ORAS ZU VR Update July 2017 (discussion)

Discussion points on the next VR update, with reasoning provided.

Klang A to A+ : Klang has always been a sturdy wincon; pure Steel typing, great Eviolite boosted bulk, and an amazing setup move in Shift Gear. It carves its niche as a defensive Pokemon that is able to blanket check dangerous attackers such as Murkrow, Jumpluff, Duosion, non-Focus Blast Electabuzz, Raticate, Purugly, etc...While also being one ZU's best setup Pokemon. Klang is fairly splashable as a result and forms solid cores on balance teams. For example, it synergizes very well with bulky Water-, Grass-, Psychic-, and Ghost-types alike. Klang is also a fantastic status absorber, being able to Rest off whatever it  takes. However Klang has its downsides. It is somewhat passive, weak before setup, and the main set (Rest-Talk Shift Gear) is not hard to wall. There is decent counter play, such as Haze Wartortle/Politoed, powerful Fire- and Fighting-types, and Phazing from the likes of Lairon, Hippopotas, Quilladin, and Shelgon. The prevalence of Krokorok doesn't help it either. The counterplay to Klang is easy to overcome. Teammates can comfortably deal with the aforementioned Pokemon (i.e Simipour or Politoed beat most of them respectively), allowing Klang to sweep. Klang deserves a rise in my opinion because it is on par with the A+ Pokemon in many respects (defensive utility, fantastic wincon, requires little support to function exceptionally well).

Politoed A to A+ : Politoed is a very splashable Pokemon in the meta right now, being one of the best Water-type checks due to Water Absorb and good bulk. It is also a great Fire- and Steel-type check, which is essential on teams (for Klang and Pignite/Magmar). Politoed has access to Encore and Haze, which allow it to deter setup Pokemon such as Duosion which are slower than it. As such, Politoed has a wide array of sets: Toxic+Protect/Sub, Encore 3 Attacks, Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, and Specially Defensive. These sets enable Poli to fit on basically any style. There is even the niche Substitute Belly Drum set, to surprise its usual checks. What really pushes Politoed to A+ is its great defensive utility, versatility, flexibility, and how it can adjust to the meta and to teams it is used on.

Lopunny A to A- : This is more of a discussion point than a sort of solid nomination. It got tough competition from Purugly as a fast Normal-type attacker, but offers great utility with access to moves such as Thunder Wave and Healing Wish. High Jump Kick is what separates it in the attacking sense, seeing as how Ice Punch or Fire Punch or other coverage moves fail to 2HKO Gourgeist-L and Quilladin, whilst HJK let's you break past Klang and Lairon and Krokorok. Other Normal-types typically lack the powerful fighting coverage Lop has. Cosmic Power BP is a cheese set which it can use to great effect against certain matchups (teams lacking Phazing or Taunt). Another trait Lopunny possesses is it's greater bulk compared to Normal-types attackers like Purugly or Raticate, which makes it less susceptible to priority and Choice Scarf users. The questions for me are is Lopunny still as effective as before? Is its niche still as valued?

Whirlipede B to B+ : Straightforward mon. Sets up Spikes consistently, is able to Toxic and put opposing Pokemon on a timer because part Poison-type means you never miss. Protect allows speed boosts to accumulate for Whirlipede to set Spikes against faster Pokemon, and Protect also wears down Pokemon that were hit by Toxic. Lastly, Infestation traps and stalls out foes for Whirlipede's teammates. Aside from doing its job as a hazard setter and wearing down teams, Whirlipede offers decent defensive utility. Four times resist to both Fighting and Grass, great Eviolite boosted physical Defense, and Poison typing to absorb Toxic Spikes give Whirlipede an edge against the likes of Mienfoo and AoA Simisage. Something important to mention is how good of a partner a Ghost-type is, because the tier seriously lacks good Rapid Spin users, and Wartortle rarely runs Foresight these days. Defog users honestly are scarce outside of Vibrava and the occasional Dustox (other Defog users are bad against most hazard setter), and are vulnerable to Taunt. Basically, keeping Spikes up is not that hard which allows Whirlipede to pressure teams in tandem with Toxic. Definitely a B+ Pokemon because it's so effective at what it does.

Vibrava B to B+ : This by far the best Defog user in the tier. Physically defensive Vibrava takes on many Stealth Rock users, something every other Defogger does poorly. Furthermore, Vibrava is a hazard remover that resists Stealth Rock and avoids any kind of Spikes. That alone separates it from the other hazard remover. Defensively, Vibrava can switch into EdgeQuake and Fire-types without HP Ice easily, and Roost off damage. With U-turn, it can act as a slow pivot too, which is a great momentum grab. Can also run Specially Defensive to check Magmar and the like but phys def is the way to go in this meta. Honestly as a Defog user Vibrava lacks competition, and a rise to B+ would only solidify its place above the rest.

Noctowl B to B- or C+ : I really don't understand why Noctowl has remained in B. On paper that special bulk is great...But Normal/Flying does not it do it many favours defensively. As a defensive Pokemon it opens up many weaknesses, specifically to Electabuzz, Sawsbuck, Jumpluff, Gigalith, Lairon, to name a few. It can't switch into most Stealth Rock users, but it does have a better matchup against Spikes users. For example you won't switch it into Lairon or Gigalith, but say you need to Defog on them. You faint the next turn and Rocks are likely set up again later. Cam come in vs Quill and Whirli rather safely though (fears toxic). Also, despite having Roost, Noctowl still can get worn down easily taking 25% upon switch-in if Stealth Rock is up, as well as having at best, moderate physical bulk. Noctowl is also somewhat passive, relying on Toxic and one of Night Shade/STAB/Hidden Power Ground to deal damage. I won't deny how good of a blanket special check it can be, just that Noctowl does not carry a defensive typing that's useful in the meta. It'll typically just take on special attacking Grass-types, Magmar, Pokemon that may not hit it super-effectively.

Honestly offensive sets with Tinted Lens look appealing, but they have to be tested.

Bronzor B- to B : Bronzor is able to wall a decent portion of the meta on its own, due to good defensive typing, Levitate (Heatproof can be used but isn't as effective as Levitate), and amazing Eviolite boosted bulk. For example, Bronzor can outright counter threatening Pokemon such as Electabuzz, Jumpluff, Duosion, Klang, Sawsbuck, Gigalith, etc. However, it is fairly passive. Bronzor can only deal damage using Psywave and Toxic on its main set, and CM is even more passive due to it being very weak. Bronzor also hates the prevalence of Knock Off, seeing as how top mons such as Simis, Krokorok, and Purugly commonly run the move Bronzor fears coming in on them and must scout their set. On that note though Bronzor is usually used on more defensive builds, where it's paired with Pokemon that deal what it is weak to. Bronzor is a rising defensive Pokemon in the meta who is moderately easy to support, but is typically restricted to more defensive builds due to being passive. This should be discussed more, not as explored in the meta as other pokes.

Pidgeot B- to C+ : Pidgeot's niche in the meta is being the fastest Defog user and a decent special attacker. As a Defogger, it offers little defensively to a team and cannot switch into most Stealth Rock users. Having base 101 Speed allows Pidgeot to speed tie with Simis, but leaves it vulnerable to Electabuzz. The dropping of Purugly added another Pokemon that could outspeed and heavily damage Pidgeot. The rise of Klang also hurts it. Pidgeot's Work Up set I should admittedly test more, as Life Orb Hurricane is powerful despite the moderate Special Attack stat. A +1 Heat Wave 2HKO's Klang, while Hidden Power Ground deals with the likes of Lairon. However, Pidgeot doesn't get many opportunities to set up or switch in due to it's poor defensive typing and average bulk. It needs one Work Up to break past walls, Hurricane has low accuracy and thus is not reliable, and lastly while its Speed is good, it isn't amazing, leaving it outpaced by Electabuzz and Purugly. In my opinion, the Defog set is a C+ set and what will keep it in B- is the success of Pidgeot's Work Up special set (physical is outclassed by Fearow).

Lunatone C+ to B- or B : In my opinion Lunatone is one of the best offensive rockers. The set I use is Colbur Berry 3 attacks: Psychic, Earth Power, and Ice Beam/Moonblast. Max SpA/Spe Modest. While it doesn't have insane power, the coverage gives it a good matchup against most other hazard setters and Pokemon. For example, Lunatone can OHKO Whirlipede, non-Studry Lairon, and 0/0 Krok has an 18% chance to drop to Moonblast from full. Other hazard setters like Gigalith, Hippo, Glalie, and Quilladin are 2HKO'd. Furthermore, no Defog user in the tier can switch into Lunatone (except maybe Noctowl), and only really Wartortle can come in consistently. Aside from having a great matchup in the hazard game, Lunatone can break down defensive cores decently well. The Psychic resists in the tier are nailed by coverage (Steels and Darks). Something to note is Lunatone is a Rocker that can check every Fighting-type in the tier. Lunatone can also run Rock Polish or Calm Mind sets, but I find the most success with SR 3 attacks. It can only set up on select Pokemon and defensively Solrock is the way to go.

Walrein from C+ to B- : Another Pokemon which should be explored and tested more. Walrein is incredibly bulky all around and has good power for a wall. It sets itself apart from other bulky Water-types by simply having greater bulk, unique abilities that cater to its roles (Thick Fat=best Ice check, resists Fire, and Oblivious makes it Taunt-proof), and access to moves like Roar, Curse, and Encore. Being part Ice-type also means it's a bulky Water that can deal hefty damage to Grass-types, but it also opens up weaknesses to Rock- and Fighting-types. Also being weak to SR makes it fairly easy to wear down. Walrein does take hits very well though, for example 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Leaf Storm doesn't OHKO specially defensive Walrein without rocks, nor does a Krokorok EQ 2HKO. Sets such as Curse and Roar do require support, but Walrein is able to check so much that it's worth it. Other sets such as fast Sub Toxic and defensive Sub+Toxic+Protect are able to stall out foes and wear down entire teams. Offensive sets like Encore+resist Berry are cool, luring in Simisage or Servine for example. Overall definitely a Pokemon that deserves more exploration and use.

Gothitelle from C+ to C or C- : Gothitelle is outclassed in nearly every role it tries to play. Duosion in the tier large overshadows defensive sets, both Meowstic forms outclass CM sets (Meowstic-M with Prankster, Meowstic-F also has Competitive and is faster), and as a Trick Room setter it's ok at best. Gothitelle does have great natural bulk, but it fails to find a niche in the meta that it can use to success. I know MB used it on TR maybe he can talk more about it. Personally I think this mon doesn't deserve C+, there are things like Chimecho, Hypno, and Lunatone, which are better Psychic-types and share the same rank.

Venipede from C+ to C or C- : With Whirlipede being as good as it is, Venipede is finding less and less reason to be used over it. Venipede is faster and has less Base HP, making it one of the best suicide leads in the tier. After a Protect it outspeeds Jumpluff, which means it can also avoid being Taunted turn 1 by Glalie or Quilladin. Low HP and a Focus Sash allow it Endeavor foes to 1 HP or generally just low health. Venipede functions well as a suicide lead, the issue is, the meta is leaning towards bulky teams, where pure offense is less common than before. Drops such as Dusclops and Politoed, and Pokemon such as Gourgeist-L, Klang, and Duosion being dominant bulky Pokemon have that effect on the meta. This makes a suicide lead like Venipede less desirable than its evolved form, because it won't be able to come in repeatedly to set Spikes or Toxic Spikes. Also, Glalie gives Venipede great competition, being a Spikes user with Taunt to block Defog, and Explosion to avoid Rapid Spin. In short, meta is not kind to Venipede and it is largely outclassed.

Banette from C to C+ : Imo Banette is slept on. Base 115 Attack, Base 83 Special Attack, and a diverse move pool make Banette a greater threat than what's in C. Access to Knock Off, Sucker Punch, Gunk Shot, Dazzling Gleam, Will-o-Wisp, Thunder Wave, Taunt, and Trick give it a good deal of diversity and unpredictability. Choice Band with Trick is able to wall break and cripple the walls Banette cannot break past. Life Orb mixed gives Banette the ability to nail Dark-types such as Krok or Zweilous with Dazzling Gleam. With the meta shifting to the bulky side a breaker like Banette thrives more than ever. Duosion, Klang, and Wartortle hate Knock Off, which Banette can spam. On the flip side more frail offensive Pokemon are dented by Sucker Punch. Banette does struggle with low Speed, thin defenses, and finds almost no opportunity to switch into attacks, relying on free switches most of the time. Feel like this mon is better than C but it does have glaring weaknesses, then again what mon in C doesn't.

Frillish from C to C+ : Frillish has been a niche pick for teams that holds up well in the meta for such a low rank. With Water Absorb and good special bulk boosted by Eviolite, Frillish is able to switch into a plethora of Water-type Pokemon. Access to Recover separates Frillish from other bulky waters as they lack reliable recovery. Moreover, with Taunt it is able to shut down scary Pokemon such as Klang and Duosion, and Will-O-Wisp will cripple physical attackers. Frillish's Ghost typing allows it to check Normal- and Fighting-types, something other bulky waters typically can't do. However it faces great competition from Dusclops and Politoed, two Pokemon which share similar characteristics but are more bulky. Frillish is also passive, lacking any kind of offensive presence. This means it fits on select teams that appreciate the role compression. On that note, Frillish sometimes does not have the capacity to cover everything it tries to and will find itself getting overwhelmed at times. For example the low Speed usually forces Frillish to chew a hit then Recover rather than using Recover to take the hit better (i.e facing Wild Charge Pignite). This nomination I'd like more discussion on, since I believe Frillish outperforms the Pokemon in C and is on par with mons in C+, but it does face stiff competition and has notable flaws (in low Speed and physical bulk, passive) that hold it back.

Maractus from C to C+ : Relatively underused Pokemon. Faces stiff competition from Quilladin as a Spikes user and both Simisage and Servine as an offensive special Grass-type. Maractus is a powerful sun sweeper/abuser with access to Growth and good Special Attack alongside Chlorophyll. After one Growth (under sun) Solar Beam will OHKO the most neutral targets, and sun boosted HP Fire at +2 will 2HKO every Steel. It has the bulk and typing to set up against Pokemon such as Electabuzz, non-Gunk Shot Simisage, Krokorok, etc...Then sweep. For the Spikes set, a hazard setter that's able to check Water-types is valuable, both against the offensive mons such as Simipour, Huntail, and Golduck, and against Wartortle. Being able to punish the tier's best hazard remover is huge. Endeavor+Sucker Punch is an option with the Sash lead to beat bulky Pokemon or faster threats it would normally lose to (i.e Jumpluff), although it may not set Spikes if it opts for that play. Knock Off is another great tool to cripple Eviolite reliant Pokemon, which the meta is filled with. Maractus on its own though struggles to break past Dragon-types like Sliggoo or Zweilous, and outside of sun it struggles to beat most offensive Pokemon due to being slow and having average bulk. Overall needs a fair amount of support to work, faces stiff competition from other Grass-types, but can put in work under the right conditions both as a sun sweeper and as a Spikes setter.

Beedrill from C- to D : Severely outclassed and struggles in the meta. Defog sets were nice until people started using Dustox. Toxic Spikes lead is hard to justify when Venipede or Whirlipede will do it better. The only thing it really has going for in my opinion is Choice Band. Decent power coming off Base 90 Attack and coverage in Drill Run and Knock Off. Having the strongest U-turn in the tier is something. Outpaces Krokorok too which is nice. I'll have to test CB because honestly I haven't. In theory it works ok because it checks common Pokemon such as Krok, Servine, Simisage, and Duosion, and can nail Steel-types with Drill Run. However, it won't be breaking past the numerous walls in the tier and being frail it'll drop to almost any super-effective hit. I gotta test this tbh.

Tropius from C- to D : Defog+Harvest is illegal :( On a serious note Tropius faces serious competition from every Grass-type and has so many weaknesses that it struggles to fit on most teams. Dragon Dance isn't hard to wall and there are more threatening setup mons to use (Jumpluff, Dragonair for example). Has good bulk but the weaknesses to many common types makes setup difficult. Sun sweeper is also outclassed by other sun sweepers like Weepinbell, Maractus, and Sawsbuck. It's a very niche pick in the meta that needs a ton of support to work. I'll build with it and see where it goes.

Feel free to add your own noms and discuss these. Lemme know if you agree or disagree because i want your guys' input. I tried to keep these concise (on mobile only so I don't really know how it looks) so lemme know if you want me to explain anything. I do need to test these mons more myself to further grasp their viability in ZU/gain better understanding.