Tier
Tiers are an attempt by players to classify characters in a game by their competitive ability. They can be found in any game with variable characters, including Pokémon and Super Smash Bros. The existence of tiers can be controversial as skill usually has more impact on the outcome of a match.
Tiers in Pokémon
Pokémon features hundreds of species available for use, all varying in their base stats and moveset potential. There are currently six tiers with various fansites individually deciding the Pokémon assumed to be in those tiers, most notably Smogon. Pokémon tier lists have received much criticism, because there is no "official" tier list for Pokémon. However, official tournaments often have ban lists.
In "standard" battles, any Pokémon that is not in the Uber tier is eligible for use. However, it is common for some battles to maintain use in one tier only.
Uber
The Uber tier is effectively a banlist for OU, however this does not mean it is not, or cannot be used. Pokémon in the Uber tier are deemed too powerful or centralizing to be used fairly among other Pokémon.
It is a misconception that the Uber tier contains only legendary Pokémon. While it is true that a majority of Ubers are indeed legendary, not all Ubers are legendary, nor are all legendary Pokémon Ubers.
While most Pokémon in the Uber tier are there due to high stats, Wobbuffet is often classed as an Uber because of its Shadow Tag ability, along with Encore, Counter and Mirror Coat; this lets it trap any opponent Pokémon and lock them into any move, so that the player knows what their opponent will do next, which allows the player to either switch out Wobbuffet knowing what the opponent will do, or use Counter or Mirror Coat to damage the opponent. Wobbuffet's pre-evolution, Wynaut, is sometimes banned for similar reasons. Other non-legendary Pokémon such as Garchomp and Salamence are sometimes considered Uber due to their movepools, high base stats, and type.
Over-Used
Over-Used, commonly abbreviated as "OU", refers to Pokémon that are most commonly seen in standard play.
It is a misconception that all OU Pokémon are the most powerful in the game. OU is a term based on usage; however, there is a distinct correlation between usage and usefulness in the system. There are exceptions to this such as Magneton in Generation III, where it was considered an OU Pokémon solely because it was used as a counter for Skarmory, a commonly used Pokémon. Magnezone, the evolution of Magneton, took over its place in OU, due to increased stats and a broader movepool.
Borderline
Pokémon in Borderline, commonly referred to as "BL", are considered by some to be too strong for Under-Used. It is effectively a ban list for Under-Used.
Under-Used
Under-Used, commonly referred to as "UU", designates Pokémon whose use is limited as they are not strong enough for general OU competition, usually due to sub-standard stats, movepools, easily exploitable weaknesses, or the existence of a stronger Pokémon that works in a highly similar way. For example, Mismagius is often classed as UU because Rotom's alternate forms possess higher defensive stats, a better movepool and a type combination that has 3 more resistances while having no extra weaknesses. UU Pokémon can be, and are, used in OU battles, but are usually underpowered here.
Never-Used
As the name implies, Never-Used, commonly referred to as "NU", is for Pokémon that have problems competing in UU due to poor stats and/or movepools, and thus are extremely rare to be used in battles. This is where most novelty Pokémon reside in tiers as well as Pokémon found early in a player's journey. They are generally only used in NU battles; however, Shedinja, which is often classed as NU, is often used in other tiers, most notably Ubers. Many NU Pokémon are common in Pokémon Contests and Pokémon Super Contests.
Not Fully Evolved
This tier is more commonly known as "NFE", and as the name implies, contains almost every Pokémon that has not yet reached its final evolution. It is a sub-tier of NU. Some NFE Pokémon, such as Rhydon are used in the lower tiers, as their stats are on par with some of the weaker evolved Pokémon. Also, the abilities of Hippopotas and Snover are the only way to set up permanent weather in the lower tiers, as their evolved forms are banned.
Tier variations
Some Pokémon are listed in tiers but are sometimes used in competitive play outside of their own tier because they have a change during evolution that modified their disposition enough to allow them to stay competitive, even some in an unevolved state.
- Porygon2, which is due to its evolution, Porygon-Z, having lower Defense and Special Defense, meaning Porygon2 can be used as a wall, while its evolution can not.
- Light Ball holding Pikachu are also due to the Light Ball doubling Pikachu's Attack and Special Attack stats, as well as Pikachu being a very common fan favorite.
- Magneton as previously stated is still used in lower tiers because it still carries the ability to trap Template:Type2s with Magnet Pull. It is also used because of its various resistances and high Special Attack. It also has some use in Uber battles, as its slightly higher speed than Magnezone allows it to outspeed many Ubers.
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