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-
Levitate
- The wielder is immune to Ground-type moves.
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Level 100 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Min- |
Min |
Max |
Max+ |
| HP |
50
|
- |
241 |
304 |
- |
| Atk |
65
|
149 |
166 |
229 |
251 |
| Def |
107
|
225 |
250 |
313 |
344 |
| SpA |
105
|
221 |
246 |
309 |
339 |
| SpD |
107
|
225 |
250 |
313 |
344 |
| Spe |
86
|
187 |
208 |
271 |
298 |
Overview
Alongside the likes of Flareon, Limber Stunfisk, and Final Gambit Shedinja, Rotom-S is often described as one of Game Freak's attempts to troll competitive battlers. Thanks to its newfound Electric / Flying typing, Rotom-S is the only Pokemon in the game with a double immunity to Ground-type moves (and a triple immunity, if given an Air Balloon!). Rotom-S is generally considered the least useful Rotom forme because of its STAB move, Air Slash's, mediocre Base Power, its Stealth Rock weakness, and its unremarkable STAB coverage. Despite this, Rotom-S is an outstanding performer in NU with the capability to pull off a myriad of sets. Rotom-S also has an excellent base Speed for a Choice Scarf user, allowing it to outspeed common threats such as Shell Smash Gorebyss and Choice Scarf Sawk. Whether you're looking for a reliable revenge killer, a sturdy status platform, or if you're just in dire need of a double Earthquake immunity, look no further than Rotom-S.
Rotom-S has the quintessential stat build for a Choice item user, coupling a solid Special Attack stat with a usable Speed stat. When equipped with a Choice Scarf, Rotom-S's niche base 86 Speed allows it to just barely outpace Choice Scarf Sawk and +2 Shell Smash Gorebyss, as well as other common Pokemon below that Speed, such as Swellow. Choice Specs, on the other hand, gives Rotom-S a much better chance to achieve key KOs.
Volt Switch allows Rotom-S to net momentum, scare out opposing Water- and Flying-types, and scout out the opponent's team. However, Thunderbolt nabs several OHKOs that Volt Switch misses out on, such as on an opposing Braviary with a little prior damage, and is Rotom-S's most powerful and reliable STAB move. Air Slash gives Rotom-S its Flying-type STAB, and lets it KO vital Pokemon such as Leafeon, Torterra, and Sawk. The last moveslot is simply a matter of preference. Trick is generally the more beneficial move, granting Rotom-S the opportunity to switch moves, as well as letting it incapacitate common switch-ins to Rotom-S, such as Lickilicky, Golem, and Camerupt. However, Hidden Power Grass allows Rotom-S to hit both Seismitoad and Rock / Ground Pokemon, such as Golem, who resist both of Rotom-S's STABs.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Despite the power boost offered by using a Modest nature, Timid should almost always be the primary option. This is because of Rotom-S's niche base 86 Speed stat; when using a Modest nature, Rotom-S is outsped by many common Pokemon in the NU metagame, including Gardevoir, Sawk, and Pinsir. A variety of Hidden Power types can be used in the fourth slot, customizing Rotom-S's coverage to best assist your team. For example, Hidden Power Ice can be used to hit Dragon-types and Rock / Ground-types hard, whereas Hidden Power Water can be used to lure Camerupt and still retain the OHKO on pesky Rock / Ground Pokemon.
Because Rotom-S is locked into a move and thus will be switching frequently, a Rapid Spin user makes for an excellent partner to remove Stealth Rock. Torkoal and Armaldo are largely considered the best Rapid Spinners, although both share Rotom-S's Rock-type weakness. Wartortle is a notable teammate, as it can scare off Camerupt and Golem with Scald, and also spin away Stealth Rock. Ground-types in general plague Rotom-S, as they absorb two of its moves and often are neutral to or resist Air Slash. As a result, Pokemon such as Gorebyss and Samurott who can take advantage of incoming Ground-types make for superb allies. Gorebyss in particular benefits from Rotom-S's ability to Trick Lickilicky and lock it into one move.
With its excellent offensive and defensive typing, Rotom-S makes an excellent user of Rain Dance. By virtue of its easily spammed STABs, Air Slash and Thunder, it checks many Pokemon that cause great trouble to rain teams. Thunder is perfectly accurate in rain, boasting 180 Base Power after STAB and amazing coverage. It fries every bulky Water-type not named Seismitoad, which is extremely helpful for the numerous rain sweepers that cannot hope to break past them. Additionally, it possesses a 30% paralysis chance that benefits slower Pokemon who might attempt to make use of the rain, such as Octillery. Air Slash is Rotom-S's other STAB move, having excellent coverage with Thunder and hitting the many Grass-types populating NU super effectively; this is important because of the resistance these Pokemon have to Water-type attacks. In a pinch, Rotom-S can attempt to use the combination of Air Slash's flinch and Thunder's paralysis to break through any troublesome opposition, though Rotom-S should have teammates that can prevent this need from arising in the first place.
While Rotom-S's Flying typing benefits him offensively with a STAB Air Slash, it is also a huge plus defensively. It enables Rotom-S to take Grass-type attacks directed towards the rain sweepers it is often partnered with. In this way, Rotom-S is one of the best teammates a rain sweeper might desire. The last moveslot is mainly based on personal preference; Volt Switch allows Rotom-S to bring in a teammate for free and obtain momentum, but Hidden Power Grass also has use to smack Seismitoad and Golem, both of which are common switch-ins to Rotom-S.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The given EVs maximize power and Speed, allowing Rotom-S to effectively perform its roles of setting up rain and checking Pokemon that trouble rain-based teams. A Modest nature is preferred for the additional offensive kick it provides, but Timid is also an option to outspeed a few other notable threats, including Pinsir and Braviary. Alternatively, the Speed EVs could be transferred to HP in conjunction with 0 Speed IVs and a Quiet nature to almost guarantee that Volt Switch go second every time, letting Rotom-S bring a teammate in unscathed. Where moves are concerned, Hidden Power Ice is another option, hitting Altaria and Golem hard while also having neutral coverage on Seismitoad. Another move that should be considered is Pain Split, a semi-reliable recovery move that lets Rotom-S set up Rain Dance more often throughout any given match.
Due to the fact that this Rotom-S is used to set up rain, teammates that benefit from rain are obvious. Among the best of these Pokemon is Seismitoad, as it has Swift Swim and Rotom-S eliminates many of Seismitoad's common checks. Ludicolo is another excellent choice, as it is able to handle Pokemon that trouble Rotom-S, such as Seismitoad, Altaria, and most Ground-types, and can abuse rain both offensively and defensively. Beartic is a bit of an odd choice, but it has Swift Swim and can eliminate special walls, including Lickilicky, Altaria, and Probopass. Gorebyss and Huntail deserve a mention, as they can set up Shell Smash and direct massive waves to drown most, if not all, of NU. Armaldo is the final rain sweeper that makes a great partner, setting up and spinning away Stealth Rock, and benefiting from rain with Swift Swim. Wish support from Lickilicky allows Rotom-S to set up Rain Dance more often. Lastly, Rain Dance Mantine is a great partner, as it appreciates the removal of Water-types and the weakening of Vileplume that Rotom-S offers.
Rotom-S has a solid defensive typing coupled with excellent natural bulk, making it a great defensive pivot and status platform. Will-O-Wisp is the cornerstone of this set, as it cuts the Attack of opposing Pokemon and allows Rotom-S to take physical hits much more easily. Discharge offers STAB as well as a strong chance of paralysis, which is helpful when dealing with Pokemon who aren't bothered by Will-O-Wisp, such as Rapidash. Pain Split, although not the most reliable form of recovery, takes advantage of Rotom-S's naturally low base 50 HP and is the best that Rotom-S can muster. Lastly, Air Slash provides secondary STAB and coverage on the ever-present Grass- and Fighting-types that occupy the tier. It also provides a useful flinch chance, giving Rotom-S the Jirachi-esque ability to paralyze opponents with Discharge and render them helpless by flinching them to death with Air Slash.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
Maximum HP and Defense investment gives Rotom-S optimal physical bulk, and the remaining four EVs are dropped into Special Defense. A specially defensive set with a Calm nature is worth consideration, but because Rotom-S's typing provides incredibly useful resistances to Fighting- and Ground-type moves, a physically defensive set is more fitting. Thunderbolt is an option over Discharge if you're strongly concerned about accidentally paralyzing a foe you'd rather have burned, but because this set has no Special Attack investment, it doesn't hit much harder than Discharge does. On the other hand, Thunder Wave can be used in lieu of Discharge if guaranteed paralysis is absolutely vital to your team.
Although it's not as necessary as it is for more offensively inclined sets, Rapid Spin support is appreciated to prevent Stealth Rock from shaving off 25% of Rotom-S's health on every switch-in. Torkoal resists Ice-type moves and can spin away hazards and set-up Stealth Rock. Rotom-S is incredibly prone to status moves such as Toxic, so a teammate who can remove status, such as Lickilicky or Misdreavus, would be an excellent inclusion to your team. Lickilicky in particular has good synergy with Rotom-S, as it easily handles special attacks directed at Rotom-S, and Rotom-S can fend off the obnoxious Fighting-types that plague Lickilicky in return. Pokemon who resist Rock- or Ice-type moves make for good partners as well; Torterra deals with all of the Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon that trouble Rotom-S, and Probopass takes Ice-type moves easily and can set up Stealth Rock.
Substitute works well on Rotom-S thanks to its great defenses, solid typing, and ability to force switches. The idea of the set is very simple: come in on a Pokemon that Rotom-S scares out, such as Alomomola, and set up a Substitute. From there, Rotom-S can wreak havoc with Thunderbolt and Air Slash, which provide decent coverage together. However, it is the final moveslot that establishes the purpose of this set. Pain Split allows Rotom-S to wear down opposing special walls, such as Lickilicky, and should be used with Life Orb. Charge Beam, on the other hand, gives Rotom-S the ability to boost its Special Attack when behind a Substitute, and should be used alongside Leftovers, as Rotom-S will have no other form of recovery.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EV spread should be a familiar sight; maximum Special Attack investment gives Rotom-S some punch, and with full investment in Speed, Rotom-S can make the most of its niche base 86 Speed stat, outrunning common threats such as Sawk and Braviary. Toxic can be used in the last moveslot to nail common switch-ins, such as Lickilicky, Golem, and Camerupt, but Rotom-S would almost always prefer to use one of the two listed moves because they are significantly more useful when coupled with Substitute.
Entry hazards work wonders with this set, so Pokemon who can set up Stealth Rock reliably, such as Probopass, are great partners. Garbodor and Cacturne are the best of the Spikes and Toxic Spikes users, and Rotom-S provides resistances for both Cacturne's Fighting-type weaknesses and Garbodor's Ground-type weakness. Rapid Spinners are especially important for this set, as Rotom-S loses health very quickly with Substitute and Stealth Rock digging into its HP. Wartortle is the best partner in that respect, as it threatens Golem and Camerupt out with Scald and spins away Stealth Rock. Teammates such as Life Orb Samurott and Gorebyss who can take advantage of weakened special walls will be much more effective when paired with this set, as it can easily wear down Lickilicky and friends.
Second only to Jirachi in annoyance rate, Rotom-S has access to one of the most frustrating movesets in the entire game. When the opponent is paralyzed, confused, and is being bombarded by Air Slash, they have just a 26% chance to actually attack Rotom-S. Air Slash is the primary offensive move of this set, as its impressive flinch rate allows Rotom-S to hammer through nearly any Pokemon untouched, once they are paralyzed and confused. Discharge is the Electric-type move of choice, as it presents a 30% chance of paralysis while also providing Rotom-S with an attacking move outside of Air Slash. Thunder Wave is an option, however, if you prefer to have guaranteed paralysis. Confuse Ray adds another status-inducing move to the mix, halving the chance of the opponent hitting Rotom-S. Substitute prevents status moves, such as Toxic, from wearing down Rotom-S, as well as allowing it to rack up Leftovers recovery much more easily. Pain Split, on the other hand, offers recovery, but Rotom-S becomes significantly more prone to status moves.
Team Options & Additional Comments >>>
The EV spread is fairly standard: use 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature to make the most of Rotom-S's brilliant base 86 Speed, and then pump the remaining 252 EVs into Special Attack to maximize Rotom-S's strength. A more defensive EV spread seems viable at first, but you must consider that a defensive spread means very little because the opponent won't be hitting it much, and Rotom-S will simply run out of PP faster because its attacks don't hit nearly as hard. Thunderbolt is an option instead of Discharge, but the high paralysis rate is more important than a slight increase in power.
This set spreads paralysis incredibly well, which is a boon to almost every type of team. Slow and powerful attackers, such as Marowak and ursaring, appreciate paralysis to cut the Speed of faster Pokemon, making them excellent teammates. Both Marowak and Ursaring possess the brute physical power to break through the special walls that plague Rotom-S, such as Lickilicky and Camerupt. Rapid Spin support is a wonderful addition, preventing Stealth Rock from shaving off 25% off Rotom-S's HP on every switch-in. Armaldo is one of the best Rapid Spin users available and can also make use of the paralysis support that Rotom-S provides. It may seem obvious, but it is very important to not use Toxic Spikes when this set is on your team, as poisoning the switch-in prevents Rotom-S from paralyzing everything and severely cuts this set's effectiveness.
Other Options
Rotom-S has access to both Reflect and Light Screen, as well as Volt Switch, making a dual screens set a viable consideration. If the unreliability of Pain Split is bothersome, Rest and Sleep Talk are available, but Rotom-S almost never has the room to give up an extra moveslot. Shadow Ball seems like an interesting coverage option, hitting the common Psychic- and Ghost-types in the tier, such as Misdreavus and Haunter, for super effective damage, but the coverage it provides is usually inferior to Hidden Power. A Rain Dance support set with Thunder is also a curious option, making Rotom-S one of the more effective Rain Dance users.
Checks and Counters
Despite Rotom-S's double immunity to Ground-type moves, Ground-type Pokemon generally make for the best checks and counters. Golem isn't bothered by any of Rotom-S's attacks sans Hidden Power Grass, can set up Stealth Rock to discourage Rotom-S from coming back in, and can break its Substitutes with Rock Blast. Likewise, specially defensive Camerupt sets up Stealth Rock in its face, and Roars it away as it struggles to do anything in return. Lickilicky can handle any move Rotom-S can throw at it and heal back up with Wish, as well as remove any status Rotom-S has spread with Heal Bell. The simplest way to deal with Rotom-S is to maintain Stealth Rock, limiting the amount of times it can return to the battle.
