np: SV UU Stage 0 - Start of Something New (Hello SV UU!)

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Has anyone experimented with Kricketune? Because it got some nice moves that actually makes it better, and one of them is Sticky Web, which might help it bypass it's speed issues. It also has Pounce, which it gets both STAB and a Technician boost, just like Scyther (and by extension, the OU Pokemon Scizor does). But Kricketune also has Fell Stinger, again with STAB and Technician, which with Tera Bug might actually make it difficult to safely switch into, and which Scizor doesn't have

No. Spidops is unironically the better webs setter, as is Masquerain. Kricketune also has 0 value as an offensive mon because it's base stat total is actually lower than Spidops's. Before you would use Kricketune, consider, what value could Kricketune possibly have as an offensive Bug-type over Vivillion, Venemoth, Heracross, Scyther, or Slither Wing?
 
The niche that Kricketune has as a Sticky Web setter is that it has Taunt and is fast enough with max speed to outspeed defensive Tinkatons. It is also able to prevent setup sweepers (kinda) with Perish Song. This makes it better than Spidops in my opinion, and puts it around the same level as Masquerain, which makes it arguably, key word arguably, the best setter. Still, all of the Sticky Web setters are absolutely awful, and as a result I don't see Sticky Webs being a teamstyle that is seriously viable, not until we get better setters.
 
Also Trailblaze exists, which gets a Technician boost and gives Kricketune coverage against Rock Types, Ground Types and Water Types
That doesn't quite answer my question earlier, how does getting Technician Trailblaze make Kricketune have any value over Slither Wing, Heracross, or Scyther? What function does it allow Kricketune to have over those 3 that I listed?
 
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen9uu-1730471224

Kricketune is pretty dog water but it did get some fun options to play around with. This replay took me about an hour to get at the beginning of this month, because I figured with an easy +1 speed boost and the ability to raise attack fast with fell stinger, it could potentially be an overlooked threat. The issue Kricketune still has is that it's stats suck still. Having a 384 BST with only 85 base attack and 65 base speed makes it get out-sped by a lot of options (even at +1) and not hit nearly hard enough unless you have insane boost due to a fell stinger kill (Kricketune cant even kill paper Hawlucha at +2 as seen in the replay).

If you want to use it for webs you can, but at least Spidops you can get up multiple hazards, relatively check grass types (emphasis on relatively) and get off a memento to help a Pokemon in the back set up to sweep. Or you can use my favorite rn Masquerain because you get up webs while also being able to set up on spinners and kill a lot of options after a +1 quiver dance boost (just be careful of Brambleghast if you're running hurricane, might be better to run air slash even though it doesn't hit as hard for this Pokemon alone).

TL:DR - Don't use Kricketune, webs are pretty bad but at least use Spidops or Masquerain over the cricket.
 
This is probably my last usage stats post for the kickoff tour, as the new meta arriving tomorrow plus the very small sample size of players left in the tour means it's not really worth continuing to track stats. Yet, this last post should provide a snapshot of the Gen 9 UU Alpha metagame and all the games for round 5 fortunately ended before the Sunday deadline so I can fit this post in this thread. I decided to condense Rounds 4 and 5 into this week as the much smaller sample size meant that doing weekly rounds felt like a waste. As always, I'll cover both the stats for rounds 4 and 5 as well as the final cumulative stats for this tournament in the Alpha Metagame. The cumulative stats are from 348 different replays in the tour and almost 700 teams used.
tinkaton.png
Round 4 and Round 5
tinkaton.png

Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Use  | Usage % |  Win %  |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1    | Tinkaton           |   45 |  45.92% |  51.11% |
| 2    | Talonflame         |   38 |  38.78% |  50.00% |
| 3    | Gastrodon          |   23 |  23.47% |  47.83% |
| 4    | Azumarill          |   22 |  22.45% |  50.00% |
| 5    | Pawmot             |   21 |  21.43% |  57.14% |
| 5    | Quagsire           |   21 |  21.43% |  38.10% |
| 7    | Slowking           |   20 |  20.41% |  60.00% |
| 7    | Grafaiai           |   20 |  20.41% |  40.00% |
| 9    | Noivern            |   19 |  19.39% |  68.42% |
| 9    | Tsareena           |   19 |  19.39% |  63.16% |
| 11   | Brambleghast       |   18 |  18.37% |  61.11% |
| 11   | Hydreigon          |   18 |  18.37% |  38.89% |
| 13   | Bisharp            |   15 |  15.31% |  66.67% |
| 13   | Salamence          |   15 |  15.31% |  46.67% |
| 15   | Gengar             |   14 |  14.29% |  42.86% |
| 15   | Slither Wing       |   14 |  14.29% |  42.86% |
| 17   | Haxorus            |   13 |  13.27% |  61.54% |
| 17   | Sandy Shocks       |   13 |  13.27% |  46.15% |
| 19   | Scream Tail        |   12 |  12.24% |  50.00% |
| 20   | Lucario            |   11 |  11.22% |  63.64% |
| 21   | Hatterene          |   10 |  10.20% |  50.00% |
| 22   | Wo-Chien           |    9 |   9.18% |  66.67% |
| 22   | Hippowdon          |    9 |   9.18% |  66.67% |
| 22   | Gallade            |    9 |   9.18% |  44.44% |
| 22   | Espathra           |    9 |   9.18% |  22.22% |
| 26   | Polteageist        |    8 |   8.16% |  37.50% |
| 27   | Staraptor          |    6 |   6.12% |  66.67% |
| 27   | Alomomola          |    6 |   6.12% |  66.67% |
| 27   | Iron Thorns        |    6 |   6.12% |  33.33% |
| 30   | Salazzle           |    5 |   5.10% |  60.00% |
| 30   | Donphan            |    5 |   5.10% |  60.00% |
| 30   | Sableye            |    5 |   5.10% |  40.00% |
| 30   | Klefki             |    5 |   5.10% |  40.00% |
| 30   | Mimikyu            |    5 |   5.10% |  40.00% |
| 30   | Copperajah         |    5 |   5.10% |  40.00% |
| 30   | Pelipper           |    5 |   5.10% |  20.00% |
| 37   | Iron Jugulis       |    4 |   4.08% |  75.00% |
| 37   | Cloyster           |    4 |   4.08% |  50.00% |
| 37   | Toxtricity         |    4 |   4.08% |  50.00% |
| 37   | Rotom-Wash         |    4 |   4.08% |  50.00% |
| 37   | Tauros-Paldea-Water |    4 |   4.08% |  50.00% |
| 37   | Lycanroc-Dusk      |    4 |   4.08% |  25.00% |
| 37   | Kilowattrel        |    4 |   4.08% |  25.00% |
| 37   | Altaria            |    4 |   4.08% |  25.00% |
| 45   | Oricorio-Pom-Pom   |    3 |   3.06% |  66.67% |
| 45   | Bronzong           |    3 |   3.06% |  66.67% |
| 45   | Gyarados           |    3 |   3.06% |  33.33% |
| 45   | Barraskewda        |    3 |   3.06% |  33.33% |
| 45   | Blissey            |    3 |   3.06% |  33.33% |
| 45   | Magnezone          |    3 |   3.06% |  33.33% |
| 51   | Armarouge          |    2 |   2.04% | 100.00% |
| 51   | Heracross          |    2 |   2.04% | 100.00% |
| 51   | Slowbro            |    2 |   2.04% | 100.00% |
| 51   | Skuntank           |    2 |   2.04% | 100.00% |
| 51   | Mudsdale           |    2 |   2.04% | 100.00% |
| 51   | Bellibolt          |    2 |   2.04% |   0.00% |
| 51   | Arcanine           |    2 |   2.04% |   0.00% |
| 51   | Floatzel           |    2 |   2.04% |   0.00% |
| 51   | Forretress         |    2 |   2.04% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Glaceon            |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Rotom-Mow          |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Drifblim           |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Cetitan            |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Toedscruel         |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Goodra             |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Flamigo            |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Palossand          |    1 |   1.02% | 100.00% |
| 60   | Coalossal          |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Brute Bonnet       |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Hariyama           |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Tatsugiri          |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Florges-Blue       |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Tatsugiri-Droopy   |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Tauros-Paldea-Fire |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Dragalge           |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Klawf              |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Persian            |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Primeape           |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Zoroark            |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Weavile            |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
| 60   | Florges            |    1 |   1.02% |   0.00% |
tinkaton.png
Final Stats
tinkaton.png

Code:
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Use  | Usage % |  Win %  |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1    | Tinkaton           |  271 |  38.94% |  56.83% |
| 2    | Talonflame         |  162 |  23.28% |  51.23% |
| 3    | Grafaiai           |  153 |  21.98% |  52.29% |
| 4    | Espathra           |  146 |  20.98% |  43.84% |
| 5    | Gastrodon          |  123 |  17.67% |  47.15% |
| 6    | Slither Wing       |  122 |  17.53% |  50.82% |
| 7    | Slowking           |  116 |  16.67% |  57.76% |
| 7    | Quagsire           |  116 |  16.67% |  50.86% |
| 9    | Gengar             |  115 |  16.52% |  49.57% |
| 10   | Hydreigon          |  113 |  16.24% |  51.33% |
| 11   | Azumarill          |  107 |  15.37% |  51.40% |
| 12   | Pawmot             |  105 |  15.09% |  44.76% |
| 13   | Sandy Shocks       |  103 |  14.80% |  54.37% |
| 14   | Bisharp            |  102 |  14.66% |  57.84% |
| 14   | Tsareena           |  102 |  14.66% |  57.84% |
| 16   | Noivern            |  100 |  14.37% |  68.00% |
| 17   | Brambleghast       |   99 |  14.22% |  58.59% |
| 18   | Pelipper           |   75 |  10.78% |  44.00% |
| 19   | Lucario            |   68 |   9.77% |  61.76% |
| 19   | Kilowattrel        |   68 |   9.77% |  47.06% |
| 19   | Hatterene          |   68 |   9.77% |  42.65% |
| 22   | Salamence          |   66 |   9.48% |  40.91% |
| 23   | Rotom-Wash         |   63 |   9.05% |  39.68% |
| 24   | Mimikyu            |   59 |   8.48% |  55.93% |
| 25   | Scream Tail        |   57 |   8.19% |  47.37% |
| 26   | Donphan            |   55 |   7.90% |  43.64% |
| 27   | Haxorus            |   54 |   7.76% |  46.30% |
| 28   | Staraptor          |   53 |   7.61% |  54.72% |
| 29   | Hippowdon          |   44 |   6.32% |  65.91% |
| 29   | Gallade            |   44 |   6.32% |  47.73% |
| 31   | Altaria            |   42 |   6.03% |  50.00% |
| 31   | Wo-Chien           |   42 |   6.03% |  42.86% |
| 33   | Barraskewda        |   41 |   5.89% |  43.90% |
| 34   | Cloyster           |   40 |   5.75% |  47.50% |
| 34   | Iron Thorns        |   40 |   5.75% |  42.50% |
| 36   | Iron Jugulis       |   38 |   5.46% |  50.00% |
| 37   | Forretress         |   35 |   5.03% |  45.71% |
| 38   | Polteageist        |   34 |   4.85% |  61.76% |
| 39   | Magnezone          |   33 |   4.74% |  36.36% |
| 40   | Brute Bonnet       |   32 |   4.60% |  56.25% |
| 40   | Toedscruel         |   32 |   4.60% |  46.88% |
| 42   | Hawlucha           |   31 |   4.45% |  45.16% |
| 43   | Lycanroc-Dusk      |   29 |   4.17% |  58.62% |
| 43   | Slowbro            |   29 |   4.17% |  55.17% |
| 43   | Weavile            |   29 |   4.17% |  37.93% |
| 46   | Bronzong           |   28 |   4.02% |  53.57% |
| 46   | Rotom-Mow          |   28 |   4.02% |  50.00% |
| 46   | Floatzel           |   28 |   4.02% |  42.86% |
| 49   | Klefki             |   26 |   3.74% |  61.54% |
| 50   | Blissey            |   24 |   3.45% |  50.00% |
| 50   | Krookodile         |   24 |   3.45% |  50.00% |
| 52   | Alomomola          |   21 |   3.02% |  66.67% |
| 52   | Tatsugiri          |   21 |   3.02% |  47.62% |
| 54   | Sableye            |   20 |   2.87% |  55.00% |
| 55   | Oricorio-Pom-Pom   |   19 |   2.73% |  63.16% |
| 55   | Gyarados           |   19 |   2.73% |  42.11% |
| 57   | Armarouge          |   18 |   2.59% |  61.11% |
| 57   | Salazzle           |   18 |   2.59% |  61.11% |
| 59   | Tauros-Paldea-Fire |   17 |   2.44% |  52.94% |
| 59   | Froslass           |   17 |   2.44% |  52.94% |
| 61   | Toxtricity         |   16 |   2.30% |  37.5% |
| 62   | Golduck            |   15 |   2.16% |  53.33% |
| 63   | Florges            |   15 |   2.16% |  33.34% |
| 64   | Primeape           |   14 |   2.01% |  35.71% |
| 65   | Cetitan            |   13 |   1.87% |  23.08% |
| 65   | Drednaw            |   13 |   1.87% |  23.08% |
| 67   | Oricorio-Sensu     |   12 |   1.72% |  50.00% |
| 67   | Tauros-Paldea-Water |   12 |   1.72% |  41.67% |
| 67   | Arcanine           |   12 |   1.72% |  33.33% |
| 70   | Copperajah         |   11 |   1.58% |  36.36% |
| 71   | Indeedee           |   10 |   1.44% |  50.00% |
| 71   | Revavroom          |   10 |   1.44% |  40.00% |
| 71   | Goodra             |   10 |   1.44% |  30.00% |
| 74   | Drifblim           |    9 |   1.29% |  66.67% |
| 74   | Arboliva           |    9 |   1.29% |  33.33% |
| 74   | Espeon             |    9 |   1.29% |  22.22% |
| 77   | Venomoth           |    8 |   1.15% |  50.00% |
| 77   | Rotom-Heat         |    8 |   1.15% |  37.50% |
| 77   | Morgrem            |    8 |   1.15% |  12.50% |
| 77   | Abomasnow          |    8 |   1.15% |   0.00% |
| 81   | Coalossal          |    7 |   1.01% |  42.86% |
| 81   | Dragalge           |    7 |   1.01% |  42.86% |
| 81   | Masquerain         |    7 |   1.01% |   0.00% |
| 84   | Flamigo            |    6 |   0.86% |  83.33% |
| 84   | Indeedee-F         |    6 |   0.86% |  33.33% |
| 84   | Avalugg            |    6 |   0.86% |   0.00% |
| 87   | Gogoat             |    5 |   0.72% |  60.00% |
| 87   | Toxicroak          |    5 |   0.72% |  40.00% |
| 87   | Cryogonal          |    5 |   0.72% |  40.00% |
| 87   | Bellibolt          |    5 |   0.72% |  20.00% |
| 87   | Mabosstiff         |    5 |   0.72% |  20.00% |
| 87   | Rabsca             |    5 |   0.72% |  20.00% |
| 93   | Glaceon            |    4 |   0.57% |  75.00% |
| 93   | Klawf              |    4 |   0.57% |  75.00% |
| 93   | Heracross          |    4 |   0.57% |  50.00% |
| 93   | Zoroark            |    4 |   0.57% |  50.00% |
| 93   | Komala             |    4 |   0.57% |  50.00% |
| 93   | Umbreon            |    4 |   0.57% |  50.00% |
| 93   | Dudunsparce        |    4 |   0.57% |  25.00% |
| 93   | Appletun           |    4 |   0.57% |   0.00% |
| 93   | Naclstack          |    4 |   0.57% |   0.00% |
| 102  | Mudsdale           |    3 |   0.43% | 100.00% |
| 102  | Lycanroc           |    3 |   0.43% |  66.67% |
| 102  | Bombirdier         |    3 |   0.43% |  66.67% |
| 102  | Ursaring           |    3 |   0.43% |  66.67% |
| 102  | Beartic            |    3 |   0.43% |  33.33% |
| 102  | Veluza             |    3 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 102  | Pincurchin         |    3 |   0.43% |   0.00% |
| 109  | Skuntank           |    2 |   0.29% | 100.00% |
| 109  | Farigiraf          |    2 |   0.29% | 100.00% |
| 109  | Hariyama           |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Vaporeon           |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Glimmet            |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Spidops            |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Medicham           |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Qwilfish           |    2 |   0.29% |  50.00% |
| 109  | Persian            |    2 |   0.29% |   0.00% |
| 109  | Scovillain         |    2 |   0.29% |   0.00% |
| 109  | Gardevoir          |    2 |   0.29% |   0.00% |
| 109  | Flapple            |    2 |   0.29% |   0.00% |
| 109  | Rotom-Frost        |    2 |   0.29% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Palossand          |    1 |   0.14% | 100.00% |
| 122  | Zangoose           |    1 |   0.14% | 100.00% |
| 122  | Jumpluff           |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Dunsparce          |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Sylveon            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Crabominable       |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Flareon            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Dachsbun           |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Leafeon            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Falinks            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Eelektross         |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Wugtrio            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Jolteon            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Drakloak           |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Fraxure            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Shelgon            |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Gabite             |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |
| 122  | Starly             |    1 |   0.14% |   0.00% |

One notable event from these last 2 rounds is Espathra completely falling off the radar as more and more counterplay are making their way on teams which makes running it a notable opportunity cost. We haven't been seeing too much hyper offense in general during the later rounds of the tour; there's a fair amount but it hasn't been running the tier and Espathra only has major prominence on hyper offense which limits its splashability. We also see a lot of Water-types dominate the usage stats; with Gastrodon, Azumarill, Quagsire, and Slowking all taking up top slots. The Water-type is always a useful type because of its great defensive utility and these Water-types either are amazing glue Pokemon or in the case of Azumarill a dangerous wallbreaker. We did see a lot more Salamence this week in proportion to other threats, surpassing Gengar, matching Bisharp, and being not too far off of Hydreigon, Noivern, and the Grass-type spinners. Salamence is in a bit of a weird spot during the metagame which is really odd considering how good it was last gen and how even better it should seem as a big fish in a somewhat smaller pond compared to gen 8. It just feels a bit outclassed compared to the other Dragon-types; Noivern has insane Speed and Specs Tera Normal Boomburst is something you do not want to be on the wrong side of, while I prefer Haxorus as a Dragon Dance user because of it being able to run an item like Lum Berry much easier as well as break past the very common Quagsire with Mold Breaker. Hydreigon is just broken as well. It's still a good and underrated Pokemon with 3 Attacks +Roost packing a punch while having nice defensive utility but in my experiences I struggle to fit it compared to the other Dragon-types. I wish I could say more about these last 2 rounds but apart from the fall of Espathra and small rise in Salamence, the stats feel the same barring minor changes. The same stuff continues to be good and Tinkaton still rules the tier.

A small note about the cumulative stats is that all forms (Toxtricity, Polteageist, Florgres, Tatsugiri, and Dudunspare) have been added up with their regular forms since there's no difference between them. In terms of the most relevant Pokemon, I personally group them into 3 "waves". Wave 1 is from Tinkaton to Brambleghast, which are the top dogs of the tier right now and almost all of them have gotten 100 or more uses through this tour. The next wave is with Pelipper due to being way behind Brambleghast to Haxorus, which are the next Pokemon up and are all close in usage stats and have important potency although are lacking behind the top group. The last important wave I consider is from Hippowdon to Floatzel, which are the remainder of the relevant Pokemon in the tier with a few exceptions (how did Toedscruel and Brute Bonnet beat out Rotom-Mow, Lycanroc, Slowbro, and Hawlucha loooool). I don't plan to write too much about the cumulative stats considering the upper end has been the same for the last few rounds now. I was right about the defensive Waters passing up Gengar from my last post, which makes sense again as these are the best defensive Pokemon in the tier and can pass up a strong but defensively lacking wallbreaker, and we also see Lucario, Hatterene, and to some extent Salamence catch up with Kilowattrel as rain becomes less common. This snapshot of the Alpha Metagame is really nice to see as shifts approach tomorrow and tiering can finally begin. It was certainly fun playing and building in the new tier and from a moderation perspective we saw a surge of newcomers in the UU Community which is always fun to see as we get to meet new people. I wasn't around for the beginning of last gen so this period of discovery and freshness is new yet very exciting to me and I hope UU can remain enjoyable as time goes on.
 
happy new year UU lads, how we feeling about going into the real version of the meta now that the stupid bird will be gone?

predictions for what's going to shake up the meta with drops and rises? (Will edit once usage stats are out to throw in my 2 cents)
 
The usage statistics aren't out yet, but with Espathra and Hatterene leaving the tier I wanted to share a set that I've been using to great success. which just got better. I'll also be sharing a Salamence set, since Mence was mentioned quite a bit.

:sv/tinkaton:
Tinkaton @ Leftovers
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 232 HP / 92 Atk / 184 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock / Thunder Wave
- Gigaton Hammer
- Knock Off
- Protect

Now that Espathra and Hatterene have left the tier, it's not as important for Tinkaton to run Encore anymore, which gives it room for Protect, which has honestly been so much better than I anticipated. With Protect Tinkaton is able to stay in the game for way longer than it was supposed to. In a scenario where you switch Tinkaton in for free, which could be after a U-Turn/Chilly Reception, on a double switch, or switching it in when your opponent sets up hazards, you get leftovers on the switch, force out whatever you switched on, and then protect on their Tinkaton answer. That's 18% of Leftovers recovery that you just get for free, and even in cases where you don't force the opponent to switch, that's still 12%. Protect is also generally just good for scouting. CB Slither Wing comes in and clicks U-Turn predicting the switch, instead you protect and now you recover more HP. And if it goes for CC, you can now switch into your Fighting resist, without having to fear Wild Charge, or losing momentum. The EV spread makes sure to get the most out of Protect, by hitting a Leftovers number, giving Tinkaton more Leftovers recovery. Tinkaton with 80 Attack has been getting popular, but I couldn't find a reason for exactly 80 Attack EVs anywhere, so idk what that one does. 92 EVs are only a minimal amount of investment more than 80 EVs, and I suggest using that spread if you want Attack, because 92 Attack EVs ensure that Gigaton Hammer kills Gengar after rocks damage.

:sv/salamence:
Salamence @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
Tera Type: Fairy / Water / Ghost
EVs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
Impish Nature
- Roost
- Dragon Tail
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat

It lost Defog, unfortunately, but defensive Salamence is still really good. With both Slither Wing and physical Water attacks in Rain being huge threats atm, Salamence is able to be an answer to both. Unlike Talonflame, Salamence doesn't have have to fear Wild Charge from Slither Wing. While Mence has to be cautious of Ice Spinner from Floatzel (making Protect Tinkaton a great partner for it), it is able to take any other move it can throw out, as well as being a safe counter to Barraskewda. This is also one of the few things that can safely switch into Psycho Cut from CB Adamant Gallade, avoiding a 2HKO. Dragon Tail is a really nice move to have, letting it function as a phazer for physical Attackers, as well as making it a great fit on Spikes stacking teams. The last move is where defensive Mence becomes really sad. Dual Wingbeat is nice sometimes, but I just really wish it had Defog, or at least some other Support Move, like T-Wave. At least Dual Wingbeat is really good against both Slither Wing, and Gallade, 2 of the main things it checks. The EV-Spread ensures that it outspeeds Adamant Gallade, while still being bulky enough to avoid a 2HKO from Psycho Cut. Tera Fairy has been great against Haxorus, and DD Mence, Tera Water is great in the Rain Matchup, should you be afraid of Ice Spinner, while also allowing it to check CB Azumarill, and Tera Ghost lets it check SD Lucario, as well as turning it into a great Spinblocker.
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Sharpness Gallade Psycho Cut vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence: 166-196 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Slither Wing Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence: 101-119 (25.6 - 30.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Floatzel Wave Crash vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence in Rain: 126-149 (32 - 37.9%) -- 94.9% chance to 3HKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Barraskewda Liquidation vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence in Rain: 99-117 (25.1 - 29.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
-1 252 Atk Choice Band Tauros-Paldea-Water Wave Crash vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence in Rain: 118-140 (30 - 35.6%) -- 32.2% chance to 3HKO
-1 252+ Atk Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Salamence: 148-175 (37.6 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Tera Water Salamence: 162-192 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Lucario Bullet Punch vs. 248 HP / 164+ Def Tera Ghost Salamence: 152-179 (38.6 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
 
Heres the official UU :

Azumarill moved from New to OU
Hatterene moved from New to OU
Pawmot moved from New to OU
Rotom-Wash moved from New to OU

Baxcalibur moved from OU to UU
Charizard moved from OU to UU
Ditto moved from OU to UU
Lokix moved from OU to UU
Maushold moved from OU to UU
Orthworm moved from OU to UU
Tyranitar moved from OU to UU

Alomomola moved from New to UU
Armarouge moved from New to UU
Barraskewda moved from New to UU
Bisharp moved from NFE to UU
Brambleghast moved from New to UU
Brute Bonnet moved from New to UU
Donphan moved from New to UU
Espathra moved from New to UU
Floatzel moved from New to UU
Forretress moved from New to UU
Gallade moved from New to UU
Gastrodon moved from New to UU
Gengar moved from New to UU
Grafaiai moved from New to UU
Gyarados moved from New to UU
Hawlucha moved from New to UU
Hippowdon moved from New to UU
Hydreigon moved from New to UU
Indeedee moved from New to UU
Iron Jugulis moved from New to UU
Iron Thorns moved from New to UU
Kilowattrel moved from New to UU
Klefki moved from New to UU
Lucario moved from New to UU
Mimikyu moved from New to UU
Noivern moved from New to UU
Pelipper moved from New to UU
Polteageist moved from New to UU
Quagsire moved from New to UU
Salamence moved from New to UU
Sandy Shocks moved from New to UU
Scream Tail moved from New to UU
Slither Wing moved from New to UU
Slowking moved from New to UU
Staraptor moved from New to UU
Talonflame moved from New to UU
Tauros-Paldea-Water moved from New to UU
Tinkaton moved from New to UU
Toedscruel moved from New to UU
Tsareena moved from New to UU
Wo-Chien moved from New to UU

More details : https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...pdate-for-january-2023-ru-having-fun.3713705/
 
Baxcalibur moved from OU to UU

OU ladder being wack. And here I was worried Iron Hands would drop. (Gonna enjoy it though)

Surprised Alomomola made the usage cut off for UU though. Haven't seen very much of it. What's it do really?

More surprised Espathra didn't make the OU cut. But the majority of the UU placings (not including drops) make sense.
 
There's no f****** way that Espathra didn't rise to OU. So, QB when?

Looking at the other stuff, is it Indeedee-M that made it to UU or Indeedee-F? Also, with only water Tauros being mentioned on the list, does that mean fighting and fire tauros are in RU? I don't remember them being on OU after the first switch.
 
My days of cleaning teams with BD Trailblaze Azu are gone for now...
On the other hand Baxcalibur seems absolutely terrifying. A Dragon Dancer with Lando-T's Attack that is immune to Burn with Ice/Ground coverage seems pretty scary. Maushold also looks very fun, as contact chip damage seems far less common in this tier than in OU.
 
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