How to Read This Tier List
This tier list evaluates Pokémon based on three core factors: raw combat performance at their star level, synergy contribution to popular compositions, and flexibility — how many different team builds they fit into. A Pokémon can be S-tier in the right comp but C-tier when forced awkwardly.
Tiers are defined as follows:
- S Tier: Game-defining units. Build around them whenever possible.
- A Tier: Strong, reliable picks that slot into multiple compositions.
- B Tier: Solid role-players. Great in their intended comp, limited outside it.
- C Tier: Situational picks. Only slot in if synergies demand it.
S Tier — Game-Defining Pokémon
| Pokémon | Type/Trait | Role | Why They're S Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mewtwo | Psychic | Late-game nuke | Devastating special attack; anchors full Psychic compositions |
| Garchomp | Dragon / Ground | Front-line bruiser | Exceptional bulk and damage; fits Dragon and Ground synergies |
| Togekiss | Fairy / Flying | Support carry | Heals and buffs allies while dealing consistent damage |
| Gyarados | Water / Dragon | Sweeper | Massive attack range; activates both Water and Dragon bonuses |
A Tier — Strong, Consistent Picks
| Pokémon | Type/Trait | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gengar | Ghost / Poison | DPS / Debuffer | Reliable damage with crowd-control utility |
| Tyranitar | Rock / Dark | Tank | Absorbs huge amounts of damage; enables Dark synergy |
| Blaziken | Fire / Fighting | Aggressive carry | High damage output; transitions smoothly mid-to-late game |
| Umbreon | Dark | Defensive anchor | Exceptional survivability and team-wide Dark buff enabler |
B Tier — Reliable Role-Players
- Machamp (Fighting): Excellent frontline brawler in Fighting-heavy comps.
- Clefable (Fairy / Normal): Provides Fairy buff completion; decent bulk.
- Vaporeon (Water): Consistent Water synergy enabler with solid HP.
- Alakazam (Psychic): Strong damage in Psychic teams but fragile without protection.
- Electrode (Electric): Grants key Electric synergy; useful board control.
C Tier — Situational Picks
- Farfetch'd: Niche utility only in very specific Flying compositions.
- Sudowoodo: Decent filler tank but outclassed in most lobbies.
- Sunflora: Grass synergy contributor but lacks standalone impact.
Key Takeaways
A few important things to remember when using this tier list:
- Tier lists are meta-dependent. Balance patches frequently shift what's strong — always check recent patch notes alongside this list.
- 3-star B tier beats 1-star S tier. A fully upgraded B-tier unit almost always outperforms an un-upgraded S-tier one.
- Synergy multiplies value. An A-tier Pokémon completing a powerful 6-piece synergy can outperform an S-tier pick that doesn't fit your comp.
- Contested picks lose value. If you're fighting four other players for the same Pokémon, pivot — the scarcity alone drops their effective value.
Check back as the meta evolves. Tier lists are living documents, and what's dominant today may be balanced or reworked in the next patch.