[OVERVIEW]
Rotom-W may seem to be a bit mediocre in terms of stats, but don't be fooled: it's worth more than the sum of its parts. It's got a great defensive typing and ability, leaving it only weak to Grass-type attacks. It can also run a defensive set that makes it a good Talonflame check and able to check physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, such as Mamoswine and Mega Salamence. Rotom-W is one of the best scouts in the game thanks to its decently powered Volt Switch and the ability to heavily damage Pokemon that are immune to the move with Hydro Pump. Finally, Rotom-W is a very competent user of Choice Specs and Choice Scarf due to its usable offensive stats and excellent use of Trick.
Rotom-W's Achilles heel is that its merely passable stats force it to focus on either defenses or offenses at the cost of the other. Even when fully focused on defenses, Rotom-W's lack of recovery and less-than-impressive defensive stats mean that it can't withstand some of the heaviest hitters in Battle Spot Singles, such as Mega Kangaskhan and Aegislash. Rotom-W is also forced to rely on Hydro Pump as its Water-type STAB move, which can miss at the worst possible moments.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
move 4: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's strongest attack, dealing with Mamoswine and defensive Talonflame super effectively. Volt Switch is perfect for scouting the Pokemon your opponent has chosen and getting favorable switch-ins. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and lets Rotom-W have a chance at checking Pokemon it'd otherwise struggle against such as Mega Mawile. However, Thunder Wave is a reasonable alternative to support slower teammates and cripple Serperior switch-ins. Thunderbolt is a great, reliable secondary STAB attack for finishing off foes, though Discharge can also work with Thunder Wave if you'd like an increased chance to paralyze foes. If your team is especially worried about Mega Salamence, Hidden Power Ice allows Rotom-W to check it in emergencies, and it also allows it to nail Garchomp and weakened Dragonite outside of Will-O-Wisp.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense allows Rotom-W to check physical attackers such as Talonflame and Mega Salamence as well as possible, while Sitrus Berry turns a lot of potential 2HKOs into 3HKOs. A more offensive EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA with a Modest nature also works, allowing Rotom-W to perform better against Suicune. However, note that Rotom-W will have a much more difficult time checking physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Usually, you'll want to use Rotom-W as a check for a large variety of physical attackers, such as Mamoswine and Talonflame. However, note that Rotom-W should only attempt to check Mega Kangaskhan in emergency situations, as Double-Edge does around 80% to Rotom-W, meaning it 2HKOes even through Will-O-Wisp. Note that while Rotom-W may seem like a great check to Suicune, it loses to Calm Mind + Rest Suicune, as well as the uncommon Mirror Coat. Make sure to take advantage of Volt Switch as much as possible, since it does a great job of scouting your opponent's Pokemon choices, breaks Focus Sashes for teammates, and gets free switches for your teammates.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Breloom, Serperior, and Mega Venusaur give Rotom-W serious problems, and special attacking Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Latios also tend to shrug it off as long as it isn't carrying Thunder Wave. This makes Mega Salamence an excellent teammate, as its Aerilate-boosted Return makes quick work of Grass-types (though watch out for Focus Sash from Breloom and Serperior), and it can even elect to run Outrage to smash through slower Dragon-types, while Rotom-W can deal with Mamoswine. In a similar manner, Talonflame does an excellent job of taking out Grass-types, while Rotom-W cripples Pokemon that use Rock-type attacks to deal with Talonflame, such as Hippowdon, Garchomp, and Tyranitar. A Mega Venusaur of your own does a great job of checking most Grass-types, while Rotom-W handles most Flying-types very well. Heatran handles most Grass-types and Choice item Dragon-types as long as it avoids Hidden Power Ground, while Rotom-W provides a vital Water- and Ground-type switch-in. Scizor and Aegislash can handle many Grass-types and Choice item Dragons, while Rotom-W provides a Fire and Ground switch-in. While Blaziken is too frail to act as a switch-in to Rotom-W's checks, it can revenge kill most Grass-types and Hydreigon, and in return, Rotom-W checks Talonflame for it. Finally, if you're especially worried about Calm Mind Suicune, Serperior can set up by using Leaf Storm on it, while Raikou can set up Calm Mind alongside it.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Trick
move 4: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Choice Specs Rotom-W's most powerful attack, making up for its mediocre Special Attack by 2HKOing important threats such as Aegislash and Mega Charizard X and even having a 90% chance to 2HKO Porygon2. Volt Switch does an excellent job of scouting your opponent's Pokemon choices, and it does a good amount of damage with Choice Specs. Trick is instrumental to this set's success, allowing Rotom-W to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Cresselia, Chansey, and Porygon2. Thunderbolt gives Rotom-W a reliable way to 2HKO a large number of threats, and it allows Rotom-W to check Calm Mind Suicune. If your team is more worried about Dragon-types, Hidden Power Ice is an acceptable alternative, 2HKOing Hydreigon and OHKOing Mega Salamence and Garchomp. It also gives Rotom-W a move to use against Serperior and Breloom switch-ins.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment allows Rotom-W to actually hit hard, while maximum HP investment lets Rotom-W survive important hits such as avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame's Brave Bird, and it also makes Rotom-W a more reliable check to Mamoswine. If you prefer Speed, you can run a spread of 76 HP / 20 Def / 198 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe to outspeed Jolly Gyarados and still avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame while Stealth Rock is up. If you plan on using Hidden Power Ice for the faster spread, move the 4 Special Defense EVs to Defense.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volt Switch as frequently as you can. Most Ground-types wouldn't dare switch into Rotom-W, making it an excellent scout. If you predict a Dragon-type such as Hydreigon or Latios coming in, however, use Hidden Power Ice to deal a severe amount of damage. If you really want to make Rotom-W an effective lure against defensive Pokemon, you may want to consider using double switches to prevent opponents from knowing it's holding Choice Specs. This way, you can pull off a surprise Trick against defensive Pokemon, crippling them. Finally, note that even with maximum HP, Rotom-W isn't particularly bulky, so don't switch it in too recklessly.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Serperior are huge problems for Rotom-W to face, and Ferrothorn is also a huge threat if Rotom-W doesn't cripple it with Trick. Special attacking Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latios are only threatened by Hidden Power Ice, as they can even switch into Trick. Since Rotom-W can use Volt Switch so well, you can get away with just carrying checks to these threats. Mega Salamence is a particularly excellent teammate, as it is able to smash through Grass-types with Aerilate-boosted Double-Edge, can roast Ferrothorn with Fire Blast, and even has the option to defeat Hydreigon and Latios with Dragon-type attacks (though watch out for Choice Scarf). Talonflame performs similarly well against Grass-types, but if you're especially worried about Dragon-types, Choice Scarf Garchomp and Latios can easily revenge kill them. Mega Altaria can also work well (provided that you get it in before it gets hit by a Dragon-type attack), as Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice and Return deal massive damage to opposing Dragon-types, and it can use Fire Blast to defeat Ferrothorn. While Heatran struggles against Hydreigon and Mega Venusaur, it does an adequate job of handling Serperior and Ferrothorn while also baiting Ground-type attacks for Rotom-W. Finally, while not a direct check to most of Rotom-W's problems, Mega Gengar is an excellent teammate, since Shadow Tag allows it to pick off threats Rotom-W has weakened with repeated Volt Switches.
Since Choice Specs Rotom-W is slow for an offensive Pokemon, consider giving it paralysis support, as many threats will find it hard to revenge kill it when they're slower. Cresselia, Ferrothorn, and Porygon2 are among the most reliable users of Thunder Wave to consider. Porygon2 and Ferrothorn in particular make for good lures for Blaziken, a dangerous threat that will fall to Rotom-W when paralyzed. For more risky offensive users of paralysis, consider Thundurus and Serperior. If you're willing to roll the dice, you can use Klefki as well, which has priority Thunder Wave like Thundurus and provides a Dragon-type immunity, while Rotom-W gives a valuable Ground-type immunity and Fire-type resistance.
Since Rotom-W is one of the best users of Volt Switch in the game, you may want to consider using it with other users of U-turn or Volt Switch to maximize momentum gained from being a step ahead of the opponent. Choice Scarf Landorus-T is one of the best U-turn users around, having the bonus of switching into Excadrill's Earthquake for Rotom-W. Choice Band Scizor works as a slower alternative that can threaten Grass-types pretty well, has a massively powerful U-turns, and can help deal with Sylveon. While it shares the same typing as Rotom-W, Mega Manectric is useful for its ability to deal with most Grass-types thanks to Flamethrower and Overheat and use Intimidate to soften blows for Rotom-W, while Rotom-W provides a valuable Ground-type immunity.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Trick
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Will-O-Wisp / Thunderbolt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 76 HP / 24 Def / 196 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is the move Rotom-W will be using the most, allowing it to switch out before it gets attacked and scout what Pokemon the opponent has chosen in favorable matchups. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's most powerful STAB move, which is perfect for dealing with Ground-types such as Excadrill, Mamoswine, and Landorus-T. Trick is a great move to use against defensive Pokemon, severely limiting their utility with a Choice Scarf. It can also be a decent emergency move to limit certain offensive Pokemon such as Garchomp if needed.
Hidden Power Ice deals a lot of damage to Garchomp and Mega Salamence, with Timid Rotom-W having an 87% chance of OHKOing 4 HP Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage. However, if you prefer emergency crippling options, Will-O-Wisp can be a nasty surprise for faster physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan. Being locked into Will-O-Wisp isn't great, but it can become especially useful if Rotom-W has Tricked away its Choice Scarf. Finally, Thunderbolt gives Rotom-W a reliable Electric-type attack that doesn't force it to switch out, and unlike Volt Switch, it guarantees a OHKO on offensive Talonflame. Thunderbolt is particularly useful for revenge killing weakened Mega Charizard Y.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature with the above EV spread allows Rotom-W to outspeed Mega Gyarados even after it uses Dragon Dance, while the HP and Defense EVs allow Rotom-W to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame as long as Stealth Rock isn't set up. If you care more about power and not about outspeeding Jolly Mega Gyarados, consider using Modest, which allows Rotom-W to OHKO Dragonite and Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock with Hidden Power Ice. However, note that Modest needs maximum Speed to outspeed Mega Manectric, meaning it risks getting 2HKOed by Choice Band Talonflame.
Usage Tips
========
Prepare to use Volt Switch as much as possible, as it allows Rotom-W to get a chance to attack without suffering massive damage, and it works as an excellent way to scout your opponent's Pokemon choices. While Rotom-W is capable of revenge killing threats, they'll usually need to be softened up first, so moves like Hydro Pump are best saved for later in the game.
If you want to truly take advantage of Trick, try to get Rotom-W in on foes that it is naturally faster than such as Hippowdon. This hides Rotom-W's true purpose, allowing it to get a surprise revenge kill or surprise Trick in when the opponent least expects it. Just note that switching Rotom-W in recklessly isn't a wise idea, as this Rotom-W is fairly frail, so you may want to stick to switching Rotom-W into resisted hits or Ground-type attacks.
Team Options
========
Having a check to Grass-types is necessary, as Choice Scarf Rotom-W is especially weak to the likes of Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Breloom, and Ferrothorn. Additionally, Hydregion and Latios are even bigger problems than normal. Mega Salamence is an excellent teammate, taking down Grass-types, and even potentially taking down non-Choice Scarf Dragon-types if using a Dragon-type attack, while in return, Rotom-W can take Ice-type attacks for Mega Salamence and threaten to cripple defensive Pokemon with Trick. Talonflame doesn't do as well against Dragon-types, but it deals with Grass-types fairly well, except for Focus Sash Breloom. Mega Altaria can handle Dragon-types fairly well and can help against Ferrothorn and Serperior. Heatran doesn't do great against Hydreigon, but it's a reasonable check to Serperior and Ferrothorn.
Consider pairing Rotom-W with sweepers that benefit from walls such as Cresselia and Porygon2 getting crippled. Good teammates to consider include Mega Kangaskhan, Garchomp, and Mega Gyarados. To make the deal even sweeter, you might want to consider Pokemon that use Substitute well, such as Aegislash, Gliscor, and Raikou.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
If your team already has a Pokemon using Sitrus Berry, Leftovers is a reasonable alternative on Rotom-W. Chesto Berry + Rest gives Rotom-W some form of recovery, but this comes at the cost of a move and item slot. Pain Split helps Rotom-W stick around longer, but it's a fairly unreliable move. Reflect and Light Screen allow Rotom-W to help setup sweepers, but this comes at the cost of giving up Will-O-Wisp. Using Reflect, Rocky Helmet, and Will-O-Wisp together can be a brutal surprise to physical sweepers if you're willing to give up the moveslots as well.
Toxic can wear down walls such as Cresselia and Porygon2, but it also gives Mega Venusaur even more reasons to switch in. If you want a better chance at inflicting paralysis, Discharge is a reasonable option over Thunderbolt. Finally, a specially defensive set is a possible option to synergize with Will-O-Wisp, but do note that Rotom-W's biggest checks tend to be specially based Pokemon.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur is possibly the best Rotom-W counter in the game, as it can restore its health and damage Rotom-W with STAB Giga Drain and is immune to Trick. Serperior is another great threat thanks to the power and spammability of Leaf Storm. Breloom and Ferrothorn can also be threatening if they have ways of getting around Will-O-Wisp and Trick.
**Dragon-types**: Certain Dragon-types, such as Latios, Hydreigon, and Lum Berry Dragonite, can switch in on Rotom's STAB moves and Will-O-Wisp, and they can weaken it severely with their powerful Dragon-type STAB moves. Hidden Power Ice can hurt them, (AC) however, and Thunder Wave is a big problem for Latios and Hydreigon.
**Mold Breaker Users**: Excadrill and Mega Gyarados are able to either weaken or outright KO Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake, which bypasses Levitate for a super effective hit. Note that both must watch out for super effective attacks from faster Rotom-W.
**Charizard**: Both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y are capable of taking advantage of Rotom-W, with Mega Charizard Y having a good chance of OHKOing even bulky variants with Solar Beam, and Mega Charizard X being able to take advantage of its Fire / Dragon typing to set up Dragon Dance on Rotom-W that lack Thunder Wave. Just note that weakened Mega Charizard Y has to watch out for Choice Scarf Rotom-W, and Mega Charizard X takes a ton of damage from Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Hard-hitting specially bulky Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can handle almost anything Rotom-W throws at it, and these two can slam it hard with Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice. Mega Altaria handles Rotom-W even better, resisting both of its STAB moves and denting Rotom-W with either Hyper Voice or a status-boosted Facade.
**Substitute Users**: Substitute not only blocks all status moves but also prevents Trick from working; notable users of the move include Mega Salamence (if Rotom-W lacks Hidden Power Ice), Substitute + Toxic Aegislash (which are sometimes Timid with maximum Speed investment), and Calm Mind Raikou.
**Mega Sableye**: While it's uncommon, Magic Bounce makes Mega Sableye immune to Rotom-W's status moves; it's immune to Trick because it's a Mega Evolution; and it can use Rotom-W as fodder to set up Calm Mind.
**Guts Users**: Assault Vest Conkeldurr doesn't like being hit by Trick, but it can handle Rotom-W's weaker attacks, while the rare Choice Scarf Heracross can deal lots of damage to Rotom-W after getting burned.
Rotom-W may seem to be a bit mediocre in terms of stats, but don't be fooled: it's worth more than the sum of its parts. It's got a great defensive typing and ability, leaving it only weak to Grass-type attacks. It can also run a defensive set that makes it a good Talonflame check and able to check physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, such as Mamoswine and Mega Salamence. Rotom-W is one of the best scouts in the game thanks to its decently powered Volt Switch and the ability to heavily damage Pokemon that are immune to the move with Hydro Pump. Finally, Rotom-W is a very competent user of Choice Specs and Choice Scarf due to its usable offensive stats and excellent use of Trick.
Rotom-W's Achilles heel is that its merely passable stats force it to focus on either defenses or offenses at the cost of the other. Even when fully focused on defenses, Rotom-W's lack of recovery and less-than-impressive defensive stats mean that it can't withstand some of the heaviest hitters in Battle Spot Singles, such as Mega Kangaskhan and Aegislash. Rotom-W is also forced to rely on Hydro Pump as its Water-type STAB move, which can miss at the worst possible moments.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
move 4: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold / Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's strongest attack, dealing with Mamoswine and defensive Talonflame super effectively. Volt Switch is perfect for scouting the Pokemon your opponent has chosen and getting favorable switch-ins. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and lets Rotom-W have a chance at checking Pokemon it'd otherwise struggle against such as Mega Mawile. However, Thunder Wave is a reasonable alternative to support slower teammates and cripple Serperior switch-ins. Thunderbolt is a great, reliable secondary STAB attack for finishing off foes, though Discharge can also work with Thunder Wave if you'd like an increased chance to paralyze foes. If your team is especially worried about Mega Salamence, Hidden Power Ice allows Rotom-W to check it in emergencies, and it also allows it to nail Garchomp and weakened Dragonite outside of Will-O-Wisp.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in HP and Defense allows Rotom-W to check physical attackers such as Talonflame and Mega Salamence as well as possible, while Sitrus Berry turns a lot of potential 2HKOs into 3HKOs. A more offensive EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA with a Modest nature also works, allowing Rotom-W to perform better against Suicune. However, note that Rotom-W will have a much more difficult time checking physical attackers.
Usage Tips
========
Usually, you'll want to use Rotom-W as a check for a large variety of physical attackers, such as Mamoswine and Talonflame. However, note that Rotom-W should only attempt to check Mega Kangaskhan in emergency situations, as Double-Edge does around 80% to Rotom-W, meaning it 2HKOes even through Will-O-Wisp. Note that while Rotom-W may seem like a great check to Suicune, it loses to Calm Mind + Rest Suicune, as well as the uncommon Mirror Coat. Make sure to take advantage of Volt Switch as much as possible, since it does a great job of scouting your opponent's Pokemon choices, breaks Focus Sashes for teammates, and gets free switches for your teammates.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Breloom, Serperior, and Mega Venusaur give Rotom-W serious problems, and special attacking Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Latios also tend to shrug it off as long as it isn't carrying Thunder Wave. This makes Mega Salamence an excellent teammate, as its Aerilate-boosted Return makes quick work of Grass-types (though watch out for Focus Sash from Breloom and Serperior), and it can even elect to run Outrage to smash through slower Dragon-types, while Rotom-W can deal with Mamoswine. In a similar manner, Talonflame does an excellent job of taking out Grass-types, while Rotom-W cripples Pokemon that use Rock-type attacks to deal with Talonflame, such as Hippowdon, Garchomp, and Tyranitar. A Mega Venusaur of your own does a great job of checking most Grass-types, while Rotom-W handles most Flying-types very well. Heatran handles most Grass-types and Choice item Dragon-types as long as it avoids Hidden Power Ground, while Rotom-W provides a vital Water- and Ground-type switch-in. Scizor and Aegislash can handle many Grass-types and Choice item Dragons, while Rotom-W provides a Fire and Ground switch-in. While Blaziken is too frail to act as a switch-in to Rotom-W's checks, it can revenge kill most Grass-types and Hydreigon, and in return, Rotom-W checks Talonflame for it. Finally, if you're especially worried about Calm Mind Suicune, Serperior can set up by using Leaf Storm on it, while Raikou can set up Calm Mind alongside it.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Trick
move 4: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hydro Pump is Choice Specs Rotom-W's most powerful attack, making up for its mediocre Special Attack by 2HKOing important threats such as Aegislash and Mega Charizard X and even having a 90% chance to 2HKO Porygon2. Volt Switch does an excellent job of scouting your opponent's Pokemon choices, and it does a good amount of damage with Choice Specs. Trick is instrumental to this set's success, allowing Rotom-W to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Cresselia, Chansey, and Porygon2. Thunderbolt gives Rotom-W a reliable way to 2HKO a large number of threats, and it allows Rotom-W to check Calm Mind Suicune. If your team is more worried about Dragon-types, Hidden Power Ice is an acceptable alternative, 2HKOing Hydreigon and OHKOing Mega Salamence and Garchomp. It also gives Rotom-W a move to use against Serperior and Breloom switch-ins.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment allows Rotom-W to actually hit hard, while maximum HP investment lets Rotom-W survive important hits such as avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame's Brave Bird, and it also makes Rotom-W a more reliable check to Mamoswine. If you prefer Speed, you can run a spread of 76 HP / 20 Def / 198 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe to outspeed Jolly Gyarados and still avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame while Stealth Rock is up. If you plan on using Hidden Power Ice for the faster spread, move the 4 Special Defense EVs to Defense.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volt Switch as frequently as you can. Most Ground-types wouldn't dare switch into Rotom-W, making it an excellent scout. If you predict a Dragon-type such as Hydreigon or Latios coming in, however, use Hidden Power Ice to deal a severe amount of damage. If you really want to make Rotom-W an effective lure against defensive Pokemon, you may want to consider using double switches to prevent opponents from knowing it's holding Choice Specs. This way, you can pull off a surprise Trick against defensive Pokemon, crippling them. Finally, note that even with maximum HP, Rotom-W isn't particularly bulky, so don't switch it in too recklessly.
Team Options
========
Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur and Serperior are huge problems for Rotom-W to face, and Ferrothorn is also a huge threat if Rotom-W doesn't cripple it with Trick. Special attacking Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latios are only threatened by Hidden Power Ice, as they can even switch into Trick. Since Rotom-W can use Volt Switch so well, you can get away with just carrying checks to these threats. Mega Salamence is a particularly excellent teammate, as it is able to smash through Grass-types with Aerilate-boosted Double-Edge, can roast Ferrothorn with Fire Blast, and even has the option to defeat Hydreigon and Latios with Dragon-type attacks (though watch out for Choice Scarf). Talonflame performs similarly well against Grass-types, but if you're especially worried about Dragon-types, Choice Scarf Garchomp and Latios can easily revenge kill them. Mega Altaria can also work well (provided that you get it in before it gets hit by a Dragon-type attack), as Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice and Return deal massive damage to opposing Dragon-types, and it can use Fire Blast to defeat Ferrothorn. While Heatran struggles against Hydreigon and Mega Venusaur, it does an adequate job of handling Serperior and Ferrothorn while also baiting Ground-type attacks for Rotom-W. Finally, while not a direct check to most of Rotom-W's problems, Mega Gengar is an excellent teammate, since Shadow Tag allows it to pick off threats Rotom-W has weakened with repeated Volt Switches.
Since Choice Specs Rotom-W is slow for an offensive Pokemon, consider giving it paralysis support, as many threats will find it hard to revenge kill it when they're slower. Cresselia, Ferrothorn, and Porygon2 are among the most reliable users of Thunder Wave to consider. Porygon2 and Ferrothorn in particular make for good lures for Blaziken, a dangerous threat that will fall to Rotom-W when paralyzed. For more risky offensive users of paralysis, consider Thundurus and Serperior. If you're willing to roll the dice, you can use Klefki as well, which has priority Thunder Wave like Thundurus and provides a Dragon-type immunity, while Rotom-W gives a valuable Ground-type immunity and Fire-type resistance.
Since Rotom-W is one of the best users of Volt Switch in the game, you may want to consider using it with other users of U-turn or Volt Switch to maximize momentum gained from being a step ahead of the opponent. Choice Scarf Landorus-T is one of the best U-turn users around, having the bonus of switching into Excadrill's Earthquake for Rotom-W. Choice Band Scizor works as a slower alternative that can threaten Grass-types pretty well, has a massively powerful U-turns, and can help deal with Sylveon. While it shares the same typing as Rotom-W, Mega Manectric is useful for its ability to deal with most Grass-types thanks to Flamethrower and Overheat and use Intimidate to soften blows for Rotom-W, while Rotom-W provides a valuable Ground-type immunity.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Trick
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Will-O-Wisp / Thunderbolt
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 76 HP / 24 Def / 196 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is the move Rotom-W will be using the most, allowing it to switch out before it gets attacked and scout what Pokemon the opponent has chosen in favorable matchups. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's most powerful STAB move, which is perfect for dealing with Ground-types such as Excadrill, Mamoswine, and Landorus-T. Trick is a great move to use against defensive Pokemon, severely limiting their utility with a Choice Scarf. It can also be a decent emergency move to limit certain offensive Pokemon such as Garchomp if needed.
Hidden Power Ice deals a lot of damage to Garchomp and Mega Salamence, with Timid Rotom-W having an 87% chance of OHKOing 4 HP Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage. However, if you prefer emergency crippling options, Will-O-Wisp can be a nasty surprise for faster physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan. Being locked into Will-O-Wisp isn't great, but it can become especially useful if Rotom-W has Tricked away its Choice Scarf. Finally, Thunderbolt gives Rotom-W a reliable Electric-type attack that doesn't force it to switch out, and unlike Volt Switch, it guarantees a OHKO on offensive Talonflame. Thunderbolt is particularly useful for revenge killing weakened Mega Charizard Y.
Set Details
========
A Timid nature with the above EV spread allows Rotom-W to outspeed Mega Gyarados even after it uses Dragon Dance, while the HP and Defense EVs allow Rotom-W to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame as long as Stealth Rock isn't set up. If you care more about power and not about outspeeding Jolly Mega Gyarados, consider using Modest, which allows Rotom-W to OHKO Dragonite and Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock with Hidden Power Ice. However, note that Modest needs maximum Speed to outspeed Mega Manectric, meaning it risks getting 2HKOed by Choice Band Talonflame.
Usage Tips
========
Prepare to use Volt Switch as much as possible, as it allows Rotom-W to get a chance to attack without suffering massive damage, and it works as an excellent way to scout your opponent's Pokemon choices. While Rotom-W is capable of revenge killing threats, they'll usually need to be softened up first, so moves like Hydro Pump are best saved for later in the game.
If you want to truly take advantage of Trick, try to get Rotom-W in on foes that it is naturally faster than such as Hippowdon. This hides Rotom-W's true purpose, allowing it to get a surprise revenge kill or surprise Trick in when the opponent least expects it. Just note that switching Rotom-W in recklessly isn't a wise idea, as this Rotom-W is fairly frail, so you may want to stick to switching Rotom-W into resisted hits or Ground-type attacks.
Team Options
========
Having a check to Grass-types is necessary, as Choice Scarf Rotom-W is especially weak to the likes of Mega Venusaur, Serperior, Breloom, and Ferrothorn. Additionally, Hydregion and Latios are even bigger problems than normal. Mega Salamence is an excellent teammate, taking down Grass-types, and even potentially taking down non-Choice Scarf Dragon-types if using a Dragon-type attack, while in return, Rotom-W can take Ice-type attacks for Mega Salamence and threaten to cripple defensive Pokemon with Trick. Talonflame doesn't do as well against Dragon-types, but it deals with Grass-types fairly well, except for Focus Sash Breloom. Mega Altaria can handle Dragon-types fairly well and can help against Ferrothorn and Serperior. Heatran doesn't do great against Hydreigon, but it's a reasonable check to Serperior and Ferrothorn.
Consider pairing Rotom-W with sweepers that benefit from walls such as Cresselia and Porygon2 getting crippled. Good teammates to consider include Mega Kangaskhan, Garchomp, and Mega Gyarados. To make the deal even sweeter, you might want to consider Pokemon that use Substitute well, such as Aegislash, Gliscor, and Raikou.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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If your team already has a Pokemon using Sitrus Berry, Leftovers is a reasonable alternative on Rotom-W. Chesto Berry + Rest gives Rotom-W some form of recovery, but this comes at the cost of a move and item slot. Pain Split helps Rotom-W stick around longer, but it's a fairly unreliable move. Reflect and Light Screen allow Rotom-W to help setup sweepers, but this comes at the cost of giving up Will-O-Wisp. Using Reflect, Rocky Helmet, and Will-O-Wisp together can be a brutal surprise to physical sweepers if you're willing to give up the moveslots as well.
Toxic can wear down walls such as Cresselia and Porygon2, but it also gives Mega Venusaur even more reasons to switch in. If you want a better chance at inflicting paralysis, Discharge is a reasonable option over Thunderbolt. Finally, a specially defensive set is a possible option to synergize with Will-O-Wisp, but do note that Rotom-W's biggest checks tend to be specially based Pokemon.
Checks and Counters
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**Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur is possibly the best Rotom-W counter in the game, as it can restore its health and damage Rotom-W with STAB Giga Drain and is immune to Trick. Serperior is another great threat thanks to the power and spammability of Leaf Storm. Breloom and Ferrothorn can also be threatening if they have ways of getting around Will-O-Wisp and Trick.
**Dragon-types**: Certain Dragon-types, such as Latios, Hydreigon, and Lum Berry Dragonite, can switch in on Rotom's STAB moves and Will-O-Wisp, and they can weaken it severely with their powerful Dragon-type STAB moves. Hidden Power Ice can hurt them, (AC) however, and Thunder Wave is a big problem for Latios and Hydreigon.
**Mold Breaker Users**: Excadrill and Mega Gyarados are able to either weaken or outright KO Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake, which bypasses Levitate for a super effective hit. Note that both must watch out for super effective attacks from faster Rotom-W.
**Charizard**: Both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y are capable of taking advantage of Rotom-W, with Mega Charizard Y having a good chance of OHKOing even bulky variants with Solar Beam, and Mega Charizard X being able to take advantage of its Fire / Dragon typing to set up Dragon Dance on Rotom-W that lack Thunder Wave. Just note that weakened Mega Charizard Y has to watch out for Choice Scarf Rotom-W, and Mega Charizard X takes a ton of damage from Choice Specs-boosted Hydro Pump.
**Bulky Fairy-types**: Hard-hitting specially bulky Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir can handle almost anything Rotom-W throws at it, and these two can slam it hard with Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice. Mega Altaria handles Rotom-W even better, resisting both of its STAB moves and denting Rotom-W with either Hyper Voice or a status-boosted Facade.
**Substitute Users**: Substitute not only blocks all status moves but also prevents Trick from working; notable users of the move include Mega Salamence (if Rotom-W lacks Hidden Power Ice), Substitute + Toxic Aegislash (which are sometimes Timid with maximum Speed investment), and Calm Mind Raikou.
**Mega Sableye**: While it's uncommon, Magic Bounce makes Mega Sableye immune to Rotom-W's status moves; it's immune to Trick because it's a Mega Evolution; and it can use Rotom-W as fodder to set up Calm Mind.
**Guts Users**: Assault Vest Conkeldurr doesn't like being hit by Trick, but it can handle Rotom-W's weaker attacks, while the rare Choice Scarf Heracross can deal lots of damage to Rotom-W after getting burned.
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