Pokemon tier lists are essential tools for competitive players looking to build winning teams. This comprehensive guide ranks all Pokemon based on their viability in different competitive formats including Smogon's OU tier, VGC tournament results, and Scarlet and Violet's Regulation G ruleset. Whether you're a seasoned competitive player or just starting your journey, this tier list will help you understand which Pokemon dominate the current meta and why.
| Tier System | Top Pokemon | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smogon OU | Zamazenta, Dragonite, Gholdengo | Usage-based, community-driven | Singles competitive play |
| VGC 2024 | Rapid Strike Urshifu, Incineroar, Rillaboom | Tournament results, doubles format | Official competitive play |
| Regulation G | Calyrex forms, Ogerpon, Miraidon | Includes restricted Pokemon | Current SV ranked battles |
| Community/Fan | Variable, user-generated | Personal preference, fun | Casual play, team building |
Before diving into specific rankings, it's crucial to understand that Pokemon tier lists vary significantly depending on the competitive format and ranking methodology. Different systems prioritize different aspects of Pokemon viability, from raw power to tournament usage statistics.
Contents
Smogon University maintains the most respected competitive Pokemon tier system, which categorizes Pokemon based on their usage and power in singles battles. The system consists of six main tiers:
The Video Game Championships (VGC) format uses a different approach, ranking Pokemon based on actual tournament results and usage statistics. This system reflects which Pokemon players are actually winning with in official competitions, making it highly practical for aspiring competitive players.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Regulation G ruleset (active January 6 - April 30, 2025) allows previously restricted Pokemon including most legendaries and paradox Pokemon. This creates a unique metagame where powerful Pokemon that are normally banned in other formats can shine.
The current Smogon OU metagame features a diverse range of Pokemon, with defensive and offensive threats balanced across different tiers. Here's the complete ranking based on community voting and council decisions:
Based on actual tournament results and usage statistics from Limitless VGC, here are the top-performing Pokemon in official Video Game Championships:
Regulation G allows previously restricted Pokemon, creating a unique metagame where legendary and paradox Pokemon dominate. Here's the current tier list for Scarlet and Violet ranked battles:
Understanding how Pokemon are ranked is crucial for interpreting tier lists correctly. Different systems use different criteria, and knowing these helps you make informed decisions about team building.
Smogon's tier system is primarily usage-based but also considers:
Usage Statistics: Pokemon are ranked based on how frequently they appear in high-level matches. The OU tier specifically requires a minimum usage threshold of approximately 1 in every 20 teams.
Community Input: Experienced players and council members discuss and vote on rankings, considering tournament results and metagame developments.
Viability Factors: Beyond usage, factors like team support requirements, matchup spreads, and set versatility influence rankings.
Metagame Impact: Pokemon that significantly shape the metagame through their presence or absence are given special consideration.
VGC rankings focus on actual tournament performance:
Tournament Results: Pokemon are ranked based on their performance in official tournaments and major events.
Usage Percentage: The percentage of teams that include each Pokemon in winning lineups.
Win Rate: How often teams featuring specific Pokemon achieve victory in tournament settings.
Team Synergy: How well Pokemon work within the doubles format and common team archetypes.
Regulation G rankings account for:
Restricted Pokemon: The inclusion of normally banned legendary Pokemon dramatically shifts the metagame.
Tera Mechanics: Stellar Tera Type legality adds another layer of complexity to Pokemon evaluations.
DLC Content: All Pokemon from the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC are legal, expanding the available pool significantly.
Understanding tier lists is one thing; building effective teams is another. Here's how to use this information to construct winning teams:
Balance is Key: Include Pokemon from different tiers to create a well-rounded team. Don't just stack S-tier Pokemon without considering synergy.
Cover Weaknesses: Use tier lists to identify Pokemon that cover your team's defensive and offensive weaknesses.
Consider Archetypes: Different metagames favor different team styles (hyper offense, balance, stall, etc.). Choose Pokemon that fit your preferred playstyle.
Account for Meta: Higher-tier Pokemon will appear more frequently, so prepare your team to handle common threats.
As you become more familiar with competitive Pokemon, you'll encounter more nuanced concepts that affect tier placements and team building decisions.
Tier lists are not static; they evolve as metagames develop. Factors that cause tier shifts include:
New Strategies: Players discovering innovative sets or team compositions can elevate previously underrated Pokemon.
Metagame Adaptation: As players adapt to common threats, counters rise in usage while previously dominant Pokemon may fall.
Tournament Results: High-profile tournament performances can dramatically shift perceptions of Pokemon viability.
Balance Changes: While rare in Pokemon, game updates or new releases can significantly impact tier placements.
Don't overlook Pokemon in lower tiers; they often have specific niches that can be exploited:
Surprise Factor: Unexpected Pokemon can catch opponents off guard, leading to easy wins.
Specialized Roles: Lower-tier Pokemon often excel at specific tasks that higher-tier options can't perform as effectively.
Team Synergy: Some Pokemon perform better in specific team compositions than their tier ranking would suggest.
Underrated Potential: The community sometimes undervalues Pokemon that have hidden strengths or unexplored potential.
Staying updated with the latest tier list developments requires access to active communities and resources. Here are the most valuable sources:
Smogon University (smogon.com): The premier competitive Pokemon community with detailed tier lists, strategy articles, and active forums.
Pokemon Showdown (pokemonshowdown.com): The most popular online battle simulator with built-in tier systems and active ladder play.
Limitless VGC (limitlessvgc.com): The leading VGC community with tournament results, team reports, and usage statistics.
Game8 (game8.co): Comprehensive game guides including current Regulation tier lists and battle strategies.
Reddit Communities:
Discord Servers:
Social Media:
There is no single "most accurate" tier list as accuracy depends on the competitive format and ranking criteria. Smogon's OU tier is most respected for singles play, VGC rankings reflect actual tournament performance, and Regulation G lists are specific to current Scarlet and Violet ranked battles. The best approach is to consult multiple sources and understand their different methodologies.
Tier list frequency varies by system:
Absolutely! Lower-tier Pokemon often have specific niches, surprise factor, or excel in particular team compositions. Many tournament-winning teams feature underrated Pokemon that catch opponents off guard. The key is understanding why a Pokemon is ranked lower and building around its strengths while mitigating its weaknesses.
Smogon tiers focus on singles battles and are primarily usage-based with community input, while VGC rankings reflect actual doubles tournament performance. Smogon bans overly powerful Pokemon to Ubers, while VGC allows most Pokemon but restricts how many "restricted" Pokemon can be used per team.
Start by studying high-tier Pokemon and understanding why they're ranked highly. Build a core of 2-3 Pokemon that work well together, then fill remaining slots to cover weaknesses and provide necessary support. Practice extensively on Pokemon Showdown or in-game battles, and don't be afraid to experiment with lower-tier Pokemon that fit your playstyle.
Not necessarily. While many legendary Pokemon have excellent stats and abilities, they're often restricted in official formats or banned in competitive tiers. Some non-legendary Pokemon like Incineroar, Rillaboom, and Gholdengo consistently outperform many legendaries due to better typing, movepools, or team synergy.
Team synergy is arguably more important than individual strength. A well-built team of B-tier Pokemon with excellent synergy will often defeat a poorly constructed team of S-tier Pokemon. Focus on creating teams where each member supports the others and covers collective weaknesses.
Pokemon tier lists are invaluable tools for competitive players, but they're just the beginning of your competitive journey. The true art lies in understanding why Pokemon are ranked where they are, how to build effective teams around these rankings, and when to break from conventional wisdom with innovative strategies.
Remember that tier lists evolve constantly as metagames develop and players discover new approaches. Stay engaged with the community, practice regularly, and don't be afraid to experiment with your own ideas. The most successful competitive players are those who understand the current meta but can also adapt and innovate.
Whether you're aiming for top placements in VGC tournaments, climbing the Smogon OU ladder, or dominating Scarlet and Violet ranked battles, this comprehensive tier list guide provides the foundation you need to succeed. Keep learning, stay updated with the latest developments, and most importantly, enjoy the strategic depth that competitive Pokemon offers.
Ready to take your Pokemon battles to the next level? Bookmark this guide and check back regularly for updates as the metagame evolves!