Understanding Speed Tiers — Neutral, Max, and Scarf Range
The speed benchmarks worth memorizing to move first, and when to use nature, stat points, and Choice Scarf to get there. (updated: 2026-07-22)
Speed is a stat where "faster by 1" is all that matters
A one-point gap in Attack or bulk is basically noise. Speed is the one stat where a single point can flip which Pokémon acts first — it's a binary, all-or-nothing stat. Moving first against the same opponent can flip the entire outcome of a matchup. That's exactly why it's worth knowing the benchmark numbers (speed tiers) that define your metagame.
Three states worth memorizing
Because IVs are fixed at 32, a Pokémon's actual Speed stat really only comes in three flavors (see the rules explainer).
- No investment: no stat points in Speed
- Neutral speed: 32 points in Speed, no nature bonus
- Max speed: 32 points in Speed, +10% nature bonus
All three numbers for every Pokémon are laid out on our speed tier list. Just looking at your ace's neutral/max speed numbers, and who sits just above and below it, changes how you play mid-battle.
Deciding between max speed and a neutral-speed compromise
Putting your nature bonus into Speed means giving up a bonus to Attack or bulk instead. Here's how to decide:
- Will you run into speed ties often? If you expect mirror matchups against the same Pokémon at the same speed tier, max speed is recommended (speed ties are a 50/50 coin flip).
- Is there a key threat you only outspeed at max? Check the speed list for "opponents I outspeed at max speed but not at neutral." If there's no such threat, you're better off putting that nature bonus into power instead.
Knowing Choice Scarf range
Holding a Choice Scarf gives a 1.5x Speed boost. Even at neutral speed (neutral × 1.5), you'll outrun most max-speed Pokémon. The key is to always assume the opponent might be running Scarf too. Losing to a Scarf user you assumed you'd outspeed at max is one of the most common ways to lose a game. If the opponent's team has a mid-speed, high-power attacker, play around a possible Scarf.
Manipulating Speed instead of relying on stats
You can also fight over who moves first using moves instead of raw stats: slow the opponent down (Thunder Wave, Icy Wind, and other speed-lowering effects), or ignore turn order entirely with priority moves. If your team can't win on stats alone, these tools are the standard way to compensate.