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'''Tiers''' are an unofficial method of classifying {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} within a particular competitive battling format based on their relative usage.
'''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 is usually has more impact on the outcome of a match.  As such, tiers should be seen as a classification of each character's competitive potential at the height of the metagame.


==Tiers in Pokémon==
Individual sites, users, or organizations may publish tiers, but the most prominent tier lists are produced and published by [[Smogon]], usually based on usage stats from unofficial battle simulators, currently [[Pokémon Showdown]]. Communities such as [[Pokémon Online (battle simulator)|Pokémon Online]] and [[Pokémon Perfect]] have also published their own tier lists, though they are defunct as of 2023. Pokémon Online is of particular note for introducing usage-based tiering, the system most commonly used today. Tiers are defined separately for each generation, with their own rulesets, bans, and often even communities.
Pokémon features hundreds of characters available for use, all varying in their base statistics and moveset potential.  There are currently six tiers with various fansites individually deciding the Pokémon assumed to be in those tiers, most notably [[Smogon]]. The Pokémon tier list has received much criticism, because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon.


Most battles are conducted using every tier except Uber. However, it is common for some battles to maintain use in one tier only. Usually Under-Used only, or Never-Used only.
==Purpose==
Each tier functions as its own metagame, where only Pokémon that aren't in a higher tier can be used. By categorizing Pokémon in this way, Pokémon that would normally be outclassed in higher-tier metagames can still be useful in lower-tier formats, much like {{wikipedia|weight class}}es in sports like boxing. This also allows for rules to be enacted that better accommodate the Pokémon in that metagame that would not be suitable for those in higher tiers. Thus, the purpose of tiers can be boiled down to ensuring that as many Pokémon are viable as possible.


===Uber===
In addition to usage-based metrics, some Pokémon are banned from a tier due to being considered too powerful for that tier's metagame. These can be for metagame health, being statistically overwhelming, or having strategies that players of the tier consider uncompetitive. In doing so, the tier can become more diverse, allowing for more Pokémon to be playable in the problem Pokémon's absence.
The Uber tier is often characterized by [[legendary Pokémon]]. The Uber tier often exists as a banlist for standard Wi-Fi battles. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too overpowered to be used fairly among other Pokémon.  


While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there for their stats, {{p|Wobbuffet}} is included primarily because of its {{a|Shadow Tag}} [[ability]], and "uncounterable" movepool of {{m|Counter}} and {{m|Mirror Coat}}. Since the principle behind countering a Pokémon in battle is to switch out to a Pokémon that is better able to cope with the opponent, and Shadow Tag prevents switching altogether. Wobbuffet's pre-evolution, {{p|Wynaut}}, is often banned for similar reasons.
==Methodology==
Tiers for the latest generation of games are typically updated more often than older generations, due to those usually being the most played formats and being usage-based. Usage-based tiering is conducted through battle simulators such as [[Pokémon Showdown]] collecting aggregate data on the Pokémon used in a given metagame and weighting it based on the player's Elo rating. The weighted usage percentage is used to prevent "noise" — such as outliers who use a Pokémon a considerable amount and invariably lose — from potentially resulting in unrepresentative data. Once the result is unveiled, Pokémon are then risen and dropped between tiers that they are perceived as being better suited for, with an objective usage percentage being employed. With this system, when a new generation of Pokémon begins, it can take multiple months for a new tier to become playable. Due to usage-based tiering relying on a considerable amount of players, once a generation has concluded, the data becomes extremely unreliable. Ergo, old generations of metagames are often locked once the next one begins, with the tier list considered complete and lower tiers being stabilised. However, retroactive bans may be enacted by those who continue to play the metagames, and Pokémon that fall out of favour may be marked as such on battle simulator platforms while still being kept in the tier for the sake of transparency.


{{p|Garchomp}} is also a non-legendary that some fans consider for the list due to its high stats, movepool, and low amount of weaknesses.
In Generations I through III, usage-based tiering was not invented yet and they thus instead use viability-based tiering. With the disadvantages of usage-based tiering becoming impossible after a generation has concluded not being applicable, small communities of enthusiasts still tier these generations in small competitive communities, with websites like [[Pokémon Perfect]] notably being founded for this very purpose. Viability-based tiering is conducted through having tier lists for the metagame itself — dubbed "Viability Rankings" — produced through aggregate rankings either by qualified players or a general large-scale vote. Pokémon are sent up and down tiers based on their perceived viability in the current metagame, usually with a rank being used as the threshold, mirroring that of the given percentage in usage-based tiering.  


===Over-Used===
==Classification==
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.  
If a Pokémon meets a certain threshold of usage within a particular tier, it is classified as being within that tier, and cannot be used in any lower tiers. A Pokémon's classified tier is only its lower limit; it can still be used in any higher tier. Some Pokémon may still be useful in higher tiers despite their classification but are simply not widely used, and vice versa; so while a strong guideline, usage does not necessarily equal viability. Additionally, some Pokémon most famously {{p|Quagsire}} — may ebb in and out of metagames, thus travelling up and down tiers rapidly.


There are exceptions to this such as {{p|Magneton}} in [[Generation III]], where it was considered an OU Pokémon merely because it was used primarily as a counter for {{p|Skarmory}}; a Pokémon commonly seen due to its high defense, low weaknesses, and stall-based movepool. The introduction of {{p|Magnezone}}, an evolution of Magneton, solidified its place in OU, due to increased stats, and a broader movepool.
If a Pokémon has multiple forms that it cannot switch between within battle, those forms may have usage calculated separately from each other (eg. {{p|Giratina}}'s Altered and Origin formes). However, if the form difference is purely or mostly aesthetic, those forms are often grouped together and tiered on their own (eg. {{p|Gastrodon}}).


Examples of common OU Pokémon are the aforementioned Skarmory and Magnezone as well as {{p|Blissey}} and and all of the [[pseudo-legendaries]] like {{p|Tyranitar}}.
If a Pokémon is banned from a tier, it is placed in a special BL (Borderline) group for that tier, meaning it cannot be used within the tier it's designated for, regardless of its usage. However, it can still be used in higher tiers. "BLs" are not considered to be officially playable tiers.


===Borderline===
Because the metagame shifts over time, as well as Pokémon being banned and unbanned, Pokémon's usage within a given tier will vary over time. At certain points in time, the publisher of the tier system will update which Pokémon are in which tiers based on current usage or viability.
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "'''BL'''", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used, but may be found in some OU battles. They are classified as BL because they simply do not have the capacity to compete in solid OU consistently due mostly to stats, or poor movepools.  


Examples of BL Pokémon are {{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Staraptor}}, or {{p|Froslass}}.
==Tiers==
Different generations have different numbers of tiers. Newer generations have more Pokémon and more interest, so typically have more tiers as a result. Publishers of tier lists usually only create new tiers when there is enough interest in them to justify maintaining that new tier.


===Under-Used===
Tiers are normally ranked as follows.
Under-Used, commonly referred to as "'''UU'''", designates Pokémon whose use is limited as they are not strong enough for general BL, or above, competition. Usually due to poor stats, poor movepools, or easily exploitable weaknesses. UU Pokémon are recommended by some solely for UU-type battles.
#AG (Anything Goes, taken from the ''Stadium'' series of games)
#Ubers ([[wiktionary:Uber|German for "above competition"]], not normally tiered by usage)
#OU (OverUsed)
#UU (UnderUsed)
#RU (RarelyUsed)
#NU (NeverUsed)
#PU ([[wiktionary:PU|expression of disgust]])
#ZU (ZeroUsed, unofficial)


Examples of UU include {{p|Kingler}}, {{p|Rapidash}}, or {{p|Toxicroak}}. The latter is an excellent example as it has a good movepool, but a 4x weakness to one of the most common types in OU battles, {{t|Psychic}}.
Some publishers of tier lists used the LU (Little Used) tier in place of RU or changed their definitions to be clearer (eg. 1U, 2U, etc). However, due to the prominence of Smogon's tier list, Smogon's terminology has dominated most tier lists.


===Never-Used===
==Metagames==
As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "'''NU'''", is for Pokémon that have problems competing even in UU due to dismal stats and/or movepools. This is where most [[novelty Pokémon]] reside in tiers as well as Pokémon found early in a player's journey. They are recommended by some only for use in NU only battles. However, most NU Pokémon are very common among [[Pokémon Contest|contest]] [[Pokémon Coordinator|coordinator]]s.
Each tier functions as its own metagame, with its own banlist, normally referred to as the tier's name appended with BL (e.g. UU-BL). However, OU's banlist has its own unique name, Ubers. Playing without any restrictions (or only very specific rules such as the "Endless Battle Clause") is typically referred to as "Anything Goes," which has since been adopted as the banlist for Ubers.


The most notable examples are the aforementioned novelty Pokémon, like {{p|Pachirisu}} or {{p|Chatot}}, early, easily obtained Pokémon, like {{p|Raticate}} or {{p|Ledian}}, but can also include moderately powerful Pokémon like {{p|Magcargo}} or {{p|Exploud}}.
Unlike other banlists, Ubers functions as a metagame itself. Due to its functioning as a metagame, Ubers has its own banlist dubbed "Anything Goes", for Pokémon that are considered too unhealthy even within its own metagame. This technically began in [[Generation IV]] with {{p|Arceus}} due to technical difficulties on [[Shoddy Battle]], but officially beginning in [[Generation VI]] with Mega {{p|Rayquaza}}'s official ban from Ubers. Unlike tiers, Ubers is not based on usage, so usage within Ubers does not result in a Pokémon ceasing to be in the OU tier, though tiering from Ubers has historically been proposed.


As of now, some websites, most notably, Smogon, have completely gotten rid of the NU tier, and instead, moved all of the Pokémon associated with it, into the UU tier. This is most likely due to the [[Generation IV]] move split allowing for any type to have moves that are physical, or special; thusly clearing up any stat inconsistencies.
In addition to banning specific Pokémon, each format may also ban certain moves, Abilities, items, or even the usage of particular game mechanics (such as [[Dynamax]] or the [[Terastal phenomenon]]). They may also issue bans on certain combinations of these, such as a party not being allowed to have two named moves at the same time (particularly involving {{m|Baton Pass}}), though this is considerably rarer and subject to extreme contextual circumstances.


===Tier variations===
Battle simulators typically offer tier-based formats by default, automatically enforcing the restrictions associated with them. To play with these formats in the games themselves, both players need to agree to the rules in advance, as in-game rule-creation options typically do not offer enough granular control over the rules to support these formats. Due to both the difficulty of enforcing these rules in-game and the availability of usage data, tier lists are usually based on usage within battle simulators.
Some Pokémon are not listed in tiers but are sometimes used in competitive play because they have a change during evolution that changed their disposition enough to allow them to stay competitive, even in an unevolved state. There are a few exceptions, however, such as {{p|Porygon2}}, which is due to its evolution, {{p|Porygon-Z}} having lower {{stat|Defense}}, and [[Light Ball]] {{p|Pikachu}}.


Another example would be {{p|Marowak}} when used in battles when items are not allowed. Marowak with a [[Thick Club]] doubles its base {{stat|Attack}} to 160, easily putting it in OU. However, without the item, its base attack remains 80, putting it in the UU, or NU in some cases, tier.
==Format types==
Fans usually discuss tiers in the context of standard Single Battles. However, tier systems have also been published for other variants, such as [[Double Battle]]s, Middle Cup, and [[Little Cup]] Single Battles. Tier systems for these format types function in the same way, but typically do not have as many tiers as standard Single Battles due to the lower popularity of these format types.


==External Links==
Similarly, some sites (such as Smogon) create their own custom Pokémon, and have format types that include those Pokémon with their own tier lists, in this case being called Create-A-Pokémon (CAP).
* [http://www.smogon.com/dp/tiers/ Smogon tier list]
 
==External links==
* [https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/tiering-faq.3644714/ Smogon tier list and FAQ]
* [https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/tiering-policy-framework.3628026/ Smogon tiering policy]
 
{{Project Fandom notice}}


[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
[[Category:Fanon terminology]]
[[Category:Competitive battling]]
[[de:Tier]]
[[fr:Tier stratégique]]
[[it:Tier]]

Latest revision as of 10:16, 28 December 2023

Tiers are an unofficial method of classifying Pokémon within a particular competitive battling format based on their relative usage.

Individual sites, users, or organizations may publish tiers, but the most prominent tier lists are produced and published by Smogon, usually based on usage stats from unofficial battle simulators, currently Pokémon Showdown. Communities such as Pokémon Online and Pokémon Perfect have also published their own tier lists, though they are defunct as of 2023. Pokémon Online is of particular note for introducing usage-based tiering, the system most commonly used today. Tiers are defined separately for each generation, with their own rulesets, bans, and often even communities.

Purpose

Each tier functions as its own metagame, where only Pokémon that aren't in a higher tier can be used. By categorizing Pokémon in this way, Pokémon that would normally be outclassed in higher-tier metagames can still be useful in lower-tier formats, much like weight classes in sports like boxing. This also allows for rules to be enacted that better accommodate the Pokémon in that metagame that would not be suitable for those in higher tiers. Thus, the purpose of tiers can be boiled down to ensuring that as many Pokémon are viable as possible.

In addition to usage-based metrics, some Pokémon are banned from a tier due to being considered too powerful for that tier's metagame. These can be for metagame health, being statistically overwhelming, or having strategies that players of the tier consider uncompetitive. In doing so, the tier can become more diverse, allowing for more Pokémon to be playable in the problem Pokémon's absence.

Methodology

Tiers for the latest generation of games are typically updated more often than older generations, due to those usually being the most played formats and being usage-based. Usage-based tiering is conducted through battle simulators such as Pokémon Showdown collecting aggregate data on the Pokémon used in a given metagame and weighting it based on the player's Elo rating. The weighted usage percentage is used to prevent "noise" — such as outliers who use a Pokémon a considerable amount and invariably lose — from potentially resulting in unrepresentative data. Once the result is unveiled, Pokémon are then risen and dropped between tiers that they are perceived as being better suited for, with an objective usage percentage being employed. With this system, when a new generation of Pokémon begins, it can take multiple months for a new tier to become playable. Due to usage-based tiering relying on a considerable amount of players, once a generation has concluded, the data becomes extremely unreliable. Ergo, old generations of metagames are often locked once the next one begins, with the tier list considered complete and lower tiers being stabilised. However, retroactive bans may be enacted by those who continue to play the metagames, and Pokémon that fall out of favour may be marked as such on battle simulator platforms while still being kept in the tier for the sake of transparency.

In Generations I through III, usage-based tiering was not invented yet and they thus instead use viability-based tiering. With the disadvantages of usage-based tiering becoming impossible after a generation has concluded not being applicable, small communities of enthusiasts still tier these generations in small competitive communities, with websites like Pokémon Perfect notably being founded for this very purpose. Viability-based tiering is conducted through having tier lists for the metagame itself — dubbed "Viability Rankings" — produced through aggregate rankings either by qualified players or a general large-scale vote. Pokémon are sent up and down tiers based on their perceived viability in the current metagame, usually with a rank being used as the threshold, mirroring that of the given percentage in usage-based tiering.

Classification

If a Pokémon meets a certain threshold of usage within a particular tier, it is classified as being within that tier, and cannot be used in any lower tiers. A Pokémon's classified tier is only its lower limit; it can still be used in any higher tier. Some Pokémon may still be useful in higher tiers despite their classification but are simply not widely used, and vice versa; so while a strong guideline, usage does not necessarily equal viability. Additionally, some Pokémon — most famously Quagsire — may ebb in and out of metagames, thus travelling up and down tiers rapidly.

If a Pokémon has multiple forms that it cannot switch between within battle, those forms may have usage calculated separately from each other (eg. Giratina's Altered and Origin formes). However, if the form difference is purely or mostly aesthetic, those forms are often grouped together and tiered on their own (eg. Gastrodon).

If a Pokémon is banned from a tier, it is placed in a special BL (Borderline) group for that tier, meaning it cannot be used within the tier it's designated for, regardless of its usage. However, it can still be used in higher tiers. "BLs" are not considered to be officially playable tiers.

Because the metagame shifts over time, as well as Pokémon being banned and unbanned, Pokémon's usage within a given tier will vary over time. At certain points in time, the publisher of the tier system will update which Pokémon are in which tiers based on current usage or viability.

Tiers

Different generations have different numbers of tiers. Newer generations have more Pokémon and more interest, so typically have more tiers as a result. Publishers of tier lists usually only create new tiers when there is enough interest in them to justify maintaining that new tier.

Tiers are normally ranked as follows.

  1. AG (Anything Goes, taken from the Stadium series of games)
  2. Ubers (German for "above competition", not normally tiered by usage)
  3. OU (OverUsed)
  4. UU (UnderUsed)
  5. RU (RarelyUsed)
  6. NU (NeverUsed)
  7. PU (expression of disgust)
  8. ZU (ZeroUsed, unofficial)

Some publishers of tier lists used the LU (Little Used) tier in place of RU or changed their definitions to be clearer (eg. 1U, 2U, etc). However, due to the prominence of Smogon's tier list, Smogon's terminology has dominated most tier lists.

Metagames

Each tier functions as its own metagame, with its own banlist, normally referred to as the tier's name appended with BL (e.g. UU-BL). However, OU's banlist has its own unique name, Ubers. Playing without any restrictions (or only very specific rules such as the "Endless Battle Clause") is typically referred to as "Anything Goes," which has since been adopted as the banlist for Ubers.

Unlike other banlists, Ubers functions as a metagame itself. Due to its functioning as a metagame, Ubers has its own banlist dubbed "Anything Goes", for Pokémon that are considered too unhealthy even within its own metagame. This technically began in Generation IV with Arceus due to technical difficulties on Shoddy Battle, but officially beginning in Generation VI with Mega Rayquaza's official ban from Ubers. Unlike tiers, Ubers is not based on usage, so usage within Ubers does not result in a Pokémon ceasing to be in the OU tier, though tiering from Ubers has historically been proposed.

In addition to banning specific Pokémon, each format may also ban certain moves, Abilities, items, or even the usage of particular game mechanics (such as Dynamax or the Terastal phenomenon). They may also issue bans on certain combinations of these, such as a party not being allowed to have two named moves at the same time (particularly involving Baton Pass), though this is considerably rarer and subject to extreme contextual circumstances.

Battle simulators typically offer tier-based formats by default, automatically enforcing the restrictions associated with them. To play with these formats in the games themselves, both players need to agree to the rules in advance, as in-game rule-creation options typically do not offer enough granular control over the rules to support these formats. Due to both the difficulty of enforcing these rules in-game and the availability of usage data, tier lists are usually based on usage within battle simulators.

Format types

Fans usually discuss tiers in the context of standard Single Battles. However, tier systems have also been published for other variants, such as Double Battles, Middle Cup, and Little Cup Single Battles. Tier systems for these format types function in the same way, but typically do not have as many tiers as standard Single Battles due to the lower popularity of these format types.

Similarly, some sites (such as Smogon) create their own custom Pokémon, and have format types that include those Pokémon with their own tier lists, in this case being called Create-A-Pokémon (CAP).

External links

Project Fandom logo.png This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom.