[OVERVIEW]
For teams that have issues dealing with Electric-type attacks or paralysis, Rhydon is a good choice for a Lightningrod user thanks to its incredible Eviolite-boosted bulk that exceeds that of Rhyperior, its evolved form. Rhydon is no slouch offensively either due to its strong STAB spread moves, Rock Slide and Earthquake, and its naturally high Attack stat. However, Rhydon suffers from weaknesses to common types such as Water-, and Fighting-type, which compromises its bulk somewhat. Rhydon is also weak to Ground-type moves, but they are not a major issue, as most common Ground-type moves are physical and deal pittance to Rhydon. It is also vulnerable to burns and Intimidate, and despite being an excellent choice against most Electric-types, such as Zapdos and Thundurus, it has an awful time against Rotom-W, which is one of the most popular Electric-types. However, Rhydon is not used primarily to check Electric-type Pokemon but rather Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave, which can come from Pokemon such as Jirachi. Rhydon is also quite slow, with a terrible base 40 Speed; normally, this would be useful with Trick Room, but in Rhydon's case, the Pokemon that appreciate its Lightningrod support tend to be faster, so that option is not as easy to use. Accordingly, Rhydon should only be used if your team really benefits from Lightningrod support. If looking for a Pokemon to use under Trick Room, Life Orb Rhyperior should be used over Rhydon due to its much higher damage output.
[SET]
name: Lightningrod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Rock Slide
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a hard-hitting STAB move that can get around Follow Me users and inflict damage on both opposing Pokemon by virtue of being a spread move. However, Drill Run can be used over Earthquake to avoid hitting Rhydon's partner and avoid Wide Guard users such as Aegislash, though Rhydon should be careful about using Drill Run against Aegislash because of King's Shield. Drill Run is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake. Rock Slide is another spread move, and it provides good coverage in tandem with Rhydon's Ground-type move, particularly against Flying-types. Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard, but it has worse accuracy. When using Rhydon, it's usually 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 STAB moves blocked by Wide Guard. Ice Punch is primarily used for Landorus-T, which is otherwise a big issue for Rhydon. It also hits some other important Pokemon, such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon, harder and more reliably than its STAB moves. Rhydon can also run dual Rock-type or dual Ground-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-T is already covered 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 Lightningrod support.
Set Details
========
168 HP EVs let Rhydon avoid the 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake most of the time, and 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature let Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (without an Attack drop from Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch. The remaining EVs are placed into its weaker Special Defense stat to maximize its all-around bulk. Lightningrod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise, it faces intense competition from other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion. Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature and 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. While 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 that 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 a predicted Electric-type attack; use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in Rhydon and redirect the incoming attack. It also makes for a great switch-in when you predict the foe using an Electric-type attack, but don't necessarily need to redirect it, such as redirecting a resisted hit in order to prevent a teammate from taking damage. Try to keep Rhydon alive until Lightningrod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here. Outside of Lightningrod support, Rhydon works well as a physical attacking tank. It is excellent at switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Thanks to Eviolite, it can survive most physical super effective attacks, but super effective special attacks from the likes of Keldeo can still OHKO it. It can also withstand many special attacks that don't hit it super effectively, but some, such as Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteors, will leave a dent.
Team Options
========
Flying-type partners benefit from the redirection of Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave, particularly from Thundurus. 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 help Rhydon survive physical and weaker Water-type attacks. Shaymin-S checks Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, hates Thunder Wave, and appreciates Rhydon's ability to beat most Fire-types (bar Mega Charizard Y). Gyarados appreciates the support that Rhydon provides due to its 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks and can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive some physical Water- and Grass-type attacks. Water-types such as Azumarill and Keldeo also enjoy Lightningrod support, but 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 synergy aside from beating grounded Electric-types. Airborne Dragon-types such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners too, as they resist Grass- and Water-type moves while 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 Lightningrod also redirects your own Pokemon's Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon such as Rotom-W can be counterproductive partners, as they will not be able to check Water-types with Rhydon on the field.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hammer Arm helps Rhydon check 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan by 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard, such as 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, but Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defense drops because it needs the bulk, and it doesn't OHKO Mega Kangaskhan without prior damage. Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate, though Rhydon has no way of recovering HP. Megahorn deals large damage against Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo. Fire Punch can be used if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder. Lastly, Rock Blast is an option to get past Pokemon with Focus Sash, but its damage output is inconsistent.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Keldeo, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If Rhydon does not run Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though without a boosting item they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon.
**Intimidate and Burns**: Rhydons physical prowess is neutered by burn. Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster, whereas Gourgeist-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, Landorus-T, and Gyarados can easily weaken Rhydon's STAB moves with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks before it Mega Evolves and Landorus-T must watch out for Ice Punch.
**Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash blocks 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 Rhydon's partner with Electric-type attacks, bypassing its ability.
For teams that have issues dealing with Electric-type attacks or paralysis, Rhydon is a good choice for a Lightningrod user thanks to its incredible Eviolite-boosted bulk that exceeds that of Rhyperior, its evolved form. Rhydon is no slouch offensively either due to its strong STAB spread moves, Rock Slide and Earthquake, and its naturally high Attack stat. However, Rhydon suffers from weaknesses to common types such as Water-, and Fighting-type, which compromises its bulk somewhat. Rhydon is also weak to Ground-type moves, but they are not a major issue, as most common Ground-type moves are physical and deal pittance to Rhydon. It is also vulnerable to burns and Intimidate, and despite being an excellent choice against most Electric-types, such as Zapdos and Thundurus, it has an awful time against Rotom-W, which is one of the most popular Electric-types. However, Rhydon is not used primarily to check Electric-type Pokemon but rather Electric-type moves such as Thunder Wave, which can come from Pokemon such as Jirachi. Rhydon is also quite slow, with a terrible base 40 Speed; normally, this would be useful with Trick Room, but in Rhydon's case, the Pokemon that appreciate its Lightningrod support tend to be faster, so that option is not as easy to use. Accordingly, Rhydon should only be used if your team really benefits from Lightningrod support. If looking for a Pokemon to use under Trick Room, Life Orb Rhyperior should be used over Rhydon due to its much higher damage output.
[SET]
name: Lightningrod
move 1: Earthquake / Drill Run
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 3: Ice Punch / Rock Slide
move 4: Protect
item: Eviolite
ability: Lightningrod
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 176 Atk / 164 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Earthquake is a hard-hitting STAB move that can get around Follow Me users and inflict damage on both opposing Pokemon by virtue of being a spread move. However, Drill Run can be used over Earthquake to avoid hitting Rhydon's partner and avoid Wide Guard users such as Aegislash, though Rhydon should be careful about using Drill Run against Aegislash because of King's Shield. Drill Run is the recommended choice if you don't have at least two Pokemon on your team immune to Earthquake. Rock Slide is another spread move, and it provides good coverage in tandem with Rhydon's Ground-type move, particularly against Flying-types. Stone Edge deals much more damage than Rock Slide against a single target and avoids Wide Guard, but it has worse accuracy. When using Rhydon, it's usually 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 STAB moves blocked by Wide Guard. Ice Punch is primarily used for Landorus-T, which is otherwise a big issue for Rhydon. It also hits some other important Pokemon, such as Amoonguss and Hydreigon, harder and more reliably than its STAB moves. Rhydon can also run dual Rock-type or dual Ground-type attacks instead of Ice Punch if Landorus-T is already covered 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 Lightningrod support.
Set Details
========
168 HP EVs let Rhydon avoid the 2HKO from Landorus-T's Earthquake most of the time, and 176 Atk EVs paired with an Adamant nature let Rhydon OHKO Landorus-T (without an Attack drop from Intimidate) and 4 HP Garchomp with Ice Punch. The remaining EVs are placed into its weaker Special Defense stat to maximize its all-around bulk. Lightningrod is Rhydon's niche, protecting its partners from Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave. Otherwise, it faces intense competition from other Ground- and Rock-types such as Landorus-T and Terrakion. Rhydon can be used with a Brave nature and 0 Speed IVs to fare better against Trick Room teams. While 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 that 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 a predicted Electric-type attack; use Rhydon's resistances and immunities to switch in Rhydon and redirect the incoming attack. It also makes for a great switch-in when you predict the foe using an Electric-type attack, but don't necessarily need to redirect it, such as redirecting a resisted hit in order to prevent a teammate from taking damage. Try to keep Rhydon alive until Lightningrod or its typing is no longer useful; Protect helps here. Outside of Lightningrod support, Rhydon works well as a physical attacking tank. It is excellent at switching into most physical attacks, especially predicted Fake Outs. Thanks to Eviolite, it can survive most physical super effective attacks, but super effective special attacks from the likes of Keldeo can still OHKO it. It can also withstand many special attacks that don't hit it super effectively, but some, such as Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteors, will leave a dent.
Team Options
========
Flying-type partners benefit from the redirection of Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave, particularly from Thundurus. 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 help Rhydon survive physical and weaker Water-type attacks. Shaymin-S checks Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-types for Rhydon, hates Thunder Wave, and appreciates Rhydon's ability to beat most Fire-types (bar Mega Charizard Y). Gyarados appreciates the support that Rhydon provides due to its 4x weakness to Electric-type attacks and can provide Intimidate support to complement Rhydon's physical bulk, letting it survive some physical Water- and Grass-type attacks. Water-types such as Azumarill and Keldeo also enjoy Lightningrod support, but 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 synergy aside from beating grounded Electric-types. Airborne Dragon-types such as Latios and Hydreigon are good partners too, as they resist Grass- and Water-type moves while 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 Lightningrod also redirects your own Pokemon's Electric-type attacks, so Electric-type Pokemon such as Rotom-W can be counterproductive partners, as they will not be able to check Water-types with Rhydon on the field.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hammer Arm helps Rhydon check 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan by 2HKOing it. It also hits some other noteworthy Pokemon hard, such as 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, but Rhydon does not enjoy the Attack and Defense drops because it needs the bulk, and it doesn't OHKO Mega Kangaskhan without prior damage. Substitute punishes switching and helps Rhydon avoid burns and Intimidate, though Rhydon has no way of recovering HP. Megahorn deals large damage against Pokemon such as Cresselia, Hydreigon, Latios, and Ludicolo. Fire Punch can be used if you really want to hit Ferrothorn, Genesect, and Scizor harder. Lastly, Rock Blast is an option to get past Pokemon with Focus Sash, but its damage output is inconsistent.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Typing Advantage**: Grass- and Water-types such as Keldeo, Rotom-W, Breloom, and Venusaur can OHKO Rhyperior with their STAB moves. Bulky Fighting-types such as Conkeldurr can tank Rhydon's attacks and dent it with their own STAB attacks. If Rhydon does not run Ice Punch, Landorus-T and Garchomp also become effective checks, though without a boosting item they are very unlikely to 2HKO Rhydon.
**Intimidate and Burns**: Rhydons physical prowess is neutered by burn. Sableye outspeeds Rhydon even in Trick Room thanks to Prankster, whereas Gourgeist-S can tank any of Rhydon's attacks. Pokemon such as Scrafty, Hitmontop, Landorus-T, and Gyarados can easily weaken Rhydon's STAB moves with Intimidate, though Gyarados must watch out for Rock-type attacks before it Mega Evolves and Landorus-T must watch out for Ice Punch.
**Utility Moves**: Wide Guard from Pokemon such as Hitmontop and Aegislash blocks 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 Rhydon's partner with Electric-type attacks, bypassing its ability.
Overview
########
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
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
Other Options
########
########
########
- 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
########
- **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.
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