[GUIDE] Yet Another Viability Rankings List

[Idkup]

You can view the list here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c7IOKm7XMRnJ8gqggvpyGZcLqB7oc5Gts86GpSZXUQI/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to: Ironcoque, anthonyliu, dangarangs, Fairview

 

This is our take on viability rankings and we believe it to be better than the one currently on these forums. Analyses to come soon.

[Idkup]

Updates

Slowbro A -> B

 

Slowbro doesn't really check much of anything in the current metagame. It finds itself lacking the bulk to reliably handle setup sweepers like Swords Dance Excadrill and Garchomp, while being incredibly vulnerable to Toxic in defensive matchups. Its Psychic typing is a liability in a metagame infested by Knock Off, leaving it a generally worse option than other bulky waters such as Suicune and Milotic.

 

Gengar A- -> A

 

Despite the loss of Levitate, Gengar is still a premier balance breaker in the metagame. Few Pokemon can afford to switch into both its STABs and Focus Blast, and those that can are often shut down by Taunt. It even has options such as Icy Wind, Thunderbolt, and Energy Ball to lure specific threats, or Will-o-Wisp to cripple physical Dark-types looking to come in on Shadow Ball or Sludge Wave. Levitate was nice, but Gengar's appeal was always its offensive prowess.

 

Milotic B -> B+

 

As previously mentioned, Psychic typing is a defensive liability. With its competition in Slowbro performing poorly, it is logical that Milotic is a better choice - furthermore, it is one of the best answers to Belly Drum Azumarill available.

 

Slowking C- -> C+

 

While typing holds Slowbro back in current conditions, Slowking possesses a niche as one of the few Pokemon able to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Specs Kingdra under the rain. Unlike Assault Vest Tangrowth, it also holds its own against Pelipper, giving it a respectable role as a tech Pokemon against Rain.

 

Scizor A -> B+

 

The loss of a playable U-Turn cripples the Choice Band set, leaving Scizor quite one-dimensional. In the meantime, the rise of defensive Quiver Dance Volcarona, which turns Swords Dance Scizor into an utter liability, considerably frustrates it. There are simply too many switch-ins to Bullet Punch around for Swords Dance Scizor to maintain an A ranking alone. Defensive sets, currently unexplored, may show promise, but it is difficult to see what exactly they successfully answer - Skarmory and Ferrothorn are already phenomenal defensive Steels.

Edited July 1, 2018 by idkup