Why BWPUAAATD is a better tier than SV OU
For those that don’t know, BWPUAAATD (Black/White PU Almost Any Ability Twisted Dimensions) is a low tiers old gen om mashup invented by iexistyoudont and aquilo. Originally starting as a joke, the metagame adapted and evolved to top tier threats like marowak, duosion and the omnipresent curse. Since it was created around 2 months ago, the tier has prospered, and the discord now has more than 20 members. Noteworthy players include storm zone, ultrapeng (he played wcop apparently?) and blunder has discussed the tier. In this essay, I will be arguing why BWPUAAATD is a better metagame than SV OU, and therefore why it has prospered in such a short time period and has become a better tier than SV OU.
First, I will be mentioning the banlist and ban history of the tier. Before the first game was even played, regigigas and slaking were banned due to high base stats, but no longer being hindered by a bad ability. Other immediate bans were all items that halve speed, as they ruin the nature of twisted dimensions. The next ban to come was munchlax, due to an unbreakable curse set, as well as a very strong guts+facade set. Then, a significant meta shift took place. The council voted to quickban curse. This led to munchlax being freed, and balance becoming prevalent in the meta. Then, solosis and duosion came along. With 105/125 base special attack stats respectively, they were extremely powerful breakers. By utilising sheer force, they were able to 2hko the entire tier, leading to them being banned. Beheyeem has remained in the tier due to the fact that it is relatively slow. Marowak was banned because 80 base attack + thick club made switching into it impossible, invalidating defensive playstyles. Deep Sea Tooth was banned as clamperl had essentially no switchins, and light clay was banned due to screens breaking the format. This leads us to where the tier is today, with a metagame divided between spikestack fat, and offense.
My first argument is the variety of the tier. Due to the nature of AAA, there is significantly more variety in the tier, and new top tier threats and walls are being discovered every day. As a prime example of this, solar power slugma, despite being and LC mon, has seen a surge in usage after Delibird Heart had success with a solar power set, paired with the commonly used drought sunflora. This offensive combo was able to dismantle fat teams that didn’t have adequate checks, and slugma was slow enough to outrun every defensive pokemon. Another example of this is torterra. By utilising poison heal, torterra can take advantage of the prevalent toxic and tank physical hits for longer. By pairing with a drought user, between synthesis and poison heal, torterra is able to recover 80% of its hp per turn, making it difficult to break. Using roar and withdraw means that other pokemon are not able to set up on it. While some could argue that the tier has less variety because gen 9 simply has so many more pokemon, this argument lacks merit as a significant portion of these pokemon are completely unviable, and few pokemon below UU see regular play in OU. Whereas in BWPUAAATD, a far greater fraction of pokemon can work, as even NFEs and LCs have low speed, giving them some form of niche in the tier. This increased variety leads to a healthier metagame, and prevents polarisation of standard archetypes. In SV, HO is undeniably the dominant archetype with major threats like roaring moon, dragonite, kingambit, and a plethora of other threats. This is made worse by the usage of the sticky web strategy, allowing powerful pokemon like raging bolt to get past their usual low speed and break through unprepared teams. In comparison to previous generations, balance is at a low point in viability. However, in BWPUAAATD, every archetype from hazard stack to HO to stall is completely viable. In this metagame, spike stacking is a common strategy, being able to beat unprepared teams. This leads me on to my first counterpoint as to why BWPUAAATD is better than SV OU.
One of the main reasons that people believe BWPUAAATD isn’t a good metagame is due to the lack of hazard removal. Defog doesn’t clear your own hazards in gen 5, and there aren’t that many rapid spinners. While this could seem like a critical issue for a new tier, the hazard situation isn’t as bad as it looks. The large majority of SV OU teams run hazard removal (except for HO), and the same applies in BWPUAAATD. The main spinners are regenerator refresh squirtle, and scrappy sandshrew/tentacool. Squirtle is a bulky eviolite pokemon that can run either spdef or pdef. It makes use of regenerator to stay healthy, refresh to avoid toxic, a very strong stab in scald and foresight to beat spinblockers. This has made it one of the best pokemon in the tier, as it can consistently remove hazards. Another good hazard removal option is tentacruel. Despite low physical defense, 100 base special defense when coupled with eviolite is extremely bulky. However, tentacool doesn’t have foresight, meaning it has to rely on the ability scrappy in order to prevent being spinblocked. This means it has to run rest as recovery, making it slightly less usable. Sandshrew’s niche is swords dance, as it can rapid spin while also remove eviolites with knock off and maintain offensive pressure with swords dance and earthquake. Between these 3 and other fringe options, hazards are not a major problem in BWPUAAATD
My second argument as to why BWPUAAATD is better than SV OU is that the tier in general is more fun than SV OU. While this is a subjective opinion, almost everyone that has played BWPUAAATD has said they found it more enjoyable than SV OU. This can be attributed to several factors, such as BWPUAAATD having less HO, making it in general a more enjoyable experience for players that prefer balance. However, it could also be attributed to the OU council’s failure to acknowledge that general public enjoyment for the tier is not exactly high either. Everyone seems to have different opinions on what is broken, with pokemon like kyurem, ogerpon-wellspring, roaring moon and occasionally raging bolt being named. The other elephant in the room that has not yet been dealt with is tera. If tera was banned, pokemon like regieleki and volcarona would return to the tier. This in turn has benefits, like volcarona reducing the usage of substitute + protect kyurem. If SV OU was more enjoyable, people wouldn’t have to seek out an alternative tier to play. This conclusively proves why BWPUAAATD is so popular among people that have heard of it.
The reason the tier has prospered in such a short time is due to efficient marketing campaigns (ask stallcord), a council that bans things that clearly aren’t healthy for the metagame (“cough cough”) and people generally enjoying the tier while playing it. This has allowed the tier to grow 2000% from its original size.
Since I feel like I am not able to convey the enjoyability of the tier without more information, I have put together a sets compendium for every pokemon in and above the B tier on the viability rankings. I hope you enjoy reading it!
The metagame of BWPUAAATD (Black/White PU Almost Any Ability Twisted Dimensions) offers a fascinating blend of creativity, strategy, and variety. Each Pokémon brings unique strengths and niches to the table, making the tier an enjoyable and competitive experience. This essay will examine every Pokémon ranked B and above on the viability rankings (VR), exploring their roles, strengths, and contributions to the tier.
S+ Tier
Shuckle dominates the metagame as the ultimate utility Pokémon. With its unmatched bulk and access to Gastro Acid, it defines the pace of many games. Shuckle’s high defensive stats combined with abilities like Regenerator make it a nightmare for defensive teams. Additionally, its ability to lay down Stealth Rock and Toxic ensures it pressures opposing teams effectively. Shuckle’s low speed becomes an asset under Twisted Dimensions, allowing it to outspeed every pokemon (only tieing with munchlax). Its movepool, which includes Encore and Knock Off, gives it the tools to disrupt opponents further. Shuckle’s durability ensures it remains relevant throughout battles, making it an essential pick for hazard control and disruption. Its secondary set is substitute power trick. Utilising its base 230 def -> base 230 attack, using life orb and stabs like rock blast and bug bite it is able to OHKO a signficant portion of the tier, winning games based on surprise factor.
S Tier
Trapinch’s niche stems from its low speed (2nd lowest in the tier), allowing it to underspeed and eliminate key threats. Its low speed under Twisted Dimensions ensures it can reliably outspeed most foes and secure critical KOs. Trapinch often runs an Adamant nature with a Choice Band to maximize its Attack, utilizing moves like Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Crunch to deal with a variety of targets. Additionally, Trapinch can function as a wallbreaker against defensive cores, removing pivotal support Pokémon. Despite its frailty, its role as a revenge killer and utility breaker makes it indispensable on offensive and balanced teams alike. Its ability to dismantle key threats such as opposing hazard setters and sweepers makes it a must-have in certain team compositions. Trapinch also can use download life orb, to boost damage further. This is a more common set, as trapinch prefers not to be choice-locked.
Munchlax’s bulk and versatility have made it a central figure in the tier. With access to serene grace + headbutt and the ability to run powerful offensive sets with Guts, it’s a fearsome presence. Serene grace work up sets allow it to become nearly unwallable after a few boosts, with a 60% flinch chance being able to muscle through every wall (barring shuckle). Its Guts set can take advantage of status moves, turning burns and toxics into an Attack boost while spamming a powerful Facade. Munchlax’s low speed is a real asset in the tier, as the only way to reliably deal with it is to wait for burn to kill it.
S- Tier
Cubone’s offensive potential is unlocked by the Thick Club, which doubles its Attack. Under Twisted Dimensions, its low speed ensures it moves first against most threats. Cubone can break through even the bulkiest walls with its powerful STAB Earthquake, supplemented by Rock Slide and Fire Punch for coverage, as well as mold breaker to defeat levitate pokemon. It’s often used as a dedicated physical breaker, and Substitute can protect it from status while easing prediction. Cubone’s synergy with hazard setters and screens further enhances its ability to sweep. Its frailty is mitigated by careful team support, allowing it to consistently pressure opponents. Cubone can also run Knock Off to remove Eviolites from defensive Pokémon, further improving its matchup against bulky teams. It can also use technician to power up bonemerang and other moves, making it a 150BP stab, therefore much harder to switch into.
Lileep thrives as a bulky wall, especially when utilizing abilities like Sand Stream or Magic Guard. It’s an excellent check to many Water- and Electric-types, absorbing status and special attacks with ease. Lileep’s access to Recover or Synthesis ensures its longevity, while Giga Drain provides offensive presence and healing. Toxic rounds out its movepool, allowing it to pressure both offensive and defensive teams. Lileep’s synergy with hazard setters and ability to wall key threats make it an invaluable part of balanced and stall archetypes. Its physically defensive sets with magic guard and barrier become a win-condition after special attackers on the opposing side are defeated. Sand stream specially defensive is noted for being an extremely tanky special wall, taking only 40% from the notorious choice specs octillery water spout, as well as chipping it down with sand.
Beheeyem’s massive Special Attack stat and access to Sheer Force make it one of the premier special breakers in the tier. Its ability to 2HKO most of the metagame ensures it’s a constant offensive threat. Psychic and Thunderbolt are staples of its moveset, with Signal Beam and Energy Ball providing crucial coverage. Beheeyem can also use Recover to extend its longevity, allowing it to break through defensive cores over the course of a match. Its adaptability ensures it remains a top-tier threat. Additionally, Beheeyem can run either a nasty plot set to beat fatter teams that aren’t running an unaware pokemon, or a bulkier recover + calm mind set utilising magic bounce to ward off status moves.
A+ Tier
Magcargo’s unique typing and access to utility moves like Stealth Rock and Will-O-Wisp make it a solid support option. Its ability to wall certain physical attackers, such as Torterra and Lairon, is complemented by its Fire Blast or Lava Plume to punish switch-ins. Magcargo’s ability to spread burns and set hazards ensures it plays a pivotal role on many defensive teams. It can also use Toxic to cripple bulky Water-types and Recover to maintain its longevity. Despite its low speed, Magcargo’s role as a utility tank is unmatched in certain matchups. It also has access to Clear Smog, which allows it to counter setup sweepers effectively, preventing them from snowballing through teams. It can also be used offensively, as it’s high special attack coupled with low speed and potentially solar power allows it to become incredibly powerful under sun.
Boldore’s bulk and ability to set up hazards make it a staple on many teams. It often runs abilities like Adaptability to enhance its damage, and its strong Rock STAB in Rock Slide or Head Smash allows it to deal significant damage. Boldore can also use Explosion as a way to pivot out while applying pressure. Paired with reliable teammates, Boldore’s ability to also tank hits and set hazards ensures it plays a crucial role in shaping the battlefield. Additionally, it can utilize Toxic to cripple opposing walls, making it a more versatile hazard setter that can pressure both offensive and defensive teams.
Pineco excels as a lead with access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its ability to utilize Rapid Spin and Explosion provides immense utility, making it a common sight on hazard-stacking teams. Pineco often runs mold breaker to beat magic bounce, or magic guard to be immune to toxic. Toxic can provide additional support against defensive teams. Paired with defensive backbones, Pineco’s ability to control hazards makes it an indispensable part of many team archetypes. Its access to Pain Split can also provide some form of recovery, allowing it to stick around longer in battles and maintain hazard pressure.
Throh’s bulk and access to powerful Fighting-type moves make it an excellent check to many physical attackers. It can run sets with Scrappy, Adaptability or Sniper, adding versatility to its toolkit. Throh’s Circle Throw allows it to disrupt setup sweepers and spread hazard damage, while its bulk ensures it can tank hits consistently. Paired with RestTalk + scrappy sets, Throh can outlast opponents while applying consistent pressure. Its synergy with hazard setters and ability to check Steel- and Rock-types make it a key player in the metagame. Throh’s ability to utilize Knock Off further increases its utility, removing crucial items from opposing Pokémon and ensuring it remains a versatile threat. Choice banded sets utilise either adaptability for a stronger superpower, or sniper to take advantage of gen 5 crits being 2x, turning storm throw into a 120BP spammable stab.
Sunflora’s niche lies in its synergy with Drought setters. Solar Power turns it into a monstrous special attacker under sun, capable of dismantling slower teams. Sunflora’s access to Giga Drain ensures it can sustain itself, while Hidden Power Fire and Earth Power provide coverage against key threats. Despite its frailty, Sunflora’s offensive presence under sun cannot be overstated, and its ability to punch holes in defensive cores makes it a valuable asset on sun teams. Additionally, Sunflora can run Growth under sun to further amplify its offensive potential, making it a deadly sweeper in the right conditions. Some sunfloras opt for a bulkier set, using leftovers and drought to try and last for longer.
A Tier
Timburr’s combination of bulk and priority in Mach Punch make it a reliable offensive and defensive presence. Timburr often runs Drain Punch for sustained damage and healing, with Knock Off providing utility and coverage. Bulk Up sets allow it to become a win condition, while its natural bulk ensures it can take hits from offensive threats. Timburr’s adaptability ensures it remains a staple on many teams. Additionally, its access to Ice Punch allows it to target Flying- and Grass-types, giving it even greater coverage and utility. It also has STAB-boosted hammer arm, enabling it to lower its speed and attempt to win games on the spot.
Tentacool’s role as a hazard remover is critical. With Scrappy and Rapid Spin, it bypasses spinblockers, while its access to Scald and Toxic Spikes adds utility. Tentacool’s ability to spread burns and poison makes it a great support option, and its decent special bulk allows it to check many special attackers. Rest sets r enhance its longevity, ensuring it remains a consistent presence throughout battles. Tentacool’s ability to control hazards and status ensures it’s a valuable part of many teams. It can also utilize Haze to reset stat changes, making it a great counter to setup sweepers.
Pawniard’s access to powerful STAB moves, priority in Sucker Punch, and utility with Knock Off make it a versatile offensive presence. Its Steel/Dark typing provides valuable resistances, and it can effectively check Psychic- and Ghost-types. Pawniard often runs Swords Dance to become a potent sweeper, with Iron Head and Brick Break providing crucial coverage. Its synergy with hazard setters ensures it can capitalize on chip damage to sweep late-game. Pawniard can also use Substitute to block status moves, allowing it to set up more reliably against defensive teams.
Elgyem acts as a budget/secondary Beheeyem. Its decent bulk and Special Attack make it a threat when properly supported. Elgyem’s movepool includes Psychic, Thunderbolt, and Signal Beam, allowing it to hit a variety of targets effectively. Recover sets enhance its longevity, while Nasty Plot can turn it into a devastating special sweeper. Despite its lower base stats compared to Beheeyem, Elgyem’s niche ensures it remains a viable choice. Additionally, it can utilize Shadow Ball to target Ghost-types, making it harder to counter. Calm mind recover sets are less common due to lower bulk, but this can be bypassed with eviolite
Litwick’s unique typing and access to Trick Room make it a viable offensive threat. It’s an excellent counter to Grass- and Bug-types while providing utility with moves like Will-O-Wisp. Litwick often runs Fire Blast and Shadow Ball for STAB coverage, with Energy Ball rounding out its movepool. Its ability to cripple physical attackers with burns and provide a late-game sweeping option ensures it’s a valuable team member. Litwick can also run Calm Mind to boost its Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a potent special tank and offensive threat under the right circumstances.
Octillery’s versatility lies in its expansive movepool and adaptability to multiple roles. With abilities like Drizzle or Mold Breaker, it can function as a nuke, utilizing STAB moves like Hydro Pump and Water Spoutt to great effect. Octillery also has access to Ice Beam and Energy Ball, allowing it to target Grassl-types effectively. Its ability to run Choice Specs sets ensures it can OHKO essentially the entire tier, and it can pivot into physical threats with proper prediction. Octillery’s unique offensive pressure makes it a staple.
Torterra thrives as both a bulky offensive threat and a reliable Stealth Rock setter. Its Grass/Ground typing gives it useful resistances, and abilities like Poison Heal enhance its offensive potential. Torterra often runs sets with Roar, Earthquake, and Synthesis, which allow it to pressure a wide range of threats. Under Twisted Dimensions, Torterra’s relatively low speed becomes an asset, enabling it to outspeed and KO faster Pokémon. Its synergy with hazard setters and ability to check Electric-types ensures it remains a valuable team member.
Yamask functions as a defensive pivot and utility option, with access to moves like Will-O-Wisp, Iron Defense, and Night Shade. Its unique typing allows it to check Normal- and Fighting-types effectively, and its ability to cripple physical attackers with will-o-wisp ensures it can disrupt physical sweepers. Yamask’s access to Rest + Hydration gives it some form of recovery, and Night Shade allows for consistent damage. Paired with hazard setters, Yamask can control the tempo of games, ensuring it’s a valuable asset for defensive and balanced teams.
A- Tier
Slowpoke’s defensive capabilities and access to Regenerator make it a reliable pivot in the metagame. With Scald to spread burns, Slack Off for recovery, and Psychic for STAB damage, Slowpoke can handle many physical and special threats. It often functions as a counter to Fighting-types and a support Pokémon with Toxic to cripple threats. Its synergy with defensive cores ensures it remains a staple on balanced teams.
Rampardos’s massive Attack stat and access to Magic Guard make it one of the hardest-hitting physical attackers in the tier. Under Twisted Dimensions, its low speed becomes an asset, allowing it to sweep effectively with Head Smash, Earthquake, and Ice Beam for Torterra. Rampardos can also run hammer arm to lower it’s own speed and try to sweep. Despite its frailty, Rampardos’s offensive presence ensures it’s a major threat when properly supported.
Audino thrives as a special wall and support Pokémon, utilizing its bulk and Regenerator/Magic Guard ability to tank hits and pivot effectively. Wish and Heal Bell provide team support, while Knock Off and Hyper Voice offer utility and offensive options. Audino can also use Calm Mind sets to function as a bulky special attacker, ensuring it remains versatile in a variety of team compositions.
Slugma serves as a utility option with access to Stealth Rock, Will-O-Wisp, and Recover. Its Fire typing allows it to check Bug- and Grass-types effectively, and its synergy with hazard setters ensures it remains a valuable team member. Slugma can also utilize Clear Smog to reset stat changes, making it a counter to setup sweepers. It can also run an offensive set, utilising solar power under sun, as shown by aquilo.
Zweilous’s unique typing and bulk makes it a good defensive pokemon. By using unaware, it is able to completely wall sunflora, and phase pokemon out using the move Dragon Tail, in order to try and rack up hazard damage over time. With a secondary STAB in Crunch, and recovery in RestTalk, Zweilous is a defensive staple.
B+ Tier
Koffing’s utility and bulk make it a solid defensive option. With Levitate, it avoids Ground-type moves, and its access to Will-O-Wisp and Toxic Spikes ensures it can spread status effectively. Koffing’s ability to check physical attackers like Timburr and Torterra ensures it remains a staple on defensive teams. Sludge Bomb provides offensive presence, while Pain Split offers a form of recovery.
Lairon’s typing and access to Levitate make it a reliable defensive pokemon. It often runs rock slide for stab, RestTalk and Roar. Its ability to tank physical hits ensures it can handle many physical attackers. Lairon’s synergy with hazard setters and defensive cores makes it a valuable team member.
Articuno thrives as a special wall and utility option, utilizing Roost, Heal Bell, and Hurricane to provide support and offensive pressure. Its Ice/Flying typing allows it to check Grass- and Bug-types effectively, and its ability to spread status with Toxic ensures it can control the tempo of games. Articuno’s ability to pivot with U-turn makes it a versatile asset for balanced teams. The only downside to articuno is that it is forced to run magic guard due to a 4x weakness to stealth rock.
Geodude excels as an attacker with adaptability, able to use powerful STABs like stone edge or earthquake, making the most of its base 80 attack stat. It is often used with a choice band item to maximise damage
Kecleon’s high special defense and access to recover make it a defensive threat. It can utilize a wide movepool, including Knock Off, Toxic, and Ice Beam, to target a variety of threats. Kecleon’s bulk ensures it can tank hits, while it often runs regenerator / a weather ability to increase longevity or disrupt weather strategies. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in the metagame.
B Tier
Hippopotas serves as a reliable utility Pokémon with access to Stealth Rock, Slack Off, and Roar. Its Intimidate ability allows it to wall physical attackers better, while others opt for a water absorb ability to be immune to the common move scald. Hippopotas’s bulk ensures it can tank hits, while its ability to spread status with Toxic makes it a valuable support option.
Corphish’s offensive potential is unlocked by Adaptability, allowing its STAB moves to hit incredibly hard. Crabhammer offers a powerful offensive option. Corphish’s synergy with hazard setters ensures it can clean up late-game effectively. Despite its frailty, Corphish’s offensive presence makes it a valuable team member.
Ursaring’s Guts ability and massive Attack stat make it a devastating wallbreaker. Facade and Close Combat are staples of its moveset, allowing it to handle a wide range of threats. Ursaring. Its synergy with Trick Room teams ensures it remains a viable choice in the metagame, as it is able to outspeed the entire tier and OHKO it with facade under trick room.
Squirtle’s utility and bulk make it a reliable Rapid Spin user. With Scald to spread burns, Toxic to cripple opponents, and Foresight to prevent spinblocking for coverage, Squirtle can handle a variety of threats. Its ability to control hazards and provide support ensures it’s a valuable team member for defensive and balanced archetypes. It also uses refresh to avoid being statused
Bronzor thrives as a defensive wall with access to Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Psywave. Its Steel/Psychic typing gives it key resistances (notably beheeyem), and its Levitate ability ensures it avoids Ground-type moves. Bronzor’s bulk allows it to check many threats effectively, and its synergy with hazard setters ensures it remains a valuable team member.
Banette’s niche lies in its offensive presence and utility. With access to Shadow Claw, Knock Off, and Will-O-Wisp, Banette can function as a disruptive and offensive threat. Its ability to check Psychic-types and provide utility with status moves ensures it’s a valuable asset on certain teams. Banette can also run prankster destiny bond to counter offensive sweepers.
Upon request, sets for the rest of the viability rankings will be provided. If any shifts in the viability ranking occur, the above message will be changed accordingly.
If you wish to learn more about the tier, information is available in the discord, and out of the kindness of my heart I will provide information about sets/pokemon upon request.
Have a good day,
Waffle
just in case it wasnt clear.
Why BWPUAAATD is a better tier than SV OU
For those that don’t know, BWPUAAATD (Black/White PU Almost Any Ability Twisted Dimensions) is a low tiers old gen om mashup invented by iexistyoudont and aquilo. Originally starting as a joke, the metagame adapted and evolved to top tier threats like marowak, duosion and the omnipresent curse. Since it was created around 2 months ago, the tier has prospered, and the discord now has more than 40 members. Noteworthy players include storm zone, ultrapeng (he played wcop apparently?) and blunder has discussed the tier. In this essay, I will be arguing why BWPUAAATD is a better metagame than SV OU, and therefore why it has prospered in such a short time period and has become a better tier than SV OU.
First, I will be mentioning the banlist and ban history of the tier. Before the first game was even played, regigigas and slaking were banned due to high base stats, but no longer being hindered by a bad ability. Other immediate bans were all items that halve speed, as they ruin the nature of twisted dimensions. The next ban to come was munchlax, due to an unbreakable curse set, as well as a very strong guts+facade set. Then, a significant meta shift took place. The council voted to quickban curse. This led to munchlax being freed, and balance becoming prevalent in the meta. Then, solosis and duosion came along. With 105/125 base special attack stats respectively, they were extremely powerful breakers. By utilising sheer force, they were able to 2hko the entire tier, leading to them being banned. Beheyeem has remained in the tier due to the fact that it is relatively slow. Marowak was banned because 80 base attack + thick club made switching into it impossible, invalidating defensive playstyles. Deep Sea Tooth was banned as clamperl had essentially no switchins, and light clay was banned due to screens breaking the format. This leads us to where the tier is today, with a metagame divided between spikestack fat, and offense.
My first argument is the variety of the tier. Due to the nature of AAA, there is significantly more variety in the tier, and new top tier threats and walls are being discovered every day. As a prime example of this, solar power slugma, despite being and LC mon, has seen a surge in usage after Delibird Heart had success with a solar power set, paired with the commonly used drought sunflora. This offensive combo was able to dismantle fat teams that didn’t have adequate checks, and slugma was slow enough to outrun every defensive pokemon. Another example of this is torterra. By utilising poison heal, torterra can take advantage of the prevalent toxic and tank physical hits for longer. By pairing with a drought user, between synthesis and poison heal, torterra is able to recover 80% of its hp per turn, making it difficult to break. Using roar and withdraw means that other pokemon are not able to set up on it. While some could argue that the tier has less variety because gen 9 simply has so many more pokemon, this argument lacks merit as a significant portion of these pokemon are completely unviable, and few pokemon below UU see regular play in OU. Whereas in BWPUAAATD, a far greater fraction of pokemon can work, as even NFEs and LCs have low speed, giving them some form of niche in the tier. This increased variety leads to a healthier metagame, and prevents polarisation of standard archetypes. In SV, HO is undeniably the dominant archetype with major threats like roaring moon, dragonite, kingambit, and a plethora of other threats. This is made worse by the usage of the sticky web strategy, allowing powerful pokemon like raging bolt to get past their usual low speed and break through unprepared teams. In comparison to previous generations, balance is at a low point in viability. However, in BWPUAAATD, every archetype from hazard stack to HO to stall is completely viable. In this metagame, spike stacking is a common strategy, being able to beat unprepared teams. This leads me on to my first counterpoint as to why BWPUAAATD is better than SV OU.
One of the main reasons that people believe BWPUAAATD isn’t a good metagame is due to the lack of hazard removal. Defog doesn’t clear your own hazards in gen 5, and there aren’t that many rapid spinners. While this could seem like a critical issue for a new tier, the hazard situation isn’t as bad as it looks. The large majority of SV OU teams run hazard removal (except for HO), and the same applies in BWPUAAATD. The main spinners are regenerator refresh squirtle, and scrappy sandshrew/tentacool. Squirtle is a bulky eviolite pokemon that can run either spdef or pdef. It makes use of regenerator to stay healthy, refresh to avoid toxic, a very strong stab in scald and foresight to beat spinblockers. This has made it one of the best pokemon in the tier, as it can consistently remove hazards. Another good hazard removal option is tentacruel. Despite low physical defense, 100 base special defense when coupled with eviolite is extremely bulky. However, tentacool doesn’t have foresight, meaning it has to rely on the ability scrappy in order to prevent being spinblocked. This means it has to run rest as recovery, making it slightly less usable. Sandshrew’s niche is swords dance, as it can rapid spin while also remove eviolites with knock off and maintain offensive pressure with swords dance and earthquake. Between these 3 and other fringe options, hazards are not a major problem in BWPUAAATD
My second argument as to why BWPUAAATD is better than SV OU is that the tier in general is more fun than SV OU. While this is a subjective opinion, almost everyone that has played BWPUAAATD has said they found it more enjoyable than SV OU. This can be attributed to several factors, such as BWPUAAATD having less HO, making it in general a more enjoyable experience for players that prefer balance. However, it could also be attributed to the OU council’s failure to acknowledge that general public enjoyment for the tier is not exactly high either. Everyone seems to have different opinions on what is broken, with pokemon like kyurem, ogerpon-wellspring, roaring moon and occasionally raging bolt being named. The other elephant in the room that has not yet been dealt with is tera. If tera was banned, pokemon like regieleki and volcarona would return to the tier. This in turn has benefits, like volcarona reducing the usage of substitute + protect kyurem. If SV OU was more enjoyable, people wouldn’t have to seek out an alternative tier to play. This conclusively proves why BWPUAAATD is so popular among people that have heard of it.
The reason the tier has prospered in such a short time is due to efficient marketing campaigns (ask stallcord), a council that bans things that clearly aren’t healthy for the metagame (“cough cough”) and people generally enjoying the tier while playing it. This has allowed the tier to grow 2000% from its original size.
Since I feel like I am not able to convey the enjoyability of the tier without more information, I have put together a sets compendium for every pokemon in and above the B tier on the viability rankings. I hope you enjoy reading it!
The metagame of BWPUAAATD (Black/White PU Almost Any Ability Twisted Dimensions) offers a fascinating blend of creativity, strategy, and variety. Each Pokémon brings unique strengths and niches to the table, making the tier an enjoyable and competitive experience. This essay will examine every Pokémon ranked B and above on the viability rankings (VR), exploring their roles, strengths, and contributions to the tier.
S+ Tier
Shuckle dominates the metagame as the ultimate utility Pokémon. With its unmatched bulk and access to Gastro Acid, it defines the pace of many games. Shuckle’s high defensive stats combined with abilities like Regenerator make it a nightmare for defensive teams. Additionally, its ability to lay down Stealth Rock and Toxic ensures it pressures opposing teams effectively. Shuckle’s low speed becomes an asset under Twisted Dimensions, allowing it to outspeed every pokemon (only tieing with munchlax). Its movepool, which includes Encore and Knock Off, gives it the tools to disrupt opponents further. Shuckle’s durability ensures it remains relevant throughout battles, making it an essential pick for hazard control and disruption. Its secondary set is substitute power trick. Utilising its base 230 def -> base 230 attack, using life orb and stabs like rock blast and bug bite it is able to OHKO a signficant portion of the tier, winning games based on surprise factor.
S Tier
Trapinch’s niche stems from its low speed (2nd lowest in the tier), allowing it to underspeed and eliminate key threats. Its low speed under Twisted Dimensions ensures it can reliably outspeed most foes and secure critical KOs. Trapinch often runs an Adamant nature with a Choice Band to maximize its Attack, utilizing moves like Earthquake, Rock Slide, and Crunch to deal with a variety of targets. Additionally, Trapinch can function as a wallbreaker against defensive cores, removing pivotal support Pokémon. Despite its frailty, its role as a revenge killer and utility breaker makes it indispensable on offensive and balanced teams alike. Its ability to dismantle key threats such as opposing hazard setters and sweepers makes it a must-have in certain team compositions. Trapinch also can use download life orb, to boost damage further. This is a more common set, as trapinch prefers not to be choice-locked.
Munchlax’s bulk and versatility have made it a central figure in the tier. With access to serene grace + headbutt and the ability to run powerful offensive sets with Guts, it’s a fearsome presence. Serene grace work up sets allow it to become nearly unwallable after a few boosts, with a 60% flinch chance being able to muscle through every wall (barring shuckle). Its Guts set can take advantage of status moves, turning burns and toxics into an Attack boost while spamming a powerful Facade. Munchlax’s low speed is a real asset in the tier, as the only way to reliably deal with it is to wait for burn to kill it.
S- Tier
Cubone’s offensive potential is unlocked by the Thick Club, which doubles its Attack. Under Twisted Dimensions, its low speed ensures it moves first against most threats. Cubone can break through even the bulkiest walls with its powerful STAB Earthquake, supplemented by Rock Slide and Fire Punch for coverage, as well as mold breaker to defeat levitate pokemon. It’s often used as a dedicated physical breaker, and Substitute can protect it from status while easing prediction. Cubone’s synergy with hazard setters and screens further enhances its ability to sweep. Its frailty is mitigated by careful team support, allowing it to consistently pressure opponents. Cubone can also run Knock Off to remove Eviolites from defensive Pokémon, further improving its matchup against bulky teams. It can also use technician to power up bonemerang and other moves, making it a 150BP stab, therefore much harder to switch into.
Lileep thrives as a bulky wall, especially when utilizing abilities like Sand Stream or Magic Guard. It’s an excellent check to many Water- and Electric-types, absorbing status and special attacks with ease. Lileep’s access to Recover or Synthesis ensures its longevity, while Giga Drain provides offensive presence and healing. Toxic rounds out its movepool, allowing it to pressure both offensive and defensive teams. Lileep’s synergy with hazard setters and ability to wall key threats make it an invaluable part of balanced and stall archetypes. Its physically defensive sets with magic guard and barrier become a win-condition after special attackers on the opposing side are defeated. Sand stream specially defensive is noted for being an extremely tanky special wall, taking only 40% from the notorious choice specs octillery water spout, as well as chipping it down with sand.
Beheeyem’s massive Special Attack stat and access to Sheer Force make it one of the premier special breakers in the tier. Its ability to 2HKO most of the metagame ensures it’s a constant offensive threat. Psychic and Thunderbolt are staples of its moveset, with Signal Beam and Energy Ball providing crucial coverage. Beheeyem can also use Recover to extend its longevity, allowing it to break through defensive cores over the course of a match. Its adaptability ensures it remains a top-tier threat. Additionally, Beheeyem can run either a nasty plot set to beat fatter teams that aren’t running an unaware pokemon, or a bulkier recover + calm mind set utilising magic bounce to ward off status moves.
A+ Tier
Magcargo’s unique typing and access to utility moves like Stealth Rock and Will-O-Wisp make it a solid support option. Its ability to wall certain physical attackers, such as Torterra and Lairon, is complemented by its Fire Blast or Lava Plume to punish switch-ins. Magcargo’s ability to spread burns and set hazards ensures it plays a pivotal role on many defensive teams. It can also use Toxic to cripple bulky Water-types and Recover to maintain its longevity. Despite its low speed, Magcargo’s role as a utility tank is unmatched in certain matchups. It also has access to Clear Smog, which allows it to counter setup sweepers effectively, preventing them from snowballing through teams. It can also be used offensively, as it’s high special attack coupled with low speed and potentially solar power allows it to become incredibly powerful under sun.
Boldore’s bulk and ability to set up hazards make it a staple on many teams. It often runs abilities like Adaptability to enhance its damage, and its strong Rock STAB in Rock Slide or Head Smash allows it to deal significant damage. Boldore can also use Explosion as a way to pivot out while applying pressure. Paired with reliable teammates, Boldore’s ability to also tank hits and set hazards ensures it plays a crucial role in shaping the battlefield. Additionally, it can utilize Toxic to cripple opposing walls, making it a more versatile hazard setter that can pressure both offensive and defensive teams.
Pineco excels as a lead with access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its ability to utilize Rapid Spin and Explosion provides immense utility, making it a common sight on hazard-stacking teams. Pineco often runs mold breaker to beat magic bounce, or magic guard to be immune to toxic. Toxic can provide additional support against defensive teams. Paired with defensive backbones, Pineco’s ability to control hazards makes it an indispensable part of many team archetypes. Its access to Pain Split can also provide some form of recovery, allowing it to stick around longer in battles and maintain hazard pressure.
Throh’s bulk and access to powerful Fighting-type moves make it an excellent check to many physical attackers. It can run sets with Scrappy, Adaptability or Sniper, adding versatility to its toolkit. Throh’s Circle Throw allows it to disrupt setup sweepers and spread hazard damage, while its bulk ensures it can tank hits consistently. Paired with RestTalk + scrappy sets, Throh can outlast opponents while applying consistent pressure. Its synergy with hazard setters and ability to check Steel- and Rock-types make it a key player in the metagame. Throh’s ability to utilize Knock Off further increases its utility, removing crucial items from opposing Pokémon and ensuring it remains a versatile threat. Choice banded sets utilise either adaptability for a stronger superpower, or sniper to take advantage of gen 5 crits being 2x, turning storm throw into a 120BP spammable stab.
Sunflora’s niche lies in its synergy with Drought setters. Solar Power turns it into a monstrous special attacker under sun, capable of dismantling slower teams. Sunflora’s access to Giga Drain ensures it can sustain itself, while Hidden Power Fire and Earth Power provide coverage against key threats. Despite its frailty, Sunflora’s offensive presence under sun cannot be overstated, and its ability to punch holes in defensive cores makes it a valuable asset on sun teams. Additionally, Sunflora can run Growth under sun to further amplify its offensive potential, making it a deadly sweeper in the right conditions. Some sunfloras opt for a bulkier set, using leftovers and drought to try and last for longer.
A Tier
Timburr’s combination of bulk and priority in Mach Punch make it a reliable offensive and defensive presence. Timburr often runs Drain Punch for sustained damage and healing, with Knock Off providing utility and coverage. Bulk Up sets allow it to become a win condition, while its natural bulk ensures it can take hits from offensive threats. Timburr’s adaptability ensures it remains a staple on many teams. Additionally, its access to Ice Punch allows it to target Flying- and Grass-types, giving it even greater coverage and utility. It also has STAB-boosted hammer arm, enabling it to lower its speed and attempt to win games on the spot.
Tentacool’s role as a hazard remover is critical. With Scrappy and Rapid Spin, it bypasses spinblockers, while its access to Scald and Toxic Spikes adds utility. Tentacool’s ability to spread burns and poison makes it a great support option, and its decent special bulk allows it to check many special attackers. Rest sets r enhance its longevity, ensuring it remains a consistent presence throughout battles. Tentacool’s ability to control hazards and status ensures it’s a valuable part of many teams. It can also utilize Haze to reset stat changes, making it a great counter to setup sweepers.
Pawniard’s access to powerful STAB moves, priority in Sucker Punch, and utility with Knock Off make it a versatile offensive presence. Its Steel/Dark typing provides valuable resistances, and it can effectively check Psychic- and Ghost-types. Pawniard often runs Swords Dance to become a potent sweeper, with Iron Head and Brick Break providing crucial coverage. Its synergy with hazard setters ensures it can capitalize on chip damage to sweep late-game. Pawniard can also use Substitute to block status moves, allowing it to set up more reliably against defensive teams.
Elgyem acts as a budget/secondary Beheeyem. Its decent bulk and Special Attack make it a threat when properly supported. Elgyem’s movepool includes Psychic, Thunderbolt, and Signal Beam, allowing it to hit a variety of targets effectively. Recover sets enhance its longevity, while Nasty Plot can turn it into a devastating special sweeper. Despite its lower base stats compared to Beheeyem, Elgyem’s niche ensures it remains a viable choice. Additionally, it can utilize Shadow Ball to target Ghost-types, making it harder to counter. Calm mind recover sets are less common due to lower bulk, but this can be bypassed with eviolite
Litwick’s unique typing and access to Trick Room make it a viable offensive threat. It’s an excellent counter to Grass- and Bug-types while providing utility with moves like Will-O-Wisp. Litwick often runs Fire Blast and Shadow Ball for STAB coverage, with Energy Ball rounding out its movepool. Its ability to cripple physical attackers with burns and provide a late-game sweeping option ensures it’s a valuable team member. Litwick can also run Calm Mind to boost its Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a potent special tank and offensive threat under the right circumstances.
Octillery’s versatility lies in its expansive movepool and adaptability to multiple roles. With abilities like Drizzle or Mold Breaker, it can function as a nuke, utilizing STAB moves like Hydro Pump and Water Spoutt to great effect. Octillery also has access to Ice Beam and Energy Ball, allowing it to target Grassl-types effectively. Its ability to run Choice Specs sets ensures it can OHKO essentially the entire tier, and it can pivot into physical threats with proper prediction. Octillery’s unique offensive pressure makes it a staple.
Torterra thrives as both a bulky offensive threat and a reliable Stealth Rock setter. Its Grass/Ground typing gives it useful resistances, and abilities like Poison Heal enhance its offensive potential. Torterra often runs sets with Roar, Earthquake, and Synthesis, which allow it to pressure a wide range of threats. Under Twisted Dimensions, Torterra’s relatively low speed becomes an asset, enabling it to outspeed and KO faster Pokémon. Its synergy with hazard setters and ability to check Electric-types ensures it remains a valuable team member.
Yamask functions as a defensive pivot and utility option, with access to moves like Will-O-Wisp, Iron Defense, and Night Shade. Its unique typing allows it to check Normal- and Fighting-types effectively, and its ability to cripple physical attackers with will-o-wisp ensures it can disrupt physical sweepers. Yamask’s access to Rest + Hydration gives it some form of recovery, and Night Shade allows for consistent damage. Paired with hazard setters, Yamask can control the tempo of games, ensuring it’s a valuable asset for defensive and balanced teams.
A- Tier
Slowpoke’s defensive capabilities and access to Regenerator make it a reliable pivot in the metagame. With Scald to spread burns, Slack Off for recovery, and Psychic for STAB damage, Slowpoke can handle many physical and special threats. It often functions as a counter to Fighting-types and a support Pokémon with Toxic to cripple threats. Its synergy with defensive cores ensures it remains a staple on balanced teams.
Rampardos’s massive Attack stat and access to Magic Guard make it one of the hardest-hitting physical attackers in the tier. Under Twisted Dimensions, its low speed becomes an asset, allowing it to sweep effectively with Head Smash, Earthquake, and Ice Beam for Torterra. Rampardos can also run hammer arm to lower it’s own speed and try to sweep. Despite its frailty, Rampardos’s offensive presence ensures it’s a major threat when properly supported.
Audino thrives as a special wall and support Pokémon, utilizing its bulk and Regenerator/Magic Guard ability to tank hits and pivot effectively. Wish and Heal Bell provide team support, while Knock Off and Hyper Voice offer utility and offensive options. Audino can also use Calm Mind sets to function as a bulky special attacker, ensuring it remains versatile in a variety of team compositions.
Slugma serves as a utility option with access to Stealth Rock, Will-O-Wisp, and Recover. Its Fire typing allows it to check Bug- and Grass-types effectively, and its synergy with hazard setters ensures it remains a valuable team member. Slugma can also utilize Clear Smog to reset stat changes, making it a counter to setup sweepers. It can also run an offensive set, utilising solar power under sun, as shown by aquilo.
Zweilous’s unique typing and bulk makes it a good defensive pokemon. By using unaware, it is able to completely wall sunflora, and phase pokemon out using the move Dragon Tail, in order to try and rack up hazard damage over time. With a secondary STAB in Crunch, and recovery in RestTalk, Zweilous is a defensive staple.
B+ Tier
Koffing’s utility and bulk make it a solid defensive option. With Levitate, it avoids Ground-type moves, and its access to Will-O-Wisp and Toxic Spikes ensures it can spread status effectively. Koffing’s ability to check physical attackers like Timburr and Torterra ensures it remains a staple on defensive teams. Sludge Bomb provides offensive presence, while Pain Split offers a form of recovery.
Lairon’s typing and access to Levitate make it a reliable defensive pokemon. It often runs rock slide for stab, RestTalk and Roar. Its ability to tank physical hits ensures it can handle many physical attackers. Lairon’s synergy with hazard setters and defensive cores makes it a valuable team member.
Articuno thrives as a special wall and utility option, utilizing Roost, Heal Bell, and Hurricane to provide support and offensive pressure. Its Ice/Flying typing allows it to check Grass- and Bug-types effectively, and its ability to spread status with Toxic ensures it can control the tempo of games. Articuno’s ability to pivot with U-turn makes it a versatile asset for balanced teams. The only downside to articuno is that it is forced to run magic guard due to a 4x weakness to stealth rock.
Geodude excels as an attacker with adaptability, able to use powerful STABs like stone edge or earthquake, making the most of its base 80 attack stat. It is often used with a choice band item to maximise damage
Kecleon’s high special defense and access to recover make it a defensive threat. It can utilize a wide movepool, including Knock Off, Toxic, and Ice Beam, to target a variety of threats. Kecleon’s bulk ensures it can tank hits, while it often runs regenerator / a weather ability to increase longevity or disrupt weather strategies. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in the metagame.
B Tier
Hippopotas serves as a reliable utility Pokémon with access to Stealth Rock, Slack Off, and Roar. Its Intimidate ability allows it to wall physical attackers better, while others opt for a water absorb ability to be immune to the common move scald. Hippopotas’s bulk ensures it can tank hits, while its ability to spread status with Toxic makes it a valuable support option.
Corphish’s offensive potential is unlocked by Adaptability, allowing its STAB moves to hit incredibly hard. Crabhammer offers a powerful offensive option. Corphish’s synergy with hazard setters ensures it can clean up late-game effectively. Despite its frailty, Corphish’s offensive presence makes it a valuable team member.
Ursaring’s Guts ability and massive Attack stat make it a devastating wallbreaker. Facade and Close Combat are staples of its moveset, allowing it to handle a wide range of threats. Ursaring. Its synergy with Trick Room teams ensures it remains a viable choice in the metagame, as it is able to outspeed the entire tier and OHKO it with facade under trick room.
Squirtle’s utility and bulk make it a reliable Rapid Spin user. With Scald to spread burns, Toxic to cripple opponents, and Foresight to prevent spinblocking for coverage, Squirtle can handle a variety of threats. Its ability to control hazards and provide support ensures it’s a valuable team member for defensive and balanced archetypes. It also uses refresh to avoid being statused
Bronzor thrives as a defensive wall with access to Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Psywave. Its Steel/Psychic typing gives it key resistances (notably beheeyem), and its Levitate ability ensures it avoids Ground-type moves. Bronzor’s bulk allows it to check many threats effectively, and its synergy with hazard setters ensures it remains a valuable team member.
Banette’s niche lies in its offensive presence and utility. With access to Shadow Claw, Knock Off, and Will-O-Wisp, Banette can function as a disruptive and offensive threat. Its ability to check Psychic-types and provide utility with status moves ensures it’s a valuable asset on certain teams. Banette can also run prankster destiny bond to counter offensive sweepers.
Upon request, sets for the rest of the viability rankings will be provided. If any shifts in the viability ranking occur, the above message will be changed accordingly.
If you wish to learn more about the tier, information is available in the discord, and out of the kindness of my heart I will provide information about sets/pokemon upon request.
Have a good day,
iexistyoudont
BWPUAAATD tier leader
A Nova Dinastia
bern (ISTT)
BWPUAAATDcord
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New Generation Training Camp
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