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Rock Head
- Recoil moves deal no recoil damage.
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Sturdy
- If the wielder is at full HP, it will survive any attack. OHKO moves will fail.
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Sand Veil
- Evasion increases by 25% in a sandstorm.
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Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
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Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
80
|
- |
301 |
364 |
- |
| Atk |
110
|
230 |
256 |
319 |
350 |
| Def |
130
|
266 |
296 |
359 |
394 |
| SpA |
55
|
131 |
146 |
209 |
229 |
| SpD |
65
|
149 |
166 |
229 |
251 |
| Spe |
45
|
113 |
126 |
189 |
207 |
Overview
The stereotypical Rock / Ground dual type is hardly something one would call a blessing. Indeed, Golem counters a strong threat in Swellow, but Regirock and Probopass outclass it in a defensive role. However, Golem makes up for its weaknesses through its amazing offensive capabilities that far exceed those of its Rock-type comrades. STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge is nothing to scoff at, and Golem has very few hard counters thanks to its great STAB coverage. Its ability, Sturdy, allows it to survive otherwise fatal attacks, making Golem a great Pokemon to use against offensive teams that struggle to switch into its attacks. Of all the Rock-types in NU, Golem is one of the best, and is a top offensive threat that should not be dismissed.
A dedicated Stealth Rock lead may seem like a relic of the DPP metagame, but is surprisingly effective. Golem can guarantee Stealth Rock bar Taunt and Magic Bounce Natu thanks to Sturdy, and it is the focal point of the set—and very few Taunt users like absorbing hits from Golem. Earthquake and Rock Blast are strong STAB moves that are resisted only by Torterra, Vibrava, and the nonexistent Baltoy, which gives Golem a serious offensive presence. Sucker Punch allows Golem to revenge kill threats at low health, as a neutral Earthquake will rarely OHKO the opposition. Sucker Punch is especially helpful against Gorebyss, as Earthquake followed by Sucker Punch will simply KO it. As a result, Golem is one of the rare Rock-types that all variants of Gorebyss cannot safely set up Shell Smash on. Sucker Punch has great synergy with Rock Blast, as Sucker Punch encourages the use of Substitute, while Rock Blast punishes it. Sucker Punch mauls Swellow before it can dent Golem with a second Facade. However, note that Sucker Punch will fail against non-offensive moves and faster priority, so do not rely on Sucker Punch lest you allow opposing setup.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EVs allow for maximum Attack, letting Golem deal as much damage as possible before being KOed. 44 Speed EVs allow Golem to outspeed minimum speed Regirock and most defensive Pokemon, while additional EVs are poured into HP to give Golem some insurance against Swellow and other Normal-types. However, 40 extra Speed EVs allow Golem to outpace uninvested Cacturne and Exeggutor. In fact, Golem is rather flexible with its EVs, and a simple 252 Atk / 252 Spe spread will guarantee that Golem will outspeed all defensive Pokemon, most notably minimum speed Garbodor. Leftovers is the item of choice, as it can renew Golem's Sturdy if it switches in while Stealth Rock is up, and lets Golem weather Swellow's attacks without defensive investment.
While dedicated leads do not exist anymore due to Team Preview, this set is as close as it comes. Therefore, any options that increase its chances against opposing dedicated leads are incredibly helpful. For example, Lum Berry can get the jump on sleep leads, and makes Golem incredibly difficult to beat without a physical wall. Even if the opponent succeeds in walling Golem, it would accomplish the task of setting Stealth Rock while luring out defensive Pokemon its teammates can set up on. While a dedicated lead does not need any support, Golem is the more offensive choice in comparison to Regirock and others. As a result, Golem appreciates offensive teammates that can keep momentum. Swellow and Gorebyss are amongst the top offensive Pokemon of the tier, and appreciate Golem taking care of opposing Swellow and Choice Scarf Rotom-S. Bug- or Grass-types tend to be good teammates, as they cover bulky Grass-types, such as Tangela and Torterra, and bulky Water-types, such as Alomomola. Substitute + Swords Dance Leafeon, for example, is able to set up on most of Golem's counters and pose a strong sweeping threat.
Other Options
Golem has several options, but very few are significant. Rock Slide is an option in case you want a reliable attack with high accuracy, but Stone Edge and Rock Blast are both superior. Steamroller is a possible offensive option, but does not hit anything significant other than Exeggutor and Cacturne. A Substitute set can be used, setting up Substitute against Normal-types, such as Swellow. Golem does have other offensive options in Superpower, Hammer Arm, and Thunderpunch, but they provide redundant coverage and are useless in general. An all-out attacker set similar to the Choice Band set is viable with Life Orb over Choice Band and Sucker Punch in the final slot, but Golem does not appreciate Life Orb eating into its bulk. A defensive set with Roar is viable, but Golem is generally outclassed by Regirock and Bastiodon in a defensive role. Ground Gem and Rock Gem are interesting options to give Golem's attacks and extra punch without the recoil from Life Orb and the inability to change moves from Choice Band. Finally, Explosion can be used with a Normal Gem on the Utility set, but Golem prefers to stay until lategame in order to check Swellow.
Checks and Counters
Golem is hard to counter because of its STAB EdgeQuake coverage. However, bulky Water- and Grass-types fare well as a defensive answer. Alomomola can stall it with Wish and Protect while Samurott can tank an Earthquake and easily dispatch of Golem, avoiding Sucker Punch with Aqua Jet. Tangela and Leafeon resist Earthquake and KO Golem easily with Giga Drain and Leaf Blade, respectively. Torterra resists Stone Edge and Earthquake, and can even set up with Rock Polish to go for a sweep. Misdreavus and Weezing are both immune to Earthquake, and can burn Golem to make it useless. Of course, checking Golem is infinitely easier because Golem will fall to any reasonably strong special attack, and Grass- and Water-type moves will easily OHKO it.
