Thanks for getting the SM Cup usage stats up! Below, I'm going to update my VR noms from last year (which sadly never got voted on), based primarily on SM Cup usage, along with reference to recent high level ladder usage and my own feelings about the current Meta. For what it's worth, I probably spent more time on top of the SM DOU ladder than anyone else in the last year or two (I'm pretty sure two other top contenders for that honor were/are boosting to do so, but it's whatevs, as that incentivized me to play other DOU gens a bit, which I had been wanting to do). Also, I now feel like I can at least hold my own against the top tour bros in SM (when not distracted).
Anyway, as I did last year, I'll first include links to recent SM Cup and high ladder usage:
SM CUP CUMULATIVE USAGE STATS: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...teams-replays-thread-wip.3726229/post-9741055
JULY 2023 PS SM DOU HIGH LADDER USAGE STATS: smogon.com/stats/2023-07/gen7doublesou-1760.txt
Based on my observations for the last couple of years, I strongly believe that SM Cup usage (by and large reflecting the best players in the tier--and many more than compete in DPL) is a very good approximation for viability in the Meta. So here's what I have for this year:
Tier 2 --> Tier 1
The recent SM Cup usage stats show Kart has 96 uses, compared to 100 for Metagross (though I believe that's likely to include a few non-Mega versions of Gross). That's way up from last year for both mons and, incredibly, higher than Koko at 95 (Kart could be the 4th most used mon in the tier, per SM Cup usage). Kart has a number of different viable sets, including Z Move, Sash, and (my fav) bulky attacker (with or without AV). If you want to use a Mega not named Gross or Venu, and you are not running Full Room or stall, Kart usually belongs on that team. Yes, I tried for this nom two years ago and failed, but the numbers back me up strongly since then. In fact, looking at the numbers for these past couple years, it's very clear that Kart should be added to T1 and MGross should stay in as well (I'm personally not a big fan of MGross, but it can't be denied that it still sees T1 usage in tours). The cutoff between T1 and T2 is very clearly at Zeraora, where usage drops off a cliff from 95 to 60.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2
This is an easy call based on usage stats. Zeraora is now at the very top of T2 and its surging popularity has caused Koko to slide a little bit. I've become a lot more impressed by it this past year personally, as well. Zeraora is an awesome fast pivot (pivoting is incredibly important in this Meta) and is able to stall out and facilitate things well with Fake Out. It usually uses AV and Intimidate support to become pretty bulky. It can take some of Incin's FO/pivot burden if another Fire mon is being used or it can partner with Incin for double the Fake Outs/pivots and double the fun. It can also run Fire or Ice (HP) well and snipe stuff like Lando or Kart.
Tier 3--> Tier 2
This is a reversal from my recommended drop two years based on the data. I said Zyg was borderline then. Now it's near the top of T2 in SM Cup usage (second only to Zeraora with 50, and far in front of anything else). It's a strong, bulky mon with several viable sets. I believe the best set is CB, which really only needs speed control to be crazy good. Zyg hits 4 of the 7 mon above it in Cup usage super effectively with Thousand Arrows, which is a money move that is literally not resisted by anything in the top 3 VR tiers.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2
This is sitting at 11th in usage in SM Cup this year, while she was 8th last year. That's very clearly T2 usage. Goth is a Meta defining mon and a big reason why pivoting is so... pivotal. For all the negativity Goth got earlier this year, she had a nearly 50% win rate in the Cup (it was much higher last year), which is fine and nearly identical to that of Incin or Fini. She's not used all that much on the ladder (harder to win consistently against lower level players when Goth invites guessing games), so this isn't the ladder hero in me speaking, I assure you. Goth just definitely belongs in Tier 2 given the game changing effect she has on the current SM Meta and the extremely high usage she has seen in recent tours because of that.
Tier 3--> Tier 2
I didn't touch this toadstool the last time my noms got voted on, but in the last couple years it has done very well in SM cup usage, now sitting neck and neck with Diancie at 13th. It can fit on many teams, even some that have Fini or Koko. There is a lot of TR out there and Amoonguss can help on such teams or against them and is the best redirector in the Meta, in addition to being the Meta's premiere sleep aid. Fini is used on 45.2% of teams and Koko on 32.5%. Assuming a little overlap, that's still nearly 3/4 of Cup teams carrying protection against Amoonguss, largely because of how catastrophic taking a nap can be.
Now a few more controversial takes:
Tier 3--> Tier 2
This mon is borderline in usage, coming in at number 16 overall. Up until this year, I guess I thought it was kind of meh. However, I've come to see it as extremely splashable and good in high level play. Perhaps its biggest draw is that it is unpredictable. It can very credibly be running Fake Out, Stealth Rocks, Tailwind, Trick Room, Ice Beam, Earth Power, a Fire move, U-Turn or a STAB Psychic, as well as a ton of niche options. That makes it a fantastic lead, as your opponent is forced to make guesses that usually have bad risk/reward for them on the first turn (e.g., potentially getting their Lando or Ferrothorn Rocks setter 0KOd and not knowing if they get left in the dust with Tailwind or whether their own Tailwind is going to get mished by Trick Room). I'd also say it's the most reliable Stealth Rocks setter in the tier. Earth Power enables it to do decent damage on Incin and it will sometimes run a Z move, making opposing Knock Off (often the first line of defense against it) much less effective. Because of its versatility and durability, it's also one of the best Trick Room team setters, bar none.
Tier 3--> Tier 2
Last year Volcanion was tied with Goth at 8th in cumulative usage in the SM Cup. This year, it's down to 18th, which is borderline, but still sports an awesome 60% win percentage. My personal feeling is that it should be T2. It's the best Incin/Fini alternative and walls both of them. It has a ton of good matchups (including vs Water) and is a particularly good partner for Goth, since so many mons don't want to be trapped with it.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2
Lele's SM Cup usage is solid, coming in at 27 uses (20th overall). Its high ladder usage is even better. Though Cup usage is borderline T2/T3, along with a few other mons, I believe it belongs in Tier 2. It's the best alternative to Fini and Koko as a terrain setter and the preferred option for many kinds of teams. It's great on TR or teams trying to use status (hello Amoonguss) and can function well on other teams that want the terrain boost for something like a Mega Metagross or that just don't appreciate Fake Out.
Other borderline T2/T3 mons: Genesect usage is up a bit for this SM Cup (it was the 14th most used mon after going 43rd last year). It has still lost its former luster in my opinion, but I guess I won't try to Blaze Kick it into T4. Kingdra is good and borderline T2/T3, but it's not my favorite Swift Swimmer (it's not even my second favorite). It isn't very consistent and struggles mightily with the ever-present Fini. Its sub 42% win rate no doubt reflects that. Politoed's 33% win rate is ridiculously bad. Zapdos is fine, but T3 feels like a good fit for it to me currently (Zeraora is giving T2 a solid Electric option). Bulu was actually used slightly more than Lele this year, but I'm gonna go with T3 for it, since I think it's usually an inferior terrain option on top teams.
So, to take a step back, if all my above noms were accepted (yeah right
), we'd have 6 mons in Tier 1 (I don't actually see how you could credibly leave any of Koko, MGross or Kart out of T1, given their usage stats which are similar and all more than twice that of anything else currently in T2) and 10 mons in Tier 2. Given the much larger size of the later tiers, I think this is perfectly reasonable and would be more helpful to players than the current lopsided VR (only 4 mons in T2!), which doesn't reflect the wealth of good options for team building in SM DOU. (Side Note: The current VR for SV DOU is a counterexample to the balance and use based practical viability I'm recommending here. Having exactly 1 mon, Flutter Mane, in T1, while T2 has 10 mons and T4 and 5 each have ~20 frankly seems ridiculous to me. It's not helpful to new players either really and encourages the tier to be even more centered around FM use. If you guys really think it's in a world by itself, ban it... again!)
Tier 4 --> Tier 3
As the 18th most used mon in SM Cup (tied with Volcanion), Bulu definitely belongs in T3 at least. It had very good showings the last few years of SM Cup. Last year, it had more usage than T3 staples like Zapdos and Kingdra. As one of only 4 terrain setters (and the only one that can 0KO all the rest with its own terrain set), fitting well on a number of teams, including both TR and TW, as well as teams seeking to exploit status or wanting healing for stall, it's really a key part of the Meta for this gen and doesn't deserve to be relegated to T4.
Tier 4--> Tier3
This mon was 25th in SM Cup usage, compared to 20 for Politoed (22 uses compared to 27), but it had almost twice the win percentage! It's a solid mon and one of two very viable rain setters in the Meta. It can set Tailwind for speed control and has a lot more offensive presence than Politoed with Hurricane, which is great for a lot of stuff that gives rain major problems, like Mega Venu and opposing Ludicolo. Both Sash and Damp Rock help it get the job done in setting Rain for many turns. I personally prefer it to Politoed in most cases, but I'd say they are both clearly T3.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4
I don't get the Ludi disrespecters. He's great on rain. He was 29th in usage in SM Cup this year with 18 uses, well ahead of Swampert with 7 (Mega and non-Mega versions). He's used much more than Kingdra on the high ladder (mostly thanks to me if I'm honest). The numbers for him are very consistent. Maybe T3 could be a stretch (though I personally think he belongs with Kingdra), but he's not a T5 mon any more than other rain team staples would be.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4
This mon was tied for 18th in usage in the SM Cup last year, but is 33rd this year. That's still the upper the upper end of how I would classify T4. She's very versatile; a premiere Room setter and support mon with a useful ground immunity.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4
With 14 uses (37th overall) this mon had twice the SM Cup usage of Nihilego or Swampert. It's a mon you really have to prepare for in the builder (or it will stall you to death) and it fits well on a number of different teams that, for one reason or another, don't have another Steel type on them, need something slow and stallish or are stacking too many ground weaknesses.
Tier 4 --> Tier 5
With only 7 uses in this SM Cup (and only 3 last year), this mon hasn't been particularly impressive. It has an awkward speed tier for what it wants to do and, while specially strong, is physically frail and not easy to fit on most top teams.
Tier 5 drops and adds:
and 
had 2 and 1 uses respectively in the recent SM Cup (they were 1 each last year). 
had 2. I'd make them UR (
with 4 SM Cup uses is now more viable on a good team--I'd give it T5). Meanwhile, these two currently UR mons saw more significant SM Cup usage:
(9), 
(8). I'd put them in T5. TR is very viable and these can see use out of Full Room. T5 should also follow actual use--Tsareena, for instance, is a good mon with an awesome ability, but in SM I see Ferrothorn (and worry about how to ensure my team can KO it) much more often and I'd frankly find it easier to fit Ferrothorn on my own team (e.g., for stall or water/TR defense). 
only had 3 SM Cup uses (down from 5 last year), but I still believe it's T5. 
makes a decent case for T5 with 5 uses. 
had 3 Cup uses (with 2 wins!) this year (while Milotic, which I believe to be a solid, perennial T5 mon, only had 2 uses). I still feel like it should be T5 personally (Everyone's gotta have a dream!)
Anyway, as I did last year, I'll first include links to recent SM Cup and high ladder usage:
SM CUP CUMULATIVE USAGE STATS: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...teams-replays-thread-wip.3726229/post-9741055
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Incineroar | 172 | 58.90% | 49.42% |
| 2 | Tapu Fini | 132 | 45.21% | 49.24% |
| 3 | Landorus-Therian | 125 | 42.81% | 50.40% |
| 4 | Metagross | 100 | 34.25% | 45.00% |
| 5 | Kartana | 96 | 32.88% | 53.12% |
| 6 | Tapu Koko | 95 | 32.53% | 52.63% |
| 7 | Zeraora | 60 | 20.55% | 60.00% |
| 8 | Zygarde | 50 | 17.12% | 50.00% |
| 9 | Kommo-o | 43 | 14.73% | 60.47% |
| 10 | Kyurem-Black | 40 | 13.70% | 40.00% |
| 11 | Gothitelle | 39 | 13.36% | 48.72% |
| 12 | Diancie | 38 | 13.01% | 55.26% |
| 13 | Amoonguss | 37 | 12.67% | 45.95% |
| 14 | Genesect | 32 | 10.96% | 50.00% |
| 15 | Kingdra | 31 | 10.62% | 41.94% |
| 16 | Mew | 30 | 10.27% | 43.33% |
| 17 | Zapdos | 29 | 9.93% | 48.28% |
| 18 | Volcanion | 28 | 9.59% | 60.71% |
| 18 | Tapu Bulu | 28 | 9.59% | 42.86% |
| 20 | Tapu Lele | 27 | 9.25% | 40.74% |
| 20 | Politoed | 27 | 9.25% | 33.33% |
| 22 | Aegislash | 24 | 8.22% | 54.17% |
| 23 | Venusaur | 23 | 7.88% | 56.52% |
| 23 | Volcarona | 23 | 7.88% | 47.83% |
| 25 | Pelipper | 22 | 7.53% | 59.09% |
| 26 | Charizard | 21 | 7.19% | 47.62% |
| 27 | Salamence | 20 | 6.85% | 40.00% |
| 28 | Gardevoir | 19 | 6.51% | 47.37% |
| 29 | Ludicolo | 18 | 6.16% | 55.56% |
| 29 | Tyranitar | 18 | 6.16% | 55.56% |
| 29 | Scizor | 18 | 6.16% | 50.00% |
| 29 | Porygon2 | 18 | 6.16% | 50.00% |
| 33 | Cresselia | 17 | 5.82% | 52.94% |
| 33 | Manectric | 17 | 5.82% | 41.18% |
| 35 | Camerupt | 16 | 5.48% | 56.25% |
| 36 | Gastrodon | 15 | 5.14% | 53.33% |
| 37 | Celesteela | 14 | 4.79% | 57.14% |
| 37 | Chansey | 14 | 4.79% | 35.71% |
| 39 | Latias | 12 | 4.11% | 66.67% |
| 40 | Scrafty | 10 | 3.42% | 50.00% |
| 40 | Bronzong | 10 | 3.42% | 50.00% |
| 42 | Stakataka | 9 | 3.08% | 55.56% |
| 43 | Abomasnow | 8 | 2.74% | 75.00% |
| 43 | Naganadel | 8 | 2.74% | 62.50% |
| 45 | Necrozma | 7 | 2.40% | 71.43% |
| 45 | Landorus | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Nihilego | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Swampert | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Lurantis | 7 | 2.40% | 42.86% |
| 45 | Suicune | 7 | 2.40% | 14.29% |
| 51 | Greninja | 5 | 1.71% | 80.00% |
| 51 | Araquanid | 5 | 1.71% | 80.00% |
| 51 | Victini | 5 | 1.71% | 60.00% |
| 51 | Hoopa-Unbound | 5 | 1.71% | 40.00% |
| 55 | Deoxys-Speed | 4 | 1.37% | 50.00% |
| 55 | Heatran | 4 | 1.37% | 50.00% |
| 57 | Whimsicott | 3 | 1.03% | 66.67% |
| 57 | Serperior | 3 | 1.03% | 66.67% |
| 57 | Ferrothorn | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 57 | Oranguru | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 57 | Tsareena | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 62 | Hariyama | 2 | 0.68% | 100.00% |
| 62 | Terrakion | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Milotic | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Shaymin-Sky | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Blissey | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Deoxys-Attack | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 62 | Nidoking | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 62 | Pheromosa | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Lucario | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Persian-Alola | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Toxapex | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Drampa | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Thundurus | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Bisharp | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Raikou | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Houndoom | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Ninetales | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Marowak-Alola | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Torkoal | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Excadrill | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Rotom-Wash | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Hydreigon | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Shedinja | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Togedemaru | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Buzzwole | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Tornadus | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| Rank | Pokemon | Use | Usage % | Win % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + ---- + ------- + ------- +
| 1 | Incineroar | 172 | 58.90% | 49.42% |
| 2 | Tapu Fini | 132 | 45.21% | 49.24% |
| 3 | Landorus-Therian | 125 | 42.81% | 50.40% |
| 4 | Metagross | 100 | 34.25% | 45.00% |
| 5 | Kartana | 96 | 32.88% | 53.12% |
| 6 | Tapu Koko | 95 | 32.53% | 52.63% |
| 7 | Zeraora | 60 | 20.55% | 60.00% |
| 8 | Zygarde | 50 | 17.12% | 50.00% |
| 9 | Kommo-o | 43 | 14.73% | 60.47% |
| 10 | Kyurem-Black | 40 | 13.70% | 40.00% |
| 11 | Gothitelle | 39 | 13.36% | 48.72% |
| 12 | Diancie | 38 | 13.01% | 55.26% |
| 13 | Amoonguss | 37 | 12.67% | 45.95% |
| 14 | Genesect | 32 | 10.96% | 50.00% |
| 15 | Kingdra | 31 | 10.62% | 41.94% |
| 16 | Mew | 30 | 10.27% | 43.33% |
| 17 | Zapdos | 29 | 9.93% | 48.28% |
| 18 | Volcanion | 28 | 9.59% | 60.71% |
| 18 | Tapu Bulu | 28 | 9.59% | 42.86% |
| 20 | Tapu Lele | 27 | 9.25% | 40.74% |
| 20 | Politoed | 27 | 9.25% | 33.33% |
| 22 | Aegislash | 24 | 8.22% | 54.17% |
| 23 | Venusaur | 23 | 7.88% | 56.52% |
| 23 | Volcarona | 23 | 7.88% | 47.83% |
| 25 | Pelipper | 22 | 7.53% | 59.09% |
| 26 | Charizard | 21 | 7.19% | 47.62% |
| 27 | Salamence | 20 | 6.85% | 40.00% |
| 28 | Gardevoir | 19 | 6.51% | 47.37% |
| 29 | Ludicolo | 18 | 6.16% | 55.56% |
| 29 | Tyranitar | 18 | 6.16% | 55.56% |
| 29 | Scizor | 18 | 6.16% | 50.00% |
| 29 | Porygon2 | 18 | 6.16% | 50.00% |
| 33 | Cresselia | 17 | 5.82% | 52.94% |
| 33 | Manectric | 17 | 5.82% | 41.18% |
| 35 | Camerupt | 16 | 5.48% | 56.25% |
| 36 | Gastrodon | 15 | 5.14% | 53.33% |
| 37 | Celesteela | 14 | 4.79% | 57.14% |
| 37 | Chansey | 14 | 4.79% | 35.71% |
| 39 | Latias | 12 | 4.11% | 66.67% |
| 40 | Scrafty | 10 | 3.42% | 50.00% |
| 40 | Bronzong | 10 | 3.42% | 50.00% |
| 42 | Stakataka | 9 | 3.08% | 55.56% |
| 43 | Abomasnow | 8 | 2.74% | 75.00% |
| 43 | Naganadel | 8 | 2.74% | 62.50% |
| 45 | Necrozma | 7 | 2.40% | 71.43% |
| 45 | Landorus | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Nihilego | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Swampert | 7 | 2.40% | 57.14% |
| 45 | Lurantis | 7 | 2.40% | 42.86% |
| 45 | Suicune | 7 | 2.40% | 14.29% |
| 51 | Greninja | 5 | 1.71% | 80.00% |
| 51 | Araquanid | 5 | 1.71% | 80.00% |
| 51 | Victini | 5 | 1.71% | 60.00% |
| 51 | Hoopa-Unbound | 5 | 1.71% | 40.00% |
| 55 | Deoxys-Speed | 4 | 1.37% | 50.00% |
| 55 | Heatran | 4 | 1.37% | 50.00% |
| 57 | Whimsicott | 3 | 1.03% | 66.67% |
| 57 | Serperior | 3 | 1.03% | 66.67% |
| 57 | Ferrothorn | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 57 | Oranguru | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 57 | Tsareena | 3 | 1.03% | 33.33% |
| 62 | Hariyama | 2 | 0.68% | 100.00% |
| 62 | Terrakion | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Milotic | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Shaymin-Sky | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Blissey | 2 | 0.68% | 50.00% |
| 62 | Deoxys-Attack | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 62 | Nidoking | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 62 | Pheromosa | 2 | 0.68% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Lucario | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Persian-Alola | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Toxapex | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Drampa | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Thundurus | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Bisharp | 1 | 0.34% | 100.00% |
| 70 | Raikou | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Houndoom | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Ninetales | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Marowak-Alola | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Torkoal | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Excadrill | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Rotom-Wash | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Hydreigon | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Shedinja | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Togedemaru | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Buzzwole | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
| 70 | Tornadus | 1 | 0.34% | 0.00% |
JULY 2023 PS SM DOU HIGH LADDER USAGE STATS: smogon.com/stats/2023-07/gen7doublesou-1760.txt
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| Rank | Pokemon | Usage % | Raw | % | Real | % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| 1 | Incineroar | 53.15073% | 7508 | 22.782% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 2 | Tapu Koko | 31.05226% | 4102 | 12.447% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 3 | Landorus-Therian | 25.74208% | 4667 | 14.161% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 4 | Tapu Fini | 23.60658% | 2617 | 7.941% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 5 | Zygarde | 21.13170% | 1635 | 4.961% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 6 | Pelipper | 17.57147% | 2955 | 8.967% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 7 | Salamence-Mega | 17.28311% | 1869 | 5.671% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 8 | Ferrothorn | 17.03343% | 2577 | 7.820% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 9 | Swampert-Mega | 16.81463% | 2819 | 8.554% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 10 | Metagross-Mega | 16.23851% | 2373 | 7.201% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 11 | Tapu Lele | 15.77065% | 2595 | 7.874% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 12 | Zapdos | 13.97991% | 2844 | 8.630% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 13 | Chansey | 12.02287% | 717 | 2.176% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 14 | Milotic | 11.64189% | 2349 | 7.128% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 15 | Tyranitar | 11.08408% | 2106 | 6.390% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 16 | Kartana | 10.30246% | 2883 | 8.748% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 17 | Ludicolo | 9.81378% | 1115 | 3.383% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 18 | Azumarill | 9.33919% | 1051 | 3.189% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 19 | Genesect | 9.21136% | 1168 | 3.544% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 20 | Celesteela | 8.85766% | 1327 | 4.027% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 21 | Kommo-o | 8.30789% | 2573 | 7.807% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 22 | Thundurus-Therian | 8.20969% | 639 | 1.939% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 23 | Charizard-Mega-Y | 8.07157% | 3509 | 10.648% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 24 | Kingdra | 8.03817% | 1683 | 5.107% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 25 | Dusclops | 7.62445% | 782 | 2.373% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 26 | Aegislash | 7.54582% | 1924 | 5.838% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 27 | Volcanion | 7.49738% | 994 | 3.016% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 28 | Venusaur-Mega | 7.30532% | 1472 | 4.467% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 29 | Amoonguss | 6.85283% | 2216 | 6.724% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 30 | Kyurem-Black | 6.62535% | 901 | 2.734% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 31 | Togekiss | 6.11270% | 1288 | 3.908% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 32 | Manaphy | 5.88386% | 391 | 1.186% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 33 | Excadrill | 4.46568% | 1451 | 4.403% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 34 | Diancie | 4.19411% | 454 | 1.378% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 35 | Porygon2 | 4.17293% | 1483 | 4.500% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 36 | Sceptile-Mega | 4.09651% | 1181 | 3.584% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 37 | Latias | 4.03005% | 333 | 1.010% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 38 | Whimsicott | 4.00593% | 3021 | 9.167% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 39 | Mew | 3.79228% | 1361 | 4.130% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 40 | Jolteon | 3.75112% | 605 | 1.836% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 41 | Stakataka | 3.74605% | 919 | 2.789% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 42 | Abomasnow-Mega | 3.69915% | 526 | 1.596% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 43 | Hariyama | 3.60058% | 664 | 2.015% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 44 | Hoopa-Unbound | 3.55789% | 628 | 1.906% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 45 | Araquanid | 3.48361% | 986 | 2.992% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 46 | Raichu-Alola | 3.38501% | 333 | 1.010% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 47 | Gothitelle | 3.11550% | 958 | 2.907% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 48 | Gastrodon | 3.09821% | 2853 | 8.657% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 49 | Aromatisse | 3.02906% | 300 | 0.910% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 50 | Tapu Bulu | 2.92416% | 784 | 2.379% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 51 | Hippowdon | 2.79725% | 350 | 1.062% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 52 | Tyranitar-Mega | 2.78089% | 940 | 2.852% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 53 | Zeraora | 2.62961% | 1644 | 4.988% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 54 | Ninetales-Alola | 2.52415% | 1301 | 3.948% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 55 | Bronzong | 2.37040% | 565 | 1.714% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 56 | Togedemaru | 2.13921% | 295 | 0.895% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 57 | Landorus | 2.10951% | 329 | 0.998% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 58 | Cradily | 2.06733% | 1061 | 3.219% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 59 | Gardevoir-Mega | 2.05626% | 1221 | 3.705% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 60 | Blaziken-Mega | 2.02683% | 712 | 2.160% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 61 | Politoed | 1.98076% | 1183 | 3.590% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 62 | Aerodactyl-Mega | 1.87134% | 401 | 1.217% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 63 | Muk-Alola | 1.86741% | 497 | 1.508% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 64 | Cresselia | 1.83758% | 1336 | 4.054% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 65 | Manectric-Mega | 1.78860% | 754 | 2.288% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 66 | Torkoal | 1.74183% | 1250 | 3.793% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 67 | Bisharp | 1.71281% | 344 | 1.044% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 68 | Camerupt-Mega | 1.69737% | 883 | 2.679% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 69 | Scrafty | 1.66291% | 439 | 1.332% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 70 | Terrakion | 1.55785% | 509 | 1.544% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 71 | Heatran | 1.33142% | 1325 | 4.021% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 72 | Volcarona | 1.14502% | 1758 | 5.334% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 73 | Tornadus | 1.08804% | 351 | 1.065% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 74 | Victini | 1.03152% | 790 | 2.397% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 75 | Greninja | 1.00444% | 2467 | 7.486% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 76 | Diancie-Mega | 0.96751% | 782 | 2.373% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 77 | Clefairy | 0.96544% | 481 | 1.460% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 78 | Mimikyu | 0.96384% | 904 | 2.743% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 79 | Clefable | 0.96308% | 1030 | 3.125% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 80 | Garchomp | 0.95996% | 2307 | 7.000% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 81 | Aerodactyl | 0.95665% | 197 | 0.598% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 82 | Venusaur | 0.93454% | 919 | 2.789% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 83 | Scizor-Mega | 0.92030% | 332 | 1.007% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 84 | Arcanine | 0.91580% | 1336 | 4.054% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 85 | Hitmontop | 0.90629% | 633 | 1.921% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 86 | Mawile-Mega | 0.87758% | 368 | 1.117% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 87 | Typhlosion | 0.83235% | 832 | 2.525% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 88 | Deoxys-Attack | 0.82253% | 374 | 1.135% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 89 | Smeargle | 0.81706% | 861 | 2.613% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 90 | Crawdaunt | 0.80467% | 201 | 0.610% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 91 | Darmanitan | 0.79456% | 302 | 0.916% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 92 | Murkrow | 0.79045% | 504 | 1.529% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 93 | Vaporeon | 0.76768% | 554 | 1.681% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 94 | Gengar | 0.76393% | 820 | 2.488% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 95 | Suicune | 0.75303% | 544 | 1.651% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 96 | Espeon | 0.72838% | 412 | 1.250% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 97 | Malamar | 0.68894% | 434 | 1.317% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 98 | Braviary | 0.67353% | 178 | 0.540% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 99 | Infernape | 0.66590% | 661 | 2.006% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 100 | Rotom-Heat | 0.66514% | 158 | 0.479% | 0 | 0.000% |
| Rank | Pokemon | Usage % | Raw | % | Real | % |
+ ---- + ------------------ + --------- + ------ + ------- + ------ + ------- +
| 1 | Incineroar | 53.15073% | 7508 | 22.782% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 2 | Tapu Koko | 31.05226% | 4102 | 12.447% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 3 | Landorus-Therian | 25.74208% | 4667 | 14.161% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 4 | Tapu Fini | 23.60658% | 2617 | 7.941% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 5 | Zygarde | 21.13170% | 1635 | 4.961% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 6 | Pelipper | 17.57147% | 2955 | 8.967% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 7 | Salamence-Mega | 17.28311% | 1869 | 5.671% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 8 | Ferrothorn | 17.03343% | 2577 | 7.820% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 9 | Swampert-Mega | 16.81463% | 2819 | 8.554% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 10 | Metagross-Mega | 16.23851% | 2373 | 7.201% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 11 | Tapu Lele | 15.77065% | 2595 | 7.874% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 12 | Zapdos | 13.97991% | 2844 | 8.630% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 13 | Chansey | 12.02287% | 717 | 2.176% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 14 | Milotic | 11.64189% | 2349 | 7.128% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 15 | Tyranitar | 11.08408% | 2106 | 6.390% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 16 | Kartana | 10.30246% | 2883 | 8.748% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 17 | Ludicolo | 9.81378% | 1115 | 3.383% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 18 | Azumarill | 9.33919% | 1051 | 3.189% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 19 | Genesect | 9.21136% | 1168 | 3.544% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 20 | Celesteela | 8.85766% | 1327 | 4.027% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 21 | Kommo-o | 8.30789% | 2573 | 7.807% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 22 | Thundurus-Therian | 8.20969% | 639 | 1.939% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 23 | Charizard-Mega-Y | 8.07157% | 3509 | 10.648% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 24 | Kingdra | 8.03817% | 1683 | 5.107% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 25 | Dusclops | 7.62445% | 782 | 2.373% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 26 | Aegislash | 7.54582% | 1924 | 5.838% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 27 | Volcanion | 7.49738% | 994 | 3.016% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 28 | Venusaur-Mega | 7.30532% | 1472 | 4.467% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 29 | Amoonguss | 6.85283% | 2216 | 6.724% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 30 | Kyurem-Black | 6.62535% | 901 | 2.734% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 31 | Togekiss | 6.11270% | 1288 | 3.908% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 32 | Manaphy | 5.88386% | 391 | 1.186% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 33 | Excadrill | 4.46568% | 1451 | 4.403% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 34 | Diancie | 4.19411% | 454 | 1.378% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 35 | Porygon2 | 4.17293% | 1483 | 4.500% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 36 | Sceptile-Mega | 4.09651% | 1181 | 3.584% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 37 | Latias | 4.03005% | 333 | 1.010% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 38 | Whimsicott | 4.00593% | 3021 | 9.167% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 39 | Mew | 3.79228% | 1361 | 4.130% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 40 | Jolteon | 3.75112% | 605 | 1.836% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 41 | Stakataka | 3.74605% | 919 | 2.789% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 42 | Abomasnow-Mega | 3.69915% | 526 | 1.596% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 43 | Hariyama | 3.60058% | 664 | 2.015% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 44 | Hoopa-Unbound | 3.55789% | 628 | 1.906% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 45 | Araquanid | 3.48361% | 986 | 2.992% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 46 | Raichu-Alola | 3.38501% | 333 | 1.010% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 47 | Gothitelle | 3.11550% | 958 | 2.907% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 48 | Gastrodon | 3.09821% | 2853 | 8.657% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 49 | Aromatisse | 3.02906% | 300 | 0.910% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 50 | Tapu Bulu | 2.92416% | 784 | 2.379% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 51 | Hippowdon | 2.79725% | 350 | 1.062% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 52 | Tyranitar-Mega | 2.78089% | 940 | 2.852% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 53 | Zeraora | 2.62961% | 1644 | 4.988% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 54 | Ninetales-Alola | 2.52415% | 1301 | 3.948% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 55 | Bronzong | 2.37040% | 565 | 1.714% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 56 | Togedemaru | 2.13921% | 295 | 0.895% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 57 | Landorus | 2.10951% | 329 | 0.998% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 58 | Cradily | 2.06733% | 1061 | 3.219% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 59 | Gardevoir-Mega | 2.05626% | 1221 | 3.705% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 60 | Blaziken-Mega | 2.02683% | 712 | 2.160% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 61 | Politoed | 1.98076% | 1183 | 3.590% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 62 | Aerodactyl-Mega | 1.87134% | 401 | 1.217% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 63 | Muk-Alola | 1.86741% | 497 | 1.508% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 64 | Cresselia | 1.83758% | 1336 | 4.054% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 65 | Manectric-Mega | 1.78860% | 754 | 2.288% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 66 | Torkoal | 1.74183% | 1250 | 3.793% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 67 | Bisharp | 1.71281% | 344 | 1.044% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 68 | Camerupt-Mega | 1.69737% | 883 | 2.679% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 69 | Scrafty | 1.66291% | 439 | 1.332% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 70 | Terrakion | 1.55785% | 509 | 1.544% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 71 | Heatran | 1.33142% | 1325 | 4.021% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 72 | Volcarona | 1.14502% | 1758 | 5.334% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 73 | Tornadus | 1.08804% | 351 | 1.065% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 74 | Victini | 1.03152% | 790 | 2.397% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 75 | Greninja | 1.00444% | 2467 | 7.486% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 76 | Diancie-Mega | 0.96751% | 782 | 2.373% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 77 | Clefairy | 0.96544% | 481 | 1.460% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 78 | Mimikyu | 0.96384% | 904 | 2.743% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 79 | Clefable | 0.96308% | 1030 | 3.125% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 80 | Garchomp | 0.95996% | 2307 | 7.000% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 81 | Aerodactyl | 0.95665% | 197 | 0.598% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 82 | Venusaur | 0.93454% | 919 | 2.789% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 83 | Scizor-Mega | 0.92030% | 332 | 1.007% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 84 | Arcanine | 0.91580% | 1336 | 4.054% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 85 | Hitmontop | 0.90629% | 633 | 1.921% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 86 | Mawile-Mega | 0.87758% | 368 | 1.117% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 87 | Typhlosion | 0.83235% | 832 | 2.525% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 88 | Deoxys-Attack | 0.82253% | 374 | 1.135% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 89 | Smeargle | 0.81706% | 861 | 2.613% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 90 | Crawdaunt | 0.80467% | 201 | 0.610% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 91 | Darmanitan | 0.79456% | 302 | 0.916% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 92 | Murkrow | 0.79045% | 504 | 1.529% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 93 | Vaporeon | 0.76768% | 554 | 1.681% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 94 | Gengar | 0.76393% | 820 | 2.488% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 95 | Suicune | 0.75303% | 544 | 1.651% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 96 | Espeon | 0.72838% | 412 | 1.250% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 97 | Malamar | 0.68894% | 434 | 1.317% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 98 | Braviary | 0.67353% | 178 | 0.540% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 99 | Infernape | 0.66590% | 661 | 2.006% | 0 | 0.000% |
| 100 | Rotom-Heat | 0.66514% | 158 | 0.479% | 0 | 0.000% |
Based on my observations for the last couple of years, I strongly believe that SM Cup usage (by and large reflecting the best players in the tier--and many more than compete in DPL) is a very good approximation for viability in the Meta. So here's what I have for this year:
Tier 2 --> Tier 1The recent SM Cup usage stats show Kart has 96 uses, compared to 100 for Metagross (though I believe that's likely to include a few non-Mega versions of Gross). That's way up from last year for both mons and, incredibly, higher than Koko at 95 (Kart could be the 4th most used mon in the tier, per SM Cup usage). Kart has a number of different viable sets, including Z Move, Sash, and (my fav) bulky attacker (with or without AV). If you want to use a Mega not named Gross or Venu, and you are not running Full Room or stall, Kart usually belongs on that team. Yes, I tried for this nom two years ago and failed, but the numbers back me up strongly since then. In fact, looking at the numbers for these past couple years, it's very clear that Kart should be added to T1 and MGross should stay in as well (I'm personally not a big fan of MGross, but it can't be denied that it still sees T1 usage in tours). The cutoff between T1 and T2 is very clearly at Zeraora, where usage drops off a cliff from 95 to 60.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2This is an easy call based on usage stats. Zeraora is now at the very top of T2 and its surging popularity has caused Koko to slide a little bit. I've become a lot more impressed by it this past year personally, as well. Zeraora is an awesome fast pivot (pivoting is incredibly important in this Meta) and is able to stall out and facilitate things well with Fake Out. It usually uses AV and Intimidate support to become pretty bulky. It can take some of Incin's FO/pivot burden if another Fire mon is being used or it can partner with Incin for double the Fake Outs/pivots and double the fun. It can also run Fire or Ice (HP) well and snipe stuff like Lando or Kart.
Tier 3--> Tier 2This is a reversal from my recommended drop two years based on the data. I said Zyg was borderline then. Now it's near the top of T2 in SM Cup usage (second only to Zeraora with 50, and far in front of anything else). It's a strong, bulky mon with several viable sets. I believe the best set is CB, which really only needs speed control to be crazy good. Zyg hits 4 of the 7 mon above it in Cup usage super effectively with Thousand Arrows, which is a money move that is literally not resisted by anything in the top 3 VR tiers.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2This is sitting at 11th in usage in SM Cup this year, while she was 8th last year. That's very clearly T2 usage. Goth is a Meta defining mon and a big reason why pivoting is so... pivotal. For all the negativity Goth got earlier this year, she had a nearly 50% win rate in the Cup (it was much higher last year), which is fine and nearly identical to that of Incin or Fini. She's not used all that much on the ladder (harder to win consistently against lower level players when Goth invites guessing games), so this isn't the ladder hero in me speaking, I assure you. Goth just definitely belongs in Tier 2 given the game changing effect she has on the current SM Meta and the extremely high usage she has seen in recent tours because of that.
Tier 3--> Tier 2I didn't touch this toadstool the last time my noms got voted on, but in the last couple years it has done very well in SM cup usage, now sitting neck and neck with Diancie at 13th. It can fit on many teams, even some that have Fini or Koko. There is a lot of TR out there and Amoonguss can help on such teams or against them and is the best redirector in the Meta, in addition to being the Meta's premiere sleep aid. Fini is used on 45.2% of teams and Koko on 32.5%. Assuming a little overlap, that's still nearly 3/4 of Cup teams carrying protection against Amoonguss, largely because of how catastrophic taking a nap can be.
Now a few more controversial takes:
Tier 3--> Tier 2This mon is borderline in usage, coming in at number 16 overall. Up until this year, I guess I thought it was kind of meh. However, I've come to see it as extremely splashable and good in high level play. Perhaps its biggest draw is that it is unpredictable. It can very credibly be running Fake Out, Stealth Rocks, Tailwind, Trick Room, Ice Beam, Earth Power, a Fire move, U-Turn or a STAB Psychic, as well as a ton of niche options. That makes it a fantastic lead, as your opponent is forced to make guesses that usually have bad risk/reward for them on the first turn (e.g., potentially getting their Lando or Ferrothorn Rocks setter 0KOd and not knowing if they get left in the dust with Tailwind or whether their own Tailwind is going to get mished by Trick Room). I'd also say it's the most reliable Stealth Rocks setter in the tier. Earth Power enables it to do decent damage on Incin and it will sometimes run a Z move, making opposing Knock Off (often the first line of defense against it) much less effective. Because of its versatility and durability, it's also one of the best Trick Room team setters, bar none.
Tier 3--> Tier 2Last year Volcanion was tied with Goth at 8th in cumulative usage in the SM Cup. This year, it's down to 18th, which is borderline, but still sports an awesome 60% win percentage. My personal feeling is that it should be T2. It's the best Incin/Fini alternative and walls both of them. It has a ton of good matchups (including vs Water) and is a particularly good partner for Goth, since so many mons don't want to be trapped with it.
Tier 3 --> Tier 2Lele's SM Cup usage is solid, coming in at 27 uses (20th overall). Its high ladder usage is even better. Though Cup usage is borderline T2/T3, along with a few other mons, I believe it belongs in Tier 2. It's the best alternative to Fini and Koko as a terrain setter and the preferred option for many kinds of teams. It's great on TR or teams trying to use status (hello Amoonguss) and can function well on other teams that want the terrain boost for something like a Mega Metagross or that just don't appreciate Fake Out.
Other borderline T2/T3 mons: Genesect usage is up a bit for this SM Cup (it was the 14th most used mon after going 43rd last year). It has still lost its former luster in my opinion, but I guess I won't try to Blaze Kick it into T4. Kingdra is good and borderline T2/T3, but it's not my favorite Swift Swimmer (it's not even my second favorite). It isn't very consistent and struggles mightily with the ever-present Fini. Its sub 42% win rate no doubt reflects that. Politoed's 33% win rate is ridiculously bad. Zapdos is fine, but T3 feels like a good fit for it to me currently (Zeraora is giving T2 a solid Electric option). Bulu was actually used slightly more than Lele this year, but I'm gonna go with T3 for it, since I think it's usually an inferior terrain option on top teams.
So, to take a step back, if all my above noms were accepted (yeah right
), we'd have 6 mons in Tier 1 (I don't actually see how you could credibly leave any of Koko, MGross or Kart out of T1, given their usage stats which are similar and all more than twice that of anything else currently in T2) and 10 mons in Tier 2. Given the much larger size of the later tiers, I think this is perfectly reasonable and would be more helpful to players than the current lopsided VR (only 4 mons in T2!), which doesn't reflect the wealth of good options for team building in SM DOU. (Side Note: The current VR for SV DOU is a counterexample to the balance and use based practical viability I'm recommending here. Having exactly 1 mon, Flutter Mane, in T1, while T2 has 10 mons and T4 and 5 each have ~20 frankly seems ridiculous to me. It's not helpful to new players either really and encourages the tier to be even more centered around FM use. If you guys really think it's in a world by itself, ban it... again!) Tier 4 --> Tier 3As the 18th most used mon in SM Cup (tied with Volcanion), Bulu definitely belongs in T3 at least. It had very good showings the last few years of SM Cup. Last year, it had more usage than T3 staples like Zapdos and Kingdra. As one of only 4 terrain setters (and the only one that can 0KO all the rest with its own terrain set), fitting well on a number of teams, including both TR and TW, as well as teams seeking to exploit status or wanting healing for stall, it's really a key part of the Meta for this gen and doesn't deserve to be relegated to T4.
Tier 4--> Tier3This mon was 25th in SM Cup usage, compared to 20 for Politoed (22 uses compared to 27), but it had almost twice the win percentage! It's a solid mon and one of two very viable rain setters in the Meta. It can set Tailwind for speed control and has a lot more offensive presence than Politoed with Hurricane, which is great for a lot of stuff that gives rain major problems, like Mega Venu and opposing Ludicolo. Both Sash and Damp Rock help it get the job done in setting Rain for many turns. I personally prefer it to Politoed in most cases, but I'd say they are both clearly T3.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4I don't get the Ludi disrespecters. He's great on rain. He was 29th in usage in SM Cup this year with 18 uses, well ahead of Swampert with 7 (Mega and non-Mega versions). He's used much more than Kingdra on the high ladder (mostly thanks to me if I'm honest). The numbers for him are very consistent. Maybe T3 could be a stretch (though I personally think he belongs with Kingdra), but he's not a T5 mon any more than other rain team staples would be.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4This mon was tied for 18th in usage in the SM Cup last year, but is 33rd this year. That's still the upper the upper end of how I would classify T4. She's very versatile; a premiere Room setter and support mon with a useful ground immunity.
Tier 5 --> Tier 4With 14 uses (37th overall) this mon had twice the SM Cup usage of Nihilego or Swampert. It's a mon you really have to prepare for in the builder (or it will stall you to death) and it fits well on a number of different teams that, for one reason or another, don't have another Steel type on them, need something slow and stallish or are stacking too many ground weaknesses.
Tier 4 --> Tier 5With only 7 uses in this SM Cup (and only 3 last year), this mon hasn't been particularly impressive. It has an awkward speed tier for what it wants to do and, while specially strong, is physically frail and not easy to fit on most top teams.
Tier 5 drops and adds:
and had 2 and 1 uses respectively in the recent SM Cup (they were 1 each last year). had 2. I'd make them UR ( with 4 SM Cup uses is now more viable on a good team--I'd give it T5). Meanwhile, these two currently UR mons saw more significant SM Cup usage:(9), (8). I'd put them in T5. TR is very viable and these can see use out of Full Room. T5 should also follow actual use--Tsareena, for instance, is a good mon with an awesome ability, but in SM I see Ferrothorn (and worry about how to ensure my team can KO it) much more often and I'd frankly find it easier to fit Ferrothorn on my own team (e.g., for stall or water/TR defense). only had 3 SM Cup uses (down from 5 last year), but I still believe it's T5. makes a decent case for T5 with 5 uses. had 3 Cup uses (with 2 wins!) this year (while Milotic, which I believe to be a solid, perennial T5 mon, only had 2 uses). I still feel like it should be T5 personally (Everyone's gotta have a dream!)
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1 -> 2
2 -> 3
5 -> UR
T4 -> T5
T4 -> T3
T5 -> UR
