This was a huge change to competitive battling, with Pokémon such as Gengar or Gyarados benefiting, and Alakazam suffering.
Moves that have high base power but huge drawbacks, such as Giga Impact's recharge turn and Thunder's low accuracy, are not always viable in competitive play.
Instead, moves that have reliable accuracy, minimal downsides, and have decent base power, such as Body Slam and Thunderbolt, respectively, are more widely used.
However, as a metagame develops, players may find niche scenarios where the high base power is preferable.
Certain types in early editions of the games, such as Psychic in generation I and Dragon in generations IV and V, were exceptionally powerful and a clear cut above the rest due to either lack of weaknesses or being resisted by only one type.
The introduction of Mega Evolution in generation VI gave previously non-viable or less viable Pokémon a purpose in the higher-tier metagame, such as Charizard and Mawile.
Some players, especially followers of Smogon University, criticised this mechanic for being too centralising and thus prohibited the use of it in certain formats.
Rulesets vary between the official tournament circuit for Pokémon, the Video Game Championships, and the competitive formats maintained by the fan made institution, Smogon University.
Rulesets for VGC vary throughout the lifespan of a Pokémon game and are released in periodic updates.
Depending on the series, certain restrictions on game mechanics or the use of certain Pokémon may be placed or lifted.
Restricted mechanics have included the banning of Dynamax, Z-Crystals, and Mega Stones.
[10] Rules for competitive play on the Smogon battle simulator Pokémon Showdown!
Certain rules known as the "standard clauses" apply almost universally to Smogon tournaments and battles on the Pokémon Showdown!