Best Pokemon Tier List For Ranked Battle: October 2020 | Pokemon Sword and Shield

This is our tier list for the strongest Pokemon for Ranked Battle in the games Pokemon Sword and Shield. If you're planning on getting into Ranked Battle, but don't know what Pokemon to start with, this list will get you started in the right direction. Read on for details about which Pokemon the strongest trainers are using in online play.

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Tier List		Best Builds		Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams

Tier List Contenders for Series 7 (Crown Tundra)

Ranked Battle Series 7 will include a host of Pokemon introduced in the Crown Tundra DLC, including a number of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon. Even with the return of the banned Pokemon from Series 6, we're likely to see a Tier List different from any before.

All Tier List Contenders

S Tier (!)
Landorus (Therian Forme)	Dragonite	Celesteela	Tapu Fini
A Tier
Garchomp	Salamence	Heatran	Galarian Zapdos
Tapu Lele	Zapdos	Thundurus	Metagross
B Tier
Naganadel	Pheromosa	Nihilego	Tapu Koko
Latios	Suicune	Galarian Moltres	Blaziken

Our guide to Tier List Contenders has full explanations of all the Pokemon you'll want to get ready for Series 7!
Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders

Returning Pokemon in Series 7

The Pokemon who have been banned from Ranked Battle in Series 6 are returning as well. The following Pokemon will be back in the ring starting November 1st!

All Returning Pokemon

Venusaur	Gyarados	Porygon2	Tyranitar
Torkoal	Hippowdon	Magnezone	Togekiss
Excadrill	Whimsicott	Incineroar	Mimikyu
Rillaboom	Cinderace	Indeedee	Dragapult

Ranked Battle Series 7 Rules

Tier List Updates as of 2020/10/19

Tier	Changes
Tier 1	No Change
Tier 2	Grimmsnarl ↑
Tier 3	Sylveon ↑ Snorlax ↓
Tier 4	Porygon-Z ↓
Delisted	No Change

*Delisted Pokemon do not include those who are Banned from usage.

Best Pokemon Tier List For Ranked Battle

This tier list is based on the Pokemon HOME Pokemon Rankings for Series 6, beginning on September 1st.

Which Pokemon do you think will prove to be the strongest in Series 7? Let your voice be heard!

Click a Pokemon to jump to their explanation.

Tier 1
Dracozolt	Urshifu Rapid-Strike	Primarina
Tier 2
Charizard	Diggersby	Gengar
Urshifu Single-Strike	Rhyperior	Heat Rotom
Azumarill	Ferrothorn	Grimmsnarl
Tier 3
Snorlax	Hydreigon	Alolan Ninetales
Clefable	Aegislash	Volcarona
Amoonguss	Corviknight	Sylveon
Tier 4
Porygon-Z	Blissey	Scizor
Lapras	Goodra	Durant
Arcanine	Wash Rotom	Dracovish

Hall of Fame

The following Pokemon were previously found on the Tier List, but were eliminated due to new rule changes in Series 6. We're hoping to see them back again next season!

Tier 1
Cinderace	Togekiss	Dragapult
Tier 2
Porygon2	Rillaboom	Hippowdon
Gyarados	Excadrill	Magnezone
Tier 4
Whimsicott	Tyranitar	-

Best Pokemon - Tier 1

Ranked Battle Series 6's metagame is dominated by bulkier attacks. Although speed creep is no longer an issue, many sweepers employ priority attacks or use stat-changing moves and held items.

Dracozolt

Moveset & Best Build for Dracozolt
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / Def. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 165 / Atk. 152 / Def. 111 / Sp.Atk. 90 / Sp.Def. 90 / Spd. 139
Ability	Hustle
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Bolt Beak ・Low Kick ・Earthquake ・Outrage

Dracozolt's Strong Points

With the disappearance of Mega Ampharos, Dracozolt is the only Electric/Dragon dual-type Pokemon in existence.

With its Ability Volt Absorb, it can throw off the dominance of an Electric-type sweeper.

Its accuracy comes into question, but its Ability Hustle allows it to deal heavy damage, and the accuracy drop can be removed by Dynamaxing.

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly
EV Spread	Atk 252 / Def 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 175 / Atk 182 / Def 121 / SpDef 80 / Spd 163
Ability	Unseen Fist
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Surging Strikes ・Close Combat ・Aerial Ace ・U-turn

Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style's Strong Points

Urshifu in its Rapid-Strike Style can break through Focus Sash and Mimikyu's Disguise with its multi-hit Surging Strikes, a hugely powerful move in its own right.

When Gigantamaxed, its G-Max Rapid Flow can hit through Max Guard and Protect, giving it an advantage in a Dynamax showdown.

Primarina

Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 180 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 4 / Spd. 72
Final Stat Values	HP 178 / Def. 94 / Sp.Atk. 195 / Sp.Def. 137 / Spd. 89
Ability	Torrent
Held Item	Lum Berry
Moveset	・ Scald ・ Psychic ・ Energy Ball ・ Moonblast

These values are from base stats and ideal EVs, excluding external factors.

Primarina's Strong Points

Primarina can take advantage of its inherently high Special Attack to knock out many of the highly defensive Pokemon found in the current metagame.

It also learns Calm Mind for the first time in this generation, unlocking a new potential to set up and sweep as a Special attacker.

Best Pokemon - Tier 2

Charizard

Moveset & Best Build for Charizard
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Solar Power
Held Item	Weakness Policy / Life Orb / Expert Belt
Moveset	・Fire Blast ・Air Slash ・Solar Beam ・Dragon Pulse

Charizard's Strong Points

When it Dynamaxes, Charizard can use Max Airstream to boost its Speed, increasing its sweeping potential.

It can also use Max Flare when Dynamaxed to cause intense sunlight, activating its Ability Solar Power to boost its Special Attack.

Diggersby

Moveset & Best Build for Diggersby
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd. 252
Final Stat Values	HP 160 / Atk. 118 / Sp.Def 4 / Spd. 130
Ability	Huge Power
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Swords Dance ・Earthquake ・Quick Attack ・Body Slam

Diggersby's Strong Points

Diggersby's Huge Power ability boosts its otherwise mediocre attack to deadly levels, allowing it to sweep with its powerful STAB moves such as Body Slam and Earthquake.

Gengar

Moveset & Best Build for Gengar
Nature	Timid (+Def, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Def. 4 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252
Final Stat Values	HP 135 / Def. 81 / Sp.Atk. 150 / Sp.Def. 95 / Spd. 178
Ability	Cursed Body
Held Item	Focus Sash
Moveset	・Shadow Ball ・Focus Blast ・Sludge Wave ・Thunderbolt

Gengar's Strong Points

Gengar remains one of the most threatening sweepers in the metagame thanks to its unique Ghost/Poison dual typing. Access to powerful STAB moves, as well as an excellent special movepool, make it an unpredictable Pokemon to face!

Urshifu Single-Strike Style

Moveset & Best Build for Urshifu Single-Strike Style
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	4 HP / 252 Atk. / 252 Spd.
Final Stat Values	175 HP / 182 Atk. / 120 Def. / 80 Sp.Def. / 163 Spd.
Ability	Unseen Fist
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Wicked Blow ・Close Combat ・Iron Head ・Aerial Ace

Urshifu Single-Strike Style's Strong Points

Wicked Blow can hit with 80 Power and a guaranteed Critical Hit.

On top of that, its G-Max One Blow is able to hit through Max Guard and Protect, changing up the game for Dynamax battles.

Rhyperior

Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 176 / Atk 252 / Def 4 / Sp.Def 76
Final Stat Values	HP 212 / Atk 211 / Def 151 / Sp.Def 76
Ability	Solid Rock
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Rock Slide ・High Horsepower ・Hammer Arm ・Protect

Rhyperior's Strong Points

Rhyperior's Solid Rock ability makes it an excellent Weakness Policy user. With the right HP investment. it can survive a super effective hit and sweep with its powerful moves once Weakness Policy activates.

Heat Rotom

Moveset & Best Build for Heat Rotom
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / Atk. 4
Ability	Levitate
Held Item	Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Moveset	・Overheat ・Discharge ・Volt Switch ・Trick ・Dark Pulse

Heat Rotom's Strong Points

Heat Rotom's combination of Fire and Electric types make it highly effective for handling a variety of threats.

When Dynamaxed, it can unleash a firestorm with Max Flare to deal heavy damage fast.

As there are a limited number of usable Fire-types in the current metagame, Heat Rotom serves an ever more essential niche with grace.

Azumarill

Moveset & Best Build for Azumarill
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 176 / Atk 112 / Def 100 / SpAtk 100 / SpDef 102 /
Ability	Huge Power
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Belly Drum ・Aqua Jet ・Play Rough ・Superpower

Azumarill's Strong Points

With its Ability Huge Power, Azumarill's Attack stat is effectively doubled, allowing it to deal massive blows from the getgo.

It's also capable defensively, with solid defensive stats and six resistances, making it a great damage absorber to switch in when another Pokemon is about to take a hit.

Ferrothorn

Moveset & Best Build for Ferrothorn
Nature	Relaxed (+Def, -Spd)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Atk. 4
Ability	Iron Barbs
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Gyro Ball ・Leech Seed ・Protect ・Knock Off

Ferrothorn's Strong Points

With its effective type combination of Grass and Steel, it's only weak to Fire and Fighting type moves.

If it seems like the opponent will use a Gyarados or Wash Rotom on the Pokemon select screen, putting in Ferrothorn to wall them is a no-brainer. By sapping the foe's HP with Iron Barbs and Protect, use Knock Off to get rid of the foe's Held Item.

Grimmsnarl

Moveset & Best Build for Grimmsnarl
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk. 252 / Def. 4
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Bulk Up ・Sucker Punch ・Substitute ・Play Rough

Grimmsnarl's Strong Points

Grimmsnarl is a holder of the rare Ability Prankster. With its combination of the Dark and Fairy types, it's an ideal counter for Dragapult.

Prankster allows it to use Bulk Up first without fail, allowing it to raise its Defense before taking a hit, while Sucker Punch and Play Rough are great for taking down opponents.

Best Pokemon - Tier 3

The Pokemon in Tier 3 are used frequently as counters to those in Tiers 1 and 2.

Snorlax

Moveset & Best Build for Snorlax
Nature	Impish (+Def, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Atk. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 267 / Atk. 131 / Def. 128 / Sp.Def. 130 / Spd. 50
Ability	Gluttony
Held Item	Figy Berry
Moveset	・Recycle ・Body Slam ・Curse ・Fire Punch

Snorlax's Strong Points

With its high Special Defense, it plays a useful role as a sponge for Special attacks.

It also plays an important role on teams as a Normal type to throw off the dominance of Ghost-type Moves.

Hydreigon

Moveset & Best Build for Hydreigon
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Levitate
Held Item	Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Draco Meteor ・Fire Blast ・Hydro Pump ・Dark Pulse

Hydreigon's Strong Points

Like Dragapult and Tyranitar, Hydreigon has 600+ total Base Stats. As a powerful Special Attacker with Choice Specs, Hydreigon can put the pressure on the opponent with powerful attacks.

With a base Speed of 98, it's faster than Mimikyu, so Hydreigon can't help but bring the pain with its fast attacks. With attacks available in a variety of types, it's a great Pokemon to consider Dynamaxing.

Alolan Ninetales

Moveset & Best Build for Alolan Ninetales
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252
Final Stat Values	HP 149 / Atk. 78 / Def. 95 / Sp.Atk. 133 / Sp.Def. 120 / Spd. 177
Ability	Snow Warning
Held Item	Light Clay
Moveset	・Aurora Veil ・Freeze-Dry ・Will-O-Wisp ・Dazzling Gleam

Alolan Ninetales' Strong Points

Alolan Ninetales functions as a lead weather setter for Hail teams, using its ability Snow Warning to instantly cast the weather and Aurora Veil to boost it and its teams defenses.

Clefable

Moveset & Best Build for Clefable
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 252 / Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 202 / Def 137 / Sp.Atk 115 / Sp.Def 111 / Spd 80
Ability	Unaware
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Cosmic Power ・Calm Mind ・Moonlight ・Moonblast

Clefable's Strong Points

Clefable is a great answer to set-up sweepers thanks to its Unaware ability. It can also boost its own defenses with Cosmic Power, allowing to function as a great mixed wall for the team.

Aegislash

Moveset & Best Build for Aegislash
Nature	Quiet
EV Spread	HP 252 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 4
Ability	Stance Change
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Shadow Ball ・Sacred Sword ・Shadow Sneak ・King's Shield

Aegislash's Strong Points

By switching between its Blade Forme and Shield Forme, Aegislash's stat total of 500 effectively becomes 680, as it can avoid ever being damaged in Blade Forme.

As its Shield Forme has incredible Defense and Special Defense, it can hold its own against a variety of opponents.

Also, its access to Fighting-type Moves provides it with a wide movepool.

Volcarona

Moveset & Best Build for Volcarona
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 161 / Def 85 / Sp.Atk. 205 / Sp.Def. 125 / Spd 152
Ability	Flame Body
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Quiver Dance ・Fire Blast ・Bug Buzz ・Hurricane

Volcarona's Strong Points

Volcarona's unique dual-typing make it a formidable bulky sweeper, and access to Quiver Dance allows it to threaten teams late in the game. It's a common sight in sun-based teams, and can quickly overpower the opposing team if left unchecked!

Amoonguss

Moveset & Best Build for Amoonguss
Nature	Bold(+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 248 / Def 168 / Sp.Def 92
Final Stat Values	HP 220 / Def 122 / Sp.Atk 105 / Sp.Def 112 / Spd 50
Ability	Regenerator
Held Item	Black Sludge
Moveset	・Giga Drain ・Spore ・Protect ・Clear Smog

Amoonguss' Strong Points

Amoonguss plays a different role in Singles. Instead of providing redirection support, it serves as a multi-purpose defensive Pokemon that can function as a wall and phaser thanks to its great dual typing and great support moves. Access to Spore and Giga Drain allow it to threaten walls, while Clear Smog resets the opposing team's stat changes.

Corviknight

Moveset & Best Build for Corviknight
Nature	Careful (+Sp.Def, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def 28 / Sp.Def 228
Final Stat Values	HP 205 / Atk. 107 / Def. 129 / Sp.Def. 147 / Spd. 87
Ability	Pressure
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Brave Bird ・Roost ・Defog ・U-Turn

Corviknight's Strong Points

Corviknight is one of the metagame's premiere mixed walls. Great mixed bulk and access to Defog and reliable recovery in Roost allow it to threaten leads that set up entry hazards. Respectable attack also allows it to hit hard with Brave Bird even without investment.

Sylveon

Moveset & Best Build for Sylveon
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 236 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 20
Final Stat Values	HP 200 / Sp.Atk. 178 / Sp.Def 150 / Spd. 83 / Def. 85
Ability	Pixilate
Held Item	Throat Spray
Moveset	・Hyper Voice ・Mystical Fire ・Psyshock ・Quick Attack

Sylveon's Strong Points

Sylveon functions as a bulky special attacker, capable of taking hits while still dealing respectable damage. Thanks to its ability Pixilate, it's Normal moves become Fairy-type moves and also get a significant damage boost. This turns Sylveon's Hyper Voice into a powerful STAB move!

Best Pokemon - Tier 4

When Tier 4 Pokemon come out, we can start to see a bit of individuality in each team. The presence of these Pokemon shows what Tier 1 or 2 Pokemon the user is afraid of. Tier 4 boasts Pokemon who are strong on their own, those who are strong against those in Tiers 1 to 3, and those who are a pain to deal with for all other Pokemon.

Porygon-Z

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon-Z
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / Sp.Def. 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 160 / Def 90 / Sp.Atk 187 / Sp.Def 96 / Spd 156
Ability	Adaptability
Held Item	Choice Specs
Moveset	・Tri Attack ・Shadow Ball ・Ice Beam ・Thunderbolt

Porygon-Z's Strong Points

Porygon-Z is a powerful special attacker that easily finds itself in many hyper offense teams. It's one of the few special sweepers in the tier with the coveted BoltBeam coverage, and its Adaptability ability also boosts the power of its Tri Attack.

Blissey

Moveset & Best Build for Blissey
Nature	Bold (+Def, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Sp.Def. 4
Ability	Nature Cure
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Soft-Boiled ・Seismic Toss ・Aromatherapy ・Thunder Wave

Blissey's Strong Points

Blissey is the quintessential special wall, capable of withstanding powerful special attacks thanks to its massive HP stat and great special defense. Access to reliable recovery in Soft-Boiled as well as guaranteed damage from Seismic Toss allow it to threaten set-up sweepers and opposing walls. It can also serve as a cleric for the team, curing Status with Aromatherapy.

Scizor

Moveset & Best Build for Scizor
Nature	Adamant (+Atk, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	252 HP / 252 Atk. / 4 Spd.
Final Stat Values	177 HP / 200 Atk. / 120 Def. / 100 Sp.Def. / 86 Spd.
Ability	Technician
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Bullet Punch ・U-turn ・Quick Attack ・Dual Wingbeat

Scizor's Strong Points

With a whopping 9 resistences, Scizor can handle many foes and use STAB U-turn to switch out on the ones it can't while simultaneously hitting hard.

It also gains the benefits of the Ability Technician, which allows it to use its low-power priority moves with a damage boost. Near the end of a fight, Scizor can hit hard with priority moves to finish off Pokemon with limited HP remaining.

Lapras

Moveset & Best Build for Lapras
Nature	Quiet (+SpAtk, -Spd)
EV Spread	Sp.Atk. 252 / HP 132 / Def 84 / Sp.Def. 36 / Atk. 4
Final Stat Values	HP 222 / Atk. 106 / Def. 111 / Sp.Atk. 150 / Sp.Def. 120
Ability	Water Absorb
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Freeze-Dry ・Surf ・Ice Shard ・Sheer Cold

Lapras's Strong Points

High Base Stats overall allow it to withstand attacks while simultaneously hitting back with powerful attacks of its own.

When using Gigantamax Lapras, its G-Max Resonance can set up simultaneous Reflect and Light Screen, without requiring Hail like Aurora Veil.

It also has the potential to break through a wall-heavy player's defenses for a one-hit KO with Sheer Cold.

Goodra

Moveset & Best Build for Goodra
Nature	Modest (+Sp.Atk, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 248 / Sp.Atk 252 / Sp.Def 8
Final Stat Values	HP 196 / Def. 90 / Sp.Atk. 178 / Sp.Def. 171 / Spd 100
Ability	Sap Sipper
Held Item	Assault Vest
Moveset	・Draco Meteor ・Sludge Wave ・Thunderbolt ・Flamethrower

Goodra's Strong Points

Goodra is versatile sweeper with great natural bulk that's boosted by Assault Vest. It's wide special movepool allows it to hit common Pokemon in the metagame for super effective damage, and it's one of the few Dragon-types that don't fear Fairy-types since its boosted Special Defense allows it to survive a hit and KO the opposing Fairy-type with Sludge Wave.

Durant

Moveset & Best Build for Durant
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 134 / Atk. 161 / Def. 132 / Sp.Def. 68 / Spd. 177
Ability	Hustle
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Iron Head ・X-Scissor ・Thunder Fang ・Superpower

Durant's Strong Points

Durant carves a niche in the Metagame as a powerful Dynamax user since it eliminates the accuracy drop of its ability Hustle. It's often partnered with speed leads that can boost its rather mediocre speed stat to ensure it outpaces its opponents.

Arcanine

Moveset & Best Build for Arcanine
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 166 / Atk. 162 / Def. 100 / Sp.Def. 100 / Spd. 161
Ability	Intimidate
Held Item	Choice Band
Moveset	・Extreme Speed ・Flare Blitz ・Play Rough ・Wild Charge

Arcanine's Strong Points

Arcanine is a powerful and unpredictable sweeper, capable of running both physical and special sets, as well as unorthodox defensive sets. As a sweeper, it has a rather wide movepool along with the coveted priority move Extreme Speed, making it a great user of Choice Band.

Wash Rotom

Moveset & Best Build for Wash Rotom
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk) or Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Sp.Atk. 252 / Def. 4 or Sp.Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Levitate
Held Item	Choice Specs / Choice Scarf / Sitrus Berry
Moveset	・Discharge ・Volt Switch ・Hydro Pump ・Will-o-Wisp ・Trick ・Dark Pulse

Wash Rotom's Strong Points

Wash Rotom has carried on its legacy as a strong contender from previous games. With its powerful combination of the Water and Electric types, and its Levitate Ability to rid itself of its Ground weakness, Wash Rotom's power is easy to understand.

With a Timid Nature, it can boost its Base Speed as high as 156, and with a Choice Scarf on deck, it can reach a higher Speed than Dragapult and use a powerful Volt Switch first.

Dracovish

Moveset & Best Build for Dracovish
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 4 / Atk 252 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 166 / Atk. 142 / Def. 120 / Sp.Def. 100 / Spd. 139
Ability	Strong Jaw
Held Item	Choice Scarf
Moveset	・Fishious Rend ・Crunch ・Ice Fang ・Outrage

Dracovish's Strong Points

Dracovish is arguably the most threatening wallbreaker in the metagame. Strong Jaw boosted Fishious Rend can punch holes in even the toughest walls, and holding Choice Scarf guarantees that its main STAB always gets a boost. Few Pokemon can outspeed Dracovish without Choice Scarf, making it an ever-present threat to defensive teams.

Hall of Fame

These Pokemon have enjoyed their reign at the tops of the Tier List, but it was time for them to extend the crown for others. All the following Pokemon are banned in Series 6 of Ranked Battle. They might be returning again for Series 7, but only time will tell!

Hall of Fame Ex-Tier 1 Pokemon

Cinderace

Moveset & Best Build for Cinderace
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 156 / Atk. 168 / Def. 95 / Sp.Def. 95 / Spd. 188
Ability	Libero
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Pyro Ball ・High Jump Kick ・Sucker Punch ・Bounce

Cinderace's Strong Points

With its new Hidden Ability Libero, Cinderace is now able to use every attack with STAB, giving 1.5x boost to all its attacks. In essence, this liberates it from STAB, as per its name - Cinderace has no incentive to use Fire-type moves over other types, as it can gain the same bonus with any type. This makes Cinderace equally threatening no matter what type of move throws out.

On top of that, it benefits from a wide movepool to counter a variety of potential opponents.

Its exclusive attack Pyro Ball is also a potent threat that's kept it in the metagame since before Libero. A 120-power Physical Fire move, it's a perfect fit for Cinderace's stat makeup to form a highly threatening fast attacker.

Togekiss

Moveset & Best Build for Togekiss
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 244 / Spd. 236 / Sp.Atk. 30
Ability	Serene Grace
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Air Slash ・Fire Blast ・Dazzling Gleam ・Nasty Plot

Togekiss's Strong Points

Togekiss is revered for its 60% chance to cause its opponent to flinch using its Ability Serene Grace together with Air Slash.

It also has a good balance of Base Stats, making it generally easy to use.

When Dynamaxed, it can use Max Airstream to boost its Speed, making it even more effective at outspeeding and causing flinching.

Dragapult

Moveset & Best Build for Dragapult
Nature	Naive (+Spd, -SpDef)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Clear Body Infiltrator
Held Item	Focus Sash / Choice Scarf / Choice Band / Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Dragon Darts ・Phantom Force ・Fire Blast ・Steel Wing / U-turn

Dragapult's Strong Points

Dragapult is one of the few Pokemon appearing in Sword and Shield with total Base Stats in the 600+ range. As one of the fastest Pokemon in the metagame, few opponents can outspeed it without a Choice Scarf.

In addition to the recommended Moves above, it's also capable of Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Will-o-Wisp, and other moves to trip up your opponent. Dragapult's strength is found in its unpredictability.

Hall of Fame Ex-Tier 2 Pokemon

Porygon2

Moveset & Best Build for Porygon2
Nature	Bold
EV Spread	244 HP / 252 Def. / 12 Spd.
Final Stat Values	191 HP / 156 Def. / 125 Sp.Atk. / 115 Sp.Def. / 82 Spd.
Ability	Trace
Held Item	Eviolite
Moveset	・Recover ・Thunder Wave ・Foul Play ・Discharge

Porygon2's Strong Points

Porygon2 is a non-fully-evolved Pokemon, allowing it to use Eviolite to weather any medium-level damage. It's bulky enough to survive and Recover, and is only weak to Fighting, making it difficult for opponents to break through its wall.

It's also capable as a Trick Room attacker, as it can set up Trick Room on its own and use moves in a variety of types, allowing it to hit opponents across the board while dishing out damage of its own.

Rillaboom

Moveset & Best Build for Rillaboom
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Final Stat Values	HP 176 / Atk. 177 / Def. 110 / Sp.Def. 90 / Spd. 150
Ability	Grassy Surge
Held Item	Choice Scarf / Choice Band
Moveset	・U-turn ・Drum Beating ・Knock Off ・Superpower

Rillaboom's Strong Points

Rillaboom has both a high Attack as well as formidable Defense, making it able to hold its own in all-out brawls with Physical attackers.

With its new Hidden Ability, Grassy Surge, and a new Tutor Move Grassy Glide from The Isle of Armor, Rillaboom is able to set up Grassy Terrain and attack with priority from the first turn.

Although its low Speed has often been its downside, this combination allows it to bypass Speed altogether to hit fast attackers first with STAB and the damage boost from Grassy Terrain.

Hippowdon

Moveset & Best Build for Hippowdon
Nature	Impish (+Def, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Def. 252 / Sp.Def. 4
Ability	Sand Stream
Held Item	Rocky Helmet
Moveset	・Slack Off ・Yawn ・Earthquake ・Rock Tomb

Hippowdon's Strong Points

Hippowdon can use Yawn to force a switch, which can be an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock.

With its high Defense, it's also capable of taking hits from the variety of Physical attackers in the metagame.

Mimikyu

Moveset & Best Build for Mimikyu
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Disguise
Held Item	Life Orb
Moveset	・Swords Dance ・Play Rough ・Shadow Sneak ・Shadow Claw

Mimikyu's Strong Points

With its Ability Disguise, Mimikyu is able to take one attack with damage equal to just 10% of its maximum HP. This ensures that Mimikyu can use at least one move in any situation, allowing it to pull off a Swords Dance without fail. With its Attack boosted by 2 stages for free at the onset, there's few and far between a foe that can take its Dynamax attacks head on.

Mimikyu can also set up Max Starfall to prevent any negative status effects, preventing it from being Burned and limiting its attack power.

Gyarados

Moveset & Best Build for Gyarados
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Moxie
Held Item	Lum Berry
Moveset	・Waterfall ・Bounce ・Power Whip ・Dragon Dance

Gyarados's Strong Points

A Pokemon beloved since Pokemon Red & Blue, Gyarados is back for more in Sword and Shield. With its Ability Moxie and its Dynamax Move Max Airstream (from Bounce), Gyarados has the potential to snag an effect equivalent to Dragon Dance on its first turn out.

Against a weak party, Gyarados is known to sweep the whole team alone. And in addition to its killer Attack, its defensive stats are strong around the board, with a base 100 Special Defense standing out, allowing it to hold its own when taking hits as well.

Excadrill

Moveset & Best Build for Excadrill
Nature	Jolly (+Spd, -SpAtk)
EV Spread	Atk. 252 / Spd. 252 / HP 4
Ability	Mold Breaker
Held Item	Focus Sash / Assault Vest / Choice Scarf / Choice Band / Life Orb
Moveset	・Earthquake ・Iron Head ・Rock Tomb ・Horn Drill ・Fissure ・Stealth Rock

Excadrill's Strong Points

Excadrill is known as a powerful counter for Mimikyu and Rotom. With its Ability Mold Breaker, it can break through Mimikyu's Disguise and Rotom's Levitate to hit both of their weak spots.

With a base Speed of 88, it's slightly faster than Rotom, so making sure Excadrill is as fast as possible is a must. With Rock Tomb, Excadrill can set up for its teammates to come in with an advantage after it's defeated, and with Horn Drill, it has a chance of defeating foes that it normally wouldn't be able to handle.

Magnezone

Moveset & Best Build for Magnezone
Nature	Modest (+SpAtk, -Atk)
EV Spread	SpAtk 252 / SpDef 4 / Spd 252
Final Stat Values	HP 145 / Def 135 / SpAtk 200 / SpDef 111 / Spd 112
Ability	Sturdy
Held Item	Choice Specs
Moveset	・Thunderbolt ・Flash Cannon ・Volt Switch ・Tri Attack

Magnezone's Strong Points

Magnezone has a variety of Abilities which can all be useful depending on the build, making it difficult for the opponent to read which Ability it will use.

Magnezone's Ability Sturdy guarantees it at least one move in battle, providing it the effects of a Focus Sash without needing to use its Held Item space.

It can use Magnet Pull instead to allow it to trap Steel-type opponents, and prevent the opponent from switching in a more advantageous Pokemon.

Lastly, the Analytic Ability can be used in a slow build together with Choice Specs to deal huge damage with each hit.

Hall of Fame Ex-Tier 4 Pokemon

Whimsicott

Moveset & Best Build for Whimsicott
Nature	Timid (+Spd, -Atk)
EV Spread	HP 205 / Def 164 / Spd 116/ Sp.Atk 20 /Sp.Def 4
Final Stat Values	HP 161 / Def 126 / Sp.Atk. 100 / Sp.Def. 96 / Spd 166
Ability	Prankster
Held Item	Leftovers
Moveset	・Cotton Guard ・Leech Seed ・Substitute ・Moonblast

Whimsicott's Strong Points

With high natural speed and a wide support movepool, Whimsicott remains one of the most popular support leads thanks to its ability Prankster.

It's a common sight on both the Singles and Doubles format and can fill the role of a team supporter with Tailwind or function as a check to tanks, shutting them down with Taunt.

Tyranitar

Moveset & Best Build for Tyranitar
Nature	Adamat (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
EV Spread	HP 252 / Atk. 204 / Def. 20 / Sp.Def. 20 / Spd. 12
Final Stat Values	HP 207 / Atk. 198 / Def. 133 / Sp.Def. 123 / Spd. 83
Ability	Sand Stream
Held Item	Weakness Policy
Moveset	・Stone Edge ・Crunch ・Heavy Slam ・Earthquake

Tyranitar's Strong Points

Tyranitar is a great candidate for a Weakness Policy. With its natural bulk and the right EV spread, it can survive super effective hits from the likes of Excadrill and Wash Rotom and sweep after gaining the boosts.

How to Make the Best Team

There is no unbeatable team

Unlike in previous Pokemon metagames, there is no party or Pokemon that can defeat anything used against it. However, there are teams which can win consistently, as long as the right Pokemon are chosen for the battle.

Party composition is key

Battles are not won by individual Pokemon. The team as a whole must be constructed to balance type strengths and weaknesses, and have built-in strategies to defeat opponents. In the current metagame, crafting a party that works together is more essential than ever.

Start off with a Rental Party

It's no easy feat to make a killer team from scratch. It can be a good idea to start off with rental teams, which any player can download and use in Ranked Battle. This can help to understand how a team is built, how to select which Pokemon to use in a battle, and how to use the party's built-in strategies in battle to rack up wins.

Our Best Teams guide has all teams available for rental, so you can try out your favorites to get a feel for some of the most popular Pokemon and strategies in the metagame!
Best Teams for Ranked Battle

Trends of the Current Metagame

Most teams take advantage of Dynamax

The boost which Dynamaxing provides to HP, as well as the effects of each Max Move are taken heavily into consideration when planning teams for Ranked Battle. The Move Max Airstream, with its effects increasing Speed, is particularly popular, and Pokemon who can use it effectively, such as Gyarados and Corviknight, gain popularity as a result.

Weakness Policy has become increasingly useful

The advent of Dynamax has allowed Pokemon who normally would faint in one hit from moves to survive, thanks to the HP boost it provides. This grants new potential for the item Weakness Policy, which activates when a Pokemon is hit by a super effective move and grants a two-stage Attack and Special Attack boost. Pokemon who otherwise would not have been able to survive a super effective hit now have the potential to hit back harder than ever.

Weakness Policy Effects and How to Obtain It

Physical Attackers are ever-present

In the current metagame, physical attackers appear significantly more frequently than special attackers. This makes Pokemon such as Clefable and Gastrodon, who can withstand heavy physical damage, all the more essential to have in your party.

Summary

And that's our latest Tier List of the Best Pokemon for Ranked Battle as of September 2020. With the banning of most of the top Pokemon in the tier list, the new top Pokemon are still in a state of flux. We'll be continuing to update with the top Pokemon as the season continues!

If you're thinking of getting into competitive play, or if you're having trouble winning online, some of the Pokemon in this article might be just what your team needs.

Here's hoping you can have as much fun playing online as we have. Check back soon as we continue updating with tier upsets, new additions and more individual Build pages!

Related Links

All Competitive Builds for Ranked Battle

Movesets & Best Builds for The Crown Tundra Pokemon
Galarian Articuno	Galarian Zapdos	Galarian Moltres
Raikou	Entei	Suicune
Tapu Koko	Tapu Lele	Tapu Bulu
Tapu Fini	Heatran	Cresselia
Metagross	Dragonite	Garchomp
Nidoking	Galarian Slowking	Nihilego
Pheromosa	Celesteela	Naganadel
Latios	Zapdos	Regieleki
Regidrago	Thundurus	Landorus

Movesets & Best Builds for Isle of Armor Pokemon
Scizor	Kingdra	Magnezone
Volcarona	Chansey	Blissey
Talonflame	Azumarill	Galarian Slowbro
Porygon2	Urshifu Single-Strike Style	Urshifu Rapid-Strike Style
Slowbro	Alolan Marowak	Dragalge
Klefki	Lycanroc	Amoonguss
Poliwrath	Palossand	Mienshao
Starmie	Heracross	Comfey
Porygon-Z

Movesets & Best Builds for New Pokemon
Dragapult	Galarian Corsola	Toxtricity
Galarian Darmanitan	Corviknight	Dracovish
Grimmsnarl	Rillaboom	Duraludon
Cinderace	Alcremie	Dracozolt
Hatterene	Eiscue	Inteleon
Pincurchin	Frosmoth	Zacian
Sirfetch'd	Flapple	Coalossal
Centiskorch	Arctozolt	Zarude
Galarian Weezing

Movesets & Best Builds for Returning Pokemon
Mimikyu	Wash Rotom	Gyarados
Ferrothorn	Aegislash	Excadrill
Tyranitar	Hydreigon	Heat Rotom
Arcanine	Mamoswine	Toxapex
Togekiss	Cloyster	Durant
Snorlax	Charizard	Sylveon
Lucario	Hippowdon	Umbreon
Conkeldurr	Quagsire	Gastrodon
Lapras	Whimsicott	Rhyperior
Goodra	Haxorus	Glaceon
Mow Rotom	Type: Null	Gengar
Milotic	Gardevoir	Flygon
Chandelure	Lanturn	Torkoal
Bisharp	Seismitoad	Silvally
Butterfree	Primarina	Incineroar
Blastoise	Decidueye	Venusaur
Darmanitan	Alolan Ninetales	Gothitelle
Crawdaunt	Clefable	Reuniclus
Kommo-o	Terrakion	Cobalion
Virizion	Noivern	Fan Rotom
Toxicroak	Pelipper	Jellicent
Celebi	Clefairy	Hitmontop
Diggersby

Movesets & Best Builds for Gigantamax Pokemon
Gigantamax Grimmsnarl	Gigantamax Snorlax	Gigantamax Charizard

Competitive Pokemon Battle Guides
Tier List		Best Builds		Crown Tundra Tier List Contenders
Doubles Tier List		Team Building		Rental Teams