Metagame BDSP 3v3 Singles (BSS)

DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
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This thread is the main hub for resources and discussion concerning the standard ingame singles format, aka 3v3 or BSS, in the context of Pokemon BDSP.

Format Rules: (tl;dr: same as BDSP VGC except it's 3v3 singles)
  • Single battle
  • Bring 6 Pokemon, choose 3 at team preview
  • Flat Levels: Pokemon above level 50 go down to level 50, Pokemon below level 50 stay as is
  • Item Clause: no two Pokemon can hold the same item
  • Species Clause: no two Pokemon can have the same Pokedex number
  • Banlist: Mewtwo, Mew, Ho-oh, Lugia, Celebi, Kyogre, Groudon, Rayquaza, Jirachi, Deoxys, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus
Things to keep in mind when playing on cartridge:
  • If you want to match up in a 3v3 battle, use the link code 6350 4649 as posted in the image above. It is a highly active link code with players constantly playing 3v3 singles (the tweet that started it has over 18k retweets as of posting this). While battling is the main goal of the link code, there are quite a few players who are willing to trade breedjects with you after a good game, so if you want some more competitive Pokemon try your luck!
  • Similar to VGC, due to the lack of official support regarding competitive aspects in BDSP, there is no official ruleset that forces the players to only bring 3 Pokemon to battle. As such, players are physically able to bring more than 3 Pokemon and all 6 Pokemon will be brought to battle if you time out. In order to maintain fair play and a fun environment, please make sure to select 3 Pokemon and finalize your selection at team preview. If you accidentally bring 6 Pokemon, the opponent is usually nice enough to have a rematch if you forfeit the game immediately.
  • BDSP follows the same timer rules as SWSH BSS regarding the 20 minute timer and tiebreak rules. However, unlike SWSH, players in BDSP have 60 seconds to make their move instead of 45 seconds, making it a lot easier to stall out the timer. While the turn timer change is unfortunate, the timer win condition is still regarded as a valid win condition.
 

DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
is a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Preliminary Viability Rankings

Pokemon in each tier are listed alphabetically. Parentheses indicate notable changes between SwSh and BDSP. Note that due to the lack of an enforced ruleset, the missing moves may become usable when BDSP becomes compatible with Pokemon Home.

Great
:blaziken: (-Thunder Punch)
:breloom: (NEW)
:cloyster: (-Liquidation, +Explosion)
:dragonite: (-Dual Wingbeat, -Scale Shot, -Ice Punch)
:garchomp: (-Scale Shot, -Fire Fang)
:gengar: (-Sludge Wave, -Icy Wind)
:gliscor: (NEW)
:hippowdon:
:latios: (-Trick, -Mystical Fire, -Psyshock, -Aura Sphere)
:mamoswine:
:rotom-wash: (-Pain Split)
:scizor: (-Bug Bite, -Superpower, +Roost)
:suicune:
Blaziken @ Lum Berry
Ability: Speed Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Protect
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- U-turn

Breloom @ Focus Sash
Ability: Technician
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Rock Tomb

Cloyster @ Focus Sash
Ability: Skill Link
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Spear
- Rock Blast
- Ice Shard
- Shell Smash

Dragonite @ Lum Berry
Ability: Multiscale
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Fire Punch
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance

Garchomp @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rough Skin
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Rock Tomb
- Stealth Rock

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Destiny Bond

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 28 Def / 252 Spe
Impish Nature
- Protect
- Substitute
- Earthquake
- Guillotine

Hippowdon @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- Yawn
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind

Latios (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse
- Psychic
- Surf

Mamoswine @ Focus Sash
Ability: Oblivious
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
- Stealth Rock

Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Discharge
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp

Scizor @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Technician
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Roost
- Swords Dance

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Inner Focus
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Calm Mind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk



Good
:azumarill: (-Liquidation)
:blissey: (+Counter, -Tri Attack)
:gyarados: (-Power Whip, -Outrage)
:heatran:
:latias: (-Trick, -Mystical Fire, -Psyshock, -Aura Sphere)
:magnezone: (-Body Press, -Iron Defense)
:metagross: (-Ice Punch, -Thunder Punch, -Trick)
:raikou: (-Aura Sphere)
:rotom-heat: (-Pain Split)
:salamence: (-Dual Wingbeat, +Roost)
:swampert: (-Flip Turn, +Roar)
:togekiss: (-Heat Wave, -Trick, +Roost)
:tyranitar: (-Rock Blast, -Superpower)
:umbreon:

Okay
:ambipom: (NEW)
:azelf: (-Psyshock, -Trick, -Zen Headbutt)
:cresselia: (-Stored Power, -Psyshock)
:empoleon: (NEW)
:entei: (-Stomping Tantrum, -Iron Head)
:espeon: (-Trick, -Psyshock)
:feraligatr: (NEW)
:gardevoir: (-Mystical Fire, -Psyshock, -Trick)
:gastrodon:
:infernape: (NEW)
:lucario: (-Ice Punch, -Thunder Punch, -Steel Beam)
:milotic:
:snorlax: (-Darkest Lariat, -Heat Crash, -Gunk Shot, -Ice Punch, -Fire Punch, +Whirlwind)
:porygon-z: (-Uproar, -Trick, +Charge Beam)
:rhyperior: (-Fire Punch, -Ice Punch)
:skarmory: (-Body Press, -Iron Defense)
:staraptor: (NEW)
:tangrowth:
:uxie: (-Foul Play, -Trick)
:weavile: (-Triple Axel, -Low Kick)
:wobbuffet:
:yanmega: (NEW)
:zapdos: (-Hurricane, -Heat Wave)

Notable Cores

:bw/scizor: :bw/latios:
This timeless classic core is currently the most popular core in BDSP. Lack of powerful Fire types in the metagame makes it easier for Scizor to move around, and Latios is able to cover for the occasional ones that do appear. Scizor is able to switch in freely against Fairy/Dark/Bug types that scare Latios away, and control the momentum with slow U-Turn to bring Latios back in. Alternatively, Scizor can sweep in the late game after Latios dishes out a ton of damage in the earlier turns.
+ :suicune:
There are a few Pokemon that threaten Latios Scizor, such as Dragon Pulse Heatran and Fire Punch Dragonite, and so Suicune is commonly seen in the same team to cover for those threats.
+ :breloom:
Alternatively Breloom is used as a Focus Sash Spore user to put the Pokemon that threatens Latios Scizor out of commision, making it extremely difficult for the opponent to stop the core.
 
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DragonWhale

It's not a misplay, it's RNG manipulation
is a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Speed Tiers (WIP)

Stat252+25200-
3342 Dragon Dance Salamence
3222 Speed Boost Yanmega
312Agility Porygon-Z
3042 Dragon Dance Salamence
300Swift Swim Kingdra
2942 Speed Boost Yanmega
2922 Dragon Dance Gyarados
2902 Speed Boost Blaziken, 2 Dragon Dance Dragonite
284Agility Porygon-Z
274Swift Swim Kingdra
268Shell Smash Cloyster, Swift Swim Ludicolo
267Scarf Latios, Scarf Latias, Scarf Gengar
2662 Dragon Dance Gyarados
2642 Speed Boost Blaziken, 2 Dragon Dance Dragonite
253Scarf Garchomp
2501 Dragon Dance Salamence, Scarf Staraptor, Scarf Zapdos, Scarf Entei
2482 Dragon Dance Tyranitar
244Shell Smash Cloyster, Swift Swim Ludicolo
243Scarf Latios, Scarf Latias, Scarf Gengar
231Scarf Garchomp
2281 Dragon Dance Salamence, Scarf Staraptor, Scarf Zapdos, Scarf Entei
226Scarf Rotom-*2 Dragon Dance Tyranitar
2191 Dragon Dance Gyarados
2171 Speed Boost Blaziken, 1 Dragon Dance Dragonite, Scarf Mamoswine, Scarf Togekiss
207Scarf Rotom-*
1991 Dragon Dance Gyarados
1981 Speed Boost Blaziken, 1 Dragon Dance Dragonite, Scarf Mamoswine, Scarf Togekiss
194Weavile
183Raikou, Azelf, Ambipom
178Latios, Gengar, Latias
169Garchomp
167Salamence, Staraptor, Zapdos, Entei
161Gliscor, Yanmega
156Porygon-Z, Lucario
151Rotom-*
146Gyarados
145Blaziken, Dragonite, Mamoswine, Togekiss, Metagross. Gardevoir
138Rotom-*
134Breloom, Cloyster
133Gyarados
132Blaziken, Dragonite, Mamoswine, Togekiss, Metagross, Gardevoir
124Tyranitar
 
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Spent the day trying out the format and I can vouch that finding opponents using the code is very easy regardless of the time. Do note that unlike Sword and Shield's cart battles, you're no longer able to check team preview or stat changes and other counters during move selection, so having pen and paper, a camera, or whatever might be handy.

As for the viability rankings, I'd definitely like to add :Gardevoir: somewhere. Fairy typing is hard to come by these days and Gardevoir is probably the best Moonblast user around. I also find being able to switch into a Dragonite and Trace Multiscale very annoying. In my one day of playing I ran into both a scarf set and a utility/support set with Taunt and Chesto Berry for Breloom. Other than that, everything seems to check out. Rain also seems promising as a core, with Pelipper and/or Politoed setting up for Swift Swim users like Ludicolo, Poliwrath, and Kingdra.

It's been a fun format. I'll definitely try and play more of the format after Christmas!
 
From my experience in this format so far, I'd say you could quite safely put Gyarados into the great teir. I bring to nearly every game and it has pulled off a strong number of 3-0s. Clefable is also more than okay. The Unaware ability can come in clutch against the myriad of boosters in this format. Also makes for good status support with t-wave or if you're brave, catch a scizor on the switch with a fire blast.
 
I tried running cloyster, hippowdon and bright powder sand veil garchomp
I won a few matches with it especially nobody is running a raindance team
 
What are the most viable Pokemon and strategies right now, and how can people prepare for them? What other advice should new players know when they start to play this format?
 
What are the most viable Pokemon and strategies right now, and how can people prepare for them? What other advice should new players know when they start to play this format?
Personally, I feel like Focus Sash Technician Breloom is on nearly every team. You should always have a strategy in place for dealing with Breloom. Blaziken has almost zero drawback as a lead pokemon. You can scout for choice items with protect and you can U-turn out for massive damage on the likes of Latios. Having a strong water type pokemon is farily important in this meta, You could start your team building process by selecting which water type you would like to run and then build the rest of your team around it. I believe Suicune, Rotom-W, Gyarados, Cloyster and Azumarill and are all fine choices. Honestly if you go through the Great tier list on this page and build a team with any six, then it's probably going to perform quite well.
Another thing to be wary of is baton passing and moody strats. You want to have some way of shutting them down such as Ghost with curse/ perish song/ whirlwind etc.
 
I'm having a good time playing 3v3. I just got back into compwtitive pokemon and it's alot of fun. Just hate it when I keep going up against the same people who use OP mons. I also battled a couple of people with shadow tag arena trap which is complete cheese but I guess that's what it is until they add 3v3 into the game some how
 
Why was it removed from Showdown? I was aiming to top it and now that's no longer possible. I don't see why it would have been removed for unpopularity when a temporary format, BDSP BF Doubles is still around, and that probably has even fewer active players.
 
Why was it removed from Showdown? I was aiming to top it and now that's no longer possible. I don't see why it would have been removed for unpopularity when a temporary format, BDSP BF Doubles is still around, and that probably has even fewer active players.
Fully agree. LC is still available and it was less popular than 3v3.
 
Have they brought other tiers back? Like I think Gen 7 UU was reactivated for a bit, then disabled again a couple years ago.
Seems unlikely to me. Pretty sure it got canned because it wasn't popular enough. I'm doubtful there will be enough demand for it to come back.
 

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