Rhydon (QC 2/3) writing

[Darkmalice]

The original badass. Rhyperior is sooo 4th generation

Eviolite rocks

Overview
########

• Good choice as a Lightning Rod user
• Strong offensive STABs backed by high attack and access to spread moves
• Incredible bulk surpassing that of Rhyperior, thanks to Eviolite
• Often moving last thanks to terrible 40 base Speed
• Common weaknesses to Ground, Water, and Fighting, including two nasty x4 weaknesses, hinder its bulk
• Dislikes burns and Intimidate
• Whilst excellent against most Electric-type users, can be OHKOed by Rotom-W, a popular Electric-type
• Unless your team really benefits from Lightning Rod, don't use it

Lightning Rod
########
name: Lightning Rod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Rock Slide
move 4: Protect
ability: Lightning Rod
item: Eviolite
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

• Earthquake is hard-hitting STAB while also being a spread move
• Drill Run can be used to avoid hitting your partner and avoid Wide Guard. This is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake with at least one of them enjoying Lightning Rod support.
• Rock Slide is another spread move providing strong coverage when paired with Ground-type STAB, particularly against Flying-types
• Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has worse accuracy
• Usually it's best to run Earthquake with Stone Edge and Drill Run with Rock Slide so that Rhydon has access to a spread move whilst avoiding having both its STABs walled by Wide Guard
• Ice Punch is primarily for Landorus-Therian who is otherwise a big burden for Rhydon. It hits some other important Pokemon harder than its STABs (or commonly with equal power but more accuracy when compared to Stone Edge) such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon
• Can also run two Rock-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-Therian is already well-checked by Rhydon's team.
• Protect is mandatory to let Rhydon protect itself against its common weaknesses and keep it alive so that it can continue to provide Lightning Rod support

Set Details
========

• 168 HP EVs lets Rhydon avoid a 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake 99.6% of the time
• 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature grants a bonus point and lets Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (minus Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch
• Rest thrown into its weaker defence stat
• Lightning Rod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise it has intense competition with other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion.
• Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature with 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. Take note that whilst this is also helpful if using Rhydon with Trick Room, Rhyperior is better suited for Trick Room teams due to its higher damage output; also note protection from Thunder Wave is generally not helpful for Trick Room teams, as they enjoy the paralysis-induced speed drop.

Usage Tips
========

• Recommended to have Rhydon on the field when you want to protect one of your Pokemon from Electric-type attacks
• Use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in. Makes a great switch-in when you predict your opponent using an Electric-type attack
• Try to keep Rhydon alive till Lightning Rod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here
• Outside of Lightning Rod, works well as a physical attacking tank. Excellent at tanking and switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Can even survive most super-effective attacks. To demonstrate its bulk, even Mega Gyarados cannot OHKO Rhydon with Waterfall unless it scores a critical hit (deals 97.7% damage max). Can also withstand any special attacks that doesn't hit super-effectively, but some like Life Orb Draco Meteors will leave a dent.

Team Options
========

• Flying-type partners that benefit from immunity to Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave particularly from Thundurus-I. They also have nothing to fear from Rhydon's Earthquake. Notable Flying-types include Gyarados, Mega Charizard Y, and Shaymin-S.
• • Mega Charizard Y provides sunlight to let Rhydon survive physical and/or weaker Water-type attacks
  • Shaymin-S checks Water-types, Grass-types, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, and hates Thunder Wave
  • Gyarados especially appreciates the support, as it is x4 weak to Electric-type attacks, and it can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive even physical Water-type and Grass-type attacks.
• Water-types also enjoy Lightning Rod support such as Azumarill and Keldeo.
• Dragon-type partners such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners as they have an easy time switching in on Grass- and Water-type moves whist avoiding Rhydon's Earthquake. Latios also checks Fighting-types for Rhydon and appreciates Rhydon checking Mega Kangaskhan in return
• If not using Ice Punch, Pokemon that check Landorus-T such as Cresselia work wonders
• Be warned that Lightning Rod also redirects your own Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon like Rotom-W can be counter-productive partners

Other Options
########

• Hammer Arm makes Rhydon an effective check to 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn. Rhydon doesn't mind the Speed drop.
• Superpower can be used over Hammer Arm for better power and accuracy, though Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defence drop, and it still doesn't OHKO Mega Kang.
• Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate
• Megahorn deals large damage against specific Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo
• Fire Punch if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder

Checks & Counters
########

• **Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting- and Steel types such as Conkeldurr and Mega Scizor without a weakness to Ground-type attacks can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If not using Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though be warned that without an item boost they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon
• **Intimidate and burns**: Rhydon's physical proweness is neutered by burn; Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster where as Gourgiest-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, and Gyarados can easily stop Rhydon's STABs with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks till it Mega Evolves. Landorus-T too if it can avoid Ice Punch.
• **Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash block Earthquake and Rock Slide. However, Aegislash should watch out for Drill Run.

skeleton

Overview
########

• Good choice as a Lightning Rod user
• Strong offensive STABs backed by high attack and access to spread moves
• Incredible bulk surpassing that of Rhyperior, thanks to Eviolite
• Often moving last thanks to terrible 40 base Speed
• Common weaknesses to Ground, Water, and Fighting, including two nasty x4 weaknesses, hinder its bulk
• Dislikes burns and Intimidate
• Whilst excellent against most Electric-type users, can be OHKOed by Rotom-W, a popular Electric-type
• Unless your team really benefits from Lightning Rod, don't use it

Lightning Rod
########
name: Lightning Rod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Stone Edge
move 4: Protect
ability: Lightning Rod
item: Eviolite
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

• Earthquake is hard-hitting STAB while also being a spread move
• Drill Run can be used to avoid hitting your partner and avoid Wide Guard. This is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake with at least one of them enjoying Lightning Rod support.
• Rock Slide is another spread move providing strong coverage when paired with Ground-type STAB, particularly against Flying-types
• Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has worse accuracy
• Usually it's best to run Earthquake with Stone Edge and Drill Run with Rock Slide so that Rhydon has access to a spread move whilst avoiding having both its STABs walled by Wide Guard
• Ice Punch is primarily for Landorus-Therian who is otherwise a big burden for Rhydon. It hits some other important Pokemon harder than its STABs (or commonly with equal power but more accuracy when compared to Stone Edge) such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon
• Can also run two Rock-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-Therian is already well-checked by Rhydon's team.
• Protect is mandatory to let Rhydon protect itself against its common weaknesses and keep it alive so that it can continue to provide Lightning Rod support

Set Details
========

• 168 HP EVs lets Rhydon avoid a 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake 99.6% of the time
• 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature grants a bonus point and lets Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (minus Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch
• Rest thrown into its weaker defence stat
• Lightning Rod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise it has intense competition with other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion.
• Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature with 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. Take note that whilst this is also helpful if using Rhydon with Trick Room, Rhyperior is better suited for Trick Room teams due to its higher damage output; also note protection from Thunder Wave is generally not helpful for Trick Room teams, as they enjoy the paralysis-induced speed drop.

Usage Tips
========

• Recommended to have Rhydon on the field when you want to protect one of your Pokemon from Electric-type attacks
• Use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in. Makes a great switch-in when you predict your opponent using an Electric-type attack
• Try to keep Rhydon alive till Lightning Rod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here
• Outside of Lightning Rod, works well as a physical attacking tank. Excellent at tanking and switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Can even survive most super-effective attacks. To demonstrate its bulk, even Mega Gyarados cannot OHKO Rhydon with Waterfall unless it scores a critical hit (deals 97.7% damage max). Can also withstand any special attacks that doesn't hit super-effectively, but some like Life Orb Draco Meteors will leave a dent.

Team Options
========

• Flying-type partners that benefit from immunity to Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave particularly from Thundurus-I. They also have nothing to fear from Rhydon's Earthquake. Notable Flying-types include Gyarados, Mega Charizard Y, and Shaymin-S.
• • Mega Charizard Y provides sunlight to let Rhydon survive physical and/or weaker Water-type attacks
  • Shaymin-S checks Water-types, Grass-types, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, and hates Thunder Wave
  • Gyarados especially appreciates the support, as it is x4 weak to Electric-type attacks, and it can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive even physical Water-type and Grass-type attacks.
• Water-types also enjoy Lightning Rod support such as Azumarill and Keldeo.
• Dragon-type partners such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners as they have an easy time switching in on Grass- and Water-type moves whist avoiding Rhydon's Earthquake. Latios also checks Fighting-types for Rhydon and appreciates Rhydon checking Mega Kangaskhan in return
• If not using Ice Punch, Pokemon that check Landorus-T such as Cresselia work wonders
• Be warned that Lightning Rod also redirects your own Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon like Rotom-W can be counter-productive partners

Other Options
########

• Hammer Arm makes Rhydon an effective check to 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn. Rhydon doesn't mind the Speed drop.
• Superpower can be used over Hammer Arm for better power and accuracy, though Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defence drop, and it still doesn't OHKO Mega Kang.
• Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate
• Megahorn deals large damage against specific Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo
• Fire Punch if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder

Checks & Counters
########

• **Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting- and Steel types such as Conkeldurr and Mega Scizor without a weakness to Ground-type attacks can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If not using Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though be warned that without an item boost they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon
• **Intimidate and burns**: Rhydon's physical proweness is neutered by burn; Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster where as Gourgiest-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, and Gyarados can easily stop Rhydon's STABs with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks till it Mega Evolves. Landorus-T too if it can avoid Ice Punch.
• **Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash block Earthquake and Rock Slide. However, Aegislash should watch out for Drill Run.

 

[BLOOD TOTEM]

Overview

• You have "Strong offensive STABs backed by strong attack" and "Good offensive STABS and access to spread moves" these can probably be collapsed into one point

Moves

• Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has poor accuracy <-- Stone edge isn't that bad, the odds of it missing aren't dissimilar to that of Rock Slide missing one of its targets.

Set Details

• Lightning Rod is the crux of the set to protect its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave <-- pretty sure GP has a vendetta against the phrase "crux of the set"

Usage Tips

• Good switchin to loads of physical attacks and predicted Fake Outs, but be wary because even neutral special attacks will deal a fair chunk of damage

Great work as usual, 1/3

 

[Darkmalice]

Overview

• You have "Strong offensive STABs backed by strong attack" and "Good offensive STABS and access to spread moves" these can probably be collapsed into one point

Done

Moves

• Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has poor accuracy <-- Stone edge isn't that bad, the odds of it missing aren't dissimilar to that of Rock Slide missing one of its targets.

I replaced poor accuracy with worse accuracy
Set Details

• Lightning Rod is the crux of the set to protect its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave <-- pretty sure GP has a vendetta against the phrase "crux of the set"

I changed it to selling point
Usage Tips

• Good switchin to loads of physical attacks and predicted Fake Outs, but be wary because even neutral special attacks will deal a fair chunk of damage

I merged this with my point of using Rhydon as a physical tank. I said it can tank special attacks as long as they don't hit super-effectively, but har-hitting ones will leave a dent. For clarification regarding Rhydon's special bulk, it's actually decent. For comparison:

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 277-328 (78.6 - 93.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 168 HP / 164 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 261-308 (66.4 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 72+ SpD Amoonguss: 277-328 (64.1 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Great work as usual, 1/3

Thanks BT!

 

[Bughouse]

what is 184 HP Landorus-T is that a thing cuz idk wtf it is

Please don't recommend it as a TR attacker. In fact specifically mention that Rhyperior is better for TR sweeping (that's like its main niche), while Rhydon is prob the better mon overall.

Lightningrod is certainly a major selling point, but I personally would use it primarily bc it's a tank. If all you want is Lightningrod, you could very easily go Raichu, Mega Sceptile, Marowak, etc. I mean, it eats EVERYTHING not typed water or grass. You can't understate its bulk and so I'm opposed to "Unless your team really benefits from Lightning Rod, don't use it" cuz that just makes it sound super niche.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 168 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 242-288 (61.5 - 73.2%)
252 Atk Life Orb Terrakion Close Combat vs. 168 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 289-343 (73.5 - 87.2%)
like wtf those eZ survives and it's even got good special bulk with Eviolite
48 SpA Mega Diancie Earth Power vs. 168 HP / 164 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 192-226 (48.8 - 57.5%)
252+ SpA Deoxys-A Psycho Boost vs. 168 HP / 164 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 304-358 (77.3 - 91%)

Personally I would prefer Drill Run/Rock Slide as the primary slashes ahead of Earthquake/Stone Edge as it's better for taking on WG Aegislash and the stuff you tend to want to hit with a Rock move (Talonflame mostly) will die either way, even when Rhydon is at -1. Not gonna mandate this though unless other QC agree with me.

 

[Darkmalice]

I pretty much took 184 HP from the old Lando-T set and mentioned it cause it's more impressive than OHKOing Scarf Lando-T. It was there to survive Bisharp Sucker Punch, but did the calc and released it's inaccurate (deals 96.1% max). Pretty much only very bulky sets survive (max 252 HP has a 12.5% chance to survive), but they're not common. I just removed the 184 HP mention.

I never intended to recommend it as a TR attacker unless the Lightning Rod support would be helpful i.e. supporting Pokemon like Slowbro. I made it more clear in Set Details.

I disagree on the tank comment. It's a good tank, but I wouldn't use it just because it's a tank - if I wanted a tank without Lightning Rod, I'd probably use a bulky Lando-T or even Ttar instead. Really I'm using it because it's a stellar Lightning Rod user, and the tank part is why it's stellar. Also Rhydon has pretty bad competition in the Lightning Rod department. Mega Sceptile really suffers from having to Mega Evolve before it can use Lightning Rod coupled with subpar bulk, where as all other users are mediocre (Raichu, Marowak, non-Mega Manetric) or mostly outclassed (Rhyperior).


Drill Run/Rock Slide vs EQ/Stone Edge I feel really depends with the team. EQ is better for teams with at least two EQ immune mons in particular those that enjoy Lightning Rod like Gyarados. Drill Run is better otherwise. Stone Edge vs Rock Slide is variable; I've been in many scenarios where I've had one and wished I had the other. For example, Talonflame and Volcarona beg for Rock Slide, where as Thundurus and Zapdos appreciate Stone Edge for the quick OHKO. I feel Aegislash is a shaky case as it gets to King Shield 50/50s if I reveal Drill Run, where as if I reveal EQ, it gets to other predictions as using Stone Edge on its ally is usually a good option to bypass Wide Guard.

I'm not really fused as to the order of the moves; it really comes down to whether I want EQ more or Drill Run more. I am curious as to what the rest of the team thinks. Lolk BLOOD TOTEM Stratos

 

[finally]

I pretty much took 184 HP from the old Lando-T set and mentioned it cause it's more impressive than OHKOing Scarf Lando-T. It was there to survive Bisharp Sucker Punch, but did the calc and released it's inaccurate (deals 96.1% max). Pretty much only very bulky sets survive (max 252 HP has a 12.5% chance to survive), but they're not common. I just removed the 184 HP mention.

I never intended to recommend it as a TR attacker unless the Lightning Rod support would be helpful i.e. supporting Pokemon like Slowbro. I made it more clear in Set Details.

I disagree on the tank comment. It's a good tank, but I wouldn't use it just because it's a tank - if I wanted a tank without Lightning Rod, I'd probably use a bulky Lando-T or even Ttar instead. Really I'm using it because it's a stellar Lightning Rod user, and the tank part is why it's stellar. Also Rhydon has pretty bad competition in the Lightning Rod department. Mega Sceptile really suffers from having to Mega Evolve before it can use Lightning Rod coupled with subpar bulk, where as all other users are mediocre (Raichu, Marowak, non-Mega Manetric) or mostly outclassed (Rhyperior).


Drill Run/Rock Slide vs EQ/Stone Edge I feel really depends with the team. EQ is better for teams with at least two EQ immune mons in particular those that enjoy Lightning Rod like Gyarados. Drill Run is better otherwise. Stone Edge vs Rock Slide is variable; I've been in many scenarios where I've had one and wished I had the other. For example, Talonflame and Volcarona beg for Rock Slide, where as Thundurus and Zapdos appreciate Stone Edge for the quick OHKO. I feel Aegislash is a shaky case as it gets to King Shield 50/50s if I reveal Drill Run, where as if I reveal EQ, it gets to other predictions as using Stone Edge on its ally is usually a good option to bypass Wide Guard.

I'm not really fused as to the order of the moves; it really comes down to whether I want EQ more or Drill Run more. I am curious as to what the rest of the team thinks. Lolk BLOOD TOTEM Stratos

i like drilll run, earthquake, rock slide, ice punch eviolite. give the set a run imo, and then switch back to protect after a couple matches. but double ground stab > protect is something i really like

 

[Stratos]

slash edge in front of ice punch on third slot fo sho, id prefer access to double rock moves than beating lando in a lot of cases

change "such as lando and tar" to "such as lando and rak"

if you want a TR sweeper youre better off with LO Rhyp, remove that mention from Usage Tips, actually in general remove all TR mentions which will be better with LO Rhyp

mention with zard and skymin that they both rly love lrod support

otherwise this is all solid, QC 2/3

 

[Arcticblast]

If this spread takes a Flash Cannon from Aegislash it could be worth adding that you can always underspeed that with a 20something IV; if not don't bother

 

[Bughouse]

Or you know... Just outrun and EQ. It still does a ton.

Classic Aeg tradeoff

 

[Darkmalice]

Ok I may take longer than planned to do this. Does anyone else want to take over?

I did update the suggested changes. Except for Arcticblast's.

I don't think it's a good idea to underspeed Aegislash. Rhydon does survive Flash Cannon from most Aegislash. However, it does a lot of damage, and it will always OHKO if holding Life Orb. This both defeats the point of using Rhydon as a tank and perhaps more importantly that it isn't likely to be at full HP when taking the hit (given Rhydon's low Speed and that it uses its bulk and typing to switch into attacks). This makes tanking Flash Cannon is impractical.

 

[SpaceBass]

I'll write it up if you don't have the time man.

 

[Darkmalice]

Yes you can take it off me SpaceBass. It's just a matter of writing it up since I've implemented the checks.

Just a note

slash edge in front of ice punch on third slot fo sho, id prefer access to double rock moves than beating lando in a lot of cases

I slashed a Rock move under Ice Punch. I do feel Ice Punch is better than two Rock moves, since Lando-T is that common. Other reasons

• Your match-ups against Flying-types doesn't change with whatever Rock-type move you're choosing; for example, you still beat Thundurus and Talonflame, and still lose to Skymin and Mega Zard (damn Solarbeam). Rotom-H will also still burn you.
• You already have choice of spread with your Ground-type STAB
• Hit others like Amoonguss and Hydreigon with equal power to Stone Edge but better accuracy
• Garchomp and Mence exist on the ladder
• Lando-I has become relevant since this was written, and it helps for Breloom too, but you need redirection support for both otherwise taking them on is suicidal.

Also if you remove Ice Punch, you may also consider changing the EVs, since they're designed with Ice Punch in mind.

 

[SpaceBass]

Oh shit forgot about this, will do when I get a chance.

 

[shaian]

Since spacebass is a john, and I like to treat qc like a game of tetris, I went ahead and wrote this up so it can be cleared out. Also implemented a few changes and shit (i can't remember what exactly) but here it is all written up.

spacebass is a feg

Overview
########

For teams that have issues with Electric-type attacks or dealing with paralysis, Rhydon is a good choice for a Lightning Rod user thanks to its incredible bulk due to Eviolite, making it bulkier than its evolved form Rhyperior, whilst not being a slouch on offense either due to its strong offensive STABs, with Rock Slide and Earthquake as good spread moves, and a naturally high Attack stat. However Rhydon suffers from weaknesses to common types such as Ground-, Water-, and Fighting-type moves which mitigates its high bulk somewhat. It is also vulnerable to burns and Intimidate, and despite being an excellent choice against most Electric-types, it has an awful time against Rotom-W which is one of the most popular Electric-type choices. Rhydon is also quiet slow, having a terrible 40 base Speed which normally would be helped through Trick Room, but in Rhydons case the Pokemon that appreciate its Lightning Rod the most tend to be faster so that option is not as easy to use, meaning that unless your team really benefits from Lightning Rod, it should not be used.

Lightning Rod
########
name: Lightning Rod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Rock Slide
move 4: Protect
ability: Lightning Rod
item: Eviolite
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Earthquake is a hard-hitting STAB move and is also spread to help get around pesky Follow Me users and for getting damage against both opposing Pokemon. However, Drill Run can be used over Earthquake to avoid hitting your partner and avoid Wide Guard users such as Aegislash. This is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake with at least one of them enjoying Lightning Rod support. Rock Slide is another spread move providing strong coverage when paired with Ground-type STAB, particularly against Flying-types. Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has worse accuracy. When using Rhydon usually it's best to run Earthquake with Stone Edge and Drill Run with Rock Slide so that Rhydon has access to a spread move whilst avoiding having both its STABs walled by Wide Guard. Ice Punch is primarily for Landorus-Therian who is otherwise a big burden for Rhydon. It hits some other important Pokemon harder than its STABs (or commonly with equal power but more accuracy when compared to Stone Edge) such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon. Rhydon can also run dual Rock-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-Therian is already well-checked by Rhydon's team. Protect is mandatory to let Rhydon protect itself against its common weaknesses and keep it alive so that it can continue to provide Lightning Rod support.
Set Details
========

168 HP EVs lets Rhydon avoid a 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake 99.6% of the time, and 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature grants a bonus point and lets Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (without an Attack drop from Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch. The remaining EVs thrown into its weaker Special Defence stat to maximize it's all around bulk. Lightning Rod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise it has intense competition with other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion. Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature with 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. Whilst this is also helpful if using Rhydon with Trick Room, Rhyperior is better suited for Trick Room teams due to its higher damage output; also note protection from Thunder Wave is generally not helpful for Trick Room teams.
Usage Tips
========

When using Rhydon it is recommended to have Rhydon on the field when you want to protect one of your Pokemon from Electric-type attack, use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in and redirect the in-coming attack. Makes a great switch-in when you predict your opponent using an Electric-type attack, even if you don't necessarily need to redirect one. Try to keep Rhydon alive till Lightning Rod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here. Outside of Lightning Rod, Rhydon works well as a physical attacking tank. It is excellent at tanking and switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Thank to Eviolite it can even survive most physical super-effective attacks, however special based attacks, such as from a Keldeo still OHKO. To demonstrate its bulk, even Mega Gyarados cannot OHKO Rhydon with Waterfall unless it scores a critical hit (deals 97.7% damage max). Can also withstand any special attacks that doesn't hit super-effectively, but some like Life Orb Draco Meteors will leave a dent.
Team Options
========

Flying-type partners that benefit from immunity to Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave particularly from Thundurus-I. They also have nothing to fear from Rhydon's Earthquake. Notable Flying-types include Gyarados, Mega Charizard Y, and Shaymin-S. Mega Charizard Y provides sunlight to let Rhydon survive physical and/or weaker Water-type attacks, Shaymin-S checks Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, and hates Thunder Wave, and appreciates Rhydons ability to beat most Fire-types (bar Charizard Y), Gyarados especially appreciates the support that Rhydon provides, as it is x4 weak to Electric-type attacks, and it can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive even physical Water-type and Grass-type attacks, though Grass-types will be an issue. Water-types also enjoy Lightning Rod support such as Azumarill and Keldeo, though when pairing them with Rhydon it is best to switch Rhydon in and out in a hit and run manner as it does not provide much offensive coverage with them aside from beating grounded Electric-types. Dragon-type partners such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners as they have an easy time switching in on Grass- and Water-type moves whist avoiding Rhydon's Earthquake. Latios also checks Fighting-types for Rhydon and appreciates Rhydon being able to beat Steel- and Ice-types. If not using Ice Punch, Pokemon that check Landorus-T such as Cresselia work wonders. Be warned that Lightning Rod also redirects your own Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon like Rotom-W can be counter-productive partners, as they will not be able to check Water-types with Rhydon on the field.
Other Options
########

Hammer Arm makes Rhydon an effective check to 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn, and Rhydon doesn't mind the Speed drop due to its already terrible Speed stat. Superpower is an alternative to Hammer Arm for better power and accuracy, though Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defence drop as it needs the bulk, and it still doesn't OHKO Mega Kangaskhan without prior damage. Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate, though Rhydon has no way of recuperating HP. Megahorn deals large damage against specific Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo. Fire Punch can be use if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder, and lastly Rock Blast is an option to get past Pokemon which like to use a Focus Sash though it is quite unreliable for consistent damage. Checks & Counters
########

**Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting- and Steel types such as Conkeldurr and Mega Scizor without a weakness to Ground-type attacks can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If not using Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though be warned that without an item boost they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon.
**Intimidate and burns**: Rhydon's physical proweness is neutered by burn; Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster where as Gourgiest-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, and Gyarados can easily stop Rhydon's STABs with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks till it Mega Evolves. Landorus-T too if it can avoid Ice Punch.
**Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash block Earthquake and Rock Slide. However, Aegislash should watch out for Drill Run.

**Miscellaneous**: Pokemon with Mold Breaker or Teravolt, such as Mega Ampharos and Kyurem-B can still target Rhydons partner with Electric-type attacks, which is the main point of using Rhydon in the first place.

ps spacebass and darkmalice, that'll be 25 likes each =]

 

[Bughouse]

Since spacebass is a john, and I like to treat qc like a game of tetris, I went ahead and wrote this up so it can be cleared out. Also implemented a few changes and shit (i can't remember what exactly) but here it is all written up.

spacebass is a feg

Overview
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For teams that have issues with Electric-type attacks or dealing with paralysis, Rhydon is a good choice for a Lightning Rod user thanks to its incredible bulk due to Eviolite, making it bulkier than its evolved form Rhyperior, whilst not being a slouch on offense either due to its strong offensive STABs, with Rock Slide and Earthquake as good spread moves, and a naturally high Attack stat. However Rhydon suffers from weaknesses to common types such as Ground-, Water-, and Fighting-type moves which mitigates its high bulk somewhat. It is also vulnerable to burns and Intimidate, and despite being an excellent choice against most Electric-types, it has an awful time against Rotom-W which is one of the most popular Electric-type choices. Rhydon is also quiet slow, having a terrible 40 base Speed which normally would be helped through Trick Room, but in Rhydons case the Pokemon that appreciate its Lightning Rod the most tend to be faster so that option is not as easy to use, meaning that unless your team really benefits from Lightning Rod, it should not be used.

Lightning Rod
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name: Lightning Rod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Rock Slide
move 4: Protect
ability: Lightning Rod
item: Eviolite
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
nature: Adamant

Moves
========

Earthquake is a hard-hitting STAB move and is also spread to help get around pesky Follow Me users and for getting damage against both opposing Pokemon. However, Drill Run can be used over Earthquake to avoid hitting your partner and avoid Wide Guard users such as Aegislash. This is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake with at least one of them enjoying Lightning Rod support. Rock Slide is another spread move providing strong coverage when paired with Ground-type STAB, particularly against Flying-types. Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard but has worse accuracy. When using Rhydon usually it's best to run Earthquake with Stone Edge and Drill Run with Rock Slide so that Rhydon has access to a spread move whilst avoiding having both its STABs walled by Wide Guard. Ice Punch is primarily for Landorus-Therian who is otherwise a big burden for Rhydon. It hits some other important Pokemon harder than its STABs (or commonly with equal power but more accuracy when compared to Stone Edge) such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon. Rhydon can also run dual Rock-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-Therian is already well-checked by Rhydon's team. Protect is mandatory to let Rhydon protect itself against its common weaknesses and keep it alive so that it can continue to provide Lightning Rod support.
Set Details
========

168 HP EVs lets Rhydon avoid a 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake 99.6% of the time, and 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature grants a bonus point and lets Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (without an Attack drop from Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch. The remaining EVs thrown into its weaker Special Defence stat to maximize it's all around bulk. Lightning Rod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise it has intense competition with other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion. Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature with 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. Whilst this is also helpful if using Rhydon with Trick Room, Rhyperior is better suited for Trick Room teams due to its higher damage output; also note protection from Thunder Wave is generally not helpful for Trick Room teams.
Usage Tips
========

When using Rhydon it is recommended to have Rhydon on the field when you want to protect one of your Pokemon from Electric-type attack, use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in and redirect the in-coming attack. Makes a great switch-in when you predict your opponent using an Electric-type attack, even if you don't necessarily need to redirect one. Try to keep Rhydon alive till Lightning Rod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here. Outside of Lightning Rod, Rhydon works well as a physical attacking tank. It is excellent at tanking and switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Thank to Eviolite it can even survive most physical super-effective attacks, however special based attacks, such as from a Keldeo still OHKO. To demonstrate its bulk, even Mega Gyarados cannot OHKO Rhydon with Waterfall unless it scores a critical hit (deals 97.7% damage max). Can also withstand any special attacks that doesn't hit super-effectively, but some like Life Orb Draco Meteors will leave a dent.
Team Options
========

Flying-type partners that benefit from immunity to Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave particularly from Thundurus-I. They also have nothing to fear from Rhydon's Earthquake. Notable Flying-types include Gyarados, Mega Charizard Y, and Shaymin-S. Mega Charizard Y provides sunlight to let Rhydon survive physical and/or weaker Water-type attacks, Shaymin-S checks Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, and hates Thunder Wave, and appreciates Rhydons ability to beat most Fire-types (bar Charizard Y), Gyarados especially appreciates the support that Rhydon provides, as it is x4 weak to Electric-type attacks, and it can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive even physical Water-type and Grass-type attacks, though Grass-types will be an issue. Water-types also enjoy Lightning Rod support such as Azumarill and Keldeo, though when pairing them with Rhydon it is best to switch Rhydon in and out in a hit and run manner as it does not provide much offensive coverage with them aside from beating grounded Electric-types. Dragon-type partners such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners as they have an easy time switching in on Grass- and Water-type moves whist avoiding Rhydon's Earthquake. Latios also checks Fighting-types for Rhydon and appreciates Rhydon being able to beat Steel- and Ice-types. If not using Ice Punch, Pokemon that check Landorus-T such as Cresselia work wonders. Be warned that Lightning Rod also redirects your own Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon like Rotom-W can be counter-productive partners, as they will not be able to check Water-types with Rhydon on the field.
Other Options
########

Hammer Arm makes Rhydon an effective check to 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard like Hydreigon and Ferrothorn, and Rhydon doesn't mind the Speed drop due to its already terrible Speed stat. Superpower is an alternative to Hammer Arm for better power and accuracy, though Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defence drop as it needs the bulk, and it still doesn't OHKO Mega Kangaskhan without prior damage. Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate, though Rhydon has no way of recuperating HP. Megahorn deals large damage against specific Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo. Fire Punch can be use if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder, and lastly Rock Blast is an option to get past Pokemon which like to use a Focus Sash though it is quite unreliable for consistent damage. Checks & Counters
########

**Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting- and Steel types such as Conkeldurr and Mega Scizor without a weakness to Ground-type attacks can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If not using Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though be warned that without an item boost they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon.
**Intimidate and burns**: Rhydon's physical proweness is neutered by burn; Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster where as Gourgiest-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, and Gyarados can easily stop Rhydon's STABs with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks till it Mega Evolves. Landorus-T too if it can avoid Ice Punch.
**Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash block Earthquake and Rock Slide. However, Aegislash should watch out for Drill Run.

**Miscellaneous**: Pokemon with Mold Breaker or Teravolt, such as Mega Ampharos and Kyurem-B can still target Rhydons partner with Electric-type attacks, which is the main point of using Rhydon in the first place.

ps spacebass and darkmalice, that'll be 25 likes each =]

hey Shaian plz put this in a new thread with the 2/3 already noted.
Just makes it easier to keep track of who wrote what. After that, I'll move this to L&O.

 

[shaian]

aight, you got it boss