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[Gen6] Pokemon of the Week X&Y Edition


RicePigeon

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EDIT: This sort of gives me an idea of a weekly thing where I give a brief introduction to a Pokemon and go over its competitive viability. Nothing in depth, just something to give people a better idea of how it used.

 

Gonna start this off with some lower tiered Pokes as I think it'll make for some interesting discussion and show that just because a Pokemon is lower ranked doesn't mean its garbage:

 

kabutops.gif

Kabutops

Current Tiers:

Singles: NU

Doubles: DUU

Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):

Ubers: Unranked

OU: B+

UU: Unranked

RU: B

NU: A

 

Kabutops is an odd case of an NU Pokemon. While Most NU Pokemon are simply outclassed by Pokemon in the higher tiers and rarely see any viability in the tiers above UU or RU, Kabutops is able to hold its own in OU consistently well. The most significant reason for Kabutops's low tier placement, however, is not with Kabutops itself, but the fact that the ability Drizzle is banned in all tiers except Ubers and OU, which limits Kabutops's effectiveness in UU. Otherwise, Kabutops would see itself placed in UU.

 

In OU, Kabutops serves as a key member of rain teams, and is the only viable physical attacking Swift Swimmer. While Kabutops may not have the most expansive movepool, it has everything that it needs to 2HKO everything in the tier after Life Orb and a Swords Dance boost. The only Pokemon that resists both of its STAB moves, Ferrothorn, is quickly manhandled by Low Kick. (Kabutops OU Analysis: http://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/kabutops.3506106/)

 

In both RU and NU, Kabutops has the option to perform the same role as it can in OU, except that it must now must rely on manual rain setters as Drizzle is banned, so this option isn't as appealing as it is in OU. However, Kabutops's main draw in these tiers is its Rapid Spin set, which no longer faces competition from the higher tiered and more effective hazard removers such as Latios, Latias, Skarmory, Excadrill, and Starmie. In NU, Kabutops is often compared to Cryogonal as a Rapid Spinner, but has a niche in that it can Foresight, allowing it not be spinblocked by the Ghost types in the tier.

 

Sample Recommended Teammates:

OU: Politoed*, Mega Scizor, Latios, Rotom-Wash, Kingdra, Azelf, Terrakion (w/ Stealth Rock), Clefable (w/ Stealth Rock), Ferrothorn

RU: Durant, Moltres, Ludicolo, Escavalier

NU: Rotom, Sneasel, Raichu, Chatot

 

(* indicates mandatory teammate)

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What probly made Kabutops lower ranked is its type (water/Rock) which gives it some disavantages against pokemon types that are:

Grass**, electric* , fighting*, ground*, water (with high Sp.Atk), Psychics (with high Sp.Atk), Bugs (with high Sp.Atk),Rock (with high Sp.Atk), Ghost (with high Sp.Atk), Dragon (with high Sp.Atk), Dark (with high Sp.Atk), Steel (with high Sp.Atk), and Fairy (with high Sp.Atk).

 

Since its stat weak point is its Sp.Def unless it holds an item like "Assult vest" or barries to give it advantage against those pokemon. 

 

Though pairing it with Politoed in double-battle is great for when politoed does 'rain dance'. Kabutops can also make a good pairing with Kyogre with 'Drizzle ability' to give it a head start in battle.

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OU Kabutops wants as much wrecking power as possible, so Life Orb is the item of choice. Kabutops is just too frail, even with Assault Vest. As a sweeper, it wants to be fast and hard hitting. Swift Swim allows it to do that.
 

What probly made Kabutops lower ranked is its type (water/Rock) which gives it some disavantages against pokemon types that are:
Grass**, electric* , fighting*, ground*, water (with high Sp.Atk), Psychics (with high Sp.Atk), Bugs (with high Sp.Atk),Rock (with high Sp.Atk), Ghost (with high Sp.Atk), Dragon (with high Sp.Atk), Dark (with high Sp.Atk), Steel (with high Sp.Atk), and Fairy (with high Sp.Atk).


Its actually the way Smogon's tiering process works: It starts with determining which Pokemon are OU from the ones that arent. From the Pokemon that aren't, the process is repeated with just those Pokemon to determine the UU Pokemon, then the same for RU, NU, and PU. In Kabutops's case, his placement in NU wasn't based on his usage in the OU environment, but his usage in the RU environment, which allowed him in based on his usage in the UU environment. It's a trickle down process. Granted, if Kabutops were to ever make 3.41% usage in the OU environment, then this would mean he would jump from NU all the way to OU. But if he ever fell below that number, he would become UU instead of falling back to NU.

Speaking of Pokemon viability, some OU viability ranking updates:

635.png : C ---> C-
Hydreigon has no niche in the OU metagame currently. It's not a bad Pokemon by itself, is unique, and it isn't useless, but it just fails to have an impact especially when other Pokemon can do the exact same thing it can.

479h.png: C ---> C-
Rotom-Heat is a similar case to Hydreigon, where it has no real niche to make itself stand out, especially when its outclassed by its Wash forme as a pivot due to Stealth Rock weakness and Overheat forcing it out.

195.png: B+ ---> B
Quagsire is not as useful as it once was, with the rise of Mega Gardevoir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Medicham, which only makes its less than stellar bulk much more noticeable. It has no use outside of stall teams, which prefer to use Slowbro for its ability to handle Keldeo and Mega Medicham, or Alomomola for its ability to pass huge Wishes to keep the team healthy, both of which also have better physical bulk and longevity with Regenerator.

464.png: B- ---> B
Rhyperior is a good and consistent birdspam check that can stomach anything thrown at it, even Close Combat from +2 Mega Pinsir and Staraptor, while still providing an offensive presence even with minimal attack investment, and supporting the team with Stealth Rock and its wide coverage moves.

385.png: B ---> B+
Jirachi has only gotten better and better with Aegislash and Mega Mawile being banned. It serves as a nice check to Mega Gardevoir, Clefable, Latios, Latias, and Greninja, and has been seeing alot of use on Stall/Defensive teams due to how hostile the metagame is to that playstyle right now. Jirachi can be used either offensively or defensively, ranging from its Choice Scarf set to Specially Defensive to even SubToxic, while also providing Wish support if necessary.

395.png: C- ---> C
Empoleon has a unique typing, both offensively and defensively, which allows it to take on threats such as Azumarill, Suicune, Kabutops without Low Kick, and Sub+Dragondance Gyarados. It can run an offensive Choice Specs set, which allows it to beat Clefable, or a Specially Defensive set that can be tailored for either hazard removal (Defog) or hazard setup (Stealth Rock), though it should not be using both on the same moveset as Skarmory outclasses it in that role. Empoleon can also Roar away setup sweepers, fish for burns with Scald, or cripples common switch-ins with Toxic.

145.png: B ---> B-
As a Defogger, Zapdos is only subpar, being weak to the very same Stealth Rocks that it's meant to remove. It gets worn down easily with its subpar bulk, and relies too much on its typing to be effective defensively. It also suffers from 4 Moveslot Syndrome: Roost, Defog, and Thunderbolt are all mandatory. It wants Heat Wave so it can KO Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, but cannot beat common Stealth Rock setters barring Ferrothorn unless it runs HP Ice, and becomes bait to common switch ins and setup sweepers if it doesn't run Toxic. It hates Sand Offense and Terrakion, and none of the Mega wallbreakers (Mega Gardevoir, Mega Medicham, Mega Heracross) make its life any easier. As a birdspam check, it can still take on Mega Pinsir rather well, but Staraptor and Talonflame give it issues, something that other Birdspam checks, both offensive and defensive, can handle better than Zapdos.

197.png: D ---> Unranked
Umbreon's only use in OU was as a cleric, which is outclassed by cleric Sylveon, which is in turn outclassed by cleric Clefable. Unviable.
 
Potential future Rank change(s):
 
700.png: C+ ---> B-
While Sylveon is outclassed as a cleric by Clefable, who sports better defensive abilities in Unaware and Magic Guard while giving Steel types a difficult time switching in with Flamethrower, Sylveon has been gaining some popularity lately as a Choice Specs nuke, capable of firing off a powerful Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice. Any Pokemon that isn't hit for at least neutral damage by Hyper Voice is met with either Psyshock or Hidden Power Ground/Fire. Additionally, Specs Sylveon can function as a pivot with Baton Pass, despite the fact that it won't be passing any stat boosts, allowing it to maintain momentum which works great in tandem with Pokemon such as Magnezone, who traps common switch-ins to Sylveon such as Mega Scizor, and Mega Charizard Y, who has good type synergy with Sylveon while also being a powerful nuke itself.

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

Rhyperior
rhyperior.gif
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)

 

 

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

Rhyperior

rhyperior.gif

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):

 

Hmm.... I see.... Thanks for the breakdown. Hopefully one day I will raise one my self :goodmood:

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Someone asked me if the 252 Defense in the OU tank set was a typo. It isn't.

Unlike UU and RU, where tank Rhyperior can afford to invest in Special Defense, tank Rhyperior in OU wants to be as physically bulky as possible in order to check Birdspam reliably.

Also the ranks aren't decided by me, but are taken from the various viability ranking topics on the Smogon forums. But just in case there's any confusion, here's a general breakdown of the different viability rankings:

S Rank

S Rank is reserved for Pokemon that are simply amazing in a given metagame, and are usually low-risk, high-reward. They are either very flexible by running a variety of different movesets, or excel at performing a single role. These Pokemon require little to no support from teammates, and are considered the top threats to prepare for.

 

A+, A, and A- Ranks

The A ranks are reserved for Pokemon that are fantastic, and are able to sweep, wall, or support a significant portion of a particular metagame. They usually require some degree of support to be effective, but their positive traits still far outweigh their flaws

 

B+, B, and B- Ranks

The B ranks are reserved for Pokemon that are generally good in a metagame. They have some more noticeable flaws that affect how they function, and require a bit more team support than the S and A ranks, but their positive qualities still outweigh their negatives.

 

C+, C, and C- Ranks

The C ranks are reserved for Pokemon that have notable niches in a metagame, but have enough flaws to effectively counteract their positives. They can still be effective, but require significant support to do so. Pokemon found in these ranks tend to find alot more competition from Pokemon in the higher ranks, and some may be partially outclassed as a result, but still have unique traits that allow them to fulfill specific needs for a team.

 

D Rank

Pokemon found in the D rank are mediocre in a particular metagame, but are just barely viable enough to be used in a given metagame. Pokemon in this rank have a number of notable crippling flaws that outweigh their positive traits, sometimes causing them to be completely outclassed as a result. Pokemon in this rank are either useable but have no real niche, or are only capable of performing a specific task and fail at doing anything else.

 

F Rank

The F rank (E rank on Smogon) consists of everything else not in the upper ranks that isn't explicitly banned from a particular metagame. Pokemon in this rank are completely unviable and should never see any use on serious teams for that metagame.

 

Banned

Pokemon that have been either been explicitly banned from a particular metagame, or are banned from a particular metagame as a result of belonging to a higher tier. For example, all OU and BL Pokemon are banned from UU, RU, NU, and PU.

 

EDIT: I forgot to put this into the Rhyperior PotW, but Rhyperior can also check non-specs Raikou and Mega Manectric, two popular Volt Switch users found on Hyper Offense teams in OU, while OHKOing both of them in return (even after an intimidate from Mega Manectric). Just to demonstrate:

 

Defensive Calcs:

  • 252 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior: 163-193 (38.4 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior: 145-172 (34.1 - 40.5%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
  • +1 252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior: 219-258 (51.6 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Offensive Calcs:

  • -1 44+ Atk Rhyperior Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 260-308 (92.5 - 109.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 44+ Atk Rhyperior Earthquake vs. 32 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 416-492 (126.4 - 149.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
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Well time for the next PotW, this one being one that caught my personal interest:
 
Doublade
doublade.gif
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.
 
 
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In other words Doublade is pretty fragile even though its a ghost/steel-type the fact it dosn't get effected by fighter,normal,poison-type moves unless the pokemon use 'oder sloth', 'magic eye' or natural abilities like 'Scrappy' that can hit it regardless. Pretty much almost another Glass-cannon but with the exception of having pokemon that can help it stay around in double battles. so its best for it to evolve to Aegislash in order for it to be in good standard. 

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In other words Doublade is pretty fragile even though its a ghost/steel-type the fact it dosn't get effected by fighter,normal,poison-type moves unless the pokemon use 'oder sloth', 'magic eye' or natural abilities like 'Scrappy' that can hit it regardless. Pretty much almost another Glass-cannon but with the exception of having pokemon that can help it stay around in double battles. so its best for it to evolve to Aegislash in order for it to be in good standard.

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.

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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.

I see thanks..

I guess the only way to understand is to raise one which I havn't raised a Doublade better yet even an Honedge soo I best to not to judge about it unless i try the pokemon myself. :-P

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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
kyurem-black.gif
 
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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

646-b.png

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)

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Considering I don't use legendary pokemon that much I rather stick with pokemon that is average to High-tier that can put up a fight against legendary pokemon. However the info that you provided pretty much sums up ways that Black Kyurem can be a Strong tank pokemon which can deal with does that can oppose a threat against it like Fairy and dragon-types.

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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.gifgardevoir-mega.gif
 
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
282-m.png
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
282-m.png
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
282-m.png
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
282.png
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)

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Awesome! Considered that Gardevoir is made as an fairy-type add to her mega form make her more formable then Alakazam (except speed since Alakazam can out speed it). Also the other benefit of it being a fairy type it won't have to worry about the threat of Dark-types unless they have high Atk stat + moves like Nightslash might KO Gardevoir. Its also a pokemon that can learn many Sp.Atk egg-moves, tutors, and TMs.

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Night Slash isn't used anymore ever since Knock Off got that stupidly high buff to 97.5 base power if your opponent is holding a removable item.

 

Also it wouldn't be fair to compare Mega Gardevoir to Mega Alakazam. Mega Gardevoir and Mega Alakazam both have different roles. Mega Gardevoir is mostly a wallbreaker meant to punch holes into the opponent's defensive cores so that a Pokemon can sweep your opponent's team later, while Mega Alakazam is a revenge killer/cleaner that is supposed to be saved until late game when your opponent's team has been weakened and their defensive Pokemon removed (which is what wallbreakers like MegaGardevoir are for) or after your opponent scores a KO.

 

Speaking of Alakazam, I'll most likely be doing him next to cover the lower tier slot of PotW.

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Night Slash isn't used anymore ever since Knock Off got that stupidly high buff to 97.5 base power if your opponent is holding a removable item.

Really!? I didn't know Knock-Off has that type of added effect. :-P

 

 

Speaking of Alakazam, I'll most likely be doing him next to cover the lower tier slot of PotW.

Cool! :goodmood:

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Knock Off is everywhere. Bisharp is a common user of this move.

 

The only things safe from Knock Off are those with Sticky Hold, no item at all (lol?) or those with Mega Stones.

You forgot Gliscor, who doesn't give a damn about Knock Off after its Toxic Orb activates, and even runs Acrobatics now to take advantage of it so it can OHKO Mega Heracross.

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Now for this week's lower tier PotW: Alakazam & Mega Alakazam
 
Alakazam & Mega Alakazam
alakazam.gifalakazam-mega.gif
 
Alakazam Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 55 (220-314)
Attack: 50 (105-199) (95-188) (115-218)
Defense: 45 (95-189) (86-178) (104-207)
Sp.Atk: 135 (275-369) (121-206) (148-251)
Sp.Def: 95 (195-289) (176-260) (214-317)
Speed: 120 (245-339) (220-305) (269-372)
 
Mega Alakazam Base Stats (Max Stats Lv.100) (- Nature) (+ Nature)
HP: 55 (220-314)
Attack: 50 (105-199) (95-188) (115-218)
Defense: 65 (135-229) (121-206) (148-251)
Sp.Atk: 175 (355-449) (319-404) (390-493)
Sp.Def: 95 (195-289) (176-260) (214-317)
Speed: 150 (305-399) (274-359) (335-438)
 
Current Tiers (Normal / Mega):
Singles: UU / BL
Doubles: DUU / DUU
 
Tier Metagame Viability (Singles):
Ubers: F (Both)
OU: B+ (Mega only), C (Normal only)
UU: Banned (Mega only), A+ (Normal only)
RU: Banned
NU: Banned
PU: Banned

 
Tier Metagame Viability (Doubles):
DUbers: F (Both)
DOU: F (Both)
DUU: F (Both)
DRU: Banned
 
 
Singles
 
Ubers Overview

DUbers Viability (Mega): F

DUbers Viability (Normal): F

 

With access to powerful offensive psychic types such as Mewtwo, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-Speed, and Deoxys-Attack, it should stand to reason that Alakazam and its Mega Evolution are outclassed by these Pokemon, and have no role in the Ubers environment.

 

 

 

OU Overview
OU Viability (Mega): B+
OU Viability (Normal): C

In early X&Y OU, Alakazam's Mega Evolution was initially dismissed as inferior to the base form, as it lacked Magic Guard, a tool necessary for Focus Sash Alakazam's claim to fame last generation. As the metagame evolved, Alakazam found that it does not have the same revenge killing potential as it did last gen with the power creep of Mega Evolutions and spammable priority moves, most notably Gale Wings Talonflame's Brave Bird, which ultimately led to it dropping down to UU. Mega Alakazam was then considered too broken for UU, and was banned to BL, where it could only be used in OU and above, but had no real place. Once Aegislash was banned from OU, however, Mega Alakazam began to shine as an effective revenge killer/cleaner. Magic Guard allows it to switch in without fear of entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving, and Trace allows it to copy some of the most clutch abilities in the game, including, but not limited to: Sand Rush, Swift Swim, Protean, and Sheer Force, the former two allowing Mega Alakazam to outspeed and revenge kill Excadrill and Kabutops in the sand and rain, respectively, without the need for priority moves. Additionally, Mega Alakazam's base 150 speed allows it to outspeed many threats even with a neutral nature, allowing it to run Modest for even more offense power, something its base form could never accomplish. However, both Alakazam and Mega Alakazam have paper thin defenses, and cannot afford to switch in against many threats, so it typically cannot be used outside the role of a cleaner or revenge killer.
 
 
OU Singles Moveset: Mega Revenge Killer
065-m.png
Ability: Magic Guard (Trace) / Item: @Alakazite
Nature (1): Modest w/ EVs: 32 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 224 Speed -OR-
Nature (2): Timid w/ EVs: 80 HP / 252 Sp.Attack / 176 Speed
Moves: Psychic / Shadow Ball / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire, Substitute, or Protect
 
Tips:

  • While it may be tempting to run Psyshock instead of Psychic in order to hit Specially Defensive pokemon such as Chansey, Psychic is the better choice as it deals more damage to threats such as Mega Venusaur, Hippowdon, and Landorus-Therian.
  • Focus Blast, while inaccurate, is necessary in order to deal with Dark and Steel types such as Tyranitar, Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Excadrill.
  • Shadow Ball allows Mega Alakazam to threaten Latios, Latias, and Mega Gardevoir, three extremely common and viable Pokemon in OU, as well as Mew, Slowbro, and opposing Mega Alakazam.
  • Hidden Power Fire hits Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, as well as being more accurate than Focus Blast. However, Substitute can give Mega Alakazam a shield against priority moves and opposing revenge killers, and its useful when up against offensive teams. Protect, on the other hand, guarantees that Alakazam will be able to Mega Evolve safely, especially against Rain and Sand teams where Alakazam will not be able to outspeed Sand Rush Excadrill and Swift Swim Kingdra/Kabutops until the turn after it Mega Evolves.
  • Taunt or Encore can also be used in the last slot to shut down walls, and is useful if Mega Alakazam copies Prankster, allowing it to prevent Thundurus-Incarnate from Thunder Waving or setting up Nasty Plot. However, the three options listed above are generally better.
  • Modest is the preferred nature for the most offensive power, as base 150 speed is often enough to outspeed most threats, as 224 Speed EVs allow it to outspeed Mega Gyarados after a Dragon Dance. However, Timid can be used over Modest if outspeeding Landorus-Therian, Mega Manectric, and Mega Aerodactyl is necessary. In this case, Mega Alakazam should run 176 speed EVs and move the rest to HP.
  • Due to both Alakazam's frailty and its role as a revenge killer, it should only be brought in after an opponent scores a KO or on a predicted switch. Alternatively, a slow user of U-turn or Volt Switch can also bring Alakazam in safely.
  • Mega Alakazam can also be saved until late game to act as a cleaner, when the opponent's team has been significantly weakened.
  • Important to note is that while Mega Alakazam can revenge kill Kabutops and Excadrill, it is also revenge killed by those two if Mega Alakazam has not Traced Swift Swim or Sand Rush, respectively.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Fighting types (Breloom, Terrakion, Keldeo)
  • Stealth Rock users (Clefable, Terrakion, Landorus-Therian, Garchomp)
  • Pursuit users to check Latios/Latias (Bisharp, Choice Scarf Tyranitar)
  • Checks to common priority users (Heatran, Amoongus)
  • Slow users of U-turn or Volt Switch (Defensive Landorus-Therian, Rotom-Wash)

 

 

OU Singles Moveset: Focus Sash Revenge Killer
065.png
Ability: Magic Guard / Item: @Focus Sash
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Psychic / Shadow Ball / Focus Blast / Thunder Wave, Hidden Power Ice, or Hidden Power Fire
 
Tips:

  • Psychic, Focus Blast, and Shadow Ball are all run for the exact same reasons as the Mega Revenge Killer set.
  • Thunder Wave is the optimal choice in the last slot as the combination of Focus Sash and Magic Guard allows Alakazam to switch in without fear of entry hazards, survive a hit from a dangerous sweeper such as Mega Charizard X, and cripple them with Thunder Wave, potentially ending their sweep.
  • Hidden Power Ice can be used in the last slot to reliably revenge kill Garchomp, both Landorus formes, and Dragonite after Multiscale is broken. Hidden Power Fire, on the other hand, allows Alakazam to handle steel types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor more reliably.
  • Like the Mega Revenge Killer set, Alakazam is too frail to directly switch in to attacks, so it should only be switched in immediately after the opponent scores a KO.
  • Unlike the Mega Revenge Killer, the combination of Focus Sash and Magic Guard allows it to revenge kill faster threats and priority users as it is guaranteed to survive any hit (barring multi-hit moves), and either hit back for a kill, or slow them down with Thunder Wave.
  • Entry hazard support is recommended, as this set lacks the same damage output as its Mega Evolution.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Fighting types (Breloom, Terrakion, Keldeo)
  • Stealth Rock users (Clefable, Terrakion, Landorus-Therian, Garchomp)
  • Pursuit users to check Latios/Latias (Bisharp, Choice Scarf Tyranitar)
  • Slow users of U-turn or Volt Switch (Defensive Landorus-Therian, Rotom-Wash)

 

 

UU Overview
UU Viability (Mega): Banned
UU Viability (Normal): A+

Currently, Alakazite is banned from UU, so players of UU will not be able to enjoy the revenge killing potential of Mega Alakazam. Regular Alakazam, however, is perhaps the best revenge killer in the tier, and its current viability ranking at A+ reflects this. What gets even better is that Alakazam can also sacrifice Focus Sash for a Life Orb, allowing it to act instead as a sweeper, giving it a 30% power increase to all of its attacks while taking no recoil thanks to Magic Guard.
 
 
UU Singles Moveset: Focus Sash Revenge Killer
065.png
Ability: Magic Guard / Item: @Focus Sash
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Psychic or Psyshock / Energy Ball / Shadow Ball / Dazzling Gleam or Focus Blast
 
Tips:

  • Psyshock is the preferred choice for a psychic-type attack, as it allows Alakazam to hit specially defensive Pokemon such as Blissey, Florges, and Goodra much harder than Psychic. However, Psychic offers more power against most Fighting and Poison types, such as Nidoking.
  • Energy Ball allows Alakazam to deal with the various bulky water types in UU, such as Suicune, Quagsire, Swampert, Starmie, and Mega Blastoise.
  • Shadow Ball is for Ghosts and opposing Psychic types, such Chandelure and Jirachi.
  • Focus Blast allows Alakazam to take down Steel and Dark types such as Empoleon, Mega Aggron, and Hydreigon. Dazzling Geam is a more accurate alternative against Dark types that also allows Alakazam to KO Dragons such as Flygon and Haxorus, while also hitting Hydreigon much harder.
  • Alakazam is too frail to directly switch in to attacks, so it should only be switched in immediately after the opponent scores a KO.
  • Due to the combination of Focus Sash and Magic Guard, Alakazam can revenge kill faster threats, priority users, and most setup sweepers in the tier as it is guaranteed to survive any hit (barring multi-hit moves), and hit back for a kill.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Nidoqueen
  • Krookodile
  • Hydreigon
  • Jirachi
  • Ampharos/Mega Ampharos

 

 
UU Singles Moveset: Life Orb Cleaner
065.png
Ability: Magic Guard / Item: @Life Orb
Nature: Timid w/ EVs: 4 Defense / 252 Sp.Attack / 252 Speed
Moves: Psychic or Psyshock / Energy Ball / Shadow Ball / Dazzling Gleam or Focus Blast
 
Tips:

  • While this set may look identical to the Focus Sash set, it functions as a late game cleaner/sweeper. Life Orb boosts the power of Alakazam's attacks by 30%, while Magic Guard prevents Life Orb's recoil.
  • Alakazam is too frail to directly switch in to attacks, so it should only be switched in immediately after the opponent scores a KO or on a predicted switch.
  • As a cleaner, Alakazam should be saved until late in the match when the opponent's team has been weakened.
  • Alakazam can also function as a status absorber, as it will take no damage from Poison or Burn thanks to Magic Guard, and once burned or poisoned, can be switched in to any predicted status move to begin cleaning or sweeping.
  • As a cleaner, this set appreciates entry hazard support such as Stealth Rock, in order to maximize its damage output.

Recommended Teammates:

  • Nidoqueen
  • Krookodile
  • Hydreigon
  • Jirachi
  • Ampharos/Mega Ampharos
  • Stealth Rock users

 

 

Doubles
Alakazam and its Mega Evolution are not good choices for the doubles environment. Both Pokemon are severely outclassed by Deoxys-Attack, who not only sports Mega Alakazam's speed stat, but also a slightly higher Sp.Atk stat, the ability to hold any item of its choice, a much more expansive movepool, and, most crucially, the ability to run physical or mixed with its 180 base Physical Attack stat. Moreover, Deoxys-Attack is also tiered at DUU, rendering Alakazam and Mega Alakazam outclassed. To put it simply, if you wish to use Alakazam or Mega Alakazam in Doubles, use Deoxys-Attack instead as anything Alakazam can do, Deoxys-Attack does better.

 

DUbers Overview

DUbers Viability (Mega): F

DUbers Viability (Normal): F
 

DOU Overview

DOU Viability (Mega): F

DOU Viability (Normal): F

 

DUU Overview

DUU Viability (Mega): F

DUU Viability (Normal): F

 

 

External Links

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Though Alakazam/Mega-Alakazam is indeed an avenge Killer as it can be well to put him against pokemon like Fighter, poison, water(with energy ball), rock(energy ball) plant(with hidden power) and bugs(with hidden power). But It does have its threats especially against normal and dark-types that knows Sucker Punch (example: Kangaskhan) that can hit first regardless how speedy Alakazam is. Probly makes you wonder why alot of people are not using Alakazam like they used too back from Gen 1,2, and 3. :-P 

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Psychic as a type has been nerfed into the ground.

 

Then the psychics gathered and prayed to their god for their salvation. Mind Plate Arceus, hearing the cries of his people, then delivered forth a mighty Judgement, banishing the oppressive Pharaoh Aegislash to the depths of U'bers. And they gave many thanks. :p

 

 

(I wish I was joking, but this is pretty much what happened. Psychic types sucked hard in OU before Aegislash got the banhammer)

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