Resource ZU Old Gens Hub - [GSC] Quickban Slate @ 359!

[wooper]

Approved by the forum moderators
Heavily taken from the UU Old Gens Hub

gorgeous banner by BlueberryBlanket
​

Welcome to the ZeroUsed Old Gens Hub. This thread contains resources for the ZeroUsed tiers of older generations - Sun and Moon (SM) ZU, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) ZU, Black and White (BW) ZU, Diamond/Pearl/Platinum (DPP) ZU, Advance (ADV) ZU (or Generation 3 ZU), and Gold/Silver/Crystal (GSC) ZU. This thread will also serve as a place to hold discussion about the older generations of ZU. Each post contains Viability Rankings, sample teams, and a list of mechanics of the generation that is different from the current generation. Feel free to post your thoughts on a particular aspect of a generation, successful cores, underrated Pokemon, teams you want feedback on, and anything else related to old gens ZU. We hope to bring these metagames more exposure.

Huge thank you to Aaronboyer for providing the ORAS and ADV Metagame resources.

Old Gens Councils:

RBY ZU
Leader:
BeatsBlack, NotVeryCake, gastlies, Medeia, Gangsta Spongebob, torkonpeter

GSC ZU
Leader: File 13
BeatsBlack, Hitmonstars, innovamania, JonAmon 25

ADV ZU
Leader: BeatsBlack
BP, Gangsta Spongebob, OranBerryBlissey10, wooper

DPP ZU
Leader: skrimps
BeatsBlack, Drud, HSOWA, wooper

BW ZU
Leader: Monai
JonAmon 25, Mirbro, Gangsta Spongebob, SEA

ORAS ZU
Leader: 5Dots
5gen, Charles A. Theist, OranBerryBlissey10, sleid, TWiTT

SM ZU
Leader: Tuthur
a fruitshop owner, Danny, DugZa, MZ

SS ZU
Leader:
Tuthur, Danny, Drud, OranBerryBlissey10

List of each gen's OP: SS / SM / ORAS / BW / DPP / ADV / GSC / RBY

 

[Corthius]

Welcome to SS ZU! Now considered an old gen with the introduction of SV, resources will be linked to their original sources that are now closed and archived.

Viability Rankings

Original thread here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ss-zu-viability-rankings-v2-update-236.3678037/.
S
Miltank
Rotom

A+
Alcremie
Articuno
Froslass
Klinklang
Qwilfish
Sawk
Tangela

A
Altaria
Jynx
Palossand
Rapidash
Rhydon
Silvally-Dark
Silvally-Poison
Skuntank
Stunfisk
Thwackey

A-
Clefairy
Cofagrigus
Dugtrio-Alola
Gourgeist-Small
Kabutops
Lycanroc-Midnight
Morpeko
Persian-Alola

B+
Cryogonal
Exeggutor
Ivysaur
Liepard
Poliwrath
Rapidash-Galar
Sableye
Shiftry
Silvally-Fighting
Stunfisk-Galar
Thievul
Uxie

B
Accelgor
Coalossal
Flapple
Gurdurr
Kangaskhan
Lilligant
Lunatone
Lurantis
Pawniard
Piloswine
Rotom-Fan
Silvally-Water
Throh

B-
Appletun
Crustle
Manectric
Ninetales
Pincurchin
Roselia
Silvally
Silvally-Grass
Swoobat

C+
Bouffalant
Cramorant
Golbat
Gourgeist-Super
Ludicolo
Pyukumuku
Raichu
Silvally-Electric
Silvally-Flying
Spiritomb
Trevenant
Unfezant

C
Abomasnow
Beheeyem
Butterfree
Carracosta
Hattrem
Type: Null

C-
Ditto
Drifblim
Leafeon
Shedinja
Shiinotic
Shuckle
Silvally-Psychic

Sample Teams

Original thread here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ss-zu-sample-teams.3680071/.

Swords Dance Qwilfish Balance by OranBerryBlissey10


Skuntank + Thwackey Balance by Tuthur


Sun by Tuthur


Froslass Balance by diegoyuhhi


Roselia + Pawniard Hazard Stack by sleid

Role Compendium

Original post here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ss-zu-resources-hub.3665776/#post-8502699.
Last Edit: June 19, 2022

Wallbreakers

Physical:
, , , , , (Small), , , ,, , ,, , (any form) , , , ,

Special:
, , , ,,, , ,, ,

Mixed:
, , , (Small), , , (Electric, Flying, Grass, Normal, Poison),

Stallbreakers (Taunt, Setup, ect.):
, , , , ,, , , , , , , , , ,,

Archetype-Oriented:
Sun:

• Setters: ,,
• Wallbreakers: ,,,,

Electric Terrain:
,, , , , , , , ,

Grassy Terrain:
,(Small), , ,

Hail:


Trick Room:
, , , , ,

Choice Item Users

Choice Band:
, , , (Small), , ,, , (Normal),,,

Choice Specs:
, , , , , , ,

Choice Scarf:
, (Small), , , , , , , , (Normal)

Walls/Tanks

Physically Defensive

• Walls:
  , , , , , , ,, , ,, , , , , ,
• Tanks:
  , ,

Specially Defensive

• Walls:
  , , , , ,, , , , , , , , ,, ,
• Tanks:
  

Mixed

• Walls:
  , ,, , ,, , ,, ,, ,, , ,
  
  
• Tanks:
  , ,

Defensive Support

Clerics (Aromatherapy / Heal Bell):
, , ,, ,

Electric Immunity:
, , , , , ,

Haze
, , , ,

Phazing
, , , , , ,

Regenerator:


Status Absorbers:
, , , , , ,

Unaware:


Wish:
, ,

Entry Hazards

Stealth Rock:

• Offensive:
  , , , ,,, ,
• Defensive:
  ,, ,, ,, , , , , ,

Suicide Leads:
, ,, , ,

Spikes:
, , , , ,,

Sticky Web:
,

Toxic Spikes:
,, , ,

Hazard Removal/Prevention

Defog:
, ,, , , , , , , (Dark, Ground, Poison, Normal, Water),

Magic Bounce:


Rapid Spin:
, , , ,

Spinblockers:
, (Small), , , , ,

Offensive Support

Pivots

• Offensive VoltTurn:
  , , , , , ,, , , , (Dark, Fighting, Normal, Psychic, Water), ,
  
  
• Defensive VoltTurn:
  ,,, ,(Poison, Water), ,
  
  
• Defensive Pivots:
  , , , ,,

Encore:
, , ,

Substitute:
(Small), , , , , (any form)

Taunt:
, , , , ,,

Item Removal

Corrosive Gas:


Knock Off:
, , , , ,, , , ,, , , , ,

Trick / Switcheroo:
(Small),, ,, , ,

Set-Up Support

Healing Wish:


Memento:
,

Status Spreaders

Burn

• Flame Body:
  
• Scald:
  , ,
• Will-O-Wisp:
  , , , ,

Paralysis

• Gulp Missile:
  
• Effect Spore / Static:
  ,
• Thunder Wave:
  , , ,

Poison

• Effect Spore / Poison Point:
  ,
• Toxic:
  , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sleep:

• Effect Spore
  
• Lovely Kiss
  
• Sleep Powder
  , ,
• Spore
  
• Yawn
  ,

Priority Users

Aqua Jet:
,,

Fake Out:


Grassy Glide
, (Small),, ,

Ice Shard:
,

Mach Punch:


Shadow Sneak:
(Small)

Sucker Punch:
, , , , ,

Set-Up Sweepers

Agility / Rock Polish:


Bulk Up:
,,

Calm Mind:
, , ,,

Contrary:


Nasty Plot:
, , , , ,, , , ,

Meteor Beam


Quiver Dance:
,

Shell Smash:
,

Shift Gear:


Swords Dance:
,,, , :lycanroc-midnight, , , , , , (any form),

Work Up:
(Electric, Grass, Normal, Poison, Water)

Speed Tiers

Original post here: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/ss-zu-resources-hub.3665776/post-8552106.
Stat / Pokémon / Base Speed / Nature / EVs / Boost

500+ Speed

854 / Accelgor / 145 / +Spe / 252 / +2
765 / Klinklang / 90 / Neutral / 156 / +4
718 / Swoobat / 114 / +Spe / 252 / +2
655 / Butterfree / 70 / +Spe / 252 / +3
644 / Morpeko / 97 / +Spe / 252 / +2
634 / Silvally / 95 / +Spe / 252 / +2
612 / Lilligant / 90 / +Spe / 252 / +2
588 / Rhydon / 40 / +Spe / 252 / +4
578 / Leafeon / 95 / Neutral / 252 / +2
568 / Kabutops / 80 / +Spe / 252 / +2
558 / Thievul / 90 / Neutral / 252 / +2
541 / Persian-Alola / 115 / +Spe / 252 / +1
537 / Carracosta / 32 / +Spe / 252 / +4
524 / Butterfree / 70 / +Spe / 252 / +2
518 / Shiftry / 80 / Neutral / 252 / +2
510 / Drifblim / Neutral / 236 / +2
510 / Klinklank / 90 / Neutral / 156 / +2
508 / Manectric / 105 / +Spe / 252 / +1

499-400 Speed

489 / Gourgeist-Small / 99 / +Spe / 252 / +1
483 / Morpeko / 97 / +Spe / 252 / +1
480 / Ivysaur / 60 / +Spe / 252 / +2
478 / Ludicolo, Lunatone / 70 / Neutral / 252 / +2
475 / Silvally / 95 / +Spe / 252 / +1
469 / Unfezant / 93 / +Spe / 252 / +1
463 / Rotom / 91 / +Spe / 252 / +1
459 / Lilligant / 90 / +Spe / 252 / +1
458 / Sandlsash-Alola / 65 / Neutral / 252 / +2
458 / Exeggutor / 55 / +Spe / 252 / +2
442 / Sawk / 85 / +Spe / 252 / +1
438 / Ivysaur / 60 / Neutral / 252 / +2
427 / Accelgor / 145 / +Spe / 252 / 0
426 / Kabutops / 80 / +Spe / 252 / +1
418 / Exeggutor / 55 / Neutral / 252 / +2
414 / Crustle / 45 / +Spe / 252 / +2

399-300 Speed

393 / Butterfree, Poliwrath / 70 / +Spe / 252 / +1
392 / Rhydon / 40 / +Spe / 252 / +2
389 / Accelgor / 145 / Neutral / 252 / 0
375 / Boltund / 121 / +Spe / 252 / 0
363 / Uxie / 95 / Neutral / 64 / +1
361 / Persian-Alola / 115 / +Spe / 252 / 0
359 / Swoobat / 114 / +Spe / 252 / 0
358 / Carracosta / 32 / +Spe / 252 / +2
350 / Dugtrio-Alola, Froslass, Raichu / 110 / +Spe / 252 / 0
342 / Liepard / 106 / +Spe / 252 / 0
339 / Cryogonal, Manectric, Rapidash, Rapidash-Galar / 105 / +Spe / 252 / 0
328 / Ninetales / 100 / +Spe / 252 / 0
326 / Gourgeist-Small / 99 / +Spe / 252 / 0
322 / Morpeko / 97 / +Spe / 252 / 0
317 / Jynx, Silvally, Uxie / 95 / +Spe / 252 / 0
313 / Unfezant / 93 / +Spe / 252 / 0
309 / Rotom / 91 / +Spe / 252 / 0
306 / Kangaskhan, Lilligant, Thievul / 90 / +Spe / 252 / 0

299-200 Speed

298 / Rotom-Fan / 86 / +Spe / 252 / 0
295 / Articuno, Cramorant, Qwilfish, Sawk / 85 / +Spe / 252 / 0
293 / Skuntank / 84 / +Spe / 252 / 0
289 / Leafeon / 95 / Neutral / 252 / 0
289 / Lycanroc-Midnight / +Spe / 252 / 0
284 / Kabutops, Thwackey / 80 / +Spe / 252 / 0
279 / Kangaskhan, Thievul / 90 / Neutral / 252 / 0
267 / Skuntank / 84 / Neutral / 252 / 0
264 / Golbat / 90 / +Spe / 96 / 0
263 / Lycanroc-Midnight / 82 / Neutral / 252 / 0
262 / Butterfree, Flapple, Poliwrath / 70 / +Spe / 252 / 0
259 / Shiftry, Thwackey / 80 / Neutral / 252 / 0
255 / Drifblim / 80 / Neutral / 236 / 0
255 / Klinklank / 90 / Neutral / 156 / 0
252 / Miltank / 100 / Neutral / 64 / 0
249 / Falinks / 75 / Neutral / 252 / 0
242 / Uxie / 95 / Neutral / 64 / 0
240 / Abomasnow, Ivysaur / 60 / +Spe / 252 / 0
239 / Flapple, Ludicolo, Lunatone / 70 / Neutral / 252 / 0
231 / Uxie / 95 / Neutral / 20 / 0
230 / Qwilfish / 85 / Neutral / 96 / 0
230 / Cramorant / 85 / +Spe / 16 / 0
230 / Golbat / 90 / Neutral / 56 / 0
229 / Exeggutor / 55 / +Spe / 252 / 0
227 / Alcremie / 64 / Neutral / 252 / 0
226 / Uxie / 95 / Neutral / 0 / 0
219 / Abomasnow, Ivysaur / 60 / Neutral / 252 / 0
212 / Articuno / 85 / Neutral / 24 / 0
211 / Trevenant / 56 / Neutral / 252 / 0
209 / Bouffalant, Exeggutor / 55 / Neutral / 252 / 0
207 / Crustle / 45 / +Spe / 252 / 0
203 / Uxie / 95 / -Spe / 0 / 0
200 / Altaria / 80 / Neutral / 16 / 0

199 - 100

199 / Piloswine / 50 / Neutral / 0 / 0
196 / Rhydon / 40 / +Spe / 252 / 0
183 / Malamar / 73 / Neutral / 4 / 0
180 / Poliwrath / 70 / Neutral / 16 / 0
179 / Carracosta / 32 / +Spe / 252 / 0
179 / Rhydon / 40 / Neutral / 252 / 0
166 / Lapras / 60 / Neutral / 40 / 0
165 / Lurantis / 45 / Neutral / 156 / 0
164 / Alcremie / 64 / Neutral / 0 / 0
156 / Lapras, Tangela / 60 / Neutral / 0 / 0
144 / Gourgeist-XL / 54 / Neutral / 0 / 0
138 / Cradily / 43 / Neutral / 64 / 0 / 0
137 / Appletun / 30 / Neutral / 164 / 0
137 / Rhydon / 40 / Neutral / 84 / 0
136 / Piloswine, Sableye / 50 / Neutral / 0 / 0
134 / Hattrem / 49 / Neutral / 0 / 0
129 / Coalossal / 30 / -Spe / 0 / +1
126 / Throh / 45 / Neutral / 0 / 0
122 / Cradily / 43 / Neutral / 0 / 0
116 / Gurdurr / 40 / Neutral / 0 / 0
110 / Type: Null / 59 / -Spe / 0 / 0 (0 Speed IVs)
106 / Clefairy, Palossand, Spiritomb / 35 / Neutral / 0 / 0
100 / Stunfisk, Stunfisk-Galar / 32 / Neutral / 0 / 0

99 Speed and Below

96 / Appletun, Runerigus / 30 / Neutral / 0 / 0
94 / Musharna / 29 / Neutral / 0 / 0
86 / Coalossal / 30 / -Spe / 0 / 0
66 / Pincurchin / 15 / Neutral / 0 / 0
56 / Musharna / 29 / -Spe / 0 / 0 (0 Speed IVs)
46 / Pyukumuku, Shuckle / 5 / Neutral / 0 / 0

Council: Danny, Drud, OranBerryBlissey10, Tuthur

 

[Tuthur]

SM VR

Welcome to the SM ZU Viability Rankings. In this thread, Pokemon are ranked based on their ability to function within the ZU Metagame. This includes many factors, such as versatility, effectiveness, ability to handle metagame trends, size of niche, and several others. Since these are likely to be highly contested, there are a few rules to abide by:

• Post reasoning. Posts like ‘Furfrou should go to B because it can use Cotton Guard and has Fur Coat’ will be deleted and possibly infracted. You are expected to give sound logic for the nominations you make. Any one-liners will be deleted and possibly infracted.
• Be civil. It doesn’t matter how heavily you disagree with a post, at the end of the day it’s an opinion posted by another person so throwing insults at them isn’t gonna be okay.
• No discussion of future bans, suspects, or metagames. We aren’t gonna rise Seaking because Rotom-Frost may drop, no matter how likely it is. We also won't drop Gourgeist-XL because Pinsir may get tested.
• If you want to nominate a currently unranked Pokemon to be ranked, replays are a requirement. Preferably, these are replays against high level players so that you really show us that this Pokemon can put in work.
• At the same time, do not base your entire argument around replays and usage statistics. It’s important to show why this Pokemon performs, not just that it does.

Pokemon within sub-ranks are ordered alphabetically. The Usually Useless rank holds Pokemon that have a niche, but it is so minimal that it is almost never recommended to use them.

Also, the Pokemon’s names in this thread link to analyses, either uploaded or WIP, or sample sets!
S Rank
Electivire
Swanna

A Rank

A+
Bouffalant
Furfrou
Golem
Komala
Rotom-Fan
Simisage
Wishiwashi

A
Bronzor
Combusken
Crustle
Gourgeist-Super
Leafeon
Mareanie
Muk
Silvally-Poison
Silvally-Water
Simipour
Simisear
Torterra

A-
Altaria
Beheeyem
Cacturne
Kadabra
Poliwrath
Rapidash
Silvally-Dragon
Silvally-Electric
Silvally-Fighting
Silvally-Ground

B Rank

B+
Dusclops
Floatzel
Mawile
Mr. Mime
Pawniard
Pinsir
Raichu
Sandslash
Servine
Silvally
Silvally-Dark
Toucannon

B
Avalugg
Bellossom
Butterfree
Camerupt
Chatot
Golduck
Gourgeist-Small
Granbull
Grimer-Alola
Kecleon
Lapras
Lickilicky
Marowak
Monferno
Rampardos
Purugly
Pyukumuku
Silvally-Grass
Vigoroth
Volbeat

B-
Basculin
Corsola
Ditto
Dugtrio
Duosion
Drifblim
Electrode
Fraxure
Glaceon
Hippopotas
Huntail
Machoke
Sawsbuck
Shuckle
Trevenant

C Rank

C+
Arbok
Bibarel
Cradily
Golem-Alola
Jumpluff
Lycanroc-Midnight
Metang
Natu
Ninjask
Raticate
Relicanth
Shiinotic
Swoobat
Vullaby

C
Armaldo
Beartic
Chimecho
Hakamo-o
Ivysaur
Probopass
Quilladin
Regice
Smeargle
Stunfisk
Vibrava
Zebstrika

C-
Carbink
Flareon
Frogadier
Gabite
Leavanny
Meowstic-M
Misdreavus
Murkrow
Noctowl
Oricorio-Baille
Palpitoad
Solrock
Zweilous

SM Sample Teams

SM ZU Sample Teams
Mostly taken from LC’s sample team thread by Altariel von Sweep​

Welcome to the ZU Sample Team Archive! Here you will find a collection of solid, successful teams intended to help new players get acclimated to the metagame and different playstyles found within the tier. Everyone is welcome to submit a team, but in order to maintain a good quality archive, your team will be subject to approval from the council before its addition. You may use any team in this archive as you see fit. Teams are updated in the OP.

Team Submission Guidelines:

Hide

Requirements:

• Importable of team
• Team description: Describe how the team works, what each member does, and list any glaring weaknesses
• Teams must be good, reflective of the current metagame, and easy to use

After you’ve submitted your team, the council will look it over and either add it or post here explaining why we will not.

MareZor by 5gen :

Import

https://pokepast.es/2dd8212b0ffb7192

Description

https://pastebin.com/JwL9b6hc

Sub SD Balance by 5gen

Import

https://pokepast.es/42f138388273ceb2

Description

Substitute Swords Dance Bouffalant is a great wincon in the current metagame thanks to its ability to setup on common Pokemon such as Mareanie and Choice-locked Exeggutor and off switches it forces. Silvally-Dark provides Defog support, pivoting, and checks Pokemon such as Bronzor and Dusclops for Bouffalant. Stealth Rock Torterra and physically defensive Dusclops form the defensive backbone of the team. Defog Swanna adds another check to Combusken and Mareanie and helps against Toxic Spikes. For the final slot, I couldn't really find a suitable Choice Scarf user and felt that Sash Counter Kadabra would provide much needed glue, being able to check attackers in a pinch and having the freedom to switch up moves and threaten things such as Gourgeist-XL, Swanna, and Machoke.

Notable weaknesses are CB Komala, Nasty Plot Raichu, opposing Swanna, Simipour, and Electivire (both mixed and Choice Scarf).

Bronzor+Poliwrath Balance by 85percent

Import

https://pokepast.es/5beabf125ada85de

Description

Bronzor and Poliwrath are a great defensive core because blanket check various attackers such as Exeggutor, Swords Dance Combusken, and Simipour. Silvally-Poison acts as the team's Defogger. helps against Toxic Spikes and Pokemon such as Leafeon, Simisage, and Mareanie, and helps bring Torterra and Simisear in safely with U-turn. Swords Dance+Synthesis Torterra helps against Ground-types such as Golem and Marowak, and acts as a wallbreaker. Nasty Plot Simisear is another breaker and provides much needed speed. Choice Scarf Rotom-S round out the team, providing Speed control, another check to Swanna and Combusken, and provides good support with Trick and Will-O-Wisp.

Weaknesses this team has include rain and Golduck, Choice Band Komala, Electric-types such as Raichu, Choice Scarf Electivire, and Silvally-Electric.

Volt-Turn HO by DurzaOffTopic

Import

https://pokepast.es/5c51a7c6bcea55b8

description

The first team is a standard and incredibly easy to use hyper offense team that features SD Ninjask and Choice Specs Mr. Mime. These two Pokemon work very well with one another as Ninjask can bring in Mr. Mime off a U-turn, can threaten faster Pokemon such as Leafeon and Silvally-Dark, and can break through special walls such as Lickilicky and Bronzor at +2 for Mr. Mime. Similarly, Choice Specs Mr. Mime is able to punch through Ninjask's defensive checks such as Altaria, Gourgeist-XL, and Rotom-S to help pave a way for a mid- or late-game sweep. Assault Vest Komala and Silvally-Dragon provide entry hazard removal, more pivoting through U-turn, and necessary offensive and defensive utility for the team. Golem is the Stealth Rock user and mandatory Normal-type and Electivire check. Smack Down enables Golem to beat Bronzor and Sucker Punch is clutch against weakened offensive threats such as Kadabra, Exeggutor, and Simisear. Lastly, Choice Scarf Electivire provides speed control and more pivoting.

Crustle Swanna Bulky Offense by sketchy ecchi

Import

Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 248 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Psywave
- Rest

Silvally-Water⠀ (Silvally-Dragon) @ Dragon Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Thunderbolt
- U-turn
- Defog

Crustle @ Figy Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 30 HP
- Shell Smash
- Stone Edge
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake

Swanna @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Big Pecks
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Mirror Move
- Brave Bird
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Leaf Storm
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Electivire @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Motor Drive
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Wild Charge
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Volt Switch

Description

This team is the result of a collaborative effort from 85percent, quagsgone, and me. It’s a standard bulky offense team featuring two of the most dangerous set-up sweepers in ZU, Crustle and Swanna. Bronzor sets up stealth rocks and, thanks to its many resistances, checks a significant portion of the tier, including Swanna, Golem, and Bouffalant. 8 speed EVs allow it to get the jump on opposing Bronzors and psywave them first. Silvally-Dragon defogs and uses its strong draco meteor to force switches and grab momentum. Thunderbolt allows Silvally to force Mareanie out and defog its t-spikes away. Crustle functions as a set-up sweeper that’s difficult to revenge on account of its bulk and as a secondary normal resist for things like Komala and Kecleon. Figy berry mitigates rocks damage with 30 HP IVs allowing it to activate after three switch-ins to stealth rock. Flyinium Z gives Swanna the opportunity to boost its attack with Z-mirror move, or in cases where that’s not feasible, a one-time nuke with Z-brave bird. Defensively, Swanna is key to checking and revenging Combusken. Simisage fills the void left by Shiftry’s departure and creates opportunities for Crustle and Swanna to sweep by breaking defensive staples such as Bronzor, Mareanie, Pyukumuku, and Dusclops. Scarf Electivire rounds out the team, providing speed control and an electric immunity which forces mind games for teams that rely on Electivire to revenge Swanna.

This team is fast-paced and focuses more on pressuring the opposing team than playing reactively, and so it doesn’t have defensive counterplay for everything. Crustle and Z-me first Pinsir are notable threats, but Crustle can be revenged by Electivire and Swanna, and Pinsir by Silvally-Dragon as long as it’s healthy. This team lacks a dark resist, so Pawniard and other dark types must be played around very carefully, but sucker punch can be exploited. Silvally-Dragon has good matchups versus most hazard setters, with the exception of Bronzor which is susceptible to being worn down. This is important as Crustle and Swanna hate switching into stealth rocks, and the game often revolves around finding the right time for them to set-up and win.

Resources

Speed Tiers

Spoiler

Tier S (400+ Spe)

Speed	Pokemon	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	Boost
722	Floatzel	115	+Spe	252	+2
628	Ninjask	160	Neutral	252	+1
586	Raticate	97	Neutral	252	+2
578	Leafeon	95	Neutral	252	+2
572	Combusken	55	+Spe	252	+3
567	Crustle	45	Neutral	252	+4
538	Pinsir	85	Neutral	252	+2
526	Lycanroc-Midnight	82	Neutral	252	+2
525	Raichu	110	+Spe	252	+1
518	Drifblim	80	Neutral	252	+2
508	Rapidash	105	+Spe	252	+1
496	Simisage, Simisear, Simipour	101	+Spe	252	+1
486	Swanna	98	+Spe	252	+1
480	Toucannon	60	+Spe	252	+2
478	Poliwrath, Noctowl	70	Neutral	252	+2
475	Electivire, Silvally, Leafeon, Sawsbuck	95	+Spe	252	+1
464	Torterra	56	+Spe	252	+2
463	Chatot	91	+Spe	252	+1
459	Mr. Mime	90	+Spe	252	+1
458	Combusken	55​	+Spe	252​	+2
458	Hakamo-o	65	Neutral	252​	+2
447	Rotom-S	86	+Spe	252	+1
442	Pinsir	85	+Spe	252	+1
438	Electrode	150	+Spe	252	+0
436	Bellossom	50	+Spe	252	+2
419	Ninjask	160	Neutral	252	+0
406	Huntail	52	Neutral	252	+2

Tier A (300-399 Spe)

Speed	Pokemon	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	Boost
398	Beartic, Regice	50	Neutral	252	+2
393	Butterfree	70	+Spe	252	+1
384	Fraxure	67	+Spe	252	+1
378	Crustle, Armaldo	45	Neutral	252	+2
376	Glaceon	65	+Spe	252	+1
372	Dugtrio	120	+Spe	252	+0
364	Zebstrika	116	+Spe	252	+0
361	Floatzel	115	+Spe	252	+0
359	Swoobat	114	+Spe	252	+0
355	Purugly	112	+Spe	252	+0
350	Raichu, Jumpluff	110	+Spe	252	+0
349	Fraxure	67	Neutral	252	+1
343	Combusken	55	+Spe	252	+1
343	Hakamo-o	65	Neutral	252	+1
339	Rapidash, Kadabra	105	+Spe	252	+0
333	Furfrou	102	+Spe	252	+0
331	Simisage, Simisear, Simipour	101	+Spe	252	+0
328	Slaking	100	+Spe	252	+0
327	Bellossom	50	+Spe	252	+1
326	Gourgeist-S	99	+Spe	252	+0
324	Swanna, Basculin	98	+Spe	252	+0
322	Raticate, Frogadier	97	+Spe	252	+0
317	Electivire, Silvally, Leafeon, Sawsbuck	95	+Spe	252	+0
313	Oricorio	93	+Spe	252	+0
311	Leavanny	92	+Spe	252	+0
309	Chatot, Murkrow	91	+Spe	252	+0
306	Mr. Mime, Vigoroth	90	+Spe	252	+0

Tier B (200-299 Spe)

Speed	Pokemon	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	Boost
298	Rotom-S	86	+Spe	252	+0
295	Pinsir, Misdreavus	85	+Spe	252	+0
293	Raticate	97	Neutral	252	+0
291	Servine	83	+Spe	252	+0
289	Electivire, Silvally	95	Neutral	252	+0
289	Lycanroc-Midnight	82	+Spe	252	+0
287	Monferno	81	+Spe	252	+0
284	Arbok	80	+Spe	252	+0
281	Chatot	91	Neutral	252	+0
273	Smeargle	75	+Spe	252	+0
271	Krokorok	74	+Spe	252	+0
269	Pinsir, Golduck	85	Neutral	252	+0
263	Lycanroc-Midnight	82	Neutral	252	+0
262	Butterfree, Onix	70	+Spe	252	+0
259	Drifblim	80	Neutral	252	+0
256	Fraxure	67	+Spe	252	+0
251	Komala, Sandslash, Glaceon	65	+Spe	252	+0
244	Meowstic	104	Neutral	0	+0
241	Bibarel	71	Neutral	252	+0
240	Toucannon	60	+Spe	252	+0
239	Poliwrath, Noctowl	70	Neutral	252	+0
236	Rampardos	58	+Spe	252	+0
236	Regigigas	100	Neutral	0	+0
234	Quilladin	57	+Spe	252	+0
233	Fraxure	67	Neutral	252	+0
232	Torterra, Trevenant	56	+Spe	252	+0
229	Combusken, Relicanth	55	+Spe	252	+0
229	Komala, Glaceon, Hakamo-o, Flareon	65	Neutral	252	+0
219	Pawniard, Toucannon, Lapras	60	Neutral	252	+0
218	Bellossom	50	+Spe	252	+0
211	Torterra, Trevenant	56	Neutral	252	+0
209	Bouffalant, Cacturne, Relicanth	55	Neutral	252	+0
207	Crustle	45	+Spe	252	+0
203	Huntail	52	Neutral	252	+0
200	Gabite	82	Neutral	0	+0

Tier C (100-199 Spe)

Speed	Pokemon	Base Speed	Nature	EVs / IVs	Boost
199	Mawile, Regice, Beartic	50	Neutral	252	+0
196	Altaria	80	Neutral	0	+0
196	Shedinja	40	+Spe	252	+0
189	Crustle, Golem, Granbull, Marowak, Golem-Alola, Armaldo	45	Neutral	252	+0
179	Shedinja	40	Neutral	252	+0
176	Poliwrath, Natu, Vibrava, Solrock	70	Neutral	0	+0
172	Gogoat	68	Neutral	0	+0
166	Komala, Sandslash, Chimecho, Gothitelle	65	Neutral	0	+0
157	Volbeat	85	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
156	Vullaby	60	Neutral	0	+0
152	Zweilous	58	Neutral	0	+0
150	Quilladin	57	Neutral	0	+0
148	Torterra	56	Neutral	0	+0
146	Bouffalant	55	Neutral	0	+0
144	Gourgeist-XL	54	Neutral	0	+0
136	Mawile, Lickilicky, Muk, Carbink, Metang, Regice	50	Neutral	0	+0
126	Mareanie, Golem, Granbull, Marowak, Machoke	45	Neutral	0	+0
122	Cradily	43	Neutral	0	+0
121	Chimecho	65	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
118	Regigigas	100	Neutral	0	Slow Start
116	Beheeyem, Kecleon, Probopass, Togetic	40	Neutral	0	+0
106	Corsola	35	Neutral	0	+0
104	Kecleon	40	-Spe	0	+0
100	Hippopotas, Stunfisk	32	Neutral	0	+0

Tier D (0-99 Spe)

Speed	Pokemon	Base Speed	Nature	EVs / IVs	Boost
96	Wishiwashi-School, Duosion, Shiinotic	30	Neutral	0	+0
94	Carbink	50	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
92	Avalugg	28	Neutral	0	+0
86	Dusclops, Grimer-Alola	25	Neutral	0	+0
85	Marowak, Dusknoir	45	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
82	Bronzor	23	Neutral	0	+0
76	Beheeyem, Camerupt	40	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
58	Wishiwashi-School	3	-Spe	0 IVs	+0
46	Pyukumuku, Shuckle, Munchlax	5	Neutral	0	+0

Role Compendium

Role Compendium

SM ZU ROLE COMPENDIUM​

Entry Hazard Setters
Stealth Rock:

Spikes:

Toxic Spikes:

Sticky Web:


Entry Hazard Removal/Deterrents
Defog:
(Dark, Dragon, Water, Fighting, Ground, Electric, Poison, Grass)
Rapid Spin:

Magic Bounce:

Defiant/Contrary/Competitive:

Spinblockers:
(Super, Small)

Defensive Checks
Electric Immunities:
(Ground)
Fire-type Checks:
(Dragon, Water)
Water-type Checks:
(Dragon, Water, Electric)
Grass-type Checks:
(Super, Small)(Dragon, Poison, Grass)
Ground-type Checks:
(Super, Small)(Fighting, Grass)

Setup Users
Swords Dance:
(Dark, Dragon, Fighting, Normal)
Nasty Plot:

Bulk Up:

Calm Mind:

Agility/Rock Polish:

Z-Moves:
(Mirror Move)(Rain Dance)(Celebrate) (Encore)(Me First)
Other:
(Speed Boost)(Shell Smash)(Quiver Dance)(Contrary)(Acid Armor)(Power-Up Punch)(Unburden)(Work Up) (Coil)

Wallbreakers
Physical:

Special:
(Dragon, Water, Electric)
Mixed:


Revenge Killers
Choice Scarf:
(Normal)
Priority:

Naturally Fast:


Walls
Physical:
(Super)
Special:

Mixed:


Momentum
U-turn:
(Dark, Dragon, Water, Fighting, Normal, Ground, Electric, Poison, Grass)
Volt Switch:

Parting Shot:
(Water, Grass)
Explosion:

Memento:

Regenerator:


Trappers
Pursuit: (Dark)
Magnet Pull:
Block:

Phazing
Roar/Whirlwind:

Circle Throw:

Haze:

Unaware:


Clerics
Wish:

Healing Wish:

Heal Bell/Aromatherapy:

Z-Memento:


Weather/Trick Room
Rain Setters:

Rain Abusers:

Sun Setters:

Sun Abusers:

Trick Room Setters:
(Super)
Trick Room Abusers:

 

[5Dots]

Amazing art by Kolohe Check out his art thread and support him on Ko-fi!​

Welcome to the ORAS ZU resources and viability rankings! Pokémon are ranked based on many factors, including how versatile they are, their effect on the metagame, and reliability. All ranks are sorted alphabetically. If you'd like to see a change in the rankings, please leave a constructive post and provide evidence to support your reasoning.

To be played under the [Gen 6] ZU format. Standard bans, including anything PU and above, apply.

Viability Rankings

Each Pokémon has its own mini-analysis, akin to the Smogon StrategyDex. Just click on the name of the Pokémon to find its recommended set.

S Rank - These Pokémon are the best of the best. They require minimal support to function and should be prepared for by any serious team.

S

Servine

S-

Electabuzz

A Rank - Pokémon that are metagame staples. Can easily fill their given roles in team building, but have a noticeable weakness in need of addressing.

A+

Duosion

Dustox

Gigalith

Huntail

Lairon

Pignite

Politoed

Simipour

Simisage

A

Bronzor

Carbink

Frogadier

Jumpluff

Klang

Krokorok

Magmar

Scraggy

Swalot

Vibrava

A-

Furfrou

Gogoat

Gourgeist-Large

Ivysaur

Meowstic-M

Persian

Quilladin

Sawsbuck

Swoobat

Vanilluxe

B Rank - Notably fares well, either in response to certain threats in the metagame or occupying a useful niche to distinguish itself. These tend to have a few roadblocks that can dampen their performance.

B+

Dusclops

Hippopotas

Lopunny

Marshtomp

Meganium

Murkrow

Pikachu

Trubbish

Whirlipede

Whiscash

Wigglytuff

B

Butterfree

Dragonair

Glaceon

Glalie

Golduck

Gourgeist-Small

Lunatone

Meowstic-F

Pidgeot

Raticate

Seaking

Seviper

Volbeat

Zweilous

B-

Beartic

Chimecho

Chinchou

Fearow

Gastly

Girafarig

Lampent

Magcargo

Mienfoo

Mightyena

Slaking

Solrock

Tentacool

Walrein

C Rank - Generally mediocre in play. They tend to have a smaller niche that needs more support to facilitate than higher-tiered Pokémon.

C+

Corsola

Ditto

Dwebble

Emolga

Gothitelle

Graveler

Heatmor

Illumise

Kricketune

Luxray

Meditite

Munchlax

Natu

Palpitoad

Sandshrew

Shelgon

Sliggoo

Wartortle

C

Ariados

Banette

Beedrill
Magnemite

Mothim

Octillery

Stunky

Wailord

Wormadam-Trash

C-

Bibarel

Dunsparce

Eelektrik

Frillish

Grotle
Masquerain

Personal VR maker

https://tiermaker.com/create/pokmon-oras-zu---1456761

Sample Teams

Choice Band Krokorok Volt-Turn by TWiTT
Dragon Dance Whiscash by OranBerryBlissey10
Dragon, Fairy, Steel Balance by TWiTT
Scraggy Stall by TWiTT
Specs Magmar Offence by 5gen
Future Sight Duosion + Roar Pignite by 5Dots
Future Sight Duosion + Scarf Simipour by TWiTT

ZUBL

Fraxure Purugly Regigigas Simisear

Role Compendium

Role Compendium here

Speed Tiers

Courtesy of missangelic
Tier 0: 500+

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
705	Vanilluxe		79	Positive	252	31	+3
642	Vanilluxe		79	Neutral	252	31	+3
634	Sawsbuck		95	Postive	252	31	+2
597	Klang		50	Neutral	252	31	+4
578	Sawsbuck		95	Neutral	252	31	+2
564	Vanilluxe		79	Positive	252	31	+2
538	Golduck		85	Neutral	252	31	+2
530	Whirlipede		47	Positive	252	31	+3
524	Butterfree / Lunatone		70	Positive	252	31	+2
508	Electabuzz		105	Positive	252	31	+1
508	Mothim		66	Positive	252	31	+2
502	Emolga		103	Positive	252	31	+1
501	Klang		50	Neutral	124	31	+4

Tier 1: 400 - 499

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
499	Furfrou		102	Positive	252	31	+1
496	Pidgeot / Simipour / Simisage		101	Positive	252	31	+1
492	Fearow / Slaking		100	Positive	252	31	+1
483	Frogadier / Raticate		97	Positive	252	31	+1
480	Masquerain / Whiscash		60	Positive	252	31	+2
478	Dragonair		70	Neutral	252	31	+2
475	Sawsbuck		95	Positive	252	31	+1
470	Seaking		70	Neutral	252	31	+2
469	Magmar		93	Positive	252	31	+1
442	Girafarig		85	Positive	252	31	+1
438	Ivysaur		60	Neutral	252	31	+2
436	Servine		83	Positive	252	31	+1
436	Shelgon		50	Positive	252	31	+2
428	Scraggy		48	Positive	252	31	+2
426	Gastly		80	Positive	252	31	+1
426	Klang		50	Neutral	24	31	+4
424	Whirlipede		47	Positive	252	31	+2
423	Vanilluxe		79	Positive	252	31	+1
408	Klang		50	Neutral	0	31	+4
406	Krokorok		74	Positive	252	31	+1
406	Huntail		52	Neutral	252	31	+2

Tier 2: 300 - 399

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
398	Beartic / Klang / Shelgon		50	Neutral	252	31	+2
393	Butterfree		70	Positive	252	31	+1
392	Lairon		40	Positive	252	31	+2
381	Mothim		66	Positive	252	31	+1
376	Seviper		65	Positive	252	31	+1
362	Dragonair		70	Neutral	20	31	+2
361	Persian		115	Positive	252	31	0
360	Masquerain / Meditite / Whiscash		60	Positive	252	31	+1
359	Swoobat		114	Positive	252	31	0
358	Dragonair		70	Neutral	252	31	+1
358	Lairon		40	Neutral	252	31	+2
350	Jumpluff		110	Positive	252	31	0
348	Magcargo		30	Positive	252	31	+2
339	Electabuzz / Lopunny		105	Positive	252	31	0
337	Meowstic-F		104	Positive	252	31	0
335	Emolga		103	Positive	252	31	0
334	Klang		50	Neutral	124	31	+2
333	Furfrou		102	Positive	252	31	0
331	Pidgeot / Simipour / Simisage		101	Positive	252	31	0
328	Fearow / Slaking		100	Positive	252	31	0
327	Shelgon		50	Positive	252	31	+1
326	Gourgeist-Small		99	Positive	252	31	0
322	Frogadier / Raticate		97	Positive	252	31	0
321	Scraggy		48	Positive	252	31	+1
318	Whirlipede		47	Positive	252	31	+1
317	Sawsbuck		95	Positive	252	31	0
313	Magmar		93	Positive	252	31	0
312	Ivysaur		60	Neutral	0	31	+2
308	Murkrow		91	Positive	252	31	0
306	Pikachu		90	Positive	252	31	0

Tier 3: 200 - 299

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
298	Shelgon		50	Neutral	252	31	+1
295	Girafarig / Golduck / Illumise		85	Positive	252	31	0
291	Servine		83	Positive	252	31	0
289	Sawsbuck		95	Neutral	252	31	0
284	Gastly / Glalie / Meganium		80	Positive	252	31	0
284	Klang		50	Neutral	16	31	+2
283	Gastly		80	Positive	252	30	0
282	Vanilluxe		79	Positive	252	31	0
279	Pikachu		90	Neutral	252	31	0
273	Beedrill		75	Positive	252	31	0
272	Klang / Shelgon		50	Neutral	0	31	+2
271	Krokorok		74	Positive	252	31	0
271	Dragonair		70	Neutral	20	31	+1
269	Golduck		85	Neutral	252	31	0
265	Bibarel		71	Positive	252	31	0
263	Pikachu		90	Neutral	188	31	0
262	Butterfree / Lunatone / Luxray / Solrock		70	Positive	252	31	0
254	Mothim		66	Positive	252	31	0
251	Kricketune / Mienfoo / Seviper		65	Positive	252	31	0
250	Glaceon		65	Positive	252	30	0
247	Krokorok / Stunky		74	Neutral	252	31	0
244	Meowstic		104	Neutral	0	31	0
240	Masquerain / Meditite / Whiscash		60	Positive	252	31	0
239	Dragonair / Mightyena / Politoed / Solrock		70	Neutral	252	31	0
236	Zweilous		58	Positive	252	31	0
235	Seaking		68	Neutral	252	31	0
231	Mothim		66	Neutral	252	31	0
230	Servine		83	Neutral	112	31	0
229	Banette / Chimecho / Heatmor / Mienfoo / Seviper / Walrein		65	Neutral	252	31	0
229	Dwebble / Lampent		55	Positive	252	31	0
219	Ivysaur / Whiscash		60	Neutral	252	31	0
218	Shelgon		50	Positive	252	31	0
214	Scraggy		48	Positive	252	31	0
213	Quilladin		57	Neutral	252	31	0
212	Whirlipede		47	Positive	252	31	0
209	Pignite / Swalot		55	Neutral	252	31	0
204	Shelgon		50	Neutral	0	31	+1
203	Huntail		52	Neutral	252	31	0
201	Swalot		55	Neutral	220	31	0

Tier 4: 100 - 199

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
199	Beartic / Carbink / Klang / Shelgon		50	Neutral	252	31	0
197	Solrock		70	Neutral	84	31	0
196	Meganium		80	Neutral	0	31	0
196	Ariados / Lairon		40	Positive	252	31	0
190	Banette		65	Neutral	96	31	0
190	Sliggoo		60	Neutral	136	31	0
189	Magnemite / Wigglytuff		45	Neutral	252	31	0
186	Beedrill		75	Neutral	0	31	0
182	Palpitoad		69	Neutral	32	31	0
181	Gogoat		68	Neutral	36	31	0
180	Dragonair / Politoed / Natu / Tentacool / Vibrava		70	Neutral	16	31	0
180	Gourgeist-Large		69	Neutral	24	31	0
180	Seaking		68	Neutral	32	31	0
180	Chimecho		65	Neutral	56	31	0
180	Ivysaur / Whiscash		60	Neutral	96	31	0
180	Pignite		55	Neutral	136	31	0
179	Lairon		40	Neutral	252	31	0
176	Natu / Politoed / Solrock / Tentacool / Vibrava		70	Neutral	0	31	0
174	Gourgeist-Large / Palpitoad		69	Neutral	0	31	0
174	Magcargo		30	Positive	252	31	0
173	Trubbish		65	Neutral	28	31	0
172	Gogoat		68	Neutral	0	31	0
170	Chinchou		67	Neutral	0	31	0
169	Graveler		35	Neutral	252	31	0
166	Dustox / Gothitelle / Mienfoo / Trubbish		65	Neutral	0	31	0
164	Klang		50	Neutral	124	31	0
157	Volbeat		85	Negative	0	0	0
156	Ivysaur / Sliggoo / Wailord		60	Neutral	0	31	0
152	Wartortle / Zweilous		58	Neutral	0	31	0
150	Quilladin		57	Neutral	0	31	0
149	Gigalith		25	Neutral	252	31	0
147	Graveler		35	Neutral	164	31	0
146	Pignite / Swalot		55	Neutral	0	31	0
142	Klang		50	Neutral	24	31	0
136	Carbink / Klang / Marshtomp / Shelgon		50	Neutral	0	31	0
132	Scraggy		48	Neutral	0	31	0
131	Swalot		55	Negative	0	31	0
126	Dunsparce		45	Neutral	0	31	0
126	Wigglytuff		45	Neutral	0	31	0
117	Frillish		40	Neutral	4	31	0
116	Lairon / Sandshrew		40	Neutral	0	31	0
108	Grotle / Wormadam-Trash		36	Neutral	0	31	0
106	Corsola / Graveler		35	Neutral	0	31	0
100	Hippopotas		32	Neutral	0	31	0

Tier 5: 99 and below

Speed	Pokemon	Sprites	Base Speed	Nature	EVs	IVs	Boosts
97	Pignite		55	Neutral	0	31	-1
96	Duosion / Magcargo		30	Neutral	0	31	0
94	Klang		50	Negative	0	0	0
86	Dusclops / Gigalith		25	Neutral	0	31	0
85	Octillery		45	Negative	0	0	0
82	Bronzor		23	Neutral	0	31	0
76	Eelektrik		40	Negative	0	0	0
73	Pignite		55	Neutral	0	31	-2
46	Munchlax		5	Neutral	0	31	0

Differences between current generation

• Differences between ORAS and S/V:
  • Abilities:
    • Dark-types are not immune to Prankster
    • Beartic, Gigalith, and Vanilluxe do not have their weather abilities from Generation VII
    • Inner Focus, Oblivious, Own Tempo, and Scrappy are not immune to Intimidate; Rattled is not triggered by Intimidate
    • Koffing only has Levitate
    • Protean will change your typing according to the move being chosen. This is not limited to your first non-STAB choice.
    • Soundproof Pokémon are immune to Heal Bell and their own sound moves
    • Weak Armor only boosts Speed by 1 stage
  • Ariados, Beartic, Chimecho, Corsola, Illumise, Lunatone, Masquerain, Magcargo, Noctowl, Solrock, and Volbeat do not have their updated stats from Generation VII
  • Mechanics:
    • Burn damage deals 1/8th of a Pokémon’s max HP at the end of the turn
    • The chance to hit yourself, while confused, is 50%
    • The chance to land a critical hit is 6.25% without modifiers
    • Paralysis reduces speed by 75%
    • Terastalization does not exist
  • Items:
    • Blunder Policy, Clear Amulet, Covert Cloak, Eject Pack, Heavy-Duty Boots, Loaded Dice, Protective Pads, Room Service, and Throat Spray are not in ORAS
    • Pinch berries restore 1/8th of a Pokémon’s max HP when at 50% HP or less
  • Move changes, Move cuts, and Move pool differences:
    • Destiny Bond can be used consecutively
    • Healing Wish is triggered on the same turn used
    • Teleport is 0 priority and fails when used

Council: 5Dots 5gen Charles A. TheistOranBerryBlissey10 sleid TWiTT

 

[Monai]

Artwork by Kolohe. Support his artwork here!​

Welcome to BW ZU. The purpose of this is to have a place to discuss changes to the BW ZU Viability Rankings listed below, any meta trends you've experienced, Pokemon or cores you've been using, and/or any teams you might wish to share and get feedback on. We've made this because we want to bring more exposure to what we believe is an incredibly fun metagame.


To be played under the Gen 5 ZU format.

Viability Rankings (with sample sets)

Pixel artwork by pisxel​

VR Explanation

S

S rank Pokemon are the best of the best and are usable in any team or structure. They define the metagame and no other Pokemon available can do what they do. They require no support to utilize and are capable of supporting teams extremely well. You are doing your opponent a favor by not using these Pokemon.


--------

A+

A+ ranked Pokemon are staples in the current metagame but their offensive/defensive presence is less notable than S rank Pokemon, yet one should consider them without hesitation when building. They are all capable in their own right, easy to use, and proficient in providing great support while requiring little to no support.

A

A Rank Pokemon are a less capable than A+ because they are either more limited in overall capabilities and roles or have exploitable flaws, but the team utility/function they provide can't be matched. They are all very capable offensively/defensively. A rank Pokemon may require support to work.

A-

A- rank Pokemon have glaring flaws but maintain unique capabilities that enable them to be large threats in the current meta, creating powerful offensive/defensive pairings. Pokemon in this rank will require support to be utilized properly.


--------

B+

B+ rank have a more specific function in the metagame that they are capable of fulfilling quite well. While they boast great capabilities, they require more support to work than A- rank Pokemon. These Pokemon are limited to specific roles/archetypes and/or require a lot of support to be utilized properly.

B

B rank Pokemon are far more limited in how they can be utilized, either fulfilling very specific roles, and requiring a lot of support to work well. Their success in their role is less of guarantee as well.

B-

B- rank Pokemon have obvious flaws with limited capabilities and are outclassed by higher ranked Pokemon. They fulfill very specific roles and are not easily put into a team. They are very hard to use and requires a LOT of team support.


--------

C

C rank Pokemon are viable, but you are probably better off trying another Pokémon than using these. They have unique niches and are usable on teams tailored to support them. C rank Pokemon can find success against certain match ups, but their success is not a guarantee.

S Rank
1. Clefairy
2. Persian
3. Solrock

S- Rank
4. Grumpig
5. Emolga
6. Muk

A+ Rank
7. Leafeon
8. Meganium
9. Simisear
10. Lairon
11. Arbok
12. Wormadam-T
13. Mienfoo

A Rank
14. Walrein
15. Mr. Mime
16. Frillish
17. Staryu
18. Kingler
19. Raichu
20. Glaceon

A- Rank
21. Shelgon
22. Whiscash
23. Pawniard
24. Pelipper
25. Hippopotas

B+ Rank
26. Slaking
27. Pikachu
28. Vullaby
29. Ivysaur
30. Wormadam-S

B Rank
31. Vibrava
32. Lopunny
33. Munchlax
34. Exploud
35. Luxray
36. Hypno
37. Graveler
38. Bibarel
39. Beartic

B- Rank
40. Gloom
41. Lampent
42. Mothim
43. Budew
44. Gastly
45. Octillery
46. Flareon
47. Leavanny
48. Magmar

C Rank
Corsola
Cranidos
Drilbur
Eelektrik
Granbull
Heatmor
Kecleon
Koffing
Magcargo
Magnemite
Phione
Pignite
Pineco
Porygon
Raticate
Sandshrew
Shelmet
Unfezant
Vanilluxe

2023 VR

S Rank
1. Persian
2. Solrock
3. Clefairy

S- Rank
4. Meganium
5. Muk
6. Emolga

A+ Rank
7. Leafeon
8. Simisear
9. Lairon
10. Grumpig
11. Arbok

A Rank
12. Mienfoo
13. Frillish
14. Walrein
15. Wormadam-T

A- Rank
16. Kingler
17. Mr. Mime
18. Shelgon
19. Staryu
20. Pelipper
21. Raichu
22. Pikachu
23. Slaking

B+ Rank
24. Wormadam-S
25. Ivysaur
26. Glaceon
27. Whiscash
28. Hippopotas
29. Pawniard
30. Vullaby
31. Exploud
32. Gastly
33. Lopunny

B Rank
34. Abra
35. Gloom
36. Munchlax
37. Vibrava
38. Flareon
39. Graveler
40. Lampent

B- Rank
41. Bibarel
42. Leavanny
43. Luxray
44. Magmar
45. Mothim
46. Octillery
47. Raticate
48. Beartic

C+ Rank
49. Granbull
50. Phione
51. Pineco
52. Sandshrew
53. Drilbur
54. Heatmor
55. Magcargo

C Rank
56. Magnemite
57. Pignite
58. Seviper
59. Cranidos
60. Eelektrik
61. Porygon
62. Shelmet
63. Corsola
64. Kecleon

Damage Calculator Importable

Damage calculator importable. (current as of 1/1/2022). Can be imported into the Pokemon Showdown! Damage Calculator for ease of calculating against BW ZU-relevant sets during battles without having to tweak entire movesets, natures, and EVs. Just copy and paste the sets into the Import/Export feature and calc away. All sets are prefixed with "BW ZU" so you can easily identify the relevant sets from the dropdown menu. Please note that this paste does not have move options (e.g. "Return / Double-Edge") because it will cause those moveslots to be blank when imported into the calculator. For comprehensive move options, please reference the respective pastes in the Viability Rankings above.

Role Compendium

More niche or underexplored sets are separated by a slash

Hazards/Spinners
Stealth Rock: /
Spikes: /
Rapid Spin: /

Clerics
Wish:
Heal Bell/Aromatherapy: /
Healing Wish: /

Pivots
Offensive:
U-Turn: /
Volt Switch: /

Defensive:
U-Turn: /
Volt Switch: /

Phazers:
Roar: /
Whirlwind:
Dragon Tail:

Weather:
Sun Setters:
Chlorophyll: /
Sun Wallbreakers: /
Rain Setters:
Swift Swim:
Rain Wallbreakers:

Walls/Tanks:
Physical: /
Special: /
Mixed: /

Wallbreakers:
Physical: /
Special: /
Mixed: /
Stallbreakers: /
Choice Band: /
Choice Specs: /

Setup Threats:
Swords Dance: /
Calm Mind: /
Agility/Rock Polish: /
Nasty Plot: /
Bulk Up/Curse/Coil: /
Dragon Dance:
Quiver Dance:
Work Up:
Growth:

Speed Control:
Natural Speed:
Choice Scarf: /

Priority
Fake Out:
Sucker Punch: /
Extreme Speed:
Mach Punch:
Shadow Sneak:

Other
Magic Guard + Focus Sash:

Speed Tiers

Spreedsheet courtesy of BloodAce with formatting borrowed from Procrastinasian

Sample Teams

Persian + Specs Glaceon Balance by btboy
Double Water HO by Monai
Rock Spam Balance by Xrn
Vullaby Mixed Simisear Fat by JonAmon 25
Emolga + CB Mienfoo Balance by btboy
Wormadam-T Double Water Balance by Monai
SubPunch Muk + Scarf Grumpig Offense by OranBerryBlissey10

Archived Teams

Note: these teams are still legal and viable, but are not optimized for the current meta.

Arbok VoltTurn by thebtboy
Octillery + CB Lairon Offense by thebtboy
Taunt Spam Bulky Offense by thebtboy
Water Spam Balance by thebtboy
Dragonair Haz Stack Semi-Stall by Mirbro
Normal Spam Balance by Mirbro
Pawniard + Pikachu Smurf HO by SBPC
Physical Hyper Offense by DnB
SD Leafeon + Scarf Exploud Balance by Mirbro
Specs Exploud + Dragonair Bulky Offense by thebtboy
Standard Sun by Tack
Superman Spike Stack by Louna

Legal Pokemon & Team Validator

List of Pokemon
BW ZU Validator
Banlist: PU (see validator), Articuno, Dragonair, Glalie, Machoke, Marowak, Regigigas, Trubbish, Whirlipede, Omanyte, Sleep Moves, Baton Pass

Generation 5-Specific Mechanics

Dark and Ghost are resisted by Steel instead of neutral
Sleep turns reset to 0 upon switching out
Hidden Power has a max base power of 70, and the base power depends on the Pokemon's IVs
Several other moves had different base power, PP, or accuracy

Artwork Archive

View attachment 394570
Artwork by Kolohe. Support his artwork here!

Tier Leader: Monai
Council: Gangsta Spongebob,JonAmon 25, Mirbro, btboy.

 

[skrimps]

art from skrimps
​

Welcome to DPP ZU! The purpose of this is to have a place to discuss changes to the DPP ZU Viability Rankings listed below, any meta trends you've experienced, Pokemon or cores you've been using, and/or any teams you might wish to share and get feedback on. We've made this because we want to bring more exposure to what we believe is an incredibly fun metagame.

To be played under the Gen 4 ZU format. Baton Pass is limited in this tier. Users may pass Substitute and any stat changes from moves like Swords Dance, Iron Defense, and Agility, as well as omni-boosts from moves like Ancient Power, but may not pass any stats alongside Speed. This means that you cannot pass, for instance, a Dragon Dance boost. Furthermore, players may only have one Baton Pass user on each team.

In addition to the above restriction on Baton Pass, the following elements were deemed too overpowered or uncompetitive by the DPP ZU councilmembers and are therefore banned from use: Damp Rock, Electabuzz, Gorebyss, Kingler, Lapras, Marowak, Raichu, Rampardos, Walrein.

---

DPP ZU Viability Rankings - Click the links for sample sets!
Viability Rankings are a method to sort and organize based on how viable, effective, and consistent a Pokemon is in the tier.

Viability Rankings

S Rank - These Pokémon are the best of the best. They require minimal support to function and should be prepared for on any serious team.

Luxray
Persian

A Rank - Pokémon that are metagame staples. They easily fill their given roles in team building, but have a noticeable weakness to address.

High
Carnivine
Pelipper
Probopass
Phione
Sableye

Low
Arbok
Camerupt
Crawdaunt
Golbat
Ivysaur
Lairon
Lunatone
Mawile
Raticate
Stantler
Wailord
Wormadam-Trash

B Rank - Notably fare well, either in response to certain threats in the metagame or occupying a useful niche to distinguish itself. These tend to have a few roadblocks that can dampen their performance.

High
Banette
Bibarel
Chimecho
Dewgong
Diglett
Dunsparce
Girafarig
Granbull
Grovyle
Lopunny
Plusle
Seadra
Shelgon
Swalot
Whiscash

Low
Beedrill
Bronzor
Combusken
Exploud
Fearow
Flareon
Gastly
Gloom
Grotle
Huntail
Kecleon
Marshtomp
Omanyte
Sudowoodo
Vigoroth
Wormadam-Sandy

C Rank - Generally mediocre in play. They tend to have a smaller niche that need more support to facilitate than higher tiered Pokémon.

High
Abra
Budew
Butterfree
Clamperl
Octillery
Pidgeot
Prinplup
Pupitar
Slaking
Wartortle
Wigglytuff
Vibrava

Low
Chatot
Clefairy
Corsola
Cranidos
Dustox
Lickitung
Mankey
Meditite
Mightyena
Minun
Noctowl
Pikachu
Pineco
Porygon
Quilava
Seviper
Tentacool
Togetic
Yanma

Useful Posts About The Current Metagame

Resource Post in thread 'ZU Old Gens Hub - [GSC] Quickban Slate @ 359!'

Oct 20, 2023

Here's a big post for DPP ZU.

First off -- I've added Drud and BeatsBlack to the DPP ZU council. Both are strong players with deep knowledge of DPP ZU. Huargensy and neomon have also departed the council, so we wish them the best.

---

Next up -- here's a VR update for DPP ZU to account for the meta's development throughout Olympiad, Classic, and now ZUPL V. The voters were me, wooper, BeatsBlack, Drud, and TTK.

RISES

High B --> High A
Low A --> High A
High B --> High A
High B --> Low A
Low B --> Low A
High B --> Low...

• skrimps

• 
• 

Resource Post in thread 'ZU Old Gens Hub - [GSC] Quickban Slate @ 359!'

Nov 7, 2024

Here's a DPP ZU Viability Rankings update, as well as my quick perspective on the changes and metagame overall.

The voters were me, wooper, BeatsBlack, Drud, and HSOWA. I would share the full slate, but I gave up after copy+paste failed. The DPP ZU Hub has been updated accordingly, so go look at that.

RISES

Low A --> High A

High B --> Low A

High B -->...

• skrimps

• 
• 
• 

---

DPP ZU Sample Teams
Sample teams are here to help new players jump right into the metagame.

Sample Teams

Lead LO Banette + Raticate + Shed Shell HP Fire Probopass by skrimps


Lead EBelt Luxray + Sub 3-Attacks Phione + SD Pass Mawile + DD Whiscash by Drud


Lead Bite Persian + SD LO Mawile + HP Fire SubSeed Grovyle by wooper, skrimps, and Drud


Lead Shard Dewgong + NP Plusle by BeatsBlack

Archived

Lead Butterfree + SD Pass Mawile by Toy Time King


Offensive Luxray by wooper


Omanyte HO by beauts


Scarf Arbok by Huargensy


Specs Daunt by wooper


Subtox Wailord by wooper


Arbok + Lunatone by wooper


Arbok Paraspam by Corthius


Baton Pass Mawile by Cigtar


Butterfree Lead by beauts


CM Sableye + Toxic Spikes by Corthius


Crawdaunt Rain by Procrastinasian


Curse Lapras by wooper


DD Crawdaunt by wooper


Diglett Baton Pass by beauts


Double Crab by wooper


Hazards BO by Ho3nConfirm3d


Maro Gore Buzz by Procrastinasian


Persian BO by Cigtar


Persian + Diglett by skrimps


Scarf Kingler + Lead Bat by Huargensy


SD Pass by skrimps

Normal Spam HO by pinktidal

Pretty straight forward team. Pressure leads/normal checks with Yanma, Raticate breaks/u-turns into the appropriate mon, Diglett traps normal checks and electrics/sets up SR, Lairon checks normals/can potentially sweep with Rock Polish, Politoed stops rain/Kingler, and scarf Fearow revenges/stops sun/absorbs sleep.

Normal Spam BO by pinktidal

Another variant of normal spam but this time with a solid defensive core. Persian deters hazards and U-turns out into breakers while also chipping normal stops. Exploud decimates walls including normal stops and allows the other normals to more effectively clean. Scarf Chatot revenges for the team and appreciates the work Exploud puts in. Swalot is thw wincon of the team. Curse, RestTalk, Return lets it setup and win after ghosts and normal checks have been weakened or knocked out. Tangela checks kingler and normal stops while also throwing off strong attacks. Solrock is the teams normal/flying resist and rocker. It can catch mons of guard with endure + cutsap Boom/Rocks.

Spikes Stack Balance by pinktidal

A sturdier team than the rest. It revolves around detering hazards with lead Persian, setting your own hazards up with Pineco, and choosing a wincon. Kingler is the main sweeper, and it really appreciates having hazards up to pressure its checks. Kingler also serves as a SSI to physical waters. Pupitar provides the team with an offensive normal/electric stop while also being a potential wincon with DD. Stunky stops ghosts, and can effectively revenge kill with hazards. Skunk also gives Kingler and Pupitar an easier time setting up after it mementos. SpDef Dusclops finishes the team, making a great defensive backbone in combination with Pineco, while also spinblocking.

---

DPP ZU Role Compendium
A comprehensive list of roles of all potentially viable pokemon in the tier.

Role Compendium

HAZARD/SPINNERS

• Stealth Rock:
• Spikes:
• Toxic Spikes:
• Rapid Spin:
• Spin Blockers:

CLERICS

• Wish:
• Heal Bell/Aromatherapy:
• Healing Wish:

PIVOTS -- Offensive:

• Offensive U-Turn:
• Defensive U-Turn:
• Baton Pass:

PHAZERS

• Roar:
• Whirlwind:
• Haze:

WALLS/TANKS

• Physical Walls:
• Special Walls:
• Mixed Walls:

WALL BREAKERS

• Physical Attackers:
• Special Attackers:
• Mixed Attackers:
• Stallbreakers:
• Choice Band:
• Choice Specs:
• Expert Belt:

SETUP THREATS

• Swords Dance:
• Calm Mind:
• Agility/Rock Polish:
• Nasty Plot:
• Bulk Up:
• Dragon Dance:
• Curse:
• Crit-Me-Not:

SPEED CONTROL

• Natural Speed:
• Choice Scarf:

PRIORITY

• Fake Out:
• Sucker Punch:
• Extreme Speed:
• Mach Punch:
• Vacuum Wave:
• Bullet Punch:
• Shadow Sneak:
• Aqua Jet:
• Ice Shard:

SETUP SUPPORT

• Light Screen:
• Reflect:
• Safeguard:
• Memento:
• Baton Pass:

ITEM MANIPULATION

• Knock Off:
• Trick:
• Switcheroo:

SELF-KO

• Explosion:
• Self-Destruct:

WEATHER

• Sun Setters:
• Chlorophyll:
• Sun Wallbreakers:

• Rain Setters:
• Swift Swim:
• Rain Wallbreakers:

MISCELLANEOUS

• Pursuit:
• Taunt:
• Encore:
• Trapper:
• Sleep:

---

DPP ZU Speed Tiers

Speed Tiers

Speed Tiers consisting of all viable and niche Pokemon in DPP ZU.
Speed Tiers 2.0 by skrimps.

Very Important To-Know before playing Gen 4:​
No team preview, lead is the first Pokemon in your party/teambuilder.

Other Important Generation 4-Specific Mechanics

Status Move Changes: (IMPORTANT)​
Defog cannot be used to clear your side's hazards, making it essentially useless. Rapid Spin is only form of removal.
Magic Coat does not reflect hazards, making it relatively useless.
Taunt lasts 3-5 turns.
Growth only raises SpA, not Atk.
Tail Glow raises two stages instead of three.
You can paralyze Electric types with any paralyzing move, but not Ground types except with Stun Spore.
You can put Grass types to sleep/paralysis with Powders and Spores.
Paralysis reduces your speed by 3/4 (1/2 now)
Burn does 1/8 hp per turn (1/16th now)
Confusion hits yourself 50% of the time (33% now)
Sleep lasts 1-4 turns.
Wish heals 50% flat HP.

Damage Changes:​
Knock off's BP is 20, meaning it is utility based only. Items are usually not as crucial as later gens, so this move is usually not recommended.
Hidden Power has a max base power of 70, and the base power depends on the Pokemon's IVs.
Giga drain and Drain Punch (8 PP) have 60 power (16 PP, 75 BP now)
Multi-hit moves have lower power (Icicle Spear 10 BP, Bullet Seed 10 BP) (25 now), or lower accuracy (Rock Blast 80% Accuracy) (90% now)
Aura Sphere is 90 power (80 now), Blizzard/Fire Blast/Hydro Pump/Thunder is 120 power (110 now), Thunderbolt/Flamethrower/Ice Beam/Surf is 95 power (90 now)
Sucker Punch is 80 power (70 now)
High Jump Kick and Jump Kick had 100 and 85 power respectively (now 130 and 100)
Leech Life is 20 power, so it is basically unviable (80 now)
Crits do 2x damage (1.5x now), and have a 6.25% chance of occurance (4.167% now), Sniper does 3x damage, vs 2.25x now

Accuracy Changes:​
Trapping moves (Fire spin, Whirlpool) have 70% accuracy (85% now)
Will-O-Wisp is 75% accuracy (85% now), Toxic is 85% accuracy (90% now), Thunder Wave is 100% accuracy (90% now)
Gunk Shot is 70% accuracy (80% now)
Glare is 75% accuracy (100% now)
Psywave is 80% accuracy (100% before it was removed in Gen 8)
Poison types can miss toxic.

Secondary Effect Changes:​
Chatter has a 31% chance to confuse (100% now)
Rapid Spin does not increase speed.

Priority Changes:​
Fake out and Extremespeed are only +1 Priority

Ability Changes:​
Sturdy only stops OHKO moves.
Soundproof Pokémon are immune to Heal Bell

Typing Changes:​
Dark and Ghost are resisted by Steel instead of neutral
Fairy-type does not exist; mono-Fairy types are normal, dual Fairy-types are their primary typing.

---

Tier Leader: skrimps
Council: wooper, Drud, BeatsBlack, HSOWA
QC Team: TBD

Archived Resources

Resources here are archived because while they are no longer relevant or up to date with the current metagame, we wanted to recognize and honor the work put into compiling them, as well as the preserving former iterations of the tier.

Speed Tiers by Procrastinasian
DPP Spreadsheet by Procrastinasian: Contains everything you need to know to play the metagame, including all legal Pokemon, Gen 4 Mechanics, updated Viability Rankings, Sample Teams, Speed Tiers, and a Role Compendium. The resources above are heavily referenced from this spreadsheet.
DPP ZU Validator by Procrastinasian: An easy-to-use tool to help make sure your Pokemon are valid for DPP ZU. To use, paste from the PS teambuilder.

 

[Gangsta Spongebob]

Artwork by andrew_endres!
​

Welcome to ADV ZU! The purpose of this is to have a place to discuss changes to the ADV ZU Viability Rankings listed below, any meta trends you've experienced, Pokemon or cores you've been using, and/or any teams you might wish to share and get feedback on. We've made this because we want to bring more exposure to what we believe is an incredibly fun metagame. ADV ZU is in no way meant to overshadow the current metagame.

Baton Pass is limited to Dry Pass only in ADV ZU. You cannot use Baton Pass in conjunction with status moves that can pass a beneficial effect to any switch-in, including Substitute.

Given ADV PU's new VR, where every Pokemon that is B- or below is ZU, some of these resources might be outdated.

ADV ZU Viability Rankings
Viability Rankings are a method to sort and organize based on how viable, effective and consistent a Pokemon is in the tier. S Rank is given to Pokemon who dictate the metagame, are very easy to fit on teams, and work on many playstyles; C Rank is for Pokemon who might have a small niche in the metagame and require significant amount of team support to achieve this goal.

ZUBL

The following Pokemon are banned, and therefore not legal in ADV ZU.
Poliwhirl
Shelgon
Yanma

Swagger
All Sleep Moves

Some Pokemon were banned but are now PU by usage, they will be ZUBL if they drop
Lairon
Shedinja

Viability Rankings

Pokemon are ordered within their ranks alphabetically. The list does not include every legal Pokemon.

S
None!

A+
Aipom
Corsola
Gloom
Ponyta
Seaking

A
Abra
Clamperl
Koffing
Mightyena
Porygon
Tropius

A-
Anorith
Beedrill
Castform
Doduo
Flaaffy
Meditite
Noctowl

B+
Chinchou:
Drowzee
Quilava
Tentacool
Volbeat

B
Ariados
Cubone
Delcatty
Elekid
Lileep
Magnemite
Rhyhorn:
Smoochum
Wartortle

B-
Butterfree
Delibird
Horsea
Lombre
Staryu
Sunflora
Voltorb
Weepinbell

C+
Croconaw
Dustox
Magby
Wailmer

C
Exeggcute
Farfetch'd
Masquerain
Nosepass
Onix
Shuppet
Spoink

Sample Teams

FWG + Onix BO by BP

Role Compendium

Arranged by JoaF, click here for the OP!
Utility
Spikes:


Hazard Removal/Prevention:
Spinners:






Spin-blockers:


Other Utility
Taunt:

Trick:

Encore:


Offensive Roles
Attackers:
Physical attackers:

Special attackers:











Mixed Attackers:


Set-up Sweepers:
Agility:

Belly Drum:

Bulk Up:

Calm Mind:

Curse:

Dragon Dance:

Swords Dance:

Tail Glow:


Pinch Berry Users:
Liechi Berry:

Petaya Berry:

Salac Berry:


Priority:
Extreme Speed:

Fake out:

Quick Attack:

Choice Band Users:



Defensive/Positioning Roles
Walls:
Physical walls:

Special walls:

Mixed walls:


Pivots:
Baton Pass:


Specific Roles
Anti-Setup:
Haze:

Roar:

Whirlwind:


Clerics:
Heal Bell/Aromatherapy:

Wish:


Screens:
Light Screen:

Reflect:

Both:


Pursuit:


Explosion/Self-Destruct:



Weather

Rain:
Setters:

Abusers:


Sun:
Setters:

Abusers:


Status
Spreaders:
Paralysis:
Thunder Wave:

Static:

Stun Spore:


Burn:
Will-O-Wisp:


Poison:
Toxic:


Absorbers:
Toxic:

Thunder Wave:

Will-O-Wisp:

Additional Resources
ADV Mechanics - credit to Slowbroth
ADV ZU Teambuilding Lab
Analysis Spreadsheet
Legal Pokemon
Speed Tiers
Tour Banlist

Tier Leader: BeatsBlack
Council: BP, Gangsta Spongebob, Monai, OranBerryBlissey10, wooper
QC Team: BeatsBlack, BP, Gangsta Spongebob, sleid

Archived Resources

Old Set Compendium

Old Role Compendium

The following role compendium is slightly outdated as a result of the recent unfreeze and shift from PU. An updated compendium will be released following the completion of ZU Olympiad II.

Cleric Support
Aromatherapy / Heal Bell
Wish

Disruption
Encore
Haze
Roar / Whirlwind
Taunt
Trick

Hazards + Removal
Rapid Spin
Spikes
Spin-blocking

Pivots + Momentum
Baton Pass (Dry Pass)
Memento
Pursuit

Priority Users
ExtremeSpeed
Fake Out
Mach Punch
Quick Attack

Setup Sweepers
Agility
Belly Drum
Bulk Up
Calm Mind
Curse
Dragon Dance
Swords Dance

Status Spreaders
GrassWhistle
Hypnosis
Sleep Powder
Sing
Spore
Stun Spore
Thunder Wave
Will-o-Wisp

Wallbreakers
Choice Band
Explosion / Self-Destruct

Weather
Sunny Day
Chlorophyll
Rain Dance
Swift Swim
Forecast
Cloud Nine

Old Overviews

https://pokepast.es/82795e1fdef9ec44
https://pokepast.es/7e4d6603903ab241
https://pokepast.es/2795eb07679dfa61
https://pokepast.es/e8934ee94e7e786e
https://pokepast.es/47ae8f57beb629b5
https://pokepast.es/763021c17db7ac32
https://pokepast.es/7ea8ab71fff93500
https://pokepast.es/b1756a5958bab94c
https://pokepast.es/9792197cee763e14
https://pokepast.es/5db34f9f414dec2e
https://pokepast.es/e4d16c8e5269ce1a
https://pokepast.es/b3e6b457330189ba

Old Samples

The following teams are no longer legal and/or relevant in the current metagame.
Koffing Offense by Monai
Flaaffy + Graveler Balance by wooper
Butterfree + LureHorn Offense by BP
Cubone Balance by wooper
Rain by Gangsta Spongebob
Wail Bone Offense by BP
Cleaner Growlithe Offense by BP
Magnemite Balance by OranBerryBlissey10
lead cyndaquil + bagon by czim
stall by BP and wooper
rain hyper offense by Tack
butterfree + cubone HO by BP
double banded normalspam by Gangsta Spongebob [in-depth analysis here!]
lead elekid + normalspam by Albi
growlithe normal spam by BP
birdspam + exeggcute by czim
pidgeotto balance by BP

 

[File 13]

incredible art by multicolorcody (deviantart)
​

Welcome to the GSC ZU resources post. If you're new to GSC, here are some specific mechanics from this generation.

Huge thanks to File 13 and the rest of the GSC Discord community for helping compile the resources below! (Holly, Charles A. Theist, Talloween, Akiko Kotone and others!). If you have any questions about the metagame, feel free to ask.

Legal Pokémon List

Bayleef Bellsprout Bulbasaur Butterfree Caterpie Charmander Chikorita Cleffa Croconaw Cyndaquil Diglett Ditto Doduo Dratini Ekans Goldeen Grimer Growlithe Hoothoot Hoppip Horsea Igglybuff Ivysaur Jigglypuff Kabuto Kakuna Koffing Krabby Larvitar Ledyba Machop Magby Magikarp Mankey Mantine Mareep Marill Meowth Metapod Natu Nidoran-F Nidoran-M Nidorina Nidorino Oddish Onix Paras Parasect Phanpy Pichu Pidgeotto Pidgey Poliwag Quilava Rattata Remoraid Sandshrew Seel Sentret Shellder Skiploom Slugma Smoochum Snubbull Spearow Spinarak Squirtle Sunkern Swinub Teddiursa Tentacool Togepi Togetic Totodile Tyrogue Unown Venonat Voltorb Vulpix Wartortle Weedle Weepinbell Wobbuffet Wooper Yanma Zubat

Banlist (ZUBL)

Role Compendium & Useful Moves (Pre-Shifts)

Phasing/Hazing
Haze -
Roar -
Whirlwind -

Setup
Agility -
Baton Pass -
Barrier -
Curse - Everything in the game, with the exception of a few special cases, like Wobbuffet and the Viridian Forest worms/cocoons, for example
Meditate -
Sharpen -
Swords Dance -

Sleep/Status
Confuse Ray -
Glare -
Hypnosis -
Leech Seed -
Lovely Kiss -
Nightmare -
Sing -
Sleep Powder -
Spore -
Stun Spore -
Thunder Wave -

Weather
Rain Dance -

Sunny Day -

Other unique moves
Encore -
Explosion -
Heal Bell -
Light Screen -
Mean Look -
Moonlight -
Morning Sun -
Perish Song -
Quick Attack -
Reflect -
Super Fang -

Synthesis -
Thief -

Sample Teams (Pre-Shifts)

Double Ground Offense by Innovamania
Barrier Magby Balance by Hitmonstars
Doduo Balance by Innovamania
Icy Croc + Sub SD Tentacool by File 13
Standard Dual-Thieves Offense by Hitmonstars

Speed Tiers (Updated)

Thank you to Estragos for compiling these!
Base Speed 100: Voltorb (Max 298)
Base Speed 95: Diglett, Yanma (Max 288)
Base Speed 90: Poliwag, Meowth (Max 278)
Base Speed 85: Aipom (Max 268)
Base Speed 83: Magby (Max 264)
Base Speed 80: Charmeleon, Quilava (Max 258)
Base Speed 75: Doduo (Max 248)
Base Speed 72: Rattata (Max 242)
Base Speed 71: Pidgeotto (Max 240)
Base Speed 70: Mantine, Butterfree, Tentacool, Mankey, Natu, Onix (Max 238)
Base Speed 65: Nidorino, Smoochum (Max 228)
Base Speed 63: Goldeen (Max 224)
Base Speed 60: Bayleef, Ivysaur, Growlithe, Horsea (Max 218)
Base Speed 58: Wartortle, Croconaw (Max 214)
Base Speed 56: Nidorina (Max 210)
Base Speed 55: Weepinbell, Ledyba, Kabuto (Max 208)
Base Speed 50: Dratini, Krabby (Max 198)
Base Speed 45: Seel (Max 188)
Base Speed 41: Larvitar (Max 180)
Base Speed 40: Togetic, Teddiursa, Shellder, Phanpy, Sandshrew (Max 178)
Base Speed 35: Mareep, Machop, Koffing, Omanyte (Max 168)
Base Speed 30: Parasect, Snubbul, Spinarak (Max 158)
Base Speed 25: Grimer (Max 148)
Base Speed 15: Slowpoke, Geodude (Max 128)

Viability Rankings (Pre-Shifts)

S
Croconaw
Magby

S-

Smoochum
Togetic

A+

Bayleef
Weepinbell

A

Diglett

Grimer

Koffing

Tentacool

A-

Butterfree

Doduo

Dratini
Meowth
Nidorino
Onix

B+
Growlithe

Mareep
Sandshrew

B

Ivysaur

Natu
Nidorina
Parasect
Teddiursa

B-
Ledyba
Snubbull
Yanma

C+

Goldeen
Kabuto
Mankey

C

Larvitar
Phanpy
Pidgeotto
Seel
Spinarak

C-
Horsea

Krabby

Machop

Rattata
Shellder

Set Compendium (Updated)

Thank you to Estragos for compiling these! https://pokepast.es/798eae8d38d453f8

Pokémon Showdown! Challenge Command (Pre-Shifts)

Use this command on Pokémon Showdown! to challenge someone to a game of GSC ZU!

/challenge gen2nu @@@ -Xatu, -Weezing, -Primeape, -Dewgong, -Pineco, -Chinchou, -Ninetales, -Kingler, -Hitmonlee, -Dugtrio, -Sudowoodo, -Rapidash, -Magnemite, -Octillery, -Stantler, -Wigglytuff, -Fearow, -Magmar, -Flareon, -Lickitung, -Azumarill, -Gloom, -Dunsparce, -Farfetch'd, -Arbok, -Porygon, -Shuckle, -Graveler, -Exeggcute, -Pupitar, -Persian, -Pidgeot, -Ledian, -Raticate, -Houndour, -Dragonair, -Hitmonchan, -Sneasel, -Furret, -Seadra, -Murkrow, -Venomoth, -Poliwhirl, -Drowzee, -Elekid, -Magcargo, -Tangela, -Abra, -Cubone, -Seaking, -Voltorb, -Aipom, -Machoke, -Flaaffy, -Clefairy, -Rhyhorn, -Omanyte, -Gastly, -Noctowl, -Sunflora, -Hitmontop, -Delibird, -Beedrill, -Charmeleon, -Golbat, -Eevee, -Ariados, -Geodude, -Corsola, -Slowpoke, -Psyduck, -Ponyta, -Mantine, -Staryu, -Poliwag, -Quilava, -Wartortle

Archived Sample Teams

Lead Doduo Balance by File 13
Fire & Ice Offense by File 13
Sandshrew Paraspam by BeatsBlack
Teddiursa Normal-Spam by czim
Also it is worth checking the GSC ZU Moveset Guide made by File 13 that shows moveset ideas for most Pokémon in the VR. Have fun building!

 

[BeatsBlack]

Artwork by skrimps
​

Welcome to the RBY ZU resources post! If you're unfamiliar with RBY mechanics, then I highly recommend checking out this article written by May to get a better understanding. The Pokémon listed in the VR and Useful Moves tabs are organized alphabetically. Feel free to discuss the metagame, share teams, or ask any questions that you may have! Resources will be updated accordingly as soon as possible.

Viability Rankings

High:
Mid:
Low:

Sample Teams

Flareon Lead "Top 6" by torkonpeter


Slash Lead + Onix by Sabelette


Slash Lead "Top 6" by torkonpeter


Ape Lead Good Stuff by NotVeryCake


Butterfree + Double Water by Maris Bonibell


Butterfree + Slowpoke by Maris Bonibell


Tent Lead + Onix by Maris Bonibell


Onix + Poliwag by gastlies


Double Fire Charmeleon by gastlies


Weezing Lead Double Ground by Sabelette


Weezing Lead + Butterfree by gastlies


Weezing Lead Cookie Cutter by Gangsta Spongebob

Useful Moves

Paralysis

Glare -
Stun Spore -
Thunder Wave -

Sleep

Hypnosis -
Sing -
Sleep Powder -
Spore -

Partial Trapping

Bind -
Clamp -
Fire Spin -
Wrap -

Other Specific Moves

Agility -
Amnesia -
Confuse Ray -
Counter -
Explosion -
Meditate -
Swords Dance -

ZUBL

Arbok
Arcanine

Council

BeatsBlack NotVeryCake gastlies Medeia Gangsta Spongebob torkonpeter

Other Resources

RBY Mechanics

Generation 1 has mechanics vastly different than any other and the following article covers them in-depth.
RBY Mechanics Guide - Smogon University

Speed Tiers

** Partially outdated!! **
RBY ZU Speed Tiers provided by Gangsta Spongebob

Legal Pokémon List

Abra Beedrill Bellsprout Bulbasaur Butterfree Caterpie Charmander Charmeleon Clefairy Cubone Diglett Ditto Doduo Dratini Eevee Ekans Farfetch'd Flareon Geodude Gloom Golbat Goldeen Grimer Growlithe Hitmonchan Hitmonlee Horsea Ivysaur Jigglypuff Kabuto Kakuna Koffing Krabby Lickitung Machoke Machop Magikarp Magnemite Magneton Mankey Marowak Meowth Metapod Muk Nidoran-F Nidoran-M Nidorina Nidorino Oddish Onix Paras Parasect Pidgeot Pidgeotto Pidgey Pikachu Poliwag Ponyta Primeape Psyduck Rattata Rhyhorn Sandshrew Sandslash Seel Shellder Slowpoke Spearow Squirtle Tentacool Venonat Voltorb Vulpix Wartortle Weedle Weepinbell Weezing Zubat

Challenge Command

Use the RBY ZU format when challenging for automatic validation! Otherwise, message someone with the command below to challenge them to RBY ZU

/challenge gen1pu @@@ -Nidoqueen, -Arcanine, -Rapidash, -Seaking, -Fearow, -Staryu, -Omanyte, -Machamp, -Drowzee, -Pinsir, -Graveler, -Dragonair, -Gastly, -Electrode, -Scyther, -Vileplume, -Magmar, -Arbok

Archived

Alpha-alpha VR (September 2022 - January 2023)

S

Arbok
Flareon
Gastly
Onix

High

Diglett
Kabuto
Marowak
Pidgeot
Primeape
Scyther

Mid

Butterfree
Machoke
Magneton
Muk
Parasect
Pikachu
Tentacool
Weepinbell

Low

Charmeleon
Clefairy
Dratini
Golbat
Hitmonlee
Lickitung
Meowth
Ponyta
Rhyhorn
Wartortle
Weezing

January 2023 - April 2024 VR

Top

Pidgeot
Primeape
Sandslash

High

Abra
Arbok
Parasect
Slowpoke
Weezing

Mid

Butterfree
Flareon
Hitmonlee
Muk
Poliwag

Low

Charmeleon
Diglett
Horsea
Kabuto
Lickitung
Machoke
Magneton
Marowak
Onix
Pikachu
Ponyta
Rhyhorn
Tentacool
Weepinbell

Archived Samples

Poliwag Balance by GetSleidSun -
Fast Physical Offense by royzin
Diglett + Pidgeot Offense by royzin
Scyther Offense by BeatsBlack
Double Ground by BeatsBlack
Marowak Paraspam by BeatsBlack
Double Fighting Paraspam by BeatsBlack

Tiering History

August 4, 2022 - Alpha-alpha ZU created
January 25, 2023 - First Shift [Rises: Gastly Drops: Arcanine, Electrode, Magmar, Poliwag, Sandslash, Slowpoke, Vileplume]
March 4, 2023 - Voting Slate 1 [Banned: Arcanine, Sandslash]
April 9, 2023 - NU VR Update places Electrode at B-, thus making Electrode a NU Pokémon [Rises: Electrode]
December 11, 2023 - PU VR Update places Scyther, Magmar, and Vileplume in B1, thus making all of them PU Pokémon. In addition, Abra was ranked lower than the cutoff and has subsequently fallen to ZU. Sandslash was unbanned in response to the new shifts to further test. [Rises: Magmar, Scyther, Vileplume Drops: Abra Unbanned: Sandslash]
April 2, 2024 - Arbok is banned via blind voting

 

[DurzaOffTopic]

I know the dpp zu vr isn't the best atm. but I want to know why dustox is C? is it just a mediocre special wall with recovery or something? and what about vespiquen?

Dustox makes use of its good support movepool, useful typing, and reliable recovery to function as a decent special wall. Vespiqueen is actually very bulky and makes as a decent Defend Order + Heal Order setup user that can be very difficult to break through. It requires a large amount of support though.

Also ı want so say what makes clef A ranked in Gen 4 ZU.when ı see clef it is used mostly for cm but it wasn t even that great considering it s bulk is mediocre without evio boost takes huge chunk of damage from something like hydro pump. (ı even used rocks and it was underwhelming?)[note that Sorry If I sounded rude.I am not hating clef nor ı want bash this mon hard but from replays and my experience it was mostly mediocre]
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4nu-840440715
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4pu-840359157

Great post! Clefairy could definitely be considered for a drop but its high usage in the games being played and overall ability to dominate stall makes it very useful. I however agree that its bulk is kind of disappointing.

In the future, try to refrain from asking "why did this move up/down" or "why is this pokemon here". This is a discussion thread and posts like this don't add to the discussion. If you disagree about X Pokemon's placement, nominate it to move up/down. This encourages discussion and is overall more beneficial to creating an accurate representation of the metagame!

 

[7shoes]

Oras ZU drop : Magmar A- to B / B-


Let's talk about Magma, the mon' that everyone has forgotten since Maganon appeared.
At first sight Magmar seems to have some good points for a ZU mon'. Good offense stats but maybe not enough? , a correct speed for the tier and a movepool whose could be good
-if it did not have as much of water type.


Some explanations :
Currently I found 2 viable sets,


Belly Drum set :
Magmar @ Sitrus Berry / Eviolite
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fire Punch
- Mach Punch
- Belly Drum
- Thunder Punch


In the first set we try to set up Magmar to give it a good offensive presence and fill its lack of attack.
And here comes this first problem of Magmar in ZU. Its fire type is really annoying (defensively) for a Mon who need to set up ;
-25% on Stealth Rock
Weak to a big part of the meta
In addition to his speed which is not enough for a Sweeper.
It means that you will have to use 1 or 2 mons to cover Magmar and makes it good. (sticky web/sleep power users)

Eviolite set
Magmar @ Eviolite
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Psychic

In this second set we use the special attack of Magmar and the Eviolite to make Magmar more resistant.

This set has the advantage of being able to hit most part of the tier, except ; bulky water mon or faster mon' who can kill Magmar.
Like for the first set you will have to use a sticky user to fill the lack of speed of Magmar which can be really annoying du to the reliable number of pokémon whose learn sticky web.
Also I think Heatmor would be better as special attacker, then it also has a big lack of speed.


Finally, Magmar is still a good mon' but lacks speed and attack. (and also charism)

If some parts of my post are not really clear or you want that I explain better some points make it know.

 

[Mirbro]

click in the image to get the paste for ORAS ZU :]​

A good point you brought there. Magmar is quite good, with great special stats and a considerable physical attack that, if running BD, makes it a great sweeper. Its speed is not bad at all reaching the 90ish that many Pokémon would like to have.

But what it makes a Pokémon really good it is not only itself but the metagame. If we take a deeper look in the tier Magmar has a great advantage. Fire type Pokémon are practically absent. Moreover, there are a lot of Pokémon that are weak to any seat of Magmar (like Gourgeist) in the A and S rankings. Just to mention some: it gets a 3HKO but it can do a 2HKO with some good rolls against Buzz, it can deal great damage to Simipour if it is switching in, OHKO to Simisear. For A ranking, it can deal great damage again or completely deal with many of the Pokémon out there. Only some like Gigalith, Heatmor ... can tank some hits but due to the high coverage of Magmar's set (the special one I am focusing on), and regarding some lures, it can claim a kill to any of its counters.

Simisage + Simipour are awesome Pokémon in S tier. No Simisear there makes a great hole that Magmar has tried to occupy although with less speed and less overall functionality.

I think A- is a great position for Magmar due to having a niche set (BD) and a great set like the Evio/LO more BO oriented. This patch up the hole that was left due to Simisear vanishing.

I hope we can discuss it if you really feel it needs a drop :).

 

[pinktidal]

Been playing DPP ZU a bit more as of late and wanted to do a few things:

1) Nomating Stunky for C+ rank

In a tier where two of the six best mons are ghost types, a solid pursuit trapper is needed. Stunky fills that role with ease thanks to its dark typing and its access to the move. Stunky also offers other niches besides just trapping: it resists both of Gastly's stab and can garuntee the kill, it outspeeds and can taunt both lead Onix and Solrock, it has access to STAB priority in Sucker Punch, and it can absorb the rare Toxic Spike. While its held back by its speed, low attack, and subpar bulk stunky still can play a vital role in helping your team secure the W.

Potential Sets

Stunky @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Memento / Explosion

Stunky @ Lum Berry / Shuca Berry / Focus Sash
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Jolly / Hasty Nature
- Crunch
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Memento / Taunt / Explosion / Hidden Power Grass / Toxic / Sludge Bomb

2) Posting a few samples
Not too many ppl play the tier and I'd like to make it a more accessible by posting these. Not Gonna go too far in depth cause these teams are rly simple.

Normal Spam HO

https://pokepast.es/b8a5e8c3541f7412Pretty straight forward team. Pressure leads/normal checks with Yanma, Raticate breaks/u-turns into the appropriate mon, Diglett traps normal checks and electrics/sets up SR, Lairon checks normals/can potentially sweep with Rock Polish, Politoed stops rain/Kingler, and scarf Fearow revenges/stops sun/absorbs sleep.

Spikes Stack Balance