With a new year comes new usage stats for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet players. From the looks of things, players got really busy using a certain few Pokémon, leaving some humongous threats to fall down to UU due to lack of usage. Even RU, at this point, features several Pokémon that used to be OU staples.
Major Changes in Smogon format tiers for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The biggest headline coming out of the recent tier changes are the following Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet falling out of OU into UU:
- Tyranitar
- Baxcalibur
- Lokix
- Charizard
- Maushold
- Ditto
- Orthworm
Most of these Pokemon were seen as some of the best when Generation IX was first introduced. At the end of the day, though, they had lots of trouble dealing with what has now become the several elite threats of the current OU tier.
For example, on paper, Baxcalibur is a phenomenal Dragon Dance sweeper, but it has to compete with Roaring Moon, Dragapult, and Dragonite in OU. As a result, it's hard to find a reason to run Baxcalibur.
Related: Most Toxic Pokémon to Deal With
Tyranitar also made a name for itself as being one of the better Dragapult checks (as well as a check to Chi Yu). The popularity of Kingambit means that not too many teams struggle with Dragapult now, though.
Since the meta is shifting, anything not currently in UU has been moved to RU. Many players are shocked at the sheer number of behemoths relegated to RU due to this move, which include Weavile, Slowbro, Magnezone, Blissey, and Chansey.
All of these were top tiers just a Generation ago. They all have lost utility in some way, though, between Slowbro losing Scald to Weavile losing out on a strong Dark-type STAB.
Want more Pokémon Scarlet & Violet guides? Pro Game Guides has you covered with 11 best areas to catch high level Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet
Published: Jan 3, 2023 12:54 pm