Tier: Difference between revisions

814 bytes removed ,  16 January 2013
Still need to edit everything but Uber and BL
No edit summary
(Still need to edit everything but Uber and BL)
Line 1: Line 1:
'''Tiers''' are an attempt by players to classify characters in a game by their competitive ability.  They can be found in any game with variable characters, including [[Pokémon games|Pokémon]] and [[Super Smash Bros.]]  The existence of tiers can be controversial as skill usually has more impact on the outcome of a match.
'''Tiers''' are an attempt by players to classify [[Pokémon (species)|Pokémon]] 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 in Pokémon==
==Tiers in Pokémon==
Pokémon features hundreds of species available for use, all varying in their [[base stats]] and moveset potential. There are currently six tiers with various fansites individually deciding the Pokémon assumed to be in those tiers, most notably [[Smogon]] and {{OBP|Pokémon Online|battle simulator}}. Pokémon tier lists have received much criticism, because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. However, official tournaments often have ban lists.
Pokémon features [[List of Pokémon|hundreds of species]] available for use in a battle, with great variation in in [[base stats]], movesets, [[Nature]]s, and [[Ability|Abilities]]. There are multiple tiers, of which the six most common are listed below.  Individual sites, users, or organizations may publish tiers.  The most prominent organizations are [[Smogon]] and {{OBP|Pokémon Online|battle simulator}}. They publish tiers on their websites for each generation; tiers are updated on a regular basis to reflect the current competitive battling environment.


In "standard" battles, any Pokémon that is not in the Uber tier is eligible for use. However, it is common for some battles to maintain use in one tier only.
Tier lists are often targets of discussion because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon and as strategies evolve Pokémon may move from one tier to another. However, official tournaments will present "ban lists" of disallowed Pokémon.
 
As commonly defined, a "standard" battle allows any Pokémon not listed in the Uber tier.


===Uber===
===Uber===
The Uber tier is effectively a banlist for OU, however this does not mean it is not, or cannot be used. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or centralizing to be used fairly among other Pokémon.
The Uber tier is effectively a banlist for the OU tier (described below), 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, would cause a too-substantial "centralization" of strategies to those who create the tiers.
 
It is a misconception that the Uber tier contains only [[legendary Pokémon]]. While it is true that a majority of Ubers are indeed legendary, not all Ubers are legendary, nor are all legendary Pokémon Ubers.
 
While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there due to high stats, {{p|Wobbuffet}} was often classed as an Uber because of its {{a|Shadow Tag}} [[Ability]], along with {{m|Encore}}, its high HP stat, {{m|Counter}}, and {{m|Mirror Coat}}; this lets it trap any opponent Pokémon and lock them into any move, so that the player knows what their opponent will do next, which allows the player to either switch out Wobbuffet knowing what the opponent will do, or use {{m|Counter}} or {{m|Mirror Coat}} to damage the opponent. Wobbuffet's pre-evolution, {{p|Wynaut}}, is also often banned for similar reasons. Wobbuffet is not usually Uber in Generation V tier lists.


{{p|Blaziken}} is often classed as an Uber because of its {{a|Speed Boost}} [[Hidden Ability]], which when combined with {{m|Swords Dance}}, Blaziken becomes very powerful and faster than most opponents. Other non-legendary Pokémon such as {{p|Excadrill}} are considered Uber due to their movepools, high base stats, type, and Abilities. Conversely, {{p|Kyurem}} (in its normal and [[Form differences#Kyurem|Black Kyurem]] formes) is not considered Uber despite its very high base stat total and lack of a hindering [[Ability]] such as {{a|Slow Start}}, due to its Ice typing and comparatively small movepool limiting its options against other Pokémon.
The Uber tier may include any Pokémon, not just [[legendary Pokémon]].


===Over-Used===
===Over-Used===
Line 21: Line 19:


===Borderline===
===Borderline===
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used, but are not sufficiently used to be considered OU. It is effectively a ban list for Under-Used.  
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used, but are not sufficiently used in competitive battles to be deemed "overused." It is effectively a ban list for Under-Used.  


===Under-Used===
===Under-Used===