What if Levitate got removed?

Inspired by Zarel's Gen-Next proposal, I decided to do my take on the idea of intrinsic Ground immunity replacing Levitate. Unlike Zarel's more modest proposal, I'm actually going full way with this, with giving all Levitate users full three abilities, and Legendaries one ability and one HA.

Gastly-Haunter-Gengar:
New Main Abilities: Cursed Body, Insomnia
New Hidden Ability: Shadow Tag

Koffing-Weezing:
New Main Abilities: Aftermath, Stench
New Hidden Ability: Flare Boost

Misdreavus-Mismagius:
New Main Abilities: Cursed Body, Insomnia
New Hidden Ability: Magic Bounce

Unown:
New Main Abilities: Telepathy, Synchronize
New Hidden Ability: Protean

Vibrava-Flygon:
Based on Trapinch's Hyper Cutter, Arena Trap, Sheer Force
New Main Abilities: Tinted Lens, Arena Trap
New Hidden Ability: Sheer Force

Lunatone-Solrock:
New Main Abilities: Synchronize, Magic Guard,
New Hidden Ability(Solrock): Drought
New Hidden Ability(Lunatone): Snow Warning

Baltoy-Claydol:
New Main Ability: Magic Guard, Synchronize
New Hidden Ability: Magic Bounce

Duskull:
New Main Ability:  Pressure

Chimecho- Chingling:
New Main Abilities: Synchronize, Magic Guard
New Hidden Ability: Healer

Latias-Latios:
New Main Ability: Synchronize
New Hidden Ability: Telepathy
New Mega Ability: Magic Bounce

Bronzor-Bronzong:
New Main Ability: Clear Body

Carnivine:
New Main Abilities: Leaf Guard, Chlorophyll
New Hidden Ability: Gluttony

Rotom:
New Main Abilities: Motor Drive, Static
New Hidden Ability: Lightningrod

Uxie-Azelf-Mesprit:
New Main Ability: Synchronize
New Hidden Ability(Uxie): Forewarn(JP. Name Prophetic Dream)
New Hidden Ability(Mesprit): Telepathy
New Hidden Ability(Azelf): Inner Focus (JP. Name: Force of Will)

Giratina Origin Forme:
Based off regular Giratina;
New Main Ability: Pressure
New Hidden Ability: Telepathy

Cresselia:
New Main Ability: Synchronize
New Hidden Ability: Magic Bounce

Tynamo-Eelektross-Eelektrik:
New Main Abilities: Static, Volt Absorb
New Hidden Ability: Swift Swim

Cryogonal:
New Main Abilities: Ice Body, Clear Body
New Hidden Ability: Snow Warning

Hydreigon:
New Main Ability: Moxie

Though I must say that I'm surprised with the fact that they didn't announce any new Pokémon with Levitate, besides the Lati duo. I wouldn't be surprised if the Flygon Mega ends up phasing out Levitate for something else like Gengar did.

Note(17.02.2018): Gengar no longer has Levitate, instead has Cursed Body.
Note (02.01.2020): Koffing and Weezing now both have full three Abilities in addition to Levitate.

How to Improve: 069-071, Bellsprout-Weepinbell-Victreebel

This time around I will be talking something different. It is no secret that my views regarding Pokémon have always been in a maximal idealist perspective, that is, all individual species should be capable of doing everything they are logically capable of, and the franchise in general should have the maximum variety and options.

I'll be going through a few core concepts, which are;

1.Stats
2.Abilities
3.Moves
4.Typing.

1.Stats: Should Victreebel get a stat boost, Evolution, Mega Evolution or nothing?

As Victreebel was recently granted a +10 boost to its Sp. Def, one might not reconsider stat boosts, but I advise against such argument. Victreebel is a three stage Pokémon with 490 BST, which can be easily improved to at most 540 BST under current situation. This might not be sufficient enough to make it to OU, but as an early Grass-type, this would be a Arceussend nonetheless.

These stat boosts can be given to any of its current stats, but I would advise for increasing it Defense(so it can stand a hit), or its Speed, so it can outspeed most Pokémon under Sun with Chlorophyll.

2.Abilities: Should Victreebel get more abilities?

 Answer would be relative yes, as Victreebel has only two abilities. Here are some potential answers:

1.Solar Power: Victreebel is one of the Pokémon to get Weather Ball, and have a relatively decent Sp. Atk to use it. Solar Power, while not necessarily reliable, can provide Victreebel necessary boost to be relevant in doubles, particularly in VGCs.

2.Leaf Guard: Another relatively weak ability, Leaf Guard nonetheless protects Victreebel from paralysis and burn. As Victreebel is heavily reliant on Speed and Attack, this makes Leaf Guard relatively powerful.

3.Effect Spore: Incredibly useless, but as Victreebel has access to Stun Spore, Poison Powder and Sleep Powder, Effect Spore has some trolling potential.

3.Moves: Should Victreebel get more moves?

The answer would be an inevitable yes, as Victreebel has limited STAB moves, let alone moves of different types.

Some basic ideas that can work are;

1.Give more Dark-type moves:

As Victreebel has access to three significant Dark-type moves, Knock Off, Thief and formerly Sucker Punch, and its behavior corresponds that of a Dark-type, it can get several Dark-type moves.

Most obvious one would be Dark Pulse, but moves such as Crunch, Bite, Night Slash and others would find places as well.

2.Give more Bug-type moves:

As Victreebel has access to three significant Bug-type moves, Leech Life, Infestation and formerly Bug Bite, it can get more Bug moves.

Most obvious one would be Fury Cutter, but others such as Signal Beam, X-Scissor and others would be useful and logical as well.

3.Give more slashing moves:

Victreebel is capable of learning Cut and Leaf Blade, as such there is not much reason for it to not have other slashing moves such as Night Slash, Slash, Aerial Ace and others.

4. Give more STAB moves:

Victreebel currently lacks moves of its types. Most such as Poison Jab, Gunk Shot, Sludge and others can be given.

5. Give more biting moves:

Outside of its visible fangs, Victreebel was formerly capable of learning Bug Bite. Moves such as Thunder Fang, Poison Fang and Crunch can be given.

6. Give more light based attacks:

As Victreebel can get Solar Beam, Reflect and Flash, it can get more light based moves such as Dazzling Gleam, Flash Cannon and Power Gem.

4.Typing: What additional types Victreebel can have?

Most obvious ones would be Dark and Bug-types, as Victreebel has connection to both types, Dark-types by nature, and Bug-types by being their predator.Dark-type would probably better for a hypothetical Mega Evolution, but Bug-type can be interesting if it revolves around Bugs inside it, which can give it access to Vespiquen's Order moves.

Mega Evolution Expectations for Z

For the possible Mega Evolutions for Z, we need to look at specific patterns for Mega Evolutions, going from the likeliest to least likely:

Missing Mega Evolutions in Shuffle

Released thus far:

1. Mega Charizard Y
2. Mega Heracross
3. Mega Sharpedo
4. Mega Blaziken
5. Mega Absol
6. Mega Manectric
7. Mega Garchomp
8. Mega Latias
9. Mega Latios
10. Mega Gardevoir
11. Mega Steelix
12. Mega Medicham
13. Mega Swampert
14. Mega Charizard X
15. Mega Mewtwo X
16. Mega Abomasnow
17. Mega Metagross

Mega Evolutions of known Pokémon:

1. Mega Charizard X
2. Mega Pidgeot
3. Mega Scizor
4. Mega Mewtwo X
5. Mega Pinsir
6. Primal Groudon
7. Primal Kyogre
8. Mega Rayquaza
9. Mega Tyranitar
10. Mega Sceptile
11. Mega Swampert
12. Mega Camerupt
13. Mega Salamence
14. Mega Gyarados
15. Mega Diancie
16. Mega Gallade
17. Mega Beedrill
18. Mega Alakazam
19. Mega Aggron
20. Mega Houndoom
21. Mega Abomasnow
22. Mega Steelix
23. Mega Medicham

Unknown Pokémon with Mega Evolutions:

1. Mega Houndoom
2. Mega Gardevoir
3. Mega Latios

Edit(07.09.2015): Current pre-paid cards showcase Mega Sceptile and Mega Swampert, but they have not been released.
Edit(28.09.2015): Removed Mega Latias and Mega Charizard Y. Updated the Unknown Pokémon with newly released stuff.
Edit(05.10.2015): Removed Mega Absol.
Edit(02.11.2015): Removed Mega Gardevoir.
Edit(01.12.2015): Removed Mega Steelix, Mega Medicham and Mega Latios. Moved Gallade to known Pokémon.
Edit(28.12.2015): Moved Camerupt to known Pokémon.
Edit(05.12.2015): Removed Mega Swampert.
Edit(20.01.2015): Moved Aggron and Abomasnow to known Pokémon.
Edit(09.02.2016): Removed Mega Abomasnow.
Edit(16.02.2016): Removed Mega Mewtwo X. Added Beedrill and Alakazam to known Pokémon.
Edit(23.02.2016): Removed Mega Charizard X. Added Gyarados to known Pokémon.
Edit(15.03.2016): Added Houndoom to known Pokémon.
Edit(05.04.2016): Removed Mega Sceptile.
Edit(26.04.2016): Removed Mega Scizor, Mega Diancie and Mega Rayquaza.
Edit(28.06.2016): Removed Mega Gyarados.
Edit(02.08.2016): Removed Mega Steelix.
Edit(13.09.2016): Removed Mega Alakazam.
Edit (28.09.2016): Removed Mega Beedrill.
Edit (11.10.2016): Removed Mega Pidgeot.
Edit (01.11.2016): Removed Mega Metagross.
Edit(22.11.2016): Removed Mega Camerupt and Tyranitar.
Edit (21.12.2016): Removed Mega Salamence.
Edit(17.01.2016): Removed Mega Houndoom.
Edit(14.02.2016): Removed Mega Aggron.
Edit(13.06.2016): Removed Mega Gallade.
Edit(13.02.2018): Removed Primals. And condensed the list.
Edit(08.05.2018): Removed Mega Pinsir. All Megas are now available.

Challanges facing the next generations

I had already made a few discrete posts about these topics, but it might be the best to put them on one post.

1. Base EXP debacle:

Not only the current Base EXP list is based on the stats of Gen V, which have been recently changed, it also contain a few major errors, for Clawitzer, Aurorus, Cascoon and Dustox. The next generation should update the Base EXPs to fix these errors, and presumably to fix other EXP distributions.

2.Contest debacle:

Even ignoring the fact that contest stats remain part of the Pokemon file system, we have the issue of the contest-only berries, which are still relevant for Natural Gift. As the next generation will likely have Contests as part of D/P remakes, we need to watch out how contest berries and contest stats will be handled.

3.Hidden Power debacle:

Currently, Hidden Power Fairy, nor Hidden Power Normal exists. As Fairy-type is a new type, this is kind of an issue.

4. Moveset errors:

As OR/AS had a pretty rushed release, several movesets were basically defaced. These movesets must be brought back in to shape, as their current situation is too chaotic.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Moveset Changes.

We have previously discussed how and why moveset changes happen, but we haven't discussed the full extent of how things work. So, let's get on with it!

There are three major change movements. These are:

a. Cross-generational changes,

b. Remake learnset updates,

c. Third Game Egg Move updates.

We will discuss how these major trends occur.

a.Cross-generational changes:

Cross-generational are the most obvious changes that occur in Pokémon franchise. The reason for this similarly obvious, as each generation updates existing moves and creates new moves(and in rarer cases, types), they create a wider reach of opportunity for new Pokémon. However, these are not the end. The cross-generational changes can be defined as four major routes:

i. Introduction of new moves,

ii. Introduction of old Tutors/TMs,

iii. Introduction of updated moves,

iv. Other.

i.Introduction of new moves:

This is the most common variant. Newly introduced moves are given primarily to new Pokémon, but certain older Pokémon can get some moves.

Examples include:

Gen II: Ancient Power, given to Corsola, but also the older Fossil Pokémon.

Gen III: Cosmic Power, given to Solrock/Lunatone/Baltoy, but also to Staryu and Clefairy.

Gen IV: Discharge, given to Shinx-line/Pachirisu, but also to Pikachu and Magneton-line.

Gen V: Flame Burst, given to Pansear-line/Heatmor, but also to Charmender-line.

Gen VI: Grassy Terrain, given to Flabébé-line, but also Bulbasaur/Exeggcute etc.

As a general rule, these additions are not fully comprehensive. These additions generally randomly pick specific Pokémon to buff, even if similar Pokémon might also benefit from the same move. As time goes, these moves are added to more varied Pokémon.

i.Introduction of old Tutors/TMs:

This is the most cynical variant of move additions. In each generational shift, Pokémon gain or regain their Tutor moves, generally as Egg Moves. Some Pokémon that didn't originally gain the moves might gain them through the generational shift, for example Lillipup-line didn't have access to After You in Gen V, and only gained access this generation as an Egg Move, but generally the Pokémon that were capable of learning the Tutor in the previous generation inherits it in the next generation;

Gen II: Razor Wind, originally available as a TM in Gen I, but made available to Totodile as an Egg Move(removed post-Gen II).

Gen III: Dragon Breath, originally available as TM in Gen II, but made available to Feebas as an Egg Move.

Gen IV: Fury Cutter, originally available as TM in Gen II and Move Tutor in Gen IV, but made available to Buizel as an Egg Move.

Gen V: Earth Power, originally available as Move Tutor in Gen IV, but made available to Drilbur etc. as an Egg Move.

Gen VI: After You, originally available as Move Tutor in Gen V, but made available to Swirlix as an Egg Move.

This is sometimes an effective means of keeping lost moves within the movepools(such as Ally Switch and Natural Gift) but it is far from perfect.

iii.Introduction of updated Moves:

This is far rare than the previous methods, as moveset updates are given to benefit existing Pokémon that can learn the said moves, rather than to upgrade the moves to fit various different Pokémon. If the latter occurs, or if the former is drastic enough, this might occur. For example;

Gen II: Fairly limited to specific cases, such as Fury Attack, which was given to Rapidash, Lick, which was given to Lickitung, Bite which is given to Omanyte/Omastar etc.

Gen III: Also fairly limited to specific cases, such as Spikes, which was updated to stack up. Spikes was given to Skarmory and Omanyte.

Gen IV: Due to Physical/Special revolution, there has been a few changes, but these have not occured cross-generationally. Flame Wheel for Ponyta-line in Platinum is a notable example. Other updated attacks such as Beat Up and Heat Wave were already available to their respective Pokémon.

Gen V: Also fairly limited, most notable one is Rock Blast for Shuckle.

Gen VI: Also fairly limited, most notable one is Aura Sphere for Squirtle.

These updated attacks don't have immediate effect on the generation, but they become more important for intergenerational changes. We'll discuss these later.

iv.Other:

Of course, the bulk of the cross-generational changes simply don't have any set behavior. Many, if not the majority of changes occur for sake of having a change. However, there are some trends within these changes as well. These are;

a.Bias towards STABs.
b.Bias towards orientation(physical, special, mixed)
c.Bias towards diversity

These three principles are the guiding force of all movesets, except maybe joke ones like Unown.

However, "others" can also be affected by general trends within the generation, such as a move being made widely available to a specific group. Some major examples include;

Guard moves; which are made available to most Fighting-types.
U-turn: which is made available to most Flying-types.
Electric moves: which are made available to most Psychic-types.

However, there is also a nastier principle that rules Egg Moves. This nasty principle is known as;

Special. Chain Breeding Principle:
Since I can't  detail the rich and "proud" history of Egg Moves, I can only explain the primary reason why chain breeding exists.

Guides, and frustration.

Chain breeding, like many other iterative mechanics in most Nintendo games, is a nasty, labyrinth-like structure that is designed specifically to be as hidden and obscure as possible. As such, most members of breeding chains are not given chain moves because they make sense, but rather because they have dual Egg Groups. Some dedicated breeders like Spinda are only glorified because of this, but others are not that dependent on chain breeding for their success.

Chain breeding chains often occur thanks to cross-generational changes, as they are Egg Move focused, but they can occur regardless of the nature of the Egg Move change.

b.Remake learnset updates:

One of the inter-generational change methods, remake learnset updates are updates in three dimensions;

a.Level-Up moves(which are the primary changes)
b.Egg Move changes(which are rare)
c.TM changes(which are fairly recent)

These changes generally occur for Pokémon that are;

a.Either part of the Regional Dex
b.Part of the post-game.

For example;

HG/SS provided changes for Johto Pokémon, legendaries and Hippowdon, which were available in HG/SS.

We will now discuss how these changes occur:

a.Level-Up moves:

This is the most common variant of inter-generational change. This occurs primarily because the level-up moveset of the Pokémon was originally created for the previous game, and is now unfit for the current generation/game.

These changes generally prefer either newly introduced moves in the generation, for example;

Gen IV: Weedle, who gained Bug Bite in Platinum.

Gen V: Pinsir, who gained Storm Throw in B2/W2.

Gen VI: Volbeat, who gained Play Rough in OR/AS.

Other times it can be a move that is related to the Pokémon's design, such as;

Gen V: Beartic, who gained Aqua Jet in B2/W2.

Gen VI: Girafarig, who gained Nasty Plot in OR/AS.

Other times it can be tutor move in that game, such as;

Gen IV: Squirtle, who gained Iron Defense in Platinum.

Gen V: Eevee, who gained Covet in B2/W2.

Gen VI: Lileep, who gained Giga Drain in OR/AS.

b. Egg Move changes:

So far, remakes only provided Egg Move changes if they were the last game of the generation. Much like the previous change, these often  focus on the regional dex and available Pokémon, but this will be discussed in detail in the next section.

Another variant of this has happened fairly recently with OR/AS, though, with Plusle & Minun gaining new Egg Moves to balance their movesets.

c. TM changes:

As for Platinum, TM changes generally occur if a TM move is added to level-up scheme, for example;

Gen IV: Kricketune, who gained Taunt in Platinum

Gen VI: Sableye, who gained Quash in OR/AS.

However, other kinds of independent TM changes have occured in B2/W2 and OR/AS;

Gen V: Klink, who gained Wild Charge in B2/W2.

Gen VI: Delphox, who gained Dazzling Gleam in OR/AS.

These occur very rarely, so they are not a central point in moveset changes.

c. Third Game Egg Move updates:

The last big update in any generation, "Third Games" often focus on Egg Moves above other moveset changes. This is because last games of the generation often bring a breeding change, whatever that might be. Examples for this include:

Gen II: Crystal, which provided a large amount of Egg Move changes, such as Crunch on Ekans(not retained).

Gen III: Volt Tackle, which is given in Emerald to Pichu.

Gen IV: HG/SS Egg Move changes, such as Power Whip and Sludge for Bulbasaur.

Gen V: N/A.

Since these changes are rather obscure and not well established, we can't say anything about them, outside of the fact that they follow the rules of other Egg Move changes, and as said above, primarily focus on the domestic stock of the Pokémon of the game, whatever they may be.

Pokédex Entry/Moveset Contradictions

In Serebiiforums people opened up the discussion of moves Pokémon should have but don't. Since I'm an moveset expansion supporter, I decided to compile a list. I will not be including moves Pokémon shouldn't be able to learn, because if I did, people would actually wake up and remove those moves, and I don't want that.

Moves that simply don't exist, like Charizard melting rocks with fire, are also not listed.