Top 10 Pokémon who benefitted from the Physical-Special Split (According to math)

Welcome to my video ranking the top 10 Pokémon that saw their fortunes change with the advent of the physical/special split in Generation 4 of Pokémon games! In this video, we'll dive into the revolutionary game mechanic that altered how moves were categorized, turning the competitive scene upside down.

The physical/special split, introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, marked a significant shift in battle dynamics. Moves were now categorized based on whether they dealt physical or special damage, rather than being determined solely by their elemental type. This change had profound implications for certain Pokémon, unlocking new strategies and making previously overlooked Pokémon rise to stardom.

Join me as we explore the top 10 Pokémon that truly thrived in the wake of this game-changing split. From iconic favorites to unexpected stars, each entry on this list showcases how a simple game mechanic update transformed the competitive landscape. Whether you're a seasoned Pokémon trainer or just curious about the evolution of battle mechanics, this video is sure to enlighten and entertain.

So, grab your Poké Balls and get ready to discover which Pokémon made the most of the physical/special split in Gen 4! Let's countdown the champions who rose to the top thanks to this groundbreaking innovation. If you enjoy this content, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts. Let's celebrate the Pokémon that truly benefited from this pivotal moment in gaming history!


Methodology:

I calculated damage according to each mons types pre and post physical-special split. If it was pre split I would use their attacking stat that was their type and post I would use the higher of the two attacking stats. For example for gengar I pre split both ghost and poison are physical types and I would use gengar's attack when calculating damage. To calculate damage I use a standard base power move for all attacks (80 bp for all calculations) and a standard defense and special defense value of 100. I would then subtract the pre damage number from the post damage number for every type which would give me an overall differential where a higher number means a bigger difference between pre and post damage.