NU predictions for X&Y

[Boilurn]

We have definitely been talking about which Pokemon will be taking a chance at Ubers, considering the recent changes to some of the moves and types. But here's another question: Which Pokemon do you think would be so disadvantaged in the new gen that it will fall to the NU tier? Any of *smogon.com link removed* may do if you want a list.

Personally, I think Lilligant and Galvantula will drop down, because these are special attackers that utilize Hidden Power for coverage (and to make things worse for Galvantula, Thunder's power has dropped, and the fact that he is the only user that can use this move effectively does him no favors).

 

[PlatinumDude]

I wouldn't say that Galvantula would drop down to NU. Sure, Thunder got nerfed, but it gained Sticky Web in Gen VI. Apart from Smeargle, it's the most viable user of the move. It doesn't really rely on Hidden Power for coverage, since it can just Volt Switch to an appropriate counter.

I think that Furfrou would be a newcomer for NU. It has a good ability in Fur Coat sure, but it lacks reliable recovery.

 

[wolf]

Do you know of Sticky Web? It's basically an entry hazard that drops the Speed of any grounded Pokemon that switch in (https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Sticky_Web_(move)). That'll easily make Galvantula OU, as it is the best user of the move aside from maybe Smeargle or Leavanny.

 

[Kanzler]

So sticky web's going to cripple strategies around grounded sweepers? Would it turn out to be effectively a buff for flying types?

 

[PlatinumDude]

So sticky web's going to cripple strategies around grounded sweepers? Would it turn out to be effectively a buff for flying types?

Not exactly. They're just immune to it. Galvantula can just smack them with STAB Thunder.

 

[wolf]

It'll certainly buff them to a certain extent, just like how they are immune to (Toxic) Spikes. It would make up for the Stealth Rock weakness. However, what would receive a larger boost in usage are bulky Rapid Spinners like Mega Blastoise and Defoggers like Gliscor, Skarmory, Lati@s, and Scizor.

Also if the OP doesn't mind, I'm going to make a sister thread for usage predictions in general that aren't severe enough for NU.

 

[Boilurn]

Do you know of Sticky Web? It's basically an entry hazard that drops the Speed of any grounded Pokemon that switch in (https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Sticky_Web_(move)). That'll easily make Galvantula OU, as it is the best user of the move aside from maybe Smeargle or Leavanny.

Well, I totally forgot that Galvantula's moveset has been updated and therefore I never thought that he had sticky web. I could tell by looking at all the other Pokemon that he is the best user of this move because he's the fastest user of it. If it wasn't for that then I'd still think it would drop to NU. That move would certainly cripple fast frail grounded sweepers such as Jolteon unless they carry an Air Balloon by surprise. Bulky Pokemon that don't invest in speed, such as Registeel, won't mind the speed drop however, so sticky web is, like every other entry hazard, isn't guaranteed to work on all opposing Pokemon.

 

[Hikamaru]

I wouldn't say that Galvantula would drop down to NU. Sure, Thunder got nerfed, but it gained Sticky Web in Gen VI. Apart from Smeargle, it's the most viable user of the move. It doesn't really rely on Hidden Power for coverage, since it can just Volt Switch to an appropriate counter.

I have a feeling Galvantula may get some good usage with this generation due to Sticky Web, that new entry hazard that cuts the Speed of Pokemon that aren't Flying-type (I assume it might include Levitate Pokemon as well) and even though Flying-types are immune, it can basically smack most of them with STAB-boosted Compound Eyes Thunder. Thunder may have had its BP weakened a bit this generation, but it's still a good abuser for Galvantula's Compound Eyes.

And as he mentioned, if another Pokemon needs to come out it can just Volt Switch on most opponents.