>>23554440Pre-(leader/partner)evolution/Story mode rankings:
>Top tier monsPikachu: Agility + Discharge + varied range + based IQ (if they keep the IQ system)
Treeko: Bullet Seed + Agility + drain + based IQ (if IQ returns)
>Decent to Good tier monsEveryone else not listed.
>Viable, if lackluster monsRiolu : no-range, no-coverage move puddle (but gets early Fight coverage)
Snivy: no-range, no-coverage (but at least it gets drain)
If using either Riolu or Snivy as a leader, you can patch up range and coverage issues by using the throwable projectiles (this should bump them up to the Decent mons tier, but only when they're a leader).
You're entitled to choose your bro/sis. That's a part of the big appeal of this series. For those of you who aren't so particular and just want a good match for yourself, remember to consider the following aspects when determining partner choice:
-Access to ranged moves (+1 range (ex. Quick Attack), line (ex. Water Pulse), room (ex. Discharge)); this is especially key on AI controlled partners who cannot use items/projectiles like you can to patch up their deficiencies. Try to have at least move that can hit an aoe/room between you two (whether you have to rely on an eventual TM (like Blizzard), etc), it'll be worthwhile in Monster Houses and scales well into the end-game.
-Access to buffs/party buffs. While this isn't a necessary category for a partner to have, having access to things like Agility can greatly ease your dungeon adventures.
-Typing of self and moves. PMD's rules are different than the main game: it's better to use STAB moves (1.5x) than it is to use Super Effective moves (1.4x) unless your STAB is resisted. Types that hit the resisted STAB for SE is the only coverage that matters in this game. Doubling up on weaknesses needlessly is asking for a bad time.
