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.