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Tier: Difference between revisions

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(this article needs some update; wobbuffet no longer is uber, quagsire is no longer NU, misdreavus is allowed in LC, Porygon-Z is now UU...)
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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 {{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 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.
Pokémon features [[List of Pokémon|hundreds of species]] available for use in a battle, with great variation in [[base stats]], movesets, [[Type]]s, and {{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 [[Appendix:Metagame terminology|metagames]] are updated on a regular basis to reflect the current competitive battling environment; older generations tend to retain the same banlists.


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. Tiers are often quite fluid—as strategies evolve, Pokémon may move from one tier to another. However, even official tournaments will present 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, Pokémon from tiers above UU (BL, OU, or Uber) are banned, but Pokémon from lower tiers (such as RU or NU) are allowed.


===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, as "standard" battles include everything in the OU list and below. Pokémon in the Uber tier were deemed too powerful or destabilizing to the OU [[Appendix:Metagame terminology|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.


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.
The Uber tier may include any Pokémon, not necessarily just [[Legendary Pokémon]]. Typically, it includes all {{pkmn2|Legendary}} [[game mascot]]s except [[Form differences#Kyurem|Black]] {{p|Kyurem}}, 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.


While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there due to high stats, {{p|Blaziken}} is often classed as an Uber because of its {{a|Speed Boost}} [[Hidden Ability]], wich when combined with {{m|Swords Dance}} and it's STABs, makes Blaziken impossible to defeat, as it accumulates boosts, without a powerful priority move or a Pokémon that resists both of it's STABs and has good defenses. Other non-legendary Pokémon such as {{p|Garchomp}} and {{p|Excadrill}} are considered Uber due to their movepools, high base stats, type, and especially in the case of Garchomp, Ability.
After the release of [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire]], due to the dominance of [[Mega Evolution|Mega]] {{p|Rayquaza}}, Smogon made their version of Ubers a full-fledged tier, allowing bans from the tier. However, unlike other tiers, it is not affected by usage. As a result, Smogon also endorses a playstyle referred to as "Anything Goes", which has no fan-imposed rules other than the "Endless Battle Clause".


[[Ability|Abilities]] can also be Uber. If all Pokémon with a certain Ability are considered too powerful with the Ability but, if they have other Abilities, are not considered too powerful, then it is the Ability that is banned, not the Pokémon. The only banned Ability so far, in the case of Smogon's rules, is {{a|Moody}}, banned because it allows a Pokémon to sharply raise its stats, including Evasion, every turn while using moves like {{m|Protect}}, status moves, and {{m|Substitute}}, and outweighing the drawbacks of the Ability.
===Overused===
Overused, commonly abbreviated as "'''OU'''", refers to Pokémon that are most frequently used in [[standard play]].


===Over-Used===
OU status does not have to do with a Pokémon's power or ability. The Pokémon that make up OU, as with all tiers, are determined based on usage. A Pokémon's tier may change from generation to generation. For instance, {{p|Magneton}} is often considered OU in [[Generation III]] because of its advantage over {{p|Skarmory}}, another commonly used Pokémon. In [[Generation IV]], {{p|Magnezone}}, the evolution of Magneton, took Magneton's role in OU in some tier lists due to its generally higher base stats. If an OU Pokémon is not used enough in the OU tier, it will fall to the UU tier.
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 {{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, 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 "too strong" for Underused, but are not sufficiently used in Overused battles. In essence, BL serves a ban list for Underused.


===Under-Used===
===Underused===
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. For example, {{p|Machamp}} is in UU due to {{p|Conkeldurr}} having a Priority Move and having better bulk. UU Pokémon can be, and are, used in OU battles, but are usually underpowered here.
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 in some tier lists 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, or "'''BL2'''", as it is more commonly known, are considered to be stronger for RU/LU. As such, it is a ban list of said tier.
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.


===Rarely-Used/Little Used===
===Rarelyused/Littleused===
These two tiers, commonly referred to as either "'''RU'''" or "'''LU'''" (the name depending on where the player is playing or what they are playing by), designate those who are not used enough in the Under-Used or Over-Used tiers to be considered either of them, or do not have the necessary stats or movepool to be Borderline or Borderline 2. For example, {{p|Nidoqueen}} is considered RU because {{p|Nidoking}} is often considered a better choice for UU battles. Several of the Pokémon in this tier are used in OU and UU battles, however, barely any, if any at all, are common in these tiers.
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 in some tier lists 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.


===Never-Used===
===Borderline 3===
As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", is for Pokémon that have problems competing in RU/LU due to poor 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. Many Pokémon that are pre-evolutions of Pokémons that are OU or Uber are also considered NU. They are generally only used in NU battles; however, some Pokémon such as {{p|Shedinja}} and {{p|Torterra}} are often classed as NU, but are often used in other tiers, most notably RU. Many NU Pokémon are common in [[Pokémon Contest]]s and [[Pokémon Super Contest]]s.
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, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", consists of Pokémon 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===
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.
This group is more commonly known as "'''NFE'''", and as the name implies, contains most Pokémon that have not yet reached their final [[evolution]] stage and do not have a high enough usage to appear in any tier. This group is not actually a tier, but rather a collection of Pokémon without significant usage even in the lowest tier.


====Little Cup====
====Little Cup====
{{main|Little Cup}}
{{main|Little Cup}}
Little Cup is where only lowest evolutions are allowed, such as {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Timburr}}. Pokémon that do not evolve at all, such as {{p|Luvdisc}}, are not allowed in the tier, and some deemed too broken for Little Cup, such as {{p|Gligar}}, {{p|Carvanha}}, and {{p|Meditite}} are also banned from the tier. It follows the same rules as the Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon Communication Club Colosseum special rule.
Little Cup is an entirely separate battle style where only the Pokémon that are the lowest evolutionary stage in their family are allowed, like {{p|Bulbasaur}} and {{p|Mienfoo}}. Pokémon that do not evolve at all, such as {{p|Luvdisc}}, are not allowed in the tier. The moves {{m|Sonic Boom}} and {{m|Dragon Rage}} are also prohibited. All Pokémon must be level 5 or lower to compete.
 
This tier is based on the [[Stadium Cup]].
 
Some unevolved Pokémon—for example, {{p|Meditite}}, {{p|Scyther}} and {{p|Gligar}}—are sometimes considered too powerful and banned in some tier lists. In this special battle style, [[Berry Juice]] is also sometimes 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 {{dl|Appendix:Metagame terminology|wall}}, unlike its 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 its evolution, {{p|Raichu}}.
* {{p|Magneton}} as previously stated is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap {{type|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 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 its 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|Stat-enhancing 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 its evolution, {{p|Dusknoir}} on some tier lists.


==External links==
==External links==
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[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
[[Category:Competitive battling]]


[[de:Tier]]
[[de:Tier]]
[[fr:Tier stratégique]]
[[it:Tier]]
[[it:Tier]]

Revision as of 01:14, 8 October 2015

Tiers are an attempt by players to classify Pokémon in a given generation by their utility in competitive battles. They can be found in any game with variable characters, including Pokémon and Super Smash Bros. The classification of Pokémon into tiers can be challenging, as a Pokémon's stats or moves 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

Pokémon features hundreds of species available for use in a battle, with great variation in base stats, movesets, Types, and 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 Pokémon Online and published on their respective websites. Tiers for current metagames 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. Tiers are often quite fluid—as strategies evolve, Pokémon may move from one tier to another. However, even official tournaments will present 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, Pokémon from tiers above UU (BL, OU, or Uber) are banned, but Pokémon from lower tiers (such as RU or NU) are allowed.

Uber

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 were deemed too powerful or destabilizing to the OU 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, not necessarily just Legendary Pokémon. Typically, it includes all Legendary game mascots except Black Kyurem, 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.

After the release of Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, due to the dominance of Mega Rayquaza, Smogon made their version of Ubers a full-fledged tier, allowing bans from the tier. However, unlike other tiers, it is not affected by usage. As a result, Smogon also endorses a playstyle referred to as "Anything Goes", which has no fan-imposed rules other than the "Endless Battle Clause".

Overused

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 Pokémon that make up OU, as with all tiers, are determined based on usage. A Pokémon's tier may change from generation to generation. For instance, Magneton is often considered OU in Generation III because of its advantage over Skarmory, another commonly used Pokémon. In Generation IV, Magnezone, the evolution of Magneton, took Magneton's role in OU in some tier lists due to its generally higher base stats. If an OU Pokémon is not used enough in the OU tier, it will fall to the UU tier.

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.

Underused

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, Machamp fell to UU in some tier lists largely as a result of the introduction of Conkeldurr, which has Mach Punch, 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

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

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, Escavalier is considered RU in Generation V in some tier lists 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

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, commonly referred to as "NU", consists of Pokémon 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

This group is more commonly known as "NFE", and as the name implies, contains most Pokémon that have not yet reached their final evolution stage and do not have a high enough usage to appear in any tier. This group is not actually a tier, but rather a collection of Pokémon without significant usage even in the lowest tier.

Little Cup

Main article: Little Cup

Little Cup is an entirely separate battle style where only the Pokémon that are the lowest evolutionary stage in their family are allowed, like Bulbasaur and Mienfoo. Pokémon that do not evolve at all, such as Luvdisc, are not allowed in the tier. The moves Sonic Boom and Dragon Rage are also prohibited. All Pokémon must be level 5 or lower to compete.

This tier is based on the Stadium Cup.

Some unevolved Pokémon—for example, Meditite, Scyther and Gligar—are sometimes considered too powerful and banned in some tier lists. In this special battle style, Berry Juice is also sometimes 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, unlike its evolution.
  • Pikachu holding Light Ball can have higher Attack and Special Attack than its evolution, Raichu.
  • Magneton, as previously stated, is still used in lower tiers because it carries the ability to trap Steel types with Magnet Pull. It also has use in OU battles, as its slightly higher speed than Magnezone allows it to outspeed many OU Pokémon that Magnezone cannot.
  • 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 Gligar, Dusclops, and Chansey, among others, Dusclops even being in a higher tier than its evolution, Dusknoir on some tier lists.

External links

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