AP Tier Definitions

1 AP: Pokémon limited both in type access, power and playstyle. Most 1 AP Pokémon have access to few moves outside of their STAB and are limited to one particular playstyle. They may also have limited defensive capabilities, bad typing or the inability to take advantage of them. A majority of their matchups are unfavorable or neutral. Pokémon with difficult to execute gimmicks or unconventional playstyles that are widely inaccessible also fall here.

2 AP: Pokémon limited in type access and playstyle, but with reasonable power. Most 2 AP Pokémon are slight upgrades, with some degree of diversity or improved capabilities in SCs that give them greater power. A majority of matchups will be unfavorable or neutral, but they will also have particular matchups that lean in their favor or in which they outperform. Pokémon with decent diversity, but poor typings and/or limited power will also fall here.

3 AP: Pokémon with some type access and power. 3 AP Pokémon often have defined playstyles at which they are capable, but are still limited to that particular playstyle. Their diversity and power is higher than 1 and 2, but still low on average. Their matchups will be largely neutral with a fair number of favorable matchups, but will still be hard countered by Pokémon with adequate defenses or super effective moves. Pokémon with moderate power and capable defensive typing or movesets also fall here.

4 AP: Pokémon with broad capabilities, but still limited in power and playstyle. 4 AP Pokémon often have a diversity of options and strong moves, but lack the diversity to face all threats and may underperform in some aspects. They may also rely on offtype for power or need to pick matchups carefully.

5 AP: Pokémon with high power and above-average diversity. 5 AP Pokémon have access to reliable, high power moves and movesets that allow them to comfortably fight most Pokémon that do not directly counter their STAB. Pokémon at 5 still have meaningful flaws, such as inconsistent output, reliance on specific playstyles or moves, but can work around them.

6 AP: Pokémon with high power and diversity. 6 AP Pokémon have access to reliable, high power moves and a significant amount of diversity or appropriate coverage that allows them to fight most matchups, even some unfavorable ones. Pokémon with exceptional diversity with poor defensive typings also fall here.

7 AP: Pokémon with high power and exceptional diversity. 7 AP Pokémon have consistently high power and access to reliable moves with good coverage, alongside exceptional diversity that allows them to confront nearly every matchup and do significant damage, including some unfavorable ones.

8 AP: Pokémon with exceptional power and diversity. 8 AP Pokémon can confront nearly any matchup, even unfavorable ones, and deal massive damage regardless of the opponent due to their reliable, high-powered and diverse STAB, defensive capabilities and moveset and type diversity. However, they generally have at least one flaw (overall output, defensive typing, or favored playstyle) that complicate certain matchups.
9 AP: Pokémon with broadly exceptional capabilities. 9 AP Pokémon can fight nearly any Pokémon, including those that may otherwise directly counter other Pokémon of their type. While they lack certain moves, may be missing some diversity, or have below-average SCs, the flaws they have are difficult to exploit or can be easily played around with little effort or pre-planning.

10 AP: Unparalleled power and diversity. 10 AP Pokémon are the best in the game, with massive, diverse offensive and defensive movesets that cover nearly every possible Pokémon, allowing them to consistently deal super effective damage, as well as typings that fear a very limited set of counters. These Pokémon often have only a few specific dedicated counters and nearly no truly unfavorable matchups, able to contest even Pokémon that would otherwise hard counter their lower level equivalents.