Metagame SS OU Metagame Discussion Thread v7 (Usage Stats in post #3539)

[Zneon]

2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?

For Garchomp, I feel my favourite thing to use on it has to be tied between Swords Dance Chomp as in the set, and Endure on Tankchomp as the move. Swords Dance Garchomp feels like both a very threatening mon yet rewarding when you use it right, it really is a great option in the metagame and I love using it a lot. And Endure on Tankchomp feels super rewarding too, hell I would say even more so because the defensive utility from it is just outstanding! There's a lot to like about chomp, I even like Mixchomp since that just destroys common Slowbro cores since the combo of Draco + Earthquake is super threatening and hard to wall.

As for Rillaboom, Choice Band takes it for my favourite option on it, with the Grass resists gone Rillaboom because a threat and a half, considering how potent Grassy Glide, that in combination with U-turn is just a complete threat and a half in my eyes and just like Garchomp, is very damn rewarding when you use it right, because 1 prediction can be amazing for the user and that's just really good. Another thing is how it pairs with Hawlucha and Kartana really well, hell, other Pokemon really well while still being a huge threat since even outside of Grassy Glide, Grassy Terrain is really nice utility for stuff that do not have recovery as well, like Heatran.

As for Galarian Slowking, the same thing I have been using and many other people have been using, AV is just a great pivot all-around and it's easy for this mon to make progress in some form with Future Sight and its other moves, making it a great balance breaker and defensive utility in absorbing Toxic Spikes and just Toxic in general is just very valuable and great for any team. I have even started to use Choice Specs on this Pokemon even though the loss in defensive utility is worse becomes harder to switch into. I generally find it worse than AV in most scenarios. Overall Galarian Slowking is a great Pokemon and its going to be great for quite a while I feel.

5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?

I feel Latios does have a good chance at dropping but I could be wrong though, but I feel some stuff like Magearna, Pheromosa and Spectrier running around is pretty bad for Latios but also the fact that it wants to run Choice Scarf for the latter 2, and Choice Specs for other stuff like Blissey, Heatran and Clefable for example, but that is prone to being revenge killed since its Speed tier isn't doing it well right now. I still feel Latios is a good Pokemon but I don't think the trends that has been going on are in Latios' favour but it still has many options to adapt to the current metagame trends so it might not drop? Who knows.

With Urshifu-RS it might drop as well. The main reason is that Urshifu-S is just a strictly better Pokemon than Urshifu-RS since its STAB combo has significantly less resists than it, making it a much more consistent, threatening Pokemon and generally the better pick in almost every scenario. However despite that, its a great rain option however, it can use Pelipper's rain support to its advantage since while its easier to switch into than Urshifu-S, its still not easy to switch into without some super good water resists, and in rain its going to be nuking more stuff with Surging Strikes. Unfortunately since there are so many sturdy water resists, Toxapex and Slowbro the best examples, being very common in the metagame Urshifu-RS doesn't really have that many moments to shine unfortunately. Again, who knows, I feel it could drop but the ladder is an enigma.

7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?

I'm going to be talking about Hawlucha since I haven't really used Volcarona a whole lot at all. But anyway, Hawlucha is pretty good I gotta say, its truly a menace when you position it right and when you do position it right its going to sweep more easily than you really think, especially since Tapu Koko kinda just threatens stuff that Hawlucha struggles with, like Toxapex, Slowbro and Moltres and really its gotta worry about the former 2 I feel. I've been using Stone Edge over Substitute more lately to actually rid of Moltres and Zapdos simultaneously and its been doing so much work with that, in all honestly I even feel that Stone Edge is a better option on Hawlucha than Substitute in the context of this meta but that's just me. Overall, Hawlucha is super good at what it does and when it gets the chance, it will shine a lot.

8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?

I like playing in OU I feel its an 8 out of 10 experience for me however at the same time, I does feel restrictive in the teambuilding department. I feel Spectrier and Urshifu-S are the main culprits of this and I feel them being gone will be a blessing for teambuilding as a whole. However other than those 2 I feel the metagame is pretty balanced. Hopefully with Pheromosa gone anyway, and I feel Magearna has a chance to be too much for OU however I don't think its that big of a problem right now compared to the other 2 and I'd rather put that on the radar if anything.

9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?

Probably 2 that come to mind which are OST finals and the start of Crown Tundra. OST finals was the first big OU tournament game I watched, live at that and it was super hype since at that time CM Zeraora as being innovated just because of that final when all it was using was Life Orb and BU, it was really special to see and I was always hold that in my heart. Then there is the start of Crown Tundra which was hype beyond all belief and that was also during the time I was getting a 1 week holiday, the hype, the discussion, the stuff that were coming back and stuff that were getting unbanned was just so fun and I just played OU nonstop, well I still do but that was just so fun to see and its even more fun that the fact that the metagame is evolving every day.

10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

Thanks TPP! Have a nice day as well!

 

[MidnightReaper]

Centiskorch​

This is getting to be a cliche at this point, but I absolutely love making Pokemon like this work in OU (and was feeling motivated after finally getting Lunatone to work). What can I say about this Pokemon? I absolutely love its design, typing, and concept. So I set out (like I've done with every one of my posts in this thread basically so far) to find a niche for it in OU. I discovered that thanks to Centiskorch's unique typing, movepool, and abilities, it can not only act as a Coil setup Pokemon with the ability to simultaneously pseudo-boost both his Defense and Special Defense with one variant, but also act hard stop to any Heatran variant with the right EV spread and movepool spread, and can act as a lure while also handling Pokemon such as Swampert, Ferrothorn, Rillaboom, Magearna, Blissey, Kartana, and some Melmetal spreads.

DISCLAIMER - Different Centiskorch sets take care of different threats, so you have to pick and choose which one best suits your team (such as having to pick between stopping Heatran and having consistent setup opportunities. Once again like Lunatone and Solrock this is not a very splashable Pokemon and requires your team to be teched around it. However, using Centiskorch is high-risk, high reward and if you play to its strengths you will not be disappointed!

Role #1: Coil Pressure Inducer

Centiskorch @ Heavy-Duty Boots (Leftovers if you have Pokemon that can take care of hazards)
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Coil
- Fire Lash
- Skitter Smack
- Power Whip​

Role Explanation:

Centiskorch is has a unique role of being able to pressure physically defensive walls while simultaneously weakening special attackers via Skitter Smack and luring common switch-ins such as Swampert. Coil boosts not only Centiskorch's Attack and Defense but its accuracy as well, allowing for the inaccuracy of Skitter Smack and Power Whip to be overlooked. Fire Lash is a powerful STAB move that lowers the opponent's physical defense 100% with each attack, which provides extreme offensive pressure and makes normally safe-switch-ins no longer a viable option. To illustrate this point, let's take a look at some damage calculations for Fire Lash.

252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 106-126 (26.9 - 31.9%) -- 40.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. -1 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 159-187 (40.3 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 159-187 (40.3 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. -1 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 237-280 (60.1 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

STAB Fire Lash absolutely nails specific threats like Rillaboom (whose Grassy Glide is 4x resisted by Centiskorch), Melmetal, Excadrill, Kartana (whose STABs are both resisted by Centiskorch), Magearna, and Corviknight even without the offensive pressure that the 100% Defense drop affords.

252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kartana: 384-456 (148.2 - 176%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Excadrill: 362-428 (100.2 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ferrothorn: 432-508 (122.7 - 144.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 320-378 (87.9 - 103.8%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Rillaboom: 390-462 (114.3 - 135.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 264-312 (55.9 - 66.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

The key to properly utilizing Centiskorch is to build offensive pressure with STAB Fire Lash and Coil. If it were just this, it wouldn't have the niche that it does, this is where STAB Skitter Smack comes in. Skitter Smack is a base 70 power Bug-type move that has a 100% chance to lower the opponent's Special Attack. Centiskorch has the ability to threaten common special attackers by whittling down their offensive presence and simultaneously boosting its own special bulk.

+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Skitter Smack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 344-408 (105.8 - 125.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Skitter Smack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 378-446 (125.5 - 148.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Having their Special Attack dropped allows 2HKOs to be converted into 3HKOs on the switch-in. Meaning that Centiskorch with proper prediction can survive certain hits and reply back with a 2HKO or an OHKO

-1 252+ SpA Life Orb Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Centiskorch: 148-175 (36.6 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Fire Lash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 271-321 (79.4 - 94.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Power Whip is a fantastic tool that allows for common Water, Rock, and Ground-type Pokemon to not have the opportunity for a free switch-in, even without a boost.

252 Atk Centiskorch Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Swampert: 408-480 (100.9 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Centiskorch Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Hippowdon: 232-274 (55.2 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Role #2: Mixed Slow Utility Attacker (Handles Heatran)

Centiskorch @ Heavy-Duty Boots (Life Orb if you have Pokemon that can take care of hazards)
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
Mild Nature
- Scorching Sands
- Fire Lash
- Knock Off
- Power Whip​

Role Explanation:

This variant of Centiskorch is specifically meant to handle Heatran variants while having an option for physical walls in the form of Scorching Sands, a Ground-type variant of the popular move Scald with a 30% burn chance. Max EVs with a Special Attack boosting nature allows the common Special Defense variant of Heatran to be 2HKO'd 82.4% of the time, while all offensive variants are 2HKO'd regardless (and have a chance to be OHKO'd with chip)

252+ SpA Centiskorch Scorching Sands vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Heatran: 196-232 (50.7 - 60.1%) -- 82.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Centiskorch Scorching Sands vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 248-296 (76.7 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

In addition to this, Scorching Sands allows for Pokemon who could normally switch into Centiskorch safely to think twice (along with some having a 30% chance to be burned).

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Centiskorch: 216-255 (63.1 - 74.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Centiskorch Scorching Sands vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 166-196 (55.1 - 65.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Centiskorch Scorching Sands vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Regieleki: 226-268 (75 - 89%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

The rest of the moveset is self-explanatory based on the previous role explanation, with the exception of Knock Off which is more usable than Skitter Smack in this instant because of the utility of crippling passive recovery over the 90% accuracy of Skitter Smack.

Final Thoughts:

Having a unique ability to compress handling threats like Magearna, Swampert, and Heatran into a single slot is a nice trait not shared by many Pokemon. It is this role compression and offensive and defensive pressure that Centiskorch exudes that gives it a very usable niche in OU. Centiskorch actually has a wide movepool with additional options such as Scald, Crunch, Leech Life, Lunge, and Will-O-Wisp.

 

[AM]

Mid-December usage stats are here! Credit to Kalalokki for the visual below:

Visual

Usage

Combined usage for OU (1695 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 31.692% |
| 2    | Clefable           | 26.395% |
| 3    | Urshifu            | 24.220% |
| 4    | Magearna           | 23.910% |
| 5    | Toxapex            | 19.538% |
| 6    | Pheromosa          | 19.346% |
| 7    | Ferrothorn         | 18.017% |
| 8    | Cinderace          | 17.110% |
| 9    | Garchomp           | 16.424% |
| 10   | Rillaboom          | 16.095% |
| 11   | Zapdos             | 16.070% |
| 12   | Heatran            | 15.064% |
| 13   | Spectrier          | 14.559% |
| 14   | Tapu Fini          | 14.361% |
| 15   | Mandibuzz          | 11.668% |
| 16   | Slowking-Galar     | 10.642% |
| 17   | Slowbro            | 10.503% |
| 18   | Tapu Koko          |  9.702% |
| 19   | Excadrill          |  9.648% |
| 20   | Moltres            |  9.486% |
| 21   | Swampert           |  9.417% |
| 22   | Melmetal           |  9.147% |
| 23   | Nidoking           |  9.080% |
| 24   | Pelipper           |  8.870% |
| 25   | Blissey            |  8.561% |
| 26   | Hydreigon          |  8.404% |
| 27   | Corviknight        |  7.671% |
| 28   | Kartana            |  7.656% |
| 29   | Tyranitar          |  7.573% |
| 30   | Tornadus-Therian   |  7.469% |
| 31   | Dragapult          |  7.445% |
| 32   | Dragonite          |  7.308% |
| 33   | Hippowdon          |  7.274% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  6.606% |
| 35   | Barraskewda        |  6.374% |
| 36   | Hawlucha           |  5.463% |
| 37   | Tapu Lele          |  5.231% |
| 38   | Volcarona          |  5.086% |
| 39   | Latios             |  4.883% |
| 40   | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike |  4.876% |
| 41   | Regieleki          |  4.438% |
| 42   | Zapdos-Galar       |  4.047% |
| 43   | Azumarill          |  3.988% |
| 44   | Victini            |  3.006% |
| 45   | Aegislash          |  2.884% |
| 46   | Slowking           |  2.825% |
| 47   | Kyurem             |  2.579% |
| 48   | Zarude             |  2.554% |
| 49   | Suicune            |  2.487% |
| 50   | Skarmory           |  2.339% |
| 51   | Seismitoad         |  2.282% |
| 52   | Magnezone          |  2.269% |
| 53   | Mamoswine          |  2.192% |
| 54   | Shuckle            |  2.179% |
| 55   | Quagsire           |  2.073% |
| 56   | Dracozolt          |  2.063% |
| 57   | Tangrowth          |  2.043% |
| 58   | Thundurus-Therian  |  1.960% |
| 59   | Blaziken           |  1.957% |
| 60   | Crawdaunt          |  1.885% |
| 61   | Gastrodon          |  1.882% |
| 62   | Mew                |  1.786% |
| 63   | Nihilego           |  1.691% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  1.644% |
| 65   | Latias             |  1.626% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |  1.616% |
| 67   | Celesteela         |  1.605% |
| 68   | Arctozolt          |  1.540% |
| 69   | Volcanion          |  1.508% |
| 70   | Kommo-o            |  1.498% |
| 71   | Ditto              |  1.405% |
| 72   | Torkoal            |  1.312% |
| 73   | Bisharp            |  1.293% |
| 74   | Zeraora            |  1.263% |
| 75   | Grimmsnarl         |  1.227% |
| 76   | Reuniclus          |  1.224% |
| 77   | Moltres-Galar      |  1.223% |
| 78   | Blacephalon        |  1.208% |
| 79   | Venusaur           |  1.195% |
| 80   | Scizor             |  1.184% |
| 81   | Weavile            |  1.045% |
| 82   | Amoonguss          |  1.016% |
| 83   | Keldeo             |  0.986% |
| 84   | Marowak-Alola      |  0.981% |
| 85   | Hatterene          |  0.913% |
| 86   | Rotom-Wash         |  0.896% |
| 87   | Tapu Bulu          |  0.865% |
| 88   | Obstagoon          |  0.844% |
| 89   | Porygon2           |  0.844% |
| 90   | Kingdra            |  0.842% |
| 91   | Togekiss           |  0.832% |
| 92   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 93   | Weezing-Galar      |  0.819% |
| 94   | Vanilluxe          |  0.781% |
| 95   | Jirachi            |  0.715% |
| 96   | Diggersby          |  0.706% |
| 97   | Nidoqueen          |  0.691% |
| 98   | Rotom-Heat         |  0.668% |
| 99   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.648% |
| 100  | Cresselia          |  0.639% |
| 101  | Shedinja           |  0.632% |
| 102  | Rhyperior          |  0.615% |
| 103  | Krookodile         |  0.588% |
| 104  | Salamence          |  0.545% |
| 105  | Regidrago          |  0.541% |
| 106  | Alakazam           |  0.527% |
| 107  | Exploud            |  0.521% |
| 108  | Conkeldurr         |  0.513% |
| 109  | Klefki             |  0.483% |
| 110  | Toxtricity         |  0.464% |
| 111  | Primarina          |  0.427% |
| 112  | Cloyster           |  0.423% |
| 113  | Snorlax            |  0.421% |
| 114  | Ribombee           |  0.403% |
| 115  | Gyarados           |  0.396% |
| 116  | Umbreon            |  0.361% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.354% |
| 118  | Glastrier          |  0.352% |
| 119  | Lucario            |  0.349% |
| 120  | Azelf              |  0.341% |
| 121  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.340% |
| 122  | Omastar            |  0.305% |
| 123  | Charizard          |  0.291% |
| 124  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.289% |
| 125  | Arctovish          |  0.288% |
| 126  | Druddigon          |  0.269% |
| 127  | Terrakion          |  0.268% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.263% |
| 129  | Thundurus          |  0.247% |
| 130  | Darmanitan         |  0.246% |
| 131  | Araquanid          |  0.228% |
| 132  | Metagross          |  0.221% |
| 133  | Mantine            |  0.218% |
| 134  | Stakataka          |  0.218% |
| 135  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.215% |
| 136  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.209% |
| 137  | Vaporeon           |  0.202% |
| 138  | Polteageist        |  0.197% |
| 139  | Diancie            |  0.197% |
| 140  | Kabutops           |  0.195% |
| 141  | Tentacruel         |  0.179% |
| 142  | Raikou             |  0.178% |
| 143  | Registeel          |  0.178% |
| 144  | Indeedee           |  0.167% |
| 145  | Regigigas          |  0.164% |
| 146  | Heliolisk          |  0.159% |
| 147  | Aurorus            |  0.157% |
| 148  | Espeon             |  0.156% |
| 149  | Jellicent          |  0.153% |
| 150  | Zoroark            |  0.150% |
| 151  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 152  | Tornadus           |  0.144% |
| 153  | Uxie               |  0.143% |
| 154  | Scolipede          |  0.142% |
| 155  | Blastoise          |  0.140% |
| 156  | Milotic            |  0.139% |
| 157  | Gardevoir          |  0.139% |
| 158  | Accelgor           |  0.139% |
| 159  | Heracross          |  0.134% |
| 160  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.130% |
| 161  | Entei              |  0.129% |
| 162  | Porygon-Z          |  0.128% |
| 163  | Trubbish           |  0.124% |
| 164  | Archeops           |  0.123% |
| 165  | Haxorus            |  0.122% |
| 166  | Whimsicott         |  0.119% |
| 167  | Poliwrath          |  0.116% |
| 168  | Xatu               |  0.113% |
| 169  | Necrozma           |  0.107% |
| 170  | Dragalge           |  0.104% |
| 171  | Noivern            |  0.102% |
| 172  | Audino             |  0.101% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

This post is gonna be shorter than usual since OU is starting to stabilize and the last quickban was a month ago (this is the 2nd shift after those bans so the changes are less surprising).

Changes to the Top 10:

#12 (15.558%) > #8 (17.110%)

#15 (12.767%) > #9 (16.424%)

#14 (13.636%) > #10 (16.095%)
The above mons were already increasing in usage since last month, and now all 3 have finally cracked the top 10. Cinderace is a pretty strong offensive mon with with a really nice Speed stat, and Sucker Punch is a really solid option on it nowadays as it's able to pick off faster mons like Pheromosa after being chipped by Stealth Rock a few times, as well as Choice Scarf/Specs Spectrier. I already talked about Garchomp and Rillaboom last month so I'll just leave the link for that here.

Notables increases:

#38 (4.644%) > #16 (10.642%)
After making it into OU at the start of the month, Slowking has only skyrocketed in usage since then. More and more people are seeing how difficult it is to switch into, and it's also proving its reliability as a defensive pivot with Assault Vest and Regenerator.

#25 (7.956%) > #18 (9.702%)
This might seem like a small increase, but I decided to include it partially because Koko was on the decline for a while, and it's also been positively affected by Hawlucha's rise to OU. Koko is Hawlucha's best partner on hyper offense, as it provides terrain for Unburden to activate, as well as setup screens in order to help Hawlucha more safely setup.

Notable decreases:

#28 (7.173%) > #39 (4.883%)
This one is a little surprising since Latios went from doing fine to nearly dropping out of OU. The biggest change for Latios has been Galarian Slowking rising, as it's a solid Latios switchin. It'll be interesting to see if Latios is able to adapt by doing something like running Earthquake to hit Slowking-Galar and Steel-types, or if it'll fall down to UU next month.

#29 (6.702%) > #40 (4.876%)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike is also on the verge of falling into UU. Rain as a whole saw a small decrease in usage the last 2 weeks and then Urshifu-Single-Strike on the other hand saw a 2.5% increase in usage, which indirectly cuts into Urshifu-Rapid-Strike's usage as you can only run one or the other.

Rising to OU:

#49 (2.696%) > #36 (5.463%)
Hawlucha is back and dual screen hyper offense teams probably saw an overall increase while people attempted to get voting requirements for the Pheromosa suspect test. Hawlucha with Stone Edge is a nice option for hyper offense, as it's able to bypass Zapdos and Moltres with Stone Edge, and weaken or finish off physically defensive mons like Clefable or Toxapex for a teammate like Urshifu-Single-Strike.

#54 (2.123%) > #38 (5.086%)
Volcarona has returned to OU as well, and it's a nice bulky mon that provides some defensive utility while also being a solid win condition. Thanks to its typing, and a physically defensive EV spread, it's able to take on both Choice Band and Quiver Dance variants of Pheromosa. Additionally, depending on the situation, Volcarona can also handle Spectrier, as Volcarona being immune to Wisp means Hex remains at base 65 power. If Spectrier is Calm Mind, then Volcarona has a high chance of winning the 1v1, and if Spectrier is Nasty Plot, then things get a little tougher and it could go either way. Finally, Volcarona is able to provide a good switchin to Magearna, which has started to get some discussion as a threat in the metagame that might be too good for OU.

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1. Hawlucha Screens increase. Latios decrease highkey Latis not good in this metagame and are niche picks.
2. SD SR on Chomp, Band on Rilla, 4 attacks / Bulk Up on Ace, AV GKing, Scarf on Latios, Band on UrshWater
3. These mons specifically only Gslowking OTR and Soul Daw Latios which the latter is buns.
4. Phero decrease if, hopefully banned, otherwise Spectrier increase.
5. Yes, maybe not.
6.
7. Lucha needs screens and terrain which isnt hard since most terrain setters viable in some fashion and screens highkey busted/easy cheese outside of a few weird matchups. Dont like Volcarona too much feels better in theory than in practice right now but that'll probably change since more hydreigon, melmetal balance stuff being used.
8. Fun with friends cool to build but otherwise not very balanced until Spectrier, Phero, Magearna, and possibly Cinderace (granted I like using it) leave the tier which all put different builder constraints. Relatively easy to lose in builder cause too many viable things mixed with above broken mons kind of feels like when Aegi got booted in XY and it was a race to fix things before ORAS. Pex, Screens, Barraskweda and above mons unhealthy but latter portion personal opinion.
9. Knowing I didn't have to play DLC1 cause watching those replays to catch up on stuff it looked like an awful metagame contrary to the opinion of others who liked it.
10.

 

[musiquepkmn]

First of all, good job on finding a niche for a really really niche mon. Great read. I liked how you put in the EVs on lunatone and it is one of the most optimized spread I've ever seen since advance. How long did it take to find a niche for this mon?
Second, what made you choose solrock and lunatone? Is it just a favorite mon of yours or just another mon in the chopping block of finding a niche mon a niche usage in OU?
Lastly, which team did you use that has a lunatone on it?

Lunatone and Solrock (at least in their defensive niches) thrive the most on Sand Balance team. Under sand, their spdef goes to great levels and they are able to cover neutral special attacks from the likes of Tapu Koko and Tapu Lele that would usually muscle through them.

https://pokepast.es/b678200b6dac32ec
this team probably is not very good, as during testing I did not make too many edits, but if you would like to just jump on ladder with it this team works pretty well. The presence of Excadrill is sorely missed but the 6 here cover many things nicely.

 

[shadowpea]

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1.
2. Well, most of the ones I've posted about (DD Dragonite, Specs Kyurem, QD Volcarona, etc.), but I also really like playing with offensive Zapdos in rain. Its amazing, Hurricane/Weather Ball/Thunder are all very powerful STAB moves (Weather Ball is not actually STAB but gets pseudo STAB in rain), and most teams lack answers to it.
3. MidnightReaper, your posts are fascinating, and I've tried some of your sets out and they work! That Stonejourner set... amazing.
4. Volcarona will go up, especially with the probable ban of Pheromosa (at least from what I can see in the suspect thread). Outside of that I don't know.
5. Latios, no, with Phero leaving us. But Watershifu have a very tough time here and probably will drop.
7. Nothing on Hawlucha, though I did get owned by it quite a few times. However, Volcarona I have used very extensively and play with it a lot. It is a tiny bit matchup dependent, but it perform very well to me. I have posted extensively about this Pokemon (I honestly just love it), so I'll link my post here.
8. I like it fine, though it would be better if Spectrier leaves because I have Mandi or Blissey on just about every team I make.
9. When Naganadel (my favorite Uber) managed to get released and I get to rampage with it for a week.
10. You too!

 

[YeetYolk07]

Mid-December usage stats are here! Credit to Kalalokki for the visual below:

Visual

Usage

Combined usage for OU (1695 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 31.692% |
| 2    | Clefable           | 26.395% |
| 3    | Urshifu            | 24.220% |
| 4    | Magearna           | 23.910% |
| 5    | Toxapex            | 19.538% |
| 6    | Pheromosa          | 19.346% |
| 7    | Ferrothorn         | 18.017% |
| 8    | Cinderace          | 17.110% |
| 9    | Garchomp           | 16.424% |
| 10   | Rillaboom          | 16.095% |
| 11   | Zapdos             | 16.070% |
| 12   | Heatran            | 15.064% |
| 13   | Spectrier          | 14.559% |
| 14   | Tapu Fini          | 14.361% |
| 15   | Mandibuzz          | 11.668% |
| 16   | Slowking-Galar     | 10.642% |
| 17   | Slowbro            | 10.503% |
| 18   | Tapu Koko          |  9.702% |
| 19   | Excadrill          |  9.648% |
| 20   | Moltres            |  9.486% |
| 21   | Swampert           |  9.417% |
| 22   | Melmetal           |  9.147% |
| 23   | Nidoking           |  9.080% |
| 24   | Pelipper           |  8.870% |
| 25   | Blissey            |  8.561% |
| 26   | Hydreigon          |  8.404% |
| 27   | Corviknight        |  7.671% |
| 28   | Kartana            |  7.656% |
| 29   | Tyranitar          |  7.573% |
| 30   | Tornadus-Therian   |  7.469% |
| 31   | Dragapult          |  7.445% |
| 32   | Dragonite          |  7.308% |
| 33   | Hippowdon          |  7.274% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  6.606% |
| 35   | Barraskewda        |  6.374% |
| 36   | Hawlucha           |  5.463% |
| 37   | Tapu Lele          |  5.231% |
| 38   | Volcarona          |  5.086% |
| 39   | Latios             |  4.883% |
| 40   | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike |  4.876% |
| 41   | Regieleki          |  4.438% |
| 42   | Zapdos-Galar       |  4.047% |
| 43   | Azumarill          |  3.988% |
| 44   | Victini            |  3.006% |
| 45   | Aegislash          |  2.884% |
| 46   | Slowking           |  2.825% |
| 47   | Kyurem             |  2.579% |
| 48   | Zarude             |  2.554% |
| 49   | Suicune            |  2.487% |
| 50   | Skarmory           |  2.339% |
| 51   | Seismitoad         |  2.282% |
| 52   | Magnezone          |  2.269% |
| 53   | Mamoswine          |  2.192% |
| 54   | Shuckle            |  2.179% |
| 55   | Quagsire           |  2.073% |
| 56   | Dracozolt          |  2.063% |
| 57   | Tangrowth          |  2.043% |
| 58   | Thundurus-Therian  |  1.960% |
| 59   | Blaziken           |  1.957% |
| 60   | Crawdaunt          |  1.885% |
| 61   | Gastrodon          |  1.882% |
| 62   | Mew                |  1.786% |
| 63   | Nihilego           |  1.691% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  1.644% |
| 65   | Latias             |  1.626% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |  1.616% |
| 67   | Celesteela         |  1.605% |
| 68   | Arctozolt          |  1.540% |
| 69   | Volcanion          |  1.508% |
| 70   | Kommo-o            |  1.498% |
| 71   | Ditto              |  1.405% |
| 72   | Torkoal            |  1.312% |
| 73   | Bisharp            |  1.293% |
| 74   | Zeraora            |  1.263% |
| 75   | Grimmsnarl         |  1.227% |
| 76   | Reuniclus          |  1.224% |
| 77   | Moltres-Galar      |  1.223% |
| 78   | Blacephalon        |  1.208% |
| 79   | Venusaur           |  1.195% |
| 80   | Scizor             |  1.184% |
| 81   | Weavile            |  1.045% |
| 82   | Amoonguss          |  1.016% |
| 83   | Keldeo             |  0.986% |
| 84   | Marowak-Alola      |  0.981% |
| 85   | Hatterene          |  0.913% |
| 86   | Rotom-Wash         |  0.896% |
| 87   | Tapu Bulu          |  0.865% |
| 88   | Obstagoon          |  0.844% |
| 89   | Porygon2           |  0.844% |
| 90   | Kingdra            |  0.842% |
| 91   | Togekiss           |  0.832% |
| 92   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 93   | Weezing-Galar      |  0.819% |
| 94   | Vanilluxe          |  0.781% |
| 95   | Jirachi            |  0.715% |
| 96   | Diggersby          |  0.706% |
| 97   | Nidoqueen          |  0.691% |
| 98   | Rotom-Heat         |  0.668% |
| 99   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.648% |
| 100  | Cresselia          |  0.639% |
| 101  | Shedinja           |  0.632% |
| 102  | Rhyperior          |  0.615% |
| 103  | Krookodile         |  0.588% |
| 104  | Salamence          |  0.545% |
| 105  | Regidrago          |  0.541% |
| 106  | Alakazam           |  0.527% |
| 107  | Exploud            |  0.521% |
| 108  | Conkeldurr         |  0.513% |
| 109  | Klefki             |  0.483% |
| 110  | Toxtricity         |  0.464% |
| 111  | Primarina          |  0.427% |
| 112  | Cloyster           |  0.423% |
| 113  | Snorlax            |  0.421% |
| 114  | Ribombee           |  0.403% |
| 115  | Gyarados           |  0.396% |
| 116  | Umbreon            |  0.361% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.354% |
| 118  | Glastrier          |  0.352% |
| 119  | Lucario            |  0.349% |
| 120  | Azelf              |  0.341% |
| 121  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.340% |
| 122  | Omastar            |  0.305% |
| 123  | Charizard          |  0.291% |
| 124  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.289% |
| 125  | Arctovish          |  0.288% |
| 126  | Druddigon          |  0.269% |
| 127  | Terrakion          |  0.268% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.263% |
| 129  | Thundurus          |  0.247% |
| 130  | Darmanitan         |  0.246% |
| 131  | Araquanid          |  0.228% |
| 132  | Metagross          |  0.221% |
| 133  | Mantine            |  0.218% |
| 134  | Stakataka          |  0.218% |
| 135  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.215% |
| 136  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.209% |
| 137  | Vaporeon           |  0.202% |
| 138  | Polteageist        |  0.197% |
| 139  | Diancie            |  0.197% |
| 140  | Kabutops           |  0.195% |
| 141  | Tentacruel         |  0.179% |
| 142  | Raikou             |  0.178% |
| 143  | Registeel          |  0.178% |
| 144  | Indeedee           |  0.167% |
| 145  | Regigigas          |  0.164% |
| 146  | Heliolisk          |  0.159% |
| 147  | Aurorus            |  0.157% |
| 148  | Espeon             |  0.156% |
| 149  | Jellicent          |  0.153% |
| 150  | Zoroark            |  0.150% |
| 151  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 152  | Tornadus           |  0.144% |
| 153  | Uxie               |  0.143% |
| 154  | Scolipede          |  0.142% |
| 155  | Blastoise          |  0.140% |
| 156  | Milotic            |  0.139% |
| 157  | Gardevoir          |  0.139% |
| 158  | Accelgor           |  0.139% |
| 159  | Heracross          |  0.134% |
| 160  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.130% |
| 161  | Entei              |  0.129% |
| 162  | Porygon-Z          |  0.128% |
| 163  | Trubbish           |  0.124% |
| 164  | Archeops           |  0.123% |
| 165  | Haxorus            |  0.122% |
| 166  | Whimsicott         |  0.119% |
| 167  | Poliwrath          |  0.116% |
| 168  | Xatu               |  0.113% |
| 169  | Necrozma           |  0.107% |
| 170  | Dragalge           |  0.104% |
| 171  | Noivern            |  0.102% |
| 172  | Audino             |  0.101% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

This post is gonna be shorter than usual since OU is starting to stabilize and the last quickban was a month ago (this is the 2nd shift after those bans so the changes are less surprising).

Changes to the Top 10:

#12 (15.558%) > #8 (17.110%)

#15 (12.767%) > #9 (16.424%)

#14 (13.636%) > #10 (16.095%)
The above mons were already increasing in usage since last month, and now all 3 have finally cracked the top 10. Cinderace is a pretty strong offensive mon with with a really nice Speed stat, and Sucker Punch is a really solid option on it nowadays as it's able to pick off faster mons like Pheromosa after being chipped by Stealth Rock a few times, as well as Choice Scarf/Specs Spectrier. I already talked about Garchomp and Rillaboom last month so I'll just leave the link for that here.

Notables increases:

#38 (4.644%) > #16 (10.642%)
After making it into OU at the start of the month, Slowking has only skyrocketed in usage since then. More and more people are seeing how difficult it is to switch into, and it's also proving its reliability as a defensive pivot with Assault Vest and Regenerator.

#25 (7.956%) > #18 (9.702%)
This might seem like a small increase, but I decided to include it partially because Koko was on the decline for a while, and it's also been positively affected by Hawlucha's rise to OU. Koko is Hawlucha's best partner on hyper offense, as it provides terrain for Unburden to activate, as well as setup screens in order to help Hawlucha more safely setup.

Notable decreases:

#28 (7.173%) > #39 (4.883%)
This one is a little surprising since Latios went from doing fine to nearly dropping out of OU. The biggest change for Latios has been Galarian Slowking rising, as it's a solid Latios switchin. It'll be interesting to see if Latios is able to adapt by doing something like running Earthquake to hit Slowking-Galar and Steel-types, or if it'll fall down to UU next month.

#29 (6.702%) > #40 (4.876%)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike is also on the verge of falling into UU. Rain as a whole saw a small decrease in usage the last 2 weeks and then Urshifu-Single-Strike on the other hand saw a 2.5% increase in usage, which indirectly cuts into Urshifu-Rapid-Strike's usage as you can only run one or the other.

Rising to OU:

#49 (2.696%) > #36 (5.463%)
Hawlucha is back and dual screen hyper offense teams probably saw an overall increase while people attempted to get voting requirements for the Pheromosa suspect test. Hawlucha with Stone Edge is a nice option for hyper offense, as it's able to bypass Zapdos and Moltres with Stone Edge, and weaken or finish off physically defensive mons like Clefable or Toxapex for a teammate like Urshifu-Single-Strike.

#54 (2.123%) > #38 (5.086%)
Volcarona has returned to OU as well, and it's a nice bulky mon that provides some defensive utility while also being a solid win condition. Thanks to its typing, and a physically defensive EV spread, it's able to take on both Choice Band and Quiver Dance variants of Pheromosa. Additionally, depending on the situation, Volcarona can also handle Spectrier, as Volcarona being immune to Wisp means Hex remains at base 65 power. If Spectrier is Calm Mind, then Volcarona has a high chance of winning the 1v1, and if Spectrier is Nasty Plot, then things get a little tougher and it could go either way. Finally, Volcarona is able to provide a good switchin to Magearna, which has started to get some discussion as a threat in the metagame that might be too good for OU.

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1. Can't believe latios might drop. That thing hits like a truck. Can't add to much, glowking is to blame for this.
2. I like using specs hydriegon. Can't believe defensive is a set on this. Never would have thought it would be run defensive. I love using specs on t spikes team that way I pressure tapu fini.
3. I've used weather ball kyurem on a sun team. A more reliable way to nuke ferrothorn.
4. Rain is dropping. I have no idea why. Barraskewda on rain is a massive threat to almost any team. I used a team where I paired it with heal bell umbreon for the birds. Flip turn spam in rain with banded is so strong. Can't believe its so low. Probably because of grassy glide though.
5. Urshifu will fall most likely and probably stay in UU. Latios might drop, but it'll most likely move up to UUBL because of its stats and coverage.
6. Somehow gapdos is trying to some back into OU. I dont know wth happened between last month and this month, but its seen muuch higher usage than expected.
7. I don't like seed hawlucha. Thats just personal opinion though. I like power herb swords dance with sky attack, since I get a super strong stab attack, while getting my unburden activated. I have not tried Volcarona though.
8. OU is kinda boring right now. I mean I can use whatever I want but I have to slap on something to beat pheromosa and spectrier. I end up losing 2 spots in that process. Those 2 are just massive threats, and are way to overcentralizing, especially spectrier. Even magearna and urshifu are managable to some extent.
9. I liked when the biggest problem in this meta was galarian corsola. None of this bs existed.
10. You too :)

 

[malomyotismon]

Slowking-g and zapdos-k are so strong right now due to that fantastic typing of theirs reasonable bulk and lack of passiveness. If they didn't exist slowking-j and zapdos-g would be ou for sure, both barely failed to make the cut and also have either great defensive or offensive prowess. Sadly with their counter parts being better picks for teams and the species clause they linger as viable in ou, even pretty solid B+ material but that damn clause finally shows its restriction as regional variant become solid both of them in ou.

 

[MidnightReaper]

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1. Just something small. I believe another thing that contributed to Tapu Koko's rise was Regieleki's new toy syndrome wearing off. Regieleki is a one-trick pony while Tapu Koko has a variety of usable sets, better offensive typing, and a far better movepool.
2. Libero Cinderace and Grassy Glide Rillaboom I almost always love throwing onto a team.
3. I feel that Court Change is being underestimated as a move choice for Cinderace. The utility it provides over traditional Rapid Spin and Defog methods is fantastic. Running Court Change alongside Hi-Jump-Kick, Pyro Ball, and Sucker Punch provides a nasty combination.
4. No I don't. I think we need to wait for the suspect tests to run their course and allow the meta to settle more before I make short term predcitions.
5. Possibly. I'm more sure of Latios falling than Urshifu-R. Unless Slowking-G takes a hit, Latios is going to keep declining.
6. Suicune, very low usage (35-40 position). People are slowly starting to see this Pokemon's latent potential in the current metagame.
7. Have not tried either of them in recent memory for more than a few matches, but am eager to (Volcarona moreso).
8. Most fun I've had in an OU meta since Gen 5's weather wars. The variety that teambuilding allows this generation is exceptional (especially with the removal of Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and Dynamax) and it only gets better with the slow reintroduction of old Pokemon with drastically changed movepools (also, Hidden Power and Pursuit being gone is absolutely wonderful).
9. All of the niche Pokemon I've been able to use and talk about, easily. Haxorus and Lunatone have been my favorite niche Pokemon so far to use in OU.
10. You too! Happy Holidays!

 

[YeetYolk07]

Oi somebody wanna tell me what happened to gapdos between the time when it dropped from OU and now. Please explain it's increase in usage I don't get it.

 

[Finchinator]

Oi somebody wanna tell me what happened to gapdos between the time when it dropped from OU and now. Please explain it's increase in usage I don't get it.

Nothing really happened honestly. It is still a pretty mediocre option that can be used to abuse Defog on more offensive teams (i.e: Sticky Web builds). Unfortunately, it struggles to break without the Defiant boost due to common Regenerator Pokemon scouting it and the lack of recovery moves in its movepool.

 

[Bugboy]

Disclaimer: This post isn’t me saying everybody is wrong or anything lol, just looking to educate myself with some serious discussion.

What exactly does Slowking-g have over regular slowking? It seems like, to me, that slowking can do most things that g-slowking can and more.

I think the biggest thing people like is the ability to handle QD pheromosa, but since less than 10% run bug buzz, normal slowking does this pretty well too. (Not to mention, mosa is about to be banned). See calc below:

+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Pheromosa Shock Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

This means you can switch in on the QD or revenge after 1 QD by taking a shock wave and ko’ing back. Obviously you can’t switch into pheromosa as you’re gonna take a ton from u-turn though.

Outside of pheromosa, it feels like the only thing slowking-g has over regular slowking is the ability to remove tspikes. Maybe the tapu fini matchup is worth it too? Does it even beat calm mind fini after a boost?

The two biggest things that make me want to run normal slowking over slowking-g is it’s nidoking matchup & its matchup versus strong psychics. Here’s some more calcs using the most popular slowking-g set:

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Slowking-Galar in Psychic Terrain: 306-361 (77.6 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Slowking in Psychic Terrain: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 134-160 (34 - 40.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Also notice that this is hdb slowking compared to AV slowking-g. This is because the other benefit regular slowking has is teleport to pair with its future sight, giving it some rather valuable offensive utility.

So yeah, I’m just kinda confused by the high usage of slowking-g and extremely low usage of regular slowking. Is it really just mosa and tspikes doing it? Or am I missing something?

 

[OneSmogonCopyer]

Disclaimer: This post isn’t me saying everybody is wrong or anything lol, just looking to educate myself with some serious discussion.

What exactly does G-slowking have over regular slowking? It seems like, to me, that slowking can do most things that g-slowking can and more.

I think the biggest thing people like is the ability to handle QD pheromosa, but since less than 10% run bug buzz, normal slowking does this pretty well too. (Not to mention, mosa is about to be banned). See calc below:

+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Pheromosa Shock Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

This means you can switch in on the QD or revenge after 1 QD by taking a shock wave and ko’ing back. Obviously you can’t switch into pheromosa as you’re gonna take a ton from u-turn.

Outside of pheromosa, it feels like the only thing slowking-g has over regular slowking is the ability to remove tspikes. Maybe the tapu fini matchup is worth it too? The two biggest things that make me want to run normal slowking over slowking-g is it’s nidoking matchup & its matchup versus strong psychics. Here’s some more calcs using the most popular slowking-g set:

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Slowking-Galar in Psychic Terrain: 306-361 (77.6 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Slowking in Psychic Terrain: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 134-160 (34 - 40.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Also notice that this is hdb slowking compared to AV slowking-g. The other benefit regular slowking has is teleport to pair with its future sight, giving it some rather valuable offensive utility.

So yeah, I’m just kinda confused by the high usage of slowking-g and extremely low usage of regular slowking. Is it really just mosa and tspikes doing it? Or am I missing something?

One more reason for the higher Glowking usage over Slowking is that Glowking can absorb tspikes, which a lot of teams want and especially if you want something vs pex. Another reason is that is has a better matchup vs Specs Magearna since fleur cannon specs doesnt 2HKO Glowking and imo, Poison fairy Psychic is a much better typing to check Special attackers with and Psychic Water is much better at checking Physical attackers.

 

[YeetYolk07]

One more reason for the higher Glowking usage over Slowking is that Glowking can absorb tspikes, which a lot of teams want and especially if you want something vs pex. Another reason is that is has a better matchup vs Specs Magearna since fleur cannon specs doesnt 2HKO Glowking and imo, Poison fairy is a much better typing to check Special attackers with and Psychic Water is much better at checking Physical attackers.

ye mean poison psychic

 

[Finchinator]

What exactly does G-slowking have over regular slowking?

Soaking up Toxic Spikes, Sludge Bomb Poison spread, countering almost all Magearna, countering QD Pheromosa without having to go max SDef or a +SDef nature, resisting Fairy, not being weak to Volt Switch, and resisting Grass.

The TSpikes soaking and Sludge Bomb points are huge in terms of game management. The Pheromosa and Magearna points are huge in terms of threat checking. The others are mainly luxuries, but still of note.

AV Galar-King is great. Pivot Slowking is great. Wouldn’t mix and match personally. Wouldn’t even compare them a ton either. Both have distinct niches.

 

[YeetYolk07]

Disclaimer: This post isn’t me saying everybody is wrong or anything lol, just looking to educate myself with some serious discussion.

What exactly does Slowking-g have over regular slowking? It seems like, to me, that slowking can do most things that g-slowking can and more.

I think the biggest thing people like is the ability to handle QD pheromosa, but since less than 10% run bug buzz, normal slowking does this pretty well too. (Not to mention, mosa is about to be banned). See calc below:

+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Pheromosa Shock Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

This means you can switch in on the QD or revenge after 1 QD by taking a shock wave and ko’ing back. Obviously you can’t switch into pheromosa as you’re gonna take a ton from u-turn though.

Outside of pheromosa, it feels like the only thing slowking-g has over regular slowking is the ability to remove tspikes. Maybe the tapu fini matchup is worth it too? Does it even beat calm mind fini after a boost?

The two biggest things that make me want to run normal slowking over slowking-g is it’s nidoking matchup & its matchup versus strong psychics. Here’s some more calcs using the most popular slowking-g set:

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Slowking-Galar in Psychic Terrain: 306-361 (77.6 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Slowking in Psychic Terrain: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 198-234 (50.2 - 59.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Slowking: 134-160 (34 - 40.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Also notice that this is hdb slowking compared to AV slowking-g. This is because the other benefit regular slowking has is teleport to pair with its future sight, giving it some rather valuable offensive utility.

So yeah, I’m just kinda confused by the high usage of slowking-g and extremely low usage of regular slowking. Is it really just mosa and tspikes doing it? Or am I missing something?

slowking also has the issue of being weak to U-turn. Again not the worst thing, but it does harm it quite a bit, especially since cinderace, who commonly uses it, can get STAB on it. Also volt switch, STAB volt switches can do a lot.

 

[Bugboy]

Soaking up Toxic Spikes, Sludge Bomb Poison spread, countering almost all Magearna, countering QD Pheromosa without having to go max SDef or a +SDef nature, resisting Fairy, not being weak to Volt Switch, and resisting Grass.

Thanks for the quick replies, didn't even think about the magearna matchup. I imagine that is incredibly useful. I guess the biggest takeaway for me here is that they both just have very different niches. I think ultimately I was just a bit surprised by how massive slowking-g's usage is.

Still think regular slowking has very low usage though for how much it can do!

 

[Kyo]

Weirdly enough, slowbro slowking and glowking can all exist in the same metagame and find a niche. SS is wild

 

[Red Raven]

Mid-December usage stats are here! Credit to Kalalokki for the visual below:

Visual

Usage

Combined usage for OU (1695 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 31.692% |
| 2    | Clefable           | 26.395% |
| 3    | Urshifu            | 24.220% |
| 4    | Magearna           | 23.910% |
| 5    | Toxapex            | 19.538% |
| 6    | Pheromosa          | 19.346% |
| 7    | Ferrothorn         | 18.017% |
| 8    | Cinderace          | 17.110% |
| 9    | Garchomp           | 16.424% |
| 10   | Rillaboom          | 16.095% |
| 11   | Zapdos             | 16.070% |
| 12   | Heatran            | 15.064% |
| 13   | Spectrier          | 14.559% |
| 14   | Tapu Fini          | 14.361% |
| 15   | Mandibuzz          | 11.668% |
| 16   | Slowking-Galar     | 10.642% |
| 17   | Slowbro            | 10.503% |
| 18   | Tapu Koko          |  9.702% |
| 19   | Excadrill          |  9.648% |
| 20   | Moltres            |  9.486% |
| 21   | Swampert           |  9.417% |
| 22   | Melmetal           |  9.147% |
| 23   | Nidoking           |  9.080% |
| 24   | Pelipper           |  8.870% |
| 25   | Blissey            |  8.561% |
| 26   | Hydreigon          |  8.404% |
| 27   | Corviknight        |  7.671% |
| 28   | Kartana            |  7.656% |
| 29   | Tyranitar          |  7.573% |
| 30   | Tornadus-Therian   |  7.469% |
| 31   | Dragapult          |  7.445% |
| 32   | Dragonite          |  7.308% |
| 33   | Hippowdon          |  7.274% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  6.606% |
| 35   | Barraskewda        |  6.374% |
| 36   | Hawlucha           |  5.463% |
| 37   | Tapu Lele          |  5.231% |
| 38   | Volcarona          |  5.086% |
| 39   | Latios             |  4.883% |
| 40   | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike |  4.876% |
| 41   | Regieleki          |  4.438% |
| 42   | Zapdos-Galar       |  4.047% |
| 43   | Azumarill          |  3.988% |
| 44   | Victini            |  3.006% |
| 45   | Aegislash          |  2.884% |
| 46   | Slowking           |  2.825% |
| 47   | Kyurem             |  2.579% |
| 48   | Zarude             |  2.554% |
| 49   | Suicune            |  2.487% |
| 50   | Skarmory           |  2.339% |
| 51   | Seismitoad         |  2.282% |
| 52   | Magnezone          |  2.269% |
| 53   | Mamoswine          |  2.192% |
| 54   | Shuckle            |  2.179% |
| 55   | Quagsire           |  2.073% |
| 56   | Dracozolt          |  2.063% |
| 57   | Tangrowth          |  2.043% |
| 58   | Thundurus-Therian  |  1.960% |
| 59   | Blaziken           |  1.957% |
| 60   | Crawdaunt          |  1.885% |
| 61   | Gastrodon          |  1.882% |
| 62   | Mew                |  1.786% |
| 63   | Nihilego           |  1.691% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  1.644% |
| 65   | Latias             |  1.626% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |  1.616% |
| 67   | Celesteela         |  1.605% |
| 68   | Arctozolt          |  1.540% |
| 69   | Volcanion          |  1.508% |
| 70   | Kommo-o            |  1.498% |
| 71   | Ditto              |  1.405% |
| 72   | Torkoal            |  1.312% |
| 73   | Bisharp            |  1.293% |
| 74   | Zeraora            |  1.263% |
| 75   | Grimmsnarl         |  1.227% |
| 76   | Reuniclus          |  1.224% |
| 77   | Moltres-Galar      |  1.223% |
| 78   | Blacephalon        |  1.208% |
| 79   | Venusaur           |  1.195% |
| 80   | Scizor             |  1.184% |
| 81   | Weavile            |  1.045% |
| 82   | Amoonguss          |  1.016% |
| 83   | Keldeo             |  0.986% |
| 84   | Marowak-Alola      |  0.981% |
| 85   | Hatterene          |  0.913% |
| 86   | Rotom-Wash         |  0.896% |
| 87   | Tapu Bulu          |  0.865% |
| 88   | Obstagoon          |  0.844% |
| 89   | Porygon2           |  0.844% |
| 90   | Kingdra            |  0.842% |
| 91   | Togekiss           |  0.832% |
| 92   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 93   | Weezing-Galar      |  0.819% |
| 94   | Vanilluxe          |  0.781% |
| 95   | Jirachi            |  0.715% |
| 96   | Diggersby          |  0.706% |
| 97   | Nidoqueen          |  0.691% |
| 98   | Rotom-Heat         |  0.668% |
| 99   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.648% |
| 100  | Cresselia          |  0.639% |
| 101  | Shedinja           |  0.632% |
| 102  | Rhyperior          |  0.615% |
| 103  | Krookodile         |  0.588% |
| 104  | Salamence          |  0.545% |
| 105  | Regidrago          |  0.541% |
| 106  | Alakazam           |  0.527% |
| 107  | Exploud            |  0.521% |
| 108  | Conkeldurr         |  0.513% |
| 109  | Klefki             |  0.483% |
| 110  | Toxtricity         |  0.464% |
| 111  | Primarina          |  0.427% |
| 112  | Cloyster           |  0.423% |
| 113  | Snorlax            |  0.421% |
| 114  | Ribombee           |  0.403% |
| 115  | Gyarados           |  0.396% |
| 116  | Umbreon            |  0.361% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.354% |
| 118  | Glastrier          |  0.352% |
| 119  | Lucario            |  0.349% |
| 120  | Azelf              |  0.341% |
| 121  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.340% |
| 122  | Omastar            |  0.305% |
| 123  | Charizard          |  0.291% |
| 124  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.289% |
| 125  | Arctovish          |  0.288% |
| 126  | Druddigon          |  0.269% |
| 127  | Terrakion          |  0.268% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.263% |
| 129  | Thundurus          |  0.247% |
| 130  | Darmanitan         |  0.246% |
| 131  | Araquanid          |  0.228% |
| 132  | Metagross          |  0.221% |
| 133  | Mantine            |  0.218% |
| 134  | Stakataka          |  0.218% |
| 135  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.215% |
| 136  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.209% |
| 137  | Vaporeon           |  0.202% |
| 138  | Polteageist        |  0.197% |
| 139  | Diancie            |  0.197% |
| 140  | Kabutops           |  0.195% |
| 141  | Tentacruel         |  0.179% |
| 142  | Raikou             |  0.178% |
| 143  | Registeel          |  0.178% |
| 144  | Indeedee           |  0.167% |
| 145  | Regigigas          |  0.164% |
| 146  | Heliolisk          |  0.159% |
| 147  | Aurorus            |  0.157% |
| 148  | Espeon             |  0.156% |
| 149  | Jellicent          |  0.153% |
| 150  | Zoroark            |  0.150% |
| 151  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 152  | Tornadus           |  0.144% |
| 153  | Uxie               |  0.143% |
| 154  | Scolipede          |  0.142% |
| 155  | Blastoise          |  0.140% |
| 156  | Milotic            |  0.139% |
| 157  | Gardevoir          |  0.139% |
| 158  | Accelgor           |  0.139% |
| 159  | Heracross          |  0.134% |
| 160  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.130% |
| 161  | Entei              |  0.129% |
| 162  | Porygon-Z          |  0.128% |
| 163  | Trubbish           |  0.124% |
| 164  | Archeops           |  0.123% |
| 165  | Haxorus            |  0.122% |
| 166  | Whimsicott         |  0.119% |
| 167  | Poliwrath          |  0.116% |
| 168  | Xatu               |  0.113% |
| 169  | Necrozma           |  0.107% |
| 170  | Dragalge           |  0.104% |
| 171  | Noivern            |  0.102% |
| 172  | Audino             |  0.101% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

This post is gonna be shorter than usual since OU is starting to stabilize and the last quickban was a month ago (this is the 2nd shift after those bans so the changes are less surprising).

Changes to the Top 10:

#12 (15.558%) > #8 (17.110%)

#15 (12.767%) > #9 (16.424%)

#14 (13.636%) > #10 (16.095%)
The above mons were already increasing in usage since last month, and now all 3 have finally cracked the top 10. Cinderace is a pretty strong offensive mon with with a really nice Speed stat, and Sucker Punch is a really solid option on it nowadays as it's able to pick off faster mons like Pheromosa after being chipped by Stealth Rock a few times, as well as Choice Scarf/Specs Spectrier. I already talked about Garchomp and Rillaboom last month so I'll just leave the link for that here.

Notables increases:

#38 (4.644%) > #16 (10.642%)
After making it into OU at the start of the month, Slowking has only skyrocketed in usage since then. More and more people are seeing how difficult it is to switch into, and it's also proving its reliability as a defensive pivot with Assault Vest and Regenerator.

#25 (7.956%) > #18 (9.702%)
This might seem like a small increase, but I decided to include it partially because Koko was on the decline for a while, and it's also been positively affected by Hawlucha's rise to OU. Koko is Hawlucha's best partner on hyper offense, as it provides terrain for Unburden to activate, as well as setup screens in order to help Hawlucha more safely setup.

Notable decreases:

#28 (7.173%) > #39 (4.883%)
This one is a little surprising since Latios went from doing fine to nearly dropping out of OU. The biggest change for Latios has been Galarian Slowking rising, as it's a solid Latios switchin. It'll be interesting to see if Latios is able to adapt by doing something like running Earthquake to hit Slowking-Galar and Steel-types, or if it'll fall down to UU next month.

#29 (6.702%) > #40 (4.876%)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike is also on the verge of falling into UU. Rain as a whole saw a small decrease in usage the last 2 weeks and then Urshifu-Single-Strike on the other hand saw a 2.5% increase in usage, which indirectly cuts into Urshifu-Rapid-Strike's usage as you can only run one or the other.

Rising to OU:

#49 (2.696%) > #36 (5.463%)
Hawlucha is back and dual screen hyper offense teams probably saw an overall increase while people attempted to get voting requirements for the Pheromosa suspect test. Hawlucha with Stone Edge is a nice option for hyper offense, as it's able to bypass Zapdos and Moltres with Stone Edge, and weaken or finish off physically defensive mons like Clefable or Toxapex for a teammate like Urshifu-Single-Strike.

#54 (2.123%) > #38 (5.086%)
Volcarona has returned to OU as well, and it's a nice bulky mon that provides some defensive utility while also being a solid win condition. Thanks to its typing, and a physically defensive EV spread, it's able to take on both Choice Band and Quiver Dance variants of Pheromosa. Additionally, depending on the situation, Volcarona can also handle Spectrier, as Volcarona being immune to Wisp means Hex remains at base 65 power. If Spectrier is Calm Mind, then Volcarona has a high chance of winning the 1v1, and if Spectrier is Nasty Plot, then things get a little tougher and it could go either way. Finally, Volcarona is able to provide a good switchin to Magearna, which has started to get some discussion as a threat in the metagame that might be too good for OU.

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?

is the new . Not surprising since that ability is annoying and court change is absolute bullshit of a move

good to see my shark make it to the top ten. I don't really have anything to say on this that hasn't been mentioned. Sd and mix chomp is just a great wallbreaker. The fact that it can turn its wallbreaking power to sweeping is just another boon to Garchomp

this thing's grassy glide is so annoying along with knock off. I really hate those two moves and I hate this pokemon

ahh the ultimate middle finger to qd . That alone is a good enough reason to use it

Don't really have any comments for the others that wasn't already mentioned


2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?

Sd scale shot

Life orb
AV
I don't really use the others that much

3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?

Just me using adamant over jolly on scale shot

. I've had enough of stupid Clefable or Tapu Fini surviving with literally one hp after a swords dance

4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?

Not really. I don't really play the game as much as I used to over the last few days since I hate losing because my attacks missed. It's bullshit

5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?

Depends if decides to go mixed. A dd eq set might allow it to deal with since it does have a rather wide physical movepool. Doesn't even have to be mixed it could go full physical and get the jump on even Tyranitar

will probably drop. It's dark form is just absolute bullshit with fewer options to wall it that this thing is basically outclassed by its dark counterpart

6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?

None that I can see. I haven't played much in the last few days to really tell anything

7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?

Nope. I'm not that big of a fan of those two

8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?

It is absolute bullshit atm. Dark is still a virus in the game with only as the only true safe counter. Muscle bug might also have some other benefits but really, dark is absolute bullshit to play around defensively

9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?

Nuking cocky s who think they have an early setup chance with my scarf . That will always be my favorite part of gen eight ou

10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

Thanks. You too

 

[shadowpea]

Okay, my previous posts were mostly about underrated but pretty viable Pokemon that can easily find themselves on teams. However, this one is a lot more niche and elusive, and you won't be putting it on most teams. However, I believe Chandelure is one of my favorite Pokemon (5th? I think), so I really want to find a viable niche for it. However, given that it has base 145 SpA (the highest of all non-legendaries, mythicals, or UBs!) and an amazing Fire/Ghost typing, it honestly isn't way too hard:

Chandelure @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Overheat / Fire Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Psychic / Energy Ball
- Trick
​

With a nuclear 145 SpA (even higher than established wallbreakers like Latios and Kyurem), it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that Chandelure can run a Choice Specs set. Modest is a real option on this because, let's be real, you're not going to stay in with this for any length of time, so you won't need it to outspeed way too many things (same reason why Kyurem is okay with Modest). Overheat is honestly the crux of this set, as it has absolutely ridiculous power. Also, with so many dragons running Draco Meteor, I don't see why I can't run Overheat on a Pokemon like Chandelure (okay, I understand that running it on Heatran or Volcarona wouldn't be ideal, but Chandelure is built to be a wallbreaker and Overheat fits very well on it). Besides, as you will see from the calcs, Overheat's power is absolutely ridiculous, denting even bulky resists and obliterating just about anything that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball because this is Chandelure. Psychic or Energy Ball (along with the Modest Nature) is what seperates this from Blacephalon, another similar Pokemon. Psychic allows Chandelure to break Toxapex, while Energy Ball helps it take out the likes of Tyranitar and Swampert. Finally, Trick cripples Pokemon like Blissey and Toxapex that would love to switch in on Chandelure and ensures that it will never be dead weight.

Chandelure's niche is that, with the correct prediction, it can cripple the opposing team. On top of that, it can also provide defensive utility, unlike Blacephalon. Blacephalon also cannot break through common Pokemon like Toxapex. However, if you desire more power or speed, Blacephalon can use the exact same set. I will say, though, Blace only really fits on Hyper Offensive teams, as it loses way too much momentum whenever something that can take a hit comes in. Also, Blace is walled by a defensive Pokemon, the ever-prevelant Toxapex, that Chandelure can easily break through.

Calcs

252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 258-304 (84.8 - 100%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 242-288 (61.4 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 128+ SpD Heatran: 178-211 (46.1 - 54.6%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 456-537 (119.3 - 140.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 376-444 (88.8 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 170-200 (42 - 49.5%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 207-243 (56.5 - 66.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blissey: 291-343 (40.7 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (just to showcase the sheer power of this thing - it won't be a 3HKO because of the drops. However, Trick is here for a reason!)

And actually, that's not all it can run, but most of its other sets are outclassed. The Hex set can be done by Spectrier, and Blacephalon admittedly does it more effectively thanks to its speed. However, Chandelure has the Calm Mind set, which is bulkier than both Spectrier and Blacephalon, making it a frightening stallbreaker. All in all, Chandelure is a nice wildcard Pokemon that can actually perform pretty well!

Edit (on a week-old post): Again, I went down the VR to see who can take both the hit and the Trick. And the list I came up with is: None. I'm serious. Anything that can eat a hit from Chandelure (Blissey, Tyranitar, Shuckle, etc.) gets completely crippled by Trick. Chandelure is honestly a phenomenal anti-meta threat right now, and if you have good prediction it can decimate teams.

 

[Caionamax]

Okay, my previous posts were mostly about underrated but pretty viable Pokemon that can easily find themselves on teams. However, this one is a lot more niche and elusive, and you won't be putting it on most teams. However, I believe Chandelure is one of my favorite Pokemon (5th? I think), so I really want to find a viable niche for it. However, given that it has base 145 SpA (the highest of all non-legendaries, mythicals, or UBs!) and an amazing Fire/Ghost typing, it honestly isn't way too hard:

View attachment 300673
Chandelure @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Overheat / Fire Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Psychic / Energy Ball
- Trick
​

With a nuclear 145 SpA (even higher than established wallbreakers like Latios and Kyurem), it shouldn't take a genius to figure out that Chandelure can run a Choice Specs set. Modest is a real option on this because, let's be real, you're not going to stay in with this for any length of time, so you won't need it to outspeed way too many things (same reason why Kyurem is okay with Modest). Overheat is honestly the crux of this set, as it has absolutely ridiculous power. Also, with so many dragons running Draco Meteor, I don't see why I can't run Overheat on a Pokemon like Chandelure (okay, I understand that running it on Heatran or Volcarona wouldn't be ideal, but Chandelure is built to be a wallbreaker and Overheat fits very well on it). Besides, as you will see from the calcs, Overheat's power is absolutely ridiculous, denting even bulky resists and obliterating just about anything that doesn't resist it. Shadow Ball because this is Chandelure. Psychic or Energy Ball (along with the Modest Nature) is what seperates this from Blacephalon, another similar Pokemon. Psychic allows Chandelure to break Toxapex, while Energy Ball helps it take out the likes of Tyranitar and Swampert. Finally, Trick cripples Pokemon like Blissey and Toxapex that would love to switch in on Chandelure and ensures that it will never be dead weight.

Chandelure's niche is that, with the correct prediction, it can cripple the opposing team. On top of that, it can also provide defensive utility, unlike Blacephalon. Blacephalon also cannot break through common Pokemon like Toxapex. However, if you desire more power or speed, Blacephalon can use the exact same set. I will say, though, Blace only really fits on Hyper Offensive teams, as it loses way too much momentum whenever something that can take a hit comes in. Also, Blace is walled by a defensive Pokemon, the ever-prevelant Toxapex, that Chandelure can easily break through.

Calcs

252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 258-304 (84.8 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 242-288 (61.4 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 128+ SpD Heatran: 178-211 (46.1 - 54.6%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 456-537 (119.3 - 140.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 248 HP / 44 SpD Mandibuzz: 376-444 (88.8 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 170-200 (42 - 49.5%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 207-243 (56.5 - 66.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Overheat vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Blissey: 291-343 (40.7 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (just to showcase the sheer power of this thing - it won't be a 3HKO because of the drops. However, Trick is here for a reason!)

And actually, that's not all it can run, but most of its other sets are outclassed. The Hex set can be done by Spectrier, and Blacephalon admittedly does it more effectively thanks to its speed. However, Chandelure has the Calm Mind set, which is bulkier than both Spectrier and Blacephalon, making it a frightening stallbreaker. All in all, Chandelure is a nice wildcard Pokemon that can actually perform pretty well!

Only a question: why chandelure when blacephaleon does exactly the same thing but better? I know that you say that blacephaleon is less bulkier than chande and also doesn't have the calm mind set, but if we're talking about the specs set blace is a lot better than chande

 

[shadowpea]

Only a question: why chandelure when blacephaleon does exactly the same thing but better?

I explained that. Firstly, Chandelure has more bulk and Flash Fire, which gives it more staying power. This also makes it do Calm Mind more effectively. Secondly, Chandelure has coverage to not be walled by Toxapex, Swampert, or Tyranitar. Chandelure can also run Modest, which Blacephalon can't really afford to do, as it needs its speed due to its fraility. This actually makes Chandelure more powerful than Timid Blace (427 to 401). I didn't say Chandelure was super-viable, but it is certainly a niche, yet good, Pokemon.

Blace is also a niche, yet good Pokemon, but this post is not about Blace, it's about Chandelure.

 

[Supersam10001]

Mid-December usage stats are here! Credit to Kalalokki for the visual below:

Visual

Usage

Combined usage for OU (1695 stats)
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon            | Percent |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
| 1    | Landorus-Therian   | 31.692% |
| 2    | Clefable           | 26.395% |
| 3    | Urshifu            | 24.220% |
| 4    | Magearna           | 23.910% |
| 5    | Toxapex            | 19.538% |
| 6    | Pheromosa          | 19.346% |
| 7    | Ferrothorn         | 18.017% |
| 8    | Cinderace          | 17.110% |
| 9    | Garchomp           | 16.424% |
| 10   | Rillaboom          | 16.095% |
| 11   | Zapdos             | 16.070% |
| 12   | Heatran            | 15.064% |
| 13   | Spectrier          | 14.559% |
| 14   | Tapu Fini          | 14.361% |
| 15   | Mandibuzz          | 11.668% |
| 16   | Slowking-Galar     | 10.642% |
| 17   | Slowbro            | 10.503% |
| 18   | Tapu Koko          |  9.702% |
| 19   | Excadrill          |  9.648% |
| 20   | Moltres            |  9.486% |
| 21   | Swampert           |  9.417% |
| 22   | Melmetal           |  9.147% |
| 23   | Nidoking           |  9.080% |
| 24   | Pelipper           |  8.870% |
| 25   | Blissey            |  8.561% |
| 26   | Hydreigon          |  8.404% |
| 27   | Corviknight        |  7.671% |
| 28   | Kartana            |  7.656% |
| 29   | Tyranitar          |  7.573% |
| 30   | Tornadus-Therian   |  7.469% |
| 31   | Dragapult          |  7.445% |
| 32   | Dragonite          |  7.308% |
| 33   | Hippowdon          |  7.274% |
| 34   | Buzzwole           |  6.606% |
| 35   | Barraskewda        |  6.374% |
| 36   | Hawlucha           |  5.463% |
| 37   | Tapu Lele          |  5.231% |
| 38   | Volcarona          |  5.086% |
| 39   | Latios             |  4.883% |
| 40   | Urshifu-Rapid-Strike |  4.876% |
| 41   | Regieleki          |  4.438% |
| 42   | Zapdos-Galar       |  4.047% |
| 43   | Azumarill          |  3.988% |
| 44   | Victini            |  3.006% |
| 45   | Aegislash          |  2.884% |
| 46   | Slowking           |  2.825% |
| 47   | Kyurem             |  2.579% |
| 48   | Zarude             |  2.554% |
| 49   | Suicune            |  2.487% |
| 50   | Skarmory           |  2.339% |
| 51   | Seismitoad         |  2.282% |
| 52   | Magnezone          |  2.269% |
| 53   | Mamoswine          |  2.192% |
| 54   | Shuckle            |  2.179% |
| 55   | Quagsire           |  2.073% |
| 56   | Dracozolt          |  2.063% |
| 57   | Tangrowth          |  2.043% |
| 58   | Thundurus-Therian  |  1.960% |
| 59   | Blaziken           |  1.957% |
| 60   | Crawdaunt          |  1.885% |
| 61   | Gastrodon          |  1.882% |
| 62   | Mew                |  1.786% |
| 63   | Nihilego           |  1.691% |
| 64   | Chansey            |  1.644% |
| 65   | Latias             |  1.626% |
| 66   | Ninetales-Alola    |  1.616% |
| 67   | Celesteela         |  1.605% |
| 68   | Arctozolt          |  1.540% |
| 69   | Volcanion          |  1.508% |
| 70   | Kommo-o            |  1.498% |
| 71   | Ditto              |  1.405% |
| 72   | Torkoal            |  1.312% |
| 73   | Bisharp            |  1.293% |
| 74   | Zeraora            |  1.263% |
| 75   | Grimmsnarl         |  1.227% |
| 76   | Reuniclus          |  1.224% |
| 77   | Moltres-Galar      |  1.223% |
| 78   | Blacephalon        |  1.208% |
| 79   | Venusaur           |  1.195% |
| 80   | Scizor             |  1.184% |
| 81   | Weavile            |  1.045% |
| 82   | Amoonguss          |  1.016% |
| 83   | Keldeo             |  0.986% |
| 84   | Marowak-Alola      |  0.981% |
| 85   | Hatterene          |  0.913% |
| 86   | Rotom-Wash         |  0.896% |
| 87   | Tapu Bulu          |  0.865% |
| 88   | Obstagoon          |  0.844% |
| 89   | Porygon2           |  0.844% |
| 90   | Kingdra            |  0.842% |
| 91   | Togekiss           |  0.832% |
| 92   | Gengar             |  0.820% |
| 93   | Weezing-Galar      |  0.819% |
| 94   | Vanilluxe          |  0.781% |
| 95   | Jirachi            |  0.715% |
| 96   | Diggersby          |  0.706% |
| 97   | Nidoqueen          |  0.691% |
| 98   | Rotom-Heat         |  0.668% |
| 99   | Zygarde-10%        |  0.648% |
| 100  | Cresselia          |  0.639% |
| 101  | Shedinja           |  0.632% |
| 102  | Rhyperior          |  0.615% |
| 103  | Krookodile         |  0.588% |
| 104  | Salamence          |  0.545% |
| 105  | Regidrago          |  0.541% |
| 106  | Alakazam           |  0.527% |
| 107  | Exploud            |  0.521% |
| 108  | Conkeldurr         |  0.513% |
| 109  | Klefki             |  0.483% |
| 110  | Toxtricity         |  0.464% |
| 111  | Primarina          |  0.427% |
| 112  | Cloyster           |  0.423% |
| 113  | Snorlax            |  0.421% |
| 114  | Ribombee           |  0.403% |
| 115  | Gyarados           |  0.396% |
| 116  | Umbreon            |  0.361% |
| 117  | Incineroar         |  0.354% |
| 118  | Glastrier          |  0.352% |
| 119  | Lucario            |  0.349% |
| 120  | Azelf              |  0.341% |
| 121  | Slowbro-Galar      |  0.340% |
| 122  | Omastar            |  0.305% |
| 123  | Charizard          |  0.291% |
| 124  | Lycanroc-Dusk      |  0.289% |
| 125  | Arctovish          |  0.288% |
| 126  | Druddigon          |  0.269% |
| 127  | Terrakion          |  0.268% |
| 128  | Mimikyu            |  0.263% |
| 129  | Thundurus          |  0.247% |
| 130  | Darmanitan         |  0.246% |
| 131  | Araquanid          |  0.228% |
| 132  | Metagross          |  0.221% |
| 133  | Mantine            |  0.218% |
| 134  | Stakataka          |  0.218% |
| 135  | Raichu-Alola       |  0.215% |
| 136  | Corsola-Galar      |  0.209% |
| 137  | Vaporeon           |  0.202% |
| 138  | Polteageist        |  0.197% |
| 139  | Diancie            |  0.197% |
| 140  | Kabutops           |  0.195% |
| 141  | Tentacruel         |  0.179% |
| 142  | Raikou             |  0.178% |
| 143  | Registeel          |  0.178% |
| 144  | Indeedee           |  0.167% |
| 145  | Regigigas          |  0.164% |
| 146  | Heliolisk          |  0.159% |
| 147  | Aurorus            |  0.157% |
| 148  | Espeon             |  0.156% |
| 149  | Jellicent          |  0.153% |
| 150  | Zoroark            |  0.150% |
| 151  | Starmie            |  0.147% |
| 152  | Tornadus           |  0.144% |
| 153  | Uxie               |  0.143% |
| 154  | Scolipede          |  0.142% |
| 155  | Blastoise          |  0.140% |
| 156  | Milotic            |  0.139% |
| 157  | Gardevoir          |  0.139% |
| 158  | Accelgor           |  0.139% |
| 159  | Heracross          |  0.134% |
| 160  | Sandslash-Alola    |  0.130% |
| 161  | Entei              |  0.129% |
| 162  | Porygon-Z          |  0.128% |
| 163  | Trubbish           |  0.124% |
| 164  | Archeops           |  0.123% |
| 165  | Haxorus            |  0.122% |
| 166  | Whimsicott         |  0.119% |
| 167  | Poliwrath          |  0.116% |
| 168  | Xatu               |  0.113% |
| 169  | Necrozma           |  0.107% |
| 170  | Dragalge           |  0.104% |
| 171  | Noivern            |  0.102% |
| 172  | Audino             |  0.101% |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +
+ ---- + ------------------ + ------- +

This post is gonna be shorter than usual since OU is starting to stabilize and the last quickban was a month ago (this is the 2nd shift after those bans so the changes are less surprising).

Changes to the Top 10:

#12 (15.558%) > #8 (17.110%)

#15 (12.767%) > #9 (16.424%)

#14 (13.636%) > #10 (16.095%)
The above mons were already increasing in usage since last month, and now all 3 have finally cracked the top 10. Cinderace is a pretty strong offensive mon with with a really nice Speed stat, and Sucker Punch is a really solid option on it nowadays as it's able to pick off faster mons like Pheromosa after being chipped by Stealth Rock a few times, as well as Choice Scarf/Specs Spectrier. I already talked about Garchomp and Rillaboom last month so I'll just leave the link for that here.

Notables increases:

#38 (4.644%) > #16 (10.642%)
After making it into OU at the start of the month, Slowking has only skyrocketed in usage since then. More and more people are seeing how difficult it is to switch into, and it's also proving its reliability as a defensive pivot with Assault Vest and Regenerator.

#25 (7.956%) > #18 (9.702%)
This might seem like a small increase, but I decided to include it partially because Koko was on the decline for a while, and it's also been positively affected by Hawlucha's rise to OU. Koko is Hawlucha's best partner on hyper offense, as it provides terrain for Unburden to activate, as well as setup screens in order to help Hawlucha more safely setup.

Notable decreases:

#28 (7.173%) > #39 (4.883%)
This one is a little surprising since Latios went from doing fine to nearly dropping out of OU. The biggest change for Latios has been Galarian Slowking rising, as it's a solid Latios switchin. It'll be interesting to see if Latios is able to adapt by doing something like running Earthquake to hit Slowking-Galar and Steel-types, or if it'll fall down to UU next month.

#29 (6.702%) > #40 (4.876%)
Urshifu-Rapid-Strike is also on the verge of falling into UU. Rain as a whole saw a small decrease in usage the last 2 weeks and then Urshifu-Single-Strike on the other hand saw a 2.5% increase in usage, which indirectly cuts into Urshifu-Rapid-Strike's usage as you can only run one or the other.

Rising to OU:

#49 (2.696%) > #36 (5.463%)
Hawlucha is back and dual screen hyper offense teams probably saw an overall increase while people attempted to get voting requirements for the Pheromosa suspect test. Hawlucha with Stone Edge is a nice option for hyper offense, as it's able to bypass Zapdos and Moltres with Stone Edge, and weaken or finish off physically defensive mons like Clefable or Toxapex for a teammate like Urshifu-Single-Strike.

#54 (2.123%) > #38 (5.086%)
Volcarona has returned to OU as well, and it's a nice bulky mon that provides some defensive utility while also being a solid win condition. Thanks to its typing, and a physically defensive EV spread, it's able to take on both Choice Band and Quiver Dance variants of Pheromosa. Additionally, depending on the situation, Volcarona can also handle Spectrier, as Volcarona being immune to Wisp means Hex remains at base 65 power. If Spectrier is Calm Mind, then Volcarona has a high chance of winning the 1v1, and if Spectrier is Nasty Plot, then things get a little tougher and it could go either way. Finally, Volcarona is able to provide a good switchin to Magearna, which has started to get some discussion as a threat in the metagame that might be too good for OU.

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1.Volcarona had a higher amount of usage as it try and check stick bug and also the decrease of heatran usage helped it now the lower heatran usage happened because of fighting types being spammed along with a lot of garchomp/hydreigon usage
4.I predict a tad bit lower clef usage [unless mosa is unbanned which is quite unlikely ] a rise in heatran usage because of the bug once again I also predict a higher usage of hawlucha and along with that the obvious screens/hazards mons like grimsnarl mew rimombee shuckle landorus etc. we may also have high slowbro usage considring ace has gone to dlc 1 usage again [not really but a lot of usage] and phermosa getting banned also will help
5.I think that urshifu rs will drop but not latios as its pgood in the meta and pheromosa is getting banned and it was a huge problem for latios.
8.I would say that the metagame is an 8/10 and we should really try to ban spec urshifu magearna and maybe even ace.
9. Going to the first finals that I had in ou (and losing by setting up on unaware clef with a lucha but I don't like talking bout that lol)
10. You Too thanks and gl with the hols

 

[658Greninja]

I'll leave a few questions below:

1. For anything listed above, is there anything you'd like to add as to why this mon saw an increase or decrease in usage?
2. What are your favorite sets/moves to use on the above mons?
3. Are there any new moves/sets you've been using that have been performing well?
4. Do you have any predictions for what may increase or decrease in the next few weeks?
5. Do you think Latios and Urshifu-R will fall to UU? Will anything else drop with them?
6. Are there any mons you could see rising to OU next month?
7. Have you tried Hawlucha or Volcarona? How did they perform for you?
8. How are you liking OU? Is it fun to play and build in, and are there any notable threats/issues in the metagame that may be too much for OU?
9. Seeing as how we're at the end of the year, what has been your favorite memory from Gen 8 OU?
10. Have a nice day and happy holidays!

1:

Glowking: What was seen as mostly a niche pick turned into an OU stable, and the usage stats further prove it. It’s near impossible to switch into safely as mons either hate it’s coverage, random Sludge Bomb poisons or Scald burns while walling almost every non-Dark/Ghost/Ground special attacker, most notably Specs Mag. As time goes on and stuff gets banned, it’ll only get better from here.

Rillaboom: It hates the Kanto birds, but the Kanto birds don’t like losing Boots to Knock. Rilla in Crown Tundra imo has become more of an offensive support mon than a full on breaker. Pairs greatly with Tran, Melmetal, Magearna, Lucha and more. Checking the increasingly popular SD Lando and Chomp is highly valuable, especially for teams who lack speed control.

Tapu Koko: A fantastic anti-meta pick. Checks NP Torn, Offensive Zapdos, Urshifu, Cinderace, Fini, the list goes on. Not only that but it as some decent defensive utility in at its self, being able to switch into Zapdos, Torn, and Urshifu (like once or twice) on top of being nice Speed Control. It’s also is an HO staple, providing support for Tbolt Mag, Lucha, etc.

2:
I use the standby AV set. It’s quite reliable and delivers strong Future Sights for Breakers. Protective Pads Rilla is something I’ve been using lately and I talked about it before. Bluffs Band while avoiding annoying Flame Body/Static.Boots Koko has been the most reliable set for me imo. Great offensive pivot overall.

3:

Hydreigon @ Expert Belt
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 220 SpA / 40 SpD / 248 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power

NP Hydreigon is slowly returning, but I have been using E-Belt over LO. I don’t want Hydreigon to be worn down over a game cause I need it to check Spect and Tran, and sometimes I don’t have room for Roost cause I need coverage for Mag and Koko. Evs have been separated a little. 220 SpA to still OHKO PhysD Clef, common Pex variants, and Specs Mag after a boost while adding evs to SpD making it sturdier vs Spect and Tran. I gave Hydrei 248 Speed evs cause I lose speed ties anyways lol and I still wanna outspeed Urshifu.

4:

Increase)
People will begin to realize how ridiculous of a breaker Torn is. If the team lacks Zapdos or Koko, it’ll be difficult to switch into. With Mosa out of the picture it has less checks to worry about. Being able to live a Wicked Blow and scout out Urshifu in a similar way to Pex + Mandi makes it an outstanding Defogger. Pult is gonna appreciate being the fastest mon in the tier again. Still has to compete with Spectrier, but the horse doesn’t get U-Turn or a good defensive typing, and simply outspeeding every non-boosted mon while being an excellent pivot, breaker, or both is worth mentioning. The rise in popularity of Cinderace and Koko brings Hippo back into the forefront as the only viable ground type with recovery other than Gastrodon. Corviknight being on the waist side means Hippo can setup rocks and just Toxic whatever Defogger tries to remove it’s fruity pebbles. Used a SpD Hippo on the ladder and got all the way to Top 50 once. Never sleep on Hippo.

Decrease)
Buzzwole was hyped up as a check to Kyurem-B, Zygarde, Urshifu, and SD Chomp in one, but with the former two are gone, and Urshifu being paired with Future Sight more often, it has fallen off and will continue to fall further down. Not only is it a momentum sinker and has no defensive utility like rocks or defog, but it’s also awful vs Balance, inviting in Clef and Pex all day. More people are using Hydreigon over Mandi for a few reasons. It’s not stupidly passive, it checks Tran and Nidoking, and it doesn’t rely on boots. Mandi does have a few quirks like switching into Cinderace and Rilla which is fine, but Ace just U-Turns and puts it in Pyro/Gunk Shot range, and Rilla Knocks boots off. It can’t even beat Sub-Wisp Spectrier cause it has dogshit offenses. Moltres may see a slight decline with a potential Mosa ban. It threatens burns on Ace, Rilla, and Melmetal while providing defog and even momentum so it’ll still be highly relevant in the meta, but a Mosa ban will hurt.

5:

The presence of Spectrier and SS Urshifu really do hurt these two, especially Latios. The former facing competition from SS Urshifu, and the latter being checked by it. Latios also hates the prominence of Magearna, Clef, and Lele forces Latios to be more prediction reliant. Rain hasn’t been doing as hot with Bro and Pex being everywhere so naturally RS wouldn’t being doing as good either. However if we do get a few more bans, Latios may come back. The only other moms I can see drop with them are

and

. Buzzwole I already talked about, but Dnite hasn’t really seen much success, especially with how popular Rocky Helmet Clefable and defensive Melmetal are, it’s difficult to get a sweep off without heavy support. Dnite is also not very splashable compared to Chomp or Hydreigon.

6:

Sub-Roost + Metronome Kyurem is an absolute monster that could potentially 6-0 slower teams all on its own. You outstall Blissey, Pex, non Hurricane Zapdos, and non-Gyro/Body Press Ferro. Specs is also scary to anything that isn’t AV Mag, Glowking, or Blissey. Freeze Dry + Earth Power is a deadly combination that has no right to be this good. It has even more going for it. It also checks rising threats like Rilla, Nidoking, and SD Lando. With a potential Mosa ban being near us and more potential bans, Kyurem may potentially return to its former Pre-DLC glory.

7:

I’m mostly a Balance guy so I don’t really use Lucha often, but I do acknowledge how good of a wincon it is on offensive teams. Volc I feel is overrated and more of a response to Mosa than something truly threatening. Volc is more like it’s Gen 5 self, incredibly threatening without proper checks/counters, but barely makes progress if the opposing team has one. Tran, Chomp, and Cinderace gaining popularity only enforces that. Mosa potentially will hurt is heavily. It’s not awful, it’s still solid check to Rilla, Magearna, Kart, and Aegislash while being a nice wincon.

8:

I would like to address the elephant in the room, two elephants actually, and maybe Magearna. Spectrier is a speedy, frail Dracovish. Have a sturdy dark/normal type? You’ll do fine. You don’t have a dark/normal type, lose a mon everytime it comes in. Unlike Dracovish however, Spectrier has ways of bypassing its checks/counters. Sub-CM beats Mandibuzz and Blissey, Specs Hex bypasses Hydreigon after it is burnt or chipped down, Ttar and Incineroar have no reliable recovery, and other picks like Zarude and Obstagoon aren’t the most splashable mons in the tier. My point is it restricts teambuilding. Urshifu is no different. It has a fair share of checks like Clef, Pex, Mandi, Buzzwole, G-Weezing, Torn, Koko, Fini, etc. CB is manageable, but BU Urshifu is bs. Say goodbye to the one way of dealing with Urshifu other than Buzzwole. Now try to switch your Clef in on a Wicked Blow and then get hit by a Poison Jab. Future Sight + Urshifu is what really pushes it over the edge, nothing can switch into the assault. As for Mag, I think we need more time before we can say Magearna is unhealthy for the metagame or not. Mag has received a handful of checks/counters from Crown Tundra. Tran, Chomp, Lando, Cinderace, Swampert, Moltres, Melmetal, Glowking, etc. However Mag does have ways of handling them. Tran gets worn down by repeated Volt Switches, and loses to Aura Sphere variants, Chomp and Lando don’t like switching into Fleur Cannon, Cinderace can’t take repeated hits, Pert has no reliable recovery and loses to setup variants (especially ones with Weakness Policy), Moltres is 2HKOd by Volt Switch, Melmetal has no reliable recovery, and Glowking loses to CM. However there are a few things against a ban. Most teams naturally already have two checks to it. Think Tran + Pex, Pert + Tran, Melmetal + Glowking, Ferro + Pex, etc. Specs Mag is also more prediction reliant than in DLC1 due to being unable to freely spam Fleur Cannon as often. Setup variants are mostly only seen in HO/Screens/BO, and most are hardstopped by mons like Haze Pex, Body Press Ferro, Tran, and Melmetal. Idt it is broken rn, but give it time before we make conclusions.

9: Happy holidays to you too.

 

[Red Raven]

658Greninja wait, has the Pheromosa suspect finished already?

 

[Finchinator]

658Greninja wait, has the Pheromosa suspect finished already?

No, the voting starts in 12 hours.