Another VR post but with a twist: These focus specifically on the Melmeta
Rises
A ---> A+
The best defensive Melmetal check, easily. Quad resistance to Double Iron Bash, neutrality against Thunder Punch and Will-O-Wisp access ensure its prominence on teams weak to this guy.
A- ---> A
This thing is honestly even better in this metagame. It walls Melmetal really well and appreciates Weavile usage going down.
C ---> B
Melmetal's prevalence finally gives Vaporeon a prime partner for its Wish shenanigans. This combo can be especially effective on the latter's AV sets. I pick Vaporeon over any other Wish user because the two cover each other's weaknesses very well, only having a tough time against Fighting types.
Drops
S ---> A+
What can I say? It really doesn't appreciate a meta where a pure Steel type with 135/143 physical defense exists. CB Low Kick 2HKOs, sure, but it is still pressured heavily.
B ---> C/C-
An already kinda niche pick now rendered irrelevant by Melmetal's extreme effectiveness on TR. It has Bug STAB and Swords Dance to keep itself from being totally outclassed, but most times you'll run Melty boy.
And now for something that applies equally to both formats
UR ---> A
Adamant Life Orb.
And Some Quick Thoughts on the Melmeta While We're At It
Honestly I'm kinda surprised at how well Melmetal fits into the Sword and Shield meta. It has left a big footprint and is a super good pick for sure, but it's definitely beatable (at least until an actually good player starts using Melmetal + Wish Vaporeon and breaks the meta with it). While I didn't nom them here, some mons that could get better/show potential include Rotom-Heat, Quagsire and Arcanine. It honestly feels like a more manageable version of USUM Magearna: Strong and bulky steel type, but it has way less set variety because of its movepool, no way to cteam Fighting types and can't pivot out of checks. Again, unless a set/core that breaks it is discovered it should be fine and fun to have around! What do you think of it with all the playtesting and replays we've accumulated?