MeepBard
Member
Welcome to the RBY LC Viability Ranking Thread! In case you're not familiar with the concept, we place Pokémon in certain ranks here, based on their impact on the tier as well as their general viability in the tier. This is an excellent help while teambuilding and it serves as a general outline of the tier. Furthermore it is used in our formation of the tier below.
If you feel that a Pokémon is misplaced, feel free to make a post about it - that's what this thread is for. As long as you are reasonably sensible and courteous this thread should run smoothly.
Pokemon are sorted into ranks based on how well they perform in their roles. They are ordered alphabetically within each ranking to avoid overcomplication.
Discussion Thread
S Rank
These Pokémon are the most effective Pokémon in the metagame. Their offensive and defensive prowess, as well as versatility, and ability to fulfill a variety of important roles lend themselves to this.
Exeggcute
Diglett
A Rank
These Pokémon perform significant roles in the metagame, and perform them very well, however they are not the most dominating forces.
Staryu
Slowpoke
Doduo
Ponyta
Bulbasaur
Eevee
Abra
Pikachu
B Rank
These Pokémon are strong choices in the metagame, but perform less important roles or are less consistent than Pokémon in the Rank above. They have larger flaws than Pokémon in above ranks, or face greater competition from similar Pokémon, reducing their usefulness.
Drowzee
Poliwag
Gastly
Clefairy
Omanyte
Rattata
Voltorb
Vulpix
Pidgey - Analysis
Meowth
Rhyhorn
Tentacool
Horsea
C Rank
These Pokémon are more infrequent sights in the metagame, particularly in top level matches, but are nevertheless viable Pokémon. They are less effective in the metagame than Pokémon in above ranks, but are effective with proper support.
Kabuto
Dratini
Shellder
Sandshrew
Paras
Magnemite
Mankey
Koffing
Cubone
D Rank
These Pokémon are very rare sights in top level matches, and suffer from more crippling flaws. They require a lot of support to be effective, and may have consistency issues.
Geodude
Ekans - Analysis
Jigglypuff
Machop
Venonat
Krabby - Analysis
If you feel that a Pokémon is misplaced, feel free to make a post about it - that's what this thread is for. As long as you are reasonably sensible and courteous this thread should run smoothly.
Pokemon are sorted into ranks based on how well they perform in their roles. They are ordered alphabetically within each ranking to avoid overcomplication.
Discussion Thread
S Rank
These Pokémon are the most effective Pokémon in the metagame. Their offensive and defensive prowess, as well as versatility, and ability to fulfill a variety of important roles lend themselves to this.


A Rank
These Pokémon perform significant roles in the metagame, and perform them very well, however they are not the most dominating forces.








B Rank
These Pokémon are strong choices in the metagame, but perform less important roles or are less consistent than Pokémon in the Rank above. They have larger flaws than Pokémon in above ranks, or face greater competition from similar Pokémon, reducing their usefulness.













C Rank
These Pokémon are more infrequent sights in the metagame, particularly in top level matches, but are nevertheless viable Pokémon. They are less effective in the metagame than Pokémon in above ranks, but are effective with proper support.









D Rank
These Pokémon are very rare sights in top level matches, and suffer from more crippling flaws. They require a lot of support to be effective, and may have consistency issues.






These Pokemon struggle to define a niche for themselves and are completely outclassed by every other Pokemon in the metagame.
Caterpie
Growlithe
Magikarp
Nidoran-F
Nidoran-M
Grimer
Oddish
Bellsprout
Psyduck
Seel
Goldeen
Spearow - Analysis
Squirtle
Weedle
Zubat
Caterpie
Growlithe
Magikarp
Nidoran-F
Nidoran-M
Grimer
Oddish
Bellsprout
Psyduck
Seel
Goldeen
Spearow - Analysis
Squirtle
Weedle
Zubat
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