sheer Force / Iron Fist (Unreleased)
Base Stats: 85 HP /105 Atk / 85 Def / 40 SpA /50 SpDef /40 Spe
Gurdurr has cemented himself as one of the premier bulky boosters of neverused. Gurdurr has excellent stats which allow him to tank many of the stronger Pokemon in the tier such as Golem and Pinsir. He also has amazing bulk when you factor in Eviolite, which gives him a 50% boost to both of his defences. Gurdurr does not slouch offensively either, as his Bulk Up set is one of the most devastating in the tier. Gurdurr always runs Drain Punch, Mach Punch and one of Payback, Rock Slide or Ice Punch a long with Bulk Up. The first two moves give him a form of recovery as well as a very powerful priority move which allow him to muscle his way past the majority of the tier. The last move is your desired form of coverage, choosing between Psychic and Ghost-types, Flying-types and Grass-types.
Haunter
Typing: Ghost / Poison
Base Stats: 45 HP / 50 Atk / 45 Def / 115 SpA / 55 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
You better hide your kids, your wife, and your husband when Haunter arrives on stage! This creepy Pokemon shows its devilish face in NU as one of the best Ghost-type Pokemon available. While not nearly as bulky as Misdreavus and Drifblim, Haunter holds access to a very high base 95 Speed, base 115 Special Attack, and access to Disable. Even with hardly any bulk attached to it's gas-like body, Haunter makes use of its excellent immunities with Substitute and Disable. This allows Haunter to keep its Substitute against a myriad of opponents and start blasting powerful STAB attacks freely. Is Zangoose destroying all of your walls with it's Toxic Boost? With Disable you can take advantage of Haunter's higher base Speed turn one of the frailest Pokemon in NU into the ultimate Zangoose counter, truly a humiliating turn of events. However, Haunter is not a one-trick-spirit and can take advantage of its unique movepool and great offensive stats to run effective SubSplit and Choice Scarf sets. While SubSplit doesn't have the versatility of Disable, allowing Haunter to deal with many foes, it holds tremendous power. With the ability to force many opponents out, Haunter gets a chance to set up a free Substitute to let the party begin, making sure every guest gets intoxicated. Alongside Sludge Bomb's nifty 30% chance of Poisoning and Pain Split, Haunter can outlast even Lickilicky and other specially defensive behemoths. Choice Scarf on the other hand gives Haunter the ability to revenge kill a myriad of threats thanks to Haunter's high base speed compared to common Scarf users such as Rotom-S. While not packing boosted attacks or Pain Split, Haunter's movepool gifts it with access to Trick, massively crippling special walls by limiting what they can do. While Haunter is very versatile there are a few Pokemon that can handle its power, so much so that Haunter can even be inclined to use a Substitute and 3 Attacks set to hit Probopass and Skuntank super effectively with Hidden Power Ground. If Haunter is a problem in your neighborhood, who're you going to call? Skuntank and Probopass of course! Having one on your team is basically like calling the Ghostbusters, as they can easily deal with any variant of Haunter lacking Hidden Power Ground, and those that do lack either Pain Split or Disable; making it easier to deal with other teammates. Both of those Pokemon can easily take Haunter's STAB attacks and retaliate back, and it Skuntank's case possibly Pursuit trapping Haunter. Outside of them, there are plenty of Pokemon capable of checking Haunter such as Swoobat, Zebstrika, Swellow, and most notorious, Cinccino. Cinccino is capable of easily taking down even a Haunter behind a Substitute thanks to its access to Skill Link and Rock Blast. Overall Haunter is a very adaptable Pokemon capable of achieving many things, but capable of being brought down by it's common counters and checks.
Huntail
Type: Water
Base Stats: 55 HP / 104 Atk / 105 Def / 94 SpA / 75 SpD / 52 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Water Veil
Huntail has always lived in the shadow of the more powerful Gorebyss. In order to stand out Huntail must take advantage of its Attack stat, which is much higher than that of Gorebyss'. By abusing his high Attack stat Huntail is able to muscle past many threats that Gorebyss would fall against, such as Lickilicky. Huntail is commonly seen as a mixed attacker due to its above average Special Attack, allowing it to lure out and defeat Tangela, a huge threat to many teams. Huntail has access to Sucker Punch, but it is illegal with Shell Smash, making it a poor option since a Huntail without Shell Smash is inferior to other Pokemon. Huntail has the potential to run a Baton Pass set, but since SmashPass is banned in NU it will be forced to pass Agility instead, the surprise of the set may be enough to secure a sweep for a teammate however.
Jumpluff
Type: Grass / Flying
Base Stats: 75 HP / 55 Atk / 70 Def / 55 SpA / 85 SpD / 110 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard / Infiltrator
Jumpluff has always been among the fastest Pokemon in NU and takes advantage of its speed on most of its sets. It can run a very effective SubSeed set, being the second fastest abuser of the combination in NU, the first being Serperior. however access to Encore and Sleep Powder allow Jumpluff to outshine its slithery brethren in the role, as set-up becomes rendered impossible. Jumpluff is also known for its ability to support the team using Sunny Day, reaching over 700 Speed in the sun due to its ability Chlorophyll, utilizing Memento to secure a set up opportunity for a teammate. Finally the most threatening Jumpluff set of all, the Swords Dance sweeper. No joke, despite having a mere base 55 Attack Jumpluff can utilize a powerful Acrobatics and Seed Bomb and sweep teams once scarfers are removed. Jumpluff's Speed is what makes the Swords Dance set so potent, as very few offensive Pokemon can survive a hit at +2, and even fewer can outspeed Jumpluff and KO it first. Because of the many sets Jumpluff can run it is a very unpredictable Pokemon, capable of being either a sweeper or a supporter depending on its moveset.
Kadabra
Type: Psychic
Base Stats: 40 HP / 35 Atk / 30 Def / 120 SpAtk / 70 SpDef / 105 Spe
Abilities: Synchronize / Inner Focus /
Magic Guard
Kadabra hasn't changed much since the beginnings of Gen V NU; it has always been somewhat of a glass cannon, and it has stuck with that role throughout its NU career. Kadabra was blessed with Magic Guard, which allows it to run a Life Orb without recoil, which powers up its great base 120 SpAtk to much more threatening levels. Kadabra's speed shouldn't be ignored either, as base 105 outspeeds most of the tier. It typically will run Psychic, HP Fighting, and Shadow Ball for perfect neutral coverage, and can then add one of its many support options as the set's final move, such as Calm Mind, or Substitute. Bear in mind that Kadabra's enormous support movepool allow it to also run many other sets, such as SubDisable or Dual Screens. Watch out for Kadabra; it's an often underestimated Pokemon with a lot of potential.
Kangaskhan
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 105 HP / 95 Atk / 80 Def / 40 SpAtk / 80 SpDef / 90 Spe
Abilities: Early Bird / Scrappy /
Inner Focus
Kangaskhan is another great Normal-type Pokemon in the NU tier. It distinguishes itself from the myriad of other Normals with the ability Scrappy, which allows it to hit Ghosts with attacks that they are normally immune to. Kanga's 105 / 80 / 80 bulk is definitely passable, and with that base 95 Atk stat it can pull of the role of bulky offensive 'mon fairly well. It can attack with a Life Orb or pull a classic SubPunch set with Leftovers, both of which work very differently. It's Life Orb set runs Fake Out and Sucker Punch for a nice priority combination, while also packing attacks like Return, Body Slam, Drain Punch, or Earthquake, all of which are viable. The SubPunch set also runs Sucker Punch and Return.
Kangaskhan doesn't hit as hard as its Normal-type brethren, but that doesn't keep it from being just as threatening; a well-played Kangaskhan can be just as effective as any Tauros, Cinccino, or Linoone. The extra bulk allows it to survive longer, and its double priority can take a large portion of the enemy's HP away before they're even given the chance to attack!
Lampent
Type: Ghost / Fire
Abilities: Flash Fire / Flame Body / Shadow Tag (unreleased)
Base Stats: 60 HP / 40 Atk / 60 Def / 90 SpA / 60 SpD / 55 Spe
Lampent is one of the few ghosts in NU, and also one of the best. Lampent's stats allow it to be either offensive or defensive. Lampent is known for its offensive Trick Room set, utilizing its low Speed to "outrun" the majority of the metagame under Trick Room. Offensive Lampent generally runs Shadow Ball, Fire Blast, and one of Memento and Hidden Power Ice, choosing between supporting another sweeper and defeating Altaria. Lampent also has the stats to run either a physical or special defensive set, utilizing Eviolite to check monstrous threats such as Emboar and Charizard respectively. Finally Lampent can run a SubSplit set, as it is faster than most walls and can heal its HP in front of them while many of them struggle to deal significant damage back.
Lapras
Type: Water / Ice
Base Stats: 130 HP / 85 Atk / 80 Def / 85 SpA / 95 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Water Absorb / Shell Armor / Hydration
Lapras is blessed by amazing defensive stats, being one of the most defensive Water-types in the tier. Lapras is capable of walling offensive threats such as Special Attacker Samurott and Gorebyss very well. Lapras is also capable of walling physical attacks, as 130 / 85 is still very bulky for the NU tier. Lapras can tank a hit from physical Samurott and respond with Thunderbolt. Lapras has a very interesting movepool for a Water-type Pokemon, having access to helpful moves such as Thunderbolt and Heal Bell, a long with staples such as Surf and Ice Beam. Lapras can also run some very potent offensive sets, such as a Substitute + 3 attack set that is powerful enough to deal a lot of damage to offensive teams. A Dragon Dance set is also viable, as Lapras becomes decently fast at +1, and strong enough to take on teams without a Tangela, Amoonguss or Alomomola. A Curse set is also viable, as Lapras becomes very bulky at +1, and can set up in front of walls and deal massive damage eventually. Lapras is a very diverse Pokemon that is capable of running many sets, this unpredictability is part of what makes it such a huge threat in the NU metagame.
Leafeon
Type: Grass
Base Stats: 65 HP / 110 Atk / 130 Def / 60 SpA / 65 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Leaf Guard / Chlorophyll
Leafeon has fallen from favour lately in favour of Sawsbuck, who has an extra STAB move and is slightly more powerful than Leafeon. However Leafeon maintains its niche as a bulky Grass-type booster. Using its amazing natural bulk to be able to set up multiple Swords Dances. Leafeon is still capable of sweeping a team after a boost, and capable of taking many hits as well. Leafeon can also run a very effective defensive set, as it is capable of passing a Wish to a teammate, or using it to heal itself very efficiently. Defensive Leafeon is capable of phazing the opposing team to wear them down with hazards, or take on threats such as physical Samurott if it runs enough Speed EVs to outspeed it. Leafeon is also good at Baton Passing, as it is fast and can outrun many of its checks, allowing it to pass the boosts a long if a counter to Leafeon arises. Leafeon has a niche in the NU metagame, and is capable of filling the role of a bulky offensive Grass-type very well.
Lickilicky
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 110 HP / 85 Atk / 95 Def / 80 SpA / 95 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Own Tempo / Oblivious / Cloud Nine
Lickilicky is one of the prominent defensive Normal-types in NU. Almost every tier in Pokemon has had a "pink blob" residing in it at one point, and Lickilicky is NU's resident blob. Blob is a fitting term to describe it, as it is capable of taking many hits that would decimate other Pokemon, making Lickilicky a staple Pokemon on defensive teams. Access to Wish makes him an amazing supporter, as only Alomomola can commonly pass more HP to teammates. Heal Bell is also a godsend for Lickilicky, giving it an immunity to status and the ability to support the team even more. Lickilicky is also a potent attacker, as the SubSD set continues to catch on due to its ability to defeat Regenerator cores, and dismantle many balanced teams. Lickilicky has a movepool as large as it is, with access to Fire Blast, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Power Whip and even Dragon Tail. All of these are viable offensive options if your team needs it, which makes Lickilicky a Pokemon you can customize to your liking.
Linoone
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 78 HP / 70 Atk / 61 Def / 50 SpAtk / 61 SpDef / 100 Spe
Abilities: Pickup / Gluttony /
Quick Feet
Ask any player in NU what 5 Pokemon scare them the most, and Linoone is almost certain to be on that list. If played well, Linoone is impossible to revenge kill and very hard to counter (Steel-type Pokemon, which NU has very few of, are currently the only guaranteed counters to Linoone). While its only notable stat appears to be a base 100 Speed, Linoone possesses both Belly Drum and ExtremeSpeed, which allow it to maximize its Atk stat and proceed to sweep unprepared or weakened teams with a +2 priority STAB move. It also uses Shadow Claw to take down Ghost-types and Seed Bomb for an additional Grass-type coverage move. Crafty Linoone users will also carry a Pokemon with dualscreens to virtually guarantee free setup for Linoone. If you see a Linoone on the opponent's team, beware, and make sure you take it down fast before it gets the chance to run you through.
Ludicolo
Type: Water / Grass
Base Stats: 80 HP / 70 Atk / 70 Def / 90 SpA / 100 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Rain Dish / Swift Swim / Own Tempo
Ludicolo was a (fairly) recent drop down, and quite a hyped one indeed. With wonderful Water/Grass typing, Ludicolo has his fair share of reliable coverage and great STABs. This typing can also be troublesome for the Mexican stereotype, making it odd compared to other waters, as he is not resistant to fire or ice. As well as weird as a Grass type, as he doesn't resist Grass or Electric. However, he has fantastic coverage with his STABs and Ice Beam, causing an awkward situation for the foes of the tropical fruit dancer. And thanks to the ability Swift Swim, decent SpA, and reasonable bulk, Ludicolo is the king of Rain Dance sweeping in NU. With a Life Orb and rain boosted Surf, the duck has quite a bit of power under it's bill. He can also run as a decent wall, either in rain with Rain Dish, with a subseed set, or even in sun with Synthesis (it might be gimmicky, but it could work!) But beware that it's weird typing could be it's downfall if you are going defensive.
Magmar
Type: Fire
Base Stats: 65 HP / 95 Atk / 57 Def / 100 SpA / 85 SpD / 93 Spe
Abilities: Flame Body / Vital Spirit
Magmar is one of the best Fire-types in NU, finally getting a chance to shine after its evolution Magmortar was raised to RU. Magmar abuses its base 100 Special Attack a long with a very fast base 93 Speed to outrun and hit many threats with Fire Blast. Magmar also has access to Focus Blast, giving it coverage against the Pokemon that resist Fire Blast. Although Magmar's special movepool is much smaller than its evolution, it is still large enough for Magmar to do its job very well. Magmar also has a high base 95 Attack stat, allowing it to use physical attacks such as Cross Chop and Flare Blitz, as well as priority in Mach Punch. Because Magmar has two high attack stats a mixed set is viable, but it noticeably weaker than focusing on one stat. Vital Spirit is a great ability on Magmar as it becomes a hard counter to Amoonguss and Tangela, fearing nothing from Spore or Sleep Powder and responding with a strong Fire Blast. Finally, Magmar has access to Belly Drum, however it is not a good move to use as Magmar is susceptible to priority and it is illegal with Mach Punch, it could work with a Salac Berry however.
Mantine
Type: Water / Flying
Base Stats: 65 HP / 40 Atk / 70 Def / 80 SpA / 140 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Water Absorb / Water Veil
Mantine's typing is both a blessing and a curse. Although he only has two weaknesses, one is an x4 to electric and the other is Rock. On the other hand, Grass is neutral and he resists quite a few types as well. Mantine basically functions as a special Skarmory with his godlike 140 base SpD, but lacks reliable recovery. His calling card set is a resttalk set, but offensive rain dance has become much more popular, as BW2 gifted him with a good Flying STAB in Air Slash. Outside of his massive SpD, Mantine's stats are kinda lacking. But 80 SpA is usable and his speed can be remedied with Swift Swim if you are trying to sweep. All in all, Mantine thrives as both a special wall and sweeper, although he faces steep competition in both positioned.
Marowak
Type: Ground
Base Stats: 60 HP / 80 Atk / 110 Def / 50 SpA / 80 SpD / 45 Spe
Ability: Rock Head / Lightningrod / Battle Armor
Don't be fooled by Marowak's base 80 Attack stat; it's more powerful than you can imagine. With its trademark weapon, Thick Club, its Attack reaches an impressive 568. STAB Earthquake is usually its best offensive choice, though its specialty attack, Bonemerang, is a slightly less accurate version that can break through Substitute. With base 45 Speed, Marowak's best option is usually being on a full Trick Room team. However, when passed a Speed boost by the likes of Ninjask, it can be a menace outside of Trick Room as well. Another common strategy is to set up a Substitute on something it can force out, allowing it to deal with its counter accordingly. Stone Edge offers great coverage, while recoil-less Double-Edge (due to Rock Head) provides solid neutral damage as well. Swords Dance is another excellent choice for Marowak, providing it finds the opportunity to actually set up. Priority, such as Absol's Sucker Punch, can put an end to Marowak even under Trick Room. Several walls, such as Weezing and Torterra, can also shut it down, and the latter two carry super effective STAB against it. Outside of Trick Room, the list of counters skyrockets to include pretty much anything with a Water-, Ice-, or Grass-type attack.
Miltank
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 95 HP / 80 Atk / 105 Def / 40 SpA / 70 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Thick Fat / Scrappy / Sap Sipper
Miltank is a common utility Pokemon in NU, utilizing her high defensive stats and Speed to support the team. Miltank can run many aMOOzing sets, such Mootility, which abuses Stealth Rock, Body Slam and Milk Drink to lay down hazards and attempt to paralyze the opposing team. Miltank also has Heal Bell, allowing her to support the team by ridding the team of status while spreading her own. Thick Fat is a great ability on Miltank, giving her a resistence to Fire and Ice-type attacks, such as Emboar's Flare Blitz or Piloswine's Icicle Crash. These resistances make Miltank one of the best switch-ins to the Fire-types in the tier, as she can set up hazards to scare them away from switching in later. Sap Sipper is another option to allow Miltank to power up if it switches in on Cinccino's Bullet Seed, or any other Grass-type move. Thick Fat is generally better since most Grass-type moves don't do much damage to Miltank anyways. Miltank can also run an Moofensive set, abusing her fast base 100 Speed and 80 Attack to deal damage to the opposition with Double Edge and Earthquake, healing with Milk Drink as needed. Finally, Miltank has access to Curse, giving her a boosting move that allows her to abuse STAB Body Slam to the fullest extent possible, and she is immune to status because of Heal Bell. Miltank is a diverse Pokemon capable of performing either an offensive or defensive role depending on her teams need.
Misdreavus
Type: Ghost
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 60 Def / 85 SpA / 85 SpD / 80 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
Misdreavus has the privilege of being the most defensive Ghost-type in NU, able to take hits from all potential spinners with ease. Misdreavus is also able to hard counter many forms of Sawk and all forms of Cinccino, as they are unable to do any significant damage to it, and Misdreavus can use Will-O-Wisp to permanently cripple them. Misdreavus can abuse it low HP by using Pain Split, giving it a way to heal against foes with high HP such as Lickilicky or Alomomola. Misdreavus also has Heal Bell, meaning it can remove status from the entire team, which is handy given the amount of switches that Misdreavus forces. Misdreavus can also go on a more offensive route, abusing its base 85 Speed and Special Attack a long with Nasty Plot to sweep frail teams. Nasty Plot Misdreavus is an often unprepared for set, as people assume that Misdreavus is always defensive. Misdreavus also has access to Calm Mind, allowing it to set up on stall teams with ease. Misdreavus is blessed by being a ghost, as it gives it many immunities and opportunities to support the team in many ways.
taking
Muk, Murkrow and Natu
Muk
Type: Poison
Base Stats: 105 HP / 105 Atk / 75 Def / 65 SpA / 100 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Stench / Sticky Hold / Poison Touch
Muk is one of the powerful Poison-type Pokemon in NU, having a high base 105 Attack stat. Muk often uses a Choice Band set that maximizes its power and allows Muk to abuse its natural bulk as well. Muk's STAB move of choice is Gunk Shot, which is inaccurate but hits very hard and does massive damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Muk also has access to Ice Punch and Brick Break, giving him the means to hit Ground and Rock-types that resist his STAB move. In the final moveslot Muk uses Shadow Sneak, which gives him a priority move that, albeit weak, is strong enough to finish off many Pokemon and gives it the ability to revenge kill. Muk can also run a Curse set, as its naturally high special bulk means that it does not need to be boosted, and the increase in physical stats becomes noteworthy very quickly. Muk is a rare Pokemon in NU, but one that can shred through a team that isn't prepared for it.
Murkrow
Type: Dark / Flying
Base Stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 42 Def / 85 SpA / 42 SpD / 91 Spe
Abilities: Insomnia / Super Luck / Prankster
Prankster has made Murkrow one of the best support Pokemon in the tier. Murkrow is the only Pokemon in the tier that uses the combination of Mean Look and Perish Song, commonly known as Perish Trapping. This combination allows Murkrow to trap any Pokemon and remove them from play, switching out the last turn to avoid its own demise. Murkrow makes an excellent user of the combination because of Prankster and Roost. Which allow Murkrow to move first and stay healthy. With only priority moving faster than Murkrow it is safe to assume that it can get a Roost of any turn it needs too. Murkrow also has access to FeatherDance, which cuts the opponents Attack in half. Murkrow's Prankster allows it to use it to counteract opposing boosting Pokemon like Samurott, who will be unable to use Swords Dance. It can also shut down threats such as Sawk, who do not threaten Murkrow once their Attack has been lowered. Murkrow also has the offensive stats to pull of a Life Orb set, which makes Murkrow very frail but very strong, abusing STAB Sucker Punch a long with Brave Bird, Hidden Power Grass and Heat Wave. With a Life Orb Murkrow becomes a very hard Pokemon to switch into, and is an unexpected set that will destroy many players.
Natu
Type: Psychic / Flying
Base Stats: 40 HP / 50 Atk / 45 Def / 70 SpA / 45 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Synchronize / Early Bird / Magic Bounce
Natu is a Pokemon with a very specific niche, Magic Bounce. Magic Bounce means that Natu can reflect non-damaging moves such as Stealth Rock, Spikes and Toxic back at the Pokemon who used them, essentially allowing it to set up hazards if used right. Natu commonly runs Grass Knot as it allows it to deal maximum damage to the Rock-types that use Stealth Rock. Natu can be used to gain momentum against slower teams, but is still a very niche Pokemon that should only be used under very specific circumstances.
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/ninjask
Typing: Bug / Flying
Base Stats: 61 HP / 90 Atk / 45 Def / 50 SpA / 50 SpD / 160 Spe
Abilities: Speed Boost / Infiltrator (Unreleased)
At first glance, Ninjask seems like a worthless Pokemon, while having a blistering base 160 Speed, it is also cursed with a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, almost literally no bulk, and an only average Attack stat. There is a reason Ninjask was OU back in the days though, and that is Baton Pass. Baton Pass allows the user to switch a Pokemon with normal priority, while also keeping any stat boosts or drops that the user of the move had. This move, combined with Ninjask's Ability, Speed Boost, creates a deadly combination. Simply by stalling out turns, Ninjask can accumulate multiple Speed Boosts, and possibly a Swords Dance and a Substitute with them, and pass them to something dangerous, such as Marowak, Rampardos, Sawk, or Sawsbuck. Ninjask also sees a lot of use on full Baton Pass teams, passing Speed to its teammates, who will eventually stack boosts and pass to a dangerous sweeper if not stopped early. Thankfully, it is not impossible to stop Ninjask, its extreme fraility and terrible typing is its downfall its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock makes sure Ninjask can only come in and attempt to pass a limited amount of times, while its poor Defenses mean it relies on Substitute to take hits, making it bait for Multi-hit moves and priority. Lastly, Ninjask can be stopped from passing boosts by moves such as Taunt, Encore, and Roar. Flaws aside, do not underestimate Ninjask, or your team will be left in ruins soon afterwards.
Omanyte
Type: Rock / Water
Base Stats: 35 HP / 40 Atk / 100 Def / 90 SpA / 55 SpD / 35 Spe
Abilities: Shell Armor / Swift Swim / Weak Armor
With access to all three forms of entry hazards, Omanyte is one of the best Spikers in the tier. Omanyte's exceptional Defense stat combined with Eviolite allows Omanyte to take on many physical attackers. Swellow fails to do much damage, while Braviary fails to 2HKO with Superpower. Omanyte's base 90 Special Attack allows Omanyte to run an offensive Spikes set as well. With Shell Smash and Swift Swim from rain support, Omanyte can be a potent offensive threat that can even outspeed opposing Scarfers, but this isn't recommended since there are many better Rain sweepers. Unfortunately, Omanytes's multiple weaknesses and lackluster Special Defense allow Omanyte to get forced out rather easily.
Piloswine
Type: Ice / Ground
Abilities: Oblivious / Snow Cloak / Thick Fat
Base Stats: 100 HP / 100 Atk /80 Def / 60 SpAtk / 60 SpDef /50 Spe
Piloswine is most commonly seen as a Stealth Rock lead akin to the many Rock-types in the tier. Amazing offensive STAB's, great physical bulk, and a solid Attack stat allow Piloswine to effectively gain momentum early game. Ice Shard and Earthquake let Piloswine defeat many of the most common leads and lay down Stealth Rock. His physical bulk allows him to tank hits from many prominent threats such as Swellow and Braviary and OHKO in return with a STAB Icicle Crash. An Endeavor set is also used; with a Focus Sash and Ice Shard Piloswine can break through many Pokemon that can normally OHKO him such as Charizard and Gorebyss. Thick Fat should always be the ability of choice, as the ability is very useful, unlike the other choices which are nearly useless. Thick Fat allows Piloswine to take on Charizard, Camerupt and Simisear much easier than before.
Pinsir
Type: Bug
Base Stats: 65 HP / 125 Atk / 100 Def / 55 SpA / 70 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Mold Breaker / Moxie
Pinsir is now even more threatening now that its Dream World ability, Moxie has been released. No longer does sacrificing a Pokemon allow you to revenge Pinsir, because every KO that Pinsir obtains, makes it even stronger. Pinsir is a dangrous physical sweeper, because it can wreak havoc with a Swords Dance boost, Choice Band, or now Moxie Choice Scarf. X-Scissor is Pinsir's STAB that hits Grass-, and Psychic-types super effectively, it can also punish many Pokemon after a boost. To make it worse, Pinsir has Stone Edge to hit what X-Scissor is not effective in hitting, namely Fire-, and Flying-type Pokemon. Pinsir also has access to Earthquake, which with the Mold Breaker ability allows it to smash Pokemon that rely on their Levitate ability. If Earthquake sounds bad, then Close Combat is going to sound great, because Close Combat has better coverage than Earthquake and wreaks the numerous Normal-type Pokemon scattered in the NU tier. Pinsir has always been dangrous, but with the addition of its Dream World ability, Pinsir will grow furiously throughout a battle.
Probopass
Type: Rock / Steel
Base Stats: 60 HP / 55 Atk / 145 Def / 75 SpAtk / 150 SpDef / 40 Spe
Abilities: Sturdy / Magnet Pull /
Sand Force
Probopass is by far one of the most popular utility Pokemon in the tier, boasting a wonderful support movepool as well as outstanding defenses. Probopass gets tons of free switches as it has resistances to many common attacking types in NU, letting it throw up Stealth Rock, fire off a Thunder Wave, or use its slow Volt Switch to keep momentum in the hands of its trainer. Probopass is very hard to take down without a Ground or Fighting-type attack, and while these can be somewhat common, by no means are they everywhere; furthermore, Probo will often be able to wall at least 2 Pokemon on the opponent's team (if not many more), and can really shine on bulkier offensive teams needing Stealth Rock support as well as a wall. Again, 60 / 145 / 150 is a very good defensive spread for a Pokemon with as many resistances as the Pass. Probopass is also very hard for certain stall teams to eliminate, as it is immune to all forms of Poison and takes little damage from most defensive Pokemon.
Probopass has also seen more creative use lately, as users have run Discharge for a damaging move that spreads paralysis as well as Rocky Helmet to hard counter Cinccino and a few other physical attackers. This giant compass is definitely a defensive threat to look out for.
Raichu
Type: Electric
Base Stats: 60 HP / 90 Atk / 55 Def / 90 SpA / 80 SpD / 100 Spe
Abilities: Static / Lightningrod
Raichu has a niche as an Electric-type that is great at using a boosting move, that move being Nasty Plot. Raichu is a great abuser of Nasty Plot due to its powerful STAB move Thunderbolt, which can be supported by many coverage options including Hidden Power Ice, Grass Knot and Focus Blast. Raichu also has access to Encore, which makes setup a lot easier as Raichu outspeeds almost every defensive Pokemon and can setup as they are locked into a nonthreatening move. A +2 Raichu is very threatening to the common team, as the most common scarfers fail to do any damage to it due to its ability Lightningrod, forcing teams to rely on Pokemon that can tank a +2 hit and retaliate for an OHKO. Raichu can also run a Choice Scarf set, as it outspeeds common boosters such as Carracosta and Gorebyss and can OHKO both of them. Scarf Raichu can also outspeed Cinccino and do massive damage, its niche over Scarf Zebstrika is the added power, which can make a big difference.
Rampardos
Type: Rock
Abilities: Mold Breaker / Sheer Force (unreleased)
Stats: 97 HP / 165 Atk / 60 Def / 65 SpA / 50 spD / 58 Spe
Rampardos has the second highest attack stat in the game, so what is it doing in the depths of NU? This lies behind mediocre typing, low defences, and poor speed. But not all is gravel for the ancient dinosaur, as it is a true diamond in the rough. The simplicity of spamming STAB head smash is amazing, dispite the not-so-amazing recoil. He also has the amazing ability mold breaker, which bypasses sturdy, levitate, solid rock, etc. Meaning he is also free to spam earthquake against a team without flying types. A scarf set is rampardos' best chance to late game sweep, due to it being too fragile to set up a rock polish. But a choice band set provides even more power to break walls, and sheer force, once released, may allow rampardos to go mixed with ice beam to take out opposing physical walls.
Rapidash
Type: Fire
Base Stats: 65 HP / 100 Atk / 70 Def / 80 SpA / 80 SpD / 105 Spe
Abilities: Run Away / Flash Fire / Flame Body
Rapidash is the fastest non-Choice Scarfed Fire-type in the NU tier, and with a base 100 Attack, it will hit hard and fast. Rapidash is typically seen with Life Orb or Choice Band, which increases its damage to dangerous levels. The Water-types that will try to soak up a Flare Blitz will end up taking a Wild Charge, which will end up heavily crippling any Water-type that doesn't invest heavily in Defense. Rapidash also has Low Kick to hit the heavy Rock-types where it hurts, when they think they can switch-in. Bulky Psychic-types, such as Musharna, will not enjoy taking a Megahorn, as it can tank the rest of Rapidash's arsenal. Once Rapidash is low on health, it can also heal back with Morning Sun, prolonging the beating it gives the opponent. Rapidash can also be seen on a Sunny Day team, which will: boost its STAB Flare Blitz; gives Solarbeam immediate use; and Morning Sun heals 66.75% instead of 50%.
Regice
Type: Ice
Base Stats: 100 HP / 50 Atk / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 200 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Clear Body / Ice Body (Unreleased)
Regice is the most Specially Defensive Pokemon in NU, sporting a flabbergasting base 200 Special Defense. When combined with a base 100 HP it is easy to see how hard Regice is to kill. Regice commonly runs a set that takes advantage of both its offensive and defensive capabilities at once, utilizing BoltBeam coverage a long with Thunder Wave and Rest to wear down the opposition. Regice can also run a RestTalk set, which sacrifices some offensive presence for a lot of staying power. Regice can also potentially run a Rock Polish set, increasing its speed and becoming a potential sweeper, as with Speed, power, and bulk it has proven to be a very difficult Pokemon to stop. A Choice Specs set is also viable, as Regice is very difficult to switch into, because it has perfect coverage. Overall Regice is a Pokemon that is only let down by its typing, but has the sheer power and bulk to muscle past that and be a threat in the metagame.
Regirock
Typing: Rock
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 200 Def / 50 SpA / 100 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Clear Body / Sturdy (Unreleased)
Regirock is an epitome of physical defense. With an amazing base 200 Defense stat and good base 80 HP stat, Regirock becomes incredibly sturdy against physical assaults directed at its team. Regirock also has a great Special Defense stat that works great with its high Defense stat, meaning it can focus all investment into the former stat to take special attacks with relative ease as well. It doesn't end there, Regirock possesses a good movepool, boasting moves such as Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave to support its teammates to almost no end. Regirock can even go so far to support its team with Sunny Day, proving to be a great addition to any sun team, even taking advantage of the sun itself. But Regirock is not limited to physical defense and solely supporting its team. With great offensive moves such as Stone Edge, Earthquake, and Drain Punch, Regirock can turn the table and become an offensive tank with its good Attack stat, while still being able to provide support and take physical hits. Regirock has access to Curse as well, which it can use with Rest and Sleep Talk to create a mono-attacking set, becoming extremely difficult to take down with enough boosts.
[IMGhttp://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/369.png[/IMG]
Relicanth
Type: Water / Rock
Base Stats: 100 HP / 90 Atk / 130 Def / 45 SpA / 65 SpD / 55 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Rock Head / Sturdy (DW Released)
Relicanth is a pretty strange case indeed. With Rock/Water typing, he has a few crippling weaknesses as well as strong resistances. Relicanth has a good balance of offense and defense enhanced by gems like Head Smash and Rock Polish. With these, the coelicanth can thrive with a STAB recoilless Head Smash and a good speed boosting move. He can also use a move defensive set with Stealth Rock and Yawn, after all, 100/130/65 defenses are quite solid, especially with resistances to fire and flying. Although Rock Head is the top reason to use Relicanth over other Water types, Swift Swim and Sturdy are cool abilities in their own rights, although canth will usually have better options.
Rotom-F
Type: Electric / Ice
Base Stats: 50 HP / 65 Atk / 107 Def / 105 SpAtk / 107 SpDef / 86 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
Often shunned by users who prefer Rotom-S, Rotom-F is a very underrated Pokemon with both good stats and a large and useful movepool. Commonly seen using a Choice Scarf, Rotom-F can outspeed most of the unboosted metagame without breaking a sweat, allowing revenge killing, late game cleaning, and occasional sweeping to be included in the many things it can do. Rotom's typing might give it a Stealth Rock weakness, but it also provides it with STAB on the infamous BoltBeam combination. Most Rotom-F will run Blizzard and Thunderbolt (Discharge commonly replaces this) for offensive coverage while also using Volt Switch and Trick for extra utility. These sets are dangerous because Rotom-F can switch out of anything it doesn't like (bar Ground-types) with Volt Switch before they can attack it, and it can also cripple setup Pokemon, as well as those that are more defensive, with Trick by choice locking the opposing Pokemon into a non-damaging move.
SubSplit is another common set that can be extremely annoying. This variant is virtually immune to status and is constantly regenerating health with Pain Split + Leftovers. Be wary of lesser seen moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, as they shrink Rotom-F's list of definite counters and can be a nasty surprise. Overall, Rotom-F can be just as threatening as Rotom-S, and the smart NU player will make sure they have an answer to both.
Samurott
Typing: Water
Base Stats: 95 HP / 100 Atk / 85 Def / 108 SpA / 70 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Torrent /
Shell Armor
It's Rott Time! Samurott stands out in NU as one of the best offensive Water-type Pokemon in the tier. With Samurott's excellent 100 / 108 offenses, superb coverage, and a good boosting move in Swords Dance it's easy to see why. With the ability to use a Swords Dance set or an all-out special attacker, Samurott puts instant pressure on the opponent before it's even send out. The best way to deal with Samurott is to scout for what set it's using; you don't want to leave your Alomomola in on a Samurott thinking it might be a Swords Dance set you could handle, only for Samurott to reveal a Substitute + 3 Special Attacks set. Once proper scouting has been done, taking care of Samurott won't be as hard if you have the right check or counters to the right set. Swords Dance Samurott really doesn't like bulky Grass-, Dragon-, and Water-type Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Altaria, Shelgon, Dragonair, Alomomola, and Carracosta. All of those Pokemon can take a hit with their resistance, good bulk, or both while being capable of dealing substantial damage back. Special Attacking Samurott can't really deal too well against Pokemon with high special Defense such as Gardevoir, Lickilicky, or Musharna who can easily take a hit, have great recovery options, and can hit back Samurott with their STAB attacks or stall out with status.
Sawk
Typing: Fighting
Base Stats: 75 HP / 125 Atk / 75 Def / 30 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilities: Sturdy / Inner Focus / Mold Breaker (Unreleased)
Sawk stands proudly as one of the most powerful Fighting-types in NU. Boasting one of the strongest attacks in NU, Sawk can easily break teams in half with a mighty STAB Close Combat off of base 125 Attack, with token coverage moves making sure that few Pokemon can effectively stop it. Sawk also is fairly quick for NU, outspeeding quite a bit of the tier at base 85 Speed; as a result, Choice Scarf variants outspeed most of the metagame, though it barely misses out on outspeeding Gorebyss after a Shell Smash. Choice Band is also very common, with very few Pokemon taking all of Sawk's attacks easily. Sturdy is also a great ability on Sawk, effectively giving it a safeguard against powerful attacks if hazards are not up, and allowing Sawk to KO back on many occasions.
Sawsbuck
Type: Normal / Grass
Base Stats: 80 HP / 100 Atk / 70 Def / 60 SpA / 70 SpD / 95 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Sap Sipper / Serene Grace
Sawsbuck is arguably the best offensive Grass-type in NU, as its amazing Dual STABs are very hard to resist. Sawsbuck can take advantage of its high Speed and Attack to set up a Swords Dance in front of many foes, and then can fire off powerful Horn Leeches, Nature Powers and Returns. A combination of moves only resisted by the Ghost-types Haunter and Drifblim. Sap Sipper makes it even easier to set up a Swords Dance, as there are many Grass-type moves in NU that give Sawsbuck a boost, such as Tangela's Sleep Powder or Amoonguss' Spore. Sawsbuck can also run a good Choice Band set, firing off powerful attacks without the need to waste a turn boosting. Sap Sipper is also a huge help here, as switching in on a Grass-type move essentially gives Sawsbuck a pseudo-Swords Dance. A Life Orb can be run on an all-out attacker set, but the drop in power is noticable when compared to Choice Band, however switching moves can make a big difference, as it allows Sawsbuck to hit Drifblim and Haunter hard without prediction. Sawsbuck us also capable of running a Baton Pass set, which although lesser seen is effective, as Sawsbuck can pass Swords Dances and Agilitys with ease, it can even pass Sap Sipper boosts!
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/scraggy
Typing: Dark / Fighting
Base Stats: 50 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 35 SpA / 70 SpD / 48 Spe
Abilities: Shed Skin / Moxie / Intimidate (Unreleased)
Despite low base stats and NFE status, Scraggy is a threat to watch out for. While seeming to be outclassed by every other Fighting-type in the tier, Scraggy has quite a few things going for it. Unlike other Fighting-types, Scraggy has a secondary Dark typing to go along with its Fighting-type. This Dark typing makes it immune to Psychic-type moves, allowing Scraggy to easily defeat many Pokemon that give other Fighting-types, such as Gurdurr and Throh, a hard time, to top it all off, Scraggy has perfect coverage (bar Croagunk!) with just its STAB moves! Scraggy also has a great Ability in Shed Skin, which gives the ghetto lizard a resistance to status problems, as well as giving it a slighty more reliable recovery move in the form of Rest. at the end of each turn that Scraggy is sleeping, it has a 30% chance of waking up early from its slumber, ready to fight again. These qualities together with its impressive Defenses factoring in Eviolite make Scraggy one of the most dangerous Bulky Boosters in the NU tier. While it is in no way bad, Scraggy still has some flaws that prevent it from being a top tier Pokemon. For one thing, While Scraggy's Dark typing is great for combating threats such as Misdreavus and Musharna, it isnt the best when it comes to going up against other Fighting-types. Sawk, Gurdurr, and Throh can all easily come in on Scraggy and do serious damage to it, even KOing it if it hasn't boosted enough. Not just that, but Scraggy's weakness to Flying-type moves still remains, meaning Pokemon like Swellow, Braviary, and Rotom-S can easily switch in on Scraggy and force it out with strong STAB Flying attacks. Lastly, Scraggy isnt nearly as threatening as something like Gurdurr initially, it needs multiple boosts to truely be dangerous. Because of these flaws, Scraggy needs team support to work to its full potential. So whenever you see your opponent using Scraggy, don't laugh, as a properly supported one can easily run through a team.
Seismitoad
Typing: Water / Ground
Base Stats: 105 HP / 85 Atk / 75 Def / 85 SpA / 75 SpD / 74 Spe
Abilities: Swift Swim / Poison Touch / Water Absorb
Seismitoad has finally come out of its pond and is now ready to lay carnage on the Pokemon world. Seismitoad has two predominate styles: hit fast and hard with Swift Swim, or tank hits all day with Water Absorb. With the addition of Stealth Rock, Seismitoad fits perfectly onto a Rain Dance team that is looking for a supporter and sweeper. In the rain, Seismitoad will outpace the opposition and drown them with a boosted Hydro Pump, or with its STABed Earth Power. Grass-type Pokemon aren't safe either, as Seismitoad can detonate a Sludge Bomb on them. Seismitoad doesn't even need partners to set the rain up, it can do by itself if needed. Seismitoad can also tank attacks day and night when on the defensive, easily swallowing Water-type attacks, and healing itself. Then Seismitoad can proceed to burn the opposition with a boiling Scald, or hit them from the bottom with Earth Power. Seismitoad also has access to Stealth Rock, which allows it to support itself and its teammates. Seismitoad can Knock Off valuable items such as Evolite and Choice items, which are valuable to its users. The only weakness shown is to Grass-type attacks, and even then with a Rindo Berry, Seismitoad can survive. Who know a tadpole could be so fearsome.
Serperior
Type: Grass
Base Stats: 75 HP / 75 Atk / 95 Def / 75 SpA / 95 SpD / 113 Spe
Abilities: Overgrow / Contrary (DW Unreleased)
Serperior has fantastic stat distribution and a solid movepool. With his blazing base 113 Spe and solid 75/95/95 defenses, it is no wonder why Serperior is one of the best subseeders in the NU tier. He can also abuse his defenses more with support moves like Taunt and Glare, and can even set up with Coil to boost his accuracy, Atk, and Def. With a ton of setup options like SD, CM, and the aforementioned Coil, Serperior is actually a tremendous offensive force, despite his woefully mediocre offenses. Unfortunately, his offensive movepool is a bit lacking, but it still has options like Leaf Blade, Giga Drain, Dragon Tail, and Hidden Power. Let's just wait until Contrary is released and we can fully abuse Leaf Storm, shall we?
Shelgon
Type: Dragon
Base Stats: 65 HP / 95 Atk / 100 Def / 60 SpA / 50 SpD / 50 Spe
Abilities: Rock Head / Overcoat
Shelgon's stellar Dragon typing grants Shelgon many useful resistances such as Fire, Water, Grass and Electric. Alongside its excellent base 100 Defense, meaning Shelgon can hold its own against some of NU's top physical attackers, not limited to: Emboar, Braviary, Sawk, Golem, and Absol. In fact, its physical defense rivals that of Tangela! Usually Shelgon will utilize a physically defensive set with Dragon Dance in order to bolster its Attack and Speed, while shrugging of most attacks thanks to its amazing defense. Shelgon has two forms of recovery at its disposal: ResTalk and Wish, usually, Shelgon will employ ResTalk to rid itself of status, such as Toxic or paralysis. After Shelgon has a few Dragon Dances under its belt, it will easily sweep any unprepared team, as its Dragon-type STAB is nearly unresisted in NU, due to Steel-types being a rarity in the tier. Additionally, Shelgon can use the combination of Wish and Protect, alongside Roar to wall and remove any set-up sweeper's accumulated boosts, or use Toxic to stall them out, alongside Wish and Protect.
Simipour
Typing: Water
Base Stats: 75 HP / 98 Atk / 63 Def / 98 SpA / 63 SpD / 101 Spe
Abilities: Gluttony /
Torrent (Unreleased)
The water monkey is a threat to everyone, with a blazing 101 Speed and a base 98 Special Attack it can wreak havoc to most teams. Often seen as an inferior Gorebyss; however, Simipour has unique attributes that differentiate it from its Water-type brethren. It can utilize Nasty Plot to hit hard and fast, often KOing anything that dares test the waters. A boosted Hydro Pump can cause massive holes in anything that doesn't resist it or is very bulky on the special side. Simipour has Ice Beam for the various Grass-type Pokemon that live in the NU tier, which can live from a boosted Hydro Pump. If opposing Water-type Pokemon are a problem, then Simipour can trip them to oblivion with Grass Knot. Simipour also has the choice to hit extremely hard from the get-go with Choice Specs, or outspeed everything in the NU metagame with Choice Scarf. While wearing Choice Scarf, Simipour can outspeed opposing Choice Scarfers and lay waste with Hydro Pump. Once Torrent is released, good luck surviving a Torrent boosted Hydro Pump.
***
Simisage
Typing: Grass
Base Stats: 75 HP / 98 Atk / 63 Def / 98 SpA / 63 SpD / 101 Spe
Abilities: Gluttony /
Overgrow (Unreleased)
The grass monkey is back from the jungles, and angry that its home is being cut down, and is taking it out on all the innocent Pokemon. With a blazing 101 Speed and a base 98 Special Attack, Simisage will send most Pokemon back to the jungle-where they belong. With access to Nasty Plot, Simisage will destroy anything that doesn't resist its moves, and even then opposing Pokemon will struggle to recover. A boosted Energy Ball or Leaf Storm will tear the grass off the earth, as it tears into the opposition. The Thorn Monkey also has Focus Blast to smash Steel-types who resist its Grass STAB, and to destroy Normal-type special walls, such as Lickilicky and Audino. To make the pain even worse, Simisage can utilize different Hidden Powers to maim what it sees fit. With its dazzling Speed, Simisage can set up a Substitute before the enemy can attack, or when the opponent switches Pokemon. Simisage can then utilize Leech Seed to drain the opponent's health, while healing itself. Pokemon thinking that the SubSeed set doesn't hit hard will think again will a Leaf Storm comes thundering their way. It can also use a certain Hidden Power type, usually Ice or Fire, to hit opposing Grass-types, who are immune to Leech Seed. Simisage can also drive defensive Pokemon crazy by using Taunt, which will then from healing off the damage. Once Overgrow is released, Leaf Storm boosted by Overgrow will be able to knock a city down.
Skuntank
Type: Dark / Poison
Base Stats: 103 HP / 93 Atk / 67 Def / 71 SpA / 61 SpA / 84 Spe
Abilities: Stench, Aftermath, Keen Eye
Skuntank has a very special niche in the NU tier. That niche is to be a Pursuit trapper. With unique Dark/Poison typing (shared only with Drapion and Skun's prevo Stunky) and decent 103 / 67 / 61 defenses, Skuntank can take hits due to only having one weakness, to Ground. With a solid movepool, Skuntank is among the tiers most accomplished Pursuit trappers. With strong moves like Pursuit, Sucker Punch, Crunch, and Poison Jab, Skuntank is a potent offensive threat. Skuntank is also known for his uncanny ability to ruin stall single handedly with his great typing and Taunt. Skuntank can also do other, less common, options such as Memento for a teammate, explode, or go mixed with Fire Blast or HP Grass. All in all, Skuntank is a fantastic stall breaker and Pursuit trapper in the NU tier.
[IMGhttp://www.smogon.com/download/sprites/bw/215.png[/IMG]
Sneasel
Type: Dark / Ice
Base Stats: 55 HP / 95 Atk / 55 Def / 35 SpA / 75 SpD / 115 Spe
Abilities: Inner Focus / Keen Eye / Pickpocket
Sneasel seems like it could be a top NU offensive threat. With STABs that give him a stronger Pursuit and great STAB priority in Ice Shard, but also gives him MANY weaknesses and few resistances. He resembles Cinccino stat wise, with mediocre 95 base Atk, blistering base 115 Spe, and poor defenses. Sneasel plays differantly however, as access to Ice Shard and high speed gives it an edge over other dark types, but without Sucker Punch or any remnamts still faces a lot of competition from the likes of Absol and Skuntank as a Pursuit trapper. Inner Focus is a pretty good ability though, albeit situational. Finally, Sneasel can run a devastating SD set, but he can find it diffacult to set up, and he still suffers due to his attacks lacking in power. Being forced to rely on 75 power attacks can leave you out to dry, especially with low Atk. Fortunately, the recent addition of Night Slash to his movepool gives him a little boost in his SD set.
Solrock
Typing: Rock / Psychic
Base Stats: 70 HP / 95 Atk / 85 Def / 55 SpA / 65 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Levitate
The Meteorite Pokemon is one unique floating rock. Resembling the sun, Solrock is able to fulfill some unique niches: a utility set, Trick Room supporter, and a Baton Passer. A Defensive Solrock is does justice it its extraterrestrial origins, with many resistances to capitalize on. Solrock's ability, Levitate, grants it immunity from Ground-type attacks, and both forms of Spikes. In addition, Solrock is now famous for its ability to wall NU's predominate physical attackers, such as Braviary, Swellow, and Zangoose. To add insult to walling, Solrock can burn the unfortunate physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp and then recover health with Morning Sun. In the meantime that its walling, Solrock has ample time to set up Stealth Rocks to punish the entire opposing team. In addition to being a superb physical tank, Solrock can utilize Trick Room to confuse the opposition's senses. After using Trick Room, Solrock can detonate and allow a teammate to knock the opponent into the stars. If this weren't enough, Solrock can also Baton Pass Rock Polish to a teammate. By using Baton Pass, Solrock can effectively bypass Dark-type Pokemon, who think they can knock the sun out of the sky. Solrock's base 95 Attack isn't for show, it can hit back hard with a Stone Edge, or complete the coverage with Earthquake. Underestimate the Solrock at your own peril, as its abilities are truly out of this world.
Swanna
Typing: Water / Flying
Base Stats: 75 HP / 87 Atk / 63 Def / 87 SpA / 63 SpD / 98 Spe
Abilities: Keen Eye / Big Pecks / Hydration
Swanna might not look as much at all, and it isn't in normal conditions either. However, in rain, Swanna is one of the deadliest abusers and late-game sweepers in NU. With rain falling down on it, Swanna hits incredibly hard with its STAB Surf, while it also gets an 100% accurate STAB Hurricane to abuse, heavily damaging the opponent with the chance of confusing it as well. And while Cryogonal might come in expecting to wall Swanna, it can go on the physically offensive with Brave Bird and its good-enough Attack stat to smash the ice mirror to pieces. To top it off, Swanna has a great Speed stat for the NU metagame, outspeeding common threats such as Sawsbuck and Haunter, while it has access to Roost for instant recovery and Ice Beam to put an end to Altaria
Swellow
Typing: Normal / Flying
Base Stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 60 Def / 50 SpA / 50 SpD / 125 Spe
Abilities: Guts /
Scrappy
Swellow is proof that being one-dimensional isn't such a bad thing, at least not when you do it so well! Even with a mediocre base 85 Attack stat, Swellow still makes for an excellent cleaner thanks to it's access to Guts and STAB Facade. Once Swellow's status orb activates it will be ready to bring the pain with a jaw droping 403 Attack, blazing fast 383 Speed, and devastating 140 and 120 Base Power STAB attacks in Facade and Brave Bird. As incredible as all of this seems, Swellow is easily stopped by the common Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon in NU such as Golem, Regirock, Carracosta, Armaldo, Probopass, Klang, and Mawile while being easily checked by priority users such as Samurott, Absol, Skuntank, Cacturne, and Piloswine. By keeping your Rock- or Steel-type alive through the match you can constantly come in to handle Swellow, while most likely setting up Stealth Rock in the process, hindering Swellow even further. Teams with Swellow are usually supported by Spikes to hurt the Pokemon that beat it, so packing a Rapid Spin user never hurts. Armaldo is not only the best Rapid Spin user in NU, but can set up Stealth Rock and use it's Rock-typing to slow down the speedster in its tracks.
Tangela
Type: Grass
Base Stats: 65 HP / 55 Atk / 115 Def / 100 SpA / 40 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Leaf Guard / Regenerator
NU is full of powerful physical attackers, and Tangela stands tall against them. With monstrous physical bulk courtesy of Eviolite, it easily shrugs off hits from common Pokemon like Sawk, Absol, and Golem. A good supportive movepool consisting of Sleep Powder, Leech Seed, and Knock Off, among others, can help it annoy opposing Pokemon, while its good Special Attack allows it to hit back effectively with Giga Drain or a Hidden Power of its choice. Tangela also boasts an incredible ability in Regenerator, which heals a third of its HP upon switching out. These features combine to make it an incredible physical wall that should warrant both preparation to take it on and consideration for a spot on your team.
Tauros
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 95 Def / 40 SpAtk / 75 SpDef / 110 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate / Anger Point /
Sheer Force
Tauros is one of the more notable Normal-types in NU. It's fast, powerful, and even has great physical bulk (especially when backed by Intimidate). Currently, one of the greatest things about it is how well it can revenge kill common offensive threats. With a Choice Scarf it outspeeds just about every Pokemon in the tier, and that base 100 Atk stat is nothing to laugh at. Tauros can use Retaliate to OHKO many Pokemon, including Cinccino, Rotom-S, and Emboar. CS Tauros will also run a mix of Return, Stone Edge, Earthquake, or Zen Headbutt for extra coverage on this set. Another set that is much more common is the Life Orb attacker, which forgoes Retaliate to run all of the previously mentioned attacks on one set (although it often runs Rock Climb over Return due to the Sheer Force + LO boosts). This variant of Tauros hits much harder than many other Normal-type attackers in the tier, pair this with its good speed and Tauros is able to easily clean up weakened teams and having the ability to sweep unprepared ones. Finally, beware of sets running a bulkier spread with Intimidate, as most physically oriented attackers will have an extremely hard time dealing with those versions of Tauros.
Throh
Type: Fighting
Base Stats: 120 HP / 100 Atk / 85 Def / 30 SpA / 85 SpD / 45 Spe
Ability: Guts / Inner Focus / Mold Breaker (Unreleased)
Hailed as the bulkiest Fighting-type, Throh is a phenomenal wall. With Bulk Up, it can become even more difficult to break while pumping up that already good base 100 Attack. Access to the rare Circle Throw is really what sets it apart, however; not only does it hurt the opponent, but it phazes them out as well, making it impossible for the opponent to set up alongside Throh. While Rest is unfortunately its only healing option, it can use RestTalk to continue its job while sleepinh. Thanks to Guts, the opponent will also be wary of wearing it down with Toxic or burn. Sadly, Bulk Up does nothing to improve its Special Defense, meaning most Psychic-types can do it in fairly easily. Powerful Flying-type sweepers, such as Swellow and Braviary, also take it out quickly.
Torkoal
Type: Fire
Base Stats: 70 HP / 85 Atk / 140 Def / 85 SpA / 70 SpD / 20 Spe
Abilities: White Smoke / Shell Armor
The Coal Pokemon is back for NU and is bulkier than ever. Torkoal's claim to fame is its access to Rapid Spin, which is severely lacking in NU. In addition to this, Torkoal has a massive base 140 Defense, which allows it to easily come in on many physical attackers and set up Stealth Rocks, or use Rapid Spin. Torkoal can also burn physical attackers with Lava Plume, and causes decent damage coming off of a base 85 Special Attack. Ghost-type Pokemon can't block Rapid Spin, because of the threat of Yawn, which threatens to incapacitate the spectral entity for the rest of the match. As long as the Coal Pokemon doesn't get hit with special attacks, it will survive long enough to spin and burn the opposition.
****
Toterra
Type: Grass / Ground
Base Stats: 95 HP / 109 Atk / 105 Def / 75 SpA / 85 SpD / 56 Spe
Abilities: Overgrow / Shell Armor
The Continent Pokemon is back to shake the earth with its mighty attacks. Torterra has rounded stats, excluding its Speed, that allows it to tank attacks, and dish the pain back. Torterra can outspeed the whole metagame -excluding Choice Scarf users- by using Rock Polish and smash it with STAB Wood Hammer and Earthquake. It also has Stone Edge to knock the Flying-types out of the sky. Torterra can also shatter the walls in NU with the Choice Band set. Not much will be able to withstand a STAB Choice Banded Wood Hammer or Earthquake. Since Torterra has excellent Defenses, it can also be durable physical wall that retaliates when aggravated. Add the fact that Torterra has reliable recovery from Synthesis, it will be a moving continent for a long time.
Ursaring
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 90 HP / 130 Atk / 75 Def / 75 SpAtk / 75 SpDef / 55 Spe
Abilities: Guts / Quick Feet /
Unnerve
Lovingly given the nickname "Village Crusher," Ursaring is one of the best physical attackers in the entirety of NU. Ursaring functions as either an offensive sweeper or as an unforgiving wall-breaker, and shines either way. Ursaring's standard sets function similarly to Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets, in that Ursaring's abilities function like those items. Ursaring is basically placed on a timer due to Flame / Toxic Orb, but at the expense of HP it gains the ability to abuse its boosted stats and switch attacks. With Guts, Ursaring boosts its monstrous base 130 Atk stat to insane levels, making it powerful enough to OHKO a large chunk of the metagame (don't forget that some sets also run Swords Dance for further boosting). With Quick Feet, Ursaring boosts its mediocre base 55 Spe stat to competitive levels and functions more like Zangoose. Both of Ursaring's sets focus on boosted Facades for maximum damage, while employing Close Combat and Crunch for coverage options, and rounding out the sets by choosing either Protect or Swords Dance.
Finally, Ursaring can use the ultimate gimmick, Choice Specs-boosted Hyper Beam, which while being seemingly insane, actually hits harder than Altaria's Draco Meteor!
Vigoroth
Typing: Normal
Base Stats: 80 HP / 80 Atk / 80 Def / 55 SpA / 55 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Vital Spirit
Slaking's younger brother is back, and here to redeem his lazy brother. Vigoroth is one of those Pokemon that doesn't hit very hard at first, but if he sets up then there will be snowball effect, as Vigoroth will grow stronger and stronger. With Evolite, Vigoroth's Defenses are boosted even higher, and will be difficult to break on the physical side. Bulk Up Vigoroth is analogous to a snowball coming down a large, snowy hill. He has Return for STAB or Body Slam for paralysis. Vigoroth can utilize Earthquake or Brick Break to round out the coverage with its STAB, by hitting Poison-, Rock-, Steel-, and Normal-types super effectively, depending on the chosen move. He also gets worse, because Vigoroth has Sucker Punch to hit first and end the battle quickly, or he can drive defensive Pokemon crazy by Taunting their recovery and utility moves. Vigoroth can utilize the combination of Taunt + Toxic to break stall, and with reliable recovery with Slack Off, it can beat a stall team by itself. If there are no Ghost-type Pokemon, something is gonna be hurt.
Victreebel
Typing: Grass / Poison
Stats: 80 HP / 105 Atk / 65 Def / 100 SpA / 60 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll / Gluttony
Victreebel has the ability to perform in every tier, from OU to NU and everything in between. In NU, Victreebel really makes its mark, with access to both Growth and Swords Dance. Victreebel is most dangrous in the sun, and will not lighten up because the sun is shining. In the sun, Growth boosts Victreebel's Attack and Special Attack by two stages, making it a very dangrous threat. Solarbeam has no recharge period, and with STAB will leave a scorching hole in anything that doesn't resist it. Weather Ball is a coverage move to slam the numerous Grass-types that resist Solarbeam. Victreebel can utilize its secondary STAB with Sludge Bomb to hit Fire-types neutrally. Victreebel can forgo Sludge Bomb and use Sleep Powder to incapacitate a Pokemon for the rest of the match. Victreebel can also use Swords Dance and hit hard from the physical side, with or without sun. With a STAB Leaf Blade to cut the opposition into pieces, and Sucker Punch to hit faster threats, should the sun be gone.
Vileplume
Type: Grass / Poison
Base Stats: 75 HP / 80 Atk / 85 Def / 100 SpAtk / 90 SpDef / 50 Spe
Abilities: Chlorophyll /
Effect Spore
Vileplume is one of the more interesting (if not that impressive) Pokemon in NU. Its only real niche is that of an offensive Grass-type cleric, able to support the team both with Aromatherapy and with its offensive options: Sludge Bomb and Giga Drain. Effect Spore is also a handy ability for it, as Vileplume will often be switching into physical hits. Vileplume's decent defensive typing allows it to net free switches quite often, after which it can either heal its entire team of status, fire off a strong attack (base 100 SpAtk allows it to always hit relatively hard), or use one of its other supporting options, such as Sleep Powder, Moonlight, Leech Seed, Toxic, or even Stun Spore. Unfortunately, Vileplume cannot do much else on in terms of a more defensive or offensive set, as Amoonguss is a better defensive Pokemon and Victreebel is a better offensive Pokemon. Don't let Vileplume's small niche fool you though, it can work on any style of team, and can be tough to take down under the right circumstances.
***
Volbeat
Typing: Bug
Base Stats: 65 HP / 73 Atk / 55 Def / 47 SpA / 75 SpD / 85 Spe
Abilites: Illuminate / Swarm / Prankster
Volbeat finally got the buffs that he wanted. Tail Glow nows boosts three stages, and Prankster lets Volbeat utilize his support movepool well. Volbeat by itself is not threatening, but when partnered with a special attacker then it gets dangerous. Volbeat is capable of Baton Passing a +3 Special Attack boost to a partner, which will spell the end of almost everything. When combined with priority Substitute, Thunder Wave or Encore, allows Volbeat to sweep the opponent around. In addition to passing massive boosts, Volbeat can also conjure up the sun or rain, and help other Pokemon sweep in their favorite weather.
Wartortle
Type: Water
Base Stats: 59 HP / 63 Atk / 80 Def / 65 SpAtk / 80 SpDef / 58 Spe
Abilities: Torrent /
Rain Dish
Usually neglected (and even ridiculed) due to its dismal offenses, Wartortle is one of the few viable users of Rapid Spin in NU. Wartortle is special as a spinner for a variety of reasons: It is not weak to Stealth Rock, it usually plays with a defensive set (or rather, it's forced to), it has access to a variety of support options, and it has a solid defensive typing in Water. Wartortle is mainly used by more defensive teams, and can occasionally be found on a balanced team. Wartortle's bread and butter set focuses on Rapid Spin, while featuring useful support options such as Scald, Haze, and Yawn. These allow Wartortle to burn physical attackers, stop boosting, and pseudo-phaze while making sure hazards are removed from your side of the field.
Wartortle can run a physically or specially bulky set as its defenses are even, but it's usually better off running EV's on the special side due to its resistances to common special attacking types. Stick with Wartortle's standard set, as more offensive variants will always be outclassed by Armaldo or Torkoal. Also be weary of spin-blockers, as Wartortle has a hard time beating any of them one-on-one.
Weezing
Typing: Poison
Base Stats: 65 HP / 90 Atk / 120 Def / 85 SpA / 70 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilites: Levitate
Weezing is an infamous physical Wall, able to stop anything that doesn't pack a Psychic-type attack. With one of its weaknesses gone with Levitate, leaves only Psychic-type attacks as its weakness, but Psychic-type attacks are generally special attacks, which Weezing has no business being around. Physical attackers cannot hope to bypass Weezing because it is able to burn the opposition with Will-O-Wisp and heal itself with Pain Split by leeching off the opposing Pokemon. Continously setting up is fruitless against Weezing because it can erase all stat boosts with Clear Smog. Weezing is no slouch offensively, with a STAB Sludge Bomb damaging and poisoning everything but Steel-type Pokemon.
Zangoose
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 73 HP / 115 Atk / 60 Def / 60 SpA / 60 SpD / 90 Spe
Abilities: Immunity / Toxic Boost
Zangoose does one thing and one thing only. That is smash everything that gets in his way. Whether you go for a 4 attack or SD set, Zangoose has extreme power thanks to his recently released ability, Toxic Boost. With perfect coverage and a 140 base power no-drawbacks STAB move and STAB priority, Zangoose is public enemy #1 in NU. However, even with his massive power, speed, and coverage, Zangoose is in no way unstoppable due to his paper thin defenses. Also, Zangoose is forced to either give up on the power from SD, or give up on the coverage granted by Night Slash. All in all though, Zangoose is a massive threat headlined by it's rare cobination of speed, power, and coverage.
http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/zebstrika
Typing: Electric
Base Stats: 75 HP / 100 Atk / 63 Def / 80 SpA / 63 SpD / 116 Spe
Abilities: Lightningrod / Motor Drive / Sap Sipper
Despite only being used rarely in the past, Zebstrika has recently become a top threat in the NU tier. Why? Zebstrika has a combination of incredible speed, moves such as Overheat and Volt Switch, and a great ability in Lightningrod that make it the perfect scarfer. Due to its base 116 Speed Zebstrika can revenge kill a wide variety of threats, boosted or otherwise, including but not limited to, Gorebyss, Swellow, Braviary, and most Swift Swim Pokemon. Its not all bright and sunny for our zebra friend, though. despite being one of the fastest Pokemon in the tier, its Special Attack is only a modest 80, meaning Zebstrika has major trouble breaking through specially defensive threats. Despite this crippling flaw, Zebstrika is still an excellent revenge killer, and should always be considered if your team has problems with very fast Pokemon.
Zweilous
Typing: Dark / Dragon
Base Stats: 72 HP / 85 Atk / 70 Def / 65 SpA / 70 SpD / 58 Spe
Abilities: Hustle
Zweilous is one most powerful Dragon-type Pokemon in the game, thanks to Hustle boosting its Attack to a near Godly level. Its Outrage, which is backed by a base 152 Attack, is second to only Kyurem-B. Paired with Evolite, Zweilous is a nuke on wheels. Nothing can stand to the power of Outrage, only the bulkiest of Pokemon can hope to stand to this Dark Dragon and not be utterly crippled. Zweilous can also utilize its secondary Dark-type STAB with Crunch, devestating Psychic- and Ghost-type Pokemon. For coverage, Zweilous can burn Steel-types, who are the only Pokemon capable of withstanding an Outrage, with Fire Fang. Switching out from Zweilous isn't a good idea either, because then it has the chance to set-up a Substitute, which will make stopping the Dragon even harder. Zweilous can also shuffle the opposing team around with a STAB boosted Dragon Tail. All this power does come at a cost, if Lady Luck is not on Zweilous's side, then it cannot hit the opponent, because of Hustle's side effect.
