Metagame NP: NU Stage 2- Don't Start Now (Gallade Banned)

[etern]

The DLC tier shift has arrived! The council will conduct a vote on any potentially problematic arrivals late next week, and then we'll resume as normal. Feel free to discuss the new drops until then as well as Pokemon you think have improved or declined in this fresh metagame, enjoy!

Tier Shift

Miltank moved from OU to NU

Dedenne moved from OU to PU
Dunsparce moved from OU to PU
Emolga moved from OU to PU
Exeggutor moved from OU to PU
Golduck moved from OU to PU
Kangaskhan moved from OU to PU
Lickilicky moved from OU to PU
Lilligant moved from OU to PU
Lopunny moved from OU to PU
Lycanroc-Midnight moved from OU to PU
Marowak moved from OU to PU
Pinsir moved from OU to PU
Sandslash moved from OU to PU
Shuckle moved from OU to PU
Stoutland moved from OU to PU
Tauros moved from OU to PU
Wigglytuff moved from OU to PU

Scyther moved from NU to UU
Indeedee-F moved from NUBL to RU
Porygon2 moved from NUBL to RU
Magneton moved from PUBL to RU
Pincurchin moved from ZU to RU

Cramorant moved from RU to NU
Decidueye moved from RU to NU
Dugtrio moved from RU to NU
Gallade moved from RU to NU
Vanilluxe moved from RU to NU
Weezing moved from RU to NU

 

[Corthius]

Howdy,
here is a link to some sample / basic sets for the new dlc drops: https://pokepast.es/574eba9ee41113d7
keep in mind that some mons are not as good as othersLooking at you Golduck so I only included one set that maybe has potential.

Import if anyone cares

Dedenne @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Cheek Pouch
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Recycle
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Toxic

Dunsparce @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 240 HP / 144 Atk / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Headbutt
- Bite
- Glare
- Stealth Rock

Emolga @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Volt Switch
- Air Slash
- Defog

Emolga @ Life Orb
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Air Slash
- Thunderbolt
- Energy Ball

Exeggutor @ Choice Specs
Ability: Chlorophyll
Hidden Power: Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
- Teleport

Golduck @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast

Kangaskhan (F) @ Silk Scarf
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Double-Edge
- Drain Punch
- Sucker Punch

Kangaskhan (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 SpD
Impish Nature
- Substitute
- Toxic
- Drain Punch
- Crush Claw

Lickilicky @ Leftovers
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Body Slam
- Toxic

Lickilicky @ Leftovers
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Double-Edge
- Knock Off
- Earthquake

Lilligant @ Leftovers
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Sleep Powder
- Petal Dance
- Pollen Puff

Lopunny @ Choice Band
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Assurance
- Close Combat
- Strength
- U-turn

Lycanroc-Midnight @ Choice Band
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
- Sucker Punch
- Toxic

Lycanroc-Midnight @ Life Orb
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Fire Punch
- Sucker Punch

Lycanroc-Midnight @ Focus Sash
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Fire Punch
- Stone Edge

Marowak @ Thick Club
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance
- Fire Punch
- Rock Slide

Miltank (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Seismic Toss
- Milk Drink
- Toxic


Pinsir @ Life Orb
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Swords Dance
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Pinsir @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off

Pinsir @ Life Orb
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- X-Scissor
- Stone Edge

Sandslash @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off


Sandslash @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 Spe
Impish Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Earthquake


Stoutland @ Choice Band
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Take Down
- Superpower
- Play Rough
- Facade


Stoutland @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Work Up
- Facade
- Crunch
- Fire Fang

Tauros (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Body Slam
- Close Combat
- Throat Chop
- Facade

Tauros (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Body Slam
- Close Combat
- Throat Chop
- Facade

auros (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Body Slam
- Close Combat
- Throat Chop
- Facade

Wigglytuff @ Leftovers
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dazzling Gleam
- Wish
- Protect
- Teleport

Wigglytuff @ Choice Specs
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dazzling Gleam
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Misty Explosion

Some notes: e.g. some mons can run other moves or items that would work good on their set but that would've been to much work (I'll add them ASAP but im currently not on PC.)

 

[Punchshroom]

Right off the bat, Decidueye is looking to be the most influential, or at least most versatile, of these drops by far. It has a large variety of effective sets, with really solid STABs such as Leaf Blade, Poltergeist, Shadow Sneak, and even Leaf Storm/Shadow Ball, that it can use that range from pivot or support, to wallbreaker or holepuncher. Swords Dance sets look to be an absolute menace to wall ( +2 252+ Atk Life Orb Decidueye Poltergeist (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garbodor: 364-430 (100 - 118.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO holy shiet) and even Nasty Plot variants are no slouch either, while Choice Band sets can do massive hit-and-run damage while offering offensive utility in U-turn and Shadow Sneaks. Even the more supportive sets like Defog can still pack a punch with offensive investment if they want to, or they could just invest in bulk and go for Spirit Shackle + U-turn for easy pivots. I doubt there are much teams out there that won't benefit in some way from slapping on a Decidueye.

 

[smwhtcgnznt]

Right off the bat, Decidueye is looking to be the most influential, or at least most versatile, of these drops by far. It has a large variety of effective sets, with really solid STABs such as Leaf Blade, Poltergeist, Shadow Sneak, and even Leaf Storm/Shadow Ball, that it can use that range from pivot or support, to wallbreaker or holepuncher. Swords Dance sets look to be an absolute menace to wall ( +2 252+ Atk Life Orb Decidueye Poltergeist (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garbodor: 364-430 (100 - 118.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO holy shiet) and even Nasty Plot variants are no slouch either, while Choice Band sets can do massive hit-and-run damage while offering offensive utility in U-turn and Shadow Sneaks. Even the more supportive sets like Defog can still pack a punch with offensive investment if they want to, or they could just invest in bulk and go for Spirit Shackle + U-turn for easy pivots. I doubt there are much teams out there that won't benefit in some way from slapping on a Decidueye.

To add on to Punchshroom's Brilliant post, I would like to add that Ghost Bird also has Brave Bird, Acro (Poltergeist counter tech included), U-turn, etc. I mean this mon can run a lot of sets to shift momentum in your favor given its usage and placement on your team.

Actually Valid Sets

Physical Sweeper (Decidueye) @ Life Orb
Ability: Long Reach
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Poltergeist
- Sucker Punch / U-turn / Shadow Sneak
- Swords Dance / Knock Off
- Leaf Blade / Grassy Glide

Utility (Decidueye) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Long Reach
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 76 SpD / 176 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spirit Shackle / Poltergeist
- Defog / Roost / Knock Off
- Toxic / Haze
- U-turn

Wild Sets below

Sir Scarf'd (Decidueye) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Long Reach
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Poltergeist
- Brave Bird
- Knock Off
- U-turn

why r u runnin special ghost bird in 2020? (Decidueye) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid / Naive Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Toxic / Nasty Plot
- Hex / Shadow Ball
- Roost / U-turn

RAIN (Decidueye) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Shadow Ball
- Grass Knot
- U-turn

But in all honesty, ghost bird is most likely an A/A+ on the VR. Hopefully, it doesn't get quickbanned but I love this mon so my bias might be a bit too much.

Legitmate counters/checks:

Persian-A
Skuntank
Garbodor (if finch's no item set becomes popular)
Fellow Ghost types/Poltergiest users (unless we run an utility set w/o an item)
Steelvally

Potential Teammates:

Tapu-Bulu in monkey form (ghost bird learns Grassy Glide btw)
Scarfed Fighting Type (covers its substantial threats)
Persian-A (unironically its biggest counter can be the best teammate)
Fellow Ghost types/Poltergiest users (Ghost Spam is a thing in gen 8 remember?)
Piloswine/Miltank (Thick Fat negates some of ghost bird's weaknesses)

 

[etern]

Hello everyone, recently the NU Council has been discussing the tier as a whole following the latest DLC tier shift. We plan on having a full council vote later next week once everyone has a chance to play the metagame and develop a thorough opinion on what potentially needs to be inspected more in-depth. For the time being, Tauros and Vanilluxe are being quickbanned from NU by myself and Finchinator, effective immediately. Tagging The Immortal and Marty so this can be implemented -- thank you very much! As always, any Pokemon that is quickbanned or council-banned can be retested and revisited at a later date once things are more stable, and we intend on looking at some of these Pokemon in the future. If you have any questions feel free to contact Finchinator, and use this thread to discuss the current metagame.

Tauros has been quickbanned from NU due to it's ridiculous blend of power, perfect coverage, natural bulk, and fantastic base 110 speed tiers which makes it very difficult to revenge kill without specific Choice Scarf users. Tauros can tear through many of it's usual counters now that it has access to coveted moves such as 'Close Combat' and 'Throat Chop'. This wall-breaking ability is amplified by a lack of usual NU checks such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Regirock.

Vanilluxe has been quickbanned from NU due to it's unrivalled wallbreaking potential mixed with a respectable speed tier and the insane power of it's Choice Specs boosted Blizzards and Freeze Drys. Vanilluxe has little to no defensive answers outside of the mediocre and ineffective SpD Miltank which is shut down by stallbreaker sets, and niche defensive Fire-types. With it's respectable speed tier it can outpace and decimate a good chunk of the tier without the need for prediction, and blast through common counterplay measures to Ice-types with the combination of Freeze Dry, an outrageously strong STAB Blizzard, and Hail chip damage.

 

[Jared11208]

Actually really disappointed, would love for their to be a chance for the metagame to adapt. I agree Vanilluxe could be strong, but when I look at the tier and see things such as spdef flareon which only has a 32.2% chance to get 3hko with hail. Then there are also mons that get 3hko such as spdef miltank, Silvally Steel and even Alcremie if rocks aren't up. Then we have offensive checks such as Silvally Fire, Rapidash, Gallade, Hitmontop, Scarf Arcotvish and Togedemaru. Haven't had a chance to look at Tauros, but definitely looks like their is counterplay to Vanilluxe.

Also didn't lose to one indeedee female, granted most of my teams had four mons that were faster and able to handle. I agreed it was strong and going to be ridiculous in tournament play so I let another ban phase pass without saying anything, but good players are able to adapt. Would love to see players to adapt to the new metagames. Would love to hear what others think...

Thanks

 

[Science The Voices]

I feel like council is removing threats such as Tauros too quickly. People didn't even had a chance to test them out, and they are gone already. For me, Vaniluxe was another way to set up Aurora Veil while also having decent speed to do so. As for Tauros, I agree that its speed tier made it hard to revenge kill, but we still had answers to it. Cofagrigus or any ghost type with decent bulk could fight back.

 

[Rabia]

Actually really disappointed, would love for their to be a chance for the metagame to adapt. I agree Vanilluxe could be strong, but when I look at the tier and see things such as spdef flareon which only has a 32.2% chance to get 3hko with hail. Then there are also mons that get 3hko such as spdef miltank, Silvally Steel and even Alcremie if rocks aren't up. Then we have offensive checks such as Silvally Fire, Rapidash, Gallade, Hitmontop, Scarf Arcotvish and Togedemaru. Haven't had a chance to look at Tauros, but definitely looks like their is counterplay to Vanilluxe.

Also didn't lose to one indeedee female, granted most of my teams had four mons that were faster and able to handle. I agreed it was strong and going to be ridiculous in tournament play so I let another ban phase pass without saying anything, but good players are able to adapt. Would love to see players to adapt to the new metagames. Would love to hear what others think...

Thanks

Flareon is an unviable Pokemon that hasn't been used in a meaningful capacity since pre-Home release; this was not going to change despite Vanilluxe dropping, while something like Miltank falters to Taunt + Toxic Vanilluxe variants. The other Pokemon you mention are simply far too heavily pressured by Choice Specs Vanilluxe to be considered as consistent answers. It's this set diversity and ability to easily bypass checks that pushed Vanilluxe over the edge in the eyes of several good players, a feat that goes back to last generation, which consisted of even more ways of checking it (Incineroar, Delphox, Alolan Sandslash, Pursuit trapping). Sure, offensive counterplay exists, but the introduction of Heavy-Duty Boots makes all of these significantly worse options, especially because most of them lack reliable recovery or are just fringe viable as is. Access to Aurora Veil just further pushed Vanilluxe into immediate ban territory for most players, thus resulting in its ban.

Indeedee-F was banned because Expanding Force removed most possible counterplay to it. No longer were mid-ground checks like Eldegoss, Lanturn, and Clefairy anywhere close to reliable at scouting and easing play versus Indeedee-F. Yes, offensive counterplay existed, but defensive counterplay was incredibly lacking and deemed not enough to warrant it staying.

I feel like council is removing threats such as Tauros too quickly. People didn't even had a chance to test them out, and they are gone already. For me, Vaniluxe was another way to set up Aurora Veil while also having decent speed to do so. As for Tauros, I agree that its speed tier made it hard to revenge kill, but we still had answers to it. Cofagrigus or any ghost type with decent bulk could fight back.

Tauros's checks were far more limited than you make them out to be; defensively, you really were looking at Cofagrigus as the only reliable one because other Ghost-types are simply too frail to handle it consistently. Offensively, counterplay is much more limited because of Tauros's good overall bulk for an offensive Pokemon, making it harder to revenge kill with options like Choice Scarf Togedemaru. Additionally, the last times we've had Tauros in the tier there were several other defensive behemoths (Steelix, Rhydon, Palossand last generation) that are no longer available to us, which further adds on to the reduced capability of NU to handle it.

People did have a chance to test these Pokemon out; in this limited time the absurd inability for teambuilding to feel remotely unrestricted was deemed far more than plenty of reason to immediately take action.

 

[Jared11208]

Flareon is an unviable Pokemon that hasn't been used in a meaningful capacity since pre-Home release; this was not going to change despite Vanilluxe dropping, while something like Miltank falters to Taunt + Toxic Vanilluxe variants. The other Pokemon you mention are simply far too heavily pressured by Choice Specs Vanilluxe to be considered as consistent answers. It's this set diversity and ability to easily bypass checks that pushed Vanilluxe over the edge in the eyes of several good players, a feat that goes back to last generation, which consisted of even more ways of checking it (Incineroar, Delphox, Alolan Sandslash, Pursuit trapping). Sure, offensive counterplay exists, but the introduction of Heavy-Duty Boots makes all of these significantly worse options, especially because most of them lack reliable recovery or are just fringe viable as is. Access to Aurora Veil just further pushed Vanilluxe into immediate ban territory for most players, thus resulting in its ban.

Indeedee-F was banned because Expanding Force removed most possible counterplay to it. No longer were mid-ground checks like Eldegoss, Lanturn, and Clefairy anywhere close to reliable at scouting and easing play versus Indeedee-F. Yes, offensive counterplay existed, but defensive counterplay was incredibly lacking and deemed not enough to warrant it staying.


Tauros's checks were far more limited than you make them out to be; defensively, you really were looking at Cofagrigus as the only reliable one because other Ghost-types are simply too frail to handle it consistently. Offensively, counterplay is much more limited because of Tauros's good overall bulk for an offensive Pokemon, making it harder to revenge kill with options like Choice Scarf Togedemaru. Additionally, the last times we've had Tauros in the tier there were several other defensive behemoths (Steelix, Rhydon, Palossand last generation) that are no longer available to us, which further adds on to the reduced capability of NU to handle it.

People did have a chance to test these Pokemon out; in this limited time the absurd inability for teambuilding to feel remotely unrestricted was deemed far more than plenty of reason to immediately take action.

Flareon is an unviable Pokemon that hasn't been used in a meaningful capacity since pre-Home release; this was not going to change despite Vanilluxe dropping, while something like Miltank falters to Taunt + Toxic Vanilluxe variants. The other Pokemon you mention are simply far too heavily pressured by Choice Specs Vanilluxe to be considered as consistent answers. It's this set diversity and ability to easily bypass checks that pushed Vanilluxe over the edge in the eyes of several good players, a feat that goes back to last generation, which consisted of even more ways of checking it (Incineroar, Delphox, Alolan Sandslash, Pursuit trapping). Sure, offensive counterplay exists, but the introduction of Heavy-Duty Boots makes all of these significantly worse options, especially because most of them lack reliable recovery or are just fringe viable as is. Access to Aurora Veil just further pushed Vanilluxe into immediate ban territory for most players, thus resulting in its ban.

Indeedee-F was banned because Expanding Force removed most possible counterplay to it. No longer were mid-ground checks like Eldegoss, Lanturn, and Clefairy anywhere close to reliable at scouting and easing play versus Indeedee-F. Yes, offensive counterplay existed, but defensive counterplay was incredibly lacking and deemed not enough to warrant it staying.


Tauros's checks were far more limited than you make them out to be; defensively, you really were looking at Cofagrigus as the only reliable one because other Ghost-types are simply too frail to handle it consistently. Offensively, counterplay is much more limited because of Tauros's good overall bulk for an offensive Pokemon, making it harder to revenge kill with options like Choice Scarf Togedemaru. Additionally, the last times we've had Tauros in the tier there were several other defensive behemoths (Steelix, Rhydon, Palossand last generation) that are no longer available to us, which further adds on to the reduced capability of NU to handle it.

People did have a chance to test these Pokemon out; in this limited time the absurd inability for teambuilding to feel remotely unrestricted was deemed far more than plenty of reason to immediately take action.

Appreciate the thorough response, totally agree with the action taken on indeedee, the mon was definitely very oppressive. Just wanted to give reminder that offensive counterplay exists and play a little bit of devil’s advocate.

As for Vanilluxe I can’t say I totally agree, specs can be very prediction reliant. Have seen many teams that include rotom fan, wishi , and piloswine. Clicking the wrong move can have dire consequences. Specs toxic is very scary though and I didn’t put that into perspective, but they also love to carry so many other moves. Aurora veil can be scary no matter the mon, so I can see that as being a big factor. As for none specs sets, it can lack the power in many cases allowing for more checks. Really could of seen flareon, silv steel, and miltank holding this thing back. Also found its coverage moves to be quite lacking especially for hitting steels not that we have great options.

Anyways really appreciate the time you took to respond, and the explanation that was given. Just had to play devil’s advocate, and I sadly didn’t get the chance to experiment much with additions. Again really appreciate the efforts to provide the best possible meta game, glad chansey was quickbanned, but I won’t lie I love to find solutions to the threats.

 

[AllTerrainVen0moth]

So yeah, toxicroak is no more. Gallade existing just remoces toxicroaks visbility tbh.
Psychic types were how I always checked corak, now with gallade, toxicroak is fricked

 

[Rabia]

So yeah, toxicroak is no more. Gallade existing just remoces toxicroaks visbility tbh.
Psychic types were how I always checked corak, now with gallade, toxicroak is fricked

I really disagree with this sentiment in all honesty. Toxicroak is still one of the most dominant Pokemon in the tier by virtue of how versatile it is, being able to go physical or special and vastly changing how your opponent must react to it. I also wouldn't really say Toxicroak is that much easier to wall than Gallade; physical variants are definitely more manageable, but I think Nasty Plot Toxicroak is at a really strong point right now with all the Weezing usage.

 

[AllTerrainVen0moth]

I really disagree with this sentiment in all honesty. Toxicroak is still one of the most dominant Pokemon in the tier by virtue of how versatile it is, being able to go physical or special and vastly changing how your opponent must react to it. I also wouldn't really say Toxicroak is that much easier to wall than Gallade; physical variants are definitely more manageable, but I think Nasty Plot Toxicroak is at a really strong point right now with all the Weezing usage.

what I was saying is that Toxicroak has a glaring 4x psychic weakness with bad bulk to boot, so that makes Gallade a good check.

 

[Rabia]

what I was saying is that Toxicroak has a glaring 4x psychic weakness with bad bulk to boot, so that makes Gallade a good check.

I think Gallade is a pretty poor check considering it's both slower and lacking in physical bulk, meaning Swords Dance Toxicroak (or just an all-out attacker variant) just dunks on it. Gallade can sort of check Nasty Plot Toxicroak I guess? But then you're sacrificing a lot of HP to take a potentially boosted Sludge Bomb, which is really shit if you're Life Orb Gallade. In general Toxicroak's bulk isn't even that bad; it's plenty capable of taking resisted hits from the likes of Liepard and Sawk. Overall I think this one-on-one scenario isn't too important of a factor when considering how Toxicroak fares in a meta that now includes Gallade.

 

[spookysocialist]

what I was saying is that Toxicroak has a glaring 4x psychic weakness with bad bulk to boot, so that makes Gallade a good check.

252 Atk Life Orb Toxicroak Gunk Shot vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gallade: 313-370 (112.9 - 133.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

A lot of Gallade don't even run a psychic move, its CC/Knock/Sneak. Running zen headbutt gives up SD, coverage, or priority.

So this isn't a shitpost, I'm happy to see Kanga back in the tier. Always a consistent mon, running the same set now for 4 gens in a row. While the loss of Return sucks a little, Kanga's hp is high enough Double Edge isn't the end of the world (or you can run body slam if you want). Faster than most of the tier and STAB fake out can stop a sweeper that took a hit setting up and some LO recoil. It also has a solid swicth in chance now that poltergeist is a thing.

 

[Finchinator]

I honestly think Weezing is quietly one of my favorite additions to the tier. It has superb physical bulk, being able to stomach neutral hits comfortably and it has a nice defensive typing when you add Levitate into the mix. I feel that the utility movepool it has coupled with how much we're seeing some specific physically offensive Pokemon (Thwackey, Toxicroak, Silvallys, Sandaconda, some other grasses, etc.) makes it one of the best Pokemon to fit onto balance builds right now.

One of the few physically offensive Pokemon that can defeat Weezing is Gallade. Gallade is already a strong option for NU standards, but now it has access to Triple Axel, which is pretty nifty -- helps for some midgrounds against Ghost/Fairy type Pokemon in defensive cores and shreds Golurk/grasses. I think it may become one of the premier offensive options in the metagame depending on how people adjust to it.

Also, use Specs Basculin, yw

 

[etern]

Thank you all for your patience. Our latest council vote has been completed. The Pokemon that were nominated and voted on include; Gallade, Toxicroak, and Decidueye. A 5/9 majority is required for a council ban, and any Pokemon banned from this vote is subject to be retested in the future. Here are the results!

Gallade is a recent drop to the tier, and while it has not gained a lot via DLC, we believe that due its strong STAB combination it has a lack of reliable checks and counters. With its strong typing of Fighting / Psychic, only psychic types themselves are able to wall this dual stab combination, which makes the only reliable answers to it on paper bulkier psychic types like Musharna. However, the tier does have a lack of these Psychic types at the moment, and they still have to be wary of coverage options like Knock Off. Gallade is also blessed with a base 125 attack, which allows it to break through a lot of physical walls, and keeps pressure up on the opposing team. Its dual STAB combination, back by this attack stat makes it hard for typical fighting type checks; like Rotom or Gourgeist to switch in.

Alongside its STAB and stats, it also has access to Swords Dance, which helps its wallbreaking immensely, making it hard to keep up with when it starts to boost. It also has access to a great support movepool, with options like Trick (which enables choiced sets), status moves like Wisp and T-Wave, and other misc. moves like Taunt, Memento, and priority like Shadow Sneak to surprise would be revenge killers like Rotom-N.

Therefore, Gallade has been banned from NU by the NU Council, effective immediately. Tagging The Immortal and Marty so this can be implemented -- thank you very much!​

 

[Katy]

winners of the ban


weezing is a really great pick in the nu-metagame as a defensive answer to pokémon like toxicroak, clefairy, decidueye, gourgeist-forms, gurdurr and also sawk. weezing can now concentrate more on checking these things again with gallades departure from the nu-tier as weezing as defensive as it is doesnt wanna take a strong stab-boosted zen headbutt and thus weezing failed to check this pokémon effectively.


they lost its competition with the name gallade thus they (while it does not count for toxicroak at all) fear less competition again due to another strong fighting-type pick in the current metagame. sawk especially likes gallade being gone as it may see more usage again without gallade being around.



sandaconda has its trouble dealing with gallade as triple axel is such a great addition for gallades movepool, gallade had also the natural strength breaking through this sandy snake as unboosted attacks do a hefty amount of damage especially the stab-option in close combat. sandaconda can return in checking other fighting-types and in general physical attackers again and doesnt have to fear gallade while doing its sanke things like setting up stealth rocks.


ice-types in general like this decently fast fighting-type being gone as they dont have to fear a strong close combat and in piloswines case a strong knock off.


they are also big winners of gallade being banned as these pokémon have an easier time to shine in the tier. especially miltank can pressure teams a bit better due to the solid stats and also 3 good abilities to utilize. especially sap sipper allows it to deal with ghost-type pokémon like gourgeist-forms and decidueye as it can pressure them with toxic.​

 

[banks]

I'd like to spark some discussion regarding new drops.

Primarily Kangaskhan. Compared to the last two generations of NU, where we had robust walls like Steelix and Rhydon and a wider selection of fast, offensive mons, Kangaskhan is noticeably more threatening and unmanageable. There's a stark lack of normal resists in the tier; Ferroseed can be dealt with through Fire Punch; phys def walls like Cofagrigus and Sandaconda can take two hits upon entry, but neither are oppressively difficult to deal with in the current meta e.g. myriad of Grass and Ghost mons + hazards. Avalugg counters Kangaskhan the best, yes, but really Avalugg is even less difficult to deal with than Cofagrigus, Sandaconda and other phys def mons (forcing it to recover, alongside its limited coverage and lacking attack stat, gives you plentiful switch-in opportunities to bring in special wallbreakers like croak. poison also helps this). While the Silvally-formes being faster than Kangaskhan is something, realistically none of them are wanting to comfortably come in against Kangaskhan except Steel -- even hazard damage + Fake Out is chipping around 36% off. Additionally, Gurdurr takes, on average, 46% from Double Edge, but it's easier than ever to prevent Gurdurr for recovering or setting up in this meta with stuff like Weezing, Cofa, Gallade, offensive Ghosts etc.

Ultimately, Kangaskhan is always going to cause hassle or claim a few kills. While the same could be said about a couple of others mons, none possess the power, speed, coverage and defensive merit that Kanga does. Many games I've played come down to always preserving one bulky mon at 100%, which detriments gameplay and your fundamental goal to win. A better player with Kangaskhan is generally going to have the upper hand; doubling out into Kanga successfully can win games annoyingly and harmfully fast. I think a future vote on Kang + some other mons could be of benefit, or even a suspect test, but right now hearing other's perspective would be great and informative.

Some other things: Decidueye is also worrying atm. You're able to come in against so many mons without qualms and fire off Specs Leaf Storms or Shadow Balls. The prediction games definitely become unhealthy in certain scenarios and having U-turn only amplifies the problem; many are spamming Sap Sipper Miltank but U-turning out into something like setup Croak or another wallbreaker is a cycle that becomes insurmountably difficult to break. Speaking of Miltank, that mon can also become kinda ridiculous but I wouldn't deem it broken rn at all, and don't think there's much to add that hasn't been said already.

 

[Rabia]

Kangaskhan in my eyes is fine enough in that it's a premier wallbreaker but has a fair share of counterplay, although much of it isn't what you'd consider a hard counter outside of like, Avalugg and Tangela. Pokemon like Cofagrigus, Sandaconda, Weezing, and Galarian Stunfisk are capable of switching into Kangaskhan a couple of times fairly easily, with softer checks like Piloswine and Gurdurr---especially bulkier sets---being reasonable too. I also feel we do actually have a fair amount of Pokemon capable of offensively pressuring Kangaskhan: the Silvally formes are all faster and can tank at least one Double-Edge, while there are also options like Liepard, Alolan Persian, and Toxicroak that serve as fair revenge killers.

I think the main issue with Kangaskhan is its bulk; 105/80/80 defenses are really damn good and make revenge killing it with neutral attacks a daunting task, and although Kangaskhan is prone to being worn down over the course of the game through Double-Edge recoil and whatnot, it can be difficult to get it down to a reasonable spot. That said, I don't find it that oppressive as of now because I do think defensive counterplay is fairly extensive, and offensive counterplay is present enough to where we aren't exactly strapped for answers to Kangaskhan.

Decidueye is definitely something worth keeping eyes on, though; getting Hurricane was a pretty decent buff to it because it has a better way of dealing with foes like Skuntank and Eldegoss now (although it can brute force past these two with its STAB attacks if need be), and while I think Swords Dance sets aren't that great, they exist, and that makes playing into Decidueye a bit more annoying. I think the Speed tier holds it back a bit, though, and is a big part of what led to my no ban vote. Sure, base 70 Speed is enough for relevant defensive Pokemon, but it's super reliant I feel on getting brought in through pivots or resisted hits, and the Pokemon it'd like to switch into (think Lanturn, Wishiwashi) can either punish it with status or pivot out as it comes in. I could see my opinion changing on this Pokemon later, but for now I don't think action should be taken.

 

[AllTerrainVen0moth]

This might not work well, but hey, I thought it sounded cool.

Pawniard @ Eviolite
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Lash Out

The basis for this set is, if someone with intimidate switches it, you kill them with a +1 150 BP Lash Out. It might not be effective, but hey, I think its cool!

 

[Realistic Waters]

+

In the last voting slate, I voted to ban Decideye and Toxicroak and I still feel these Pokemon are problematic so I'm hoping something happens to them in the near future. Not to mention the two paired together form a monstrous wallbreaking core; their synergy might not be great but Toxicroak aids Decideye pressuring walls it sometimes struggles to break like Persian and Miltank.

Decid has so many viable sets which are a little more consistent than Toxicroak's who mainly excells in its special attacking. Choice Specs, blows back most targets even with just 100 special, it also pressures Miltank this way with Hurricane, Defog offers great support, spinblocker, keeps momentum and beats most rockers. (HDB works great with this), Swords Dance Poltergeist is so annoying so most of the times I'm relying on something like Persian but even then you risk potentially taking a leaf storm. I've had fun using Choice Scarf being that it can outspeed the unboosted metagame and can cripple and cripple its checks and counters with Knock Off and U-Turn. Choice Band can get a mention too since it's faster than Golurk with added priority.

Not gonna say too much about Croak since I've been a long advocate for banning it. It's pretty funny how a mon with 86 special attack can muscle past any team including stall. The only defensive counterplay to NP is Specially Defensive Garbodor, and Silvally Poison which aren't all that hot rn.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nu-1153400696-b6btzn8zhx9r99cadyzjfh5knanmfb6pw

Here's an example of how dangerous Toxicroak is. So I decided to try out Choice Specs for intimidate power and for additionally not having to drop Vacuum Wave or Shadow Ball. Without any support, this mon can just fire off attacks and 2HKO everything in its path so objectively, every time I managed to switch in safely, something was dropping.

 

[S1nn0hC0nfirm3d]

+

In the last voting slate, I voted to ban Decideye and Toxicroak and I still feel these Pokemon are problematic so I'm hoping something happens to them in the near future. Not to mention the two paired together form a monstrous wallbreaking core; their synergy might not be great but Toxicroak aids Decideye pressuring walls it sometimes struggles to break like Persian and Miltank.

Decid has so many viable sets which are a little more consistent than Toxicroak's who mainly excells in its special attacking. Choice Specs, blows back most targets even with just 100 special, it also pressures Miltank this way with Hurricane, Defog offers great support, spinblocker, keeps momentum and beats most rockers. (HDB works great with this), Swords Dance Poltergeist is so annoying so most of the times I'm relying on something like Persian but even then you risk potentially taking a leaf storm. I've had fun using Choice Scarf being that it can outspeed the unboosted metagame and can cripple and cripple its checks and counters with Knock Off and U-Turn. Choice Band can get a mention too since it's faster than Golurk with added priority.

Not gonna say too much about Croak since I've been a long advocate for banning it. It's pretty funny how a mon with 86 special attack can muscle past any team including stall. The only defensive counterplay to NP is Specially Defensive Garbodor, and Silvally Poison which aren't all that hot rn.

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nu-1153400696-b6btzn8zhx9r99cadyzjfh5knanmfb6pw

Here's an example of how dangerous Toxicroak is. So I decided to try out Choice Specs for intimidate power and for additionally not having to drop Vacuum Wave or Shadow Ball. Without any support, this mon can just fire off attacks and 2HKO everything in its path so objectively, every time I managed to switch in safely, something was dropping.

I believe both of these threats are at the top of their game, but neither are banworthy imo just due to their Speed tiers and frailty. Decidueye is probably the closest to be ban worthy for very limited defensive counter play while its resistances and decent SpD give it some switch in opportunities. Regardless, I think the meta built around these two in natural ways to where they don't require a ban.

This is largely due to VoltTurn still being very effective as pressure for these two, as faster pivots like Rotom, Rotom-S, Ninjask, and Silvally formes pressure them with their faster Speed and resulting momentum. Many games go by where these two only have a couple shots to setup, wallbreak, or revenge kill, and while they pull their own weight they in turn are victims to attackers. Pivots also scout for their sets, which makes the unpredictability factor less of an advantage.

That replay was against a specific stall team that is more indicative of the faults of stall than the overpowered nature of these two. That team was ready to play around Specs Decidueye and setup croak, but two specs users like that surely is an edge against most NU stalls.

I do think that these both are somewhat on the fence, but I'd rather be a bit more conservative with these two given how late we are in July and that next month's meta may confirm their true natures.

I'd like to spark some discussion regarding new drops.

Primarily Kangaskhan. Compared to the last two generations of NU, where we had robust walls like Steelix and Rhydon and a wider selection of fast, offensive mons, Kangaskhan is noticeably more threatening and unmanageable. There's a stark lack of normal resists in the tier; Ferroseed can be dealt with through Fire Punch; phys def walls like Cofagrigus and Sandaconda can take two hits upon entry, but neither are oppressively difficult to deal with in the current meta e.g. myriad of Grass and Ghost mons + hazards. Avalugg counters Kangaskhan the best, yes, but really Avalugg is even less difficult to deal with than Cofagrigus, Sandaconda and other phys def mons (forcing it to recover, alongside its limited coverage and lacking attack stat, gives you plentiful switch-in opportunities to bring in special wallbreakers like croak. poison also helps this). While the Silvally-formes being faster than Kangaskhan is something, realistically none of them are wanting to comfortably come in against Kangaskhan except Steel -- even hazard damage + Fake Out is chipping around 36% off. Additionally, Gurdurr takes, on average, 46% from Double Edge, but it's easier than ever to prevent Gurdurr for recovering or setting up in this meta with stuff like Weezing, Cofa, Gallade, offensive Ghosts etc.

Ultimately, Kangaskhan is always going to cause hassle or claim a few kills. While the same could be said about a couple of others mons, none possess the power, speed, coverage and defensive merit that Kanga does. Many games I've played come down to always preserving one bulky mon at 100%, which detriments gameplay and your fundamental goal to win. A better player with Kangaskhan is generally going to have the upper hand; doubling out into Kanga successfully can win games annoyingly and harmfully fast. I think a future vote on Kang + some other mons could be of benefit, or even a suspect test, but right now hearing other's perspective would be great and informative.

Some other things: Decidueye is also worrying atm. You're able to come in against so many mons without qualms and fire off Specs Leaf Storms or Shadow Balls. The prediction games definitely become unhealthy in certain scenarios and having U-turn only amplifies the problem; many are spamming Sap Sipper Miltank but U-turning out into something like setup Croak or another wallbreaker is a cycle that becomes insurmountably difficult to break. Speaking of Miltank, that mon can also become kinda ridiculous but I wouldn't deem it broken rn at all, and don't think there's much to add that hasn't been said already.

Kanga is another one of these mid-Speed breakers, but I think it's some of the less apparent checks that made this mon manageable in my eyes. I mentioned this before but the best Kanga checks aren't Normal resists, but just general physical walls like Cofagrigus, Gurdurr, Avalugg, Weezing, and Garbodor. And even though Garb is broken by Kanga, it at least makes it think twice before spamming edge; for bulky offense, chipping kanga like this and with more support from hazards is usually all it needs. Anytime kanga fails to capitalize it risks finding another switch in opportunity, as while its bulk is better than say Croak, it really hates wasting a turn using Fake Out only for Silvally-Steel or Alolan Persian to come in. This makes it hard to play with the lack of consistent midgrounds usually, and not the worst to build against either.

I definitely went back and forth with this mon but there's been enough adaptation to check it. As much as it would love to spam its Normal attacks, all playstyles have good options to pressures and punish it.

 

[shiloh]

https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/usage-based-tier-update-for-august-2020.3668113/

usage stats for the last month are now live! heres a summary of what nu gained and lost:

Turtonator moved from RU to NUBL
Accelgor moved from RU to NU
Bouffalant moved from RU to NU
Ditto moved from RU to NU
Lurantis moved from RU to NU
Luxray moved from RU to NU
Magneton moved from RU to NU
Politoed moved from RU to NU

Silvally-Steel moved from NU to RU

feel free to post your thoughts on the metagame as we all figure out these new mons, and as usual council will be keeping an eye out for anything that might be too much for the tier.

 

[Finchinator]

I think Accelgor providing Spikes and potentially speed control will be a really good addition to the metagame. I worry that the sluggish offensive presences like Boufalant and even Luxray may struggle to find a sustainable niches, but Bouffalant's natural bulk should be enough for it to have some sticking power. Magneton is also a very welcome addition as a pivot and offensive presence, too. Finally, Ditto can have a niche as a utility Choice Scarfer, especially on bulkier teams, but I struggle to see it reaching the threshold to stay in NU long-term usage wise.

Will be sure to post more as I try these out over the upcoming week, but it's nice to see our tier not completely destroyed with this shift (RIP RU).

 

[Just_Aaron]

Just gonna drop some sets I have been thiking of for the new drops (That I expected to fall at least hehe)

While facing direct competition from Eldegoss as a Grass-type with hazard removal, I think Lurantis can distinguish itself by its better offensive presence and Contrary deterring the use of opposing Defog.

Potencial Sets

Offensive Defog (Lurantis) (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 228 HP / 156 Atk / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Defog
- Leaf Storm
- Superpower
- Aromatherapy / Knock Off

Defog is there to capitalize Lurantis' good matchup against most hazard setters. Leaf Storm is your main STAB attack, that gives Lurantis a +2 boost to your Special attack. Superpower provides good coverage and it boosts both your Atk and Def stats, making you both stronger and bulkier. Aromatherapy is an option for the last slot to remove status for yourself and the team, while Knock Off provides utility by removing items.

156 Atk EVs with an Adamant nature guarantees the 2HKO on Ferroseed, while 124 Spe is to outspeed Eldegoss. The rest go into HP for extra bulk. Speed can be increased to 180 to outspeed uninvested Lanturn.

Bouffalant imo is like a middle point between Kangaskhan and Miltank, it the sense that brings defensive utility like Miltank (via Sap Sipper) and has great offensive presence like Kangaskhan. Although slower than both, it is definitely stronger (Specially with Reckless boosting its STAB Head Charge)

Potencial Sets

Wallbreaker (Bouffalant) (M) @ Choice Band / Silk Scarf
Ability: Reckless
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Head Charge
- Close Combat
- Lash Out
- Facade

Choice Band boosts Bouffalant's power to staggering levels, but Silk Scarf is an option to still be able to switch moves. Head Charge is your main STAB attack and gets boosted by Reckless. Close Combat provides amazing coverage to nail Rock and Steels. Lash Out is chosen over Throat Chop before it can potencially be boosted by Defog (niche, but it's also only 5 BP weaker than TC, so may as well just take that small advantage). For the last slot, Facade is a good option to absorb status.

Substitute + Swords Dance (Bouffalant) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Body Slam
- Throat Chop / Earthquake

Substitute is to take advantage of defensive mons (Mainly grass-types) and block status and protects from revenge killing attempts (And safely get a SD up, of course). Body Slam is your main STAB and is chosen over Head Charge to pevent recoil and abuse the paralysis chance. Throat Chop is coverage for Ghosts (Mainly Decidueye, Gourgeist and Rotom, since they are immune to or resist your other coverage option), while Earthquake hits Rocks and Steels for super-effective damage (and lets you beat Ferroseed without getting worn down by Iron Barbs) and can deal goof neutral damage to Ghosts like Golurk. 100 Spe let's your outspeed uninvested Lanturn. Atk is max'd and the rest goes into HP.

Assault Vest (Bouffalant) (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Body Slam
- Close Combat
- Lash Out / Throat Chop
- Facade / Earthquake / anything really

252 SpA Choice Specs Abomasnow Blizzard vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Bouffalant: 148-175 (38.5 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after hail damage
252+ Atk Bouffalant Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Abomasnow: 324-382 (100.9 - 119%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Decidueye Hurricane vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Bouffalant: 105-124 (27.3 - 32.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Specially Defensive Miltank who? Yeah, AV Bouffalant is ya boi now. Moves are basically what I mentioned earlier (Yes, I'm lazy). 44 Spe is to outspeed Eldegoss.

Politoed my seem it would fall into the shadow realm since it is outclassed by Pelipper as a Drizzle user (at least in singles) and the ability being banned in the lower tiers. However, I think there's hope for the little dude.

Potencial Sets

Choice Specs (Politoed) (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Earth Power

With its excellent coverage options, decent speed and special attack stats, Politoed can become a fearsome wallbreaker with Choice Specs. Hydro Pump is your STAB of choice for its amazing power, although it has less than stellar accurancy. Ice Beam is for coverage against most Grasses and Dragons. Focus Blast nails Abomasnow and Ferroseed, while Earth Power prevents Toxicroak and Qwilfish from getting too comfy. Speed is max'd alongside a Timid nature to outspeed Abomasnow and at worst speed tier with Decidueye and Flappe.

I'll edit this later or simply made another comment for the other drops

EDIT:

I was not expecting Magneton to fall. If something, I thought it would rise to UU for doing what it does best: trapping Skarmory.
I'll be honest and say that I don't think magneton can work as a trapper in NU: without Hidden Power, it gets walled by Stunfisk-G, Ferroseed and Togedemaru. So I think it would fair best with its other ability: Analytic.

Potencial Sets

Wallbreaker (Magneton) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Steel Beam

Forget about switching in (Unless you're Specially Defensive Stunfisk-G, then you're fine). Now seriously, Analytic makes the prospect of switching into Magneton a nightmare. Even with is mediocre coverage, it hits really hard. Thunderbolt and Flash Cannon are your STABs, while Volt Switch is for momentum, and Steel Beam is basically there to dispatch Magneton while destroying the opponent.

SubCharge Beam (Magneton) @ Eviolite
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Magnet Rise
- Charge Beam
- Flash Cannon

I'm a sucker for gimmicks, what can I say?. Substitute protects Magneton from revenge killing attemps, which let's it abuse Analytic against faster threats. Magnet Rise is there to basically wall Ground-types, your main counters, as well as dodge Ground coverage. Charge Beam lets you attack while boosting your power. Eviolite increases your bulk, and the speed EVs are there to outspeed Abomasnow and Adamant Sandaconda.

A surprise indeed, but a welcome one.
Decent special attack, Amazing speed, useful abilities, Spikes... Yeah, what can go wrong?

Potencial Sets

Choice Specs (Accelgor) (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Sticky Hold
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Bug Buzz
- Focus Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Spikes / U-turn

Choice Specs boosts Accelgor's power. Bug Buzz is the STAB of choice. Focus Blast nails Steel and Rock types, while Sludge Bomb beats Fairies. The last can be use for Spikes taking advantage of the switches that Accelgor forces, while U-turn keeps momentum. Sticky Hold is used to block Knock Off and let it act as a absorber of the move, since it has a great match-up against Dark-types. Speed lets you outspeed Jolteon.

Unburden (Accelgor) (M) @ Throat Spray
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 112 HP / 252 SpA / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Bug Buzz
- Focus Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Energy Ball / or other move, Idk

Throat Spray + Bug Buzz + Unburden is just nasty. A great cleaner imo. 144 speed is to outspeed Persian-A, since you become the fastest thing ever after Unburden.

As for these two...

Ditto is ditto. What can I say?

Just let it fall to PU.