Building Balance in Competitive Pokémon

Introduction

Ensure the Pokémon is viable in top-level competitive play.
- Example: Choice Specs Kyurem in OU.
- Non-example: Basculin in OU.
Substitute Pokémon with a similar role on a successful team to test viability.
Note: Building around favorite/unviable Pokémon follows the same steps.
Avoid passive, hit-or-miss, or meant-to-die Pokémon for balance teams.
- Examples to avoid: Dondozo (passive), Booster Energy Iron Moth (hit-or-miss), Roaring Moon (meant-to-die).
Example Choice: Choice Specs Iron Valiant for love of spamming high-base power moves.

Select the best, not just good support Pokémon.
Aim to build a breaking core, not just covering weaknesses.
- Breaking Core: Group of Pokémon that almost always break through opposing teams.
Example: Choice Band Hoopa-Unbound + Galarian Slowking.
Importance of adding support early for balance versus hyper offense.
Example Partner: Specially Defensive Gliscor supporting Choice Specs Iron Valiant.

Address basic team needs like hazard control, fast Pokémon, etc.
- Avoid making the process a checklist devoid of synergy.
Example additions: Great Tusk (removal and Stealth Rock), Dragapult (speed and spin blocker).

Scroll through the OU tier to identify team weaknesses.
Add Pokémon to cover these issues and still fit the team.
- Look in lower tiers if necessary.
Teams may end up bulkier or more offensive; it's fine as long as it fits within balance range.
Example final choices: Galarian Slowking and Kingambit.
- Addressed weaknesses to special attackers and ice types.

Play the team on the ladder to identify strengths, weaknesses, and necessary adjustments.
Example issues and solutions:
- Weakness to Great Tusk addressed by replacing Kingambit with Corviknight.
- Iron Moth problem solved by swapping Corviknight for Skarmory and modifying Gliscor's moveset.
Continue iterations until team consistently performs well.
Example outcome: Team successfully gained ELO and performed well on the ladder.