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'''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 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 in Pokémon== | ==Tiers in Pokémon== | ||
Pokémon features hundreds of species available for use, all varying in their base | 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]]. Pokémon tier lists have received much criticism, because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. However, official tournaments often have ban lists. | ||
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. | 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. | ||
===Uber=== | ===Uber=== | ||
The Uber tier is | The Uber tier is a banlist for OU and the other tiers, however this does not mean it is not, or cannot be played. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or centralizing to be used fairly among other Pokémon. A common misconception, especially among players new to competitive battling, is that Uber tier contains only [[legendary Pokémon]]. While it is true that a majority of the accepted Ubers are indeed legendary, not all Ubers are legendary and not all legendary Pokémon are Ubers. | ||
While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there | While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there due to high stats, {{p|Wobbuffet}} is included primarily because of its {{a|Shadow Tag}} [[ability]], along with {{m|Encore}}, {{m|Counter}} and {{m|Mirror Coat}}, which 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 swith out Wobbuffet knowing what the opponent will do, or the use of {{m|Counter}} or {{m|Mirror Coat}} to damage the opponent. Wobbuffet's pre-evolution, {{p|Wynaut}}, is sometimes banned for similar reasons. {{p|Garchomp}} is another non-legendary that is in the list due to its high base stats, movepool and type. | ||
===Over-Used=== | ===Over-Used=== | ||
Over- | Over-Used, commonly abbreviated as "'''OU'''", refers to Pokémon that are most commonly seen in [[standard play]]. | ||
There are exceptions to this such as {{p|Magneton}} in [[Generation III]], where it was considered an OU Pokémon | It is a misconception that all OU Pokémon are the most powerful in the game. OU is a term based on usage; however, there is a distinct correlation between usage and usefulness in the system. There are exceptions to this such as {{p|Magneton}} in [[Generation III]], where it was considered an OU Pokémon solely because it was used as a counter for {{p|Skarmory}}, a commonly used Pokémon. {{p|Magnezone}}, the evolution of Magneton, took over its place in OU, due to increased stats and a broader movepool. | ||
===Borderline=== | ===Borderline=== | ||
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used | Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used. It is effectively a ban list for Under-Used. | ||
===Under-Used=== | ===Under-Used=== | ||
Under-Used, commonly referred to as "'''UU'''", designates Pokémon whose use is limited as they are not strong enough for general OU competition, usually due to sub-standard stats, movepools, easily exploitable weaknesses, or the existence of a stronger Pokémon that | Under-Used, commonly referred to as "'''UU'''", designates Pokémon whose use is limited as they are not strong enough for general OU competition, usually due to sub-standard stats, movepools, easily exploitable weaknesses, or the existence of a stronger Pokémon that works in a highly similar way (e.g., {{p|Mismagius}} is UU because {{p|Rotom}}'s alternate [[form]]s possess higher defensive stats, a better movepool and a type combination that has 3 more resistances while having {{a|Levitate|no extra weaknesses}}). UU Pokémon can be, and are, used in OU battles, but are usually underpowered here. | ||
===Never-Used=== | ===Never-Used=== | ||
As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", is for Pokémon that have problems competing | As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", is for Pokémon that have problems competing in UU due to dismal stats and/or movepools, and thus are extremely rare to be used in battles. This is where most [[novelty Pokémon]] reside in tiers as well as Pokémon found early in a player's journey. They are generally only used in NU battles. However, most NU Pokémon are very common in [[Pokémon Contest]]s. | ||
===Not Fully Evolved=== | ===Not Fully Evolved=== | ||
This tier is more commonly known as "'''NFE'''", and as the name implies, contains almost every Pokémon that has not yet reached its final [[evolution]]. Some NFE Pokémon, such as {{p|Rhydon}} are used in the lower tiers, as their stats are on par with some of the weaker evolved Pokémon. Also, the abilities of {{p|Hippopotas}} and {{p|Snover}} are the only way to set up permanent weather in the lower tiers, as their evolved forms are banned. | This tier is more commonly known as "'''NFE'''", and as the name implies, contains almost every Pokémon that has not yet reached its final [[evolution]]. It is a sub-tier of NU. Some NFE Pokémon, such as {{p|Rhydon}} are used in the lower tiers, as their stats are on par with some of the weaker evolved Pokémon. Also, the abilities of {{p|Hippopotas}} and {{p|Snover}} are the only way to set up permanent weather in the lower tiers, as their evolved forms 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}} | * {{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. | ||
* | * {{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|Magneton}} as previously stated is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap {{type2|Steel}}s with {{a|Magnet Pull}}. It is also used because of its various resistances and high Special Attack. It also has some use in | * {{p|Magneton}} as previously stated is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap {{type2|Steel}}s with {{a|Magnet Pull}}. It is also used because of its various resistances and high Special Attack. It also has some use in Uber battles, as its slightly higher speed than {{p|Magnezone}} allows it to outspeed many Ubers. | ||
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
* [http://www.smogon.com/dp/tiers/ Smogon tier list] | * [http://www.smogon.com/dp/tiers/ Smogon tier list] | ||
{{Project Fandom notice}} | |||
[[Category:Fanon terminology]] | [[Category:Fanon terminology]] | ||
Revision as of 06:24, 3 July 2010
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 and Super Smash Bros. The existence of tiers can be controversial as skill usually has more impact on the outcome of a match.
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. Pokémon tier lists have received much criticism, because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. However, official tournaments often have ban lists.
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.
Uber
The Uber tier is a banlist for OU and the other tiers, however this does not mean it is not, or cannot be played. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or centralizing to be used fairly among other Pokémon. A common misconception, especially among players new to competitive battling, is that Uber tier contains only legendary Pokémon. While it is true that a majority of the accepted Ubers are indeed legendary, not all Ubers are legendary and not all legendary Pokémon are Ubers.
While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there due to high stats, Wobbuffet is included primarily because of its Shadow Tag ability, along with Encore, Counter and Mirror Coat, which 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 swith out Wobbuffet knowing what the opponent will do, or the use of Counter or Mirror Coat to damage the opponent. Wobbuffet's pre-evolution, Wynaut, is sometimes banned for similar reasons. Garchomp is another non-legendary that is in the list due to its high base stats, movepool and type.
Over-Used
Over-Used, commonly abbreviated as "OU", refers to Pokémon that are most commonly seen in standard play.
It is a misconception that all OU Pokémon are the most powerful in the game. OU is a term based on usage; however, there is a distinct correlation between usage and usefulness in the system. There are exceptions to this such as Magneton in Generation III, where it was considered an OU Pokémon solely because it was used as a counter for Skarmory, a commonly used Pokémon. Magnezone, the evolution of Magneton, took over its place in OU, due to increased stats and a broader movepool.
Borderline
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "BL", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used. It is effectively a ban list for Under-Used.
Under-Used
Under-Used, commonly referred to as "UU", designates Pokémon whose use is limited as they are not strong enough for general OU competition, usually due to sub-standard stats, movepools, easily exploitable weaknesses, or the existence of a stronger Pokémon that works in a highly similar way (e.g., Mismagius is UU because Rotom's alternate forms possess higher defensive stats, a better movepool and a type combination that has 3 more resistances while having no extra weaknesses). UU Pokémon can be, and are, used in OU battles, but are usually underpowered here.
Never-Used
As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "NU", is for Pokémon that have problems competing in UU due to dismal stats and/or movepools, and thus are extremely rare to be used in battles. This is where most novelty Pokémon reside in tiers as well as Pokémon found early in a player's journey. They are generally only used in NU battles. However, most NU Pokémon are very common in Pokémon Contests.
Not Fully Evolved
This tier is more commonly known as "NFE", and as the name implies, contains almost every Pokémon that has not yet reached its final evolution. It is a sub-tier of NU. Some NFE Pokémon, such as Rhydon are used in the lower tiers, as their stats are on par with some of the weaker evolved Pokémon. Also, the abilities of Hippopotas and Snover are the only way to set up permanent weather in the lower tiers, as their evolved forms are banned.
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.
- Porygon2, which is due to its evolution, Porygon-Z, having lower Defense and Special Defense, meaning Porygon2 can be used as a wall, while its evolution can not.
- Light Ball holding 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.
- Magneton as previously stated is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap Template:Type2s with Magnet Pull. It is also used because of its various resistances and high Special Attack. It also has some use in Uber battles, as its slightly higher speed than Magnezone allows it to outspeed many Ubers.
External Links
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This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom. |
