📊 Pokémon Champions Tier List Explained: S to D Tier

What does S-tier mean in Pokémon Champions? This guide explains the tier system, how usage % affects rankings, and which Pokémon define the current meta.

The StrataDex tier list ranks all 160 legal Pokémon in Pokémon Champions from S down to D based on their competitive viability, usage data, and team impact. Here's what each tier means and how to use the list when building your team.

What Each Tier Means

S-Tier: The best Pokémon in the format. Extremely high usage, versatile, and hard to counter. Teams will almost always have good reason to run these.
A-Tier: Excellent Pokémon that are staples of many competitive teams. Slightly more niche than S-tier but still strong across a wide range of matchups.
B-Tier: Solid picks with clear roles. Often excellent in specific archetypes (sun, rain, TR) but not universally splashable.
C-Tier: Niche choices that can be effective but require more support or face more counters. Viable in the right context.
D-Tier: Mainly used for specific tech picks or early data is limited. Not recommended for competitive play without a specific reason.

Current S-Tier Overview

The current S-tier in Pokémon Champions Season 1 is anchored by Incineroar, Flutter Mane, and Whimsicott. Incineroar's Intimidate and Fake Out give it unmatched utility. Flutter Mane is a fast, hard-hitting special attacker with a unique Ghost/Fairy typing. Whimsicott provides Prankster Tailwind and priority status moves.

Usage % vs Tier Ranking

StrataDex shows both a tier ranking and a usage percentage for each Pokémon. Usage % reflects how often the Pokémon appears in top-level competitive play, while tier reflects its ceiling potential. A Pokémon can be A-tier with low usage if it's underexplored, or B-tier with moderate usage if it fills a specific popular role.

💡 Tip: Sort the Pokédex by usage % to see what teams are currently running in practice, not just in theory.

How to Use the Tier List When Building

Don't build a team by picking the top 6 S-tier Pokémon — they'll overlap in roles and type coverage. Instead, use the tier list to identify candidates for each team slot, then pick based on what your archetype needs.

Start with your core 2-3 Pokémon (setter + main attacker + support)
Fill remaining slots from A/B tier Pokémon that cover your weaknesses
Check the team score in the Team Builder to see how well your picks mesh

Frequently Asked Questions

What does S-tier mean in Pokémon Champions?

S-tier Pokémon are the strongest and most versatile picks in the current metagame. They appear in the highest percentage of top competitive teams and are usually safe choices in any team build.

Should I only use S and A-tier Pokémon?

Not necessarily. B and C-tier Pokémon can be very effective when used in the right context, especially if they counter popular S-tier threats. However, starting with higher-tier Pokémon reduces the ceiling you have to overcome.

How often does the tier list change?

Tier lists shift with major patches, new Pokémon discoveries, and tournament results. StrataDex updates tier rankings based on competitive data from ongoing Champions Season tournaments.

StrataDex is a fan-made tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Nintendo, Game Freak, or The Pokémon Company. Pokémon and all related trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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