Rotom-H [QC 3/3] [GP 2/2]

QC approvals: 3/3 (kokoloko, PK Gaming, FlareBlitz)
GP approvals: 2/2 (NixHex, melvni)



[Overview]

<p>When looking at Rotom-H, the first thing that comes to mind is it's a floating microwave oven wearing oven mitts. At second glance, you realize it's the only Levitating Fire-type, which means it's immune to Ground-type moves but its Stealth Rock weakness is not increased. Its unique typing also grants it seven resistances and only two weaknesses, along with an amazing STAB combination resisted by very few Pokemon in the Underused metagame. It also has nice defenses, which allow it to survive weak super effective moves such as from uninvested Blastoise and Milotic. However, Rotom-H does have its drawbacks, being weak to Stealth Rock and having to rely on Overheat for a STAB move, which only adds to the hazard damage it's going to have to take by forcing it to switch out. It also has four-moveslot syndrome, as it can't run Volt Switch and Thunderbolt together without losing important coverage on certain Pokemon.</p>

<p>With all of that taken into account, Rotom-H can actually perform really well with the right support. Its amazing STAB combination makes most bulky Water-types hesitant to switch in, it has good support moves in Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Toxic, and it has a form of recovery in Pain Split, allowing it to take advantage of its normal switch-ins. Additionally, its ability to run three different sets with good results make it hard for the opponent to predict correctly, since it can punish the counters to one with Will-O-Wisp, Trick, or a super effective coverage move. It also has the added benefit of checking many prominent special attacking threats, such as Tornadus, Zapdos, Nidoking, and Yanmega. Overall, Rotom-H is a very good Pokemon, something that should be considered for any team needing its abilities.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs makes Rotom-H's Overheat hit weaker resists like Flygon extremely hard. Volt Switch gives it good momentum and also packs some firepower, while Thunderbolt hits much harder and allows it to beat bulky Water-types more reliably. Hidden Power Grass is the coverage move of choice, helping Rotom-H deal with Rhyperior, Swampert, and Quagsire OHKOing them on the switch. Trick allows it to cripple Snorlax, Umbreon, and Porygon2, three Pokemon that take little from its STAB moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set is mostly used on offensive teams due to hitting like a truck, but it can also work as a pivot for bulky offense and semi-stall. Choice Specs augments Rotom-H's offensive presence, allowing it to 2HKO most of the Underused metagame even with the power drop from Overheat. A Timid nature allows it to outspeed non-Choice Scarf Heracross and Nidoking, without losing much power, but a Modest nature can work; however, it will not turn 2HKOes into OHKOes, just improve the chances. Rotom-H can run a more defensive spread to act as a tank, with 252 HP EVs and a Modest nature. However, it loses its ability to counter Nidoking reliably. Thanks to its seven resistances and one immunity, Rotom-H gets a lot of opportunities to switch in, such as on a Choiced Earthquake or U-turn from Flygon or Thunderbolt or Volt Switch from Raikou or Zapdos. Substitute versions of Raikou beat it one on one, though. Besides the given moves, Rotom-H can also run Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers. It can be used instead of Hidden Power Grass&mdash;since neither Rhyperior nor Swampert enjoy being burnt&mdash;or Trick, to force Snorlax to Rest. Rotom-H can also run Hidden Power Ice over Hidden Power Grass to beat Flygon and Druddigon that try to switch in on it, but Overheat already does a lot to them, and Hidden Power Grass is overall better.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since Rotom-H is a hit-and-run Pokemon with a Stealth Rock weakness, it needs Rapid Spin support to perform effectively. Notable ones are Blastoise and Hitmontop, the former resisting Water and the latter Rock. It should be noted, however, that both take precious momentum from your team, so you can always run Xatu instead, which can bounce back Stealth Rock due to its ability and form a nice VoltTurn core with Rotom-H. In order to beat Rhyperior and Swampert, a Grass-type Pokemon can help. Shaymin is probably the best one at doing that, taking little from their moves, but Virizion is also an option as it also resists Rock; it's much frailer on the physical side, though. Finally, since this Rotom-H is mostly used as a wallbreaker, Pokemon that enjoy the removal or weakening of things like Gligar and Slowbro, such as Choice Scarf Darmanitan, make great partners for it.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Scarf Rotom-H is a top tier revenge killer. Overheat packs less power without Choice Specs, but it still OHKOes many fast threats such as Mienshao, Weavile and Choice Scarf Heracross. Volt Switch takes advantage of this set's Speed to switch out unscathed to something that takes advantage of the other Pokemon and allows Rotom-H to maintain momentum. Thunderbolt does have more power, though, so it's a viable alternative. Hidden Power Grass hits Swampert and Rhyperior hard, but it should be noted that it's not always going to score the OHKO, so it can be taken advantage of for a free switch-in for something else. Trick rounds out the set, allowing Rotom-H to cripple Snorlax and Umbreon, among others, and force them to do little for the rest of the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is fairly self-explanatory, with the remaining 4 EVs dropped into Special Defense to give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack one. While a Modest nature helps compensate for the lack of immediate power, Timid is needed to outpace and revenge kill Jolly Choice Scarf Heracross and Timid Choice Scarf Nidoking. Hidden Power Ice can be used over Hidden Power Grass to revenge kill Choice Band Flygon&mdash;especially if it's locked into Outrage&mdash;, but it's a lesser option outside of that. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are nice options for crippling threats such as Choice Band Rhyperior and Swampert and non-Substitute Raikou, respectively, allowing teammates to deal with them more easily; however, Rotom-H can easily run into problems if it uses these, since being locked into a non-attacking move gives free switches to threats such as Guts Heracross and Flash Fire Chandelure.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since Rotom-H is used as a revenge killer it can fit on both offensive and balanced teams. However, being Stealth Rock weak and being forced out with ease due to Overheat mean Rapid Spin support is almost mandatory. Blastoise and Hitmontop are good options for this, each resisting one of Rotom-H's weaknesses. If you can't fit them into your team due to the loss of momentum they force, Magic Bounce Xatu can be used, forming a speedy VoltTurn core with Rotom-H. Spikes stacking also works well with this Rotom-H, since its offensive presence keeps Rapid Spinners on their toes. Roserade and Qwilfish both do a decent job at this, while also being able to switch in on Water-type moves aimed at Rotom-H from Pokemon that switched in on Overheat, such as Slowbro and Suicune; Roserade has the added benefit of easily beating them.</p>


[SET]
name: Non-Choice Attacker
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Rotom-H variant works best on balanced teams. It sacrifices the power from Choice Specs and Speed from Choice Scarf for durability and the ability to cripple its usual switch-ins without having to predict correctly. Overheat is the main STAB move, still hitting decently hard. Volt Switch is the secondary move and hits bulky Water-types hard while gaining momentum. Thunderbolt is stronger, but since Water-types will usually switch into Overheat, its power will be severely diminished and could lead to Rotom-H's defeat. Of the few Pokemon that resist Rtom-H's STAB combination&mdash;Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon being the most worth mentioning&mdash; none like to eat a Will-O-Wisp to the face; Hidden Power Grass is a nice alternative to dealing with the first two, but again, if they switch into Overheat, even the 4x modifier will not be enough. Pain Split rounds out the set, offering Rotom-H a semi-reliable recovery move that can be used to take advantage of the high HP of the Pokemon that it draws out, notable ones being Swampert, Rhyperior, Snorlax and Umbreon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs maximize Rotom-H's offensive prowess, with a Timid nature to outspeed Life Orb Nidoking, Timid Togekiss, and non-Choice Scarf Heracross, as well as Kingdra&mdash;allowing it to Volt Switch out of the latter. The 4 EVs in Special Defense give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z that switch in on it an Attack boost. Rotom-H can also run a more defensive spread, with enough Speed to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and a Modest nature, using Will-O-Wisp to get around the threat of Sucker Punch. Life Orb can be used over Leftovers to deal more damage, pariring well with Pain Split. Rotom-H can run other status moves, such as Thunder Wave and Toxic, to cripple faster threats that don't mind burns much. However, since most of its switch-ins are immune to or don't mind Thunder Wave and Toxic can be run by many other Pokemon, Will-O-Wisp is usually the better option. Additionally, both moves can be counterproductive against Umbreon due to Synchronize, since it usually has Heal Bell to cure itself from status while leaving Rotom-H poisoned or paralyzed&mdash;that's not a problem for Will-O-Wisp.</p>

<p>As for partners, Rapid Spin support is nice but not as mandatory as with the Choice sets. Hitmontop and Blastoise are the best options. Xatu can also work due to Magic Bounce preventing Stealth Rock from being set up, though it requires prediction, especially against Rhyperior, which is the most threatening hazard user for Rotom-H. Since Snorlax walls Rotom-H completely, Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Heracross make great teammates due to Volt Switch, while Hitmontop can also work due to Intimidate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rotom-H has several different options it can run. For starters, a RestTalk set gives it better recovery and takes advantage of its good coverage between two moves, however sleep mechanics make it unviable. Rotom-H can run a Substitute+Pain Split set similarly to Chandelure, but being essentially forced to run Overheat makes Rotom-H have to switch out much more often. Discharge is an option over Volt Switch and Thunderbolt on all of its sets, but it's mostly a lesser choice due to the loss of momentum from the former and more power from the latter. Additionally, the things that switch in on it usually won't mind the paralysis anyway; that's why Thunder Wave is also generally worse than Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, since none of Rotom-H's common switch-ins like being badly poisoned. However, since it has a much wider distribution, it's a weaker alternative. Rotom-H also has access to Shadow Ball and Signal Beam to beat Psychic-types, just like the other electric appliances. However, Overheat is initially more powerful against them, except for Slowbro and Slowking, both of which are weak to Electric-type moves anyway.</p>

<p>Finally, although gimmicky, Rotom-H can run a Trick+Flame Orb set, being able to cripple its usual switch-ins, such as Snorlax, Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon, due to the fact that the item doesn't activate on Fire-types and can therefore be used to feign a Choice item. A Tricked Flame Orb has the added benefit of not being curable by using Rest or having a cleric as a partner, unlike Will-O-Wisp; however, since it's one-time use and requires perfect prediction, it's usually not worth it.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the different sets it can run and how it can punish its switch-ins with ease, it's hard to counter Rotom-H. That said, Rhyperior, Swampert, Flygon, and Quagsire resist Overheat and are immune to Electric-type moves, so they can switch in on its STABs with ease. However, none of them like being crippled with a burn from Will-O-Wisp, and Rotom-H can also deal with them with a Hidden Power of choice. Hidden Power Grass beats all of them bar Flygon, which dislikes Hidden Power Ice and also can't switch in with ease on a Choice Specs Overheat. Snorlax takes little damage from Overheat thanks to its immense special bulk and Thick Fat, while Volt Switch actually does the same amount of damage. It can also threaten to Pursuit it on the switch out. However, non-Choice Band versions hate being tricked a Choice item, and Will-O-Wisp will force it to Rest or completely cripple those that do have a Choice Band.</p>

<p>With that in mind, it's not really hard to deal with Rotom-H due to Overheat's massive drawback. With the right prediction, those that resist or are immune to the move, such as Chandelure, can actually use Rotom-H as setup fodder. Additionally, since it can be forced out with ease, the best way to deal with it is to ensure Stealth Rock is laid on the field.</p>

[Overview]

  • Unique typing coupled with Levitate gives it seven resistances and one immunity
  • Cool STAB combination resisted by very few Pokémon
  • Nice bulk for a Fire-type combined with great offensive presence
  • Having to rely on Overheat as its main attacking move makes it have to switch a lot
  • Weakness to Stealth Rock, combined with the fact that it's usually a hit-and-run Pokemon, makes it less appealing
  • 4MSS is there, it would really like to have Thunderbolt and Volt Switch on the same set but it would leave it completely useless against certain Pokemon
  • Shaky recovery in the form of Pain Split
  • Access to Trick for its Choice sets, and excellent supporting moves in Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are great perks over other Fire- and Electric-types
  • Capable of checking/countering things like Nidoking, Tornadus, Raikou, Zapdos and Special Virizion is worthy of mention
  • Overall a very good Pokemon, capable of succeeding more than decently with just the right amount of support

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

[SET COMMENTS]

  • Amazing STAB combination; Overheat is extremely powerful, hitting weaker resists like Arcanine and Flygon for more than half their full health
  • Volt Switch gives it good momentum and hits many things relatively hard, while Thunderbolt has much more firepower and helps it beat Milotic, among other Bulky Waters, more reliably
  • Hidden Power Grass offers it coverage against Rhyperior, Swampert, Lanturn and Quagsire (not sure if the latter two should be mentioned, but they're completely usable in UU so...), OHKOing all bar Lanturn on the switch, predicting a STAB move
  • Trick is its only real way of harming special walls Snorlax, Umbreon and Uxie, crippling them for the rest of the match

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • Mostly used on offensive teams, but it can also be a pivot for bulky Offense or semi-Stall
  • Choice Specs gives it amazing offensive presence, hitting like a truck before the power drop and being able to 2HKO a good deal of UU Pokemon
  • A Timid nature makes it a good switch to non-Scarf Heracross and LO Nidoking (this is exceptionally good, since it can tank even a Sludge Wave and OHKO with Overheat) without losing much power thanks to Specs. A Modest nature still works, though, but there's no real KO you'll get with it – it just improves your chances after SR
  • Rotom-H can use a bulkier EV spread with Choice Specs to act as a tank. With 252 HP EVs and a Modest nature, it can switch in on one of the many moves it resists and threaten the opponent with a Specs Overheat, which is sure to hurt everything bar Snorlax, Milotic and Flash Fire Pokemon
  • Thanks to its seven resistances and one immunity, Rotom-H generally has many opportunities to switch in. Notable ones are on Earthquake or U-turn from Flygon and Thunderbolt or Volt Switch from Raikou or Zapdos. The Substitute version of the former beats it one on one, though
  • Will-O-Wisp is a good option to cripple physical attackers. It can be used instead of Hidden Power Grass (since neither Rhyperior nor Swampert like to be burnt) or Trick, being especially effective against Snorlax, forcing it to Rest
  • As for partners, a hit-and-run Pokemon with a Stealth Rock weakness is almost crying for a Spinner to come and help it out. Blastoise and Hitmontop are probably the best ones, the former switching into Water moves aimed at Rotom-H and the latter resisting Rock and beating Snorlax one on one
  • A bulky Water is always a good option. Blastoise was already mentioned, but Swampert (which resists Rock and takes little from Water), Slowbro and Milotic are also worthy of mention
  • Since Specs Rotom-H is mainly a wallbreaker, Pokemon that enjoy the removal or weakening of things like Gligar, Rhyperior, and Slowbro, such as Choice Scarf Darmanitan, make great partners for this set

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

[SET COMMENTS]

  • Top tier revenge killer. Overheat has less power without Specs, but it still does a lot on the first hit, allowing Rotom-H to outspeed and OHKO fast theats such as Choice Scarf Heracross, Mienshao, and Weavile
  • Volt Switch makes good use of its Speed, allowing it to maintain momentum and get away from super-effective moves thrown at it unscathed. Thunderbolt does have more power, though
  • Hidden Power Grass allows Rotom-H to beat its best counters, Swampert and Rhyperior, one on one
  • Trick allows it to cripple Special walls, namely Snorlax and Umbreon, that could switch in on it with nigh impunity either way

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • The EV spread is pretty obvious; the leftover 4 EVs go to Special Defense to help give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z get an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack one
  • While a Modest nature gives it more firepower and gets along well with Choice Scarf, Timid stands out as it allows Rotom-H to revenge kill Choice Scarf Jolly Heracross, one of the biggest threats to the current metagame
  • Hidden Power Ice can be used to revenge kill Flygon (not locked into Outrage for Scarf variants), but its a lesser option outside of that
  • Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are options for crippling threats such as Rhyperior or non-Substitute Raikou, respectively, allowing teammates to deal with them more easily; however they can be easily worked around, since being locked into a non-attacking move equals free setup opportunities for very destructive things, SD Guts Heracross standing out
  • Speaking of teammates, Rotom-H's role of a revenge killer means it can fit with ease on offensive teams, but more balanced ones don't dislike it, though. However, being Stealth Rock weak and being a hit-and-run Pokemon means Rapid Spin support is almost mandatory. This can be provided by Blastoise or Hitmontop, each resisting one of its weaknesses, too. If you can't fit a Rapid Spinner on your team, Magic Bounce Xatu is a good partner, bouncing back Stealth Rocks and forming a VoltTurn core with Rotom-H
  • Spikes stacking also works well with it, since its offensive presence keeps Rapid Spinners on their toes. Roserade and Qwilfish do a decent job, while also being able to switch in on Water-type moves aimed at it, from Pokemon that switched in on Overheat, such as Slowbro or Suicune — both being easily dealt with by Roserade

[SET]
name: Non-Choice Attacker
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

  • Better on more balanced teams; sacrifices power and Speed for bulk, semi-reliable recovery and the ability to switch moves, while also packing a status move to support its team
  • Overheat is the main move, being harder to use than on the Choice Specs set since it will be extremely weakened after the first blow
  • Volt Switch gets STAB and gives it a good way of escaping from Water-types; Thunderbolt hits all bulky Waters bar Swampert, Lanturn and Quagsire for more damage, though, but since they'll usually switch into Overheat, its power will be severely diminished and could lead to Rotom-H's defeat
  • Of the few Pokemon that resist its STAB combination (Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon standing out), none want to eat a Will-O-Wisp to the face - except for opposing Rotom-H; Hidden Power Grass is another option to deal with the first two better
  • Pain Split gives it a form of recovery, being extremely useful against Snorlax and Umbreon, both of which like to come in on Rotom-H too often

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

  • EVs maximize Rotom-H's offensive prowess, combined with a Timid nature to outpace LO Nidoking, Timid Togekiss, and non-Scarf Heracross, as well as Kingdra – allowing it to escape with Volt Switch from the latter, after it switched into any of its other moves
  • It can also run a more defensive spread (with 120 HP EVs and a Modest nature), both physically and specially, to get a better use of its resistances and force even more switches. That way, it can outrun Adamant Honchkrow and force it to Sucker Punch, though probably the best option against it is to Will-O-Wisp anyway
  • Life Orb is an option over Leftovers, stacking well with Pain Split and allowing Rotom-H to deal more damage with its STAB moves
  • Discharge can be used instead of Thunderbolt for the increased paralysis chance, however it loses a lot of power - similarly to Water-types choosing between Scald and Surf
  • Rotom-H can run other status moves, such as Thunder Wave and Toxic, to cripple faster threats that don't mind burns so much. However, most of its switch-ins are immune or don't mind Thunder Wave, and Toxic can be run by many more Pokemon than Will-O-Wisp, so it's better left to something else. Additionally, both of these status moves can be counter-productive with Mew and Umbreon running around, since they both have Synchronize and have access to Heal Bell to cure their own status
  • As for partners, Rapid Spin support is nice, though not as mandatory as with the Choice sets. Hitmontop and Blastoise are the best options
  • Xatu also makes a great teammate, thanks to Magic Bounce allowing it to come in on Stealth Rock or Toxic aimed at Rotom-H, while also forming a nice VoltTurn core
  • Since Snorlax walls Rotom-H completely, Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Hitmontop deserve a mention

[Other Options]

  • A RestTalk set gives it better recovery than Pain Split, however the sleep mechanics make it unviable
  • Substitute can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, working in a similar fashion to Chandelure's SubSplit set, however it can be forced out more easily due to Overheat's Special Attack drop, and Will-O-Wisp is otherwise better against physical attackers (this could be mentioned in AC of the bulky attacker, I suppose)
  • Discharge is a viable option instead of Thunderbolt with a 30% chance to paralyse the opponent, however most of the things that like to switch on Thunderbolt won't mind the paralysis (Rhyperior, Swampert, and Shaymin, for example)
  • Although gimmicky, Rotom-H can run Trick+Flame Orb as an item, being able to feign a Choice set and possibly cripple common switch-ins such as Snorlax, Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon, due to the fact that the opponent can't tell what you're running as opposed to Magic Guard Pokemon, where the burn is inflicted but they take no damage. Unlike Will-O-Wisp, though, it's a one-time use so it requires predicting correctly, but the burn can't be cured by using Rest or having a Cleric as a partner
  • Rotom-H, just as the other electric appliances, has access to Shadow Ball and Signal Beam to beat Psychic-types. However, Overheat is initially more powerful against them (except for the Slow brothers, both of which are weak to Electric-type moves)
  • Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, since none of the things that usually switch in on Rotom-H like being badly poisoned. However, since this move has a much wider distribution, it's a lesser option

[Checks and Counters]

  • Rhyperior, Swampert and Quagsire are immune to Electric-type moves and resist Overheat, so they can easily switch in on its STABs. However none likes to be crippled with a burn from Will-O-Wisp, and Hidden Power Grass OHKOs all but the most specially defensive variants
  • Snorlax takes little damage from Overheat thanks to its massive special bulk and Thick Fat, and it can catch it on the (Volt) switch with Pursuit. However, non-Choice Band versions hate being tricked a Choice item, and Will-O-Wisp will force it to Rest or be crippled for the rest of the match if it lacks it
  • Flygon is immune to Electric-type moves and resists Overheat. However, Specs Overheat does above half of its max HP and leaves it vulnerable to revenge-killing, while Will-O-Wisp from non-Choice sets also severely hampers its effectiveness
  • Due to Overheat being its main STAB and having a massive drawback, it can be baited from Choice sets and easily revenge killed or set up on
  • Although not exactly a counter, Stealth Rock really limits its ability to switch in and out, so this is probably the least risky way of dealing with Rotom-H
 
Honestly, a Specially Defensive set could work pretty well. I remember when I used Nidoking and Zapdos, I would get cockblocked by Rotom-Hs a lot more than I liked... and these weren't even defensive variants. Resisting/being immune to Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Fire Blast, Earth Power, U-turn (some Special Attackers run this), Hurricane, and Giga Drain is pretty awesome, and it hits the bulky waters (other than Swampert, who it burns) pretty hard as well. Most Special Attackers in this tier especially despise this thing.

I don't know if it would deserve a mention outside of the Bulky Attacker though, since I'm thinking they would run a very similar if not the same set.
 
Well, the sets would be very similar (maybe with Thunder Wave slashed before Will-O-Wisp), but I don't think they'd play similarly at all. I'm gonna put the set up with some calculations, really the only thing that makes me doubt about its effectiveness is the fact that it has to rely on Overheat to break Raikou's, Zapdos's, and Virizion's Substitutes... Maybe mention HP Fire? Lol
 

kokoloko

what matters is our plan!
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I'll do a more in-depth check when I get home tomorrow, but as a rule of thumb, don't ever merge Specs/Band and Scarf sets--they almost never play similarly enough, despite the moves being the same.
 
Yea when I wrote the skeleton I thought if they were really that similar when Scarf was more of a revenge killer and Specs resembled more the bulky attacker, but since I was working with the old analysis I didn't change that, just added the Specially Defensive set (which took me quite a while, lol).
Anyway thanks, I'm gonna further try out the Specially Defensive on my own to see if it's really that different from the bulky attacker. I mean, I for one play them completely differently, but I don't know if they couldn't be merged (though last time I used it, I felt like the bulky attacker didn't really give me anything and I was thinking 'why don't I just run the Choice Specs set instead?')
 
I'm sorry I haven't changed anything until now, I've been really busy.

Since the Manly Calc isn't working I've been unable to do some theoretical comparisons and I don't know any other calculator at least a little up to date (as soon as I can a will, though I don't expect to find anything impressive). However, I have been able to test it a lot, it's an incredible failsafe to key threats for both balanced and defensive teams alike. Of course, SubCM Raikou set up all over it without HP Fire, but from the moment I started using it instead of a status move, I haven't looked back.
I personally don't like the Bulky Attacker spread, when I was using it before the whole SpD Rotom-H rush (in OU, of course) came up, I always wondered why I wasn't using max Speed — I was outsped by Nidoking, and Sludge Wave variants could sweep my team with just one right prediction, and though I OHKOed it I couldn't really threaten it out due to being slower. Also, 136 Speed EVs helped me outspeed Adamant Honchkrow, a Pokemon that will almost always Sucker Punch Rotom-H, no matter what speed it had, so Will-O-Wisp would work in any case. Of course, I'm no one to judge it because there's a reason it's standard, but I doubt I'll be using it at all on my teams.
So what I'm gonna propose is simple: if that spread really is the best one for the job (maybe there are more important things to mention than Adamant Honchkrow; heck, when I switched Specs Rotom-H into it I always tricked it, and when using Scarf I never had to do it but I would've probably done the same — even if I had already tricked away the Scarf), then it will stay there, with an AC mention of the Specially Defensive spread, probably with a strong mention of how HP Fire is needed to beat SubCM Raikou and SubRoost Zapdos mano a mano, unless QC opposes. Unless I find something extremely important about SpD Rotom-H that makes it warrant its own set, it won't be done — we have Tornadus, but even then he's not half as big a threat as Genesect in OU, plus special sets may come with an army of Rain sweepers on his back, so Rotom will probably be scared away with extreme ease. I don't believe I'll be able to, however. I still liked the set I used, especially because I tried it on a team that actually had problems against SubCM Raikou and SubRoost Zapdos and it worked very efficiently. I'll also split the Choice sets, I'm sorry I haven't already, again.


- Scratch SpD set
- AC mention it in Bulky Attacker, with a strong mention of HP Fire to break Subs
- Split the Choice sets; Specs Rotom-H should have Timid as its first option, to outspeed unscarved Timid Nidoking and Jolly Heracross that want to outspeed Jolly Chandelure (about that, since we're making all but Scarf Chandelure not run max Speed, that mention isn't too important on Heracross's sets, is it?), while Scarf can work either way, Modest gives it more power, but Timid lets it outspeed Jolly Scarf Heracross, which I believe was more common than Adamant Scarf, so I think that Timid should be slashed first, allowing Rotom-H to revenge kill Heracross and preventing it from sweeping you.
 

destinyunknown

Banned deucer.
well, I won't even mention SpD Rotom on the AC of any set as it doesn't beat Raikou, nor anything important you are not beating with other sets...

0+ SpA Rotom-H Hidden Power Fire vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 58-69 (18.06 - 21.49%) -- possible 7HKO
 
You shouldn't jump so quickly into conclusions; after all, the SpD Rotom-H spread was AC material in BW1, why shouldn't it be now? I reckon I never found myself in the situation where I had to break a +1 Sub from Raikou, which should've happened at least once. However, since the Bulky Attacker can't beat it either, I don't know why it wouldn't warrant an AC mention just as in the old analysis. An HP Fire mention can be done with max SpA Modest, but it will also fail to break +1 Substitutes so it's pretty much the same.

What should I do? I wouldn't like to see SpD Rotom-H as only OO material, not even worth a line in the Bulky Attacker, hell I'll even mention HP Ground if I have to, since it only needs 108 SpA EVs to guarantee breaking its Substitutes, lol. It can also catch Zapdos while it Roosts, breaking its Substitute immediately after switching in on it, so that's (something?).
If I could get a final word on this, I'll get this analysis ready for QC stamps for tomorrow
 

kokoloko

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I don't have much to say about the SpD set since I haven't used it myself, but honestly from pure theorymon, I can't say it looks good.

Anyway, the bulky attacker needs Volt Switch slashed with Thunderbolt, probably before it to be honest. You should also give a mention (or even make it the main spread tbh) to 252/4/252, since 86 is a pretty nice benchmark to hit when there's Heracross / Kingdra / Nidoking all sitting at 85. Also change the name of the set to Non-Choice Attacker--since Rotom-H is not what I'd call "bulky" with only 120 (or 0!) HP EVs.
 
Added your changes, but I'd like some more input on the EV spread of the Non-Choice Attacker; see why it was so used in the first place, perhaps. I already stated that I disliked the spread, but there must be a reason as to why it was standard in BW1

Anyway, apart from completely removing the SpD set, which I only hid to not let all hopes on it slide out :P, I think this is finally ready to go
 

cim

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minor quibbles

snorlax isn't going to be pursuiting rotom on the volt switch, since it's usually using it as it comes into play and not the turn after. also, rotom isn't weak to pursuit anymore

it's worth noting the specs set in particular is an okay switch in to some forms of zapdos and raikou, resisting everything zapdos normally carries and threatening with a powerful overheat. non-substitute raikou is also similar but rotom will take a lot of damage in the process

it also comes in on flygon EQ or U-Turn and forces it out

mention stealth rock as a counter

the SpD looks okay on paper since it resists electric / fire / ice / grass / ground / bug but it's either taking the resisted hit well enough on another set or it's getting KOed. adding HP is more valuable and you can't give up on your special attack stat.
 
I know that Rotom-H isn't weak to Pursuit, but it will still take damage, especially from CB Snorlax. My mention of that shouldn't correspond with the Choice sets, you're right with that — I guess I was thinking when Snorlax switches in on Trick. I'll make sure to fix that.
Yea, Specs can be very threatening especially if it runs a bulkier spread of 252/252/4 Modest, I'm okay with making a mention of that and the fact that it can also switch in on Flygon.
I'm hesitant about mentioning SR as a counter, due to the fact that most of the teams I've been using it on –even on my DH team for OU– I wasn't using a spinner and it didn't make it useless at all, the Non-Choice Attacker in particular does great even so. However, I also reckon that being a hit-and-run Pokemon makes SR do more damage than most things on the other side of the field, so I could probably say that it severely cuts its performance.

I've now officially given up on the Specially Defensive set, since SubCM Raikou is too common and I'll always be switching Snorlax into it, not Rotom-H. However, 252/252/4 Modest does just okay as a mention on both the Specs and the Non-Choice sets, so it isn't really that needed and that way Rotom-H can actually threaten back – actually KOing Nidoking now after SR, albeit 75% of the time for the second set.
If someone sees something about SpD Rotom-H that makes it warrant its own set, then he should feel free to get it through QC himself and I'll be happy to add it, but I don't think I'll be able to really make it succeed where the other sets fail
 
OK, going to put this back into QC for the sake of having more thoughts on it. I added the Trick+Flame Orb set in Other Options after talking to kokoloko, since though gimmicky it can work by feigning a Choice set and Tricking the Flame Orb to one of its common switch-ins, ie Snorlax, Flygon, Swampert, Defensive Duck Porygon2, and Rhyperior. The advantages it has over Will-O-Wisp, besides what I've already stated, are that the effects can't be removed by Resting / having a Lum Berry / having a cleric, while also taking Flygon's Choice item and Porygon2's Eviolite, making them much less useful. That said, I don't believe it warrants its own set in any case, since it's a one-time use thing – though it's probably all it needs to work well.

So, kokoloko thinks it's OK to add it, but FlareBlitz thinks it's bad. Could I get a third opinion / a fourth QC stamp on the case? Thanks.

I'll also let you know that I'll keep writing it while I await for an answer on this, but I believe putting it back in QC was the right thing to do
 
Lol I'd already added it, but I thought it was only fair to get a third opinion. Well, if no one has any issues with that, then I'll just change the tag back to Copyediting...
 

Nix_Hex

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[Overview]

<p>When looking at Rotom-H, the first thing that comes to mind is it's a floating microwave oven wearing oven mitts. At a second glance, you realisze it's the only Levitating Fire-type, which means it's immune to Ground-type moves but its Stealth Rock weakness is not increased. Its unique typing also grants it with seven resistances and only two weaknesses, along with an amazing STAB combination resisted by very few Pokemon in the Underused metagame. It also has nice defenses, which allow it to survive weak super effective moves such as from uninvested Blastoise or Milotic. However, Rotom-H does have its drawbacks, those being its weakness to Stealth Rock and having to rely on Overheat for a STAB move, which only adds up to the damage it's going to have to take by switching out. It also has 4MSS, as it can't run Volt Switch and Thunderbolt together without losing important coverage on certain Pokemon.</p>

<p>With all of that taken into account, Rotom-H can actually perform really well with the right support. Its amazing STAB combination makes most bulky Water-types hesitant to switch in, it has good support moves in Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave and Toxic, and it has a form of recovery in Pain Split, allowing it to take advantage of its normal switch-ins. Additionally, its hability to run three different sets with good results make it hard for the opponent to predict correctly, since it can punish its counters with Will-O-Wisp, Trick, or a super effective coverage move. It also has the added benefit of checking many prominent Special attacking threats, such as Tornadus, Zapdos, Nidoking, and Yanmega. Overall, Rotom-H is a very good Pokemon, something that should be considered for any team needing its abilities.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs Rotom-H makes its Overheat hit weaker resists like Flygon extremely hard. Volt Switch gives it good momentum and also packs some firepower, while Thunderbolt hits much harder and allows it to beat bulky Waters more reliably. Hidden Power Grass is the coverage move of choice, helping Rotom-H deal with Rhyperior, Swampert, and Quagsire, OHKOing them on the switch. Trick allows it to cripple Snorlax, Umbreon, and Porygon2, three Pokemon that take little from its STAB moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set is mostly used on offensive teams due to hitting like a truck, but it can also work as a pivot for bulky Offense and semi-Stall. Choice Specs augments its offensive presence, 2HKOing most of the Underused metagame even with the power drop from Overheat. A Timid nature allows it to outspeed non-Choice Scarf Heracross and Nidoking, without losing much power, but a Modest nature can work&mdash;though; however, it will not turn 2HKOes into OHKOes, just improve the chances. Rotom-H can run a more defensive spread to act as a tank, with 252 HP EVs and a Modest nature. However, it loses its ability to counter Nidoking reliably. Thanks to its seven resistances and one immunity, it gets a lot of opportunities to switch in, such as on a Choiced Earthquake or U-turn from Flygon and Thunderbolt or Volt Switch from Raikou or Zapdos. Substitute versions of Raikou beat it one on one, though. Besides the given moves, it can also run Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers. It can be used instead of Hidden Power Grassmdash;since neither Rhyperior nor Swampert enjoy being burnt&mdash;or Trick, to force Snorlax to Rest. It can also run Hidden Power Ice over Grass to beat Flygon and Druddigon that try to switch in on it, but Overheat already does a lot to them, and Hidden Power Grass is overall better.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since it's a hit-and-run Pokemon with a Stealth Rock weakness, it needs Rapid Spin support to perform effectively. Notable ones are Blastoise and Hitmontop, the former resisting Water and the latter Rock. It should be noted, however, that both take precious momentum from your team, so you can always run Xatu instead, which can bounce back Stealth Rocks due to its ability and form a nice VoltTurn core. In order to beat Rhyperior and Swampert, a Grass-type Pokemon can help. Shaymin is probably the best one at that, taking little from their moves, but Virizion is also an option as it also resists Rock&mdash; it's much frailer on the physical side, though. Finally, since this Rotom-H is mostly used as a wallbreaker, Pokemon that enjoy the removal or weakening of things like Gligar or Slowbro, such as Choice Scarf Darmanitan, make great partners for this set.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Scarf Rotom-H is a top tier revenge killer. Overheat packs less power without Choice Specs, but it still allows it to OHKO many fast threats such as Mienshao, Weavile, and Choice Scarf Heracross, Mienshao, and Weavile. Volt Switch takes advantage of its Speed to switch out unscathed to something that takes advantage of the other Pokemon, and allows Rotom-H to maintain momentum. Thunderbolt does have more power, though, so it's a viable alternative. Hidden Power Grass hits Swampert and Rhyperior hard, but it should be noted that it's not always going to score the OHKO, so it can be taken advantage of for a free switch-in on something else. Trick rounds out the set, allowing it to cripple Snorlax and Umbreon, among others, and force them to do little for the rest of the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is fairly self-explanatory, with the remaining 4 EVs dropped into Special Defense to give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack one. While a Modest nature helps compensating for the lack of immediate power, Timid is needed to outpace and revenge kill Jolly Choice Scarf Heracross and Timid Choice Scarf Nidoking. Hidden Power Ice can be used over Grass to revenge kill Choice Band Flygon, an important threat in the metagame&mdash;especially if it's locked into Outrage&mdash;, but it's a lesser option outside of that. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are nice options for crippling threats such as Choice Band Rhyperior and Swampert and non-Substitute Raikou, respectively, allowing teammates to deal with them more easily; however, they can be easily worked around, since being locked into a non-attacking move gives free switches to threats such as Guts Heracross or Flash Fire Chandelure.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since Rotom-H is used as a revenge killer, it can fit ion both offensive and balanced teams. However, being Stealth Rock weak and being forced out with ease due to Overheat mean Rapid Spin support is almost mandatory. Blastoise and Hitmontop are good options for that, each resisting one of its weaknesses. If you can't fit them into your team due to the loss of momentum they force, Magic Bounce Xatu can be used, forming a speedy VoltTurn core with Rotom-H. Spikes stacking also works well with the microwave ovenRotom-H, since its offensive presence keeps Rapid Spinners on their toes. Roserade and Qwilfish both do a decent job, while also being able to switch in on Water-type moves aimed at it from Pokemon that switched in on Overheat, such as Slowbro or Suicune&mdash; both beingare easily dealt with by Roserade.</p>


[SET]
name: Non-Choice Attacker
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Rotom-H variant works best on balanced teams. It sacrifices the power from Choice Specs and sSpeed from Choice Scarf for durability, and the ability to cripple its normusual switch-ins without having to predict correctly. Overheat is the main STAB move, still hitting decently hard. Volt Switch is the secondary move and hits bulky Waters hard while gaining momentum. Thunderbolt is stronger, but since Water-types will usually switch into Overheat, its power will be severely diminished and could lead to Rotom-H's defeat. Of the few Pokemon that resist its STAB combination&mdash;Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon being the most worthy of mentions&mdash; none like to eat a Will-O-Wisp to the face; Hidden Power Grass is a nice alternative to dealing with the first two, but again, if they switched into Overheat, even the 4x modifier will not be enough. Pain Split rounds out the set, offering Rotom-H with a semi-reliable recovery move that can be used to take advantage of the high HP of the Pokemon that it draws out, notable ones being Swampert, Rhyperior, Snorlax and Umbreon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>EVs maximize Rotom-H's offensive prowess, with a Timid nature to outspeed Life Orb Nidoking, Timid Togekiss, and non Scarf Heracross, as well as Kingdra&mdash;, allowing it to Volt Switch out of the latter. The 4 EV in Special Defense give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z that switch in on it an Attack boost. It can also run a more defensive spread, with enough Speed to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and a Modest nature, but it should be noted that the best answer for it will be Will-O-Wisp, due to the threat of Sucker Punch. Life Orb can be used over Leftovers, stacking well with Pain Split to deal more damage with its moves. Rotom-H can run other status moves, such as Thunder Wave or Toxic, to cripple faster threats that don't mind burns much. However, since most of its switch-ins are immune or don't mind Thunder Wave, and Toxic can be run by many other Pokemon, Will-O-Wisp is usually the better option. Additionally, both moves can be counter-productive against Umbreon due to Synchronize, since it usually has Heal Bell to cure itself from status&mdash;that's not a problem for Will-O-Wisp.</p>

<p>As for partners, Rapid Spin support is nice but not as mandatory as with the Choice sets. Hitmontop and Blastoise are the best options. Xatu can also work due to Magic Bounce preventing Stealth Rocks from being set up, though it requires prediction&mdash;, especially against Rhyperior, which is the biggest threat for Rotom-H. Since Snorlax walls Rotom-H completely, Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Heracross make great teammates due to Volt Switch, while Hitmontop can also work due to Intimidate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rotom-H has different options it can run. For starters, a RestTalk set gives it better recovery and takes advantage of the good coverage between two moves, however Sleep mechanics make it unviable. It can run a Substitute + Pain Split set similarly to Chandelure, howeverbut being forced to run Overheat makes Rotom-H have to switch out much more often. Discharge can be an option over Volt Switch and Thunderbolt on all of its sets, but it's mostly a lesser choice due to the loss of momentum for the former and more power for the latter. Additionally, the things switch in on it usually won't mind the paralysis anyway,; that's why Thunder Wave is also otherwise worse than Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, since none of the common switches like being badly poisoned. However, since it has a much wider distribution than the other, it's a weaker alternative. It also has access to Shadow Ball and Signal Beam to beat Psychic-types, just as the other electric appliances. However, Overheat is initially more powerful against them&mdash;, except for the Slow brothers and Slowking, both of which are weak to Electric-type moves anyway.</p>

<p>Finally, although gimmicky, Rotom-H can run Trick + Flame Orb as its held item, taking advantage of its usual switch-ins to cripple Snorlax, Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon, due to the fact that it doesn't activate on Fire-types and can therefore feign a Choice item. It has the added benefit of not being cured by using Rest or having a Cleric as a partner, unlike Will-O-Wisp; however, since it's a one-time use and requires perfect prediction, it's usually not worth it.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the different sets it can run and how it can punish its switch-ins with ease, it's hard to counter Rotom-H. That said, Rhyperior, Swampert, Flygon, and Quagsire resist Overheat and are immune to Electric-type moves, so they can switch in on their STABs with ease. However, none of them like being crippled with a burn from Will-O-Wisp, and Rotom-H can also deal with them with a Hidden Power of choice. Grass beats all of them bar Flygon, which dislike Hidden Power Ice, but also can't switch in with ease on a Specs Overheat. Snorlax takes little damage from Overheat thanks to its inmmense Special bulk and Thick Fat, while Volt Switch actually does the same amount of damage thanas it. It can also threaten to Pursuit it on the switch out. However, non-Choice Band versions hate being tricked a Choice item, and Will-O-Wisp will force it to Rest&mdash;, completely crippling those that do have a Choice Band.</p>

<p>With that in mind, it's not really hard to deal with it due to Overheat's massive drawback. With the right prediction, those that resist or are immune to it can actually use it as setup fodder, such as for Chandelure. Additionally, since it can be forced out with ease, the best way to deal with it is to ensure Stealth Rocks are laidis on the field.</p>

Excellent, just make sure to learn when to use mdashes and when to use semi-colons. There are many changes like that throughout this so you'll see examples.
[gp]1/2[/gp]
 
Great, thanks!!

Quick question though, it's because those were originally en dashes but I was told on another analysis that they should be em dashes. Should I use semicolons in those cases (e.g. "it faces competition from the likes of Mew and Meloetta as Calm Mind users, the latter having an immunity to Ghost&mdash;though lacking a Fighting-type resistance.") I'm really not sure because I've always used en dashes in those situations, so I'd like to know if as a rule of thumb I should use semicolons or it depends on the situation...

EDIT: :Facepalm: at 'hability' and 'inmense', considering I spell checked it with Word before uploading it lol
 
GP check. Good job on writing this. Only real comment is to remember that Stealth Rock>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Stealth Rocks.
Additions in Blue
Subtractions in Red
Comments in Purple

[Overview]

<p>When looking at Rotom-H, the first thing that comes to mind is it's a floating microwave oven wearing oven mitts. At a second glance, you realize it's the only Levitating Fire-type, which means it's immune to Ground-type moves but its Stealth Rock weakness is not increased. Its unique typing also grants it seven resistances and only two weaknesses, along with an amazing STAB combination resisted by very few Pokemon in the Underused metagame. It also has nice defenses, which allow it to survive weak super effective moves such as from the likes of uninvested Blastoise or and Milotic. However, Rotom-H does have its drawbacks, those being its weakness being weak to Stealth Rock and having to rely on Overheat for a STAB move, which only adds to the hazard damage it's going to have to take by switching forcing it to switch out. It also has 4MSS four-moveslot syndrome, as it can't run Volt Switch and Thunderbolt together without losing important coverage on certain Pokemon.</p>

<p>With all of that taken into account, Rotom-H can actually perform really well with the right support. Its amazing STAB combination makes most bulky Water-types hesitant to switch in, it has good support moves in Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave (add comma) and Toxic, and it has a form of recovery in Pain Split, allowing it to take advantage of its normal switch-ins. Additionally, its ability to run three different sets with good results make it hard for the opponent to predict correctly, since it can punish its the counters to one with Will-O-Wisp, Trick, or a super effective coverage move. It also has the added benefit of checking many prominent Special special attacking threats, such as Tornadus, Zapdos, Nidoking, and Yanmega. Overall, Rotom-H is a very good Pokemon, something that should be considered for any team needing its abilities.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Specs Rotom-H makes its Rotom-H's Overheat hit hits weaker resists like Flygon extremely hard. Volt Switch gives it good momentum and also packs some firepower, while Thunderbolt hits much harder and allows it to beat bulky Waters Water-types more reliably. Hidden Power Grass is the coverage move of choice, helping Rotom-H deal with Rhyperior, Swampert, and Quagsire, (remove comma) by OHKOing them on the switch. Trick allows it to cripple Snorlax, Umbreon (add comma) and Porygon2, three Pokemon that take little from its STAB moves.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>This set is mostly used on offensive teams due to hitting like a truck, but it can also work as a pivot for bulky Offense offense and semi-Stall semi-stall. Choice Specs augments its Rotom-H's offensive presence, 2HKOing allowing it to 2HKO most of the Underused metagame even with the power drop from Overheat. A Timid nature allows it to outspeed non-Choice Scarf Heracross and Nidoking, without losing much power, but a Modest nature can work; however, it will not turn 2HKOes into OHKOes, just improve the chances. Rotom-H can run a more defensive spread to act as a tank, with 252 HP EVs and a Modest nature. However, it loses its ability to counter Nidoking reliably. Thanks to its seven resistances and one immunity, it Rotom-H gets a lot of opportunities to switch in, such as on a Choiced Earthquake or U-turn from Flygon and or Thunderbolt or Volt Switch from Raikou or Zapdos. Substitute versions of Raikou beat it one on one, though. Besides the given moves, it Rotom-H can also run Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers. It can be used instead of Hidden Power Grassmdash;since neither Rhyperior nor Swampert enjoy being burnt&mdash;or Trick, to force Snorlax to Rest. It Rotom-H can also run Hidden Power Ice over Grass to beat Flygon and Druddigon that try to switch in on it, but Overheat already does a lot to them, and Hidden Power Grass is overall better overall.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since it's Rotom-H is a hit-and-run Pokemon with a Stealth Rock weakness, it needs Rapid Spin support to perform effectively. Notable ones are Blastoise and Hitmontop, the former resisting Water and the latter Rock. It should be noted, however, that both take precious momentum from your team, so you can always run Xatu instead, which can bounce back Stealth Rocks Rock due to its ability and form a nice VoltTurn core with Rotom-H. In order to beat Rhyperior and Swampert, a Grass-type Pokemon can help. Shaymin is probably the best one at doing that, taking little from their moves, but Virizion is also an option as it also resists Rock; it's much frailer on the physical side, though. Finally, since this Rotom-H is mostly used as a wallbreaker, Pokemon that enjoy the removal or weakening of things like Gligar or and Slowbro, such as Choice Scarf Darmanitan, make great partners for this set it.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Choice Scarf Rotom-H is a top tier revenge killer. Overheat packs less power without Choice Specs, but it still allows it to OHKO OHKOes many fast threats such as Mienshao, Weavile and Choice Scarf Heracross. Volt Switch takes advantage of its this set's Speed to switch out unscathed to something that takes advantage of the other Pokemon, (remove comma) and allows Rotom-H to maintain momentum. Thunderbolt does have more power, though, so it's a viable alternative. Hidden Power Grass hits Swampert and Rhyperior hard, but it should be noted that it's not always going to score the OHKO, so it can be taken advantage of for a free switch-in on for something else. Trick rounds out the set, allowing it Rotom-H to cripple Snorlax and Umbreon, among others, and force them to do little for the rest of the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EV spread is fairly self-explanatory, with the remaining 4 EVs dropped into Special Defense to give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z an Attack boost instead of a Special Attack one. While a Modest nature helps compensating compensate for the lack of immediate power, Timid is needed to outpace and revenge kill Jolly Choice Scarf Heracross and Timid Choice Scarf Nidoking. Hidden Power Ice can be used over Hidden Power Grass to revenge kill Choice Band Flygon, an important threat in the metagame (I'm removing this because I think you were trying to say that Choice Band Flygon can be revenge killed more easily if its locked into Outrage, and I feel this change clears that up; if you meant that Choice Band Flygon is an important threat especially when it's locked into Outrage, feel free to leave this as is however)&mdash;especially if it's locked into Outrage&mdash;, but it's a lesser option outside of that. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are nice options for crippling threats such as Choice Band Rhyperior and Swampert and non-Substitute Raikou, respectively, allowing teammates to deal with them more easily; however, they can be easily worked around Rotom-H can easily run into problems if it uses these, since being locked into a non-attacking move gives free switches to threats such as Guts Heracross or and Flash Fire Chandelure.</p>

<p>As for teammates, since Rotom-H is used as a revenge killer it can fit on both offensive and balanced teams. However, being Stealth Rock weak and being forced out with ease due to Overheat mean Rapid Spin support is almost mandatory. Blastoise and Hitmontop are good options for that this, each resisting one of its Rotom-H's weaknesses. If you can't fit them into your team due to the loss of momentum they force, Magic Bounce Xatu can be used, forming a speedy VoltTurn core with Rotom-H. Spikes stacking also works well with the this Rotom-H, since its offensive presence keeps Rapid Spinners on their toes. Roserade and Qwilfish both do a decent job at this, while also being able to switch in on Water-type moves aimed at it Rotom-H from Pokemon that switched in on Overheat, such as Slowbro or and Suicune; both are easily dealt with by Roserade.</p>


[SET]
name: Non-Choice Attacker
move 1: Overheat
move 2: Volt Switch / Thunderbolt
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Rotom-H variant works best on balanced teams. It sacrifices the power from Choice Specs and Speed from Choice Scarf for durability, (remove comma) and the ability to cripple its usual switch-ins without having to predict correctly. Overheat is the main STAB move, still hitting decently hard. Volt Switch is the secondary move and hits bulky Waters Water-types hard while gaining momentum. Thunderbolt is stronger, but since Water-types will usually switch into Overheat, its power will be severely diminished and could lead to Rotom-H's defeat. Of the few Pokemon that resist its Rotom-H's STAB combination&mdash;Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon being the most worthy mentions worth mentioning&mdash; none like to eat a Will-O-Wisp to the face; Hidden Power Grass is a nice alternative to dealing with the first two, but again, if they switched switch into Overheat, even the 4x modifier will not be enough. Pain Split rounds out the set, offering Rotom-H with a semi-reliable recovery move that can be used to take advantage of the high HP of the Pokemon that it draws out, notable ones being Swampert, Rhyperior, Snorlax and Umbreon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EVs maximize Rotom-H's offensive prowess, with a Timid nature to outspeed Life Orb Nidoking, Timid Togekiss, and non non-Choice Scarf Heracross, as well as Kingdra&mdash;allowing it to Volt Switch out of the latter. The 4 EV EVs in Special Defense give Porygon2 and Porygon-Z that switch in on it an Attack boost. It Rotom-H can also run a more defensive spread, with enough Speed to outpace Adamant Honchkrow and a Modest nature, but it should be noted that the best answer for it will be Will-O-Wisp, due to using Will-O-Wisp to get around the threat of Sucker Punch. Life Orb can be used over Leftovers to deal more damage, stacking pairing well with Pain Split to deal more damage with its moves. Rotom-H can run other status moves, such as Thunder Wave or and Toxic, to cripple faster threats that don't mind burns much. However, since most of its switch-ins are immune to or don't mind Thunder Wave, (remove comma) and Toxic can be run by many other Pokemon, Will-O-Wisp is usually the better option. Additionally, both moves can be counter-productive counterproductive against Umbreon due to Synchronize, since it usually has Heal Bell to cure itself from status while leaving Rotom-H poisoned or paralyzed&mdash;that's not a problem for Will-O-Wisp.</p>

<p>As for partners, Rapid Spin support is nice but not as mandatory as with the Choice sets. Hitmontop and Blastoise are the best options. Xatu can also work due to Magic Bounce preventing Stealth Rocks Rock from being set up, though it requires prediction, especially against Rhyperior, which is the biggest threat most threatening hazard user for Rotom-H. Since Snorlax walls Rotom-H completely, Fighting-types such as Mienshao and Heracross make great teammates due to Volt Switch, while Hitmontop can also work due to Intimidate.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Rotom-H has several different options it can run. For starters, a RestTalk set gives it better recovery and takes advantage of the its good coverage between two moves, however Sleep sleep mechanics make it unviable. It Rotom-H can run a Substitute+Pain Split set similarly to Chandelure, but being essentially forced to run Overheat makes Rotom-H have to switch out much more often. Discharge can be is an option over Volt Switch and Thunderbolt on all of its sets, but it's mostly a lesser choice due to the loss of momentum for from the former and more power for from the latter. Additionally, the things that switch in on it usually won't mind the paralysis anyway, (change to semicolon) that's why Thunder Wave is also otherwise generally worse than Will-O-Wisp. Toxic can be used instead of Will-O-Wisp, since none of the Rotom-H's common switches switch-ins like being badly poisoned. However, since it has a much wider distribution than the other, it's a weaker alternative as you can usually find another Pokemon to use it. It Rotom-H also has access to Shadow Ball and Signal Beam to beat Psychic-types, just as like the other electric appliances. However, Overheat is initially more powerful against them, except for Slowbro and Slowking, both of which are weak to Electric-type moves anyway.</p>

<p>Finally, although gimmicky, Rotom-H can run a Trick+Flame Orb as its held item set, taking advantage of its usual switch-ins to cripple being able to cripple it usual switch-ins, such as Snorlax, Swampert, Rhyperior, and Flygon, due to the fact that it the item doesn't activate on Fire-types and can therefore be used to feign a Choice item. It A Tricked Flame Orb has the added benefit of not being cured curable by using Rest or having a Cleric cleric as a partner, unlike Will-O-Wisp; however, since it's a one-time use and requires perfect prediction, it's usually not worth it.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Due to the different sets it can run and how it can punish its switch-ins with ease, it's hard to counter Rotom-H. That said, Rhyperior, Swampert, Flygon, and Quagsire resist Overheat and are immune to Electric-type moves, so they can switch in on their its STABs with ease. However, none of them like being crippled with a burn from Will-O-Wisp, and Rotom-H can also deal with them with a Hidden Power of choice. Hidden Power Grass beats all of them bar Flygon, which dislike dislikes Hidden Power Ice, (remove comma) but and also can't switch in with ease on a Choice Specs Overheat. Snorlax takes little damage from Overheat thanks to its immense Special special bulk and Thick Fat, while Volt Switch actually does the same amount of damage as it. It can also threaten to Pursuit it Rotom-H on the switch out. However, non-Choice Band versions hate being tricked a Choice item, and Will-O-Wisp will force it to Rest, (remove comma) or completely crippling cripple those that do have a Choice Band.</p>

<p>With that in mind, it's not really hard to deal with it Rotom-H due to Overheat's massive drawback. With the right prediction, those that resist or are immune to it the move, such as Chandelure, can actually use it Rotom-H as setup fodder, such as for Chandelure. Additionally, since it can be forced out with ease, the best way to deal with it is to ensure Stealth Rock is laid on the field.</p>


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Thanks for the check, melvni!! I thought I'd corrected all of those Stealth Rock(s), apparently not lol.
The part about Flygon, I realize what you're saying and you're completely right in that it can be misleading.
The part you erased about Roserade, though, I think it could be changed to 'Roserade has the added benefit of easily beating them', or something like that, since it gives it an edge over Qwilfish, what do you think?
Stupid me at forgetting to change Bulky Waters to bulky Water-types, you'd already corrected them in Slowbro's analysis.
The only other thing I disagree with changing is 'Choice Specs Rotom-H makes its Overheat' to 'Choice Specs Rotom-H's Overheat', since I'm talking about what Choice Specs does to it. Doesn't 'Choice Specs makes Rotom-H's Overheat' sound better than your way?
On C&C, I meant 'Flygon' as in plural, not 'a' Flygon. Should I still make your change?

I'll finish making the changes so this is ready for uploading, but I'd appreciate your feedback on those comments
 

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