I'm really excited for RU Alpha to begin; I haven't been this excited since RU was officially made into a tier back when I was more active like 4 years ago lol. There are some Pokemon on this list that will most definitely be quickbanned should they not move up to UU, namely Kyurem (o.o), especially since UU Alpha currently has Kyurem-Black (@.@).
Some specific examples I have immediately noticed that are sure to have a giant impact on the initial stages of tiering are as follows:
Infernape:
With an excellent speed tier that is outsped by little relevant Pokemon other than Alakazam, Espeon, and Froslass (she ain't doing anything to Infernape), decent offensive stats backed up by powerful STAB moves that have excellent coverage, and Greninja-esque movepool, Infernape is poised to take on the new RU tier in stride. It has the option of running several different sets, all of which play different roles. A Scarf set outruns pretty much all relevant scarfers and unboosted Pokemon in the tier and can be put to great use as a revenge-killer for things like +1 Flygon, Yanmega, and Venomoth while preserving momentum in the early game with U-turn. Unlike Greninja however, Infernape has access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, not to mention priority in the form of Vacuum Wave and Mach Punch. With its equal offensive stats, it is capable of running mixed boosting sets which are sure to be a menace to balance and stall teams alike. Although a rather unlikely comparison, the versatility of Infernape in RU is comparable to Genesect in OU, on a lower power scale. Playing around Infernape is difficult due to the vast number of coverage moves it possesses, as well as it having the ability to run a remarkably effective Scarf set.
Example set:
Infernape @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Close Combat and Flare Blitz are mandatory STAB moves that hit really hard, Stone Edge allows Infernape to revenge kill even Scarfed Moltres, and U-turn helps scout the enemy team and keep momentum in your favor.
Lucario:
Lucario has always been a great pick for its strong offensive stats, large movepool, ability to run mixed, special, and physical sets, and its good offensive Steel and Fighting typing. Like Infernape, it possesses strong STAB options and considerable coverage, as well as access to both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance. It even has arguably better priority in the form of Extremespeed. The only thing that lets Lucario down is its average Base 90 Speed stat, but it can overcome even this aspect with the use of Agility. Lucario also boasts the ability to easily take down Fairy-types with its Steel-type STAB moves, which is not something many Fighting-types are capable of. While Infernape can outspeed a majority of the metagame, Lucario can hit a little harder with its higher offensive stats. Swords Dance seems likely to be the most popular set, as Extremespeed makes up for its lackluster speed.
Example set:
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Iron Tail / Ice Punch
- Extremespeed
- Swords Dance
Close Combat and Iron Tail are strong STAB moves that allow Lucario to punch holes in the enemy team, with Iron Tail taking out any Fairy-type that dares switch in. Ice Punch is an option to hit Gligar, while Extremespeed allows Lucario to pick off faster weakened threats. After a Swords Dance, there is not much that can tank a move from Lucario with the exception of Gligar, who falls to Ice Punch.
I could go on and on about all the possible new and fun additions to RU, but there are just too many to count. Old threats such as Alakazam, Honchkrow, Venomoth, and Yanmega are sure to shake up the tier again, as well as other additions such as Metagross, Froslass, Mega Absol, Roserade, Chandelure, Feraligatr, and much, much more. Offense seems like the way to go in the initial stages of RU due to the numerous offensive powerhouses being added to the tier, but only time will tell. Overall, it seems like RU will be one of the most fun and diverse tiers in the seventh generation!