Resource SM Monotype Sets Viability Rankings

[Vid]

Monotype Sets Viability Rankings
Monotype Sets VR Artwork placeholder
approved by Eien & Acast​

What is the set VR?
The thread is meant to rank which sets are most effective in the current metagame.
Rules

• Do not post pointless one liners
• Pokemon's set can only be ranked as high as they are in SM Monotype Viability Rankings (For Example Gliscor on Flying cannot have an S Rank set on Flying because it is A Ranked in the SM Monotype Viability rankings)
• Flaming will not be tolerated
• Make sure the set and type is specified so that people understand what set is being discussed

SM Sets VR by type

Bug

Mega Pinsir
- Swords Dance - S

Scizor
- Swords Dance - S
- Choice Band - S-
- Defog - A

Volcarona
- Offensive Quiver Dance - S
- Defensive Quiver Dance - A-

Araquanid
- Assault Vest - A
- Defensive - B-

Armaldo
- Defensive - S
- Assault Vest - A+

Buzzwole
- Choice Scarf - A
- Choice Band - A

Forretress
- Defensive - B

Galvantula
- Sticky Web - A

Heracross
- Choice Scarf - A

Mega Heracross
- 4 Attacks - B+
- SD + 3 Attacks - B+

Mega Scizor
- Swords Dance - A+
- Defog - B+

Scolipede
- Swords Dance - B-
- Protect + 3 Attacks - C+

Shuckle
- Utility - B+

Yanmega
- Offensive - B

Dark

Greninja
- All-out Attacker - S
- Choice Scarf - S
- 3 Attacks + Spikes - S-

Mandibuzz
- Defensive - S

Mega Sableye
- Utility - S
- Calm Mind - B+

Muk-Alola
- Assault Vest - S
- Curse + Restalk - B+

Tyranitar
- Specially Defensive - S

Bisharp
- Swords Dance - A

Hydreigon
- Choice Scarf - A+
- Choice Specs - A-
- 3 Attacks + Roost - B
- Taunt + Roost - B-

Mega Sharpedo
- Offensive - B+

Krookodile
- Stealth Rock - B

Weavile
- Offensive - B

Dragon

Dragonite
- Choice Band - S
- Dragon Dance + Z-Move - A
- Dragon Dance without Z-Move - A-

Garchomp
- Tank - S
- Focus Sash - A
- Swords Dance + Z Move - A-

Kyurem-Black
- 3 Attacks + Roost - S
- Choice Scarf - A-
- Choice Band - B+

Latios
- Choice Scarf - S
- Choice Specs - A-
- Life Orb - B+

Hydreigon
- Choice Specs - A
- Life Orb - A-
- Choice Scarf - B+

Salamence
- Dragonium Z - A
- Choice Scarf - A-
- Flyinium - B+

Dragalge
- Toxic Spikes - B+
- Choice Specs - B-
- Assault Vest - C+

Latias
- Healing Wish - B
- Stealth Rock - C+

Electric

Golem-Alola
- Focus Sash - S
- SpDef - A

Raichu-Alola
- Life Orb - S
- Choice Specs - A-

Rotom-Wash
- Defensive - S

Tapu Koko
- Taunt + 3 attacks - S
- Taunt + Roost - S
- All-out Attacker - A

Zapdos
- Defog - S

Magnezone
- Choice Specs - A+
- Air Balloon - A-

Xurkitree
- Tail Glow - A
- Choice Scarf - A-

Mega Manectric
- All out Attacker- B

Thundurus
- Thunder Wave + 3 Attacks - B
- Choice Band - B-
- Fly Z - B
- Flyinium Z - C

Fairy

Azumarill
- Z-Belly Drum - S
- Sitrus Berry - A

Klefki
- Dual Screens - S

Tapu Bulu
- Choice Scarf - S
- Choice Band - S-

Tapu Koko
- Taunt + 3 attacks - S
- Taunt + Roost - S
- All-out Attacker - A

Clefable
- Stealth Rock - A+
- Calm Mind - A-

Togekiss
- Choice Scarf - A
- Defensive - B+

Gardevoir
- Choice Scarf - B

Mega Gardevoir
- Will-O-Wisp / Taunt + 3 Attacks - B

Mimikyu
- Swords Dance - B

Tapu Fini
- Defog - B
- Calm Mind - B-

Fighting

Keldeo
- Choice Specs - S
- Choice Scarf - B-

Mega Gallade
- Swords Dance - S

Terrakion
- Choice Scarf - S
- Double Dance - S-
- Choice Band - A-

Breloom
- Offensive - A+

Buzzwole
- Choice Scarf - A
- Choice Band - A-

Cobalion
- Stealth Rock - A+

Heracross
- Choice Scarf - A+

Infernape
- Stealth Rock - A
- Offensive - A

Mega Heracross
- 4 Attacks - A
- 3 Attacks + Swords Dance - A-

Hawlucha
- Swords Dance - B

Lucario
- Swords Dance - B
- Nasty Plot - B-

Fire

Mega Charizard-X
- Dragon Dance - S
- Specially Defensive - B-

Mega Charizard-Y
- Wallbreaker - S

Torkoal
- Defensive - S

Heatran
- Offensive - A+
- Air Baloon - A
- Choice Scarf - A-

Infernape
- Choice Scarf - A+
- Choice Band - A+

Rotom-Heat
- Dual Screens - A

Victini
- Choice Scarf - A

Volcanion
- Choice Specs - B+
- Choice Scarf - B

Volcarona
- Offensive Quiver Dance - A+
- Defensive Quiver Dance - B-

Darmanitan
- Choice Scarf - B-

Entei
- Choice Band - B-
- Life Orb - B-

Flying

Landorus
- Special Wallbreaker - S
- Rock Polish - A-

Landorus-Therian
- Choice Scarf - S
- Defensive - S
- Double Dance - S
- Choice Band - A-

Mantine
- Defensive - S

Mega Charizard-Y
- Special Wallbreaker - S

Skarmory
- Defensive - S

Zapdos
- Sub + Toxic - S
- Defog - S-

Celesteela
- Defensive - A-
- Offensive - A-

Dragonite
- Choice Band - A+
- Dragon Dance - A-

Gliscor
- Stealth Rock - A+
- Taunt Stallbreaker - A
- Swords Dance Stallbreaker - A-

Togekiss
- Choice Scarf - A
- Nasty Plot - B

Aerodactyl
- Stealth Rock - B

Thundurus
- Nasty Plot - B
- 3 Attacks + Thunder Wave - B-

Ghost

Gengar
- Choice Scarf - S
- Stallbreaker - S-
- Wallbreaker - S-

Mega Sableye
- Utility - S
- Calm Mind - S-

Mimikyu
- Swords Dance - S
- Trick Room - S-

Jellicent
- Defensive - A+
- Trick Room - A-

Marowak-Alola
- Stealth Rock - A+
- Swords Dance - A

Golurk
- Stealth Rock - B

Hoopa
- Choice Specs - B
- Trick Room - B-
- Life Orb - B-

Grass

Ferrothorn
- Defensive - S

Mega Venusaur
- Defensive - S

Tapu Bulu
- Choice Scarf - S
- Swords Dance - A
- Choice Band - A-

Breloom
- Offensive - A+

Cradily
- Defensive - A+

Celebi
- Offensive - B

Rotom-Mow
- Choice Scarf - B

Serperior
- Offensive - B

Ground

Excadrill
-Choice Band - S
-Life Orb + Rapid Spin - S
-Swords Dance - S-

Hippowdon
-Defensive - S

Landorus
All-out Attacker - S
-Gravity - S
-Rock Polish - S-
-Calm Mind - S-

Dugtrio
- Focus Sash - A
- Choice Band - A-

Garchomp
- Swords Dance + Dragon Z - A+
- Swords Dance + Fire Z - A

Landorus-Therian
- Double Dance - A+
- Swords Dance - A
- Choice Scarf - A

Mamoswine
- Choice Band - A
- Choice Scarf - A-

Seismitoad
- Assault Vest - A+

Gastrodon
- Defensive - B

Gliscor
- Taunt Stallbreaker - B+
- Swords Dance - B

Krookodile
Stealth Rock - B
- Choice Scarf - B-

Mega Garchomp
- Wallbreaker - B+

Nidoking
- Offensive - B

Ice

Avalugg
- Rapid Spin - S

Kyurem-Black
- 3 Attacks + Roost - S
- Choice Scarf - A+
- Choice Band - A-

Mamoswine
- Stealth Rock - S
- Choice Scarf - A-

Ninetales-Alola
- Aurora Veil - S

Cloyster
- Shell Smash- A

Lapras
- Choice Specs - A

Piloswine
- Stealth Rock - A

Sandslash-Alola
- Offensive - A

Weavile
- Offensive - A

Froslass
- Spikes - B-

Rotom-Frost
- Defensive - B

Walrein
- Choice Specs - B+

Normal

Chansey
- Defensive - S
- WishPass - S-

Porygon2
- Utility Defensive - S
- Three Attacks Defensive - S-

Porygon-Z
- Z Conversion (Ghost) - S
- Z Conversion (Electric) - S-

Staraptor
- Defensive - S
- Choice Scarf - A+

Diggersby
- Choice Band - A+

Ditto
- Choice Scarf - A+

Mega Pidgeot
- Offensive - A

Meloetta
- Choice Specs - A
- Choice Scarf - A-
- SubCM - B+
- Assault Vest - B+

Bewear
- Choice Band - B

Smeargle
- Sucide Lead - B

Snorlax
- Curse - B

Poison

Mega Venusaur
- Defensive - S

Muk-Alola
- Assault Vest - S
- Air Balloon - S-
- RestTalk - A+

Toxapex
- Defensive - S

Crobat
- Defog - A+

Gengar
- Choice Scarf - A
- Stallbreaker - A-
- Wallbreaker - A-

Nidoking
- All-out Attacker - A+
Stealth Rock - A+

Nidoqueen
- Stealth Rock - A-

Nihilego
- Choice Scarf - A+
- Stealth Rock - A

Scolipede
- Swords Dance - A-

Skuntank
- Defog - B

Tentacruel
- Rapid Spin - B

Drapion
- Offensive - B-

Psychic

Mew
- Double Dance - S
- Stallbreaker - S
- Three Attacks Sweeper - A+
- Utility - A+

Victini
- Choice Scarf - S
- Choice Band - S

Mega Alakazam
- Offensive - S-

Alakazam
- Focus Sash + Counter - A+

Deoxys-Speed
- Suicide Lead - A

Gothitelle
- Colbur - A+
- Choice Specs - A
- CM + Rest - B

Jirachi
- Stealth Rock - A
- Choice Scarf - B+

Latios
- Offensive - A+
- Choice Scarf - A
- Choice Specs - A

Mega Slowbro
- Calm Mind - A
- Calm Mind + Iron Defense - A-

Meloetta
- Choice Scarf - A
- Choice Specs - A
- Calm Mind - B

Slowbro
- Defensive - A+

Celebi
- Defensive - B+
- Nasty Plot - B

Azelf
- Stealth Rock - B

Gardevoir
- Choice Scarf - B-

Rock

Terrakion
- Choice Scarf - S
- Choice Band - S-
- Double Dance - A+

Tyranitar
- Choice Band - S-
- Choice Scarf - S-
- Defensive - S-

Cradily
- Defensive - A

Mega Aerodactyl
- Offensive- A

Nihilego
- Offensive - A+

Omastar
- Shell Smash - A+

Rhyperior
- Offensive - A+

Shuckle
- Defensive - A

Golem-Alola
- Fire Z - B

Steel

Heatran
- Stealth Rock - S
- Specially Defensive - S-

Magearna
- Trick Room - S
- Shift Gear + Fairium Z - S-
- Shift Gear + BoltBeam - S-
- Calm Mind - S-
- Assault Vest - S-
- Choice Specs - S-

Skarmory
- Defensive - S
- Suicide Lead - S-

Celesteela
- Assault Vest - A+
- Defensive - A

Excadrill
- Choice Scarf - A+

Ferrothorn
- Defensive- A+

Magnezone
- Choice Scarf - A
- Choice Specs - B+

Mega Scizor
- Bulky Swords Dance - A+
- Offensive Swords Dance - A

Bisharp
- Swords Dance - B+
Choice Scarf - B-

Doublade
- Swords Dance - B-

Jirachi
- Choice Scarf - B-

Klefki
- Spikes - B
Dual Screens - B-

Water

Greninja
All out attacker - S
- 3 Attacks + Spikes - S-
- Choice Scarf - S-

Manaphy
- Tail Glow + 3 Attacks - S
- Water Z + Tail Glow - S

Mega Sharpedo
- Offensive - S

Azumarill
- Choice Band - A
- Z Belly Drum - A-
- Sitrus Berry Belly Drum - B+

Empoleon
- Stealth Rock - A

Gyarados
- Dragon Dance + Fly Z - A

Keldeo
- Choice Specs - A+
- Choice Scarf - A-

Lanturn
- Defensive - A+

Mantine
- Defensive - A

Mega Slowbro
- Calm Mind - A

Mega Swampert
- Offensive - A

Swampert
- Defensive - A

Tapu Fini
- Defog - A-
- Calm Mind - B+

Toxapex
- Defensive - B+

Alomomola
- Defensive - B+

Cloyster
- Shell Smash - B-

Kingdra
- Choice Specs - B+

Mega Gyarados
- Dragon Dance - B+

Pelipper
- Choice Scarf - B+
- Defensive - B-

Rotom-Wash
- Choice Scarf -B
- Defensive - C+

Seismitoad
- Stealth Rock - B-

Slowbro
- Defensive - B-

 

[Vid]

These are preliminary ranks so some ranks may not be accurate so please keep this in mind feel free to post on anything that doesn't seem right or any missing sets. Happy posting!!

 

[Harpp]

Nominating some ranks,here they are:

Nominations

Goodra:Dragon:Av set: C rank

Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor /Dragon pulse
- Fire Blast /Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Dragon Tail/Earthquake

Assault vest goodra is really splashable on most dragon teams and it gives dragon team a defensive backbone to sponge special hits for the team. I propose goodra AV set to C as it is seen on most dragon teams forming a core with garchomp.

Deoxys-Psychic: Offensive set: B- rank

Deoxys-Speed @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Ice Beam
Deoxys S thanks to its very high speed and coverage moves has a niche as an offensive pokemon, though lead deoxys set is way more used, offensive deoxys set is a niche set that has seen some usage as it outspeeds 100 base speed scarf users. Since it is a niche set for deoxys I propose it to B- rank.

Tyranitar:Dark B

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Superpower /Earthquake
On mono dark teams tyranitar is usually seen as a stealth rock user however on hyper offensive dark builds using choice banded tyranitar is an option as a powerful wall breaker as the role of stealth rock user can be filled by krookodile or bisharp. With a Choice Band, it becomes a frightening wallbreaker.

 

[Vid]

Goodra:Dragon:Av set: A rank

Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor /Dragon pulse
- Fire Blast /Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Dragon Tail/Earthquake

Assault vest goodra is really splashable on most dragon teams and it gives dragon team a defensive backbone to sponge special hits for the team. I propose goodra AV set to A as it is seen on most dragon teams forming a core with garchomp

Goodra is C in VR so at Maximum it can have a C+ ranking read the OP

Pokemon's set can only be ranked as high as they are in SM Monotype Viability Rankings (For Example Gliscor on Flying cannot have an S Rank set on Flying because it is A Ranked in the SM Monotype Viability rankings)

 

[smub]

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Fusion Bolt
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Outrage

All-Out Attacker Kyurem-Black: Unranked=>S (Ice)

I think it's pretty surprising that All-Out Attacker Kyurem-Black isn't ranked at all. With the extra coverage, Kyurem-Black can increase its usefulness in more matchups. With Hidden Power Fire, Kyurem-Black is capable of hitting extremely important threats like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, and this in tandem with Earth Power allows Kyurem-Black to break through Steel's entire defensive core, which Choice Specs Lapras/Walrein can't do as effectively due to being forced into 50-50's between Ferrothorn and Heatran. With Outrage, Kyurem-Black can tear right through neutral targets like Mew, Chansey, and Mega Sableye. All-Out Attacker Kyurem-Black is just as viable in the metagame as 3 Attacks+Roost, if not better, and because of this it deserves a spot in S rank.

Shuckle @ Mental Herb
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Sticky Web
- Stealth Rock
- Encore
- Knock Off

Defensive Shuckle: A=>A+ (Rock)

Defensive Shuckle definitely deserves to be A+. Not only does it offer vital speed control for Rock teams with Sticky Web, being an essential asset in problematic matchups like Fighting, Ground, Grass, Steel, Psychic, and Water, but it also offers helpful utility for Rock teams. With Encore, it can halt important setup sweepers like Mega Scizor, Landorus-Therian, and Gyarados, which Rock teams always appreciate. With Knock Off, it's capable of softening Normal's Eviolite core, which is helpful for when Choice Scarf Terrakion is unable to KO Porygon2 and proceeds to be crippled by a Thunder Wave. It's also capable of removing Choice Scarves from Pokemon who are unaffected by Sticky Web like Landorus-Therian. With the important utility Defensive Shuckle provides, it's definitely worthy of an A+ ranking.

 

[Bluxio]

before i make a nomination, the post said a set can only be ranked as HIGH as a mon is in the mono vr. does this mean i can nominate a set on an s or a ranked mon to drop down to b or c? i believe this will help in really showing the difference of effectiveness on some mons that are higher ranked. sorry if this was already mentioned but i just wanted to make sure before a make a nomination

 

[Vid]

before i make a nomination, the post said a set can only be ranked as HIGH as a mon is in the mono vr. does this mean i can nominate a set on an s or a ranked mon to drop down to b or c? i believe this will help in really showing the difference of effectiveness on some mons that are higher ranked. sorry if this was already mentioned but i just wanted to make sure before a make a nomination

Yes that's fine as long as nomination is logical and the set is extremely niche.

 

[smub]

Mamoswine @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off / Superpower

Wallbreaker Mamoswine: Unranked=>B+ (Ice)

I feel like Wallbreaker Mamoswine isn't as appreciated on Ice teams. This set can have quite a lot of variety in it, with both Life Orb and Choice Band being effective items for it. An Adamant nature grants Mamoswine the opportunity of potentially OHKOing Torkoal before it can set up Stealth Rock or remove them, while a Jolly nature lets Mamoswine outspeed Heatran and Jolly Breloom, which is yet another important benefit for Ice teams. Both Knock Off and Superpower are effective ways of improving the Normal matchup, with Knock Off very easily softening Chansey and Porygon2, and Superpower being able to just pick them off right away after prior chip damage. It is definitely understandable that this set isn't as viable as the Choice Scarf set, as it leaves your speed control option to Kyurem-Black when it's much more effective as a wallbreaker. Because of this, Wallbreaker Mamoswine is more than appropriate at B+.

Terrakion @ Salac Berry / Rockium Z / Fightinium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Substitute

Sub SD Terrakion: Unranked=>A+ (Rock)

Sub SD Terrakion can prove to be an outstanding force against many different matchups. It has its fair share of item variety, ranging from Salac Berry for late-game cleaning, or Rockium / Fightinium Z for breaking past specific threats that tend to stop its sweep. Unlike the Double Dance set, Sub SD Terrakion often finds safer setup opportunities thanks to its Substitute, being able to set up quite safely against tankier Pokemon like Zapdos and Armaldo, as well as Scarfers that can't do enough damage to it, like Victini and Nihilego. Here's a replay of Sub SD Terrakion in action:

Vs Grass: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-593396095

Due to the reasons I listed above, I believe that Sub SD Terrakion would be suitable in A+ rank on Rock.

 

[smub]

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 136 SpD / 124 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Toxic / Stealth Rock
- Taunt / Stone Edge

Specially Defensive Heatran: Unranked=>A (Fire)

Checking Scarf Nihilego is always important for Fire teams, and specially defensive Heatran is one of Fire's most consistent checks to it. This set can also utilize Stealth Rock, freeing a moveslot for Torkoal to run Toxic or even a specific coverage option to nail opposing hazard leads. With Taunt, it can halt Defoggers like Zapdos and Mantine in order to keep Stealth Rock up, while also allowing it to effectively wear down Toxapex. It surprises me how this set is Unranked on Fire, and it should definitely be moved up.

Seismitoad @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald / Hydro Pump
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot

or

Seismitoad @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump / Scald
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot

Choice Specs Seismitoad: Unranked=>A- (Ground)

Choice Specs Seismitoad is a solid choice for increasing its otherwise mediocre offensive presence. With Grass Knot, it's capable of nailing Water-types like Swampert and Mega Slowbro, which can be rather problematic for Ground teams. This set also excels at dealing with Azumarill much easier, since it actually has a chance to KO from half behind a Light Screen if it's Modest. While this set isn't as viable as Assault Vest sets, it still offers enough merit to warrant an A- ranking.

 

[Decem]

Stallbreaker Gengar (Ghost) S- ---> A+

I think Stallbeaker Gengar with taunt is highly outclassed on Ghost. Taunt Jellicent outclasses it, as Jellicent can stall out more defensive builds, and Recover off the damage the opponent as caused. Because of this, Gengar is more suited to run a Specs or Scarf set, maybe even Life Orb. Using Taunt on Gengar is a huge risk, as using taunt on something may result in heavily denting Gengar because of its low defenses, for example, Taunting a Ferrothorn may result in Gengar getting fucked by Gyro Ball. Taking out Taunt means you can use more coverage options, such as Dazzling Gleam, ThunderBolt, Hidden Power Ice, or maybe even Trick.

Stallbreaker Jellicent (Ghost) Unranked ---> A+

Taunt Jellicent has proved its worth in this metagame. Aside from the usual Acid Armor + Toxic, Taunt Jellicent covers a wide array of Defensive threats, from Toxapex to Chansey to Gastrodon. Ghost/Water is a very valuable Defensive typing, as it allows Jellicent to take many resisted attacks, and act as a valuable stallbreaker. Cursed Body is the icing on the cake, as Jellicent is able to disable even super effective moves as a last resort. Here is a replay of Taunt Jellicent in action:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-595538405

Defensive Gourgeist - XL (Ghost) Unranked ---> C+

Though Gourgeist can be substituted out for many other, better, options on Ghost. It is one of the most bulky Pokemon in the Ghost metagame, can take hits from scary wallbreakers such as Tapu Bulu, and deserves at least a C rank on Ghost for its presence on more fat Ghost teams.

Choice Scarf Chandelure (Ghost) Unranked --> C+

I personally think that Choice Scarf Chandelure has a niche in Ghost as a decent revenge killer, but according to the VR, Chandelure cannot go above C. It can carry Hidden Power Ice and Trick to screw over selected targets, and deserves to have a spot on the set VR.

Trick Room Cofagrigus (Ghost) Unranked --> C
While it isn't one of the greatest Trick Room setters, it does have a place in Trick Room teams with Trick Room + Z-memento.

Defensive Cofagrigus / Z- Haze (Ghost) Unranked --> C-
its bad as a defensive wall, it doesn't get reliable recovery outside of Pain split, and can't really do anything besides lay Toxic Spikes and burn shit. I don't like Toxic Spikes on my Ghost team because Sableye needs to be able to burn stuff in order to check them, and hinders Will-O-Wisp's reliability. Defensive Gourgeist > Defensive Cofagrigus imo.

Swords Dance Doublade (Ghost) Unranked --> C

It has a nice typing and can use that huge ass defense to set up Swords Dance. Steel coverage gives it an edge against Rock and Ice types while Sacred Sword can be used to hit Normal and Dark Types, while Shadow Sneak gives it priority and can sweep when used correctly.

 

[Haaku.]

I like this thread a lot. :>

That being said, I have a few suggestions! It should go without saying at this point that ALL of these suggestions are for Fighting.

Stealth Rock: A -> B
Infernape as a Stealth Rock lead is largely outclassed by Cobalion, who has more utility options, significantly better bulk, and the ability to last throughout the entire match unlike Infernape, who is forced to use a Focus Sash on this set (and Fighting has zero viable hazard removal). Cobalion is also a much more reliable Stealth Rock setter and is a much less predictable lead choice. Infernape's plethora of support moves coupled with Mach Punch, Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, and a great ability in Iron Fist mean that all out offensive or setup sets are much more viable than Stealth Rock. I can see this set having a small niche for teams that opt to not use Cobalion for whichever reason, so I believe B is appropiate, or perhaps B-. I'm going to list two sets below which I think are both better than the suicide lead rocks one.

Choice Band: Unranked -> A
Choice Band Infernape just runs through teams thanks to its powerful STAB combo of Flare Blitz and Close Combat, making it a deadly wallbreaker and a positive factor in many matchups thanks to its amazing additional coverage. It also gets a very good pivot move in U-turn (which is a great tool against Psychic teams as well) and powerful priority in Mach Punch which is boosted by Iron Fist. It can choose to run Earthquake too, to punish common counters such as Toxapex. Here is a set I've been using to great success:

Hide

Infernape @ Choice Band
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Mach Punch

Nasty Plot: Unranked -> A-
Infernape doubles as one of the best special attackers on the type and the best user of Nasty Plot. Infernape's special coverage isn't as good as its physical coverage, but it still gets good moves that it can use to sweep past teams. Infernape also has access to Vacuum Wave, which it can use to clean late-game. It reaches 614 Special Attack after a single Nasty Plot, which is such a rarity for Fighting that I feel this set deserves an A- ranking. It gets access to Grass Knot, which can dent Ground and Water types such as Hippowdon and Swampert. Here is a potential set for it:

Hide

Infernape @ Life Orb / Firium Z
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Grass Knot
- Vacuum Wave
- Nasty Plot

-------

Choice Scarf: S- -> B-
Scarf Keldeo is a decent speed control Pokemon on Fighting but that's about as far as it goes. Keldeo functions better as a wallbreaker that weakens threats for a setup sweeper to clean. Scarf Keldeo fails to KO relevant threats because of its power loss from not running Specs. Its STAB moves are relatively weak (if it chooses to not run Hydro Pump) so it's not the greatest Scarf user, again. Heracross, Buzzwole, and Terrakion make for better Choice Scarf users thanks to their superior coverage allowing them to KO more things than Keldeo cannot. It has a niche though, as it's still a decent option for a Choice Scarf user, but it faces competition from Terrakion who would be forced to run a different set, so I believe it should be B- rank. There is one unranked Keldeo set I'd like to bring to light though, which in my opinion outperforms this set.

Calm Mind: Unranked -> A
Keldeo's Calm Mind set deserves a ranking in this thread thanks to the introduction of Z-Moves improving the set. Keldeo has decent bulk that it can use to set up Substitutes. It's typing and offensive pressure forces a lot of switches, and since Calm Mind isn't generally as common as Choice Specs, setting up becomes easy. Sub Calm Mind Keldeo does have its flaws though. It is walled by a few things such as Toxapex, and you pass out on coverage. However it is one of the best stallbreakers and setup sweepers on the type, and the ease of setup, especially on types like Flying and ESPECIALLY Fire, make SubCM Keldeo an A-ranked threat in my opinion.

Hide

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Substitute
- Calm Mind

 

[smub]

Gengar @ Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt / Dazzling Gleam / Trick

Wallbreaker Gengar: S-=>S (Ghost)

With the introduction of Marshadow, Gengar is no longer forced to run Scarf sets most of the time, and is now free to run wallbreaking sets more effectively. With a wallbreaking set, Gengar is capable of nailing threats that Scarf sets would otherwise be walled by, such as Mantine, Toxapex, and Mandibuzz, while also still being able to effectively cripple things with Trick. Here are some calcs demonstrating its power:

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 396-468 (105.8 - 125.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mandibuzz: 306-362 (72.3 - 85.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 190-224 (62.5 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragonite: 260-308 (80.4 - 95.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

There's also the fact that Gengar's 110 Speed tier is fantastic in comparison to Hoopa's 70, which can make it more desirable on balanced teams that don't want to be slowed down. Overall, I think Wallbreaker Gengar would be more appropriate in S rank.

 

[Decem]

Gengar @ Life Orb / Choice Specs
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt / Dazzling Gleam / Trick

Wallbreaker Gengar: S-=>S (Ghost)

With the introduction of Marshadow, Gengar is no longer forced to run Scarf sets most of the time, and is now free to run wallbreaking sets more effectively. With a wallbreaking set, Gengar is capable of nailing threats that Scarf sets would otherwise be walled by, such as Mantine, Toxapex, and Mandibuzz, while also still being able to effectively cripple things with Trick. Here are some calcs demonstrating its power:

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 396-468 (105.8 - 125.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mandibuzz: 306-362 (72.3 - 85.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 190-224 (62.5 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Gengar Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragonite: 260-308 (80.4 - 95.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

There's also the fact that Gengar's 110 Speed tier is fantastic in comparison to Hoopa's 70, which can make it more desirable on balanced teams that don't want to be slowed down. Overall, I think Wallbreaker Gengar would be more appropriate in S rank.

Wall breaker Gengar is inferior to scarf Gengar. scarf Gengar is too good to pass up on offensive ghost teams imo. Scarf Gengar can still be used to check scarf bulu, tapu Koko, and hydreigon. It can also allow Marshadow to use Band. I think we should have specs at S- because we don't know if marsahdows staying or not, as it seems pretty busted ATM

 

[smub]

Wall breaker Gengar is inferior to scarf Gengar. scarf Gengar is too good to pass up on offensive ghost teams imo. Scarf Gengar can still be used to check scarf bulu, tapu Koko, and hydreigon. It can also allow Marshadow to use Band. I think we should have specs at S- because we don't know if marsahdows staying or not, as it seems pretty busted ATM

Ghost teams already rely on Alolan Marowak as their primary Tapu Koko counter, so not having Scarfed Gengar wouldn't be a hefty loss in that scenario. Scarf Marshadow is also capable of checking Scarf Hydreigon, more consistently in fact thanks to having a more accurate Fighting type move to nail it with, so I'm not sure why that was brought up. While it's no doubt that Marshadow has been pretty controversial, what MIGHT happen in the future shouldn't be an indication of where something should be ranked RIGHT NOW.

 

[Decem]

Ghost teams already rely on Alolan Marowak as their primary Tapu Koko counter, so not having Scarfed Gengar wouldn't be a hefty loss in that scenario. Scarf Marshadow is also capable of checking Scarf Hydreigon, more consistently in fact thanks to having a more accurate Fighting type move to nail it with, so I'm not sure why that was brought up. While it's no doubt that Marshadow has been pretty controversial, what MIGHT happen in the future shouldn't be an indication of where something should be ranked RIGHT NOW.

idk why but you act like marshadow is staying, and that 100% of ghost teams use Alolan Marowak. It's not even S ranked, and for good reason too.

 

[Seo.]

Heres a few nominations


Bisharp
Stealth Rock Lead (Dark)
(Unranked ~> B-)

Set

Bisharp @ Focus Sash
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Iron Head

This set is mostly beneficial on HO Dark teams, its normally run when the team lacks darks best Stealth Rocker in Tyranitar. The Swords Dance set out classes this set by far, this is more of a niche set but is still pretty decent when you lack a Rocker on your HO team and is beneficial for certain match-ups like Fire, Bug and Flying who dont appreciate Stealth Rocks on their field. Thunder Wave is just to nerf fast threats, and Knock Off/Iron Head are STAB. Thus i nominate Focus Sash Bisharp B- (if not B)

Keldeo
Taunt + 3 Attacks (Fighting)
(Unranked ~> S-)

Set

Keldeo @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind

Taunt normally helps vs certain walls such as Toxapex and Chansey, preventing them from setting hazards or status which Fighting doesn't appreciate. Hydro Pump and Secret Sword are just powerful STAB and Icy Wind is coverage for things like Garchomp. Pretty simple, but Choice Specs is normally the better option, so nomming it for S-

Garchomp
Choice Scarf (Ground)
(Unranked ~> A)

Set

Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
- Stone Edge

Really good speed control, in fact the best Choice Scarfer on Ground, even though Excadrill gets the speed boost from Sand Rush on teams with Hippowdon, but when Sand isn't on the field its good to have more speed control in Scarf Garchomp. Outrage and Earthquake are powerful STAB, Fire Blast is to hit physically defensive walls like Skarmory and Ferrothorn and Stone Edge is good coverage for things like Volcarona. I was surprised this wasnt already on the Sets VR but here it is, A rank

Lastly, i feel like Deoxys-Speed should be split into 2 different variants, Stealth Rock + Spikes (A-) and Dual Screens + Stealth Rock (A)

 

[Mateeus]

Nuclear Juggernaut Choice Band Staraptor (Normal) ----> B- Rank

+

= Earth? lol what is that

Staraptor @ Choice Band
Ability: Reckless
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Brave Bird
- Double Edge
- Close Combat
- U-Turn / Quick Attack

Ah, the nuke Staraptor set in standard play. The main reason it always freaking get banned from UU in every gen since 4 (yeah, BL for 10 years, in a row), by kicking every wall's ass. Unfortunately, the big atom bomb we have here isn't nearly as viable as in the other dimension of tiers. And for good reason: Balance don't have a space in their hangar for such nuclear power, since Defensive Raptor is the way to go in the archetype, for synergizing with Chansey + Porygon2 by bringing a bulky Fighting-type neutrality, a hazard remover and a bulky Physically Defensive pivot. The same build also has Diggersby, a weapon that, while it isn't as powerful, brings more coverage and wallbreaks without recoil. Offensive Normal won't use the deadly ballistic missile either, since it prefers a faster one in the form of Scarf Staraptor to clean most types with Sticky Web.

So, what does Banded Staraptor bring on to the table? The answer is simple: raw power. While it seems to not fit in the standard Balance at all, and having a slight (but high risk, low reward) place in Offense due to the presence of Sticky Web, it can nuke a thing or other in every matchup, and slightly more things than Diggersby can, due to the better speed (besides maybe Steel, but CC still does a lot to their walls), which is more than enough to put it a bit behind the level of Bewear and Smeargle (both with good niches, but with extremely high opportunity cost, like Band Raptor). While Diggersby is a much better physical wallbreaker overall due to its extensive coverage and no-recoil moves, Staraptor's niche as a Choice Bander is its superior power with its STABs, along with its aforementioned better speed (299 vs 255 for Adamant variants).

Some Calcs

Bug:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Armaldo: 364-430 (102.8 - 121.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Armaldo: 262-310 (74 - 87.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 364-430 (129.5 - 153%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 116+ Def Scizor-Mega: 229-270 (66.7 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Forretress: 208-246 (58.7 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Dark:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 240+ Def Mandibuzz: 256-303 (60.5 - 71.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Chople Berry Tyranitar: 374-440 (92.8 - 109.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 116 Def Sableye-Mega: 274-324 (90.4 - 106.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Electric:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Rotom-Wash: 252-297 (82.8 - 97.6%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 360-424 (128.1 - 150.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Fairy:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 172 Def Clefable: 382-451 (96.9 - 114.4%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Tapu Fini: 322-379 (93.8 - 110.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 181-213 (60.1 - 70.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Flying:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 16 Def Zapdos: 411-484 (107 - 126%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 240 Def Mantine: 364-430 (97.3 - 114.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 198-233 (49.7 - 58.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Landorus-Therian: 265-313 (83 - 98.1%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Grass:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Ferrothorn: 250-295 (71 - 83.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Ferrothorn: 278-328 (78.9 - 93.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Cradily: 373-441 (99.2 - 117.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Venusaur-Mega: 470-554 (129.1 - 152.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Ground:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 235-277 (55.9 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Seismitoad: 463-546 (111.8 - 131.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 334-394 (78.4 - 92.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Ghost:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Jellicent: 447-526 (110.6 - 130.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Ice:
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Avalugg: 188-222 (47.7 - 56.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Normal:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 189-223 (50.5 - 59.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 210-248 (56.1 - 66.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 538-634 (76.5 - 90.1%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Staraptor: 220-259 (59.2 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Staraptor: 330-388 (88.9 - 104.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Poison:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Muk-Alola: 463-546 (111.8 - 131.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 195-231 (64.1 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery

Rock:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shuckle: 141-166 (57.7 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 183-216 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- 30.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Steel:
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 386-456 (100.2 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Magearna: 180-212 (49.4 - 58.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 304-358 (86.3 - 101.7%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 198-234 (59.1 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Water:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Pelipper: 262-310 (81.1 - 95.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Swampert-Mega: 337-397 (98.8 - 116.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 64 HP / 252+ Def Alomomola: 304-358 (62.4 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 128 HP / 128 Def Lanturn: 468-552 (110.6 - 130.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 292-345 (74.1 - 87.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Suicune: 324-382 (80.1 - 94.5%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Disclaimer: Most calcs used aren't to prove it is better than Diggersby (As I said, it definitely isn't), but rather to showcase its nuclear-level power.

i still wall u lol

 

[smub]

Gonna make some nominations for both Ice and Rock

Cloyster @ Waterium Z
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 104 Atk / 152 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Shell Smash
- Hydro Pump
- Rock Blast
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Icicle Spear

Shell Smash Cloyster: A=>A+ (Ice)

Cloyster is without a doubt an extremely influential Pokemon for Ice teams. With the Aurora Veil support provided by Alolan Ninetales, Cloyster finds itself much easier setup opportunities, and with the introduction of Z-moves, Cloyster is now capable of breaking past some of its defensive checks. With Hydro Pump+Hidden Power Fire, Cloyster is capable of tearing through the Steel matchup provided that certain Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Celesteela have been weakened, as seen by these calcs:

Calcs

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Magearna: 364-430 (100 - 118.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 136+ SpD Heatran: 372-440 (96.6 - 114.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 248-292 (70.4 - 82.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hydro Pump vs. 224 HP / 32 SpD Skarmory: 313-370 (95.7 - 113.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 294-346 (73.8 - 86.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

+2 152 SpA Cloyster Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Scizor-Mega: 268-316 (78.1 - 92.1%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Cloyster can find some decent setup opportunities against Scarf Excadrill behind Aurora Veil or even against something that's been Encored by Alolan Ninetales. It can sometimes afford to bypass Hidden Power Fire in favor of Icicle Spear as a means of further guaranteeing matchups like Flying and Dragon, as well as do better in some possibly iffy matchups like Grass. Cloyster is definitely more viable in comparison to the other current A ranks, which is why I believe it should be moved up to A+.

Ninetales-Alola @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Moonblast
- Freeze-Dry
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Choice Scarf Alolan Ninetales: Unranked=>C or C- (Ice)

This set is beyond niche, but I still think it should be ranked. This set's main role is to outspeed and remove Scarf Terrakion, which is a large threat to HO builds that don't use Avalugg. It also does nicely against Scarf Keldeo and Heracross. Overall, the set is primarily for dealing with the Fighting matchup, and while Fighting is a rather irrelevant type right now, it's still one of the largest hindrances to HO Ice, and Alolan Ninetales does a decent job at combating it with this set, so I believe it would be appropriate in C or C- rank.

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 248 HP / 12 Atk / 248 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 15 Spe
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Roar
- Stealth Rock

Stealth Rock Piloswine: A=>A+ (Ice)

Piloswine, similarly to Cloyster, has also improved this gen. With the introduction of Nihilego, Piloswine can serve as an effective switch-in to Scarf variants that would otherwise tear through Ice teams a lot of the time, since Jolly Alolan Sandslash only speed ties with it. It also serves as the only Ice type that can outslow Magearna under Trick Room while still threatening it offensively, as seen by this calc:

12 Atk Piloswine Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 194-230 (53.2 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Piloswine can also survive a Focus Blast as well as an unboosted Twinkle Tackle with decent health remaining. Then there's Tapu Koko, which Piloswine can switch into very easily, whereas Mamoswine will fail to survive 2 LO boosted Dazzling Gleams.. When taken into account some of the top tier threats that Piloswine can effectively manage, while additionally allowing Mamoswine to perform a revenge killing/wallbreaking role, it most certainly deserves the A+ rank on Ice.

Now to move on to Rock:

Golem-Alola @ Firium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 192 Atk / 72 SpA / 244 Spe
Rash Nature
- Stone Edge
- Wild Charge
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast

Firium Z Alolan Golem: B=>B+ (Rock)

Alolan Golem has granted Rock teams a much more consistent Mega Scizor check in comparison to Rhyperior. Competent Steel players would simply just U-turn out or hard switch into Heatran, making it rather difficult for Mega Scizor to be effectively managed. However, Alolan Golem not only prevents the switch, but it also comfortably takes an unboosted Bullet Punch, as seen here:

252+ Atk Technician Scizor-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Golem-Alola: 96-114 (31.8 - 37.8%) -- 92% chance to 3HKO

72 Special Attack with a Rash nature will always KO bulky Mega Scizor with an Inferno Overdrive after Stealth Rock, and under Sticky Web, offensive variants will be outsped and easily removed as well. Outside of Mega Scizor, Alolan Golem also provides some helpful assistance in trapping Skarmory and Celesteela, as well as the Grass matchup when removing Ferrothorn, and the Fighting matchup when removing Cobalion(assuming it isn't carrying Volt Switch). While Rhyperior is broadly more effective, Alolan Golem's niche is still an important one, and for that reason, it should be moved up to B+.

Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Choice Band Terrakion: S-=>S (Rock)

Choice Band Terrakion is definitely Rock's best physical wallbreaker. While Choice Band Tyranitar has more damage output backing it, as well as performing better in the Psychic and Ghost matchups, Terrakion offers an infinitely better Speed tier, decent priority, and powerful Fighting STAB to aid in the Normal and Steel matchups.

 

[Mystery Secret]

Hey will this thread be updated? It is severely outdated.
Some examples are
- Magearna is banned
- Tapu bulu on fairy is not S
- Manaphy on water is not S
- Mega Alakazam on psychic is not S-
These are just some of them.