Arbok --> Stay
Arbok always finds its niche and it clarifies itself as a stable C+ Pokemon. Arbok has the excellent tools of two good abilities and a strong movepool. Arbok is decent in the current meta, especially with Intimidate. Intimidate and max attack gives Arbok a solid matchup against Pokemon, like Shiftry, Leafeon and Kecleon. A coil set can set up on defensive Pokemons and later chip with Sucker Punch. Arbok struggles however with common Pokemon running Ground coverage, like Electivire, Komala and Rapidash.
Armaldo --> Stay
Armaldo may seem as a niche Pokemon, especially with Crustle being in ZU. Rock setter Armaldo can be seen as a worse Crustle, but that is not completely true. Armaldo has better stats outside of the Defense by a bit, the higher Attack is here however very important. Armaldo can use the same moves, but Armaldo swaps Spikes for Rapid Spin. Rapid Spin gives the team a different kind of support, which doesn’t let Crustle completely outclass. Rain sweeper Armaldo is, however the reason that Armaldo should stay in C+. Armaldo can set up SD and OHKO multiple common Pokemons. Its Speed stat let it however stop from sweeping. Armaldo’s good stats (outside of Speed) and movepool make Armaldo a decent Pokemon and C+ worthy.
[hide=Notable calcs]
252+ Atk Armaldo Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Bouffalant: 183-216 (46.5 - 54.9%) -- 62.9% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Armaldo Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Muk: 220-261 (53.1 - 63%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Crustle Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Bouffalant: 162-192 (41.2 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Crustle Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Muk: 196-232 (47.3 - 56%) -- 25.8% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
[/hide]
Basculin --> Stay
Basculin can heavily threaten teams with Adaptability and its useful coverage options. Basculin has the option to run four different sets with different niches: Choice Band, Life Orb and Waterium Z and a special variation. Basculin punishes common switchins, like Gourgeist-XL and Mareanie with Ice Beam and Zen Headbutt. Basculin can also revenge Pokemons with a strong Aqua Jet (which can be useful against Combusken). A 98 Speed let it speed-tie with Swanna and Basculin outspeeds a lot of common Pokemons in the meta, for example, unboosted Pinsir, Silvally forms and non scarf Rotom-Fan. However, Basculin has horrible bulk and it can be outclassed by Floatzel.
[hide=Calcs]
252 Atk Life Orb Basculin Zen Headbutt vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Mareanie: 117-138 (38.6 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Life Orb Basculin Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gourgeist-Super: 177-211 (47.3 - 56.4%) -- 82.8% chance to 2HKO
4 SpA Life Orb Basculin Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Leafeon: 200-237 (73.8 - 87.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Example of its raw power: 252 Atk Life Orb Adaptability Basculin Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Silvally: 200-237 (60.4 - 71.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
[/hide]
Beartic --> Stay
There has been said a lot on Beartic already, so read the discussion from before for more information. Beartic is one of the stronger ZU Pokemons, it has a good offensive typing, high Attack stat, useful coverage, solid bulk and a good ability. Beartic is also good currently due to Abomasnow. But Beartic has the problem that it is pretty much limited to a hail core and even in hail Beartic does not hit a wished speedtier. With all those good points and the heavy bad points Beartic deserves to stay C+.
Bibarel --> Stay
Bibarel should stay C+ for its quite unique role. Bibarel has an amazing ability together with its movepool. With a SD boost Bibarel can reach 885 Attack, which let Bibarel break or clean late game with its priority moves. Bibarel also has a unique typing, which is barely resisted in ZU, only by Gourgeist-XL, Cradily and Trevenant. Bibarel works excellently with screens so it can set up better, but that is also a bit of a problem, because Bibarel needs some support. Bibarel is also very much matchup depended, because Bibarel can only have 4 slots, which really hinders it. With these bad and good points Bibarel deserves to stay in C+
Cacturne --> Stay
Cacturne has been a solid Pokemon for quite a time. With the current meta Cacturne may seem dropping from effectiveness, because people are preparing for Shiftry better. That is true, but Cacturne excels a different role. Cacturne is used as an offensive Spikes setter and it has the niche that Cacturne has strong offensive stats. Unlike Quilladin, Cacuturne can deal great damage against incoming defoggers with its dual STAB. Cacturne also provides from Sucker Punch, which can be useful against Pokemons, like, Electivire and Floatzel. However, Cacturne struggles with it low Speed and defenses that prevent it from outshining.
[hide=Calcs]
252+ SpA Life Orb Cacturne Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Swanna: 250-294 (85.9 - 101%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Cacturne Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Fan: 164-192 (54.1 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Cacturne Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Fighting: 168-199 (42.6 - 50.5%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Cacturne Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mawile: 129-152 (42.4 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
[/hide]
Ditto opinionless/ not enough experience
Drifblim --> Stay
Drifblim is also a unique Pokemon in ZU, that has a great variety of sets due to its abilities and movepool. Drifblim can be a bit tricky in the current meta with Sucker Punch or even Rock Blast getting used. Drifblim utilizes an Unburden Subsitute set the best. An Unburden boosted Drifblim is able to outspeed a scarfed Electivire, which makes Drifblim a threat late game and a tough revengable Pokemon. The strong Acrobatics is an added bonus. Drifblim has a decent matchup in the current meta, because it has enough bulk to get it to the Unburden boost and enough power to clean Only having 4 slots and not having a reliable physical Ghost attack or a strong special Flying attack always held Drifblim a bit back. With these reasons Drifblim is a C+ worthy Pokemon.
Electrode --> Stay
Electrode has an outstanding Speed stat, which is Electrode’s strongest quality. Electrode has an excellent movepool for supportive use, with Screens, Explosion, Volt Switch, Taunt and Foul Play. With HO being solid in an offensive meta Electrode must be a top tier, but there are a couple things holding Electrode back: mainly its match up as a lead against Golem. Golem can Taunt but it is risky, because Golem can Earthquake on the first turn back. However Electrode is still a good Pokemon and definitely a C+ Pokemon.
Furfrou --> Stay
Furfrou first seen as an unserious / too niche Pokemon made it to C+ and it is definitely C+ worthy and should stick there. Furfrou has to set up to get into gear, but at mid game / late game Furfrou is hard to stop. Furfrou also takes advantage of its ability and stats. With the right matchup Furfrou is able to slowly wear down Pokemon, like Shiftry and Leafeon. Furfrou is also able stall Pokemon with rest, for example Gourgeist. Although Furfrou has strong and unique qualities it is still a less splashable Pokemon, like Komala.
Glaceon C+ --> C
Union
Golduck --> Stay
Golduck may not seem attractive to take on a normal team, because its stats are too allround. That is why Golduck is pretty much limited to a rain core or rain team. Under rain Golduck becomes a dangerous threat and it is the best / one of the best rain abusers. Golduck deals heavy damage and it hits an excellent Speed. Golduck can break mid game and it let its team clean pretty easily.
[hide=Calcs]
252+ SpA Life Orb Golduck Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Silvally in Rain: 324-382 (97.8 - 115.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Golduck Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Electivire in Rain: 398-468 (136.7 - 160.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Golduck Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Komala in Rain: 231-274 (69.1 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Life Orb Golduck Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Komala in Rain: 324-382 (119.5 - 140.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
[/hide]
Huntail C+ --> C
All the tools that Huntail seems very promising, but in reality Huntail can barely pull it off quite well (unless Huntail is in the rain). The main reason that holds Huntail back is the dominance of Electivire. Huntail with a +2 boost fails to outspeed Electivire and Sucker Punch fails to kill an Electivire unless it is already chipped. And +2 SpA Ice Beam Huntail cannot OHKO Gourgeist-XL, again only when chipped. So Huntail is limited to cleaning at which Huntail lacks an important good speedtier. Huntail also struggles to set up or gets heavily chipped. So Huntail has the tools, but in reality can’t always pull them off well and is not complete enough.
[hide=Calcs]
+2 4 SpA Huntail Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gourgeist-Super: 310-366 (82.8 - 97.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Huntail Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Electivire: 199-235 (68.3 - 80.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Huntail Waterfall vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Bouffalant: 256-303 (65.1 - 77%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
[/hide]
Lapras C+ --> C
Lapras, the beloved Pokemon, really lost its effectiveness. Lapras has the niche of trapping Pokemon with Whirlpool+Perish Song. Lapras has the moves and stats, but its typing hinders it too much. The current meta isn’t friendly to Lapras either, because the meta is so offensive Lapras struggles to stand the turns of Perish Song. Different sets, like Choice Specs are not great either, because Lapras has not a good enough Speed or high enough Special Attack. That is why Lapras can’t really break through the team well, Lapras has the niche of having Freeze Dry over other special attackers though. With these reasons Lapras makes up for a fine C rank Pokemon.
Leavanny C+ -> C
Union

Lycanroc-Midnight --> Stay
Lycanroc can pressure teams heavily, but Lycanroc never really had its place in the meta. Lycanroc can run a dual dance set, but it can fail to set it all up. Even without set up Lycanroc can deal heavy damage and punch holes in teams. Lycanroc also has Sucker Punch, which makes up for its disappointing Speed. Lycanroc can hit common ZU Pokemon super effectively with its STAB, but it is outspeeded by many and it is chipped easily, this makes Lycanroc a very situational Pokemon. That is why Lycanroc is a very good, but situational C+ Pokemon.
[hide=Calcs]
252+ Atk Lycanroc-Midnight Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shiftry: 249-294 (77.5 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Lycanroc-Midnight Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Electivire: 229-270 (78.6 - 92.7%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
[/hide]
Masquerain --> Stay
Masquerain is one of the better options for a Sticky Web setter. Masquerain has Intimidate, decent speed, solid Special Attack and a good movepool. Thanks to Hydro Pump Masquerain does well against common ZU leads, like Golem and Crustle. Masquerain can deal decent damage, unlike Smeargle or Shuckle, which makes Masquerain a primary option as a webs lead. Masquerain can also pull off Quiver Dance, although that set faces a lot of competition from Butterfree. However, Masquerain has weaknesses to common types and coverage moves, like Fire and Rock. Masquerain also has 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, which hinders for a good Intimidate Pokemon. With the mentioned points Masquerain makes up as a solid C+ Pokemon.
[hide=Calcs]
252 SpA Masquerain Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Crustle: 254-300 (90.3 - 106.7%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Masquerain Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Golem: 568-672 (156 - 184.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
[/hide]

Meowstic-M --> Stay
Another Screen setter, Meowstic’s stats are slightly better than Electrode, especially Meowstic’s HP and Electrode’s Speed make the difference. Meowstic has Prankster over Electrode, but lacks Taunt. Meowstic can’t prevent Defog like, Electrode can. Having Prankster is safer in some situations, like when your Speed is dropped from Webs. Meowstic can also hit the common defogger Silvally-fighting super effectively and doesn’t have the bad matchup against Golem. So, Meowstic is in some situations better and Electrode in other situations, that is why they are both C+ Pokemons.
Ninjask C+ --> C or Stay
The fastest Pokemon of ZU. Ninjask always has it uses in certain matches and being the fastest of all mons is a very strong quality. However, Ninjask has to do it with a horrible typing, weak Flying STAB, bad defenses and a solid Attack. Ninjask also needs to have SR removed, because it can barely live a hit on 50% health. However, a Choice Band set can be useful in mid-game with good support and a SD can clean very well late-game. With the pros and cons Ninjask is in my opinion a Pokemon between C+ and C, so I am not sure where to put it.
[hide=Calcs]
252+ Atk Ninjask Leech Life vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Electivire: 154-183 (52.9 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Ninjask Leech Life vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Bronzor: 84-100 (26.4 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Ninjask Aerial Ace vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Silvally-Fighting: 176-210 (44.6 - 53.2%) -- 28.1% chance to 2HKO
[/hide]
Quilladin C+ --> C
Quilladin faces competition from Cacturne as a Spikes setter, they are barely compareable, but Cacturne suits better in the current meta. Quilladin is a defensive Pokemon and it can tank Pokemons, like Electivire decently well. Quilladin also has a very good ability for Pokemon, like Mareanie and Shadow Ball. However, even after Roselia and Tangela rose, Quilladin never found its place in the meta. Quilladin has to rely on its Eviolite and its typing isn’t really good for its role, because Quilladin can barely switch in on Water type Pokemons, like Floatzel and Silvally-Water. Cacturne suits better in the meta with its strong STABs and Cacturne doesn’t have to rely on Eviolite. Defoggers can also come in on Quilladin easier. Quilladin is not completely passive, because Wood Hammer can deal good damage against some Pokemons

Regice --> Stay
Regice has a skyhigh Special Defense stat and a good offensive typing. A protect set is becoming better lately, because ZU doesn’t offer that much Pokemons with a good Special Defense stat, like Regice has. Regice can hit very hard for defensive Pokemon, thanks to its good STAB attack. Regice has to rely on Leftovers recovery or Rest though. And like all Ice types Regice struggles to come in on hits comfortable, with 1 resist and SR weakness. Regice has strong qualities that make it a solid C+ Pokemon.
[hide=Calcs]
252 SpA Kadabra Psychic vs. 248 HP / 4 SpD Regice: 76-90 (20.9 - 24.7%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Floatzel Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 4 SpD Regice: 109-130 (30 - 35.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Floatzel Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 4 SpD Regice: 158-188 (43.5 - 51.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Analytic Beheeyem Psychic vs. 248 HP / 4 SpD Regice: 166-196 (45.7 - 53.9%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
[/hide]
Regigigas opinionless / not enough experience

Relicanth --> Stay
Relicanth is also a unique Pokemon in ZU, but the meta was never really into Relicanth’s favor. Relicanth has some very strong qualities that make it C+ worthy. Relicanth has a solid Attack and can spam a very strong Rock Head Head Smash, Relicanth also has water STAB as an added bonus for switchins, like Silvally-Ground, Machoke and Sandslash. Relicanth is mainly used to punish incoming switches, but it is revenged easily afterwards. Relicanth has a very good bulk (esp in Defense) however. Relicanth can also be used as a Rain support with Rain Dance and SR. Relicanth struggles a bit with the offensive meta, but it can take a hit.
Shuckle --> Stay
Just like other Web setter Shuckle struggles with the big amount of Defog. Shuckle offers Sticky Web and Stealth Rock. Shuckle also gives high defenses when there is defensive drawback needed for a team. With the excellent defensive stats, Shuckle can set up hazards successfully most of the team, but Shuckle faces Stealth Rock competition from Pokemon, like Crustle and Golem. Shuckle being taunt bait is the main reason that stops Shuckle from being successful. Shuckle is one of the better Web setters, but Sticky Web is not really relevant for the meta.
Silvally-Electric C+ --> C
Union
Silvally-Grass C+ --> C
Silvally-Grass struggles just like Silvally-Electric to come in on mons effectively. Silvally-Grass has many common weaknesses and it can be chipped down easily by coverage moves. Silvally-Grass has the niche that it has a good matchup against Golem, but even with the resist, Silvally-Water does that job way better. Silvally-Grass can be used as Shiftry check, but Silvally-Poison that is also in C+ does that job better too, with more useful niches. In general Silvally-Grass is outclassed by other Silvallys and isn’t outshining, but just an okay mon, that is why Silvally-Grass belongs in C.
Silvally-Poison C+ --> B-
Silvally-Poison is more effective in the current meta than the other C+ Pokemons are. Silvally-Poison has a fairly decent matchup against Shiftry. And Silvally-Poison can sponge Toxic Spikes from the common Mareanie. Silvally-Poison gives the team pivoting and useful resists in: Bug, Fairy, Fighting, Grass and Poison. The main problem that holds Silvally-Poison back, unlike other Silvally-Forms, like Water and Fighting, is its bad matchup against SR setters, like Bronzor, Golem and Crustle. Silvally-Poison can, however come in on other mons, for example, Leafeon, Shiftry and Machoke and clear the hazards from the field later in the game.
[hide=Calcs]
252+ Atk Life Orb Shiftry Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Silvally-Poison: 133-157 (33.7 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Leafeon Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Silvally-Poison: 68-81 (17.2 - 20.5%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Machoke Dynamic Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Silvally-Poison: 56-66 (14.2 - 16.7%) -- possible 6HKO
[/hide]
Smeargle --> Stay
Smeargle can be seen on HO for Webs and SR support, but Smeargle is limited to that playstyle, which doesn’t have to be a bad thing with offense dominating ZU at the moment. Smeargle is also a good spore user, because unlike Shiinotic it doesn’t have a horrible Speed. Smeargle is, however cursed with horrible stats and only a decent speed, which leaves Smeargle for an useful mon outside of support the team.
Vibrava opinionless / not enough experience
Volbeat --> Stay

Volbeat is the best ZU weather setter and it suits well in the C+ list. Thanks to Prankster, Defog, Encore, Thunder Wave, U-turn, Roost and weather moves, Volbeat is the best weather support. Weather is a decent option in the current offensive meta. Sun and Rain do well against an offensive team and Volbeat is almost always part of it. Volbeat can switch out easily with U-Turn and it has decent stats, thanks to U-Turn Volbeat can be used multiple times to set up weather. Volbeat doesn’t do well against Stealth Rock setters, like Golem and Crustle tho. Volbeat can also be taken out easily with its bad typing, but Volbeat still makes up for a good C+ Po