How do tiers work in Pokémon?
The Pokémon tier system is a method of categorizing Pokémon into different levels of competitiveness, with the primary goal of balancing the metagame and ensuring that no single Pokémon dominates the competition, by assigning each Pokémon to a specific tier based on its strength, viability, and usage in competitive battles. The tier system is divided into several categories, including Ubers, Overused (OU), Underused (UU), and NeverUsed (NU), each with its own set of rules and restrictions to promote fair play and competitive balance.
Understanding the Pokémon Tier System
The Pokémon tier system is designed to provide a framework for competitive battling, allowing players to compete against each other in a fair and balanced environment. The system takes into account various factors, including a Pokémon’s stats, moves, and abilities, to determine its overall strength and viability in battle.
How Tiers are Determined
Tiers are determined by a combination of factors, including a Pokémon’s usage in competitive battles, its win-loss record, and its overall impact on the metagame. The Smogon University tier list is widely considered the standard for competitive Pokémon battling, and it provides a comprehensive ranking of Pokémon into different tiers based on their strength and viability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the highest tier in Pokémon?: The highest tier in Pokémon is Uber, which includes the most powerful Pokémon that can break the balance of the metagame.
- What does balance on tiers mean?: Balance on tiers refers to the process of ensuring that no single Pokémon is too powerful or over-centralizes the metagame, allowing players to compete against each other in a fair and balanced environment.
- How long do tiers last?: Tiers can change over time as new Pokémon are introduced, and the metagame evolves, but the Smogon University tier list is updated regularly to reflect these changes.
- What do the numbers on tiers mean?: The numbers on tiers refer to the width of a tire, but in the context of Pokémon, tiers are ranked based on a Pokémon’s strength and viability.
- Who is Pokémon number 1?: The first Pokémon, Bulbasaur, is number 001, and the last, Mew, is number 151 in the National Pokédex.
- What tier is Pikachu?: Pikachu is considered a top-tier Pokémon, known for its speed and special attack moves.
- What is the lowest tier in Pokémon?: The lowest tier in Pokémon is ZU (ZeroUsed), which includes Pokémon that are rarely used or ineffective in competitive battles.
- What is the rarest tier of Pokémon cards?: The rarest tier of Pokémon cards is Rare Holo, which features a shiny (foil) illustration and a black star symbol.
- Why is it called S tier?: The term S tier originates from Japanese culture, where it is used to denote something as exemplary or superior.
- Why is Tier 2 stronger than Tier 1?: Tier 2 practices and systems provide targeted support for students who are not successful with Tier 1 supports alone, making them stronger in terms of overall effectiveness.
- How does tier ranking work?: Tier ranking involves evaluating and ranking items or individuals based on their importance or strength, often using a list with color-coded shapes to signify the top and bottom tiers.
- Why was Wobbuffet banned?: Wobbuffet was banned due to its ability to create an unending battle when facing another Wobbuffet, thanks to its Struggle mechanics.
- Why is Aegislash banned?: Aegislash was banned due to its ability to constantly force 50/50s with its King’s Shield move, making it too powerful and unfair.
- Which Pikachu is most powerful?: Ash’s Pikachu is considered one of the most powerful Pikachu, thanks to its high stats and effective moves.
- Who to use against 7-star Pikachu?: To counter a 7-star Pikachu, it is recommended to use Arbolivia, Lurantis, or Clodsire, which have type advantages and effective moves to take it down.