Stakataka (Rock) D->C.
This pretty much an unexplored Pokemon and when People think of Stakataka, the first thing that comes to mind is Trick Room. After sinking my head in the builder, I thought of a Substitute set and after running a few tests, I started using a Substitute set that improves some matchups like Grass, Steel, and Poison. Its speed is able to outspeeds Pokemon like Ferrothorn, specially defensive Aegislash after a Sticky Web, and etc. Its notable addition in Heat Crash improves the matchup a lot and I tested this on the ladder (and as usual there are fewer competitive games) but it did fine. Here is a
replay showcasing it vs a Steel team though.
Cradily (Rock) B -> C.
The consistent Fighting-type coverage on Water teams from Pokemon like Barraskewda, Keldeo, and Urshifu makes me question that it's on the same level as Rhyperior or Barbaracle. Yes, it provides Water immunity for Dracovish but let's think, Cradily doesn't do anything but for Water, since it instantly dies to Water moves and it fails to break Toxapex and other defensive cores while it just sits there in the Dragon matchup and prays? Selections like Omastar, Nihilego, and Barbaracle have better matchups in the Dragon and Water respectively. The Ground matchup is pretty much winnable with Air Balloon Barbaracle also but I don't see the point in keeping this at B considering Rock already struggles to make "great/good" progress against select types.
Vikavolt (Bug) D -> C.
Vikavolt is an underrated selection I feel for Bug teams. Its overall bulk in conjunction with reliable recovery in Roost allows this to be a great choice of Sticky Web setters for Bug teams. A lot of faster Bug-types like Scizor, Volcarona, Buzzwole, and Ribombee extremely appreciate Vikavolt's ability to slow pivot them safely with Volt Switch. Additionally, Levitate also betters its chances against Rising Voltage Regieleki teams. The Havens game
during MWCOP showcases Vikavolt's potential in the Electric matchup as the wincon was positioning Volcarona in to sweep the team.
The sample teams have already updated acknowledging Vikavolt's presence on Bug, so why not bump it up on the Viability Rankings as well.
252+ SpA Choice Specs Transistor Regieleki Rising Voltage (70 BP) vs. 252 HP / 220+ SpD Vikavolt in Electric Terrain: 135-160 (37.7 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(vs) 252+ SpA Choice Specs Transistor Regieleki Rising Voltage (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 220+ SpD Vikavolt in Electric Terrain: 271-320 (75.6 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock.
Amoonguss (Grass) C -> B.
Amoonguss and Appletun shouldn't be on the same rankings and its ability to remove Tspikes makes it an overall better utility user. Not too much to say about this because someone said it was supposed to be at B, but this is a little reminder.
Celebi (Grass) B -> C.
I feel like Celebi isn't fit for the usable ranking anymore especially with the addition of Galarian Slowking. Its Niche(C) could possibly be improving the Steel matchup with Aura + EP but a lot of Grass teams are simply using Amoonguss over this. Additionally, the combination of Rillaboom and Bulk Up Zarude has a nice matchup against Steel and they aren't for one specific matchup. Celebi also has the possibility of running Future Sight for the Poison matchup but the issue with that is getting Glowking out or getting something in safely to pressure it. I got one KO on a Nidoking and after my Kebia Berry trigger, the match went downhill, you can ask
smub about that lol.
Heatran (Fire) Lower.
Just going to take a moment to analyze the Pokemon on the Fire VR. Heatran doesn't belong on hyper offensive screen teams and it's more fit for balance. I'd say the standard balance team is composed of Torkoal, Cinderace, Victini, Blacephalon, Volcarona, and some type of Ground immunity through Air Balloon....or Moltres...lol. The current Sample set on the samples is running a Magma Storm set and Choice Band Victini + Psychic QD Volcarona can already make good progress in the Poison matchup. Not to mention, one of the main reasons Galarian Slowking runs Earthquake is to prevent its team from being trap spammed by Heatran.
I would've added more replays and etc but I hear its a vr update soon from a random bird~