QC: iplaytennislol / marilli / Blast
GP: Malley / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Although Rhydon sports much better bulk, a better movepool, and the same typing, Golem has a few niches over Rhydon that make it worth using, Golem has Sturdy, Explosion, and Sucker Punch, allowing it to utilize a Custap Berry set. Unlike Rhydon, it isn't reliant on Eviolite for bulk and can make use of its STAB EdgeQuake combination to run a Choice Band set. However, Golem cannot make use of its resistances to Normal- and Flying-type attacks and immunity to Electric-type attacks as well as Rhydon because of its significantly worse bulk and reliance on Sturdy. Its low Speed and Rock / Ground typing also make it vulnerable to the common Water- and Grass-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Custap Berry
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion / Sucker Punch
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sashes and Sturdy users, such as Crustle, Aurorus, and Archeops. Earthquake hits Steel-, Fire-, and Electric-types such as Klinklang, Pyroar, and Lanturn super effectively. Rock Blast completes Golem's STAB coverage and can hit through Substitute, Sturdy, and Focus Sash. Stone Edge can be used over Rock Blast to deal more consistent damage. Explosion can deal massive damage to the foe and provides momentum for the team. Sucker Punch has priority and can allow Golem to pick off weakened Pokemon, but it can be very risky to use.
Set Details
========
This EV spread with an Adamant nature ensures that Golem hits as hard as possible. Golem could also run a Jolly nature to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mawile and Jolly Rhydon. Sturdy almost always guarantees that Golem can set up Stealth Rock. Custap Berry allows Golem to more first when Sturdy has activated.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Golem on a free switch and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, or use it as a lead if it has a good matchup. Use Explosion or Sucker Punch once Sturdy has activated. Be wary of Taunt users, as they prevent Golem from setting up Stealth Rock. Use Explosion on Spinners and Defoggers such as Claydol and Mantine in order to prevent them from removing Stealth Rock. Be wary of using Sucker Punch, as Pokemon such as Mismagius can take advantage of Golem by crippling it with Will-O-Wisp. Sturdy is important to make use of Custap Berry and to reliably set up Stealth Rock, so keep it intact as much as possible.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams because of its ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock thanks to Sturdy and then do significant damage thanks to Custap Berry. Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Scyther and Rotom allow Golem to switch in freely and keep Sturdy intact. Spinners such as Claydol and Kabutops help to keep Stealth Rock off Golem's side of the field in order to keep Sturdy intact. Wallbreakers such as Electivire and Magmortar appreciate entry hazard support in order to break through opposing Sturdy users and Focus Sashes. Spikes from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Roselia combined with Stealth Rock support can wear down the opposing team more easily. Golem also has nice synergy with these Pokemon, as Golem can take Fire- and Flying-type attacks aimed at Cacturne and Roselia, while Cacturne and Roselia can take take Water- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Golem. Spinblockers such as Mismagius and Gourgeist-XL help keep Stealth Rock on the field. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Primeape can switch into Defog and receive a +2 Attack boost.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake hits Steel-, Fire-, and Electric-types such as Klinklang, Pyroar, and Lanturn super effectively. Stone Edge hits Flying-types,such as Fletchinder and Scyther super effectively. Explosion is a powerful last-resort attack used to severely damage any Pokemon that resists Golem's STAB combination, such as Torterra and Claydol. Sucker Punch allows Golem to pick off weakened foes and threaten Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature combined with an EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe allows Golem to hit as hard as possible and outspeed as much as possible. Sturdy allows Golem to survive at least one hit. Choice Band allows Golem to inflict more damage, but it comes at the cost of being locked into one move.
Usage Tips
========
Try to preserve Sturdy by not switching Golem directly into attacks. Golem should come in mid- to late-game on a free switch to break through physical walls with its STAB combination. Be careful of using Sucker Punch, as Golem is locked into it and Pokemon such as Mismagius can take advantage of it by crippling it with Will-O-Wisp. Explosion should be used sparingly, as Golem may be needed later in the match, and Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom can switch in and take no damage. Explosion should be used to break through Pokemon that resist Stone Edge and Earthquake, such as Claydol and Torterra. Golem should use Sucker Punch to threaten fast and frail Pokemon, such as Jynx, which threatens to KO Golem with Ice Beam, but it must be wary of Lovely Kiss.
Team Options
========
Volt Switch and U-turn users, such as Rotom and Liepard, allow Golem to switch in while keeping Sturdy intact. Spinners such as Cryogonal and Kabutops can remove entry hazards for Golem. Pokemon that appreciate Golem's wallbreaking ability, such as Scyther and Tauros, make for good partners. Ice-types such as Piloswine and Jynx can take care of Torterra and Claydol, which resist or are immune to both of Golem's STAB attacks, while they appreciate Golem's wallbreaking. Pokemon that appreciate a teammate that can take Electric-type attacks, such as Fletchinder and Pelipper, are good partners. In addition to this, Pelipper can provide Defog support for Golem.
Other Options
=============
Fire Punch allows Golem to hit Ferroseed for more damage. Alternatively, Golem can run a Rock Polish + Weakness Policy set to make up for its low Speed. Golem can also be used on sun teams to set up Sunny Day and Stealth Rock. Golem can also run a tank set with 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD and an Adamant Nature, but Rhydon is a better tank, as it has much better bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Levitating Ghost-types**: Levitating Ghost-types such as Misdreavus and Rotom are immune to Explosion and Earthquake and can cripple Choice Band Golem with Will-O-Wisp. The former can also Taunt Custap Berry Golem, preventing it from setting up Stealth Rock, and the latter can cripple it with Trick. However, they dislike Stone Edge and Sucker Punch.
**Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Tangela and Torterra don't mind most of Golem's attacks, and they can deal 4x super effective damage to it. The former can put Golem to sleep and the latter resists both of Golem's STAB attacks. However, Tangela is 2HKOed by Choice Band Golem's Stone Edge after Stealth Rock damage.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Quagsire and Prinplup can take Golem's attacks and deal 4x super effective damage to it. The former can also remove Stealth Rock with Defog while the latter can burn Golem with Scald. However, they cannot switch into Choice Banded Golem, as they are 2HKOed by Earthquake.
**Taunt**: Taunt users such as lead Archeops can prevent Custap Berry Golem from setting up Stealth Rock, but they must watch out for Stone Edge and Earthquake on both sets.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Spinners such as Claydol and Sandslash can easily switch into Custap Berry Golem's attacks and remove Stealth Rock. However, although Claydol is immune to Earthquake and resists Stone Edge, it cannot switch into Choice Band Golem, as it is 2HKOed by Stone Edge.
**Super Effective Attacks**: Golem's Rock / Ground typing gives it weaknesses to Fighting-types such as Sawk and Hariyama, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Rhydon, and Ice-types such as Cryogonal and Aurorus, which can knock it down to Sturdy range and make it easier to KO. However, they have to be wary of Custap Berry being activated.
GP: Malley / Snobalt
[OVERVIEW]
Although Rhydon sports much better bulk, a better movepool, and the same typing, Golem has a few niches over Rhydon that make it worth using, Golem has Sturdy, Explosion, and Sucker Punch, allowing it to utilize a Custap Berry set. Unlike Rhydon, it isn't reliant on Eviolite for bulk and can make use of its STAB EdgeQuake combination to run a Choice Band set. However, Golem cannot make use of its resistances to Normal- and Flying-type attacks and immunity to Electric-type attacks as well as Rhydon because of its significantly worse bulk and reliance on Sturdy. Its low Speed and Rock / Ground typing also make it vulnerable to the common Water- and Grass-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Custap Berry
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion / Sucker Punch
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock breaks Focus Sashes and Sturdy users, such as Crustle, Aurorus, and Archeops. Earthquake hits Steel-, Fire-, and Electric-types such as Klinklang, Pyroar, and Lanturn super effectively. Rock Blast completes Golem's STAB coverage and can hit through Substitute, Sturdy, and Focus Sash. Stone Edge can be used over Rock Blast to deal more consistent damage. Explosion can deal massive damage to the foe and provides momentum for the team. Sucker Punch has priority and can allow Golem to pick off weakened Pokemon, but it can be very risky to use.
Set Details
========
This EV spread with an Adamant nature ensures that Golem hits as hard as possible. Golem could also run a Jolly nature to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mawile and Jolly Rhydon. Sturdy almost always guarantees that Golem can set up Stealth Rock. Custap Berry allows Golem to more first when Sturdy has activated.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Golem on a free switch and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, or use it as a lead if it has a good matchup. Use Explosion or Sucker Punch once Sturdy has activated. Be wary of Taunt users, as they prevent Golem from setting up Stealth Rock. Use Explosion on Spinners and Defoggers such as Claydol and Mantine in order to prevent them from removing Stealth Rock. Be wary of using Sucker Punch, as Pokemon such as Mismagius can take advantage of Golem by crippling it with Will-O-Wisp. Sturdy is important to make use of Custap Berry and to reliably set up Stealth Rock, so keep it intact as much as possible.
Team Options
========
This set fits well on offensive teams because of its ability to reliably set up Stealth Rock thanks to Sturdy and then do significant damage thanks to Custap Berry. Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Scyther and Rotom allow Golem to switch in freely and keep Sturdy intact. Spinners such as Claydol and Kabutops help to keep Stealth Rock off Golem's side of the field in order to keep Sturdy intact. Wallbreakers such as Electivire and Magmortar appreciate entry hazard support in order to break through opposing Sturdy users and Focus Sashes. Spikes from Pokemon such as Cacturne and Roselia combined with Stealth Rock support can wear down the opposing team more easily. Golem also has nice synergy with these Pokemon, as Golem can take Fire- and Flying-type attacks aimed at Cacturne and Roselia, while Cacturne and Roselia can take take Water- and Grass-type attacks aimed at Golem. Spinblockers such as Mismagius and Gourgeist-XL help keep Stealth Rock on the field. Defiant users such as Pawniard and Primeape can switch into Defog and receive a +2 Attack boost.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Sucker Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake hits Steel-, Fire-, and Electric-types such as Klinklang, Pyroar, and Lanturn super effectively. Stone Edge hits Flying-types,such as Fletchinder and Scyther super effectively. Explosion is a powerful last-resort attack used to severely damage any Pokemon that resists Golem's STAB combination, such as Torterra and Claydol. Sucker Punch allows Golem to pick off weakened foes and threaten Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature combined with an EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe allows Golem to hit as hard as possible and outspeed as much as possible. Sturdy allows Golem to survive at least one hit. Choice Band allows Golem to inflict more damage, but it comes at the cost of being locked into one move.
Usage Tips
========
Try to preserve Sturdy by not switching Golem directly into attacks. Golem should come in mid- to late-game on a free switch to break through physical walls with its STAB combination. Be careful of using Sucker Punch, as Golem is locked into it and Pokemon such as Mismagius can take advantage of it by crippling it with Will-O-Wisp. Explosion should be used sparingly, as Golem may be needed later in the match, and Ghost-types such as Mismagius and Rotom can switch in and take no damage. Explosion should be used to break through Pokemon that resist Stone Edge and Earthquake, such as Claydol and Torterra. Golem should use Sucker Punch to threaten fast and frail Pokemon, such as Jynx, which threatens to KO Golem with Ice Beam, but it must be wary of Lovely Kiss.
Team Options
========
Volt Switch and U-turn users, such as Rotom and Liepard, allow Golem to switch in while keeping Sturdy intact. Spinners such as Cryogonal and Kabutops can remove entry hazards for Golem. Pokemon that appreciate Golem's wallbreaking ability, such as Scyther and Tauros, make for good partners. Ice-types such as Piloswine and Jynx can take care of Torterra and Claydol, which resist or are immune to both of Golem's STAB attacks, while they appreciate Golem's wallbreaking. Pokemon that appreciate a teammate that can take Electric-type attacks, such as Fletchinder and Pelipper, are good partners. In addition to this, Pelipper can provide Defog support for Golem.
Other Options
=============
Fire Punch allows Golem to hit Ferroseed for more damage. Alternatively, Golem can run a Rock Polish + Weakness Policy set to make up for its low Speed. Golem can also be used on sun teams to set up Sunny Day and Stealth Rock. Golem can also run a tank set with 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD and an Adamant Nature, but Rhydon is a better tank, as it has much better bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Levitating Ghost-types**: Levitating Ghost-types such as Misdreavus and Rotom are immune to Explosion and Earthquake and can cripple Choice Band Golem with Will-O-Wisp. The former can also Taunt Custap Berry Golem, preventing it from setting up Stealth Rock, and the latter can cripple it with Trick. However, they dislike Stone Edge and Sucker Punch.
**Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Tangela and Torterra don't mind most of Golem's attacks, and they can deal 4x super effective damage to it. The former can put Golem to sleep and the latter resists both of Golem's STAB attacks. However, Tangela is 2HKOed by Choice Band Golem's Stone Edge after Stealth Rock damage.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Quagsire and Prinplup can take Golem's attacks and deal 4x super effective damage to it. The former can also remove Stealth Rock with Defog while the latter can burn Golem with Scald. However, they cannot switch into Choice Banded Golem, as they are 2HKOed by Earthquake.
**Taunt**: Taunt users such as lead Archeops can prevent Custap Berry Golem from setting up Stealth Rock, but they must watch out for Stone Edge and Earthquake on both sets.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Spinners such as Claydol and Sandslash can easily switch into Custap Berry Golem's attacks and remove Stealth Rock. However, although Claydol is immune to Earthquake and resists Stone Edge, it cannot switch into Choice Band Golem, as it is 2HKOed by Stone Edge.
**Super Effective Attacks**: Golem's Rock / Ground typing gives it weaknesses to Fighting-types such as Sawk and Hariyama, Ground-types such as Piloswine and Rhydon, and Ice-types such as Cryogonal and Aurorus, which can knock it down to Sturdy range and make it easier to KO. However, they have to be wary of Custap Berry being activated.
Last edited:
