Why are Hisuian Pokémon Illegal? A Deep Dive into Competitive Bans
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The simple answer: Hisuian Pokémon are not inherently illegal across all competitive Pokémon formats. However, certain Hisuian forms, like Hisuian Lilligant, have been deemed too powerful for specific metagames and banned due to their overwhelming strength and lack of reliable counterplay. These bans are format-specific and usually originate from community-run tiering systems like Smogon, which aims to create a balanced and enjoyable competitive environment. A Pokémon being “illegal” refers to its ineligibility for play within a specific rule set, not a universal prohibition across all Pokémon games or competitions.
Understanding the Nuances of Competitive Pokémon
The competitive Pokémon scene isn’t a monolith. Different formats exist, each with its own rules and restrictions. Official tournaments organized by The Pokémon Company International (TPCI) have their own sets of legal Pokémon and items, which often rotate with each new game release or regulation update. Alongside these official formats, there are community-driven tiering systems that cater to different playstyles and power levels.
Smogon University and Tiering
Smogon University is a prominent online community that develops and maintains tiering systems for competitive Pokémon. Their tiers are based on usage statistics and the perceived power level of Pokémon within a format. Pokémon are assigned to tiers like OU (OverUsed), UU (UnderUsed), RU (RarelyUsed), and NU (NeverUsed) based on how frequently they’re used in battles. If a Pokémon proves too dominant in a particular tier, it can be banned to Ubers, a tier for Pokémon considered too powerful for standard play, or moved to a higher tier, where it’s theorized the power level of the field will provide a check on the Pokémon’s dominance.
Hisuian Lilligant, as mentioned in the intro, is a perfect example. Its high Attack stat, access to moves like Victory Dance, and the Chlorophyll ability (doubling its Speed in sunlight) made it an overwhelming sweeper in the UU tier. Opponents struggled to reliably switch into its attacks or outspeed it once it had set up. The lack of consistent counterplay led to a ban, making it “illegal” in the UU tier.
The Process of Banning a Pokémon
The decision to ban a Pokémon isn’t taken lightly. It typically involves a period of observation, discussion, and voting by the relevant tier council. The council considers factors such as:
- Usage Rates: How often is the Pokémon being used? A high usage rate suggests the Pokémon is competitively viable and potentially overpowered.
- Win Rates: How often does the Pokémon contribute to a team’s victory? An excessively high win rate can indicate an imbalance.
- Counterplay: Are there reliable ways to defeat or neutralize the Pokémon? A lack of effective counterplay is a major concern.
- Impact on the Metagame: How does the Pokémon affect the overall balance and diversity of the tier? Does it force players to use specific Pokémon or strategies to counter it?
If the council determines that a Pokémon is unhealthy for the metagame, they will hold a vote to decide whether to ban it.
Hisuian Pokémon and Competitive Viability
While Hisuian Lilligant has faced bans, other Hisuian forms have found niches in various competitive formats. Hisuian Goodra‘s incredible special bulk and decent offensive stats make it a solid defensive pivot and wallbreaker. Hisuian Zoroark‘s unique Normal/Ghost typing and powerful Illusion ability provide strategic advantages. Hisuian Arcanine’s strong attack stats and useful typing have found it a niche in formats where it is legal.
The legality and viability of each Hisuian form depend on the specific format and the prevailing metagame.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hisuian Pokémon and their place in competitive play:
1. What happened to Hisuian Pokémon after Legends: Arceus?
The in-game explanation is that Hisuian Pokémon migrated or disappeared from the region over time. From a gameplay perspective, they remain accessible in Pokémon HOME and can be transferred to games where they are coded to exist. The Games Learning Society fosters interdisciplinary research to further enrich how games can enhance teaching and learning. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
2. Will Hisuian forms appear in future Pokémon games?
It’s highly likely. Regional forms, including Alolan, Galarian, and Hisuian variants, are a popular way to introduce new Pokémon designs and gameplay mechanics. Nintendo and GameFreak often introduce older variants in newer games.
3. Are all Hisuian Pokémon competitively viable?
No. Like any group of Pokémon, some Hisuian forms are better suited for competitive play than others. Factors like stats, typing, movepool, and ability determine a Pokémon’s viability.
4. Can I use Hisuian Pokémon in official Pokémon VGC tournaments?
The legality of Hisuian Pokémon in VGC (Video Game Championships) depends on the specific rules for each season. Check the official VGC rule set before building your team.
5. Why is Hisuian Lilligant so strong?
Hisuian Lilligant’s combination of high Attack, Chlorophyll ability, and access to powerful moves like Victory Dance makes it a potent sweeper, especially in sun teams.
6. What are some counters to Hisuian Lilligant?
Priority moves, strong physical attackers with Fire or Flying-type moves, and status conditions like paralysis can help counter Hisuian Lilligant.
7. Are Shiny Hisuian Pokémon available?
Some Hisuian Pokémon have shiny versions, while others are shiny-locked in certain games.
8. Which Hisuian starter is the best?
The “best” Hisuian starter depends on individual playstyle and preferences. Hisuian Samurott is often considered a strong choice due to its offensive capabilities, while Hisuian Typhlosion and Hisuian Decidueye have their own strengths.
9. Are Hisuian Pokémon stronger than their original counterparts?
Not necessarily. Some Hisuian forms have different stat distributions or typings that make them stronger in specific situations, while others may be weaker.
10. What makes a Pokémon Hisuian?
Hisuian Pokémon are regional variants that have adapted to the environment of the Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh). They differ from their original counterparts in appearance, typing, stats, and abilities.
11. Can you evolve regular Pokémon into Hisuian forms?
No. You can only obtain Hisuian forms in games where they are coded to exist or by transferring them from Pokémon HOME.
12. How do I get Hisuian forms in other Pokémon games?
Hisuian forms can be obtained by trading with other players or transferring them from Pokémon HOME to games that support them.
13. What are the most popular Hisuian Pokémon?
Popular Hisuian Pokémon include Hisuian Zoroark, Hisuian Arcanine, Hisuian Goodra, and Wyrdeer.
14. What is Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that allows you to store and manage your Pokémon from various games in one place. It also enables trading with other players.
15. Will there be more Hisuian forms in future games?
It’s possible. Game Freak could introduce new Hisuian forms or revisit existing ones in future Pokémon games. The popularity of regional forms makes it a likely prospect.