Due to the lack of anything suspect-worthy in the current meta, the DOU Council has decided to look at Pokemon currently in DUbers which could be suspected down to DOU. After extensive discussion, the council has decided on Zamazenta being the best candidate. Only regular Zamazenta will be suspected, Zamazenta-Crowned will remain in DUbers. Some may be hesitant about adding a 670 BST legendary to the meta, but due to Kyurem-B (700 BST) proving to be manageable, and given the unviability of regular Zamazenta in DUbers as well as the latest VGC ruleset, we believe it's reasonable.
Recently, semiroom teams have dominated the SS DOU meta, with Diancie and Porygon2 being the most prominent setters. Diancie has a number of checks, but due to Porygon2's pure Normal-typing combined with decent defensive stats and Eviolite, it can be difficult for teams to deal with as it can repeatedly set Trick Room and use Recover to heal off any damage. Toxic is one method to counter it, but with Tapu Fini's ability to prevent status with Misty Terrain this isn't completely reliable. Fighting-types can also check Porygon2, however there is only one truly good Fighting-type at the moment in Urshifu-R. The Council believes that the addition of another viable Fighting-type in Zamazenta will make it easier for teams to manage Porygon2, a healthy change for the meta.
Another dominant force in the metagame currently is Kyurem-B. Assault Vest sets have been known to be great for a while now, but Dragon Dance variants have also been on the rise recently. Kyurem-B, like Porygon2, is bulky and difficult to KO. Being able to tank even a +1 Meteor Beam from Nihilego, AV Kyurem-B is near impossible to OHKO outside of Close Combat from Urshifu, but even that has to be weary about switching in, as the combination of Icy Wind (allowing Kyurem-B to outspeed) and Fusion Bolt comes close to KOing. Taking advantage of BoltBeam coverage in Icicle Spear and Fusion Bolt, DD sets can simply KO most would-be checks, such as Urshifu, before they can move. The prescence of another strong Fighting-type in the meta will help ensure Kyurem-B remains healthy, and Zamazenta can fulfil this role. Unlike Urshifu, Zamazenta is fast enough to still outspeed most AV Kyurem-B variants even at -1, and is not weak to any of it's common moves. Zamazenta's ability, Dauntless Shield, assists in making it a reliable check to DD sets as well.
Despite its high statline and potent Ability, Zamazenta is not without its flaws. As a physical attacker, it is vulnerable to Intimidate weakening its attacks. Zamazenta's pure Fighting-type means it has access to only a single STAB type, and is weak to common types in Fairy and Psychic. With Tapu Fini being ever present, and Tapu Lele teams on the rise (which often have more than one Psychic-type), most teams should be equipped to handle Zamazenta. Zamazenta's high Speed can also be turned on its head with the use of Trick Room, an already common strategy in the current meta. As stated above, the poor performance of regular Zamazenta in tiers where it is legal leads us to believe it would be a feasible addition to DOU.
Voting requirements will be announced soon.
Tagging Kris to implement a suspect ladder on PS.
: doing what
Great Work!!
