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Metagame Linked

Hi everyone!

The March Linked OMotM ladder has come to an end. It was a great month. Thank you all for your kind words and support, everybody!

There’s a bit of housekeeping to do. First, we now have a dedicated Linked Discord. It’s still a work in progress, but come talk about the meta, find games, get tour info, discuss potential OM mashup ups or just hang out.


Next, we have some usage stats for the month of March.

Full March usage stats here.

Total battles: 45044
Avg. weight/team: 1.000
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Usage % | Raw | % | Real | % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| 1 | Great Tusk | 20.50551% | 18473 | 20.506% | 12520 | 18.555% |
| 2 | Dragapult | 20.20136% | 18199 | 20.201% | 13597 | 20.151% |
| 3 | Kingambit | 14.76778% | 13304 | 14.768% | 9515 | 14.101% |
| 4 | Corviknight | 12.29687% | 11078 | 12.297% | 9070 | 13.442% |
| 5 | Ogerpon-Wellspring | 12.28799% | 11070 | 12.288% | 7887 | 11.689% |
| 6 | Weavile | 12.13258% | 10930 | 12.133% | 8306 | 12.310% |
| 7 | Hatterene | 12.10372% | 10904 | 12.104% | 8327 | 12.341% |
| 8 | Iron Moth | 11.72742% | 10565 | 11.727% | 7522 | 11.148% |
| 9 | Zamazenta | 11.59422% | 10445 | 11.594% | 7406 | 10.976% |
| 10 | Gholdengo | 11.45991% | 10324 | 11.460% | 7678 | 11.379% |
| 11 | Grimmsnarl | 11.18018% | 10072 | 11.180% | 8702 | 12.897% |
| 12 | Quaquaval | 10.37652% | 9348 | 10.377% | 6558 | 9.719% |
| 13 | Rillaboom | 10.24665% | 9231 | 10.247% | 7112 | 10.540% |
| 14 | Regieleki | 9.74159% | 8776 | 9.742% | 6761 | 10.020% |
| 15 | Alomomola | 9.58618% | 8636 | 9.586% | 6616 | 9.805% |
| 16 | Lokix | 8.76698% | 7898 | 8.767% | 6423 | 9.519% |
| 17 | Iron Valiant | 8.62268% | 7768 | 8.623% | 5604 | 8.305% |
| 18 | Clefable | 8.03437% | 7238 | 8.034% | 5367 | 7.954% |
| 19 | Ribombee | 8.02105% | 7226 | 8.021% | 6387 | 9.466% |
| 20 | Pecharunt | 7.78128% | 7010 | 7.781% | 5261 | 7.797% |
| 21 | Ceruledge | 7.68582% | 6924 | 7.686% | 5079 | 7.527% |
| 22 | Glimmora | 7.68471% | 6923 | 7.685% | 5458 | 8.089% |
| 23 | Raging Bolt | 7.64364% | 6886 | 7.644% | 5188 | 7.689% |
| 24 | Slowking-Galar | 7.63365% | 6877 | 7.634% | 5412 | 8.021% |
| 25 | Deoxys-Speed | 7.20296% | 6489 | 7.203% | 5063 | 7.504% |
| 26 | Skeledirge | 7.11305% | 6408 | 7.113% | 4818 | 7.140% |
| 27 | Serperior | 7.05754% | 6358 | 7.058% | 4355 | 6.454% |
| 28 | Greninja | 6.44481% | 5806 | 6.445% | 4205 | 6.232% |
| 29 | Kyurem | 6.38265% | 5750 | 6.383% | 4004 | 5.934% |
| 30 | Landorus-Therian | 5.98082% | 5388 | 5.981% | 4360 | 6.462% |
| 31 | Garchomp | 5.72551% | 5158 | 5.726% | 4253 | 6.303% |
| 32 | Samurott-Hisui | 5.72218% | 5155 | 5.722% | 4259 | 6.312% |
| 33 | Ursaluna | 5.54014% | 4991 | 5.540% | 3726 | 5.522% |
| 34 | Iron Crown | 5.41804% | 4881 | 5.418% | 3649 | 5.408% |
| 35 | Ting-Lu | 5.11944% | 4612 | 5.119% | 3820 | 5.661% |
| 36 | Deoxys-Defense | 5.01732% | 4520 | 5.017% | 3628 | 5.377% |
| 37 | Darkrai | 4.90853% | 4422 | 4.909% | 3265 | 4.839% |
| 38 | Hoopa-Unbound | 4.84082% | 4361 | 4.841% | 3123 | 4.628% |
| 39 | Tornadus-Therian | 4.75091% | 4280 | 4.751% | 3409 | 5.052% |
| 40 | Maushold | 4.72205% | 4254 | 4.722% | 2971 | 4.403% |
| 41 | Iron Treads | 4.52669% | 4078 | 4.527% | 3149 | 4.667% |
| 42 | Cinderace | 4.44454% | 4004 | 4.445% | 2842 | 4.212% |
| 43 | Heatran | 4.19701% | 3781 | 4.197% | 3016 | 4.470% |
| 44 | Terapagos | 4.18924% | 3774 | 4.189% | 2655 | 3.935% |
| 45 | Mew | 4.18702% | 3772 | 4.187% | 3081 | 4.566% |
| 46 | Scizor | 4.14040% | 3730 | 4.140% | 2966 | 4.396% |
| 47 | Gliscor | 4.00164% | 3605 | 4.002% | 2825 | 4.187% |
| 48 | Kommo-o | 3.97500% | 3581 | 3.975% | 2371 | 3.514% |
| 49 | Bellibolt | 3.96057% | 3568 | 3.961% | 2808 | 4.162% |
| 50 | Enamorus | 3.86067% | 3478 | 3.861% | 2464 | 3.652% |
| 51 | Dondozo | 3.80406% | 3427 | 3.804% | 2595 | 3.846% |
| 52 | Dragonite | 3.71748% | 3349 | 3.717% | 2475 | 3.668% |
| 53 | Smeargle | 3.70971% | 3342 | 3.710% | 3113 | 4.614% |
| 54 | Talonflame | 3.44330% | 3102 | 3.443% | 2370 | 3.512% |
| 55 | Latios | 3.41888% | 3080 | 3.419% | 2233 | 3.309% |
| 56 | Primarina | 3.38003% | 3045 | 3.380% | 2286 | 3.388% |
| 57 | Goodra-Hisui | 3.23684% | 2916 | 3.237% | 2293 | 3.398% |
| 58 | Comfey | 3.22795% | 2908 | 3.228% | 2101 | 3.114% |
| 59 | Pelipper | 3.21907% | 2900 | 3.219% | 2500 | 3.705% |
| 60 | Empoleon | 3.21463% | 2896 | 3.215% | 2146 | 3.180% |
| 61 | Tornadus | 3.13249% | 2822 | 3.132% | 2136 | 3.166% |
| 62 | Braviary-Hisui | 3.13138% | 2821 | 3.131% | 1897 | 2.811% |
| 63 | Mimikyu | 3.12583% | 2816 | 3.126% | 2136 | 3.166% |
| 64 | Zapdos | 3.00262% | 2705 | 3.003% | 2079 | 3.081% |
| 65 | Tyranitar | 2.70957% | 2441 | 2.710% | 1873 | 2.776% |
| 66 | Clodsire | 2.60745% | 2349 | 2.607% | 1836 | 2.721% |
| 67 | Manaphy | 2.59191% | 2335 | 2.592% | 1699 | 2.518% |
| 68 | Garganacl | 2.47536% | 2230 | 2.475% | 1618 | 2.398% |
| 69 | Moltres | 2.35103% | 2118 | 2.351% | 1717 | 2.545% |
| 70 | Diancie | 2.29331% | 2066 | 2.293% | 1404 | 2.081% |
| 71 | Kingdra | 2.24558% | 2023 | 2.246% | 1421 | 2.106% |
| 72 | Meowscarada | 2.23781% | 2016 | 2.238% | 1532 | 2.270% |
| 73 | Kilowattrel | 2.14457% | 1932 | 2.145% | 1674 | 2.481% |
| 74 | Walking Wake | 2.10017% | 1892 | 2.100% | 1327 | 1.967% |
| 75 | Iron Hands | 2.06354% | 1859 | 2.064% | 1399 | 2.073% |
| 76 | Porygon-Z | 1.96031% | 1766 | 1.960% | 1152 | 1.707% |
| 77 | Volbeat | 1.93477% | 1743 | 1.935% | 1561 | 2.313% |
| 78 | Krookodile | 1.91812% | 1728 | 1.918% | 1267 | 1.878% |
| 79 | Azumarill | 1.85818% | 1674 | 1.858% | 1260 | 1.867% |
| 80 | Sinistcha | 1.77271% | 1597 | 1.773% | 1171 | 1.735% |
| 81 | Ogerpon-Cornerstone | 1.71166% | 1542 | 1.712% | 1138 | 1.687% |
| 82 | Arcanine-Hisui | 1.70389% | 1535 | 1.704% | 1165 | 1.727% |
| 83 | Araquanid | 1.66726% | 1502 | 1.667% | 1285 | 1.904% |
| 84 | Whimsicott | 1.66282% | 1498 | 1.663% | 1183 | 1.753% |
| 85 | Flapple | 1.60510% | 1446 | 1.605% | 960 | 1.423% |
| 86 | Incineroar | 1.57180% | 1416 | 1.572% | 1171 | 1.735% |
| 87 | Metagross | 1.49742% | 1349 | 1.497% | 1013 | 1.501% |
| 88 | Cresselia | 1.49298% | 1345 | 1.493% | 932 | 1.381% |
| 89 | Excadrill | 1.48188% | 1335 | 1.482% | 946 | 1.402% |
| 90 | Iron Boulder | 1.37865% | 1242 | 1.379% | 834 | 1.236% |
| 91 | Thundurus | 1.35423% | 1220 | 1.354% | 972 | 1.441% |
| 92 | Kleavor | 1.34979% | 1216 | 1.350% | 980 | 1.452% |
| 93 | Weezing-Galar | 1.33203% | 1200 | 1.332% | 961 | 1.424% |
| 94 | Keldeo | 1.29984% | 1171 | 1.300% | 846 | 1.254% |
| 95 | Thundurus-Therian | 1.28652% | 1159 | 1.287% | 793 | 1.175% |
| 96 | Ambipom | 1.28208% | 1155 | 1.282% | 910 | 1.349% |
| 97 | Espathra | 1.25655% | 1132 | 1.257% | 792 | 1.174% |
| 98 | Volcanion | 1.23768% | 1115 | 1.238% | 876 | 1.298% |
| 99 | Jolteon | 1.22991% | 1108 | 1.230% | 839 | 1.243% |
| 100 | Tinkaton | 1.21437% | 1094 | 1.214% | 857 | 1.270% |

Wowie, 45K games for a non-permanent ladder! That’s pretty dang good.


Feedback from the player base was largely positive, yet there remains a few ongoing points of constructive criticism with the meta that we would like to address. First, let’s rip off this band-aid:

Council Vote #5​


Pokemon / Move / Ability
:parasect:
Ivy​
:equilibra:Final Verdict​
:grimmsnarl:
Fake Out
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
5-0-0​
:jolteon:
Debuff moves
Restrict​
Abstain​
Do Not Restrict​
Do Not Restrict​
Do Not Restrict​
1-1-3​

Fake Out has been restricted from Linked!

:sv/grimmsnarl:
​
So long Fake Out spam teams, you’ll be missed by no one. Debuff moves like Acid Spray, Fake Tears, Metal Sound and Screech live on.


Next, on to the deeper issue with the meta—
the same question posed by Giagantic to us upon the Gen 9 Linked revival submission:

“How would you balance this metagame? Just accept the countless 1hko scenarios that are bound to happen from time to time?”

Indeed, a month of testing has illustrated that the premise inherently is advantageous to faster Pokemon. Those who get to move first gain the advantage of acting twice, potentially KOing their opponent before they can move or setting up a snowballing game ending sweep. The Linked mechanic will always leave defensive playstyles such as balance and stall on the backfoot. While HO playstyle games are fast paced and fun, they are also very much matchup dependent and prone to being counter-teamed.

While the meta is roughly as balanced as an HO meta can hope to be, and very fun, it is most certainly matchup fishy. What can be done?

There have been a few suggestions to help alleviate this issue:
  • Alter the premise, lowering the power of offensive Linked attacks (similar to how Parental Bond functions).
  • Ban the meta of its most oppressive offensive tools, such as Meteor Beam, Bulk Up and debuff moves.
  • Improve balance and stall playstyles by unbanning the Pokemon that benefit those archetypes the most, giving the meta more solids defensive cores to revolve around.

Of these, Option 1 is a nuclear option that would fundamentally remake the meta. Option 2 is viable, but would require more suspect tests, which are difficult to do without a ladder. Option 3 however might nerf HO to the point that Option 2 becomes unnecessary.


With the intent to buff balance and stall in mind, the Linked council intends to hold a test tournament where several defensive pieces will be trialed. The Pokemon to be tested in this tour will include:

:sv/giratina::sv/giratina-origin::sv/solgaleo::sv/lugia:
​
Can these mighty beasts possibly be considered healthy in Linked? What could these Pokemon add to the meta?

:Giratina::Giratina-origin: Despite not having reliable recovery, the Giratinas may potentially be the most impactful of the tested mons. In Giratina you would find a solid check to Rain and Sun teams, the oppressive Iron Moth, and notable Bulk Up users like Great Tusk and Quaquaval. Furthermore, Defog would remove all of screens, terrains and hazards, while also potentially enabling hazard stack of its own. Shuffle, status + Hex, and a strong Shadow Sneak are fantastic options to consider as well.

:Solgaleo: Solgaleo’s tools are an embarrassment of riches. With sturdy bulk, good typing, great utility in Trick Room, PsyFangs, Knock Off and Stealth Rock (among others), and Morning Sun it can attempt to wall, and with Teleport it can make a fine offensive or defensive pivot. Pinch berries and wide variety of coverage options might make it a potent lure. Another fantastic trait Solg might bring to the format is its immunity to stat debuffs, making it immune to Parting Shot, Screech, Fake Tears and the like. Its set up options are limited; it has Iron Defense and Cosmic Power but no Body Press, Calm Mind, but no Stored Power, which will (hopefully) keep offensive sets from going wild.

:Lugia: Lastly, we have humble Lugia. Generally agreed to be the least broken of the four to be tested, while bulky, its Multiscale is heavily nerfed by the premise by virtue of double attacks. It has boosting options such as Calm Mind and Curse, but weaker offenses. Still, perhaps Lugia’s impressive defensive profile might find some use in the Linked meta.

The logistics and timing of the test tournament remain to be decided. Stay tuned for the tour post in the coming days, and in the mean time, feel free to discuss the potential of the four Ubers, the usage stats and celebrate the death of Fake Out spam. :)

dhelmise please install
 
Last edited:
VannAccessible said:
Hi everyone!

The March Linked OMotM ladder has come to an end. It was a great month. Thank you all for your kind words and support, everybody!

There’s a bit of housekeeping to do. First, we now have a dedicated Linked Discord. It’s still a work in progress, but come talk about the meta, find games, get tour info, discuss potential OM mashup ups or just hang out.


Next, we have some usage stats for the month of March.

Full March usage stats here.

Total battles: 45044
Avg. weight/team: 1.000
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Usage % | Raw | % | Real | % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| 1 | Great Tusk | 20.50551% | 18473 | 20.506% | 12520 | 18.555% |
| 2 | Dragapult | 20.20136% | 18199 | 20.201% | 13597 | 20.151% |
| 3 | Kingambit | 14.76778% | 13304 | 14.768% | 9515 | 14.101% |
| 4 | Corviknight | 12.29687% | 11078 | 12.297% | 9070 | 13.442% |
| 5 | Ogerpon-Wellspring | 12.28799% | 11070 | 12.288% | 7887 | 11.689% |
| 6 | Weavile | 12.13258% | 10930 | 12.133% | 8306 | 12.310% |
| 7 | Hatterene | 12.10372% | 10904 | 12.104% | 8327 | 12.341% |
| 8 | Iron Moth | 11.72742% | 10565 | 11.727% | 7522 | 11.148% |
| 9 | Zamazenta | 11.59422% | 10445 | 11.594% | 7406 | 10.976% |
| 10 | Gholdengo | 11.45991% | 10324 | 11.460% | 7678 | 11.379% |
| 11 | Grimmsnarl | 11.18018% | 10072 | 11.180% | 8702 | 12.897% |
| 12 | Quaquaval | 10.37652% | 9348 | 10.377% | 6558 | 9.719% |
| 13 | Rillaboom | 10.24665% | 9231 | 10.247% | 7112 | 10.540% |
| 14 | Regieleki | 9.74159% | 8776 | 9.742% | 6761 | 10.020% |
| 15 | Alomomola | 9.58618% | 8636 | 9.586% | 6616 | 9.805% |
| 16 | Lokix | 8.76698% | 7898 | 8.767% | 6423 | 9.519% |
| 17 | Iron Valiant | 8.62268% | 7768 | 8.623% | 5604 | 8.305% |
| 18 | Clefable | 8.03437% | 7238 | 8.034% | 5367 | 7.954% |
| 19 | Ribombee | 8.02105% | 7226 | 8.021% | 6387 | 9.466% |
| 20 | Pecharunt | 7.78128% | 7010 | 7.781% | 5261 | 7.797% |
| 21 | Ceruledge | 7.68582% | 6924 | 7.686% | 5079 | 7.527% |
| 22 | Glimmora | 7.68471% | 6923 | 7.685% | 5458 | 8.089% |
| 23 | Raging Bolt | 7.64364% | 6886 | 7.644% | 5188 | 7.689% |
| 24 | Slowking-Galar | 7.63365% | 6877 | 7.634% | 5412 | 8.021% |
| 25 | Deoxys-Speed | 7.20296% | 6489 | 7.203% | 5063 | 7.504% |
| 26 | Skeledirge | 7.11305% | 6408 | 7.113% | 4818 | 7.140% |
| 27 | Serperior | 7.05754% | 6358 | 7.058% | 4355 | 6.454% |
| 28 | Greninja | 6.44481% | 5806 | 6.445% | 4205 | 6.232% |
| 29 | Kyurem | 6.38265% | 5750 | 6.383% | 4004 | 5.934% |
| 30 | Landorus-Therian | 5.98082% | 5388 | 5.981% | 4360 | 6.462% |
| 31 | Garchomp | 5.72551% | 5158 | 5.726% | 4253 | 6.303% |
| 32 | Samurott-Hisui | 5.72218% | 5155 | 5.722% | 4259 | 6.312% |
| 33 | Ursaluna | 5.54014% | 4991 | 5.540% | 3726 | 5.522% |
| 34 | Iron Crown | 5.41804% | 4881 | 5.418% | 3649 | 5.408% |
| 35 | Ting-Lu | 5.11944% | 4612 | 5.119% | 3820 | 5.661% |
| 36 | Deoxys-Defense | 5.01732% | 4520 | 5.017% | 3628 | 5.377% |
| 37 | Darkrai | 4.90853% | 4422 | 4.909% | 3265 | 4.839% |
| 38 | Hoopa-Unbound | 4.84082% | 4361 | 4.841% | 3123 | 4.628% |
| 39 | Tornadus-Therian | 4.75091% | 4280 | 4.751% | 3409 | 5.052% |
| 40 | Maushold | 4.72205% | 4254 | 4.722% | 2971 | 4.403% |
| 41 | Iron Treads | 4.52669% | 4078 | 4.527% | 3149 | 4.667% |
| 42 | Cinderace | 4.44454% | 4004 | 4.445% | 2842 | 4.212% |
| 43 | Heatran | 4.19701% | 3781 | 4.197% | 3016 | 4.470% |
| 44 | Terapagos | 4.18924% | 3774 | 4.189% | 2655 | 3.935% |
| 45 | Mew | 4.18702% | 3772 | 4.187% | 3081 | 4.566% |
| 46 | Scizor | 4.14040% | 3730 | 4.140% | 2966 | 4.396% |
| 47 | Gliscor | 4.00164% | 3605 | 4.002% | 2825 | 4.187% |
| 48 | Kommo-o | 3.97500% | 3581 | 3.975% | 2371 | 3.514% |
| 49 | Bellibolt | 3.96057% | 3568 | 3.961% | 2808 | 4.162% |
| 50 | Enamorus | 3.86067% | 3478 | 3.861% | 2464 | 3.652% |
| 51 | Dondozo | 3.80406% | 3427 | 3.804% | 2595 | 3.846% |
| 52 | Dragonite | 3.71748% | 3349 | 3.717% | 2475 | 3.668% |
| 53 | Smeargle | 3.70971% | 3342 | 3.710% | 3113 | 4.614% |
| 54 | Talonflame | 3.44330% | 3102 | 3.443% | 2370 | 3.512% |
| 55 | Latios | 3.41888% | 3080 | 3.419% | 2233 | 3.309% |
| 56 | Primarina | 3.38003% | 3045 | 3.380% | 2286 | 3.388% |
| 57 | Goodra-Hisui | 3.23684% | 2916 | 3.237% | 2293 | 3.398% |
| 58 | Comfey | 3.22795% | 2908 | 3.228% | 2101 | 3.114% |
| 59 | Pelipper | 3.21907% | 2900 | 3.219% | 2500 | 3.705% |
| 60 | Empoleon | 3.21463% | 2896 | 3.215% | 2146 | 3.180% |
| 61 | Tornadus | 3.13249% | 2822 | 3.132% | 2136 | 3.166% |
| 62 | Braviary-Hisui | 3.13138% | 2821 | 3.131% | 1897 | 2.811% |
| 63 | Mimikyu | 3.12583% | 2816 | 3.126% | 2136 | 3.166% |
| 64 | Zapdos | 3.00262% | 2705 | 3.003% | 2079 | 3.081% |
| 65 | Tyranitar | 2.70957% | 2441 | 2.710% | 1873 | 2.776% |
| 66 | Clodsire | 2.60745% | 2349 | 2.607% | 1836 | 2.721% |
| 67 | Manaphy | 2.59191% | 2335 | 2.592% | 1699 | 2.518% |
| 68 | Garganacl | 2.47536% | 2230 | 2.475% | 1618 | 2.398% |
| 69 | Moltres | 2.35103% | 2118 | 2.351% | 1717 | 2.545% |
| 70 | Diancie | 2.29331% | 2066 | 2.293% | 1404 | 2.081% |
| 71 | Kingdra | 2.24558% | 2023 | 2.246% | 1421 | 2.106% |
| 72 | Meowscarada | 2.23781% | 2016 | 2.238% | 1532 | 2.270% |
| 73 | Kilowattrel | 2.14457% | 1932 | 2.145% | 1674 | 2.481% |
| 74 | Walking Wake | 2.10017% | 1892 | 2.100% | 1327 | 1.967% |
| 75 | Iron Hands | 2.06354% | 1859 | 2.064% | 1399 | 2.073% |
| 76 | Porygon-Z | 1.96031% | 1766 | 1.960% | 1152 | 1.707% |
| 77 | Volbeat | 1.93477% | 1743 | 1.935% | 1561 | 2.313% |
| 78 | Krookodile | 1.91812% | 1728 | 1.918% | 1267 | 1.878% |
| 79 | Azumarill | 1.85818% | 1674 | 1.858% | 1260 | 1.867% |
| 80 | Sinistcha | 1.77271% | 1597 | 1.773% | 1171 | 1.735% |
| 81 | Ogerpon-Cornerstone | 1.71166% | 1542 | 1.712% | 1138 | 1.687% |
| 82 | Arcanine-Hisui | 1.70389% | 1535 | 1.704% | 1165 | 1.727% |
| 83 | Araquanid | 1.66726% | 1502 | 1.667% | 1285 | 1.904% |
| 84 | Whimsicott | 1.66282% | 1498 | 1.663% | 1183 | 1.753% |
| 85 | Flapple | 1.60510% | 1446 | 1.605% | 960 | 1.423% |
| 86 | Incineroar | 1.57180% | 1416 | 1.572% | 1171 | 1.735% |
| 87 | Metagross | 1.49742% | 1349 | 1.497% | 1013 | 1.501% |
| 88 | Cresselia | 1.49298% | 1345 | 1.493% | 932 | 1.381% |
| 89 | Excadrill | 1.48188% | 1335 | 1.482% | 946 | 1.402% |
| 90 | Iron Boulder | 1.37865% | 1242 | 1.379% | 834 | 1.236% |
| 91 | Thundurus | 1.35423% | 1220 | 1.354% | 972 | 1.441% |
| 92 | Kleavor | 1.34979% | 1216 | 1.350% | 980 | 1.452% |
| 93 | Weezing-Galar | 1.33203% | 1200 | 1.332% | 961 | 1.424% |
| 94 | Keldeo | 1.29984% | 1171 | 1.300% | 846 | 1.254% |
| 95 | Thundurus-Therian | 1.28652% | 1159 | 1.287% | 793 | 1.175% |
| 96 | Ambipom | 1.28208% | 1155 | 1.282% | 910 | 1.349% |
| 97 | Espathra | 1.25655% | 1132 | 1.257% | 792 | 1.174% |
| 98 | Volcanion | 1.23768% | 1115 | 1.238% | 876 | 1.298% |
| 99 | Jolteon | 1.22991% | 1108 | 1.230% | 839 | 1.243% |
| 100 | Tinkaton | 1.21437% | 1094 | 1.214% | 857 | 1.270% |

Wowie, 45K games for a non-permanent ladder! That’s pretty dang good.


Feedback from the player base was largely positive, yet there remains a few ongoing points of constructive criticism with the meta that we would like to address. First, let’s rip off this band-aid:

Council Vote #5​


Pokemon / Move / Ability
:parasect:
Ivy​
:equilibra:Final Verdict​
:grimmsnarl:
Fake Out
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
Restrict​
5-0-0​
:jolteon:
Debuff moves
Restrict​
Abstain​
Do Not Restrict​
Do Not Restrict​
Do Not Restrict​
1-1-3​

Fake Out has been restricted from Linked!

:sv/grimmsnarl:
​
So long Fake Out spam teams, you’ll be missed by no one. Debuff moves like Acid Spray, Fake Tears, Metal Sound and Screech live on.


Next, on to the deeper issue with the meta—
the same question posed by Giagantic to us upon the Gen 9 Linked revival submission:

“How would you balance this metagame? Just accept the countless 1hko scenarios that are bound to happen from time to time?”

Indeed, a month of testing has illustrated that the premise inherently is advantageous to faster Pokemon. Those who get to move first gain the advantage of acting twice, potentially KOing their opponent before they can move or setting up a snowballing game ending sweep. The Linked mechanic will always leave defensive playstyles such as balance and stall on the backfoot. While HO playstyle games are fast paced and fun, they are also very much matchup dependent and prone to being counter-teamed.

While the meta is roughly as balanced as an HO meta can hope to be, and very fun, it is most certainly matchup fishy. What can be done?

There have been a few suggestions to help alleviate this issue:
  • Alter the premise, lowering the power of offensive Linked attacks (similar to how Parental Bond functions).
  • Ban the meta of its most oppressive offensive tools, such as Meteor Beam, Bulk Up and debuff moves.
  • Improve balance and stall playstyles by unbanning the Pokemon that benefit those archetypes the most, giving the meta more solids defensive cores to revolve around.

Of these, Option 1 is a nuclear option that would fundamentally remake the meta. Option 2 is viable, but would require more suspect tests, which are difficult to do without a ladder. Option 3 however might nerf HO to the point that Option 2 becomes unnecessary.


With the intent to buff balance and stall in mind, the Linked council intends to hold a test tournament where several defensive pieces will be trialed. The Pokemon to be tested in this tour will include:

:sv/giratina::sv/giratina-origin::sv/solgaleo::sv/lugia:
​
Can these mighty beasts possibly be considered healthy in Linked? What could these Pokemon add to the meta?

:Giratina::Giratina-origin: Despite not having reliable recovery, the Giratinas may potentially be the most impactful of the tested mons. In Giratina you would find a solid check to Rain and Sun teams, the oppressive Iron Moth, and notable Bulk Up users like Great Tusk and Quaquaval. Furthermore, Defog would remove all of screens, terrains and hazards, while also potentially enabling hazard stack of its own. Shuffle, status + Hex, and a strong Shadow Sneak are fantastic options to consider as well.

:Solgaleo: Solgaleo’s tools are an embarrassment of riches. With sturdy bulk, good typing, great utility in Trick Room, PsyFangs, Knock Off and Stealth Rock (among others), and Morning Sun it can attempt to wall, and with Teleport it can make a fine offensive or defensive pivot. Pinch berries and wide variety of coverage options might make it a potent lure. Another fantastic trait Solg might bring to the format is its immunity to stat debuffs, making it immune to Parting Shot, Screech, Fake Tears and the like. Its set up options are limited; it has Iron Defense and Cosmic Power but no Body Press, Calm Mind, but no Stored Power, which will (hopefully) keep offensive sets from going wild.

:Lugia: Lastly, we have humble Lugia. Generally agreed to be the least broken of the four to be tested, while bulky, its Multiscale is heavily nerfed by the premise by virtue of double attacks. It has boosting options such as Calm Mind and Curse, but weaker offenses. Still, perhaps Lugia’s impressive defensive profile might find some use in the Linked meta.

The logistics and timing of the test tournament remain to be decided. Stay tuned for the tour post in the coming days, and in the mean time, feel free to discuss the potential of the four Ubers, the usage stats and celebrate the death of Fake Out spam. :)

dhelmise please install
Click to expand...
Yippee, fake out is dead!!! I have a feeling someone will turn the potentially freed legendaries into HO mons, but thats just a theory. Person might be me idk
 
We’ve got a brand new banner for our metagame! Huge courtesies to DaWolfKid for this absolutely incredible artwork!
1000042936-png.821632
 
Hey, now that the Linked Balance Test Tour is gone, I would like to gather some thoughts I had on the metagame regarding the addition of Giratina, Solgaleo and Lugia. I hope this will lead to some discussions. For context, I just picked up the tier for the tournament, so I have no real clue on the metagame pre test —even though I faced some teams without the four, and checked the resources of the tier prior to building and playing —so I will only be talking regarding my personal experience during the tournament. Let us get started!​

Giratina & Giratina-Origin
:sv/giratina: :sv/giratina-origin:​

These two provide some amazing role compression with their access to: Defog, Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave, Dragon Tail / Roar and priority in Shadow Sneak. In addition, their typing is great: checking / countering rank A or above threats such as Zamazenta, Great Tusk, the forms of Ogerpon, Quaquaval, Cinderace, Heatran, Regieleki, Terapagos, Ursaluna, and both Zapdos. With strong STAB moves in Draco Meteor and Poltergeist and strong offenses in both forms, Giratina can weaken or KO these threats pretty easily, or at least cripple them with status or phaze them preventing a sweep. Above all, I believe the association of Dragon Tail + Attacking Move / Status in link is particularly efficient, especially againt offensive teams when the opponent does not want to send a what would be key Pokemon on Giratina's attacks. In this regard, the best form of the two for me is Giratina-Origin. Here are some sets I have been using during the tour.

Giratina-Origin @ Griseous Core
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Dragon Tail
- Poltergeist
- Defog
- Shadow Sneak
I don't think Defog being linked is really good, as the value of Giratina-Origin for me is really to phaze and then hit something hard.
Giratina-Origin @ Griseous Core
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
- Dragon Tail
- Thunder Wave / Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Draco Meteor
You could also fit Shadow Sneak or Defog over Draco Meteor depending on your team.
Giratina-Origin @ Griseous Core
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Roar
- Dragon Tail
- Poltergeist
- Shadow Sneak
This set is straightforward: phaze a Pokemon to bring something that will take both hazards and Dragon Tail damages. Really useful on Hazards stacks team.
Honestly, all the sets can be either physically defensive or specially defensive, it really depends on the team you're using. In a similar vein, you can opt for a special attacking set or a physical attacking one depending on your needs. I do think a special attacking set is mandatory on the status spreader to get value from Hex though. Also, the tier being offensive means that Giratina-Origin does not need to run much EVs in Attack / Special Attack to 2HKO a majority of offensive Pokemon, which is why I prefer a tanky version that can then retaliate.

For me, Giratina-Origin is a BO / balance savior in the sense that you can use it in so many different ways whether to check, revenge kill, phaze or simply deal damage, that every BO / balance should consider to have it when building. I'm more of a BO / balance player myself, so basically all my teams from the tournament have Giratina-Origin, but here are some use cases in which I think it shines —I won't guarantee the teams in this post are good, I want just to give a general idea.
:solgaleo: :cinderace: :garchomp: :hoopa-unbound: :giratina-origin: :enamorus:
In this structure, Giratina-Origin acts as a strong phazer, helping Garchomp in racking Spikes and Stealth Rock damages as the game continues. Solgaleo forces switches thanks to Future Sight + Teleport in association with Cinderace doing basically the same thing. Hoopa-Unbound can break past stronger Boots Pokemon, and Enamorus and Giratina-Origin can clean in late game with either CM + Moonblast or Shadow Sneak. I found that this metagame does not rely that much on Boots, so hazards stacking is really efficient and in normal cases should not be a problem for offensive teams, but two phazers mean that the offensive teams will be worn down really fast.

:manaphy: :samurott-hisui: :giratina-origin: :solgaleo: :regieleki: :landorus-therian:
This team has the same goal as the previous one, but relying on paralysis from Giratina-Origin and Regieleki to help Manaphy sweep late game.

:lugia: :cinderace: :garchomp: :giratina-origin: :alomomola: :goodra-hisui:
Finally, even in semi-stall structures, Giratina-Origin finds a place as a good Wish receiver —when Alomomola gives the Wish that is— that can fulfill the Defogger role without being too passive in front of hazards setters.

Regular Giratina is an option in more dedicated Stall teams for hazards control and phazing via Roar mostly. I would guess that having Roar + Toxic in link, and Defog and Rest as filler moves could be a nice set, if paired with Heal Bell Blissey for example. Even without Heal Bell, Giratina is just a defensive beast, but this metagame being really offensive with linked moves means it can be 3HKO by many combinations, which is why I would go with Heal Bell or stick to Giratina-Origin to get the Ground immunity, which is particularly important in the face of Great Tusk and Ursaluna, and against Spikes.

All in all, I think Giratina & Giratina-Origin are good additions to the tier, making the metagame more enjoyable to play from a fatter building perspective. Also, both forms are not that hard to check or counter, as having a Dragapult check in your team means that you are more than likely prepared against the two. For example, S- rank Kingambit has a strong MU into Dragapult and Giratina, Clefable can take a hit or two, and Grimmsnarl too —though they cannot be considered as counters, only checks. Moreover, playing against it is not impossible, given Giratina has no recovery, is not fast, has no option to boost its stats besides Calm Mind and you basically know what it is going to do on preview. Its movepool is not wide, and it will not use something other than its basics STABs as the combination is already great as is and the item of Giratina-Origin provides a boost on these STABs. Also, you cannot hard Giratina or Giratina-Origin on many attackers, as some will 2HKO it with coverage or just raw power. I would even say that these two are healthy for the metagame.
​
Solgaleo
:sv/solgaleo:
​
From my perspective, it is a Teleport bot. If you want to play it offensively, you can just use Iron Crown. Even though Solgaleo has a wider movepool, a better Attack stat and a better bulk, it lacks Stored Power to be an effective sweeper with Agility + Calm Mind and has not access to Tachyon Cutter, needing to rely on Flash Cannon if you want the other STAB. However, it gets better coverage in Fire Blast and Thunderbolt, but that is all it has on the special side. If you see a Solgaleo on the opposing team, you don't have to fear a special setup sweeper. I admit that, on the physical side, it has an impressive movepool, featuring everything a physical attacker could dream of: Close Combat, Earthquake, Flare Blitz, Sunsteel Strike and Psychic Fangs for STAB, and even Stone Edge. However, Solgaleo heavily relies on the Weakness Policy + Agility / Flame Charge to be an efficient physical setup sweeper. The question then remains: is a physical setup sweeper set too oppressive for the metagame? It has a strong bulk, meaning it can generally live a non linked hit —and even a super effective one— before setting up with either Agility or Flame Charge, and then proceeding to sweep if it has the Weakness Policy boost. It would be easy for me to say: just do not hit it with a super effective move, but it is hard to do so depending on the context. I think an hyper offense team would need to chip it and then revenge kill it with Kingambit or Grimmsnarl, whereas a bulkier structure would need Great Tusk + hazards to KO it for example, or a bulky phazer like Giratina. I think you need to account for this set in the builder, but it is not that oppressive.

As for its defensive utility, Solgaleo provides Teleport, Future Sight, Roar, Trick Room and Knock Off, which are all good tools to have to support specific teams. Also, Solgaleo's typing and bulk make it interesting against threats such as Rillaboom, Zamazenta, Kyurem and Iron Crown. If implemented in the tier, I don't necessarily think it will be a staple in bulky structures —as Giratina would be in my opinion—, but it is a good option to have on a Future Sight or Trick Room team. Thanks to its ability, Solgaleo can even run a Choice Scarf to punish Sticky Web teams or prevent Grimmsnarl from using Parting Shot, if your team is weak to offense. For sets, I came up with these two during the tournaments.​
Solgaleo @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Full Metal Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Future Sight
- Teleport
- Sunsteel Strike
- Morning Sun
Shuca Berry prevents Enamorus from being annoying to deal with. Future Sight + Teleport gives two turns to make use of Future Sight, which can be useful depending on the context.​
Solgaleo @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Full Metal Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flame Charge
- Sunsteel Strike
- Close Combat
- Psychic Fangs
You can also use Agility in the non Linked slot and prefer running Close Combat + Sunsteel Strike in the Linked slots.​

I think it covers what Solgaleo can do in this metagame. It does not take big advantage of the Linked metagame, and the metagame being more offensive than OU means it can be dealt with much more easily. I think it would be interesting to have it in the metagame: it brings more diversity, can be used in both offensive and bulky teams —with a bigger advantage for bulky teams—, and does not seem too strong.
​
Lugia
:sv/lugia:
​
I believe Lugia has two options: phazing or setting up. In this metagame, Multiscale is not as strong as usual, meaning Lugia will not become an unkillable wall after setting up with Calm Mind. Lugia's stats are impressive regarding bulk and Speed, which means it can act as a fast wall against sweepers such as Rillaboom, Garchomp, Quaquaval, and even Enamorus. Let me list the two sets I came up with.
Lugia @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 108 SpA / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
108 SpA allow Lugia to 3HKO Dondozo with Thunderbolt, preventing Rest loops. Calm Mind + Recover is imperative to effectively act as both a wall against setup sweepers and a setup sweeper itself. The EVs in Speed allow Lugia to outspeed max Speed base 95. BoltBeam coverage means maximum efficiency against most teams, but you could try Air Slash + Earth Power for example. A Curse set might be possible, but you do not take advantage of Lugia's Speed. I like having Leftovers, because with Calm Mind + Recover, you can hold on to the Multiscale much more easily.
Lugia @ Leftovers / Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 32 Def / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Earth Power
- Whirlwind
- Psychic Noise
- Recover
224 Spe allow Lugia to outspeed Enamorus. The moves in the linked slots can be arranged as you like.

Lugia is an option for stall and semistall teams, and does not feel overpowered in that regard. It punishes teams without a phazer or a strong fast physical attacker, thus becoming an important win condition if played right. It is also a good physical and special sponge against HO, and even with only 90 as a Special Attack stat, it is not helpless thanks to Calm Mind and Whirlwind. I don't have anything much to say other that I think Lugia is a healthy addition to the metagame which helps against offensive teams.​

Conclusion​

I think all these four have a place in the metagame, and I propose the following ranks for them:
:giratina-origin: A+ rank;
:solgaleo: A / A- rank;
:lugia: A- / B+ rank;
:giratina: B rank.

I would be happy to discuss this subject further and to help develop the metagame including these four Pokemon. Here are all the teams I built during this tournament: teams.​
 
Council Vote #6​

Pokemon
:parasect:
Ivy​
:equilibra:Final Verdict​
:Giratina:​
Unban​
Abstain​
Unban​
Unban​
Unban​
4-1-0​
:Giratina-Origin:​
Unban​
Abstain​
Unban​
Unban​
Unban​
4-1-0​
:Lugia:​
Do Not Unban​
Abstain​
Unban​
Unban​
Unban​
3-1-1​
:Solgaleo:​
Unban​
Abstain​
Unban​
Unban​
Unban​
4-1-0​

Giratina, Giratina-Origin, Lugia and Solgaleo are freed in Linked!
:sv/giratina: :sv/giratina-origin: :sv/lugia: :sv/solgaleo:​

Following our test tour, and a ladder cooldown, the Linked council has voted to free all four test subjects!

Please implement dhelmise
 
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