Tier: Difference between revisions

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'''Tiers''' are an attempt by players to classify {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in a given [[generation]] by their utility in competitive battles.  They can be found in any game with variable characters, including [[Pokémon games|Pokémon]] and [[Super Smash Bros.]]  The classification of Pokémon into tiers can be challenging, as a Pokémon's [[stat]]s or [[move]]s are not the only factor which can impact a match. Combinations of Pokémon, along with player skill and overall strategy, may affect the outcome.
'''Tiers''' are an attempt by players to classify {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} in a given [[generation]] by their utility in competitive battles.  They can be found in any game with variable characters, including [[Pokémon games|Pokémon]] and [[Super Smash Bros.]]  The classification of Pokémon into tiers can be challenging, as a Pokémon's [[stat]]s or [[move]]s are not the only factors that can impact a match. Combinations of Pokémon, along with player skill and overall strategy greatly affects the outcome.


==Tiers in Pokémon==
==Tiers in Pokémon==
Pokémon features [[List of Pokémon|hundreds of species]] available for use in a battle, with great variation in in [[base stats]], movesets, [[Type]]s, and [[Ability|Abilities]]. There are multiple tiers - the six most common are listed below.  Individual sites, users, or organizations may publish tiers, but the most prominent tier lists are produced by [[Smogon]] and {{OBP|Pokémon Online|battle simulator}} and published on their websites. Tiers for current [[metagame]]s are updated on a regular basis to reflect the current competitive battling environment; older generations tend to retain the same banlists.
Pokémon features [[List of Pokémon|hundreds of species]] available for use in a battle, with great variation in [[base stats]], movesets, [[Type]]s, and [[Ability|Abilities]]. There are multiple tiers - the six most common are listed below.  Individual sites, users, or organizations may publish tiers, but the most prominent tier lists are produced by [[Smogon]] and {{OBP|Pokémon Online|battle simulator}} and published on their respective websites. Tiers for current [[metagame]]s are updated on a regular basis to reflect the current competitive battling environment; older generations tend to retain the same banlists.


Tier lists are often targets of discussion because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. A Pokemon's tier also has the ability to be rather fluid - as strategies evolve, Pokémon may move from one tier to another. However, even official tournaments will present "ban lists" of disallowed Pokémon.
Tier lists are often targets of discussion because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. A Pokémon's tier also has the ability to be rather fluid - as strategies evolve, Pokémon may move from one tier to another. However, even official tournaments will present "ban lists" of disallowed Pokémon.


As commonly defined, a "standard" battle allows any Pokémon not listed in the Uber tier.  Tiers are 'exclusive' in only one direction; for instance, in a UU battle, Pokemon from tiers above UU (BL, OU, or Uber) are banned, but Pokemon from lower tiers (such as RU or NU) are allowed.
As commonly defined, a "standard" battle allows any Pokémon not listed in the Uber tier.  Tiers are 'exclusive' in only one direction; for instance, in a UU battle, Pokemon from tiers above UU (BL, OU, or Uber) are banned, but Pokemon from lower tiers (such as RU or NU) are allowed.
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The Uber tier is effectively a banlist for the OU tier, as "standard" battles include everything in the OU list and below. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or destabilizing to the [[metagame]] to allow.  Ubers, if allowed, cause extreme "centralization" of strategies - in other words, it is impossible or very difficult to counter them in a reasonable manner.
The Uber tier is effectively a banlist for the OU tier, as "standard" battles include everything in the OU list and below. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or destabilizing to the [[metagame]] to allow.  Ubers, if allowed, cause extreme "centralization" of strategies - in other words, it is impossible or very difficult to counter them in a reasonable manner.


The Uber tier may include any Pokémon and tends to include all [[version mascots]] except [[Form differences#Kyurem|Black]] {{p|Kyurem}}, which is allowed in standard play (despite being restricted in-game) due to various flaws preventing it from becoming too centralizing. Although many legendary Pokemon reside in the Uber tier, a far larger number exists in lower tiers due to similar inadequacies.
The Uber tier may include any Pokémon and tends to include all [[Legendary Pokémon|legendary]] [[version mascots]] except [[Form differences#Kyurem|Black]] {{p|Kyurem}}, which is allowed in standard play (despite being restricted in-game) due to various factors preventing it from becoming "too centralizing". Although many legendary Pokémon reside in the Uber tier, a far larger number exists in lower tiers due to similar inadequacies.


In the Uber tier, the use of evasion-boosting moves is allowed.
In the Uber tier, the use of evasion-boosting moves is allowed.
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Overused, commonly abbreviated as "'''OU'''", refers to Pokémon that are most frequently used in [[standard play]].
Overused, commonly abbreviated as "'''OU'''", refers to Pokémon that are most frequently used in [[standard play]].


OU status does not have to do with a Pokémon's "power" or "ability". The Pokemon that make up OU, as with all tiers, are determined based on usage. A Pokemon's tier may change from generation to generation. For instance, {{p|Magneton}} is OU in [[Generation III]] because it single-handedly eliminates {{p|Skarmory}}, another commonly used Pokémon. In [[Generation IV]], {{p|Magnezone}}, the evolution of Magneton, took Magneton's role in OU due to its superior base stats. If an OU Pokemon is not used enough in the OU tier, it will fall to the UU tier.
OU status does not have to do with a Pokémon's power or ability. The Pokemon that make up OU, as with all tiers, are determined based on usage. A Pokemon's tier may change from generation to generation. For instance, {{p|Magneton}} is OU in [[Generation III]] because of it's advantage over {{p|Skarmory}}, another commonly used Pokémon. In [[Generation IV]], {{p|Magnezone}}, the evolution of Magneton, took Magneton's role in OU due to it's generally higher base stats. If an OU Pokémon is not used enough in the OU tier, it will fall to the UU tier.


===Borderline===
===Borderline===
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are too strong for Underused, but are not sufficiently used in Overused battles. In essence, BL serves a ban list for Underused.
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are "too strong" for Underused, but are not sufficiently used in Overused battles. In essence, BL serves a ban list for Underused.


===Underused===
===Underused===
Underused, commonly referred to as "'''UU'''", consists of Pokemon that are not used enough to be in OU. Pokémon classified as UU are often outclassed by Pokemon in higher tiers, possibly as a result of inferior base stats, available moves, or abilities.  For example, in Generation V, {{p|Machamp}} fell to UU largely as a result of the introduction of {{p|Conkeldurr}}, which has {{m|Mach Punch}}, {{m|Drain Punch}}, and generally superior base stats. UU Pokémon are occasionally used in OU battles, but most have significantly smaller niches. If a UU Pokemon is not used enough in the UU tier, it will fall to the RU/LU tier.
Underused, commonly referred to as "'''UU'''", consists of Pokémon that are not used enough to be in OU. Pokémon classified as UU are often outclassed by Pokémon in higher tiers, possibly as a result of generally lower base stats, available moves, or abilities.  For example, in Generation V, {{p|Machamp}} fell to UU largely as a result of the introduction of {{p|Conkeldurr}}, which has {{m|Mach Punch}}, {{m|Drain Punch}}, and generally superior base stats. UU Pokémon are commonly used in OU battles, but most have smaller niches. If a UU Pokémon is not used enough in the UU tier, it will fall to the RU/LU tier.


===Borderline 2===
===Borderline 2===
Pokémon in Borderline 2, commonly referred to as "'''BL 2'''", are too strong for Rarelyused/Littleused, but are not sufficiently used in Underused battles. In essence, BL 2 serves a ban list for Rarelyused/Littleused.
Pokémon in Borderline 2, commonly referred to as "'''BL 2'''", are "too strong" for Rarelyused/Littleused, but are not sufficiently used in Underused battles. In essence, BL 2 serves a ban list for Rarelyused/Littleused.


===Rarelyused/Littleused===
===Rarelyused/Littleused===
This tier is referred to as either "'''RU'''" or "'''LU'''".  While the name of the tier varies, its "level" is equivalent.  The tier consists of Pokemon that are not used enough to be in UU.  For example, {{p|Escavalier}} is considered RU in Generation V because it is not used enough in UU battles.  If an RU/LU Pokemon is not used enough in the RU/LU tier, it will fall to the NU tier.
This tier is referred to as either "'''RU'''" or "'''LU'''".  While the name of the tier varies, its "level" is equivalent.  The tier consists of Pokémon that are not used enough to be in UU.  For example, {{p|Escavalier}} is considered RU in Generation V because it is not used enough in UU battles.  If an RU/LU Pokémon is not used enough in the RU/LU tier, it will fall to the NU tier.


===Borderline 3===
===Borderline 3===
Pokémon in Borderline 3, commonly referred to as "'''BL 3'''", are too strong for Neverused, but are not sufficiently used in Rarelyused/Littleused. In essence, BL 3 serves a ban list for Neverused.
Pokémon in Borderline 3, commonly referred to as "'''BL 3'''", are "too strong" for Neverused, but are not sufficiently used in Rarelyused/Littleused. In essence, BL 3 serves a ban list for Neverused.


===Neverused===
===Neverused===
Neverused, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", consists of Pokemon that are not used enough to be in RU/LU.  The name is not literal, stemming from the tiers of [[Generation I]], where Neverused Pokemon had extremely little value in comparison to other, stronger Pokemon.  Most [[novelty Pokémon]] reside in this tier. Some Pokémon that are pre-evolutions of Pokémon in higher tiers may be classified as NU.
Neverused, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", consists of Pokemon that are not used enough to be in RU/LU.  The name is not literal, stemming from the tiers of [[Generation I]], where Neverused Pokémon had generally lower "competitive value" in comparison to other Pokémon. Some Pokémon that are pre-evolutions of Pokémon in higher tiers may be classified as NU.


===Not Fully Evolved===
===Not Fully Evolved===
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====Little Cup====
====Little Cup====
{{main|Little Cup}}
{{main|Little Cup}}
Little Cup is an entirely separate tier where the lowest evolution of a Pokemon with evolutions is allowed.  Examples include Pokémon like {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Mienfoo}}. Pokémon that do not evolve at all, such as {{p|Luvdisc}}, are not allowed in the tier, and some unevolved Pokémon - for example, {{p|Meditite}} - are deemed too powerful for Little Cup and therefore banned. In this special tier, all Pokemon are required to be level 5 or lower and Berry Juice, Sonicboom, and Dragon Rage are banned.
Little Cup is an entirely separate tier where the lowest evolution of a Pokémon with evolutions is allowed.  Examples include Pokémon like {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Mienfoo}}. Pokémon that do not evolve at all, such as {{p|Luvdisc}}, are not allowed in the tier, and some unevolved Pokémon - for example, {{p|Meditite}} - are deemed "too powerful" for Little Cup and therefore banned. In this special tier, all Pokémon are required to be level 5 or lower and [[Drink#Berry Juice|Berry Juice]], {{m|SonicBoom}}, and {{m|Dragon Rage}} are banned.


==Tier variations==
==Tier variations==
Some Pokémon are listed in tiers but are sometimes used in competitive play outside of their own tier because they have a change during evolution that modified their disposition enough to allow them to stay competitive, even some in an unevolved state.  
Some Pokémon are listed in tiers but are sometimes used in competitive play outside of their own tier because they have a change during evolution that modified their disposition enough to allow them to stay competitive, even some in an unevolved state.  
* {{p|Porygon2}}, which is due to its evolution, {{p|Porygon-Z}}, having lower {{stat|Defense}} and {{stat|Special Defense}}, meaning Porygon2 can be used as a {{dl|Appendix:Metagame terminology|wall}}, while its evolution can not.  
* {{p|Porygon2}}, which is due to its evolution, {{p|Porygon-Z}}, having lower {{stat|Defense}} and {{stat|Special Defense}}, meaning Porygon2 can be used as a "better" {{dl|Appendix:Metagame terminology|wall}}, than it's evolution.  
* {{DL|Stat-enhancing item|Light Ball}} holding {{p|Pikachu}} are also due to the Light Ball doubling Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stats, as well as Pikachu being a very common fan favorite.
* {{p|Pikachu}} holding {{DL|Stat-enhancing item|Light Ball}} can have higher Attack and Special Attack than {{p|Raichu|it's evolution}}.
* {{p|Magneton}}, as previously stated, is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap {{t|Steel}} types with {{a|Magnet Pull}}. It is also used because of its various resistances and high Special Attack. It also has some use in OU battles, as its slightly higher speed than {{p|Magnezone}} allows it to outspeed many OU Pokémon that Magnezone cannot.
* {{p|Magneton}}, as previously stated, is still used in lower tiers because it carries the ability to trap {{t|Steel}} types with {{a|Magnet Pull}}. It also has use in OU battles, as it's slightly higher speed than {{p|Magnezone}} allows it to outspeed many OU Pokémon that Magnezone cannot.
* {{DL|In-battle effect item|Eviolite}}, an item that multiplies both defenses of Not Fully Evolved Pokémon by 1.5, has made several other pre-evolutions—such as Gligar, Dusclops, Porygon2 and Chansey—popular in higher tiers, Dusclops even being in higher tiers than {{p|Dusknoir|its evolution}} on some tier lists.
* {{DL|In-battle effect item|Eviolite}}, an item that multiplies both Defense and Special Defense of not-fully-evolved Pokémon by 1.5, has increased the popularity of several other pre-evolutions, such as {{p|Gligar}}, {{p|Dusclops}}, and {{p|Chansey}}, among others, Dusclops even being in a higher tier than {{p|Dusknoir|its evolution}} on some tier lists.


==External links==
==External links==
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