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Competitive Pokémon icon

Competitive Pokémon

The forum designed for all of your competitive Pokémon needs! Here you can discuss the metagame, receive help on your team, ask for battles, participate in events, and much more!

Event

Fortune Championship

gimmepie, Sep 2021: What's this about Nitro being over?

8 6,477

Started by gimmepie

Featured

The NEW Showdown Alt thread

Arcaneum, Jan 2021: Invictus Isawa Rabinov Rabinova PC Rabinov Arcaneum

2 8,970

Started by gimmepie

Battle Server Support

SawkTheWarrior, Aug 2020: Thanks!!

3 14,333

Started by wolf

Rules

Events & Groups Approval

wolf, Apr 2020: We allow them. :)

8 7,528

Started by wolf

Replay Sharing Thread

ARSOO_95, Jan 2020: I think the replay data is available on your Switch SD card, maybe you just need to convert it to a clip first in the Smash interface? After that you can just upload it to YouTube,

1 20,121

Started by Sirfetch’d

Rules

Guidelines & Resources

wolf, Jul 2017: Guidelines & ResourcesGeneral Guidelines ・For submitting events and groups, look at the Events & Groups Approval thread instead. ・Don't make a new thread regarding a topic that has been posted in the last thirty days. ・Don't make a thread that...

0 7,140

Started by wolf

Tournament - Gen 8 Uber

Sheep, Jun 2021: Hi, as per the rules: While I completely understand you're just trying to gather Pokémon fans for a fun tournament, we really prefer people not join solely to benefit their own project. Feel free to leave links in your forum signature though!...

1 5,636

Started by Versedesigns

Help Me Finish

Would this be a good support team?

LyrahHipnos, Jan 2021: Oh jeez okay, I am stupid, never mind what I said about not knowing why my reply was hidden-

3 8,779

Started by LyrahHipnos

[gen 3] Whats the average sleep/confusion time?

Saad4206969, Dec 2020: Sleep and confusion both last 2-5 turns in Gen 3. Sleep turns are burnt when you use a move while asleep, and the timer reset is only a mechanic introduced in gen 5(and was removed subsequently) and doesn't apply to gen 3. I.e, if you've burned a...

4 10,865

Started by blaca

RMT

I put you in a DROUGHT when you try to ice me out

Mobile Tsk, Dec 2020: I missed this response before. Thanks for the feedback. I agree that Earth Power could be slotted over either STAB move.

4 10,269

Started by Mobile Tsk

Balancing the entire Pokemon roster so far.

faf, Nov 2020: Hello! I've moved your thread over to Competitive Pokémon because the goal is to balance Pokémon and therefore more suiting here.

1 10,061

Started by Fates-Blade

Hidden Gems on Your Team

Antimony 721, Nov 2020: Swellow @ Heavy-Duty Boots Ability: Scrappy EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Timid Nature IVs: 0 Atk - Boomburst - Endeavor - Substitute - Heat Wave

5 10,919

Started by JadeMarauder

Crown Tundra

gimmepie, Nov 2020: With Crown Tundra now available, some potentially major players have been (re)introduced into the meta. How do you think this will effect things?

0 10,165

Started by gimmepie

Daily

Aaron Takes on Showdown

(2 pages)

Dark Azelf, Oct 2020: Tyranitar @ Leftovers Ability: Sand Stream EVs: 252 HP / 52 Atk / 176 SpA / 28 Spe Quiet Nature - Substitute - Focus Punch - Dark Pulse - Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Thundebolt Yeah i went old school. Use it. ;)

28 13,433

Started by Arcaneum

Should there be a special/physical variant of certain items/abilities?

Mobile Tsk, Oct 2020: It would be interesting to see the impact on competitive Pokemon. Honestly, either one could allow for some pretty iron clad walls, as you could run Intimidate + physical AV (or vice versa) and end up with some excellent switch-ins to key offensive...

1 10,163

Started by CapCamGaming

Which formats do you enjoy/battle in most?

Mobile Tsk, Oct 2020: I have traditionally enjoyed UU/RU in previous gens, particularly Gen 6-7. I took a prolonged break during Gen 5, though it looks like I missed a really interesting generation. It's now been pretty much ruined with the subsequent rule changes. I...

3 10,184

Started by NikolaP

Article

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Third Time's the Charm (Week 3)

gimmepie, Oct 2020: I'm glad you enjoyed Indeedee lol. Consider us even for the Mew last time.

2 10,107

Started by Arcaneum

Event

PC VGC Showdown

Ranko, Oct 2020: GGs everyone!! I had a lot of fun!

13 11,413

Started by gimmepie

Article

Competitive Concepts: Terrain

We’ve discussed weather, now let’s look at how terrain is shaping competitive Pokémon metagames.
Mobile Tsk, Sep 2020: Thanks for double checking me there - it is really fascinating to see the way that the list of moves and usable strategies has changed over time. The one thing that I neglected to mention in my previous post was the new possibilities granted to...

3 11,888

Started by gimmepie

Team Building Help

gimmepie, Sep 2020: What metagame is this for? OU? Kingdra is a fantastic rain sweeper.

2 1,283

Started by Skaf03

Daily

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Terrible Twos (Week 2)

Arcaneum, Sep 2020: Week Two in the Aaron Takes on Showdown series proved to be a tough run for the ladder this week with one of the craziest leads in the business. Curious? Check the attached article to find out what torture you subjected me to over the last week. ...

0 10,187

Started by Arcaneum

Battle Server Support

(20 pages)

Selenagobella, Aug 2020: Thank you very much for writing such an interesting article on this topic. This has really made me think and I hope to read more.

477 250,061

Started by wolf

Daily

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Week 1(Revival)

Arcaneum, Aug 2020: Bringing back an old fave, I take on Smogon's ladder with a bunch of Pokémon picked by you lovelies - see how I did in this week's article! Interested? Make sure to go here to submit your own sets for each of these articles; the crazier the...

0 9,973

Started by Arcaneum

Looking for new strats

NikolaP, Aug 2020: I suggest checking out various competitive battling reddit subs (r/stunfisk, r/vgc...). People show some very cool ideas there with very clear and helpful explanations, often featuring not often used Pokémon. They often include a rental code so that...

1 9,868

Started by Couch Pilot Games

cursola EV spread/coverage advice?

sleepydragon, Aug 2020: i SO totally forgot about trick room's negative priority and youre entirely right. im thinking i might switch to a bulkier setter like hatterene both for a check to dark types like krookodile and the like as well as being immune to stuff like taunt...

3 10,225

Started by sleepydragon

Article

Competitive Concepts: Weather

Learn about the impact of weather conditions on competitive Pokémon.
gimmepie, Aug 2020: No idea, but it'd be nice if it did.

4 10,587

Started by gimmepie

Help Me Start

Modest or Timid nature for Choice Specs Dragapult?

gimmepie, Aug 2020: You've already asked this in a thread in this section, so I'll be closing this one. I did answer your other one though, so take a look!

1 9,369

Started by Shuckle99

How to get into Competitive Pokémon

MarkChu, Aug 2020: Thank you wow! This is wise :)

6 10,925

Started by enderkool

Modest or Timid Nature for Dragapult?

gimmepie, Aug 2020: Personally, I think I'd go for the Modest option since Dragapult already outspeeds just about everything. The only reason I can think of to run Timid is to outspeed Adamant or Modest Zeraora, but you're still going to be slower than the Timid/Jolly...

3 9,498

Started by Shuckle99

I'm new and looking to battle

MarkChu, Aug 2020: So am I, simply :))

3 10,790

Started by Whitney prime

Article

Women's Only VGC Tournament on September 5

AlexaRoss0908, Aug 2020: It's great that they are doing it! Hopefully women won't become victims of inappropriate of men

8 10,443

Started by Rivvon

RMT

Sword/Shield Ranked Battles Team

Sabrina215, Aug 2020: thanks for the tips ! I have changed my team around a bit based off your suggestions. My team is now looking like this: Shuckle (F) @ Mental Herb Ability: Contrary Shiny: Yes EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD Sassy Nature - Sticky Web...

2 8,342

Started by Sabrina215

Help Me Start

Want to Learn

gimmepie, Aug 2020: Do you want to play VGC or a Smogon tier? It sounds like VGC since you're talking about the actual games. I can't help too much with the meta stuff for that format or with breeding, but I do have some general advice. 1. Learn the meta you want to...

1 7,799

Started by KitsuV

Group

Quarantine Advance?

gimmepie, Aug 2020: I'm not very familiar with the ADV OU meta, and I'm not really a huge fan of the post physical/special split gameplay. That being said, if this is going to be a fairly light commitment I'd be up for giving it a go.

2 7,706

Started by Anti

RMT

Rate my team!

Ace Trainer Slash, Jul 2020: Hello. I've seen your team, and I believe it is pretty good aside from a few edits to your moves. This is what I've observed: Firstly, seeing that you're playing VGC 2020... I don't think you should run Earthquake. Pokemon like your Tyranitar you...

3 1,023

Started by Hafiram

Need help with my Pokémon Team

Gavoca, Jul 2020: maybe replace grimsnarl's dazzling gleam with spirit break

3 12,211

Started by Xaldrov

Help Me Start

Post your or paste your POKEMON SHOWDOWN moment

gimmepie, Jul 2020: It's not exactly clear what this thread is asking for, so I'm going to close it. Feel free to post a new, more specific thread.

1 7,516

Started by Gavoca

OU Battles

drago0202, Jul 2020: I know, but I also enjoy playing on the switch. I have all of the battle ready Pokémon and there are a few people that I play with.

2 7,260

Started by drago0202

Help Me Start

Which format is best for beginners?

gimmepie, Jul 2020: Generally speaking, I recommend OU as your starting place just because it's the "standard" meta game with the biggest playerbase. Honestly though, you can focus on any tier you like it just means learning a different meta. If you want to keep...

1 7,611

Started by Tchukkelz

Monotype Battler

Yollaxi, Jul 2020: Hi guys. I have an ongoing thread on the Travels section where I've been creating competitive Monotype teams and doing run-throughs with them. All with specific VGC Tactics. There are currently a Fighting, Steel, Grass, Normal and Dark teams...

0 7,038

Started by Yollaxi

Help Me Start

Need Help First Competitive Team Attempt

Saиdmaи, Jul 2020: There are many team builders online or apps which show you the type weaknesses and resistances of your team. Besides typings, Pokémon can be used in different ways but many times a certain build works wonders with a matching movest. One to soak up...

1 7,107

Started by Baby Geralt

Help Me Start

Miltank builds?

faf, Jul 2020: Miltank is better suited as Pokémon that can sponge hit thanks to Thick Fat as well as heal itself. This was the set used last gen: Miltank @ Leftovers Ability: Thick Fat EVs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 20 Spe Calm Nature - Stealth Rock - Seismic...

2 7,971

Started by midnitedecision

Help Me Start

Help with EV training

faf, Jun 2020: It's highly likely your Heracross has 5 IVs in Attack assuming you have poured 252 Attack EVs in.

1 664

Started by Smashtheroof

Help Me Start

Help me build a Specific Pokemon Team

faf, Jun 2020: I'm assuming this is for Gen 7? I'm not overly familiar with monotype but I'll give my thoughts anyways! For Electric, Rotom (especially Wash) is definitely a handy Pokémon to use as it avoids a Ground weakness overlap (unless Mold Breaker) and...

1 6,476

Started by Agge220

Event

Sword and Shield OU Tournament

(2 pages)

faf, Jun 2020: Even though I was only in one round, that was a lot of fun, thank you for hosting and I'm definitely looking forward to the next one! Note to self, 5 minute built untested teams are not ideal. :P

35 9,089

Started by Sirfetch’d

Article

Pokémon Spotlight: All Things Greedent!

joggerdev, Jun 2020: Belly drum was a surprisingly decent move on it.

2 10,224

Started by Ranko

Help Me Finish

Help Rounding Out a Team for Charizard/Dragapult Counter

joggerdev, Jun 2020: Use a Rhyperior. Great physical blanket check and not one that people come prepared for.

10 7,282

Started by Mocrispy

RMT

Lucario team

il3, Jun 2020: Lucario @ Expert Belt Ability: Inner Focus Shiny: Yes EVs: 52 HP / 252 Atk / 204 Def Adamant Nature - Bullet Punch - Close Combat - Meteor Mash - Shadow Claw

0 5,814

Started by il3

What Generation of Pokemon is your favorite?

Rengoku, Jun 2020: I grew up playing since Red version and my top favourite have to be generation 4-- With the introduction of Distortion World and Giratina backstory in Platinum, in my opinion battling the strongest Champion Cynthia, in between Sinjoh Ruins to create...

5 6,299

Started by FIRELORD_FITNESS

Dracovish banned from OU

FIRELORD_FITNESS, Jun 2020: There are more fish in the sea. Let's see what teams become popular :)

3 6,232

Started by HeroLinik

RMT

🐲 MONOTYPE DRAGON 🐲

FIRELORD_FITNESS, Jun 2020: A better set for Garchomp is Jolly Rocks/SD/EQ/Outrage. You will threaten way more with it. If your opponent has togekiss or skarm or something, predict for those and switch another poke in. Or perhaps run a magnezone to trap steels/check fairys...

5 9,308

Started by serp3ntes

Dracovish suspect test in OU

FIRELORD_FITNESS, Jun 2020: It overcentralizes the meta game, thought tbh this could be said of a pokemon like landorus-t in the last generation. While dracovish does have some counters, there are only a few, so your team building is heavily restricted.

13 7,503

Started by HeroLinik

Help Me Finish

This is my thinking for a competitive team. Any changes?

DragonKing48, Jun 2020: Garchomp only has Ice and Fairy weakness besides Dragon. Iron Head takes care of both instead of Crunch.

4 10,208

Started by Noctis

(Spoiler Alert) DLC Speculation

Mobile Tsk, Jun 2020: We have a few weeks to speculate about the Isle of Armor DLC pack and then a few months after that to continue speculating about the Crown Tundra DLC pack. However, while it can be quite hard to speculate regarding the impact of new Pokemon for...

0 4,865

Started by Mobile Tsk

Article

Yamper in SwSh Little Cup

Yamper is a fan favourite Pokémon, but how viable is it in its home tier of Little Cup?
gimmepie, May 2020: Pretty much a summary of the article right there xD Chinchou is absolutely the premier Electric type in LC.

2 5,764

Started by gimmepie

Event

Sword and Shield Random Tournament

(2 pages)

gimmepie, May 2020: That thing got scary and would have flat out murdered me without Toxic Spikes doing their thing.

26 7,036

Started by gimmepie

Forum Tools	Search this Forum
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Categories

Fortune Championship

The NEW Showdown Alt thread

Battle Server Support

Events & Groups Approval

Replay Sharing Thread

Guidelines & Resources

Tournament - Gen 8 Uber

Would this be a good support team?

[gen 3] Whats the average sleep/confusion time?

I put you in a DROUGHT when you try to ice me out

Balancing the entire Pokemon roster so far.

Hidden Gems on Your Team

Crown Tundra

Aaron Takes on Showdown

Should there be a special/physical variant of certain items/abilities?

Which formats do you enjoy/battle in most?

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Third Time's the Charm (Week 3)

PC VGC Showdown

Competitive Concepts: Terrain

Team Building Help

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Terrible Twos (Week 2)

Battle Server Support

Aaron Takes on Showdown - Week 1(Revival)

Looking for new strats

cursola EV spread/coverage advice?

Competitive Concepts: Weather

Modest or Timid nature for Choice Specs Dragapult?

How to get into Competitive Pokémon

Modest or Timid Nature for Dragapult?

I'm new and looking to battle

Women's Only VGC Tournament on September 5

Sword/Shield Ranked Battles Team

Want to Learn

Quarantine Advance?

Rate my team!

Need help with my Pokémon Team

Post your or paste your POKEMON SHOWDOWN moment

OU Battles

Which format is best for beginners?

Monotype Battler

Need Help First Competitive Team Attempt

Miltank builds?

Help with EV training

Help me build a Specific Pokemon Team

Sword and Shield OU Tournament

Pokémon Spotlight: All Things Greedent!

Help Rounding Out a Team for Charizard/Dragapult Counter

Lucario team

What Generation of Pokemon is your favorite?

Dracovish banned from OU

🐲 MONOTYPE DRAGON 🐲

Dracovish suspect test in OU

This is my thinking for a competitive team. Any changes?

(Spoiler Alert) DLC Speculation

Yamper in SwSh Little Cup

Sword and Shield Random Tournament