RicePigeon

Thanks to the folks at Smogon dissecting the ORAS demo, we now know the base stats for four of the new Mega Evos:


Sceptile -> Mega Sceptile
HP: 70 -> 70
Atk: 85 -> 110 (+25)
Def: 65 -> 75 (+10)
SpAtk: 105 ->145 (+40)
SpDef: 85 -> 85 (+0)
Speed: 120 -> 145 (+25)


Swampert -> Mega Swampert
HP: 100 -> 100
Atk: 110 -> 150 (+40)
Def: 90 -> 110 (+20)
SpAtk: 85 ->95 (+10)
SpDef: 90 -> 110 (+20)
Speed: 60 -> 70 (+10)


Glalie -> Mega Glalie
HP: 80 -> 80
Atk: 80 -> 120 (+40)
Def: 80 -> 80 (+0)
SpAtk: 80 -> 120 (+40)
SpDef: 80 -> 80 (+0)
Speed: 80 -> 100 (+20)


Steelix -> Mega Steelix
HP: 75 -> 75
Atk: 85 -> 125 (+40)
Def: 200 -> 230 (+30)
SpAtk: 55 -> 55 (+0)
SpDef: 65 -> 95 (+30)
Speed: 30 -> 30 (+0)


Mega Sceptile and Mega Swampert's base stats look sexy as fuck. Mega Swampert confirmed as new Rain sweeper.

Mega Steelix strikes me as meh. Base 95 SpDef is nice, but it just seems like an inferior Mega Aggron that needs sand support to be effective, just like Mega Garchomp, and we all know how that Mega turned out.

Mega Glalie is just mediocre, though...

EDIT: At least Mega Glalie can do this:
 
252+ Atk Refrigerate Mega Glalie Explosion vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 276-325 (82.6 - 97.3%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

As compensation for the lack of a PotW last Monday, I'll be covering an Ubers threat, and perhaps one of the more controversial ones:

Aegislash

 
Aegislash-Shield Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 60 (230-324)
Attack: 50 (105-199) (94-179) (115-218)
Defense: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (335-438)
Sp.Atk: 50 (105-199) (94-179) (115-218)
Sp.Def: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (335-438)
Speed: 60 (125-219) (112-197) (137-240)
 
Aegislash-Blade Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 60 (230-324)
Attack: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (335-438)
Defense: 50 (105-199) (94-179) (115-218)
Sp.Atk: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (335-438)
Sp.Def: 50 (105-199) (94-179) (115-218)
Speed: 60 (125-219) (112-197) (137-240)
 
Current Tiers:
Singles: Ubers
Doubles: DOU
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: B
OU: Banned
UU: Banned
RU: Banned
NU: Banned
PU: Banned
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: WIP
DOU: A
DUU: Banned
DRU: Banned
 
Singles
Aegislash, perhaps the most controversial Pokemon introduced in Gen 6. The first Ghost/Steel type Pokemon in the series, Aegislash was quickly heralded as one of Singles OU's most prominent threats besides the Mega Evolutions. Its typing granted it a huge plethora of resistances and 3 immunities with only 4 weaknesses, two of which were granted to it by the nerf to Steel types. Its signature ability, Stance Change, allows it to change from Shield to Sword forme when using an attacking move, and from Sword to Shield forme when using its signature move King's Shield, a Protect clone that drops the opponent's physical attack by 2 stages if hit by a contact move. Stance Change, along with its absurd 150 base stats in both offenses and defenses, which Aegislash can easily abuse by virtue of its poor speed, grants it a virtual base stat total of 720, rivaling that of Arceus. With an effective base 150 in all stats except HP and Speed, Aegislash could easily fit onto any team, in most cases providing the role of both a wall and a wallbreaker. While the steel type nerf granted Aegislash weaknesses to Ghost and Dark, the nerf was also a double-edged sword, as now only Dark and Normal types could safety switch in to Aegislash's STAB Shadow Balls, 2HKOing most of the tier. Those that could live its Shadow Balls were either manhandled by Sacred Sword, such as Bisharp, or crippled by Toxic in the cases of Mandibuzz and Hippowdon. Most physical sweepers were forced to carry moves specifically for handling Aegislash, such as Earthquake, thereby restricting them from using alternatives that would make them much more threatening. In fact, it was due to Aegislash that the Psychic type was almost nonexistant in OU, due to both Aegislash's high use as well as Bisharp and Mandibuzz's high use to check it. The coinflips created by trying to play around King's Shield would more often than not end in Aegislash's favor, and on August 3rd 2014, Smogon had banned Aegislash from OU by majority vote.
 
Ubers Overview
Ubers Viability: B
 
In the Ubers environment, Aegislash's typing and base stats allows it come in on many attacks, and is the only wall that cannot be trapped by Mega Gengar and Gothitelle due to its Ghost typing. It is perhaps one of the better checks to Geomancy Xerneas, a very threatening S-rank Pokemon in Ubers, and can also check powerful physical attackers with King's Shield, including Zekrom, Mega Mewtwo X, and Mega Kangaskhan. However, Aegislash lacks any form of recovery outside of Leftovers, so it can be worn much much more easily than it could back in its glory days in OU. Aegislash's stab moves, with the exception of Gyro Ball, are only 80 base power maximum, which does not pack much of a punch in the ubers environment compared to other attackers, so Aegislash is mostly restricted to fulfilling the role of a defensive Pokemon.
 
Ubers Singles Moveset: Special Wall

Ability: Stance Change / Item: @Leftovers
Nature: Sassy w/ EVs: 252 HP / 4 Attack / 252 Sp.Defense
IVs: 31 HP / 31 Attack / 31 Defense / 31 Sp.Atk / 31 Sp.Def / 0 Speed
Moves: King's Shield / Toxic / Gyro Ball or Iron Head / Pursuit, Shadow Ball, or Shadow Sneak
 
Tips:
King's Shield is a crucial move that allows Aegislash to not only obtain extra Leftovers recovery, but also to scout the opponent's attacks and obtain a 2 stage attack drop on opponents trying to utilize contact moves such as Outrage. It also synergizes well in conjunction with Toxic. Toxic allows Aegislash to cripple switch-ins and opposing walls such as Lugia and support Arceus. Gyro Ball in conjunction with STAB, a -speed nature, and 0 speed IVs enables Aegislash to score a clean OHKO on Xerneas, a very threatening Pokemon in the tier, even with minimal attack investment. Other fast Pokemon such as Darkrai are also hit hard by STAB Gyro Ball. Iron Head is an alternative for a more consistent base power against slower opponents, but will fail to OHKO Geomancy Xerneas even after Stealth Rock damage. It does, however, deal more damage to defensive variants of Xerneas who lack the speed necessary to enable an OHKO from Gyro Ball. Pursuit allows Aegislash to damage Mega Gengar as it flees, since Aegislash cannot be trapped by Shadow Tag nor OHKOed by Mega Gengar's Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball can be used instead, as it hits frailer Pokemon hard and also allows Aegislash to 3HKO Groudon, 2HKO Landorus-Therian and Hippowdon, and KO all variants of Mewtwo. Shadow Sneak is another alternative that allows Aegislash to revenge kill weakened sweepers and frail Pokemon, such as Arceus-Ghost and Deoxys-Attack, but is very weak otherwise. Another option for the 4th move is to run Head Smash with max speed and a Jolly nature, allowing Aegislash to lure in and OHKO Ho-oh, but this compromises Aegislash's bulk significantly, as well forcing Aegislash to run Iron Head over Gyro Ball. The EV and IV spreads gives Aegislash maximum special bulk to survive the many special attacks in the tier, while also giving Aegislash as little speed as possible to not only reduce the chances of Aegislash being hit while in Blade forme, but also to maximize the damage output of Gyro Ball. Since Aegislash can and will be worn down, it cannot wall certain powerful Pokemon such as Kyogre. Aegislash should be used in conjunction with at least one other defensive Pokemon for this purpose. Aegislash should mostly be restricted to spreading Toxic and walling with King's Shield until it has an opportunity to attack, as its moves are generally weak without investment. Aegislash should be played conservatively, as King Shield will not prevent status moves such as Will-o-Wisp, which will cripple Aegislash's ability to counter Xerneas. It is advised to take advantage of Stance Change's ability to automatically revert Aegislash back into Shield forme when switching out, so that it can spread chip damage to the opponent's team while simultaneously taking minimum damage itself. Aegislash is a utility Pokemon before anything else, and should only be put onto a team that is in need of its qualities. Recommended Teammates:
Ho-oh (Resists Fire, immune to Ground, can take a hit from Yveltal, lures in Rock moves for Aegislash to switch in against.) Landorus-Therian (Immune to Ground, checks/counters many Fire types, can set up Stealth Rock) Yveltal (Resistant to Ghost & Dark, beats Excadrill and Arceus-Ghost) Palkia (Counters Kyogre, lures in Dragon attacks for Aegislash to switch in against) Checks and Counters to Aegislash:
Yveltal (OHKOs with Dark Pulse) Ho-oh (Blocks Toxic with Substitute, can burn Aegislash, Sacred Fire does not activate attack drop from King's Shield. Can be OHKOed if Aegislash runs Head Smash) Groudon (Survives Shadow Ball and KOs with Earthquake) Kyogre (Burns with Scald, KOs with Water Spout, defensive variants can Rest off Toxic) Darkrai (Puts Aegislash to sleep with Dark Void or KOs with Dark Pulse, can set up Substitute to block Toxic) Arceus-Dark & Arceus-Normal (Dark KOs with Judgement while removing/preventing Toxic with Refresh or Substitute, Normal KOs with Earthquake and sets up with Swords Dance during King's Shield) Arceus-Steel & Arceus-Poison (Immune to Toxic, burns Aegislash or set up against it) Fire types (Can beat Blaziken and Mega Charizard X with prediction, but hard countered by Reshiram, Heatran, Arceus-Fire, and Mega Charizard Y) Dialga (Immune to Toxic, walls Aegislash's attacks, KOs with Fire Blast) Excadrill (Immune to Toxic, KOs with Earthquake) Gliscor (Heals HP from Toxic and slowly KOs with Earthquake. Loses to Shadow Ball variants.)  
Doubles
 
DUbers Overview
DUbers Viability: WIP

 
DOU Overview
DOU Viability: A
 
While Aegislash is a monster in Singles that was ultimately banned from OU, such is not the case in DOU. It can check many threats including Mega Kangaskhan, Cresselia, Terrakion, and Hitmontop. Its base stats in both forms allow it to function as an excellent pivot to switch in to attacks and then hit back hard. Due to its low base Speed, Aegislash also serves as an effective answer to Trick Room teams, KOing most of them with its STAB Moves. Aegislash can also provide team support with Wide Guard, blocking spread moves such as Surf, Heat Wave, and Earthquake from hitting Aegislash and its partner, especially considering that the latter two also happen to hit Aegislash super effectively. Aegislash, however, must deal with the plethora of Fire and Ground types in Doubles, which limits its effectiveness.
 
Doubles OU Moveset: Wide Guard Tank

Ability: Stance Change / Item: @Sitrus Berry or Lum Berry
Nature: Quiet w/ EVs: 252 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 4 Sp.Defense
IVs: 31 HP / X Attack / 31 Defense / 31 Sp.Atk / 31 Sp.Def / 0 Speed
Moves: King's Shield / Wide Guard / Shadow Ball / Flash Cannon
 
Tips:
King's Shield should be self-explanitory, as it allows Aegislash to revert to its Shield forme in order to capitalize on both its offensive and defensive capabilities, while simultaneously threatening physical attackers with the possibility of a -2 attack drop. Wide Guard provides excellent team support, blocking spread moves that are common in Doubles, most of which Aegislash happens to be weak to. Additionally, Wide Guard can also be used to block a teammate's Earthquake from harming Aegislash on turns where King's Shield can fail. Shadow Ball and Flash Common are accurate and reliable STAB moves, both threatening most of the tier when backed by a fully invested base 150 Sp.Attack stat. Additionally, the combination of Flash Cannon and Shadow Ball allows Aegislash to obtain super effective coverage on almost every single Trick Room setter. Quiet nature with 0 Speed EVs and a 0 Speed IV allows Aegislash to capitalize on Stance Change, taking a hit in Shield forme before hitting back with its more vulnerable Blade forme, while simultaneously checking Trick Room teams. Sitrus Berry improves Aegislash's survivability, allowing it to take an extra hit from what would otherwise be a 2HKO. Lum Berry, however, can be used to compensate for the fact that King's Shield does not prevent status moves. Due to Shield forme's excellent bulk, Aegislash should be switched in against moves that it would normally resist or immune to. If the opponent has a Trick Room team, it is advised to lead with Aegislash, as most Trick Room setters are either Psychic or Fairy type, both of which are hit super effectively by Aegislash's STAB moves. Aegislash can also take advantage of an opponent's Trick Room, turning into an extremely fast nuke that most Pokemon on Trick Room teams will not be able to underspeed. Wide Guard should be used if the opponent's team has an obvious user of Earthquake or Heat Wave, protecting both Aegislash and its teammate, and allowing Aegislash's partner to attack or set up. Try to stay in Blade forme for as little time as possible. You will almost always want to alternate between an attacking move and King's Shield. Recommended Teammates:
Pokemon that are weak to Rock Slide, Earthquake, or Heat Wave (Mega Pinsir, Heatran, Mega Charizard Y) Terrakion (Beats Dark and Fire types, has Fairy, Fighting, and Steel weaknesses that Aegislash covers) Trick Room users (Aromatisse, Cresselia, Chandelure, Jellicent) Water types (beats common Rock Slide, Heat Wave, and Earthquake users)  
Doubles OU Moveset: Offensive Pivot

Ability: Stance Change / Item: @Leftovers or Weakness Policy
Nature: Quiet w/ EVs: 252 HP / 4 Attack / 252 Sp.Attack
IVs: 31 HP / X Attack / 31 Defense / 31 Sp.Atk / 31 Sp.Def / 0 Speed
Moves: King's Shield / Shadow Ball / Flash Cannon / Substitute, Shadow Sneak, or Sacred Sword
 
Tips:
King's Shield should be self-explanitory, as it allows Aegislash to revert to its Shield forme in order to capitalize on both its offensive and defensive capabilities, while simultaneously threatening physical attackers with the possibility of a -2 attack drop. Shadow Ball and Flash Common are accurate and reliable STAB moves, both threatening most of the tier when backed by a fully invested base 150 Sp.Attack stat. Additionally, the combination of Flash Cannon and Shadow Ball allows Aegislash to obtain super effective coverage on almost every single Trick Room setter. Substitute can be used to make up for King's Shield's inability to block status moves. Shadow Sneak can revenge kill weakened threats and becomes even more threatening if using Weakness Policy. Sacred Sword, however, can KO threats such as Bisharp, Mega Kangaskhan, and Scrafty. Leftovers should be used in conjunction with Substitute, in order to increase Aegislash's longevity. Weakness Policy, however, should be used if running Shadow Sneak or Sacred Sword, allowing Aegislash to easily obtain +2 Attack and +2 Sp.Atk with its Shield forme's bulk. Weakness Policy variants can work very well on Trick Room teams. If using Weakness Policy, your first priority should be to activate it as soon as possible, since Aegislash can live many super effective attacks, especially non-STAB ones. Leftovers variants, however, should focus on switching in to attacks and setting up Substitute while alternating between spamming its attacks and using King's Shield in order to keep it alive for as long as possible.  
Recommended Teammates:
Pokemon that can beat Fire, Dark, and Ground types (Landorus-T, Suicune, Gyarados, Politoed) Dark Types (Scrafty, Tyranitar) Trick Room users (Aromatisse, Cresselia, Chandelure, Jellicent) Water types (beats common Rock Slide, Heat Wave, and Earthquake users) Helping Hand users Rage Power/Follow Me users (Amoongus, Togekiss, Jirachi) Mach Punch users (If running Substitute or Shadow Sneak) Checks and Counters to Aegislash:
Ground, Fire, Ghost, and Dark Types (Landorus-Therian, Excadrill, Garchomp, Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, Scrafty, Mega Gengar, Bisharp) Status users Taunt and Encore users (Thundurus-Incarnate, Sableye, Whimsicott, Politoed, Togekiss) Assault Vest users (Ludicolo, Scrafty, Goodra)

Good news, I'll be able to start on PotW again, though progress might be slower than usual.
 
With that said, here's Gardevoir, who recently rose in viability again:
 
Gardevoir & Mega Gardevoir

 
Gardevoir Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 68 (246-340)
Attack: 65 (135-229) (121-206) (148-251)
Defense: 65 (135-229) (121-206) (148-251)
Sp.Atk: 125 (255-349) (229-314) (280-383)
Sp.Def: 115 (235-329) (211-296) (258-361)
Speed: 80 (165-259) (148-233) (181-284)
 
Mega Gardevoir Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 68 (246-340)
Attack: 85 (175-269) (157-242) (192-295)
Defense: 65 (135-229) (121-206) (148-251)
Sp.Atk: 165 (335-429) (301-386) (368-471)
Sp.Def: 135 (275-369) (247-332) (302-405)
Speed: 100 (205-299) (184-269) (225-328)
 
Current Tiers (Normal / Mega):
Singles: OU / OU
Doubles: DOU / DOU
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: F (Both)
OU: A+ (Mega only), F (Normal only)
UU: Banned
RU: Banned
NU: Banned
PU: Banned
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: F (Both)
DOU: A- (Both)
DUU: Banned
DRU: Banned
 
Singles
 
OU Overview
Normal Gardevoir is, for the most part, outclassed by its Mega Evolution. With Aegislash being banned from OU, Mega Gardevoir was one of three Pokemon that had skyrocketed in viability as a powerful wallbreaker, causing Stall teams to adapt to its presence by increasing their offensive presence, leading to an overall drop in viability to previously established walls such as Chansey, Skarmory, and Hippowdon. As a wallbreaker, Mega Gardevoir's purpose is to hit hard for as much damage as possible off the bat, denting defensive Pokemon and softening up teams for a fast sweeper to come in and finish the job. With Pixilate, Hyper Voice becomes a base 117 Fairy-type attack that hits opponents behind substitutes, far outclassing Moonblast and aiding Mega Gardevoir in breaking down Pokemon that are known to run Substitute, such as Gliscor, Gengar, Black Kyurem, and Mega Heracross. However, Gardevoir's physical defense is frail, even after Mega Evolving, so it is prone to physical attackers. While base 100 speed isn't bad, it does just outsped by many offensive Pokemon, a flaw that is made worse by only having base 80 speed prior to Mega Evolving.
 
Singles Moveset: Wallbreaker

Nature: Modest or Timid / Ability: Trace (Pixilate) / Item: @Gardevoirite
EVs: 24 Defense / 232 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Hyper Voice / Psyshock / Focus Blast or Hidden Power Ground / Substitute, Taunt, or Will-o-Wisp
 
Tips:
Hyper Voice and Psyshock are the primary moves as both receive STAB. Hyper Voice hits Pokemon using Substitute as well as physically defensive Pokemon, while Psyshock should be used against Specially Defensive Pokemon such as Chansey. Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ground are for steel types that otherwise wall Mega Gardevoir's STAB moves. Both hit Heatran for the same amount of damage, and while Hidden Power Ground is more accurate,  Focus Blast will allow you to deal more damage to Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Bisharp, and Tyranitar. For the last slot, Substitute can be used to create a buffer to allow Mega Gardevoir to ease prediction with its attacks as it forces a lot of switches. Taunt can be used to give Mega Gardevoir an easier time against Stall teams, which tend to use recovery moves such as Softboiled and Roost. Will-o-Wisp can also be used to cripple common checks to Mega Gardevoir such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, and in general helps mitigate Mega Gardevoir's low physical defense. The given EV spread maximizes Mega Gardevoir's speed and offensive power, while the 24 Defense EVs allow Mega Gardevoir to survive 2 Psyshocks from Latios. Since these EVs are taken from Sp.Attack, Modest is used to compensate for this. Trace is the preferred ability prior to Mega Evolving, allowing Gardevoir to take advantage of your opponent's abilities, most notably Speed Boost, Multiscale, Protean, Sand Rush, Swift Swim, Flash Fire, etc. Useful against both offensive and defensive teams, though may have trouble switching in against the former. Mega Gardevoir should be switched in against special attackers such as Latios, or through indirect switching through slow users of Volt Switch and U-turn. Recommended Teammates:
Bisharp Any Pokemon that can check/counter Talonflame (Heatran, Rhyperior, Tyranitar) Magnezone Landorus-Therian (Defensive Variants) Thundurus-Incarnate Shuckle (Sticky Web) Singles Moveset: Calm Mind Attacker

Nature: Modest / Ability: Trace (Pixilate) / Item: @Gardevoirite
EVs: 24 Defense / 232 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Calm Mind / Hyper Voice / Psyshock / Focus Blast
 
Tips:
This variant uses Stall teams as setup fodder for Calm Mind, where Mega Gardevoir can attempt a sweep. Calm Mind should be used against weaker opponents that cannot break Mega Gardevoir, such as Chansey, or on a predicted switch. The given EV spread maximizes Mega Gardevoir's speed and offensive power, while the 24 Defense EVs allow Mega Gardevoir to survive 2 Psyshocks from Latios. Trace is the preferred ability prior to Mega Evolving, allowing Gardevoir to take advantage of your opponent's abilities, most notably Speed Boost, Multiscale, Protean, Sand Rush, Swift Swim, Flash Fire, etc. Recommended Teammates:
Any Pokemon that can check or counter Gengar (Bisharp, Tyranitar) Any Pokemon that can check or counter Talonflame (Heatran, Rhyperior, Tyranitar) Any Pokemon that can check or counter Mega Scizor (Heatran, Magnezone, Talonflame) Any Pokemon that can check or counter Steel types (Magnezone, Heatran, Talonflame, Terrakion, Keldeo, Conkeldur) Landorus-Therian (Defensive Variants w/ Stealth Rock) Doubles
 
DOU Overview
Whereas Gardevoir's Mega Evolution eclipses regular Gardevoir in Singles, regular Gardevoir in Doubles is just as viable, if not more so, than its Mega Evolution. Just like in Singles, Mega Gardevoir has access to STAB Fairy type Hyper Voice thanks to Pixilate, which is now 87.75 base power due to it hitting both opponents which, when backed by its base 165 Sp.Atk, hits them hard. Unlike in Singles where Mega Gardevoir can get by with 100 base speed, its speed isn't as effective in Doubles, especially when combined with its physical frailty. To rectify this, Gardevoir can forfeit its Mega Evolution in favor of a Choice Scarf, allowing Gardevoir to snipe specific threats to a team while still possessing a respectable 125 base Sp.Attack. Both sets, however, hate priority moves, so a user of Quick Guard can pair well with it.
 
Doubles Moveset: Mega Attacker

Nature: Timid or Modest / Ability: Telepathy or Trace (Pixilate) / Item: @Gardevoirite
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Hyper Voice / Psyshock / Focus Blast / Protect
 
Tips:
Hyper Voice should be spammed as liberally as possible, tearing through both opponents at once. Caution should be taken if your opponent carries a potential Wide Guard user such as Hitmontop or Aegislash. Psyshock hits Amoongus hard, as well as Pokemon with high Sp.Defense stats Focus Blast compliments Mega Gardevoir's Fairy Stab, and hits threats such as Heatran and Tyranitar while OHKOing the latter, even while in sand. Protect is a staple move on most Doubles Pokemon and Mega Gardevoir is no exception. It should be used to keep Mega Gardevoir healthy when there is a threat it cannot handle that its teammate can use. Thunderbolt is an optional move that can be used to hit Tornadus, Talonflame, and Mega Charizard Y, but finding a spot for it can be difficult. Timid is the preferred nature to give Mega Gardevoir as much speed as possible, which is more important in Doubles than the extra power from Modest, though Modest can be used if your team utilizes speed control moves such as Thunder Wave, Icy Wind, or Tailwind. Telepathy is preferred if your team has spread moves, as Gardevoir will become immune to them prior to Mega Evolving, otherwise Trace should be used instead. A teammate with Quick Guard can boost Mega Gardevoir's longevity, as it is prone to priority attacks. Helping Hand can be used to further boost Hyper Voice's power, potentially nuking both opponents at once. Recommended Teammates:
Users of Tailwind or Icy Wind (Talonflame, Jirachi, Togekiss) Heatran Tyranitar Quick Guard users (Hitmontop, Terrakion, Scrafty, Talonflame)  
Doubles Moveset: Choice Scarf

Nature: Modest / Ability: Telepathy or Trace / Item: @Choice Scarf
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Moonblast / Psyshock / Will-o-Wisp or Thunderbolt / Trick or Encore
 
Tips:
Without Pixilate to boost Hyper Voice, Gardevoir's Fairy STAB move of choice here is Moonblast, which snipes popular Fighting and Dragon types that populate Doubles. Psyshock hits Amoongus hard, as well as Pokemon with low physical Defense such as Gengar. Will-o-Wisp allows Gardevoir to still support the team even if it cannot do much. Thunderbolt, however, is an option for hitting Mega Charizard Y, though it cannot OHKO. Trick allows Gardevoir to cripple support Pokemon such as Cresselia and Hitmontop, rendering them useless for the rest of the match. Encore, however, can be used to lock opponents into moves such as Protect and Leech Seed, rendering them vulnerable. Modest nature enables Gardevoir to score important OHKOs against many Dragon types, while Choice Scarf compensates for its otherwise poor speed, allowing it to outspeed threats such as Sky Forme Shaymin. Dazzling Gleam can be used in any of the last three slots to compensate for the lack of Hyper Voice, but should not be used over Moonblast as Gardevoir misses out on many important KOs. Telepathy is preferred if your team has spread moves, as Gardevoir will become immune to them, otherwise Trace should be used instead. Choice Scarf Gardevoir is difficult to switch in to a match, so it should only come in while maintaining high offensive pressure, or though baiting Dragon types to switch in by using slower Dragons. Recommended Teammates:
Heatran Slow Dragon types (Black Kyurem, Mega Garchomp) Users of field spread moves such as Earthquake (Landorus-Therian, Excadrill) Users of Quick Guard (Hitmontop, Terrakion, Scrafty, Talonflame)  
 
External Links:
Smogon Analysis (OU)
Smogon Analysis (DOU)

Considering I've been covering alot of lower tier Pokemon as PotW, I thought I would cover some higher tier Pokemon as well, so I'll be doing OU PotW every Wednesday and lower tier PotW every Sunday/Monday. With that, I bring you to this guy:
 
Black Kyurem

 
Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 125 (360-454)
Attack: 170 (345-439) (310-395) (379-482)
Defense: 100 (205-299) (184-269) (225-328)
Sp.Atk: 120 (245-339) (220-305) (269-372)
Sp.Def: 90 (185-279) (166-251) (203-306)
Speed: 95 (195-289) (175-260) (214-317)
 
Current Tiers:
Singles: OU
Doubles: DOU

Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
OU: A- / B+
UU: Banned
RU: Banned
NU: Banned
PU: Banned
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
DOU: A
DUU: Banned
 
General Overview (Singles)
When one looks at Black Kyurem's massive 700 Base Stat total and status as a legendary box mascot, coupled with its absurdly high base 170 Attack stat, the initial instinct is that such a monster would be deserving of ubers status much like Ho-oh, Kyogre, Dialga, and Zekrom before it. After all, Black Kyurem is literally Kyurem fused with Zekrom. However, many factors have allowed Black Kyurem to drop from ubers to OU since Gen 5. It's Ice/Dragon typing, for instance, leaves it with many weaknesses, including two common priority moves and a weakness to Stealth Rock. In ubers, it is completely outclassed by White Kyurem, who sports identical stats on the Special side, and with good special attacks to utilize it. Black Kyurem, on the other hand, lacks a physical Ice type move to utilize its high physical attack stat outside of Freeze Shock, which should never be used competitively, and its physical movepool in general is barren compared to its special movepool. However, Black Kyurem has found itself at home in OU as a mixed attacker, as it still sports a respectable 120 base Sp.Atk.
 
OU Overview
At the time of writing this PotW, Black Kyurem is currently ranked at A- viability in OU, and is currently being nominated for a drop to B+, which may or may not happen. In Gen 5, as well as most of early and mid X&Y, Black Kyurem was used mostly as a mixed wallbreaker, capable of hitting hard while also being rather bulky on both sides. Recently, however, the OU metagame has not been kind to Black Kyurem. With Aegislash's ban, Black Kyurem now finds itself facing fierce competition as a wallbreaker from Mega Heracross, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Medicham, as well as from Keldeo and Landorus-Incarnate, all of which do not require as much support to be effective as Black Kyurem.
 
However, Black Kyurem can still keep up with the shift towards offense by utilizing a Choice Scarf and fulfilling the role of a revenge killer instead, as its rather average base 95 speed with 224 speed EVs now allows it to reach 423 speed, allowing it to easily outpace fast offensive threats such as Greninja, Mega Manectric, Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and, with a positive speed nature, Mega Charizard X after a Dragon Dance, smacking most of them with Outrage. Black Kyurem can also run an Assault Vest set, which allows it to check many specially based offensive threats in the metagame while hitting them back hard, even with no attack investment. For example, Assault Vest Black Kyurem 2HKOs Clefable, one of its main checks, with 0 attack investment while only being 4HKOed by Moonblast. Even Mega Charizard Y fails to score a 3HKO while Fusion Bolt OHKOs in return.
 
Moveset (Revenge Killer)

Nature: Naughty or Naive / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Choice Scarf
EVs: 252 Attack / 32 Sp.Atk / 224 Speed -OR- 32 HP / 252 Attack / 224 Speed
Moves: Outrage / Dragon Claw / Fusion Bolt / Ice Beam or Iron Head
 
Tips:
As a revenge killer, Black Kyurem should be brought in after the opponent scores a KO, or through indirect switching through U-turn or Volt Switch. Avoid using Outrage if a Fairy or Steel type are present on the opponent's team, otherwise Outrage should be spammed freely. Dragon Claw gives Black Kyurem a safe STAB option when Fairies and Steel types are still present. Ice Beam OHKOs both Landorus formes, while Iron Head is for Clefable, who otherwise walls this set. If using Ice Beam, the first EV spread should be used, otherwise the second spread should be used for Iron Head. Naive nature can be used to outspeed and revenge kill Adamant Dragon Dance Mega Charizard X, otherwise Naughty should be used for extra power. If using Iron Head, Adamant and Jolly can be used over Naughty and Naive, respectively, to regain lost special defense. Recommended Teammates:
Steel types (Mega Scizor, Bisharp) Magnezone Stealth Rock users Defog or Rapid Spin users (Starmie, Excadrill, Latios, Latias)  
Moveset (Assault Vest Tank)

Nature: Sassy / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Assault Vest
EVs:  248 HP / 44 Defense / 200 Sp.Def / 16 Speed
Moves: Ice Beam / Fusion Bolt / Iron Head or Dragon Claw / Dragon Claw or Earth Power
 
Tips:
Assault Vest allows Black Kyurem to keep many offensive threats in check, including Thundurus-I, Greninja, Mega Gyarados, Mega Venusaur, Mega Alakazam, and even Mega Charizard Y, avoiding a 2HKO from most, if not all, of them while hitting back hard, even with uninvested offense stats. Iron Head deals with Clefable, who cannot do much back with Moonblast. Pairs very well with pivots and U-turn/Volt Switch users such as Rotom-Wash, Magnezone, Mega Scizor, and Landorus-Therian. Recommended Teammates:
Counters to Mega Scizor and Jirachi (Magnezone) Defog or Rapid Spin users (Starmie, Excadrill, Latios, Latias) Volt Switch and/or U-turn users (Landorus-Therian, Magnezone, Rotom-Wash, Mega Scizor)  
 
Moveset (Mixed Wallbreaker - Physical Based)

Nature: Lonely or Naughty / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Life Orb
EVs: 252 Attack / 56 Sp.Atk / 200 Speed
Moves: Ice Beam / Dragon Claw / Fusion Bolt / Iron Head or Outrage
 
Tips:
Switching into resisted attacks and/or predicted switches is the best way to get Black Kyurem in. Is easy to check and/or revenge kill when facing offensive teams. Iron Head smacks Clefable along with any rock types that may switch in. Recommended Teammates:
Defog or Rapid Spin users (Excadrill, Starmie, Latios, Latias) Sweepers (Mega Tyranitar, Gyarados, Mega Gyarados, Manaphy, etc)  
Moveset (Mixed Wallbreaker - Special Based)

Nature: Mild or Rash / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Life Orb
EVs: 56 Attack / 252 Sp.Atk / 200 Speed
Moves: Ice Beam / Earth Power / Fusion Bolt / Roost or Outrage
 
Tips:
This set struggles to beat Clefable, and Chansey if it lacks Outrage. Ice Beam 2HKOs Ferrothorn, but Hidden Power Fire can be used in the last slot to OHKO, as well as OHKO Mega Scizor. Teravolt Earth Power strikes Rotom-Wash, while also dealing with Heatran. Switching into resisted attacks and/or predicted switches is the best way to get Black Kyurem in. Is easy to check and/or revenge kill when facing offensive teams. Recommended Teammates:
Defog or Rapid Spin users (Excadrill, Starmie, Latios, Latias) Terrakion  
 
General Overview (Doubles)
 
 
DOU Overview
Black Kyurem is just as much as an offensive powerhouse in Doubles as in Singles. He can be quite unpredictable with its ability to run as a mixed attacker. Although slow, Teravolt helps it take down threats such as Rotom-Wash, Rotom-Heat, and Mega Venusaur.
 
Moveset (Doubles Substitute Special Attacker)

Nature: Modest / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Leftovers
EVs: 228 HP / 252 Sp.Atk / 28 Sp.Def
Moves: Ice Beam / Earth Power / Substitute / Protect
 
Tips:
Substitute in conjunction with Protect allows Black Kyurem to survive plenty of hits while buying its partner time. Take advantage of Black Kyurem's resistances to Electric and Water to set up Substitute. With 228 HP and 28 Sp.Def, Cresselia, Grass types, and most Electric types will not be able to break Black Kyurem's Substitutes most of the time. Useful for clearing out threats to rain teams such as Mega Venusaur, Amoongus, and Rotom-Wash. Recommended Teammates:
Aegislash Kingdra Heatran Landorus-Therian Mega Charizard Y or Mega Charizard X Thundurus-Incarnate Rotom-Wash  
Moveset (Doubles Mixed Attacker)

Nature: Lonely / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Life Orb or @Expert Belt
EVs: 240 Attack / 44 Sp.Atk / 224 Speed
Moves: Dragon Claw or Outrage / Fusion Bolt or Earth Power / Ice Beam / Protect
 
Tips:
Dragon Claw easily takes down almost every Dragon type in Doubles. Dragon Claw is preferred over Outrage as it allows you choose a target, but Outrage can be used for extra power. Fusion Bolt nails Politoed and Mega Charizard Y. Earth Power is used for Rotom-Wash, Rotom-Heat, and Heatran. Protect is used to scout the opponent's sets as well as avoid taking damage in situations where the opponent would double target Black Kyurem. This Black Kyurem moveset should be used with partners that can perform speed control, such as through Icy Wind, Thunder Wave, or Tailwind. Recommended Teammates:
Gardevoir (Choice Scarf sets only) Quick Guard users (Hitmontop, Terrakion) Tailwind users (Togekiss) Follow Me or Rage Powder users (Togekiss, Amoongus) Scizor/Mega Scizor  
Moveset (Doubles Choice Band)

Nature: Adamant / Ability: Teravolt / Item: @Choice Band
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Attack / 232 Speed
Moves: Dragon Claw / Fusion Bolt / Outrage / Ice Beam or Rock Slide
 
Tips:
Use Dragon Claw when it is not safe to spam Outrage. Ice Beam should be used if Ice type coverage is needed, otherwise Rock Slide can be used for spread damage Be sure to KO opposing Fairies and Steel types, as well as users of Intimidate and Will-o-Wisp, before using Outrage. Recommended Teammates:
Togekiss or Jirachi (Follow Me variants) Gardevoir (Choice Scarf sets only) Mega Charizard Y Fairy type resists (Aegislash, Scizor, Mega Scizor) Terrakion checks/counters (Aegislash, Scizor, Mega Scizor)  
 
External Links:
Smogon Analysis (OU)
Smogon Analysis (DOU)

Not sure where you got the idea that Doublade is fragile, unless you mean its special defense stat.

You'll never see Odor Sleuth or Magic Eye (which does nothing against Ghost or Steel types btw) in serious competitive play aside from Foresight Hitmontop, who uses it exclusively for the purpose of being able to rapid spin against ghost types.

Again, Glass Cannon? Its used as a wall or tank for the purpose of being able to switch in to physical attackers that most other Pokemon wouldn't dare attempt switching in to, and the only reason it sees any use is because Aegislash is banned from everything in Singles except ubers.

Well time for the next PotW, this one being one that caught my personal interest:
 
Doublade

Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 59 (228-332)
Attack: 110 (225-319) (202-287) (247-350)
Defense: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (334-438)
Sp.Atk: 45 (95-189) (85-170) (104-207)
Sp.Def: 49 (103-197) (92-177) (113-216)
Speed: 35 (75-169) (67-152) (82-185)
 
Current Tiers:
Singles: RU
Doubles: DUU

Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
OU: C+
UU: B-
RU: S
NU: Banned
PU: Banned
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
DOU: F (Unviable/Unranked)
DUU: F (Unviable/Unranked)
 
General Overview (Singles)
Before X&Y were released, we were introduced to Honedge and its evolution Doublade, the first Ghost/Steel types in the series. Once X&Y was released, we discovered that Doublade had a final evolution in the form of Aegislash, a Pokemon that, through its ability Stance Change and its signature move King's Shield, severely outclassed anything Doublade could do in the upper tiers, forever solidifying Doublade's fate to the lower tiers... At least until Aegislash was banned from OU in October of 2014.
 
OU Overview
The banning of Aegislash brought upon a very drastic change in the OU environment. With the only viable Ghost/Steel type gone, Mega Heracross, Terrakion, Mega Pinsir, Mega Medicham, and Mega Gardevoir have all skyrocketed in viability, as the former three are no longer required to fit Earthquake in their movesets, while the latter two are no longer forced to run Fire Punch and Shadow Ball, respectively. Additionally, Staraptor use has also skyrocketed from the lack of a Pokemon that resists or is immune to all three of Brave Bird, Double Edge, and Close Combat. These factors would have caused defensive stall teams to take a huge hit in viability, were it not for the fact that Doublade exists. It possesses the exact same typing as Aegislash, along with a physical defense stat identical to Aegislash's Shield forme that, when coupled with its similar base HP and Eviolite, gives Doublade more physical bulk than its evolution and thus able to tank physical hits better, while still maintaining an offensive presence with its base 110 attack stat, even when uninvested. While it may be tempting to invest towards its physical defense or attack, investing towards Special Defense allows Doublade to avoid a 2HKO from Mega Gardevoir while hitting back with Gyro Ball. Doublade, however, lacks the special bulk and nuking ability of its preevolution, so it is often dead weight when used outside of stall teams. No Guard often does more harm to Doublade than good, as it not allows moves with imperfect accuracy such as Fire Blast and Hydro Pump to hit it without fail. Additionally, Doublade lacks a reliable recovery move outside of Rest, a factor that can make or break a defensive Pokemon, so it requires Wish and/or Heal Bell support to keep it healthy so that it can continually check or counter the Pokemon it is meant to. Overall, Doublade has a huge niche on OU stall teams that no other Pokemon can replicate, one that most Stall teams cannot survive without nowadays.
 
Sample Moveset:
Nature: Brave / Ability: No Guard / Item: @Eviolite EVs: 240 HP / 16 Attack / 252 Special Defense IVs: 31 / 31 / 31 / X / 31 / 0 Moves: Gyro Ball / Toxic / Rest / Sleep Talk, Sacred Sword, or Pursuit Recommended Teammates:
Any Heal Bell/Aromatherapy user (Chansey, Clefable, etc) Slowbro Mega Venusaur or Mega Charizard X Amoongus Any Stealth Rock setter (Hippowdon, Skarmory, Clefable, Chansey) Clefable Gliscor (Specially Defensive) UU Overview
Unlike OU where Doublade tries to fit in as a wall, Doublade is used as a tank in UU, sponging hits with its 3 immunities and 9 resistances while dishing out damage. It turns into a very potent sweeper when used on Trick Room teams in the tier, sporting perfect neutral coverage with the combination of Sacred Sword and Shadow Sneak / Shadow Claw. The tank set has just enough physical bulk to switch in to most physical moves, including weak super effective ones, but must watch out for mixed variants of Pokemon such as Sharpedo and Hydreigon. Alternatively, Doublade can run a defensive set similar to the one it uses in OU, though physically inclined rather than Specially Defensive.
 
Sample Moveset (Tank):
Nature: Brave / Ability: No Guard / Item: @Eviolite EVs: 240 HP / 252 Attack / 16 Special Defense IVs: 31 / 31 / 31 / X / 31 / 0 Moves: Gyro Ball / Swords Dance / Sacred Sword / Shadow Sneak Sample Moveset (Wall):
Nature: Relaxed / Ability: No Guard / Item: @Eviolite EVs: 240 HP / 252 Defense / 16 Special Defense IVs: 31 / 31 / 31 / X / 31 / 0 Moves: Rest / Sleep Talk / Shadow Claw or Sacred Sword / Gyro Ball or Toxic Recommended Teammates (Tank):
Hydreigon Any Special Wall (Assault Vest Meloetta, Umbreon, Florges, Porygon2) Any Wish passer (Alomomola, Umbreon, Florges, Aromatisse) Any Bulky Water type (Vaporeon, Quagsire, Swampert, Suicune) Any Flying type or Levitate user (Mega Aerodactyl, Rotom-Heat, Flygon) Trick Room users Status Absorbers or Fire types (Rotom-Heat) Recommended Teammates (Wall):
Hydreigon Any Special Wall (Assault Vest Meloetta, Umbreon, Florges, Porygon2) Any Bulky Water type (Vaporeon, Quagsire, Swampert, Suicune) Any Flying type or Levitate user (Mega Aerodactyl, Rotom-Heat, Flygon) Trick Room users RU Overview
Doublade sits at home in RU as a top tier threat, and perhaps the best spinblocker in the tier. It checks and/or counters a ton of threats in the tier, including Cobalion, Virizion, Hitmonlee, Braviary, Durant, and Cresselia. In RU, Doublade can fit only many different team playstyles, both offensive and defensive, due to its combination of physical bulk and offensive presence. Like in all other tiers, Doublade needs to watch out for Special attackers and Knock Off users, the latter of which removes its Eviolite and significantly impacts its ability to take hits. Unlike the upper tiers, a RestTalk set isn't as viable in RU as Doublade will be sacrificing its offensive presence in the tier, which if more beneficial in the long run.
 
Sample Moveset:
Nature: Adamant / Ability: No Guard / Item: @Eviolite EVs: 212 HP / 252 Attack / 44 Speed IVs: 31 / 31 / 31 / X / 31 / 31 Moves: Iron Head / Swords Dance / Shadow Claw / Shadow Sneak Recommended Teammates:
Any Entry Hazard user Any Wish user (Alomomola, Aromatisse) Any Specially Defensive Tank or Wall (Slowking, Aromatisse, Virizion, Druddigon) Any Fighting type (Hitmonlee, Hitmontop, Emboar) General Overview (Doubles)
Unlike in Singles, where Doublade's evolution, Aegislash, is banned from every tier except ubers, Doublade is outclassed by its evolution, which currently resides in DOU.
 
DOU Overview
Everything Doublade can do, Aegislash typically does better, and Doublade loses out on crucial components that its evolution gets, such as King's Shield, 150 base Special Defense, and 150 base Special Attack to spam Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Ice with. Furthermore, Doublade also loses out on Wide Guard, which only its evolution gets. In short, don't use Doublade in DOU, use Aegislash instead.
 
DUU Overview
DUU is still in its infancy, but Doublade is not yet ranked in this metagame.
 
 
External Links:
Smogon Analysis (OU) Smogon Analysis (UU) Smogon Analysis (RU)

Welp, Rhyperior won the vote it seems, and so the PotW:

Rhyperior

Current Tiers:
Singles: RU
Doubles: DOU

Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
OU: B
UU: B+
RU: A+
NU: Banned
PU: Banned
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: F (Unviable/Unranked)
DOU: C
DUU: Banned
 
General Overview (Singles)
Rhyperior is another example of a lower tiered Pokemon that can hold its own in the upper tiers. It has the classic stat distribution common to most rock types, consisting of high HP and physical stats, but poor special stats and speed. For Rhyperior, however, its physical bulk and offensive presence, coupled with its semi-exclusive ability Solid Rock, allows it to function as a physical tank in almost any tier where it is usable.
 
OU Overview
Rhyperior is a good check to Birdspam teams, a common playstyle in the OU format. Coupled with Solid Rock, Rhyperior can tank any hit thrown at it by the most common members of Birdspam teams; a +2 Close Combat from Mega Pinsir, for example, cannot OHKO while Rhyperior OHKOs back with Stone Edge or Rock Blast. Outside of Birdspam teams, Rhyperior can also check other threats, including any Mega Charizard X that lacks Will-o-Wisp, and Dragonite. While it may be tempting to slap an Assault Vest onto a Rhyperior on an OU team, Rhyperior prefers having Leftovers as it gets worn down from repeatedly switching into the Pokemon it's supposed to check. Additionally, Assault Vest prevents Rhyperior from using Stealth Rock, of which Rhyperior is a great user of due to the number of switches that it forces, and provides support to the team outside of tanking hits and checking Birdspam, allowing Rhyperior to be of use even when not facing these kinds of teams.
 
Sample Moveset:
Adamant / Solid Rock / @Leftovers
212 HP / 44 Attack / 252 Defense
Stealth Rock / Earthquake / Stone Edge or Rock Blast / Ice Punch or Toxic
 
Recommended Teammates:
Azumarill, Keldeo, Rotom-Wash, Mega Venusaur, Breloom, Mega Scizor, Tyranitar, Mega Tyranitar, Zapdos, Skarmory
 
 
UU Overview
In UU, Rhyperior can perform a similar function as in OU as a tank, but now has more options available to it. Its UU tank set is very similar to its OU set, but it can now run Megahorn, Toxic, Roar, or Dragon Tail as its 4th move, the latter two allowing Rhyperior to force switches and rack up entry hazard damage, while Megahorn allows it to check Celebi and Umbreon. Rhyperior now also has the option of running a Choice Band set, allowing it to perform as a wallbreaker, demolishing bulky threats such as 2HKOing Suicune, and functions well in UU especially on Trick Room teams.
 
Sample Moveset (Tank):
Adamant / Solid Rock / @Leftovers
248 HP / 16 Attack / 244 Special Defense
Stealth Rock / Stone Edge or Rock Blast / Earthquake / Toxic, Megahorn, Roar, or Dragon Tail
 
Sample Moveset (Wallbreaker):
Adamant / Solid Rock / @Choice Band
172 HP / 252 Attack / 84 Speed
Stone Edge / Megahorn / Earthquake / Aqua Tail or Rock Blast
 
Recommended Teammates:
Tank: Roserade, Rotom-Heat, Sableye
Wallbreaker: Blissey, Alomomola, Aromatisse, Porygon2
 
 
RU Overview
A former S-rank Pokemon, Rhyperior is still a monster in the RU metagame even at A+. Its Tank set from UU is just as viable here as it is in UU, though Dragon Tail is now much more viable, and Rhyperior can now EV itself to guarantee a 2HKO on Doublade. Unlike the upper tiers, Rock Blast is preferred over Stone Edge due to its ability to dismantle threats with Focus Sash and/or Substitute, such as Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary. Its wallbreaker set functions such as in UU, hitting hard while being hard to take down itself, and can also demolish threats such as Virizion and Gligar with Ice Punch. One option that is now open to Rhyperior in RU, however, is its Sweeper set with Rock Polish, which boosts its speed to a respectable level, as Rhyperior already possesses a large attack stat that can demolish teams after a boost from Weakness Policy, which Rhyperior can easily abuse with Solid Rock.

Sample Moveset (Tank):
Adamant / Solid Rock / @Leftovers
248 HP / 16 Attack / 244 Special Defense -OR- 248 HP / 92 Attack / 168 Special Defense
Stealth Rock / Rock Blast or Stone Edge / Earthquake / Dragon Tail
 
Sample Moveset (Wallbreaker):
Adamant / Solid Rock / @Choice Band
172 HP / 252 Attack / 84 Speed
Stone Edge / Megahorn / Earthquake / Ice Punch
 
Sample Moveset (Sweeper):
Jolly / Solid Rock / Weakness Policy or Life Orb
252 Attack / 4 Special Defense / 252 Speed
Rock Polish / Stone Edge / Earthquake / Ice Punch or Megahorn
 
Recommended Teammates:
Tank: Roselia, Sharpedo, Slowking, Aromatisse, Virizion, any Spikes or Toxic Spikes user
Wallbreaker: Sharpedo, Virizion, Slowking, Kabutops, Cobalion
Sweeper: Roselia, Slowking, Amoongus, any Stealth Rock/Spikes/Toxic Spikes user
 
 
 
General Overview (Doubles)
Unlike Singles, where Rhyperior can survive in pretty much every tier where its allowed aside from ubers, Rhyperior struggles to perform in Doubles despite its placement in DOU.
 
DOU Overview
Rhyperior is used as a late game sweeper, however, it struggles in DOU as it is easily prone to top tier threats such as Rotom-Wash, Mega Charizard Y, and grass types such as Amoongus and Shaymin-Sky. Additionally, its attacking potential as a physical attacker is hindered by the presence of Intimidate and Will-o-wisp, which are almost everywhere due to the presence of threats such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Mawile. The majority of Rhyperior's damage output relies on its spread moves Earthquake and Rock Slide, which leaves it prone to Wide Guard users such as Hitmontop and Aegislash. Due to its low speed, Rhyperior is often dead weight outside of Trick Room teams and it outclassed by other bulky Pokemon otherwise.
 
Sample Moveset:
Brave / Solid Rock / Life Orb or Sitrus Berry
252 HP / 252 Attack / 4 Special Defense
Earthquake / Rock Slide or Stone Edge / Ice Punch / Protect
 
Recommended Teammates:
Any Trick Room user*, Cresselia, Amoongus, Trevenant, Gourgeist (any)
 
(* indicates mandatory teammate)
 
 
External Link(s):
Smogon Analysis (OU) Smogon Analysis (UU) Smogon Analysis (RU) Smogon Analysis (DOU)

This thread is for serious competitive discussion only. Just to clarify, this thread isn't exclusively about the OU metagame. Discussion of other metagames (Ubers, UU, RU, NU, VGC, Doubles, and even Triples) is allowed.
 
Common Terminology:
Tier - A term used to describe a categorization of a Pokemon species or form based on their competitive "worth". These are usually decided by how often a Pokemon is used on a team. It should be worth noting that Pokemon with more than one forme will have each of their forms tiered separately from each other. Each tier also consists of its own metagame.
  Metagame - The overall environment of competitive Pokemon. Each tier has its own metagame, which are dictated by that tier's top threats and playstyles. Each tier's metagame will permit the use of Pokemon found in lower level tiers (with the exception of the NU metagame, as there is no tier lower than NU) while simultaneously restricting Pokemon belonging to higher tiers (with the exception of the Ubers metagame, which currently allows all Pokemon).
  AG - short for "Anything Goes", AG is the spiritual successor to Ubers before it became its own tier instead of a banlist. As the name implies, anything goes. This means that nothing is banned and there are no clauses. Currently only one Pokemon exists in this "tier", which is Mega Rayquaza.
  Ubers - Derived from the german word über (lit. "above" or "over"), this tier was originally a global banlist in earlier generations before it evolved into its own tier in later generations. The Ubers tier consists of Pokemon that are typically broken, and consists of predominantly super legendary Pokemon (i.e.: Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza, etc) but may also include Pokemon that have been banned from the OU tier for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Kangaskhan) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Mega Gengar). While the ubers tier consists of as little bans as possible, certain moves and abilities that are deemed uncompetitive (i.e.: Moody, OHKO moves) may still be banned from time to time. DUbers is the Doubles equivalent of Ubers, which has its own tier list separate from Singles Ubers.
  OU - Short for "Over Used", this is the default tier that many competitive players play in. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the OU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers tier. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the OU Metagame (or 3.41% of all OU teams) belong to the OU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the UU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DOU is the Doubles equivalent of OU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles OU. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL - Short for "Borderline". BL is not a tier, but a banlist for the UU metagame. BL consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the OU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from UU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Heracross) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Gothitelle). Pokemon that are BL cannot be used in the UU, RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the OU tier. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  UU - Short for "Under Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the UU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, or BL tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the UU Metagame (or 3.41% of all UU teams) belong to the UU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the RU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DUU is the Doubles equivalent of UU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles UU. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL2 - Short for "Borderline 2". Just like BL, BL2 is a banlist for the RU metagame. BL2 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the UU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from RU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Tornadus) or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL2 cannot be used in the RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the UU tier. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  RU - Short for "Rarely Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the RU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the RU Metagame (or 3.41% of all RU teams) belong to the RU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Pokemon Online's tiering system, the RU tier is replaced with the functionally identical LU tier.
  LU - Short for "Lesser Used". Pokemon Online's equivalent to Smogon's RU tier. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the LU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least 4.0% usage on all LU teams belong to the LU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 4.0% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Smogon's tiering system, the LU tier is replaced with the functionally identical RU tier.
  BL3 - Short for "Borderline 3". Just like BL and BL2, BL3 is a banlist for the NU metagame. BL3 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the RU/LU Metagames, but have been explicitly banned from NU for being either too powerful or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL3 cannot be used in the NU metagame, and thus is treated as an extension of the RU & LU tiers. In Pokemon Online, the LU cutoff is 4.0% instead of RU's 3.41% cutoff.
  NU - Short for "Never Used". Essentially the bottom tier of competitive Pokemon, Pokemon that belong to this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in all metagame tiers above NU. The NU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU/LU, or BL3 tiers.
  PU - Short for "Partially Used". A new tier that was first introduced as an unofficial tier in Gen 5, and later adopted as an official Smogon tier in Gen 6. Pokemon in this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in the NU Metagame. The PU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU, BL3, or NU tiers. Note that Pokemon Online's tiering system does not include an equivalent to the PU tier.
  LC - Short for "Little Cup", a format that was first introduced in Pokemon Stadium 2 and later in Pokemon Battle Revolution. Pokemon used in this format are all Level 5, and consists of Pokemon that are capable of evolving, but have not yet evolved. Currently, the following Pokemon are banned from use in LC:

Additionally, the moves Sonic Boom and Dragon Rage are banned from use in LC.
  Counter - A counter refers to any Pokemon that is able to reliably switch in against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, while also being able to beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation where it has no choice but to switch out.

Examples:
vs : Magnezone is a counter to Skarmory, as it can reliably switch in to any of Skarmory's attacks and reliably defeat it.
vs : Chansey can reliably switch into any of Mega Charizard Y's attacks while healing more HP than Zard Y is able to deal in damage, forcing Mega Charizard Y to switch out, risk running out of PP, or die from Toxic damage.
  Check - A check refers to any Pokemon that cannot reliably switch in directly against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, but when it does, it can beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation. Unlike a counter, these Pokemon require either more prediction to beat the Pokemon they are meant to check, or switching through an indirect switch such as through Volt Switch, U-turn, or after another Pokemon has fainted.

Examples:
vs : Tyranitar cannot reliably switch in directly to Mega Charizard Y as it risks being OHKOed by Focus Blast. However, Choice Scarf Tyranitar will be able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Charizard Y with Stone Edge.
vs : Greninja is too frail to directly switch in to any of Terrakion's attacks, but it can reliably outspeed and OHKO any Terrakion that does not have Choice Scarf.
  VGC - Short for "Video Game Championships", the official Pokemon tournament that is held every year by The Pokemon Company International, which was first held in 2005 (when it was then known as "Journey Across America"). While the VGC format uses Double Battles, it is substantially different from regular Double Battles, as you are only allowed to choose 4 of the 6  Pokemon that you bring with you. While the Pokemon that are allowed at VGC differ from year to year, the VCG format usually bans Legendary Pokemon that are version mascots, as well as Event-only Pokemon. As of VGC 2014, only Pokemon that appear in the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147 are allowed, and the following Pokemon are banned:
 
Competitive Pokemon Resources:
Smogon - The oldest go-to website for competitive Pokemon play. Many players play by their rules and tiers. Although their primary focus is Singles OU, they do provide information on other metagames as well. Nuggetbridge - Founded by former Smogon members (as well as a former Smogon admin), Nuggetbridge is to Nintendo's official VGC competition as Smogon is to OU Singles. Site includes various articles on Nintendo's official format. Pokemon Showdown! - Web-based multi-generation battle simulator, that currently supports all 6 generations of Pokemon games. UPDATE: Now supports Gen 6 Triples as of 7/14/14. Pokemon Online - Alternative battle simulator formerly supported by Smogon which predates Showdown. Currently supports Gen 5 and Gen 6 battles. Pokemon Laboratory - Formerly known as Shoddybattle, a simulator that was formerly supported by Smogon during the DPPt era. Currently only supports Gen 4 battles, it has now been superceded by other simulators such as Showdown and Pokemon Lab, the former of which also supports Gen 4 battles. Pokemon Netbattle - Originally programmed by TV's Ian and Smogon's founder chaos, Netbattle is one of the oldest Pokemon battle simulators, dating back to the GSC era, where it supported both Gen 1 and Gen 2 battles. Gen 3 support was later added, when it became Smogon's official battle simulator at the time. It fell into disuse when Diamond & Pearl was released, where Shoddybattle (later known as Pokemon Laboratory) became the preferred simulator. An unofficial update known as Netbattle Supremacy was later released with Gen 4 support, but has fallen into disuse. GSBot / RSBot - An old, text based battle simulator, GSBot was a script created for mIRC that was used to host Gen 2 battles over irc chatrooms. Unlike most simulators, GSBot was purely text based, and utilized command lines to initiate, as well as conduct, Pokemon battles. It was later updated with Gen 3 support, where it was then renamed RSBot. It fell out of use when Netbattle, the only competing battle simulator at the time, also added Gen 3 support and later became Smogon's official battle simulator. Porygon's Big Show - The oldest Pokemon battle simulator to date, PBS is a web based Gen 1 battle simulator. However, it does contain various inconsistencies with the Gen 1 games. For instance, Focus Energy uses Pokemon Stadium's mechanics, while Hyper Beam still uses the original RBY mechanics. Despite its age and inconsistencies, it was still used, causing it to receive an update in 2010, nearly a decade after its initial release. However, it currently does not support any Pokemon games other than Gen 1.

Azumarill, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Heatran, Mega Heracross, Mega Venusaur, Bisharp, Gliscor, Rotom-Wash, Mega Scizor, Slowbro, Amoongus, Breloom, Diggersby, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-Black... That's only just Pokemon from the S, A+, A, and A- ranks in the OU Metagame, and out of those 16 mentioned, only 3 actually belong to a tier lower than OU.
 

Case in point: Ninjask, Accelgor, and Electrode.

Azumarill, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Heatran, Mega Heracross, Mega Venusaur, Bisharp, Gliscor, Rotom-Wash, Mega Scizor, Slowbro, Amoongus, Breloom, Diggersby, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-Black... That's only just Pokemon from the S, A+, A, and A- ranks in the OU Metagame, and out of those 16 mentioned, only 3 actually belong to a tier lower than OU.
 

Case in point: Ninjask, Accelgor, and Electrode.

Azumarill, Clefable, Ferrothorn, Heatran, Mega Heracross, Mega Venusaur, Bisharp, Gliscor, Rotom-Wash, Mega Scizor, Slowbro, Amoongus, Breloom, Diggersby, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-Black... That's only just Pokemon from the S, A+, A, and A- ranks in the OU Metagame, and out of those 16 mentioned, only 3 actually belong to a tier lower than OU.
 

Case in point: Ninjask, Accelgor, and Electrode.

Spam killer

Spam killer

I was originally gonna make this a topic but its the wrong place. I have no other place to put this
 

  This topic may have been intended for attention, but it was treated terribly becaus eof the poster and not because of the content.   Let me list why I am utter loss of words for how terrible this thread was handled. This was straight up censorship. This was someone posting an update in his life, and instead he was met by direct ridicule for holding religious beliefs and then marginalized over real life issues because of fucking mugen creations. This was vile. The man is clearly depressed and you are making things worse not by locking because this is a clear call for help, but because he brings up his religion.   A) Laharl I like you man but your post is not only wholly ignorant, disgustingly judgmental, and clearly bearing past prejudice and bias- it is also totally irrelevant. AxSeeker talks about preaching locally, giving up parts of his lifestyle, the crossroads he is at- and you ahve the gall to completely shit all over him with some completely irrelevant crap about his MUGEN career. What does his charcatres have to do with this. Why are you making such huge assumptions?   Your evidence for your claims are not evidence. They are pure conjecture. You think his story is bogus simply because his charaters are bad, and instead of just dismissing everything as attention-seeking, you also dismiss it as being completely false. How demeaning do you think it is to a person that their life is marginalized and seen as a total lie, becaus ethey made some free content people disliked. I am ashamed of your behavior.   B) All other posters in the thread that weren't staff. "Religion thread?" what the hell?? Is there any sort of rule against this, or was this made totally to bar AxSeeker from having a voice> Why does a man's faith being cited make this a religion thread. Was he asking to discuss his religion? Was he forcing you to adhere to it. Take a few steps back and reread the thread, and think about the fact a moment someone mentions religion youre all sqwaking "RELIGION THREAD! LOCK! LOCK!" This is on a basic human level disrespectful to the idea of religious freedom. This is you asking to lock a thread because someone is who he is. Shameful.   C) This adressed to Ryon's behavior, while I accept him locking the thread was in theory correct. Locking a thread because it is a gamer forum and someone had the gall to bring up their religion in a thread in an offtopic section of your forum is the wrong way to do it. People talk about their lives everyday, is this a problem? Is this worthy of being censored? Did AxKeeper beg for anything? Did people even read this damn thread? You locked a personal update thread for no reason. This is a personal update akin with your thread about being homeless. There is no difference to me. Please have a little compassion as people did for you when you were homeless.   TL;DR: Ax's thread should never have been locked for the reasons it did. It should not have been locked because he brings up religion, but because he is clearly depressed, or trying to get attention. the only people who made the thread bad are those who expected him to do something bad. I am utterly disgusted.

This thread is for serious competitive discussion only. Just to clarify, this thread isn't exclusively about the OU metagame. Discussion of other metagames (Ubers, UU, RU, NU, VGC, Doubles, and even Triples) is allowed.
 
Common Terminology:
Tier - A term used to describe a categorization of a Pokemon species or form based on their competitive "worth". These are usually decided by how often a Pokemon is used on a team. It should be worth noting that Pokemon with more than one forme will have each of their forms tiered separately from each other. Each tier also consists of its own metagame.
  Metagame - The overall environment of competitive Pokemon. Each tier has its own metagame, which are dictated by that tier's top threats and playstyles. Each tier's metagame will permit the use of Pokemon found in lower level tiers (with the exception of the NU metagame, as there is no tier lower than NU) while simultaneously restricting Pokemon belonging to higher tiers (with the exception of the Ubers metagame, which currently allows all Pokemon).
  AG - short for "Anything Goes", AG is the spiritual successor to Ubers before it became its own tier instead of a banlist. As the name implies, anything goes. This means that nothing is banned and there are no clauses. Currently only one Pokemon exists in this "tier", which is Mega Rayquaza.
  Ubers - Derived from the german word über (lit. "above" or "over"), this tier was originally a global banlist in earlier generations before it evolved into its own tier in later generations. The Ubers tier consists of Pokemon that are typically broken, and consists of predominantly super legendary Pokemon (i.e.: Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza, etc) but may also include Pokemon that have been banned from the OU tier for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Kangaskhan) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Mega Gengar). While the ubers tier consists of as little bans as possible, certain moves and abilities that are deemed uncompetitive (i.e.: Moody, OHKO moves) may still be banned from time to time. DUbers is the Doubles equivalent of Ubers, which has its own tier list separate from Singles Ubers.
  OU - Short for "Over Used", this is the default tier that many competitive players play in. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the OU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers tier. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the OU Metagame (or 3.41% of all OU teams) belong to the OU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the UU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DOU is the Doubles equivalent of OU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles OU. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL - Short for "Borderline". BL is not a tier, but a banlist for the UU metagame. BL consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the OU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from UU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Heracross) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Gothitelle). Pokemon that are BL cannot be used in the UU, RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the OU tier. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  UU - Short for "Under Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the UU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, or BL tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the UU Metagame (or 3.41% of all UU teams) belong to the UU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the RU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DUU is the Doubles equivalent of UU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles UU. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL2 - Short for "Borderline 2". Just like BL, BL2 is a banlist for the RU metagame. BL2 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the UU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from RU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Tornadus) or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL2 cannot be used in the RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the UU tier. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  RU - Short for "Rarely Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the RU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the RU Metagame (or 3.41% of all RU teams) belong to the RU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Pokemon Online's tiering system, the RU tier is replaced with the functionally identical LU tier.
  LU - Short for "Lesser Used". Pokemon Online's equivalent to Smogon's RU tier. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the LU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least 4.0% usage on all LU teams belong to the LU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 4.0% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Smogon's tiering system, the LU tier is replaced with the functionally identical RU tier.
  BL3 - Short for "Borderline 3". Just like BL and BL2, BL3 is a banlist for the NU metagame. BL3 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the RU/LU Metagames, but have been explicitly banned from NU for being either too powerful or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL3 cannot be used in the NU metagame, and thus is treated as an extension of the RU & LU tiers. In Pokemon Online, the LU cutoff is 4.0% instead of RU's 3.41% cutoff.
  NU - Short for "Never Used". Essentially the bottom tier of competitive Pokemon, Pokemon that belong to this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in all metagame tiers above NU. The NU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU/LU, or BL3 tiers.
  PU - Short for "Partially Used". A new tier that was first introduced as an unofficial tier in Gen 5, and later adopted as an official Smogon tier in Gen 6. Pokemon in this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in the NU Metagame. The PU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU, BL3, or NU tiers. Note that Pokemon Online's tiering system does not include an equivalent to the PU tier.
  LC - Short for "Little Cup", a format that was first introduced in Pokemon Stadium 2 and later in Pokemon Battle Revolution. Pokemon used in this format are all Level 5, and consists of Pokemon that are capable of evolving, but have not yet evolved. Currently, the following Pokemon are banned from use in LC:

Additionally, the moves Sonic Boom and Dragon Rage are banned from use in LC.
  Counter - A counter refers to any Pokemon that is able to reliably switch in against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, while also being able to beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation where it has no choice but to switch out.

Examples:
vs : Magnezone is a counter to Skarmory, as it can reliably switch in to any of Skarmory's attacks and reliably defeat it.
vs : Chansey can reliably switch into any of Mega Charizard Y's attacks while healing more HP than Zard Y is able to deal in damage, forcing Mega Charizard Y to switch out, risk running out of PP, or die from Toxic damage.
  Check - A check refers to any Pokemon that cannot reliably switch in directly against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, but when it does, it can beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation. Unlike a counter, these Pokemon require either more prediction to beat the Pokemon they are meant to check, or switching through an indirect switch such as through Volt Switch, U-turn, or after another Pokemon has fainted.

Examples:
vs : Tyranitar cannot reliably switch in directly to Mega Charizard Y as it risks being OHKOed by Focus Blast. However, Choice Scarf Tyranitar will be able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Charizard Y with Stone Edge.
vs : Greninja is too frail to directly switch in to any of Terrakion's attacks, but it can reliably outspeed and OHKO any Terrakion that does not have Choice Scarf.
  VGC - Short for "Video Game Championships", the official Pokemon tournament that is held every year by The Pokemon Company International, which was first held in 2005 (when it was then known as "Journey Across America"). While the VGC format uses Double Battles, it is substantially different from regular Double Battles, as you are only allowed to choose 4 of the 6  Pokemon that you bring with you. While the Pokemon that are allowed at VGC differ from year to year, the VCG format usually bans Legendary Pokemon that are version mascots, as well as Event-only Pokemon. As of VGC 2014, only Pokemon that appear in the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147 are allowed, and the following Pokemon are banned:
 
Competitive Pokemon Resources:
Smogon - The oldest go-to website for competitive Pokemon play. Many players play by their rules and tiers. Although their primary focus is Singles OU, they do provide information on other metagames as well. Nuggetbridge - Founded by former Smogon members (as well as a former Smogon admin), Nuggetbridge is to Nintendo's official VGC competition as Smogon is to OU Singles. Site includes various articles on Nintendo's official format. Pokemon Showdown! - Web-based multi-generation battle simulator, that currently supports all 6 generations of Pokemon games. UPDATE: Now supports Gen 6 Triples as of 7/14/14. Pokemon Online - Alternative battle simulator formerly supported by Smogon which predates Showdown. Currently supports Gen 5 and Gen 6 battles. Pokemon Laboratory - Formerly known as Shoddybattle, a simulator that was formerly supported by Smogon during the DPPt era. Currently only supports Gen 4 battles, it has now been superceded by other simulators such as Showdown and Pokemon Lab, the former of which also supports Gen 4 battles. Pokemon Netbattle - Originally programmed by TV's Ian and Smogon's founder chaos, Netbattle is one of the oldest Pokemon battle simulators, dating back to the GSC era, where it supported both Gen 1 and Gen 2 battles. Gen 3 support was later added, when it became Smogon's official battle simulator at the time. It fell into disuse when Diamond & Pearl was released, where Shoddybattle (later known as Pokemon Laboratory) became the preferred simulator. An unofficial update known as Netbattle Supremacy was later released with Gen 4 support, but has fallen into disuse. GSBot / RSBot - An old, text based battle simulator, GSBot was a script created for mIRC that was used to host Gen 2 battles over irc chatrooms. Unlike most simulators, GSBot was purely text based, and utilized command lines to initiate, as well as conduct, Pokemon battles. It was later updated with Gen 3 support, where it was then renamed RSBot. It fell out of use when Netbattle, the only competing battle simulator at the time, also added Gen 3 support and later became Smogon's official battle simulator. Porygon's Big Show - The oldest Pokemon battle simulator to date, PBS is a web based Gen 1 battle simulator. However, it does contain various inconsistencies with the Gen 1 games. For instance, Focus Energy uses Pokemon Stadium's mechanics, while Hyper Beam still uses the original RBY mechanics. Despite its age and inconsistencies, it was still used, causing it to receive an update in 2010, nearly a decade after its initial release. However, it currently does not support any Pokemon games other than Gen 1.

This thread is for serious competitive discussion only. Just to clarify, this thread isn't exclusively about the OU metagame. Discussion of other metagames (Ubers, UU, RU, NU, VGC, Doubles, and even Triples) is allowed.
 
Common Terminology:
Tier - A term used to describe a categorization of a Pokemon species or form based on their competitive "worth". These are usually decided by how often a Pokemon is used on a team. It should be worth noting that Pokemon with more than one forme will have each of their forms tiered separately from each other. Each tier also consists of its own metagame.
  Metagame - The overall environment of competitive Pokemon. Each tier has its own metagame, which are dictated by that tier's top threats and playstyles. Each tier's metagame will permit the use of Pokemon found in lower level tiers (with the exception of the NU metagame, as there is no tier lower than NU) while simultaneously restricting Pokemon belonging to higher tiers (with the exception of the Ubers metagame, which currently allows all Pokemon).
  AG - short for "Anything Goes", AG is the spiritual successor to Ubers before it became its own tier instead of a banlist. As the name implies, anything goes. This means that nothing is banned and there are no clauses. Currently only one Pokemon exists in this "tier", which is Mega Rayquaza.
  Ubers - Derived from the german word über (lit. "above" or "over"), this tier was originally a global banlist in earlier generations before it evolved into its own tier in later generations. The Ubers tier consists of Pokemon that are typically broken, and consists of predominantly super legendary Pokemon (i.e.: Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza, etc) but may also include Pokemon that have been banned from the OU tier for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Kangaskhan) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Mega Gengar). While the ubers tier consists of as little bans as possible, certain moves and abilities that are deemed uncompetitive (i.e.: Moody, OHKO moves) may still be banned from time to time. DUbers is the Doubles equivalent of Ubers, which has its own tier list separate from Singles Ubers.
  OU - Short for "Over Used", this is the default tier that many competitive players play in. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the OU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers tier. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the OU Metagame (or 3.41% of all OU teams) belong to the OU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the UU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DOU is the Doubles equivalent of OU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles OU. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL - Short for "Borderline". BL is not a tier, but a banlist for the UU metagame. BL consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the OU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from UU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Mega Heracross) or uncompetitive (i.e.: Gothitelle). Pokemon that are BL cannot be used in the UU, RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the OU tier. In Pokemon Online, the OU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  UU - Short for "Under Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the UU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, or BL tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the UU Metagame (or 3.41% of all UU teams) belong to the UU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the RU Metagame, where the process is repeated to determine their tiering. DUU is the Doubles equivalent of UU, which has its own tier list separate from Singles UU. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  BL2 - Short for "Borderline 2". Just like BL, BL2 is a banlist for the RU metagame. BL2 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the UU Metagame, but have been explicitly banned from RU for being either too powerful (i.e.: Tornadus) or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL2 cannot be used in the RU, or NU metagames, and thus is treated as an extension of the UU tier. In Pokemon Online, the UU cutoff is raised from 3.41% to 4.0%
  RU - Short for "Rarely Used". Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the RU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least a 50% chance of appearing at least once out of 20 teams in the RU Metagame (or 3.41% of all RU teams) belong to the RU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 3.41% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Pokemon Online's tiering system, the RU tier is replaced with the functionally identical LU tier.
  LU - Short for "Lesser Used". Pokemon Online's equivalent to Smogon's RU tier. Pokemon that belong to this tier are based on their usage in the LU metagame, which allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, or BL2 tiers. Any Pokemon that has at least 4.0% usage on all LU teams belong to the LU tier. Those Pokemon who do not make the 4.0% cutoff will then be allowed in the NU Metagame. In Smogon's tiering system, the LU tier is replaced with the functionally identical RU tier.
  BL3 - Short for "Borderline 3". Just like BL and BL2, BL3 is a banlist for the NU metagame. BL3 consists of Pokemon that have failed to achieve 3.41% useage in the RU/LU Metagames, but have been explicitly banned from NU for being either too powerful or uncompetitive. Pokemon that are BL3 cannot be used in the NU metagame, and thus is treated as an extension of the RU & LU tiers. In Pokemon Online, the LU cutoff is 4.0% instead of RU's 3.41% cutoff.
  NU - Short for "Never Used". Essentially the bottom tier of competitive Pokemon, Pokemon that belong to this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in all metagame tiers above NU. The NU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU/LU, or BL3 tiers.
  PU - Short for "Partially Used". A new tier that was first introduced as an unofficial tier in Gen 5, and later adopted as an official Smogon tier in Gen 6. Pokemon in this tier are those who have failed to achieve at least 3.41% usage in the NU Metagame. The PU Metagame allows for the use of any Pokemon not belonging to the Ubers, OU, BL, UU, BL2, RU, BL3, or NU tiers. Note that Pokemon Online's tiering system does not include an equivalent to the PU tier.
  LC - Short for "Little Cup", a format that was first introduced in Pokemon Stadium 2 and later in Pokemon Battle Revolution. Pokemon used in this format are all Level 5, and consists of Pokemon that are capable of evolving, but have not yet evolved. Currently, the following Pokemon are banned from use in LC:

Additionally, the moves Sonic Boom and Dragon Rage are banned from use in LC.
  Counter - A counter refers to any Pokemon that is able to reliably switch in against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, while also being able to beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation where it has no choice but to switch out.

Examples:
vs : Magnezone is a counter to Skarmory, as it can reliably switch in to any of Skarmory's attacks and reliably defeat it.
vs : Chansey can reliably switch into any of Mega Charizard Y's attacks while healing more HP than Zard Y is able to deal in damage, forcing Mega Charizard Y to switch out, risk running out of PP, or die from Toxic damage.
  Check - A check refers to any Pokemon that cannot reliably switch in directly against a specific Pokemon 100% of the time, but when it does, it can beat that Pokemon or put it into a disadvantageous situation. Unlike a counter, these Pokemon require either more prediction to beat the Pokemon they are meant to check, or switching through an indirect switch such as through Volt Switch, U-turn, or after another Pokemon has fainted.

Examples:
vs : Tyranitar cannot reliably switch in directly to Mega Charizard Y as it risks being OHKOed by Focus Blast. However, Choice Scarf Tyranitar will be able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Charizard Y with Stone Edge.
vs : Greninja is too frail to directly switch in to any of Terrakion's attacks, but it can reliably outspeed and OHKO any Terrakion that does not have Choice Scarf.
  VGC - Short for "Video Game Championships", the official Pokemon tournament that is held every year by The Pokemon Company International, which was first held in 2005 (when it was then known as "Journey Across America"). While the VGC format uses Double Battles, it is substantially different from regular Double Battles, as you are only allowed to choose 4 of the 6  Pokemon that you bring with you. While the Pokemon that are allowed at VGC differ from year to year, the VCG format usually bans Legendary Pokemon that are version mascots, as well as Event-only Pokemon. As of VGC 2014, only Pokemon that appear in the Central Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #150, Coastal Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #153, or Mountain Kalos Pokédex from #001 to #147 are allowed, and the following Pokemon are banned:
 
Competitive Pokemon Resources:
Smogon - The oldest go-to website for competitive Pokemon play. Many players play by their rules and tiers. Although their primary focus is Singles OU, they do provide information on other metagames as well. Nuggetbridge - Founded by former Smogon members (as well as a former Smogon admin), Nuggetbridge is to Nintendo's official VGC competition as Smogon is to OU Singles. Site includes various articles on Nintendo's official format. Pokemon Showdown! - Web-based multi-generation battle simulator, that currently supports all 6 generations of Pokemon games. UPDATE: Now supports Gen 6 Triples as of 7/14/14. Pokemon Online - Alternative battle simulator formerly supported by Smogon which predates Showdown. Currently supports Gen 5 and Gen 6 battles. Pokemon Laboratory - Formerly known as Shoddybattle, a simulator that was formerly supported by Smogon during the DPPt era. Currently only supports Gen 4 battles, it has now been superceded by other simulators such as Showdown and Pokemon Lab, the former of which also supports Gen 4 battles. Pokemon Netbattle - Originally programmed by TV's Ian and Smogon's founder chaos, Netbattle is one of the oldest Pokemon battle simulators, dating back to the GSC era, where it supported both Gen 1 and Gen 2 battles. Gen 3 support was later added, when it became Smogon's official battle simulator at the time. It fell into disuse when Diamond & Pearl was released, where Shoddybattle (later known as Pokemon Laboratory) became the preferred simulator. An unofficial update known as Netbattle Supremacy was later released with Gen 4 support, but has fallen into disuse. GSBot / RSBot - An old, text based battle simulator, GSBot was a script created for mIRC that was used to host Gen 2 battles over irc chatrooms. Unlike most simulators, GSBot was purely text based, and utilized command lines to initiate, as well as conduct, Pokemon battles. It was later updated with Gen 3 support, where it was then renamed RSBot. It fell out of use when Netbattle, the only competing battle simulator at the time, also added Gen 3 support and later became Smogon's official battle simulator. Porygon's Big Show - The oldest Pokemon battle simulator to date, PBS is a web based Gen 1 battle simulator. However, it does contain various inconsistencies with the Gen 1 games. For instance, Focus Energy uses Pokemon Stadium's mechanics, while Hyper Beam still uses the original RBY mechanics. Despite its age and inconsistencies, it was still used, causing it to receive an update in 2010, nearly a decade after its initial release. However, it currently does not support any Pokemon games other than Gen 1.

Wasnt expecting this at all, but I'll do my best.

We all know that Chuchoryu's stuff lacks in quality, but there's a stark difference between pointing out flaws in a character and making posts like these:
 

 

This is a general warning to everyone: This thread is about the character. If you have nothing productive to say, do not bother posting here. If you're going to point out how bad chuchoryu's characters are for the Nth time, at least keep civil. Passive aggressive insults and off-topic image macros won't be tolerated.

We all know that Chuchoryu's stuff lacks in quality, but there's a stark difference between pointing out flaws in a character and making posts like these:
 

 

This is a general warning to everyone: This thread is about the character. If you have nothing productive to say, do not bother posting here. If you're going to point out how bad chuchoryu's characters are for the Nth time, at least keep civil. Passive aggressive insults and off-topic image macros won't be tolerated.

Wasnt expecting this at all, but I'll do my best.

Goddamnit Daniel...

Fuck Orochi vs Gill..... :p

Fuck Orochi vs Gill..... :p

Fuck Orochi vs Gill..... :p