A speed tier is just a Pokémon’s base Speed stat — but the word is shorthand for “where this Pokémon sits relative to the rest of the meta.” Knowing tiers is how players predict turn order before the first move is even made.
Why tiers matter
Whoever has higher Speed moves first within the same priority bracket. That decides almost every important interaction: whether you knock the opponent out before they hit you, whether you set up Trick RoomTrick RoomstrategyFor 5 turns, slower Pokémon move first. Reverses the entire speed game — a strategy that builds teams around very slow attackers.Click to read more → before they TauntTauntmovePrevents the target from using status moves for 3 turns — shuts down Trick Room setters, Tailwind users, and redirectors in doubles.Click to read more → you, whether your Fake OutFake OutmoveA +3 priority Normal-type move that does small damage and forces the target to flinch — only usable on the user's first turn out.Click to read more → lands before theirs.
Common benchmarks in Reg M-A
- Trick Room zone (≤ 35) — Pokémon this slow are built to thrive under Trick Room, not avoid it. HattereneHatterenepokemonMagic Bounce setter and Trick Room anchor. Reflects status, sets terrain, and powers slow attackers under reversed Speed.Click to read more →, Torkoal, Amoonguss, Slowbro.
- Slow attackers (~60) — bulky physical attackers that don’t need to move first. IncineroarIncineroarpokemonThe most-used Pokémon in Reg M-A. Defines doubles tempo with Fake Out, Intimidate on every switch, and Parting Shot pivots.Click to read more →, Tyranitar, Iron Hands.
- Base 100 — the classical dividing line. Charizard, Volcarona, GarchompGarchomppokemonThe premier spread attacker under Tailwind. Earthquake hits both opponents, Scale Shot chains Speed boosts, and Dragon Claw threatens opposing dragons.Click to read more → (102) all sit here.
- Speedsters (120+) — almost always strike first without help. SneaslerSneaslerpokemonThe fastest Fake Out user in the format after Unburden activates. Doubles the lead pressure when stacked with Incineroar.Click to read more →, Flutter Mane, Palafin (Hero form).
Modifiers that change the math
The base stat is just the starting point. Choice Scarf boosts Speed by 1.5×. TailwindTailwindmoveDoubles the Speed of every Pokémon on your side for 4 turns. Often paired with Prankster for instant priority setup.Click to read more → doubles it for the whole team. Trick Room inverts the entire system. A “slow” team can become the fastest one on the field with the right setup.