Rotom (GP 2/2)

sirndpt said:

rewriting this, there were some places the old one was a little bit... suspect - probably as a result of tiering / metagame changes and stuff. I don't think this needs more QC checks though, Rotom's a pretty straightforward mon.

READY FOR GP CHECKS!

[Overview]

<p>With the shift to BW, the Rotom formes traded their Ghost typings for that of their respective signature moves, leaving Rotom as the only Electric / Ghost Pokemon. Its unique typing grants it resistances and immunities to common attacking types such as Electric, Fighting, Bug, and Ground, giving Rotom numerous opportunities to switch in and pose a nuisance;(semicolon) -(hyphen) which it does excellently at, thanks to moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Volt Switch. Rotom's stats don't disappoint either: it has relatively good Speed, decent Special Attack, and moderate defenses, and with proper investment can shine in a variety of roles, both offensive and defensive.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Rotom has a shallow attacking movepool, it is nonetheless just wide enough to enable Rotom to make use of a Choice item effectively(preference). With immunities to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, as well as a neutrality to Stealth Rock, Rotom can switch in and out often, taking minimal damage. However, this is not all that makes Rotom's Choice sets very effective: when equipped with a Choice item, Rotom becomes a very potent threat. With a Modest nature and a Choice Scarf, Rotom reaches a Speed stat of 421, while Timid Choice Specs Rotom attains a sky-high Special Attack stat of 433.</p>

<p>Aside from being a solid STAB attack, Volt Switch is an excellent momentum-grabbing move, which racks up damage and scouts the opponent's switch-in. Thunderbolt is another option for greater power, and may particularly grant Choice Scarf Rotom an easier endgame sweep. However, be careful about recklessly using either of these moves, as Ground-types and Pokemon such as Volt Absorb Jolteon, who are immune to Electric-type moves, will leave Rotom no choice but to switch out with its metaphorical tail between its legs. Shadow Ball, Rotom's secondary STAB attack, has good synergy with its Electric-type STAB, as few commonly seen Pokemon resist both moves. Rounding out Rotom's arsenal, Hidden Power Fighting grants unresisted coverage alongside Rotom's dual STAB, hitting Steelix, Magneton, Krookodile, and the rare Ferroseed super effectively. Despite being super effective, however, even Choice Specs Hidden Power Fighting will scarcely dent the likes of Chansey and Snorlax, hence the last move, Trick. With a little prediction, this nifty move can easily render not only Chansey, but also most bulky Ground-types, such as Donphan, Gligar, and Quagsire, virtually useless.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Hidden Power Grass can replace Hidden Power Fighting to surprise the aforementioned bulky Ground-types, Rhyperior in particular, but Trick deals withthem just as effectively one will likely find that they're ruined by Trick anyway(preference). If choosing Hidden Power Ice, Rotom should also utilize Choice Scarf and a Timid nature in order to revenge kill Adamant Choice Scarf Flygon and all Choice Scarf Nidoking. Maximum Speed investment also allows Choice Scarf Rotom to outspeed all +2 Gorebyss and neutral-natured +1 Sharpedo, making it an option worth considering if these threats are troublesome. On the other hand, a Modest nature gives all Rotom a much-needed boost to its unremarkable base 95 Special Attack. Discharge and Thunder are alternative primary STAB moves, but the former's power drop is undesirable on an offensive Rotom, while the latter's accuracy is poor outside of rain, and there are better Rain Dance abusers out there. Finally, Will-O-Wisp, though odd on a Choice set, may be useful to cripple physically based Ground-types who switch in looking to catch Rotom locked into Volt Switch(a mention of Trick crippling them just as effectively might be added, like at the beginning of the paragraph, as it outlines the pros and cons of WoW) .</p>

While Rotom's three attacks have excellent coverage together, neither of its STABs are particularly good attacking types to be locked into: the numerous Ground-types in UU, such as Donphan, Rhyperior, Flygon, Mamoswine, and even Nidoking, laugh at Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, and thanks to their high offensive stats, can pose a significant threat to your team. Normal-types, particularly Chansey, Snorlax, and Clefable, take no damage from Shadow Ball and can retaliate with crippling status or a super effective Crunch; Dark-types, such as Weavile, Bisharp, and Krookodile can also switch into Shadow Ball and decimate Rotom with a powerful STAB Pursuit. There are many ways to handle the individual Ground-type threats; bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Slowbro, Suicune, Roserade, and Shaymin, generally fare well. Fighting-types, such as Hitmontop, Machamp, and Heracross, are good options for your team to counter the latter threats, but Rotom must tread carefully so as to avoid eating a boosted Pursuit.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 4: Shadow Ball / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With 50 / 77 / 77 defenses, Rotom is hardly exceptional defensively. However, its access to a move that halves a foe's Attack, as well as one that recovers health, grants it the potential to be a good physical wall and a significant threat to the opposition. Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split are the two aforementioned moves; the latter inflicts the burn status, drastically decreasing the damage output of enemy physical attackers, while Pain Split gives Rotom some form of recovery, especially when used on high HP foes such as Chansey. Thunderbolt is Rotom's main STAB attack due to its high Base Power, but Discharge is a viable option for a greater chance of paralysis. Bear in mind, though, that it might possibly activate at the wrong time, paralyzing a threat you would rather have burnt. Shadow Ball offers Rotom a way to directly damage the physically attacking Ground-types it can wall, which are immune to Thunderbolt and Discharge, and gets a STAB boost as well. Toxic is another option to consider in the fourth third moveslot; it enables Rotom to cripple special attackers, who don't mind a burn.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread and nature maximize Rotom's physical bulk, enabling it to better switch into physical attackers in order to burn them. An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature can be used too as Will-O-Wisp shores Rotom up on the physical side; however, the former option is preferred as Chansey and Snorlax are far superior at walling special threats. Thunder Wave can be run over Shadow Ball or Toxic to provide yet another form of status support. Will-O-Wisp should never be replaced, though.</p>

<p>Physically defensive Rotom pairs nicely with a Normal-type special wall, such as Chansey, Clefable, or Snorlax, to supplement it on its weaker defensive side; Rotom covers their Fighting-type weakness with an immunity, and the former two provide Rotom with Wish support, which will be especially useful mid- and late-game, when the efficacy of Pain Split will likely be reduced. Physical Fire-type attackers and Guts users, such as Victini, Darmanitan, Arcanine, and Heracross, can be problematic too, because Rotom cannot neuter them with Will-O-Wisp. Bulky Water-types hence make good teammates; many variants of Suicune also appreciate Toxic wearing opponents down.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Shadow Ball
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Access to both Light Screen and Reflect, along with good Speed and typing, allows Rotom to pull off a dual screens set very effectively. This set's execution is simple but effective: put up Reflect or Light Screen depending on the opponent, and when both screens are up, Volt Switch out to bring a sweeper in safely. Will-O-Wisp is a fantastic move to use alongside Volt Switch as it burns Ground-types, most of whom are physically inclined; it also enables even this less defensive Rotom to completely wall most physical threats behind Reflect. Lastly, Shadow Ball is a good option for players more concerned about Taunt. Bear in mind, however, that Azelf has far better offenses, Uxie has superior utility in Heal Bell, Yawn, and Memento, Xatu has the Magic Bounce ability, while Cresselia has unparalleled bulk; therefore, when looking to Rotom as a dual screener, be sure to play to its advantages, namely Volt Switch, Will-O-Wisp, resistances to Steel- and Bug-type moves, as well as spinblocking capability.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Dual Screens Rotom doesn't have many other options. The EV spread and nature shouldn't be altered: maximum Speed investment, as well as a boosting nature, allow Rotom to outspeed as many opposing Pokemon as possible, while the rest of the EVs grant it the best overall bulk possible by maximizing its poor HP. Light Clay extends the duration of both Reflect and Light Screen, providing maximum support for Rotom's teammates. Though generally not recommended, Leftovers can be used over Light Clay for some form of recovery. Pain Split can also be run in the last slot to grant Rotom an alternative form of healing without the need to forgo Light Clay.</p>

<p>The most important teammates for any dual screener are frail, powerful Pokemon that can abuse the protection the screens grant them. Shell Smash Baton Pass users, namely Gorebyss and Smeargle, come to mind here. Cobalion too(implies that you have already mentioned someone coming in on Dark- or Ghost-type attacks) can come in on Dark- and Ghost-type attacks aimed at Rotom, possibly gaining an Attack boost in the process, and set up Swords Dance or Calm Mind; dual screens go a long way in mitigating its lack of priority, making it much harder to revenge kill.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rotom has a few other offensive options worth considering. A RestTalk set can be used along with Will-O-Wisp and Thunderbolt in the last two slots; the EVs and nature should be taken from the Physically Defensive set. A SubCharge set is also an option as Rotom is immune to Chansey's Seismic Toss. Access to Pain Split makes it even more effective, but Rotom generally lacks the bulk to be an effective slow boosting threat against many other walls and tanks. Defensively, Rotom can use Spite, but it's more of a gimmick and is rather situational. Finally, Rotom receives Rain Dance and Sunny Day, and thanks to its decent Speed stat can pull it off fairly reliably, but it is neither an exceptional weather supporter nor weather abuser.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Faster Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon with strong STAB attacks can easily OHKO offensive Rotom and Taunt defensive variants, rendering them useless. Houndoom in particular receives a Flash Fire boost from Will-O-Wisp, outspeeds Rotom, and can do massive damage with any of Dark Pulse, Pursuit, and Sucker Punch. Bisharp possesses STAB Sucker Punch, Honchkrow has Pursuit in addition to Sucker Punch (but must watch out for Rotom's Electric-type STAB attacks), Weavile outspeeds Rotom and packs powerful moves in Pursuit and Night Slash, and finally, Krookodile laughs at both of Rotom's STAB attacks. However, none of the above Pokemon will appreciate being burnt. Mismagius can use Substitute to block status, outspeed Rotom, and OHKO it with Shadow Ball, but can't switch in safely as it is weak to Shadow Ball. Special walls such as Chansey can take hits from Rotom all day, heal off the damage, and cripple Rotom with status moves, slowly stalling it out, while specially defensive tanks such as Snorlax can comfortably sponge a hit and retaliate with a super effective Crunch or Pursuit. The aforementioned duo are rendered useless by Trick, however, and take significant damage from Pain Split due to their huge HP stats. While not a dedicated special wall, Steelix deserves a mention for nonetheless being an excellent Rotom check; a resistance to Ghost-type moves and an immunity to Electric-type ones allows it to come in on Choice variants with ease and cripple Rotom with status.</p>

Click to expand...

sirndpt said:

[Overview]

<p>With the shift to transition from DPP to BW, the Rotom formes traded their Ghost typings for that of their respective signature moves, leaving Rotom as the only Electric / Ghost Pokemon. Its unique typing grants it resistances and immunities to common attacking types such as Electric, Fighting, Bug, and Ground,.[Remove Comma / Add Period] giving This gives Rotom numerous opportunities to switch in and pose a nuisance,[Add Comma] - which it does excellently excels at,[Remove Comma] thanks to moves such as Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Volt Switch. Rotom's stats don't disappoint either: it has relatively good Speed, decent Special Attack, and moderate defenses,[Remove Comma] Alltogether, Rotom is a great Pokemon, and with proper investment can shine in a variety of roles, both offensive and defensive [I'm not entirely sure about that, but you must have noticed that the sentence drags on..].</p>

[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Rotom has a shallow attacking movepool, it is nonetheless there are just wide enough choices available to enable Rotom to for it to make effectively effective use of a Choice item . With immunities to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, as well as a neutrality to Stealth Rock, Rotom can switch in and out often many times while,[Remove Comma] taking minimal damage. However, this is not all the only thing that makes Rotom's Choice sets very so effective: when equipped with a Choice item, Rotom becomes a very potent threat. With a Modest nature and a Choice Scarf, Rotom reaches a Speed stat of 421, while Timid Choice Specs Rotom attains a sky-high Special Attack stat of 433.</p>

<p>Aside from being a solid STAB attack, Volt Switch is an excellent momentum-grabbing move, which racks up damage and scouts the opponent's switch-in. Thunderbolt is another option for greater power, and may particularly grant Choice Scarf Rotom an easier endgame sweep. However, be careful about recklessly using either of these moves, as Ground-types and Pokemon such as Volt Absorb Jolteon, who are immune to Electric-type moves, will leave Rotom no choice but to switch out with its metaphorical tail between its legs. Shadow Ball, Rotom's secondary STAB attack, has good synergy with its Electric-type STAB, as few commonly seen Pokemon resist both moves. Rounding out Rotom's arsenal, Hidden Power Fighting grants unresisted coverage alongside Rotom's dual STAB, hitting Steelix, Magneton, Krookodile, and the rare Ferroseed super effectively. However, despite being super effective, however, even Choice Specs Hidden Power Fighting will scarcely dent the likes of Chansey and Snorlax, hence the last move, Trick. With a little prediction, this nifty move can easily render not only Chansey, but also most bulky Ground-types, such as Donphan, Gligar, and Quagsire, virtually useless.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Hidden Power Grass can replace Hidden Power Fighting to surprise the aforementioned bulky Ground-types, particularly Rhyperior in particular, but Trick often deals with them just as effectively. If choosing Hidden Power Ice, Rotom should also utilize Choice Scarf and a Timid nature in order to revenge kill Adamant Choice Scarf Flygon and all Choice Scarf Nidoking. Maximum Speed investment also allows Choice Scarf Rotom to outspeed all +2 Gorebyss and neutral-natured +1 Sharpedo, making it an option worth considering if these threats are troublesome. On the other hand, a Modest nature gives all Rotom a much-needed boost to its unremarkable base 95 Special Attack. Discharge and Thunder are alternative primary STAB moves, but the former's power drop is undesirable on an offensive Rotom, while the latter's accuracy is poor outside of rain, and there are better Rain Dance abusers out there. Finally, Will-O-Wisp, though odd on a Choice set, may be useful to cripple physically based Ground-types who switch in looking to catch Rotom locked into Volt Switch, if Trick isn't your cup of tea.</p>

<p>While Rotom's three attacks have excellent coverage together, neither of its STABs are particularly good attacking types to be locked into: the numerous Ground-types in UU, such as Donphan, Rhyperior, Flygon, Mamoswine, and even Nidoking, laugh at Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, and thanks to their high offensive stats, can pose a significant threat to your team. Normal-types, particularly Chansey, Snorlax, and Clefable, take no damage from Shadow Ball and can retaliate with crippling status or a super effective Crunch; Dark-types, such as Weavile, Bisharp, and Krookodile can also switch into Shadow Ball and decimate Rotom with a powerful STAB Pursuit. There are many ways to handle the individual Ground-type threats; bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Slowbro, Suicune, Roserade, and Shaymin, generally fare well. Fighting-types, such as Hitmontop, Machamp, and Heracross, are good options for to help your team to counter the latter threats, but Rotom must tread carefully so as to avoid eating a boosted Pursuit.</p>

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 4: Shadow Ball / Toxic
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With 50 / 77 / 77 defenses, Rotom is hardly exceptional defensively. However, its access to a move that halves a foe's Attack, as well as one that recovers health, grants it the potential to be a good physical wall and a significant threat to the opposition. Will-O-Wisp and Pain Split are the two aforementioned moves; the latter former inflicts the burn status, drastically decreasing the damage output of enemy physical attackers, while Pain Split gives Rotom some form of recovery, especially when used on high HP foes such as Chansey. Thunderbolt is Rotom's main STAB attack due to its high Base Power, but Discharge is a viable option for a greater chance of paralysis. Bear in mind, though, that it might activate at the wrong time, paralyzing a threat you would rather have burnt burned. Shadow Ball offers Rotom a way to directly damage hit the physically attacking Ground-types it can wall, which are immune to Thunderbolt and Discharge, and gets a STAB boost as well. Toxic is another option to consider in the fourth moveslot;,[Remove Semicolon / Add Comma] as it enables Rotom to cripple special attackers, who don't mind a burn.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread and nature maximize Rotom's physical bulk, enabling it to better switch into physical attackers in order to burn them. An alternative spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD with a Calm nature can be used,[Add Comma] too as Will-O-Wisp shores Rotom up on the physical side; however, the former option is preferred as Chansey and Snorlax are far superior at walling special threats. Thunder Wave can be run over Shadow Ball or Toxic to provide yet another form of status support. Will-O-Wisp should never be replaced, though.</p>

<p>Physically defensive Rotom pairs nicely with a Normal-type special wall, such as Chansey, Clefable, or Snorlax, to supplement it on its weaker defensive side;.[Remove Semicolon / Add Period] Rotom covers their Fighting-type weakness with an immunity, and the former two provide Rotom with Wish support, which will be especially useful mid- and late-game, when the efficacy efficiency of Pain Split will likely be reduced. Physical Fire-type attackers and Guts users, such as Victini, Darmanitan, Arcanine, and Heracross, can be problematic too, because Rotom cannot neuter them with Will-O-Wisp. As such, Bulky Water-types hence make good teammates; many variants of Suicune also appreciate Toxic wearing opponents down.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Shadow Ball
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Access to both Light Screen and Reflect, along with good Speed and typing, allows Rotom to pull off a dual screens set very effectively. This set's execution is simple but effective: put up Reflect or Light Screen depending on the opponent, and when both screens are up, Volt Switch out to bring a sweeper in safely. Will-O-Wisp is a fantastic move to use alongside Volt Switch as it burns for burning Ground-types, most of whom are physically inclined; it also enables even this less defensive Rotom to completely wall most physical threats behind Reflect. Lastly, Shadow Ball is a good option for players more concerned about Taunt. Bear in mind, however, that Azelf has far better offenses, Uxie has superior utility in Heal Bell, Yawn, and Memento, Xatu has the Magic Bounce ability, while Cresselia has unparalleled bulk;.[Remove Semicolon / Add Period] Therefore, when looking to Rotom as a dual screener, be sure to play to its advantages, namely Volt Switch, Will-O-Wisp, resistances to Steel- and Bug-type moves, as well as spinblocking capability.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Dual Screens Rotom doesn't have many other options. The EV spread and nature shouldn't be altered: maximum Speed investment, as well as a boosting nature, allow Rotom to outspeed as many opposing Pokemon as possible, while the rest of the EVs grant it the best overall bulk possible by maximizing its poor HP. Light Clay extends the duration of both Reflect and Light Screen, providing maximum support for Rotom's teammates. Though generally not recommended, Leftovers can be used over Light Clay for some form of recovery. Pain Split can also be run in the last slot to grant Rotom an alternative form of healing without the need to forgo Light Clay.</p>

<p>The most important teammates for any dual screener are frail, powerful Pokemon that can abuse the protection the screens grant them. Shell Smash Baton Pass users, namely Gorebyss and Smeargle, come to mind here. Cobalion can come in on Dark- and Ghost-type attacks aimed at Rotom, possibly gaining an Attack boost in the process, and set up Swords Dance or Calm Mind;.[Remove Semicolon / Add Period] This makes Cobalion a great partner, especially for this set, as dual screens go a long way in mitigating its lack of priority, making it much harder to revenge kill.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rotom has a few other offensive options worth considering. A RestTalk set can be used along with Will-O-Wisp and Thunderbolt in the last two slots; the EVs and nature should be taken from the Physically Defensive set. A SubCharge set is also an option,[Add Comma] as Rotom is immune to Chansey's Seismic Toss. Access to Pain Split makes it even more effective, but Rotom generally lacks the bulk to be an effective slow boosting threat against many other walls and tanks [Huh?]. Defensively, Rotom can use Spite, but it's more of a gimmick and is rather situational. Finally, Rotom receives Rain Dance and Sunny Day, and thanks to its decent Speed stat can pull it off fairly reliably, but it is neither an exceptional weather supporter nor weather abuser.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Faster Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon with strong STAB attacks can easily OHKO offensive Rotom and Taunt defensive variants, rendering them useless. Houndoom in particular receives a Flash Fire boost from Will-O-Wisp, outspeeds Rotom, and can do massive damage with any of Dark Pulse, Pursuit, and Sucker Punch. Bisharp possesses STAB Sucker Punch, Honchkrow has Pursuit in addition to Sucker Punch (but must watch out for Rotom's Electric-type STAB attacks), Weavile outspeeds Rotom and packs powerful Dark-type moves in Pursuit and Night Slash, and finally, Krookodile laughs at both of Rotom's STAB attacks. However, none of the above Pokemon will appreciate being burnt burned [I just realised; either is correct, aren't they?]. Mismagius can use Substitute to block status, before proceeding to outspeed Rotom,[Remove Comma] and OHKO it with Shadow Ball,.[Remove Comma / Add Period] However, Mismagius but can't switch in safely,[Add Comma] for fear of as it is weak to Rotom's Shadow Ball. Special walls such as Chansey can take hits from Rotom all day, heal off the damage, and cripple Rotom with status moves, slowly stalling it out,.[Remove Comma / Add Period] while Specially defensive tanks such as Snorlax also make good counters, for their ability to can comfortably sponge a hit and retaliate with a super effective Crunch or Pursuit. However, the aforementioned duo are rendered useless by Trick, however, and take significant damage from Pain Split due to their huge HP stats. While not a dedicated special wall, Steelix deserves a mention for nonetheless being an excellent Rotom check; a resistance to Ghost-type moves and an immunity to Electric-type ones allows it to come in on Choice variants with ease and cripple Rotom with status.</p>

Click to expand...