Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gen 9 OU?
Gen 9 OU is Smogon's main singles format for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It includes every Pokémon except those banned to Ubers, and battles are 6v6 singles. According to Smogon's latest usage stats, the tier sees over 100,000 battles per month on Pokémon Showdown.
What are the best Pokémon in Gen 9 OU?
Top OU threats based on Smogon usage stats include Great Tusk, Gholdengo, Kingambit, Garchomp, and Iron Valiant. Other high-usage Pokémon include Gliscor, Dragonite, Heatran, and Samurott-Hisui. The metagame shifts with each tier shift and suspect test.
How do I copy an OU team into Showdown?
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. Your team is ready to battle.
How do I build a Gen 9 OU team?
Start with a core of 2-3 Pokémon that cover each other's weaknesses — for example, a physical breaker like Great Tusk paired with a special attacker like Gholdengo and a defensive pivot like Slowking-Galar. Add entry hazard control, a speed control option, and a revenge killer. Check the current sample teams above for proven team structures used by top players.
What Pokémon are banned in Gen 9 OU?
Pokémon banned to Ubers include Annihilape, Archaludon, Baxcalibur, Chi-Yu, Chien-Pao, Espathra, Flutter Mane, Houndstone, Iron Bundle, Koraidon, Miraidon, Palafin, Roaring Moon, Sneasler, Urshifu-Single-Strike, Walking Wake, and Zacian-Crowned. Some moves and abilities like Last Respects and Shadow Tag are also banned.
How often do Gen 9 OU usage stats update?
Smogon publishes new OU usage stats on the 1st of each month. The data on crob.at syncs monthly, showing the latest KO rates and counter data for every OU Pokémon based on those official Smogon stats.
Where can I find Gen 9 OU sample teams?
This page shows sample teams curated by the Smogon OU council and top players like ABR, Vert, and Ewin. You can also find teams on the Smogon forums, the Pokémon Showdown Teambuilder, and by browsing community teams on crob.at.
