Question 1

What is Gen 7 OU?

Accepted Answer

Gen 7 OU is Smogon's main singles format for Pokémon Sun & Moon and Ultra Sun & Moon. It introduced Z-Moves — one-time, high-powered attacks that can also have secondary effects — plus Alolan forms, Tapus that set terrain on entry, and new Pokémon from the Alola region. Battles are 6v6 singles.

Question 2

What are the best Pokémon in Gen 7 OU?

Accepted Answer

Gen 7 OU top threats include Landorus-Therian, Toxapex, Magearna, Tapu Lele, Kartana, Ash-Greninja, Volcarona, and Celesteela. The four Tapus (Lele, Koko, Bulu, Fini) were especially influential by setting Psychic Terrain, Electric Terrain, Grassy Terrain, and Misty Terrain respectively on entry. Magearna and Toxapex defined the tier's defensive structure.

Question 3

How are Z-Moves used in Gen 7 OU?

Accepted Answer

Each Pokémon can hold one Z-Crystal, which converts a move into a Z-Move once per battle. Z-Moves are significantly more powerful than their base move and can bypass some defensive mechanics. Common Z-Move users include Mimikyu (Z-Play Rough), Volcarona (Firium Z), and Tapu Lele (Psychinium Z). Z-Moves add a layer of mind games around when and how to use them.

Question 4

How do I build a Gen 7 OU team?

Accepted Answer

Gen 7 OU teams typically include a Tapu setter to control terrain, a Z-Move user as the primary win condition, Landorus-T as a flexible pivot and Stealth Rock setter, Toxapex for defensive backbone, and coverage for opposing Tapus and setup sweepers. Check the sample teams above for current structures from the Gen 7 community.

Question 5

What Pokémon are banned in Gen 7 OU?

Accepted Answer

Pokémon banned from Gen 7 OU include Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo X and Y, Mega Rayquaza, Zygarde-Complete, Mega Gengar (Shadow Tag), and others. Many powerful Pokémon were banned during the Gen 7 era through suspect tests, including Ash-Greninja at various points in SM and USUM.

Question 6

How do I copy a Gen 7 OU team into Showdown?

Accepted Answer

Click any team card to open it, then hit the copy button. Open Pokémon Showdown, go to the Teambuilder, click "Import from text", paste the team, and save. Select Gen 7 OU as the format.

Question 7

Where can I find Gen 7 OU sample teams?

Accepted Answer

This page shows Gen 7 OU teams shared on crob.at. Archived sample teams and resources are available on the Smogon Gen 7 OU forum, including team reports from top players and the Smogon Gen 7 OU sample team thread. The Pokémon Showdown Teambuilder also includes curated Gen 7 OU samples.

Gen 7 OU Teams for Pokémon Showdown

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