Other Tier Monoletter

[Drag0n]

Monoletter

Art By SilverSlime

Monoletter is a National Dex OU based metagame where your entire team has to start with the same letter of the English Alphabet. This format aims to answer the question of what letters would have the best Pokemon competitively, while still keeping a fun and balanced meta where all letters are equally balanced.

Challenge Code

/challenge nationaldex @@@ Same Letter Clause, +Ogerpon-Hearthflame, +Ursaluna-Bloodmoon, +Walking Wake, +Yveltal, +Urshifu, +Naganadel, -Kommo-o, -Light Clay

Same Letter Clause coded by iforgetwhyimhere :D

Council:

Drag0n (Tier Leader)
AthenaStrive9 (Co- Tier Leader)


Monoletter Discord

Full Ruleset

Play Restrictions:

• Species Clause: Players cannot have more than one Pokémon with any National Pokédex number.
• Endless Battle Clause: Players cannot intentionally prevent their opponent's Pokémon from fainting from PP depletion and Struggle recoil.
• Sleep Clause Mod: Players can not induce sleep on more than one of the opponent's Pokémon at once.
• Evasion Clause: Moves that boost evasion like Minimize are banned.
• OHKO Clause: Moves that OHKO the foe (Fissure, Guillotine, Horn Drill, and Sheer Cold) are banned.
• Terastal Clause: Players may not Terastalize.
• Same Letter Clause: Players team must start with the same letter of the English Alphabet.

Pokemon Restrictions:

Players cannot use the following Pokémon:

• Annihilape
• Arceus (all formes)
• Baxcalibur
• Calyrex-Ice
• Calyrex-Shadow
• Chi-Yu
• Chien-Pao
• Darkrai
• Darmanitan-Galar
• Deoxys
• Deoxys-Attack
• Deoxys-Speed
• Dialga
• Dialga-Origin
• Dracovish
• Dragapult
• Espathra
• Eternatus
• Flutter Mane
• Genesect
• Giratina
• Giratina-Origin
• Gouging Fire
• Groudon
• Ho-Oh
• Iron Bundle
• Kommo-o
• Koraidon
• Kyogre
• Kyurem-Black
• Kyurem-White
• Landorus
• Lugia
• Lunala
• Magearna
• Marshadow
• Mewtwo
• Miraidon
• Necrozma-Dawn Wings
• Necrozma-Dusk Mane
• Palafin
• Palkia
• Palkia-Origin
• Pheromosa
• Rayquaza
• Reshiram
• Roaring Moon
• Shaymin-Sky
• Sneasler
• Solgaleo
• Spectrier
• Urshifu (Single Strike forme)
• Xerneas
• Zacian
• Zacian-Crowned
• Zamazenta-Crowned
• Zekrom
• Zygarde

Ability Restrictions:

Players cannot use the following abilities:

• Arena Trap
• Moody
• Power Construct
• Shadow Tag

Item Restrictions:

Players cannot use the following items:

• Alakazite
• Blastoisinite
• Blazikenite
• Gengarite
• Kangaskhanite
• King's Rock
• Light Clay
• Lucarionite
• Metagrossite
• Quick Claw
• Razor Fang

Move Restrictions:

Players cannot use the following moves:

• Baton Pass
• Assist
• Last Respects
• Shed Tail

Monoletter Specific

These changes in the ruleset are unique to Monoletter separate from the normal National Dex OU ruleset:

Unbans:
- Unbanned
- Unbanned
- Unbanned
- Unbanned
- (Single Strike) Unbanned
- Unbanned
Bans:
- Banned
- Banned

These ruleset changes aim to better balance certain underwhelming letters to be able to compete with the top tier letters in the tier.

 

[Drag0n]

Monoletter Sample Teams:

Hyper Offense:


Dual Lead HO by Alpha


Iron Screens HO by Danbear

Offense:


Tapu Koko Volt Turn by Drag0n


Z Choice Band Spam by Danbear


L Offense by Danbear

Bulky Offense:


Double Tapu BO by JK


Z Bulky Offense by Kin+ak


K Bulky Offense by JK


R Grassy Terrain Bulky Offense by Danbear

Balance:


T Hazard Stack Balance by Kin+ak


Alo + Arch Balance by TBIC106

Stall:


C Stall Ceruledge Version by Drag0n


C Stall Charizard X Version by Kin+ak


C Stall Double Steel Birds by JK


S Stall by Danbear

Weather:


Vulpix Sun by Kin+ak


C Zard Y Sun by Danbear


E Automatic Sun by Danbear


P Rain by Soda & Drag0n

Other:


C Trick Room by Drag0n

 

[Drag0n]

Monoletter Viability Rankings​

Welcome to the Monoletter Viability Rankings! This resource aims to rank the best Pokémon for each letter, allowing players to construct more viable teams!

S Rank: These Pokemon are often the reason to use a specific letter. Most, if not all teams of this letter should use these Pokemon.

A Rank: Powerful Pokemon in their own right, these will provide fantastic utility to a team.

B Rank: While these Pokemon are usable, they are often outclassed by Pokemon in a higher rank or are used solely because they fulfill a niche role that cannot be filled by any other option.

C Rank: Niche picks that will often require support to function, which can be difficult/impossible to provide if the letter is particularly lacking in options.

D Rank: Almost always outclassed by higher tiers but can technically be used to some effect, or bad Pokémon that fulfill a niche due to letter limitations

Viability Rankings - Pokémon

A

A: Overall Viability - (B-)​

While A has some notable defensive staples such as Alomomola, multiple viable Mega options, and other strong utility options, it struggles with a general lack of offensive prowess alongside a crippling lack of any ground type, leaving it fairly exploitable as a letter.

S:

• Alomomola

A:

• Aegislash
• Aerodactyl-Mega
• Aggron-Mega
• Alakazam
• Amoonguss
• Archaludon
• Azumarill

B:

• Altaria-Mega
• Araquanid
• Arcanine-Hisui
• Azelf

C:

• Abomasnow
• Accelgor
• Altaria
• Ampharos-Mega
• Appletun
• Arcanine
• Arctovish
• Arctozolt
• Articuno-Galar
• Avalugg

D:

• Abomasnow-Mega
• Absol-Mega
• Ambipom
• Arbok
• Arboliva
• Archeops
• Ariados
• Armaldo
• Articuno
• Audino
• Audino-Mega
• Avalugg-Hisui

B

B: Overall Viability - (C)​

With so few viable options, B is often forced to be an offensive letter. While Blissey and Buzzwole can form a defensive backbone, options like Beedrill-Mega, Blacephalon, and Blaziken lean the letter towards offense.

S:

• Blaziken
• Blissey
• Buzzwole

A:

• Bisharp
• Blacephalon

B:

• Banette-Mega
• Barraskewda
• Basculegion
• Basculegion-F
• Beedrill-Mega
• Blastoise
• Brambleghast
• Breloom
• Bronzong

C:

• Barbaracle
• Bellibolt
• Bombirdier
• Braviary
• Braviary-Hisui
• Brute Bonnet
• Bruxish

D:

• Banette
• Bastiodon
• Bayleef
• Beartic
• Beautifly
• Beedrill
• Beheeyem
• Bellossom
• Bewear
• Bibarel
• Boltund
• Bouffalant
• Butterfree

C

C: Overall Viability - (A+)​

With some the best defensive options in the tier with Clodsire, Chansey, Clefable, and Corviknight as well as offensive presence with Mega Charizard X and Y, Cinderace, and Ceruledge, C is an amazing and flexible letter being able to be used offensively and defensively.

S:

• Corviknight

A:

• Clodsire
• Chansey
• Clefable
• Charizard-Mega-Y
• Cinderace

B:

• Charizard-Mega-X
• Ceruledge
• Chesnaught
• Celesteela
• Cetitan
• Conkeldurr
• Crabominable
• Cresselia
• Cloyster
• Cobalion
• Crawdaunt

C:

• Camerupt-Mega
• Celebi
• Chandelure
• Clawitzer
• Cofagrigus
• Coalossal
• Cyclizar
• Corsola-Galar
• Crobat

D:

• Cranidos
• Cradily
• Cramorant
• Cutiefly
• Cacturne
• Camerupt
• Carracosta
• Claydol
• Comfey

D

D: Overall Viability - (B-)​

The letter D thrives as an offensive letter with powerhouses such as Dragonite, Mega Diancie, and Darmanitan. Ditto is unique among the available Pokémon, and a defining part of the letter. Defensive options exist—such as Decidueye and Deoxys-D—though they serve to bolster the offensive pieces rather than forming defensive cores.

S:

• Diancie-Mega
• Dragonite

A:

• Darmanitan
• Dondozo
• Ditto

B:

• Dracozolt
• Diggersby
• Decidueye-Hisui
• Decidueye
• Deoxys-Defense
• Doublade

C:

• Dewpider
• Dottler
• Dusclops
• Dusknoir
• Dugtrio
• Dugtrio-Alola
• Duraludon
• Durant
• Druddigon
• Drednaw
• Drapion
• Dhelmise
• Delphox
• Dragalge

D:

• Drampa
• Drifblim
• Dudunsparce
• Dunsparce
• Dipplin
• Drakloak
• Dustox
• Dodrio
• Dedenne

E

E: Overall Viability - (C-)​

Excadrill and Enamorus are almost always necessary picks for the letter E and are the main reasons for building this otherwise niche letter. The only other hazard setter besides Excadrill is Empoleon, and sweepers such as Espeon and Eiscue are a few of the only options for that role. E is lacking in powerful Pokémon—often needing unconventional picks to pad out the stronger ones—but still manages to function.

S:

• Excadrill
• Enamorus

A:

• Entei
• Espeon

B:

• Exeggutor-Alola
• Eelektross
• Empoleon
• Enamorus-Therian
• Electrode-Hisui
• Eiscue

C:

• Eldegoss
• Exploud
• Escavalier

D:

• Electrode
• Emboar
• Electivire
• Exeggutor

F

F: Overall Viability - (C-)​

F relies on outclassed Pokémon to support the crowning piece of this letter: Ferrothorn. With a strong defensive type and amazing utility, Ferrothorn holds together the letter F and is the only thing giving it any sort of viability. Sweepers such as Feraligatr and Flygon give the letter an offensive presence, while Froslass and especially Forretress provide some extra utility.

S:

• Ferrothorn

A:

• Feraligatr
• Flygon
• Fezandipiti
• Flamigo

B:

• Falinks
• Florges
• Frosmoth
• Froslass
• Forretress

C:

• Farigiraf
• Flapple
• Floatzel
• Flareon

D:

• Farfetch’d
• Farfetch’d-Galar
• Fearow
• Furret
• Furfrou

G

G: Overall Viability - (A+)​

Home to some of the strongest Pokémon in National Dex OU, the letter G has no shortage of viable picks from a wide range of roles. Gholdengo is the shining star of this letter, providing amazing value to offensive and defensive teams through type, ability, and moves. Powerhouses such as Gyarados-Mega, Greninja, and Garchomp can tear through teams, while utility Pokémon such as Gliscor, Great Tusk, and Goodra-Hisui support them defensively.

S:

• Gholdengo

A:

• Gyarados-Mega
• Galvantula
• Glimmora
• Garchomp
• Great Tusk
• Gliscor
• Greninja

B:

• Gallade-Mega
• Garganacl
• Garchomp-Mega
• Goodra-Hisui
• Gyarados

C:

• Grimmsnarl
• Gorebyss
• Gallade
• Gastrodon
• Gengar
• Goodra
• Glastrier

D:

• Garbodor
• Golem
• Golem-Alola
• Gigalith
• Glaceon
• Glalie
• Gogoat
• Golisopod
• Golurk
• Grafaiai
• Gumshoos
• Granbull

H

H: Overall Viability - (B-)​

Though somewhat limited in options, H has no shortage in viable ones, with many Pokémon here leaning towards bulky offense and balance. Hoopa-Unbound is versatile in their possible sets; Heatran, Hatterene, and Hydrapple are strong defensive options that can be run offensively; Hydreigon, Haxorus, and Heracross are strong options to break through opposing teams.

S:

• Hoopa-Unbound
• Heatran

A:

• Hatterene
• Heracross-Mega
• Hydrapple
• Hydreigon
• Hippowdon

B:

• Houndoom-Mega
• Hariyama
• Hawlucha
• Houndstone
• Heliolisk
• Hoopa
• Haxorus

C:

• Hitmontop
• Honchkrow
• Huntail
• Haunter

D:

• Hitmonchan
• Hitmonlee

I

I: Overall Viability - (B-)​

I teams revolve around “Iron spam”, as the strongest picks for the letter revolve around future paradox Pokémon. Booster Energy allows these Pokémon to boost their highest stat, which sometimes can be unpredictable. Psyspam is also an option with Indeedee being available and Iron Crown being a powerful abuser.

S:

• Iron Valiant

A:

• Iron Moth
• Iron Crown
• Iron Hands
• Iron Treads

B:

• Iron Boulder
• Infernape
• Indeedee

C:

• Indeedee-F
• Iron Jugulis
• Iron Leaves
• Inteleon
• Incineroar

D:

• Impidimp
• Illumise
• Iron Thorns

J

J: Overall Viability - (D-)​

The only reason to use J is Jirachi, who isn’t a particularly strong Pokémon. There are so few options—let alone viable ones—that anyone building with this letter will have to use at least one little cup Pokémon. The fully evolved Pokémon available are not strong, and using this letter will put the player at a major disadvantage.

S:

• Jirachi

A:

• Jolteon
• Jellicent
• Joltik

B:

• Jynx
• Jumpluff

C:

• Jigglypuff

D:

• Jangmo-o

K

K: Overall Viability - (A+)​

Though K has limited options, don’t be fooled by the low count—many of these Pokémon are strong, with Kingambit alone being able to sweep through weakened teams. Kyurem, Kartana, and Keldeo are key offensive pieces, each being able to run a variety of sets which keeps the opponent guessing on preview. Klefki, Kleavor, Krookodile, and Kricketune all set hazards which enable this letter’s sweepers and breakers.

S:

• Kingambit

A:

• Kyurem
• Keldeo
• Kartana

B:

• Klefki
• Kleavor
• Krookodile
• Kricketune

C:

• Kingdra
• Kilowattrel
• Kabutops
• Komala

D:

• Klawf
• Kingler

L

L: Overall Viability - (B+)​

The letter L has many notable options, though it is rather centralized due to the best options being so much better than the rest. Mega Lopunny, Mega Latios, and Mega Latias will be seen on every L team, with Landorus-Therian, Latios, and Lokix making guest appearances too. From there options broaden, with choices such as Latias, Lilligant-Hisui, and Lycanroc-Dusk being good picks. This letter tends to only be offensive, but does that job well.

S:

• Lopunny-Mega
• Landorus-Therian

A:

• Latios-Mega
• Latios
• Latias-Mega
• Lilligant-Hisui
• Lokix

B:

• Latias
• Lucario
• Lilligant
• Lycanroc
• Lycanroc-Dusk

C:

• Lanturn
• Leavanny
• Leafeon
• Lurantis
• Luxray
• Lycanroc-Midnight

D:

• Liepard
• Linoone
• Lumineon

M

M: Overall Viability - (B+)​

Melmetal is the molten glob that keeps M fastened together, whose presence leads this letter towards offense. Other available Pokémon that do this too include Mega Medicham and Mawile, Manaphy, Meowscarada, and the Moltres forms. There is no shortage of offensive Pokémon available for M, making the letter versatile in how it approaches its offense.

S:

• Melmetal

A:

• Medicham-Mega
• Mawile-Mega
• Manaphy
• Meowscarada
• Moltres
• Moltres-Galar
• Minior
• Masquerain

B:

• Magnezone
• Manectric-Mega
• Mamoswine
• Mandibuzz
• Maushold
• Mew
• Muk-Alola
• Marowak-Alola

C:

• Machamp
• Marowak
• Metagross
• Mienshao
• Mimikyu

D:

• Meowstic
• Meowstic-F
• Morpeko
• Mabosstiff
• Malamar
• Milotic
• Mismagius
• Munkidori
• Mudsdale
• Mareanie

N

N: Overall Viability - (D+)​

N has very limited options and is forced into being an offensive letter. Because the strongest powerhouses of the letter—Naganadel, Nihilego, and Nidoking—are all weak to ground, Noivern or Noctowl are required to form some sort of defensive backbone. Ninetales-Alola can set Aurora Veil, though with Light Clay banned it won’t last for very long.

S:

• Naganadel

A:

• Ninetales-Alola
• Nihilego
• Nidoking

B:

• Necrozma
• Nidoqueen
• Noctowl
• Noivern

C:

• Ninetales
• Ninjask
• Naclstack

D:

• Natu

O

O: Overall Viability: - (C)​

The letter O is dominated by the Ogerpon forms with their powerful offensive capabilities and supportive utility. Okidogi pairs well with Ogerpon and is also incredibly strong on their own, functioning as glue for the letter. Despite the low count of available Pokémon, this letter is heavy with setup sweepers such as the Oricorio forms, Omastar, and Obstagoon, and has many hazard options between Ogerpon, Orbeetle, Overqwil, and Onix.

S:

• Ogerpon-Hearthflame
• Ogerpon-Wellspring

A:

• Ogerpon-Cornerstone
• Okidogi
• Orbeetle

B:

• Omastar
• Ogerpon
• Oricorio-Sensu
• Oricorio-Pom-Pom

C:

• Oricorio
• Oricorio-Pa’u
• Orthworm
• Overqwil
• Obstagoon

D:

• Oranguru
• Onix
• Omanyte
• Octillery
• Oinkologne
• Oinkologne-F

P

P: Overall Viability - (B-)​

P is considered to be the main letter for rain with access to Pelipper, Politoed, Poliwrath, Primarina, and Phione, though it can be much more than simply that. Pecharunt is a defining Pokémon for the letter both offensively and defensively, and other powerhouses such as Pinsir-Mega, Porygon-Z, and Polteageist are available too.

S:

• Pecharunt

A:

• Pelipper
• Pinsir-Mega
• Porygon-Z
• Primarina
• Poliwrath
• Polteageist

B:

• Primeape
• Porygon2
• Politoed
• Palossand
• Pawmot
• Pidgeot-Mega
• Piloswine
• Phione

C:

• Pikachu
• Pangoro
• Probopass
• Pincurchin
• Persian-Alola

D:

• Pachirisu
• Pyroar
• Perrserker
• Pinsir
• Pineco

Q

Q: Overall Viability - (D-)​

The only reason to use Q is Quaquaval, who isn’t a particularly strong Pokémon. There are so few options—let alone viable ones—that anyone building with this letter will have to use multiple not fully evolved pokemon. The fully evolved Pokémon available are not strong—with the exception of Quagsire—and using this letter will put the player at a major disadvantage.

S:

• Quaquaval

A:

• Quagsire
• Qwilfish-Hisui

B:

• Qwilfish
• Quilava

C:

• Quaxwell
• Quilladin

D:

• Quaxly

R

R: Overall Viability - (A)​

The letter R has many strong offensive and defensive options, trending the letter towards balance. Notably, there are a bevy of amazing electric types such as Raging Bolt, Rotom, and Regieleki. Rillaboom provides access to grassy terrain, which increases the team’s longevity and synergizes with the many electric types by reducing damage from Earthquake. There is no shortage of hazard setters with options like Roserade, Ribombee, Runerigus, and Registeel, though hazard removal is a bit limited with the only viable options being Rotom or Regieleki—both electric types.

S:

• Raging Bolt
• Rillaboom

A:

• Rotom-Wash
• Regidrago
• Regieleki
• Reuniclus

B:

• Rotom-Heat
• Roserade
• Rhyperior
• Ribombee
• Runerigus
• Revavroom
• Registeel

C:

• Rotom-Mow
• Rotom
• Raikou
• Rampardos
• Regirock
• Rapidash
• Rapidash-Galar
• Rabsca
• Raichu-Alola

D:

• Rotom-Fan
• Rotom-Frost
• Raichu
• Raboot
• Raticate
• Raticate-Alola
• Regice
• Regigigas

S

S: Overall Viability - (A-)​

S has access to some powerful OU staples such as Mega Scizor, Samurott-Hisui, and Slowking-Galar, while also relying on many UU and RU Pokémon who are able to successfully make themselves useful on S teams. There are many hazard setters and spin blockers available, making hazard stack popular with the letter. Pivot cores are strong thanks to Pokémon such as those listed before, Sandy Shocks, and Silvally. Silvally is notable as they can effectively be any type and play any role—they are a wild card. Shedinja is also a niche pick unique to S teams.

S:

• Scizor-Mega
• Slowking-Galar

A:

• Samurott-Hisui
• Sableye-Mega
• Sandy Shocks
• Serperior
• Skeledirge
• Skarmory
• Silvally-Fairy

B:

• Shedinja
• Sableye
• Scizor
• Scolipede
• Sharpedo-Mega
• Shuckle
• Sinistcha
• Slither Wing
• Slowbro
• Slowking
• Smeargle
• Starmie
• Salamence
• Silvally-Ground
• Silvally-Steel

C:

• Salazzle
• Sandslash
• Sandslash-Alola
• Sceptile-Mega
• Scrafty
• Scream Tail
• Seismitoad
• Shaymin
• Sharpedo
• Slurpuff
• Snorlax
• Spiritomb
• Stakataka
• Suicune
• Slowbro-Mega (Galar)
• Steelix-Mega
• Swampert-Mega
• Sylveon
• Staraptor
• Scyther
• Silvally-Ghost

D:

• Samurott
• Sandaconda
• Sawk
• Sawsbuck
• Scovillain
• Sceptile
• Shiftry
• Sirfetch’d
• Skuntank
• Slowbro-Galar
• Spidops
• Steelix
• Stoutland
• Swellow
• Swoobat
• Sneasel
• Sneasel-Hisui
• Silvally-Water

T

T: Overall Viability - (S)​

T is the defining letter of Monotype, and the long list of viable Pokémon does not disappoint. All four of the Tapus are excellent picks, though Koko and Lele stand out amongst the entire letter. Tornadus-Therian offers great offensive prowess and utility options, also being able to form Regenerator cores with Toxapex and Tangrowth. Mega Tyranitar, Ting-Lu, and Terapagos are bulky, offensive, and provide utility, offering great role compression for T teams. There are many other great Pokémon to choose from when it comes to the letter T—the sky is the limit when it comes to what you can build.

S:

• Tapu Koko
• Tapu Lele
• Tornadus-Therian

A:

• Tyranitar-Mega
• Toxapex
• Ting-Lu
• Terapagos
• Tapu Fini

B:

• Tapu Bulu
• Tyranitar
• Tinkaton
• Tangrowth
• Terrakion
• Thundurus-Therian
• Toedscruel
• Typhlosion-Hisui

C:

• Togekiss
• Tyrnantrum
• Talonflame
• Tentacruel
• Tauros
• Tauros-Paldea-Aqua
• Tauros-Paldea-Blaze
• Thievul
• Thundurus
• Tornadus
• Torkoal
• Torterra
• Toxicroak
• Toxtricity
• Tsareena
• Tatsugiri
• Typhlosion

D:

• Tauros-Paldea-Combat
• Trevenant
• Tropius
• Turtonator
• Type: Null

U

U: Overall Viability - (C-)​

With such limited picks, every successful U team will feature the exact same Pokémon. Differences lie between the chosen form of Urshifu and Ursaluna, who are the two main draws of the letter. Urshifu and Ursaluna will carry the team’s weight, while Ursaring helps punch additional holes through opposing teams. Uxie, Umbreon, and Unfezant have more supportive roles. Don’t use Unown, even if they’re the mascot Pokémon of the format.

S:

• Urshifu
• Ursaluna-Bloodmoon

A:

• Urshifu-Rapid-Strike
• Ursaluna

B:

• Uxie
• Ursaring
• Umbreon

C:

• Unfezant

D:

• Unown

V

V: Overall Viability - (B-)​

V trends toward being the definitive sun letter, with Vulpix able to set the weather and numerous Pokémon being able to take advantage of it. Victreebel and Venusaur use Chlorophyll as speed control, and with access to Growth can break through defensive Pokémon. Victini and Volcarona fire off stab and sun boosted fire type attacks, with few Pokémon being able to take the former’s V-Create under the sun. Utility options are limited with the only hazard removal being Vullaby, and the only available hazard setter being Vikabolt with Sticky Web.

S:

• Volcarona

A:

• Victini
• Venusaur-Mega
• Vulpix

B:

• Venusaur
• Victreebel
• Vullaby
• Vikavolt
• Volcanion
• Vanilluxe

C:

• Vaporeon
• Veluza
• Vivillon
• Venomoth
• Vileplume
• Virizion

D:

• Vespiquen
• Volbeat
• Vigoroth

W

W: Overall Viability - (C-)​

W’s main draw is access to Walking Wake and Weavile, both of which leverage their naturally high speed stats to hit opponents hard before they can move. Options beyond these two are limited. Whimsicott is one of the only other viable offensive Pokémon in the letter, also sporting great speed. Weezing-Galar, Whiscash, Wigglytuff, and Wo-Chien see use for the utility they can provide. Sun exists as an archetype, with Weepinbell being a usable option in addition to those named prior. Despite stall oriented Pokémon being present in the letter, offense and balance is most successful due to the lack of viable hazard setters and removers.

S:

• Walking Wake
• Weavile

A:

• (No PMD sprite) Weezing-Galar
• Whimsicott
• Whiscash

B:

• Wigglytuff
• Wo-Chien
• Whirlipede

C:

• Weezing
• Wailord
• Walrein
• Wyrdeer
• Weepinbell
• Wartortle

D:

• Wugtrio
• Wormadam
• Wormadam-Sandy
• Wormadam-Trash
• Wishiwashi

X

X: Overall Viability - (D-)​

X has nothing of value going for it, with only two available Pokémon. Not even dual screens from Xatu and Xurkitree with six stages of special attack is enough to break through an entire team—the latter will be felled before they can sweep a full party of six.

S:

• Xurkitree

A:

• Xatu

Y

Y: Overall Viability - (D)​

Though Yveltal is the strongest single Pokémon available in Monoletter, Y’s other picks make having access to this powerful Uber not even worthwhile. The only other fully evolved Pokémon the letter has is Yanmega, meaning you are otherwise forced to use little cup Pokémon such as Yamask and Yungoos. These Pokémon are unable to support Yveltal who is unable to sweep entire teams alone, especially any with even one fairy type.

S:

• Yveltal

A:

• Yanmega

B:

• Yanma
• Yamask

C:

• Yungoos

D:

• Yamper
• Yamask-Galar

Z

Z: Overall Viability - (B)​

Options for the letter Z are limited and one dimensional, though quite potent when combined together. An offense only letter, Z takes advantage of powerhouses such as Zamazenta, both Zapdos forms, and Zeraora to punch holes through opposing teams. Z Pokémon such as those listed before, Zygarde-10%, and Zoroark-Hisui are naturally fast which serves as built in speed control, though Choice Scarves can be used to further amplify this.

S;

• Zamazenta

A:

• Zapdos
• Zapdos-Galar
• Zeraora

B:

• Zoroark-Hisui
• Zygarde-10%
• Zarude

C:

• Zangoose
• Zoroark

D:

• Zebstrika

Viability Rankings - Letters

S:

• T

A:

• G
• C
• K
• R
• S

B:

• A
• M
• L
• D
• H
• Z
• I
• V

C:

• B
• F
• E
• P
• W
• O
• U

D:

• N
• Y
• J
• Q
• X

 

[Drag0n]

Reserved

 

[Drag0n]

Reserved

 

[AthenaStrive9]

Generation 9 Monoletter Light Clay Suspect Test
​

Light Clay has been a contentious topic in Monoletter for months at this point, with its ability to bolster the defenses of nearly every letter and as a result trend the metagame towards offense—especially hyper offense—to the detriment of other archetypes. This has been especially problematic for stronger letters such as G and K, which are nearly unstoppable behind the extended duration of screens. Setup sweepers have ample opportunities to come in, boost their stats, and facilitate a sweep with relative ease.

While Light Clay heavily benefits stronger letters, it also allows for weaker letters to keep up with the stronger ones. Certain letters such as N and U are reliant on screens, and without Light Clay may fall to complete irrelevancy. Without Light Clay, the combination of Reflect and Light Screen becomes nearly unviable, as by the time one switches into a sweeper to setup, the screens' duration is almost over. Aurora Veil still functions decently without Light Clay, however the list of viable users is few and far between.

In conjunction with the recent survey results, the council has decided that a suspect test for Light Clay will start now, lasting until <t:1770598800:F>. Join us for suspect test tournaments in the National Dex Other Tiers room on Showdown, and be sure to join the Discord server to get pinged when these tournaments happen. There will be one or two tournaments each day of the suspect. Once the suspect has concluded, a vote will be conducted in the Discord server that will decide whether Light Clay remains in Monoletter or is banned. To be eligible to vote, you must win a room tournament, or be the highest placing player in a tournament who has not yet earned voting requirements. Voting will last for 72 hours after the suspect ends. Happy testing!

 

[Drag0n]

View attachment 805818View attachment 805809View attachment 805818

Generation 9 Monoletter Light Clay Suspect Test
​

Light Clay has been a contentious topic in Monoletter for months at this point, with its ability to bolster the defenses of nearly every letter and as a result trend the metagame towards offense—especially hyper offense—to the detriment of other archetypes. This has been especially problematic for stronger letters such as G and K, which are nearly unstoppable behind the extended duration of screens. Setup sweepers have ample opportunities to come in, boost their stats, and facilitate a sweep with relative ease.

While Light Clay heavily benefits stronger letters, it also allows for weaker letters to keep up with the stronger ones. Certain letters such as N and U are reliant on screens, and without Light Clay may fall to complete irrelevancy. Without Light Clay, the combination of Reflect and Light Screen becomes nearly unviable, as by the time one switches into a sweeper to setup, the screens' duration is almost over. Aurora Veil still functions decently without Light Clay, however the list of viable users is few and far between.

In conjunction with the recent survey results, the council has decided that a suspect test for Light Clay will start now, lasting until <t:1770598800:F>. Join us for suspect test tournaments in the National Dex Other Tiers room on Showdown, and be sure to join the Discord server to get pinged when these tournaments happen. There will be one or two tournaments each day of the suspect. Once the suspect has concluded, a vote will be conducted in the Discord server that will decide whether Light Clay remains in Monoletter or is banned. To be eligible to vote, you must win a room tournament, or be the highest placing player in a tournament who has not yet earned voting requirements. Voting will last for 72 hours after the suspect ends. Happy testing!

The bads of light clay outweigh the goods imo. While weaker letters like U and N do benefit from light clay they can function without it, with U being able to run a rocks support Uxie and having threats like and . N definitely would suffer the most from this ban however it can still make veil work without clay and run non-HO builds.

On the contrary letters like G, K, and I (specifically G) are just way too powerful with screens being able for threats like etc to run away with games behind screens.

If I get reqs I will be voting ban.

 

[Drag0n]

AthenaStrive9 Promoted to Co Tier Leader

Thanks for your hard work!

 

[Drag0n]

Light Clay Suspect Results:

With a unanimous vote, Light Clay has been BANNED from Monoletter.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to get reqs and vote. If you weren’t able to you will have a chance in future suspect tests.

Voters

Drag0n - Ban
AthenaStrive9 - Ban
Velcroc - Ban
Blitz_eye - Ban
Liongamer777 - Ban

 

[Drag0n]

The “Same Letter Clause” is now real and on Pokemon Showdown!

FAQ:
Q: What does the clause do?
A: It forces all the Pokemon on your team to start with the same letter on their English name. If you your team doesn’t follow this rule, you will get an error message saying, “All Pokemon must belong to the species starting with the same letter (currently: (letter of Mon 1)); (Mon 2) starts with (letter of Mon 2)

Q: Is it a real clause on Pokemon Showdown?
A: Yes, it is now a real clause in Pokemon Showdown able to be used right now in private battles and room tournaments.

Q: How do I add the clause to a challenge code?
A: You can add this clause to any challenge code by simply typing Same Letter Clause anywhere in the code (after the @@@) The clause is now updated in Monoletter challenge code for reference.

Huge thanks to iforgetwhyimhere :D for coding this all and working towards getting it on showdown!

 

[Drag0n]

Monoletter is holding a Community Survey!

Please fill out this survey as it helps the council with tiering and makes your thoughts heard.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdeWHXv6Lhgicu62PaLB0DER7Jb7FH6H8b2NaJcO0kDkGUgWQ/viewform

 

[Drag0n]

LAST DAY TO JOIN THE FIRST EVER MONOLETTER SEASONAL

Tournament Thread 'Monoletter Seasonal - Signups'

Mar 11, 2026

Welcome to the First Monoletter Seasonal!
Approved by Drag0n and Velcroc
Hosted by Dabman1069
​

Tournament Rules:

• General tournament rules and regulations.
• The banlist for this tournament follows the Monoletter banlist, which can be found here.
• Best of three, single elimination.
• If metagame changes occur during the middle of a round, they will take effect in the subsequent round.
• S/V cartridge win conditions are in place; there are no ties.
• Replays are required. Games may be played on...

• Dabman1069
• Replies: 34
• Forum: NatDex AMs Tournaments

• 
• 

 

[Drag0n]

VR is out feel free to recommend changes for rises or drops in this thread.

Other Tier Post in thread 'Monoletter'

Jan 28, 2026

Monoletter Viability Rankings​

Welcome to the Monoletter Viability Rankings! This resource aims to rank the best Pokémon for each letter, allowing players to construct more viable teams!

S Rank: These Pokemon are often the reason to use a specific letter. Most, if not all teams of this letter should use these Pokemon.

A Rank: Powerful Pokemon in their own right, these will provide fantastic utility to a team.

B Rank: While these Pokemon are usable, they are often outclassed by Pokemon in a higher rank or are used solely because they fulfill a niche role that cannot be filled by any...

• Drag0n

• 
•