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Appendix:Metagame terminology: Difference between revisions

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===Standard rules===
===Standard rules===
Refer to a set of widely employed rules for multiplayer battles. Includes species, sleep, and evasion clauses, as well as bans on [[cheating|hacks]], [[one-hit knockout moves]], and Pokémon in the (abided) Uber [[tier]],  
Refer to a set of widely employed rules for multiplayer battles. Includes species, sleep, and evasion clauses, as well as bans on [[cheating|hacks]], [[one-hit knockout moves]], and Pokémon in the (abided) Uber [[tier]],  
===Tier===
{{main|Tier}}


===Type coverage===
===Type coverage===
Line 195: Line 198:
Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of {{stat|HP}} and {{stat|Defense}} and/or {{stat|Special Defense}}, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from [[physical move]]s or [[special move]]s or both. Commonly branched into the categories physical wall, special wall, and mixed wall, depending on its stats.
Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of {{stat|HP}} and {{stat|Defense}} and/or {{stat|Special Defense}}, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from [[physical move]]s or [[special move]]s or both. Commonly branched into the categories physical wall, special wall, and mixed wall, depending on its stats.


===Specific sets===
===Species-specific sets===
Sets that are only seen on one to several Pokémon or are best known on a single Pokémon.
 
====Atmacune====
====Atmacune====
A {{p|Suicune}} moveset from [[Generation II]], which has {{m|Curse}}, {{m|Rest}}, {{m|Return}} and {{m|Roar}}. Not usable in [[Generation III]] or {{gen|IV}} because {{m|Curse}} is no longer available in Suicune's movelist due to losing [[TM]] status.
Refers to a {{p|Suicune}} set that includes the moves {{m|Curse}}, {{m|Rest}}, {{m|Return}} and {{m|Roar}}. It is limited to [[Generation II]] since it is the only generation wherein Suicune can learn Curse.  


====Bellyzard====
====Bellyzard====
A moveset created specifically for the {{p|Charizard}} evolution family. The moveset contains {{m|Belly Drum}}, {{m|Substitute}}, {{m|Fire Punch}} or {{m|Flare Blitz}} and any other move. The held item is usually a [[Salac Berry]]. Belly Drum followed by Substitute maximizes the Attack stat and lowers HP enough to activate {{a|Blaze}} and the [[Salac Berry]] as long as Charizard's HP is divisible by 4. The power of Charizard's {{type|Fire}} moves is increased, Attack is maximized and Speed is raised enough to possibly attack first. This results in an incredibly powerful physical {{type|Fire}} attack. {{m|Stealth Rock}} is a reliable way to counter this strategy.
Refers to a {{p|Charizard}} set that includes the move {{m|Belly Drum}}, the [[Ability]] {{a|Blaze}}, and an {{stat|HP}} stat that is divisible by 4. It is commonly assisted by a [[Salac Berry]] and/or the move {{m|Substitute}}.
 
====Breloomurder====
Works with a {{p|Breloom}} that has {{m|Spore}}, {{m|Focus Punch}}, {{m|Substitute}}, and {{m|Facade}}, the {{a|Poison Heal}} Ability, while holding a [[Toxic Orb]]. After using Spore, Breloom is free to repeatedly charge and use a [[Same-type attack bonus|STAB]] Focus Punch on the sleeping foe. Furthermore, due to the {{status|poison}} induced by the held Toxic Orb, Facade's power is drastically increased, and Breloom's Ability heals it every turn. {{m|Seed Bomb}} is sometimes used instead of Substitute to allow the user to hit {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon.


====CalmCune====
====CalmCune====
A {{p|Suicune}} with {{m|Calm Mind}}. {{m|Rest}} is often also used. A very powerful and over-used Pokémon due to Suicune's two weaknesses being special types prior to the physical/special split, and as a result its effectiveness has been reduced with [[Generation IV]]'s Attack/Special split. Some counters include a [[#Hazer|hazer]] or [[#Phazer|phazer]], a strong physical {{t|Electric}}- or {{type|Grass}} attack and the move {{m|Encore}}.
Refers to a {{p|Suicune}} set that includes the move {{m|Calm Mind}}, commonly assisted by {{m|Rest}}.


====Celetran====
====Celetran====
A combination of {{p|Celebi}} and {{p|Heatran}} used in the same team, this works because Celebi covers all of Heatran's weaknesses and Heatran covers all of Celebi's weaknesses. Both of these Pokémon have mixed [[#Wall|wall]] stats, they can take on both physical and special hits.
Refers to a {{p|Celebi}} set and a {{p|Heatran}} set being present in a team, and the resulting defensive synergy.
 
There are other combinations like this, such as {{p|Latias}} or {{p|Latios}} and a {{type|Steel}} (a combination that resists every type in the game) though these combinations are not as well known.


====ChainChomp====
====ChainChomp====
{{p|Garchomp}} that is designed as a mixed [[#Sweeper|sweeper]] with the moves {{m|Draco Meteor}} and {{m|Fire Blast}}. The intention of this Pokémon is catching the opponent off guard as they send in a standard Physical [[#Wall|wall]] by taking advantage of most physical walls lacking a good {{stat|Special Defense}} stat. A variation of this set can also be used with {{p|Salamence}}.
Refers to a {{p|Garchomp}} set that includes [[special move]]s backed by high {{stat|Special Attack}} and {{stat|Speed}} stats.


====Crocune====
====Crocune====
A {{p|Suicune}} with the moves {{m|Rest}}, {{m|Sleep Talk}}, {{m|Calm Mind}} and {{m|Surf}}. The Cro- prefix is also used for other Pokémon that work in a similar way, like Crophy and Crotomb.
Refers to a {{p|Suicune}} set that includes the moves {{m|Calm Mind}}, {{m|Rest}}, {{m|Sleep Talk}}, and a [[special move]], crediting a perceived inventor by Internet handle.


====Curselax====
====Curselax====
A moveset that uses {{m|Curse}} and {{m|Rest}} on an already slow Pokémon to ignore the Speed drop. Although {{p|Snorlax}} is the most common user (hence the name), it can also appear on other Pokémon (provided they aren't of the {{type|Ghost}}). Especially useful in a team using {{m|Trick Room}} as the Speed drops become Speed boosts instead.
Refers to a {{p|Snorlax}} set that includes the moves {{m|Curse}} and {{m|Rest}}.


====DrizzleToed and DroughtTales====
====DrizzleToed and DroughtTales====
A {{p|Politoed}} or {{p|Ninetales}} with their Hidden Ability, {{a|Drizzle}} and {{a|Drought}}, respectively. Used to make permanent [[Weather conditions|weather]] to help boost Politoed's/Ninetales's teammates and themselves. {{p|Tyranitar}}, {{p|Abomasnow}}, and {{p|Hippowdon}} are also used to set up permanent weather.
Refers to a {{p|Politoed}} set that incudes the [[Ability]] {{a|Drizzle}}, and a {{p|Ninetales}} set that includes the Ability {{a|Drought}}, respectively.


====LeadApe====
====LeadApe====
An {{p|Infernape}} used as a lead. Commonly knowing the moves {{m|Fake Out}}, {{m|Stealth Rock}}, {{m|Fire Blast}}, and {{m|Close Combat}} and holding a [[Focus Sash]]. Infernape is a popular lead for its ability to set up an entry hazard while generally knocking out the opponent's lead and preventing them from setting up Stealth Rock or {{m|Spikes}}. This Infernape set is used with a [[Nature|Naive]] or [[Nature|Hasty]] nature to boost Speed while allowing Fire Blast, a [[special move]], and Close Combat, a [[physical move]], to do maximum damage. Generally, all Infernape's [[effort values]] for this set are invested into Attack, Special Attack, and Speed.
Refers to an {{p|Infernape}} set that is sent out first, commonly including both [[physical move|physical]] and [[special move]]s, {{m|Fake Out}}, {{m|Stealth Rock}}, and the [[held item]] {{DL|In-battle effect item|Focus Sash}}.


====McIceGar====
====McIceGar====
A moveset for {{p|Gengar}} with many variations. Usually used to describe the Subpunching Gengar with {{m|Thunderbolt}} and {{m|Ice Punch}}, but moves such as {{m|Psychic}}, {{m|Shadow Ball}} and {{m|Sludge Bomb}} are sometimes included. As of [[Generation IV]], {{m|Ice Punch}} is no longer a reliable option for McIceGar since it has become physical, and so it must use {{m|Hidden Power}} instead.
Refers to a {{p|Gengar}} set that includes the moves {{m|Ice Punch}}, {{m|Focus Punch}}, and {{m|Substitute}}, intended for use in [[Generation III]].


====MixApe====
====MixApe====
A commonly used mixed sweeper moveset for {{p|Infernape}} that is extremely useful for wall-breaking, especially [[#Skarmbliss|Skarmbliss]]. The set consists of a combination of the moves {{m|Flamethrower}}/{{m|Fire Blast}}, {{m|Close Combat}}, {{m|Grass Knot}}, {{m|ThunderPunch}}, {{m|Hidden Power}} {{t|Ice}} and {{m|Nasty Plot}}. It usually holds the item Life Orb. Generally used with a Naive or Hasty [[nature]], and all [[effort values]] are invested into {{stat|Attack}}, {{stat|Special Attack}}, and {{stat|Speed}}.
Refers to an {{p|Infernape}} set that includes both [[physical move|physical]] and [[special move]]s, backed by comparatively high {{stat|Attack}}, {{stat|Special Attack}}, and {{stat|Speed}} stats.


====MixMence====
====MixMence====
A commonly used variant of {{p|Salamence}}. It is a [[#Sweeper|Sweeper]] that runs one of two movesets that utilize a mixture of strong physical and special attacks.
Refers to a {{p|Salamence}} set that includes both [[physical move|physical]] and [[special move]]s, backed by comparatively high {{stat|Attack}}, {{stat|Special Attack}}, and {{stat|Speed}} stats.


====Pseudo-legendary Pokémon====
====Pseudo-legendary Pokémon====
{{main|Pseudo-legendary Pokémon}}
{{main|Pseudo-legendary Pokémon}}
Any of the following Pokémon: {{p|Dragonite}}, {{p|Tyranitar}}, {{p|Salamence}}, {{p|Metagross}}, {{p|Garchomp}}, and {{p|Hydreigon}}. These Pokémon have {{cat|Pokémon with a base stat total of 600|base stat totals of 600}} and diverse movepools, but are not [[legendary Pokémon]].
Refers to the Pokémon {{p|Dragonite}}, {{p|Tyranitar}}, {{p|Salamence}}, {{p|Metagross}}, {{p|Garchomp}}, and {{p|Hydreigon}}.
 
====PowerKing====
A risky but extremely powerful double-battle strategy requiring three Pokémon and several steps. On the first turn a {{p|Medicham}} with {{a|Pure Power}} and low defenses is sent out with a fast and moderately defensive Pokémon with {{m|Skill Swap}}. The Medicham will be knocked out, but not before Skill Swap is used on it. An [[Nature|Adamant]] {{p|Slaking}} with the moves {{m|Endure}}, {{m|Reversal}}, {{m|Flail}}, {{m|Shadow Claw}} and the item [[Salac Berry]] is sent out in replacement of the Medicham. The second turn is the riskiest turn, as the opponent must attack the Slaking. The Pokémon with Skill Swap must use it on the Slaking and the Slaking must use Endure. At this point, Flail will have a power of 200 with STAB, Reversal can be used against {{t|Steel}}- and {{type|Rock}} Pokémon, and Shadow Claw can be used to hit {{type|Ghost}} Pokémon. A less powerful but less risky version can be done with a {{p|Regigigas}}. 


====ScarfChomp====
====ScarfChomp====
A {{p|Garchomp}} holding the item [[Choice Scarf]], whose Speed is multiplied by 1.5.
Refers to a {{p|Garchomp}} set that includes the [[held item]] {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Scarf}}. It is featured in several battle facilities found in the games.
 
[[Giovanni]] has a Garchomp with a Choice Scarf in his [[Pokémon World Tournament]] [[Type Expert Tournament]] and [[World Leaders Tournament]] team.


====Skarmbliss====
====Skarmbliss====
A combination of {{p|Skarmory}} and {{p|Blissey}} used in the same team, which is designed to make use of Skarmory's high Defense stat and numerous resistances, as well as Blissey's high Special Defense stat and extraordinary HP stat. It is very difficult to beat if one is not prepared, so most teams carry a Skarmbliss counter. This combination does not work as well in Generation IV because of the physical/special split. In Generation III, Skarmory's weaknesses were special, so Blissey could cover those weaknesses well, and Blissey's weakness was physical so Skarmory took that well. Due to the physical/special split, it isn't as reliable.
Refers to a {{p|Skarmory}} set and a {{p|Blissey}} set being present in a team, and the resulting defensive synergy.


====SpecsMence====
====SpecsMence====
A {{p|Salamence}} holding [[Choice Specs]] (or {{DL|In-battle effect item|Wise Glasses}} in some cases), with the moves {{m|Draco Meteor}}, {{m|Fire Blast}} or {{m|Flamethrower}}, {{m|Hydro Pump}}, and {{m|Dragon Pulse}}.  
Refers to a {{p|Salamence}} set that includes the [[held item]] {{DL|In-battle effect item|Choice Specs}}.


====Suicide Spiker/Rocker====
====Suicide Spiker/Rocker====
A {{p|Forretress}} with the moveset consisting of {{m|Stealth Rock}}, {{m|Spikes}}, {{m|Toxic Spikes}} and {{m|Explosion}}. Set up all the traps then use Explosion so the next Pokémon has to deal with the brunt of the attacks of the spikes taking up to 50% of their HP and being badly poisoned. Works well with a [[Shuffler|Shuffler]] to make all of the opponent's Pokémon suffer.
Refers to a Pokémon set that includes one or more [[List of moves that cause entry hazards|moves that cause entry hazards]] and the move {{m|Explosion}}.


====Suicide Lead====
====Suicide lead====
A moveset in which the user is equipped with a [[Focus Sash]]. The purpose of this moveset is to set up {{m|Stealth Rock}}, while anticipating an attack that could OHKO the user, but survives with the [[Focus Sash]]. This is a very common moveset for leading {{p|Azelf}} and {{p|Aerodactyl}}.
Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, including a comparatively high {{stat|Speed}} stat, one or more [[List of moves that cause entry hazards|moves that cause entry hazards]] and the [[held item]] {{DL|In-battle effect item|Focus Sash}} or the [[Ability]] {{a|Sturdy}}.


====TechniLoom====
====TechniLoom====
{{p|Breloom}} with its [[Hidden Ability]], {{a|Technician}}, that knows {{m|Mach Punch}} and {{m|Bullet Seed}}.
Refers to a {{p|Breloom}} set that includes the [[Ability]] {{a|Technician}} and one or more [[move]]s with base powers of 60 or less.


====TyraniBoah====
====TyraniBoah====
A moveset specifically for {{p|Tyranitar}} (but also viable on others) with the [[#Subpuncher|Subpuncher]] combo and the [[#BoltBeam|BoltBeam]] (or in Tyranitar's case, BoltCrunch) combo. It is also an example of very advanced battling techniques on both sides, as it requires the player to predict that the opponent will predict the next attack and switch to something resistant to it. An example of this would be if the opponent has a {{p|Salamence}} in play and expects the player to use {{m|Ice Beam}} and thus switches to a {{p|Starmie}}. Predicting the switch, the player actually select {{m|Thunderbolt}} or {{m|Crunch}} and knocks out the Starmie on the switch-in.
Refers to a {{p|Tyranitar}} set that includes both [[physical move|physical]] and [[special move]]s, including the moves {{m|Substitute}} and {{m|Focus Punch}}.


====Wondertomb/Wondereye====
====Wondertomb/Wondereye====
A [[cheating|hacked]] {{p|Spiritomb}} or {{p|Sableye}} with the Ability {{a|Wonder Guard}}. Since {{p|Spiritomb}} and {{p|Sableye}} have no weaknesses, they cannot be damaged by normal attacks. However, they can be damaged by [[status ailment]]s, [[weather conditions]], [[entry hazard]]s, {{m|Fire Fang}}{{tt|*|Generation IV only}}, {{m|Future Sight}}{{tt|*|Prior to Generation V}}, {{m|Doom Desire}}{{tt|*|Prior to Generation V}}, {{m|Beat Up}}{{tt|*|Prior to Generation V}}, {{m|Struggle}}, [[recoil]], {{DL|In-battle effect item|Life Orb}}, {{DL|In-battle effect item|Sticky Barb}}, {{DL|In-battle effect item|Black Sludge}}, {{a|Rough Skin}}, {{a|Iron Barbs}}, {{DL|In-battle effect item|Rocky Helmet}}, fixed-damage attacks, after the use of {{m|Gastro Acid}}, {{m|Entrainment}}{{tt|*|Assuming that the user does not have Wonder Guard}}, {{m|Worry Seed}}, {{m|Simple Beam}}, {{m|Foresight}}, {{m|Odor Sleuth}} or {{m|Soak}}, and by Pokémon with {{a|Mold Breaker}}, {{a|Turboblaze}}, {{a|Teravolt}}, or {{a|Scrappy}}.
Refers to a {{p|Spiritomb}} or {{p|Sableye}} that has the [[Ability]] {{a|Wonder Guard}}, which is only possible through [[cheating]]. [[Pokéstar_Studios_opponents#Majin|Majin]] from the [[Ghost Eraser Series]] is a dual-type {{2t|Dark|Ghost}} opponent which has the Ability Wonder Guard.
 
In the fourth [[Pokéstar Studios]] movie in the [[Ghost Eraser Series]] [[Pokéstar_Studios_opponents#Majin|Majin]] is a [[Type|dual-type]] {{2t|Dark|Ghost}} opponent which has the Ability {{a|Wonder Guard}}.
 
==Tier==
{{main|Tier}}
A tier is a list of Pokémon in the metagame selected based on numerous traits, such as how the Pokémon's stats are distributed, its type and moves, and overall usefulness in battle.
 
==={{DL|Tier|Uber}}===
A tier of the metagame, currently the highest there is. It is specifically constructed as a banlist for the Overused metagame. The tier mostly consists of legendary Pokémon, although not all of them are in the Uber tier. [[Ability|Abilities]] can also be Uber.
 
===[[Tier#Over-Used|OU]]===
Over-Used. A tier of the metagame. It is the second highest tier, only surpassed by Uber.
 
===[[Tier#Borderline|BL]]===
Borderline. A tier of the metagame. It is the third highest tier, in between OU and UU.
 
===[[Tier#Under-Used|UU]]===
Under-Used. A tier of the metagame that is the third lowest, not counting NFE.
 
===[[Tier#Rarely-Used|RU]]===
Rarely-Used. A tier in the metagame that is the second lowest, not counting NFE. This tier first appeared in Generation V.
 
===[[Tier#Never-Used|NU]]===
Never-Used. A tier of the metagame. It is currently the lowest tier to date, not counting NFE. This tier first appeared in Generation III.
 
===NFE===
Not an actual tier, but a term used to describe Pokémon that are '''n'''ot '''f'''ully '''e'''volved, and thus should not be used competitively until they evolve. There are some NFEs that can viably be used competitively, namely:
 
* {{p|Pikachu}} with [[Light Ball]]
* {{p|Magneton}} with Eviolite
* {{p|Scyther}}
* {{p|Porygon2}} with Eviolite
* {{p|Vigoroth}}
* {{p|Trapinch}} with {{a|Arena Trap}}
* {{p|Clamperl}} with [[DeepSeaTooth]]
* {{p|Chansey}} with [[Eviolite]]
* {{p|Dusclops}} with Eviolite
 
Some NFEs do exactly the same as their evolution. These may also be used competitively, but only in lower [[tier]]s than their evolution. An example of this is {{p|Munchlax}} in NU. There are some Pokémon that work in OU that are NFEs, such as Porygon2, because it fits in differently from its evolution, Porygon-Z. Several other NFE Pokémon became viable, even in OU, with the Eviolite, with the most notable being Chansey.


{{Project Fandom notice}}
{{Project Fandom notice}}

Revision as of 10:28, 23 February 2013

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Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it.

The Pokémon metagame has a wide range of fanmade terminology for various aspects of the games. These are colloquial terms originating from unofficial sources, and are not found within the games themselves.

General terms

Baton Pass chain

Refers to continuous use of the move Baton Pass and the accumulated stat changes.

Choice lock

Refers to how the held items Choice Band, Choice Scarf, and Choice Specs limit a Pokémon to use only one of its moves.

Clause

Clauses refer to the various rules that are applied to battles, such as restrictions on which Pokémon, moves, and items may be used. Many of these rules are found in the games, applied in settings such as battle facilities and multiplayer features.

Evasion clause

Refers to a ban on moves that raise evasion (such as Double Team). Does not necessarily put a ban on moves that reduce accuracy (such as Sand-Attack) or moves/Abilities that merely have a possibility of raising evasion (such as Acupressure/Moody).

Freeze clause

Refers to technical measures taken in order to prevent multiple Pokémon on the same team from being frozen solid at the same time. Found in games like Pokémon Stadium and battle simulators like Pokémon Online.

Item clause

Refers to a ban on multiple Pokémon of the same team holding the same item. Found in battle facilities and officially organized tournaments, but widely ignored in many large communities.

Level clause

Refers to measures taken to ensure that all Pokémon used by both Trainers are close to or at the same level—usually 50 or 100. Found in battle facilities and Wi-Fi features.

Sleep clause

Refers to a ban on the usage of sleep-inducing moves when one of the opponent's Pokémon has already been put to sleep by one of the user's Pokémon. As such, the move Rest and the Ability Effect Spore do not violate this ban. Found in Pokémon Battle Revolution.

Hax

Refers to outcomes that are perceived as unlikely to the point of being unfair. Common targets are critical hits, moves missing, the success of secondary effects, and full paralysis. Can also refer to reliance on uncertain outcomes, such as the use of one-hit knockout moves or held items like Quick Claw, Focus Band, or BrightPowder. Hax is, somewhat paradoxically, often associated with the Ability Serene Grace.

HP <type>

Refers to the move Hidden Power and its type (e.g. HP Ice, HP Fire).

IV battle

Refers to a battle held solely for the purpose of observing the stats of one or more Pokémon as they appear when set to a higher level for the duration of the battle, thus making it easier to estimate the Pokémon's individual values.

Mono team

Refers to a team with homogeneity in a certain area such as type, color, or generation.

Pinch Berry

Refers to the Liechi, Ganlon, Salac, Petaya, Apicot, Lansat, and Starf Berries, which all raise a stat when the holding Pokémon's HP drops below ¼ (referred to as being in a pinch in the games). The Micle and Custap Berries may also be considered Pinch Berries.

RNG

Main article: Pseudorandom number generation in Pokémon

Refers to the Random Number Generator, or rather the practice of manipulating it through the use of fan-made software, in order to obtain Shiny Pokémon or Pokémon with specific individual values—both endeavors which would otherwise leave a lot up to chance.

Spam

Refers to repeated use of the same move.

Standard rules

Refer to a set of widely employed rules for multiplayer battles. Includes species, sleep, and evasion clauses, as well as bans on hacks, one-hit knockout moves, and Pokémon in the (abided) Uber tier,

Tier

Main article: Tier

Type coverage

Refers to how the types of damage-dealing moves known by a Pokémon match up against all 17 types and their many combinations in terms of effectiveness.

Pokémon sets

Refer to Pokémon not only by species, but also by their stats, moves, Ability and held item.

Common roles

Within competitive battling there are a number of categories that are used to describe the intended role of a Pokémon set:

Annoyer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to prevent the opponent from progressing with their strategy, commonly through the use of status moves and status ailments.

Anti-lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, intended to foil the Pokémon sets that are commonly sent out first.

Attack lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, intended to foil the Pokémon sets that are commonly sent out first, through the use of damage-dealing moves supported by a high Attack or Special Attack stat.

Baton Passer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to use the move Baton Pass in order to pass on positive stat changes and/or volatile battle statuses, which it may or may not have contributed to itself.

BoltBeam

Refers to the moves Thunderbolt and Ice Beam being present in a Pokémon set. "Pseudo BoltBeam" refers to a damage-dealing Electric-type move and a damage-dealing Ice-type move being present in a Pokémon set, when these aren't the exact combination of Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. BoltBeam is amply featured in the games.

Bulky

Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves or special moves or both.

Choice user

Refers to a Pokémon set holding the item Choice Band, Choice Scarf, or Choice Specs.

Choice Bander

Refers to a Pokémon set holding the item Choice Band.

Scarf wearer

Refers to a Pokémon set holding the item Choice Scarf.

Specs wearer

Refers to a Pokémon set holding the item Choice Specs.

Cleric

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to restore the HP and/or cure the status ailments of its allies, through the use of status moves like Wish and Aromatherapy.

Counter

Refers to a Pokémon set that has an advantage over another Pokémon set to the point where it can take a turn to switch in and subsequently foil it.

DDer

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Dragon Dance.

Decoy

Refers to a Pokémon that is knocked out as part of the course of action chosen by its Trainer in the given battle situation.

Dual screener

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Light Screen and Reflect.

Endureversal

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Endure and Reversal or Flail. May be assisted through the use of a Focus Sash, Salac Berry, or Liechi Berry. It is amply featued in the games. There are many similar strategies, including F.E.A.R.

F.E.A.R.

Main article: Appendix:F.E.A.R.

Refers to a Pokémon set with a comparatively low HP stat, holding a Focus Sash, with the move Endeavor and a damage-dealing move with increased priority. Some variations use the Ability Sturdy instead of Focus Sash.

Glass cannon

Refers to a Pokémon set with comparatively high Attack and/or Special Attack that, due to its combination of HP and Defense/Special Defense, takes a comparatively high percentage of damage from damage-dealing moves.

Hazer

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Haze.

Lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, or one of the Pokémon sets that is commonly sent out first.

Paraflincher

Refers to a Pokémon set that is capable of inducing paralysis and causing flinching.

Pseudo-passer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to aid its allies directly through the use of status moves with beneficial effects (such as Wish or Reflect), but without using Baton Pass.

RestoChesto

Refers to the move Rest and the held item Chesto Berry being present in a Pokémon set. It is amply featured in the games.

Sashed

Refers to the held item Focus Sash being present in a Pokémon set.

Shuffler

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to force the opponent's Pokémon to be sent back, by using Roar, Whirlwind, Circle Throw, or Dragon Tail.

Phazer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to eliminate an opponent's Pokémon's positive stat changes and/or other beneficial effects without using Haze. One approach is to force the opponent's Pokémon to be sent back, by using Roar, Whirlwind, Circle Throw, or Dragon Tail. Another approach is to pressure the opponent to call back their Pokémon, by using status moves with disadvantageous effects that can be removed through switching (such as Leech Seed, Perish Song, or Yawn).

Status shuffler

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to inflict status ailments on multiple opposing Pokémon, and cause multiple switches from the opponent in order to achieve this end.

Spinner

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Rapid Spin.

Spiker

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Spikes.

Staller

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to force a standstill in order to enjoy its advantages, which may include recurring effect damage to opposing Pokémon (such as from certain status ailments or weather conditions). This may be achieved through the use of moves/held items/Abilities that restore HP and/or moves like Protect, usually combined with stats and type(s) that minimize the percentage of damage taken from damage-dealing moves. It is amply featured in the games.

RestTalker

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Rest and Sleep Talk. It is amply featured in the games. Also referred to as a "Sleep Talker" or a "STalker".

Revenge killer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to knock out opposing Pokémon without preparation by timing the free switch-in that is granted when an ally is knocked out. Is typically tailored torwards getting to move first, by including one or more damage-dealing moves with increased priority and/or a comparatively high Speed stat (achieved with or without the held item Choice Scarf). This aspect of Pokémon battling is highlighted in the games in the form of the move Retaliate.

Seeder

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the move Leech Seed. A "Subseeder" refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Leech Seed.

Spinblocker

Refers to a Ghost-type Pokémon that is intended to prevent opposing Pokémon from successfully using Rapid Spin.

Sponge

See wall.

Subpasser

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to create a substitute by using Substitute and pass it on to an ally by using Baton Pass.

Subpuncher

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Substitute and Focus Punch. It is amply featured in the games.

Sunnybeamer

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to use SolarBeam under intense sunlight.

Sweeper

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to knock out opposing Pokémon in succession, usually through the assistance of positive stat changes. Commonly branched into the categories physical sweeper, special sweeper, and mixed sweeper, depending on its stats and damage-dealing moves.

Tank

Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves or special moves or both, while at the same time posing a threat in the form of damage-dealing moves backed by a comparatively high Attack or Special Attack stat.

Thunderdancer

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes the moves Thunder and Rain Dance.

Trapper

Refers to a Pokémon set that is intended to prevent opposing Pokémon from switching out, through the effects of various status moves, damage-dealing moves, or Abilities, and take advantage of the situation.

Wall

Refers to a Pokémon set that, due to its combination of HP and Defense and/or Special Defense, takes a comparatively low percentage of damage from physical moves or special moves or both. Commonly branched into the categories physical wall, special wall, and mixed wall, depending on its stats.

Species-specific sets

Atmacune

Refers to a Suicune set that includes the moves Curse, Rest, Return and Roar. It is limited to Generation II since it is the only generation wherein Suicune can learn Curse.

Bellyzard

Refers to a Charizard set that includes the move Belly Drum, the Ability Blaze, and an HP stat that is divisible by 4. It is commonly assisted by a Salac Berry and/or the move Substitute.

CalmCune

Refers to a Suicune set that includes the move Calm Mind, commonly assisted by Rest.

Celetran

Refers to a Celebi set and a Heatran set being present in a team, and the resulting defensive synergy.

ChainChomp

Refers to a Garchomp set that includes special moves backed by high Special Attack and Speed stats.

Crocune

Refers to a Suicune set that includes the moves Calm Mind, Rest, Sleep Talk, and a special move, crediting a perceived inventor by Internet handle.

Curselax

Refers to a Snorlax set that includes the moves Curse and Rest.

DrizzleToed and DroughtTales

Refers to a Politoed set that incudes the Ability Drizzle, and a Ninetales set that includes the Ability Drought, respectively.

LeadApe

Refers to an Infernape set that is sent out first, commonly including both physical and special moves, Fake Out, Stealth Rock, and the held item Focus Sash.

McIceGar

Refers to a Gengar set that includes the moves Ice Punch, Focus Punch, and Substitute, intended for use in Generation III.

MixApe

Refers to an Infernape set that includes both physical and special moves, backed by comparatively high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats.

MixMence

Refers to a Salamence set that includes both physical and special moves, backed by comparatively high Attack, Special Attack, and Speed stats.

Pseudo-legendary Pokémon

Main article: Pseudo-legendary Pokémon

Refers to the Pokémon Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence, Metagross, Garchomp, and Hydreigon.

ScarfChomp

Refers to a Garchomp set that includes the held item Choice Scarf. It is featured in several battle facilities found in the games.

Skarmbliss

Refers to a Skarmory set and a Blissey set being present in a team, and the resulting defensive synergy.

SpecsMence

Refers to a Salamence set that includes the held item Choice Specs.

Suicide Spiker/Rocker

Refers to a Pokémon set that includes one or more moves that cause entry hazards and the move Explosion.

Suicide lead

Refers to a Pokémon set that is sent out first, including a comparatively high Speed stat, one or more moves that cause entry hazards and the held item Focus Sash or the Ability Sturdy.

TechniLoom

Refers to a Breloom set that includes the Ability Technician and one or more moves with base powers of 60 or less.

TyraniBoah

Refers to a Tyranitar set that includes both physical and special moves, including the moves Substitute and Focus Punch.

Wondertomb/Wondereye

Refers to a Spiritomb or Sableye that has the Ability Wonder Guard, which is only possible through cheating. Majin from the Ghost Eraser Series is a dual-type Dark/Ghost opponent which has the Ability Wonder Guard.

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