I really think Riolu should be top tier. I haven't quite finished the game yet but I found him relatively quickly. 5% sounds low but it isn't "shaking grass 5%" plus it allows you to grind your starter up at the same time to make quick work of Cheren.
He is good for at least one kill against cheren with Counter or he can finish them off with quick attack. After Cheren you get return, force palm at 16, mine evolved at 17 so I had a steel type to deal with with the poison gym making it a joke.
Other early game moves that were invaluable were dig, and rock slide.
He is incredibly easy to level up once you get force palm because you easily one shot the Audinos that appear.
I will detail the whole team with the official format and such but I see no reason it shoulded be top tier, not just high tear. Only thing holding it back is its 5% capture rate which isn't a big deal because it is a perfect time to grind your starter to respectability. Also, you don't really have to worry about its nature either. Due to his balance stat line, any drop in any stat really isnt a big deal. If you get a - attack, you can go more heavy with the special attacks and vice versa. Only thing I wouldn't want to minus speed most likely.
He is good for at least one kill against cheren with Counter or he can finish them off with quick attack. After Cheren you get return, force palm at 16, mine evolved at 17 so I had a steel type to deal with with the poison gym making it a joke.
Other early game moves that were invaluable were dig, and rock slide.
He is incredibly easy to level up once you get force palm because you easily one shot the Audinos that appear.
I will detail the whole team with the official format and such but I see no reason it shoulded be top tier, not just high tear. Only thing holding it back is its 5% capture rate which isn't a big deal because it is a perfect time to grind your starter to respectability. Also, you don't really have to worry about its nature either. Due to his balance stat line, any drop in any stat really isnt a big deal. If you get a - attack, you can go more heavy with the special attacks and vice versa. Only thing I wouldn't want to minus speed most likely.