Rules:
Anything Goes is somewhat self-explanatory; however, it should be noted that Anything Goes refers to anything legal within the cartridge games (Sun and Moon) being able to be used. There are no bans or clauses (excluding the 'Endless Battle Clause').
Strategy:
Hyper Offense is arguably the most effective playstyle within any iteration of the Anything Goes metagame, and this is no different within Generation 7. Setting hazards and bombarding an opponent with heavy hitting priority users and alternative offensive presences is so simple, yet so efficient at breaking any team regardless of playstyle.
Stall is a completely viable playstyle within the Anything Goes metagame. As potent threats such as Mega Rayquaza exist, so do defensive beasts such as Giratina and Lugia. Due to the abundance of available Pokémon, it is possible to find defensive answers for every Pokémon in the metagame. Stall is much better within the SM metagame due to the non-existence of Darkrai, and the addition of Pokémon such as Magearna, Celesteela and Alolan Muk.
If you can't pick between the two extremes, why not try a mix? Balance is a completely viable playstyle as well, assuming it packs enough firepower to break through Stall and enough defense to tank Offense. Commonly used Pokémon include Ho-Oh and Support Arceus formes; however, almost any Pokémon seen on the two aforementioned playstyles can be used effectively given the right support.
Moody, while somewhat unreliable and inconsistent, proves to be a fairly usable ability within the Anything Goes metagame. Spamming Protect and Substitute can be quite effective, ensuring that a boost to Speed and/or the required Defense stat is obtained rather quickly. Viable users of this ability include Glalie and Smeargle. It should be noted however, that Moody should not be used if consistent success is required, as it is capable of receiving suboptimal boosts early on, and being removed by many opposing Pokémon.
By combining Psychic Terrain and Deoxys-Attack, it is possible to create an optimal environment for Deoxys-Attack to compete. Psychic Terrain setters are limited to essentially Tapu Lele; however, this doesn't burden this archetype whatsoever. By removing Deoxys's weakness to priority and giving it a 1.5x boost to its Psychic-type attacks, Deoxys-Attack is almost unwallable. Some Balance teams may have to rely on abnormalities like Assault Vest Alolan Muk or another terrain setter to check this unforgiving team archetype.
Experimentation can allow for the discovery of unused threats, due to Anything Goes's differences from other metagames. The lack of clauses enables Pokémon such as Spore Breloom and Z-Purify Pyukumuku to excel, whilst completely arbitrary Pokémon such as Barbaracle can sweep through teams with almost minimal support.
FAQ:
Q: Does this mean I can use absolutely anything?
A: You can use anything that is considered legal in the cartridge game. Pokémon obtained through hacks, cheats, glitches, exterior devices, e.t.c are not permitted. This also means unreleased Pokémon are also not allowed.
Q: Why can't I Mega Evolve multiple Pokémon?
A: Because you may only Mega Evolve one Pokémon each match in the cartridge game, hence the same rules apply here.
Q: Why can't I use a Z-crystal on my Mega Rayquaza?
A: The cartridge game doesn't allow it, therefore Anything Goes doesn't either. If a Rayquaza is equipped with Dragon Ascent and a Z-crystal, the Z-crystal takes priority and Rayquaza may not Mega Evolve.
Resources:
AG Resources Thread
- Speed Tiers
- Core Compendium
- Role Compendium
- Tournaments Index
- Sets Compendium
AG Viability Rankings
AG Sample Teams
AG Team Bazaar and Showcase
AG Metagame Discussion
Simple Questions, Simple Answers
This thread will also be doubling as a simple Q&A thread where newer players can get questions answered. Any questions related to AG are welcome (provided they are relatively simple to answer), but please keep the following guidelines in mind before posting:
- Make sure the question you are asking is clear! It's a lot easier for us to help you out if we understand what you're asking.
- If your question can be answered by a Google search or the Smogdex, please do that as to not clutter the thread.
- When answering questions, please quote the post you're answering to avoid confusion.
- In-game questions or questions related to other tiers don't belong here. Make sure you're asking about Anything Goes!
- Be civil when posting please :)
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