Decoding the Depths: A Comprehensive Guide to the PU Tier in Pokémon
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The PU tier in Pokémon, often the subject of playful derision, represents a crucial component of the competitive battling ecosystem. It comprises Pokémon that, due to their limited viability and overwhelmability, struggle to find a niche in higher tiers. Think of it as the proving ground, or sometimes the last stop, for Pokémon that haven’t quite found their footing in the competitive scene. It’s a vital part of the Smogon tiering system, ensuring a balanced and diverse meta-game for players of all skill levels.
Understanding the PU Landscape
What Exactly Is PU?
The acronym “PU,” though often humorously interpreted as an expression of unpleasantness regarding the Pokémon’s competitive prowess, actually stands for nothing officially. Within the Smogon University community, it’s simply the tier below NeverUsed (NU). Functionally, it’s a usage-based tier. That means a Pokemon ends up in PU (or any other tier) based on its usage statistics in the OverUsed (OU) metagame.
Usage Statistics and Tiering
At its core, the PU tiering system mirrors that of other Smogon tiers. Every few months, usage statistics are collected from the Smogon University competitive battling simulators (Pokemon Showdown), specifically from battles in the OverUsed (OU) tier. If a Pokémon’s usage rate falls below a certain threshold (approximately 3.41%), it is then eligible to drop to a lower tier. So, after this threshold is met, if a pokemon is not in AG, Ubers, OU, UUBL, UU, RUBL, RU, NUBL, NU or the PU banlist (PUBL), it can be used. This process is repeated for each tier, resulting in a dynamic and evolving meta-game as Pokémon rise and fall in popularity and effectiveness.
The Role of the PUBL (PU Banlist)
As with any competitive environment, some Pokémon prove to be too powerful even for the PU tier. These Pokémon, while not viable enough for NU, exhibit characteristics that disrupt the balance of the PU metagame. They might possess overly strong abilities, powerful movesets, or a unique combination of stats and typing that makes them difficult to counter. To address this, Smogon maintains the PU Banlist (PUBL). Pokémon on this list are banned from use in the PU tier, preventing them from dominating the meta. These Pokemon are deemed too “broken” for the tier.
Untiered Pokémon: Below the Bottom
Below PU lies the realm of Untiered (or “Not Used”) Pokémon. These Pokémon don’t meet the minimum usage threshold to be considered part of PU. They’re generally not recommended for competitive play because they often lack the stats, abilities, or movepools needed to effectively compete. The ZeroUsed (ZU) metagame provides a fan-made and unofficial space for some of these ‘mons.
PU: More Than Just “Bad” Pokémon
While it’s easy to dismiss PU as a collection of weak and underpowered Pokémon, the reality is far more nuanced. The PU tier offers a unique and challenging battling experience that rewards creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the Pokémon ecosystem.
Opportunities for Innovation
The PU tier provides an opportunity for players to experiment with unconventional strategies, develop unique team compositions, and uncover the hidden potential of seemingly weak Pokémon. Since the overall power level is lower, a well-planned strategy and effective team synergy can often overcome individual limitations.
Leveling the Playing Field
The PU tier offers a more level playing field compared to higher tiers, where the same handful of extremely powerful Pokémon often dominate. In PU, a wider range of Pokémon are viable, allowing for more diverse team-building and unpredictable battles.
A Stepping Stone
The PU tier can serve as a stepping stone for Pokémon that are on the cusp of viability. With the right strategy or a shift in the metagame, a PU Pokémon can rise in popularity and effectiveness, potentially moving up to NU or even higher tiers.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the PU Tier
1. What does “usage-based tier” mean?
A usage-based tier means that a Pokémon’s placement is primarily determined by how frequently it is used in the OverUsed (OU) tier of competitive Pokémon battling. The less often it appears in OU teams, the lower the tier it potentially drops to. This is all tracked at Pokemon Showdown with its statistics.
2. How often are the tiers updated?
The tiers are updated periodically, typically every few months, based on accumulated usage statistics. This ensures that the tiers reflect the current state of the competitive metagame.
3. Can a Pokémon move up a tier?
Yes, absolutely. If a Pokémon’s usage rate increases significantly in a higher tier, it can move up to that tier in a subsequent tier shift. Changes in abilities, movepools, or the introduction of new items can lead to an increased viability.
4. Why is PU sometimes considered a joke tier?
The perception of PU as a “joke tier” stems from the fact that it contains Pokémon that are generally considered to be weak or underpowered compared to those in higher tiers. However, this perception overlooks the strategic depth and unique challenges that the PU tier offers.
5. What are some examples of Pokémon commonly found in PU?
Common PU Pokémon vary with each tier shift, but examples often include Pokémon with lower base stats, limited movepools, or situational abilities.
6. Are there any strategies that are particularly effective in PU?
Due to the lower power level, strategies that focus on status effects (paralysis, poison, burn), entry hazards (Stealth Rock, Spikes), and team support (healing, stat boosts) can be particularly effective in PU.
7. How does the PU tier affect team building?
The PU tier encourages creative team building, as players must find ways to maximize the strengths of relatively weak Pokémon while mitigating their weaknesses. Team synergy and strategic planning are crucial for success.
8. What’s the difference between PU and Untiered?
PU is an officially recognized tier by Smogon, while Untiered refers to Pokémon that do not meet the minimum usage threshold to be considered part of any tier.
9. Is it possible to win using a PU team against a higher-tier team?
While challenging, it is possible to win using a PU team against a higher-tier team if you have a carefully crafted strategy, superior prediction skills, and a bit of luck. Effective counter-teaming will always be essential.
10. Where can I find information about current PU strategies and team builds?
Smogon University is the primary resource for information about PU strategies, team builds, and tier lists. Online forums, YouTube channels, and competitive Pokémon communities also offer valuable insights.
11. Why would anyone choose to play in the PU tier?
Players choose to play in the PU tier for a variety of reasons, including the challenge of using underdogs, the greater diversity of viable Pokémon, and the opportunity to showcase strategic thinking.
12. What are the key skills required to succeed in the PU tier?
Key skills for success in PU include strategic team building, prediction of opponent’s moves, knowledge of Pokémon types and abilities, and effective use of status effects and entry hazards.
13. Does the PU tier have its own metagame?
Yes, the PU tier has its own distinct metagame, shaped by the specific Pokémon that are viable in that tier and the strategies that are most effective against them.
14. What are some good resources for learning more about competitive Pokémon battling in general?
Smogon University is the go-to resource for comprehensive information about competitive Pokémon battling, including tier lists, strategy guides, and analysis of the metagame. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) provides a wealth of knowledge about using games for educational purposes.
15. How does the PU tier contribute to the overall Pokémon competitive scene?
The PU tier contributes to the overall Pokémon competitive scene by providing a balanced and diverse meta-game for players of all skill levels, encouraging innovation and strategic thinking, and serving as a proving ground for Pokémon that may eventually rise to higher tiers.
While often misunderstood, the PU tier is an integral part of the competitive Pokémon landscape, offering a unique and challenging battling experience that rewards creativity and strategic thinking. It is a proving ground for underappreciated Pokémon and a place where players can truly test their skills.