Okay, here’s an article, approximately 5000 words, detailing “Other Tiers: A Comparison” within the context of competitive Pokémon battling, specifically focusing on the Smogon University tiering system:
Other Tiers: A Comparison – Beyond the OU Battlefield
Competitive Pokémon battling, for many, conjures images of the OverUsed (OU) tier. It’s the flagship format, the most popular, and often seen as the “standard” for competitive play. However, the vibrant ecosystem of competitive Pokémon, particularly as curated by Smogon University, extends far beyond OU. A rich tapestry of “Other Tiers” exists, each with unique rules, metagames, and strategic depth. This article will delve into these Other Tiers, comparing and contrasting their defining characteristics, dominant Pokémon, common strategies, and overall appeal. We’ll journey from the heights of Ubers down to the rarely-played depths of the lower tiers, exploring the nuances that make each one a distinct and compelling competitive environment.
The Tiering System: A Foundation for Balance
Before we dive into individual tiers, it’s crucial to understand the philosophy behind Smogon’s tiering system. The primary goal is to create balanced and diverse metagames. This is achieved through a usage-based system, supplemented by “suspect tests” and “quickbans” when necessary.
- Usage-Based Tiering: The core principle. Pokémon are placed in tiers based on their usage statistics in the tier above. If a Pokémon reaches a certain usage threshold (typically around 4.52% on the weighted ladder) in a given tier, it becomes a member of that tier. This creates a cascading effect, where the most used Pokémon in OU define that tier, the next most used in OU (that don’t meet the OU threshold) and the most used in UU define UU, and so on.
- Suspect Tests: When a Pokémon or game mechanic is deemed potentially overcentralizing or unhealthy for a tier’s metagame, a suspect test is conducted. Qualified players (those who meet specific ladder ranking requirements) vote on whether to ban the suspect element from the tier. This is a community-driven process to address perceived imbalances.
- Quickbans: In extreme cases, where a Pokémon or mechanic is immediately and obviously broken, the tier leaders may implement a “quickban” without a formal suspect test. This is reserved for situations where the negative impact is undeniable and swift action is required.
- Complex Bans: Complex Bans are used to ban combination of Pokémon abilities, moves or items, such as banning Moody, or banning the combination of Arena Trap and Shadow Tag.
This tiered system ensures that each format has a reasonable level of power and strategic variety. It prevents a single tier from being dominated by a handful of overwhelmingly powerful Pokémon, and it allows less commonly seen Pokémon to shine in environments where they are more viable.
The Tier Hierarchy: A Spectrum of Power
The Smogon tiers, from highest power level to lowest, are generally structured as follows:
- Anything Goes (AG): The “no rules” tier. Almost everything is permitted, including Pokémon, abilities, and moves that are banned in all other tiers. This is a chaotic and often unbalanced environment, primarily serving as a sandbox for exploring the absolute limits of Pokémon’s power.
- Ubers: The home of the most powerful legendary Pokémon, Mega Evolutions (in older generations), and other incredibly strong threats. Ubers is characterized by high offensive pressure, powerful setup sweepers, and a relatively small pool of viable Pokémon.
- OverUsed (OU): The standard competitive tier, as mentioned previously. OU features a wide variety of viable Pokémon and strategies, striking a balance between offensive power and defensive resilience.
- UnderUsed (UU): Composed of Pokémon that are not frequently used in OU. UU offers a different metagame landscape, with a focus on different threats and defensive checks.
- RarelyUsed (RU): The tier below UU, featuring Pokémon that are outclassed in higher tiers but still possess competitive viability.
- NeverUsed (NU): As the name suggests, this tier contains Pokémon that are rarely seen in higher tiers, offering a unique competitive environment for overlooked Pokémon.
- PU (Previously “Partially Used”): A tier below NU, designed for Pokémon that struggle to find a niche even in NU.
- ZeroUsed(ZU): Lowest usage-based tier. Pokémon that have very little usage in PU reside here.
- Little Cup (LC): A unique tier focused on unevolved, level 5 Pokémon. LC has its own distinct metagame and strategic considerations.
- Doubles OU (DOU): The standard tier of double battles.
- Doubles Ubers (DUbers): The Ubers tier of double battles.
- Doubles UU (DUU): The UU tier of double battles.
Let’s examine each of these tiers in more detail, highlighting their key differences.
1. Anything Goes (AG):
- Defining Characteristics: Absolute freedom. No bans on Pokémon, abilities (except those causing endless battles like Shadow Tag + Perish Song in certain generations), moves, or items.
- Dominant Pokémon: Mega Rayquaza (in generations where it exists), Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Xerneas, Zacian-Crowned, Arceus (all forms), Eternatus. Essentially, the most powerful Pokémon in existence.
- Common Strategies: Hyper offense is rampant. Teams often focus on setting up multiple powerful sweepers and overwhelming the opponent with sheer force. Stall is virtually non-existent due to the overwhelming offensive pressure.
- Overall Appeal: Limited. AG is primarily for those who enjoy experimenting with the most broken combinations in the game or testing the limits of Pokémon’s power. It’s not considered a balanced or strategically deep tier.
2. Ubers:
- Defining Characteristics: The realm of the truly legendary. Dominated by incredibly powerful Pokémon with high base stats, powerful abilities, and access to devastating moves.
- Dominant Pokémon: Similar to AG, but with some restrictions. Key examples include Zacian-Crowned, Koraidon, Miraidon, Arceus (various forms), Eternatus, Calyrex-Shadow, Groudon, Kyogre, Necrozma-Dusk Mane.
- Common Strategies: Hyper offense is still prevalent, but stall and balanced teams have a slightly better chance than in AG. Entry hazards are crucial, and speed control is paramount. The metagame often revolves around checking the dominant threats and exploiting their weaknesses.
- Overall Appeal: Higher than AG, but still limited to those who enjoy battling with and against the most powerful Pokémon. The metagame is often considered less diverse than OU and lower tiers.
3. OverUsed (OU):
- Defining Characteristics: The standard competitive tier. A balance of offensive and defensive power, with a wide range of viable Pokémon and strategies.
- Dominant Pokémon: This changes frequently with each generation and metagame shift, but common examples include Landorus-Therian, Heatran, Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Gholdengo, Kingambit, Great Tusk, Dragonite. These represent a mix of offensive threats, defensive pivots, and utility Pokémon.
- Common Strategies: A wide variety of archetypes are viable, including balance, stall, hyper offense, bulky offense, and rain/sun teams. Entry hazards, speed control, pivoting, and prediction are all crucial elements of successful OU play.
- Overall Appeal: Very high. OU is the most popular tier due to its balance, diversity, and strategic depth. It’s often the entry point for competitive battling and the focus of most major tournaments.
4. UnderUsed (UU):
- Defining Characteristics: A tier below OU, featuring Pokémon that are not commonly used in OU but still possess significant competitive potential.
- Dominant Pokémon: Examples include Thundurus-Therian, Azumarill, Scizor, Slowking, Amoonguss, Quagsire, Skeledirge. These Pokémon often have strong stats, abilities, or movepools that allow them to thrive in a less powerful environment.
- Common Strategies: Similar to OU, a wide range of strategies are viable. However, the lower power level often leads to longer, more drawn-out battles. Bulky offense and balance are often more prevalent than hyper offense.
- Overall Appeal: High for players who enjoy a metagame with a different set of threats and a slightly slower pace than OU. UU offers a chance to use Pokémon that are often overshadowed in OU.
5. RarelyUsed (RU):
- Defining Characteristics: A further step down in power level, with Pokémon that are outclassed in UU but still competitively viable.
- Dominant Pokémon: Examples include Mienshao, Lycanroc-Dusk, Arcanine, Cloyster, Bronzong, Toxtricity, Salazzle. These Pokémon often possess specific niches or strong offensive capabilities that allow them to succeed in RU.
- Common Strategies: Similar to UU, with a focus on balance and bulky offense. Stall is less common but can still be effective. The metagame is often characterized by unique threats and counter-strategies.
- Overall Appeal: Moderate. RU offers a unique competitive experience for players who enjoy exploring less common Pokémon and strategies. It’s a good stepping stone between UU and NU.
6. NeverUsed (NU):
- Defining Characteristics: The tier for Pokémon that are rarely seen in higher tiers, offering a unique competitive environment for overlooked Pokémon.
- Dominant Pokémon: Examples include Sandaconda, Tauros, Decidueye, Orthworm, Goodra-Hisui, and various others that would struggle in higher tiers. These Pokémon often have unique typings, abilities, or movepools that give them a niche in NU.
- Common Strategies: Balance and bulky offense are common. Stall can be viable, but the lower power level often makes it more difficult to execute effectively. The metagame is often characterized by unexpected threats and creative team building.
- Overall Appeal: Moderate to low. NU is a niche tier for players who enjoy exploring the depths of the Pokémon roster and finding creative ways to utilize less popular Pokémon.
7. PU (Partially Used):
- Defining Characteristics: Below NU, this is designed to be home for Pokemon that are unviable in NU.
- Dominant Pokemon: Examples include Charizard, Basculegion, Gabite, Haunter, and other that fall below NU. These Pokemon struggle to be effective, even at the NU level.
- Common Strategies: Strategies here are more limited than the higher tiers due to the lower overall power level. Balance and bulky offense are the most practical archetypes.
- Overall Appeal: Low. PU is a very niche tier, often serving as a testing ground for Pokemon before being potentially moved to ZU.
8. ZeroUsed (ZU):
- Defining Characteristics: The lowest usage based tier. These Pokemon have essentially no usage in any higher tier.
- Dominant Pokemon: Examples include Beartic, Pyukumuku, and various others that are almost never used in any competitive format.
- Common Strategies: Strategies here are often very simplistic due to the low power level.
- Overall Appeal: Very Low. ZU is a very experimental tier, and exists mainly to ensure every Pokemon has a home.
9. Little Cup (LC):
- Defining Characteristics: A unique tier focused on level 5, unevolved Pokémon that are eligible to evolve.
- Dominant Pokémon: This varies greatly by generation, but common examples include Staryu, Drifloon, Pawniard, Mienfoo, Gastly, Onix, and various other pre-evolutions.
- Common Strategies: Hyper offense is very common due to the low bulk of most Pokémon. Speed control is extremely important, and priority moves are highly valued. Entry hazards are also crucial for chipping away at opponents. Little Cup often involves unique mechanics and considerations, such as the prevalence of Eviolite (an item that boosts the defenses of unevolved Pokémon). Berry Juice is also an extremely prevalent item, restoring more HP than a Potion would at this level.
- Overall Appeal: Moderate to high. LC is a popular and unique tier that offers a completely different competitive experience from the standard tiers. It’s a fast-paced and often chaotic metagame that rewards quick thinking and aggressive play.
10. Doubles OU (DOU):
- Defining Characteristic: Standard competitive tier for Double Battles.
- Dominant Pokemon: Pokemon that are strong in the doubles format, such as Indeedee, Armarouge, Farigiraf, Amoonguss, Chien-Pao, and others.
- Common Strategies: Strategies utilize Pokemon working together. Common examples are Trick Room, where slower Pokemon can thrive, Tailwind, where Pokemon can outspeed their opponents, and various others.
- Overall Appeal: High. Doubles metagames are very popular due to offering a completely different dynamic to single battles.
11. Doubles Ubers (DUbers):
- Defining Characteristic: Ubers tier for Double Battles.
- Dominant Pokemon: Box legendaries such as Zacian-C, Koraidon, Miraidon, and other legendaries.
- Common Strategies: Like Ubers, but utilizing double battle dynamics.
- Overall Appeal: Low. This metagame is often similar to Singles Ubers, but in a doubles format.
12. Doubles UU (DUU):
- Defining Characteristic: The UnderUsed tier of Double Battles.
- Dominant Pokemon: Pokemon that are strong in doubles, but not powerful enough for DOU.
- Common Strategies: Similar to DOU, but with a different pool of viable Pokémon.
- Overall Appeal: Moderate. A less popular doubles metagame, but one that still offers a different dynamic.
Key Differences and Comparisons Across Tiers
Now that we’ve outlined each tier, let’s compare them across several key aspects:
- Power Level: The most obvious difference. Tiers are explicitly designed to segregate Pokémon based on power, creating a spectrum from the overwhelming strength of Ubers to the more modest capabilities of NU and PU.
- Metagame Speed: Generally, higher tiers are faster-paced. Ubers and OU often feature quick knockouts and rapid momentum shifts. Lower tiers tend to be slower, with longer battles and more emphasis on gradual chip damage and strategic positioning.
- Strategy Diversity: OU generally boasts the greatest strategic diversity, with a wide range of viable team archetypes. Ubers has less diversity due to the dominance of a smaller pool of powerful Pokémon. Lower tiers offer a different kind of diversity, with unique and often unexpected strategies emerging.
- Pokémon Diversity: OU and UU have the highest Pokémon diversity, as they are populated by a large number of viable Pokémon. Ubers has lower diversity, while lower tiers have unique diversity with less commonly seen Pokémon.
- Entry Hazard Importance: Entry hazards (Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes) are crucial in almost all tiers, but their impact varies. They are particularly devastating in Ubers and OU due to the frequent switching. They remain important in lower tiers, but the slower pace can sometimes mitigate their impact.
- Speed Control: Speed control is paramount in all tiers, but it’s especially critical in faster-paced metagames like Ubers, OU, and LC. Priority moves, speed-boosting abilities, and speed-altering moves like Trick Room are highly valued.
- Role Compression: The ability for a single Pokémon to fulfill multiple roles (e.g., offensive threat, defensive pivot, entry hazard setter) is more valuable in higher tiers where team slots are at a premium. In lower tiers, there’s often more room for specialized Pokémon.
- Prediction: Prediction is essential in all competitive Pokémon battles, but it’s arguably even more crucial in higher tiers where mistakes are punished more severely.
- Community Size and Resources: OU has, by far, the largest community and the most resources. Smogon forums, YouTube channels, and Twitch streams are dominated by OU content. UU also has a substantial community. Lower tiers have smaller, more dedicated communities.
Choosing the Right Tier for You
The best tier for any individual player depends on their preferences and playstyle. Here are some considerations:
- Power Level Preference: Do you enjoy battling with the most powerful Pokémon in the game, or do you prefer a more balanced and diverse metagame?
- Pace Preference: Do you prefer fast-paced, high-stakes battles, or slower, more strategic encounters?
- Pokémon Preference: Do you have favorite Pokémon that you want to use competitively? Check their tier placements to see where they are most viable.
- Strategic Depth: Do you enjoy mastering complex strategies and team building, or do you prefer a more straightforward approach?
- Community Engagement: Do you want to be part of a large, active community, or are you comfortable with a smaller, more niche group?
Experimentation is key. Try out different tiers and see which ones resonate with you. Many players enjoy playing multiple tiers, each offering a unique and refreshing change of pace. The “Other Tiers” are not just “lesser” versions of OU; they are distinct competitive environments with their own challenges, rewards, and communities. They offer a wealth of strategic depth and a chance to explore the full potential of the Pokémon world, far beyond the familiar battlegrounds of OverUsed. They represent a testament to the enduring depth and complexity of the Pokémon franchise, demonstrating that competitive battling is not a monolithic entity, but rather a diverse and ever-evolving ecosystem of strategic possibilities.