Generation 9 RU, Singles Format Reference
Gen 9 RU (Rarely Used) is the third tier of the Smogon usage hierarchy. More polarized than UU; faster-paced; smaller pool of viable Pokémon. The format rewards specialisation and tight team cohesion.
Cartridge
Scarlet & Violet
Type
6v6 Singles
Position
Below UU, above NU
Defining list
RUBL
Smaller roster, tighter matchups, more game-deciding individual interactions. RU is where role compression becomes survival, not luxury.
At a glance
RU is the usage tier between UU and NU. Pokémon arrive here when their UU usage falls below the threshold; they leave when usage rises (back to UU) or falls further (to NU).
The smaller pool produces more polarized matchups. Pokémon that would be utility-fillers in OU become tier-defining wincons in RU. Role compression matters more, a Pokémon that pivots, breaks walls, AND wins games saves an entire team slot.
- Format type6v6 Singles, all six brought to battle
- PositionTier 3, below UU, above NU
- MechanicsTera legal; same Smogon Singles clause set
- BanlistOU + UU + UUBL bans + RUBL Pokémon
- Where it's playedPokémon Showdown ladder + Smogon RU tournaments. Live tier page: /sv/ru.
Format rules
RU applies the standard Smogon Singles clauses. The format inherits the OU + UU + UUBL banlists then adds RUBL on top.
| Clause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sleep Clause | Only one opposing Pokémon may be put to sleep at a time. |
| Species Clause | Each team can only carry one of any given species. |
| Evasion Clause | Evasion-boosting moves and abilities are banned. |
| OHKO Clause | Sheer Cold, Fissure, Horn Drill, Guillotine are banned. |
| Endless Battle Clause | Battle states that cannot end are forbidden. |
| Moody Clause | Moody is banned outright. |
| Baton Pass Clause | Speed-passing combined with stat-passing is forbidden. |
| RU + RUBL banlist | All OU + UU + UUBL bans + tier-specific RUBL bans. |
RUBL & the tier system
RU's banlist is the cumulative ban-list of all higher tiers plus its own RUBL list. Tier shifts continuously rotate Pokémon between UU, RU, and NU.
How RUBL works
- RUBL bans Pokémon that are too strong for RU but not used enough in UU. The RUBL designation is a placement, not a permanent ban, Pokémon can climb back to UU if usage rises.
- Tier shifts cycle every few months. RUBL members one cycle may be UU staples the next.
- Common RUBL residents in Gen 9 have included drops from UU that the format determined too centralising, variants of Scizor, Hatterene, niche threats per cycle.
Defining RU Pokémon
RU staples vary per cycle but typically include Mienshao, Decidueye, niche Ghost-type pivots, Steel-types that didn't crack UU, and rotating drops from above. Smogon's tier page lists current top usage.
Archetypes
RU archetypes lean toward role compression. Teams with 3+ Pokémon filling 5+ structural roles win more reliably than teams with strict 1-Pokémon-per-role builds.
Aggressive
Hyper Offense
Six offensive Pokémon. RU HO leans on priority + Choice items. Hazard-stack lead + Choice Band wallbreaker + setup sweeper + priority cleaner.
Balance
Bulky Offense
3-4 offensive Pokémon plus 2-3 defensive pivots. Defining RU defensive cores: Steel-type wall + Water-type pivot + special wall.
Defensive
Stall
Niche in RU due to smaller defensive roster. When viable, runs around niche walls + setup wincons (Calm Mind specials, Iron Defense + Body Press).
Specialty
Trick Room
Hatterene (when RU-eligible) or other slow Trick Room setters. Slow physical attackers benefit from the speed reversal.
Setup
Setup spam
RU rewards setup sweepers. Calm Mind + Stored Power, Bulk Up + priority, Dragon Dance + Choice item finisher.
Priority
Priority offense
Priority moves (Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, Sucker Punch, Mach Punch) cover RU's gaps in revenge-killing. Most teams carry at least one priority user.
Team roles in RU
The seven structural roles apply to RU. Role compression, a single Pokémon filling 2+ roles, matters more in RU than in higher tiers due to the smaller available roster.
RU hazard setters: Steel-type defensive setters, niche Sticky Web users (Galvantula equivalents). Tight pool, one slot usually fills the role.
RU removers: Defog Flying-types, Rapid Spin niche. Hazard control is a critical slot in RU due to the offensive ceiling lower than OU/UU.
RU speed control leans on Choice Scarf users + priority moves. Sticky Web teams supplement speed control through hazards.
RU absorbers depend on tier shifts. Magic Guard users are rare in RU; Natural Cure pivots more common.
RU pivots: Mienshao Regenerator + U-turn, niche Volt Switch users.
RU breakers: Specs special attackers, Banded physical attackers, Calm Mind / Swords Dance setup wincons.
RU wincons: Calm Mind + Stored Power, Iron Defense + Body Press, Dragon Dance + Choice item.
What makes RU different
RU is the "deep mid-tier" of Smogon Singles. The smaller roster produces tighter matchups; role compression dominates team-building.
↑↑
Polarisation
Tighter matchups than UU
↑
Role compression
Multi-role Pokémon central
↓
Defensive depth
Few reliable walls
- Polarized matchups, fewer Pokémon means more matchups are decided by lead choice and prediction.
- Role compression as survival, a Pokémon that pivots, breaks walls, AND wins games is far more valuable in RU than in OU.
- Tier shift volatility, RU's membership rotates as Pokémon move between UU and NU. The cycle keeps the format dynamic.
- Smaller community, RU is actively played but the player pool is smaller than UU. Tournaments are dedicated.
How to get started
RU is the most-rotating tier in the Smogon usage hierarchy. Stay current with tier shifts and the format will remain fresh.
- Read Smogon's RU tier page, banlist, RUBL list, current usage canonical.
- Pick role-compressed Pokémon, RU rewards Pokémon that fill 2+ roles. Mienshao (pivot + breaker) and similar designs anchor most teams.
- Copy a sample team, Smogon's RU samples are vetted but rotate frequently. Check the latest cycle.
- Ladder Pokémon Showdown, RU ladder is active. RU Open and similar tournaments run regularly.
- Track tier shifts, RU cycles every few months. Stay current via the tier page.
Where to go from here
The above is the static reference for Gen 9 RU. Live tier data lives in the rest of Pokékipe.
- Live tier data, /sv/ru for RU usage and Pokémon stats.
- Mechanics, Gen 9, Scarlet & Violet covers Tera and the underlying engine.
- Adjacent tiers, Gen 9 UU (the tier above), Gen 9 NU (the tier below).
- Tier shifts, Timeline tracks RU drops, rises, and RUBL changes.