Status: Submitted
All right, I've been procrastinating on doing this for almost a week, so I decided to sit down and finish it all today. I did it in notepad this time to avoid having to deal with the mess of removing font tags. Changes are in brown.
What I've Done:
-Added team discussions to each set
-Added team options section
-Removed mention of HP Grass in Choice set: Rotom-C was better
-Minor changes in Rest-talk set to emphasize its role on a stall team
-Changes to Other Options
-Slight restructuring of offensive set
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/rotom-s
[SET]
name: Special Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Trick / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
ev's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Offensive Rotom-S can be quite an effective sweeper with its unique typing allowing it to switch in on quite a few threats. Notably, Rotom-S is one of the better Heracross counters since it can switch into Heracross's STAB attacks with impunity and OHKO with Air Slash, if one opts for Choice Specs, or OHKO on average with Stealth Rock, if one opts for Choice Scarf.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball are rather obvious moves for STAB, and Shadow Ball is necessary to combat Jolteon and Electivire. Air Slash is Rotom-S's exclusive move and allows it to take on Breloom, Heracross, and Infernape. The final slot depends on what you want to hit. Hidden Power Ice is your best option against Dragonite, Flygon, and Salamence. However, Trick is probably a superior option because a Choice Scarf and Choice Specs are anathema to Blissey and Snorlax, although because of its exclusive move restriction necessitating the use of Shadow Ball, the other Rotom forms are best used for Trick.</p>
<p>Both Choice Specs and Choice Scarf are viable options on offensive Rotom-S and it comes down to whether your team needs power or speed. With a Timid nature Rotom-S is able to outrun base 85 Speed Pokemon, notably Kingdra and Heracross. With a Choice Scarf equipped Rotom-S will outrun all unboosted Pokemon, sans Deoxys-S and Ninjask. A Timid nature is always recommended because of Rotom-S's ability to outrun Jolly Heracross, Naive Scarfed Heatran, Agility Empoleon and Metagross, and a positive-natured Dragon Dance Gyarados. As with any Choice user, exchanging for Life Orb is viable as well.</p>
<p>Tyranitar easily counters this set, and Heatran can defeat it if it comes in on any attack other than a Choice Specs boosted Thunderbolt. You can turn the weakness to Tyranitar into an advantage by using a Lucario to take the expected Dark- / Rock-type attack and use Swords Dance on the switch. Alternatively, Machamp can directly counter Tyranitar, with its Dark- / Rock-type resistances and decent overall defenses. In regards to Heatran, a Tyranitar of your own is quite useful here, as it can efficiently take the harsh special attacks that cause Rotom-S to suffer. Snorlax can also work well in this regard: with its Thick Fat ability and high Special Defense, it can fairly easily defeat Heatran that don't resort to Explosion. Latias also works well in this role, though it makes your team weaker against Tyranitar and other Ghost- / Dark-type attackers.</p>
<p>Jolteon and specially defensive Zapdos sets give Rotom-S trouble. Fortunately, Tyranitar, Snorlax, and Latias all can easily defeat them.</p>
<p>Tyranitar is often paired with Gyarados, Infernape, or Scizor. Rotom-S easily counters Scizor. A Choice Scarf variant of this set can revenge kill Gyarados with Thunderbolt after it has Dragon Danced once, or a Choice Scarf Starmie can do the same. Use caution with Starmie, however, as it adds to your Ghost and Dark-type weaknesses. Starmie, Latias, or a Gyarados of your own can be used to deal with Infernape.</p>
<p>On the defensive side, Blissey sponges all of the set's attacks, but she can be crippled by predicting her switch-in and using Trick. In any case, however, it is good practice to use mixed attackers or stat-uppers that are capable of breaking through stall. Lucario and Tyranitar are good candidates for this role, and Rotom-S can take the Ground and Fighting-type attacks aimed at both of them.</p>
[SET]
name: Annoyer
move 1: Discharge / Thunder Wave
move 2: Confuse Ray
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
ev's: 252 HP / 40 SpA / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Rotom-S's access to annoying moves, such as Thunder Wave and Confuse Ray, coupled with Air Slash's 30% chance to flinch. Discharge is also a very good option in place of Thunder Wave. Discharge has a decent 30% chance of causing paralysis while still having an offensive option. Once paralysis and confusion have set in, your opponent will only be able to attack three-eighths of the time. Add in Air Slash's flinch rate and you have yourself quite an annoying Pokemon. Shadow Ball is the final option for STAB and it prevents Electivire, Jolteon, and Rhyperior from walling you entirely.</p>
<p>The given EVs are such that Rotom-S outruns maximum Speed, Adamant Gyarados allowing you to hit it with a Thunder Wave or Discharge before it can attack. The remaining EVs were placed in HP for overall survivability and then Special Attack for higher damage output.</p>
<p>An alternate option here is to drop Confuse Ray entirely and run a more sweeper oriented set by shifting the EVs to Special Attack and Speed and running Discharge / Air Slash / Shadow Ball and then either Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Ice in the final slot.</p>
<p>Tyranitar doesn't really mind paralysis, and it will still likely break through with a powerful, super effective Crunch. Therefore, using Lucario or Machamp is advisable. Heatran still walls and will defeat this set due to the lack of instant recovery, so again the use of Snorlax or a Tyranitar of your own is advisable. Blissey walls this set completely, and doesn't fear Trick as with the Special Choice set, so it is a matter of necessity to include a mixed attacker or strong physical stat-upper, such as Lucario or Tyranitar, that is capable of breaking through stall. Again, Jolteon and specially defensive Zapdos can defeat this set, but they have similar counters to Heatran.</p>
[SET]
name: Rest Talk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Air Slash
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ev's: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is one set that nearly every Rotom-appliance can run, a basic Rest-Talk set. Rotom-S is naturally bulky and has unique typing and Rest-Talk helps with its survivability. Additionally, Rotom-S makes an excellent counter to many sleep inducers such as Breloom, Yanmega, and Crobat. Discharge is for STAB and is the best option for paralysis. Shadow Ball is also usable as a STAB option to counter Gengar, but generally Discharge is your best option. Will-O-Wisp is your final option and is great for crippling physical attackers such as Metagross and Tyranitar who may be tempted to switch in. Air Slash is also a decent option since Rotom-S can easily absorb sleep from Breloom and threaten it with Air Slash. On a stall team, Shadow Ball and Air Slash should be used, as Toxic Spikes support is assumed. Thunderbolt may be considered for Scizor, but if Scizor is a concern, Rotom-H is a superior candidate for your team.</p>
<p>The EVs provide equal defenses to allow Rotom-S to take hits from both ends of the spectrum.</p>
<p>This set is frequently employed on stall-oriented teams that are based on residual damage, and as such, its teammates are different from those of the offensive sets. The Rotom formes are the best Rapid Spin blockers in the metagame, and they should be accompanied by teammates who set up entry hazards. You should use either Hippowdon or Swampert to set up Stealth Rock, depending on if Lucario or Heatran is a greater concern, respectively, and on how much instant recovery is of value to you. Either Skarmory and Tentacruel or Forretress should be used to set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes to further wear down the opponent.</p>
<p>As with all the other sets, Tyranitar and Heatran are concerns, (Blissey, with its nonexistent offensive presence, can be defeated by Toxic Spikes) but different teammates are recommended for this defensively oriented set. Blissey can wall Heatran and Tentacruel can defeat it. Hippowdon is an excellent counter to Tyranitar, using Slack Off until Toxic Spikes take their toll or just using a STAB Earthquake. However, you should watch out for Defense drops obtained by Crunch if pursuing the former route.</p>
<p>Recently, due to the introduction of Latias and the Rotom formes in OU, specially defensive Forretress sets with Payback are being used to set up on and defeat weak special attackers such as this set. Once an opponent sees that you are not using a Rotom-H, he can send in such a Forretress with impunity, using Payback as you switch in to secure a 3HKO (34.87% - 41.45%). Will-O-Wisp can end this threat, but burn may interfere with Toxic Spikes. You can also use a Skarmory that possesses Taunt in order to stop the opponent from setting up entry hazards. But you must realize that Taunt doesn't block Rapid Spin, because it is an attack.</p>
[SET]
name: Boosting Sweeper
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
ev's: 64 HP / 232 SpA / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although one of the lesser used options, Charge Beam allows Rotom-S to attack while having a large chance to boost its already high Special Attack. When combined with Substitute, Rotom-S is even more capable of setting up on Blissey, a Pokemon that would normally wall a special attacking Rotom-S set. Seismic Toss has no effect on Rotom-S and Flamethrower / Ice Beam do not break Rotom-S's Substitutes due to the slight HP investment. Substitute also allows Rotom-S to block any Thunder Wave or Toxic that Blissey might launch at it. Shadow Ball is Rotom-S's main form of attack once it has received boosts from Charge Beam, capable of 3HKOing even 252 HP / 96 SpD Sassy Bronzong after a single boost. Hidden Power Fighting allows Rotom-S to take on incoming Tyranitar hoping to munch down on the wily ghost. After six boosts, Rotom-S is capable of 2HKOing even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey (the bulkiest Blissey that Rotom will likely encounter) with either Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-S's best form of attack against Scizor.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, 64 HP EVs allow Rotom-S's Substitutes to withstand any attack that Blissey is likely to use, as well as allowing Rotom-S to form three Substitutes in sand and five in normal weather. A Timid nature and 212 EVs allows Rotom-S to outspeed positive-Speed natured Mamoswine and neutral-Speed natured Lucario. Using 212 Speed EVs also allows Rotom-S to reach a bonus point. 232 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-S to almost always 2HKO even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey with Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt after six boosts. Rotom-S also has a 38% chance of 2HKOing 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Tyranitar in Sandstorm after a single boost with Hidden Power Fighting, a definite 2HKO if Tyranitar switches into Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Toxic Spikes support helps this set greatly, making it far easier to get past Blissey and guaranteeing a 2HKO on Tyranitar with Hidden Power Fighting after a Special Attack raise. Tentacruel, Forretress, and Roserade are great choices for setting up the entry hazard.</p>
<p>This set can defeat Tyranitar if a boost is obtained, but Heatran remains problematic as ever. Again, a Tyranitar of your own or a Snorlax is a good choice to pair with this set, but Sand Stream can backfire on you. You will have problems against Jolteon, Electivire, Flygon, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, since Charge Beam is your method of raising your stats. Most Flygons, bar the Choice Band user, cannot break through a Vaporeon, who can use Wish to help Rotom-S enter the field and begin to set up. A mixed Swampert can defeat all of these threats, fearing only Hidden Power Grass from Jolteon. As a bonus, Swampert, Vaporeon, and Tentacruel are great options to defeat Heatran. The reason they weren't brought up earlier is because compared to Tyranitar and Snorlax, their typing doesn't mesh as well with that of Rotom-S.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Entry hazards help out Rotom-S quite a bit. Many stall players use a Rest Talk Rotom forme to defeat Gyarados, and Stealth Rock forces it to take 25% of its health for switching in. Spikes and Toxic Spikes are the hallmarks of stall play, and Rotom-S usually finds its role in blocking attempts to clear them. The Boosting Sweeper set enjoys the use of Toxic Spikes to easily defeat Blissey. Sandstorms, summoned by Tyranitar or Hippowdon, can help a defensively oriented Rotom-S such as the Rest Talker by wearing down its offensive foes. However, the weather effect hurts offensive variants that lack a method of recovery.</p>
<p>When Rotom-S is played offensively, its teammates should seek to help it defeat its main counters: Tyranitar, Heatran, and Blissey. Heatran is defeated by Tyranitar, Snorlax, and bulky Water-types such as Vaporeon and Suicune, though Sand Stream may be a concern when using Tyranitar. Tyranitar is handled by most fighting types such as Machamp and Hariyama, and Lucario can set up on Rock and Dark attacks. Blissey can be defeated by any physical attacker, but care should be taken to make sure that your Pokemon of choice can also get past Skarmory or Forretress. Lucario and Tyranitar both have the power and movepool necessary for this.</p>
<p>Defensive Rotom-S sets, such as the Rest Talker, should be paired with the standard stall teammates. Spikes and Toxic Spikes are a given, and Skarmory, Tentacruel, and Forretress all serve this role well. Blissey is an excellent option for dealing with Gengar, and Hippowdon and Swampert are good choices for the role of setting up Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Tyranitar is often paired with Scizor, Salamence, and Gyarados. Rotom-S handles Scizor and Gyarados, but Salamence could prove problematic. Therefore, on a defensive team, Hippowdon should be used, whereas on an offensive team, Mamoswine is worth consideration. Heatran is seen with Scizor, Gyarados and Lucario. Hippowdon and Blissey can defeat all possible permutations of Lucario, while a scarfed Heatran of your own can do the same on an offensive team. Zapdos is frequently partnered with Scizor, Metagross, and Heatran. Of these three, Heatran is the only one who causes you problems, and he can be dealt with by Tyranitar, Snorlax, and Blissey. Jolteon is often accompanied by the same partners as Tyranitar, meaning that either Hippowdon or Mamoswine should be employed, depending on your team.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Rotom-S can make use of dual screens; however, Rotom-W or Rotom-C are superior in making use of them since they can actually threaten Tyranitar once Reflect is in place with Hydro Pump or Leaf Storm, respectively. Similarly, Rotom-S can also use the Rain Dance and Thunder combination, but again Rotom-W does this better because Hydro Pump gains a boost in the rain. Hidden Power Ground is a usable option for Heatran and Magnezone, and Hidden Power Fighting is a viable option for dealing with Tyranitar, along with those two. However, Rotom-W deals with these threats more easily, as it can use Hydro Pump. Will-O-Wisp is often enough to cripple Tyranitar anyways, making Hidden Power Fighting redundant.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Generally you'll want to EV Rotom-S offensively as its other forms perform best with more defensive options. However, if you desire to use a defensive set such as the Rest-Talk set you'll want to maximize HP and then split your defenses roughly evenly to combat both ends of the offensive spectrum. Feel free to distribute your EVs to survive specific attacks though.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Unfortunately for Rotom-S it was stricken with arguably the poorest exclusive move of the Rotom family, Air Slash, so its not likely to be the most popular choice amongst players should they opt to make use of one of the Rotom formes. That said, the move that cursed Rotom-S to inferiority can also be viewed as a saving grace. Rotom-S is one of the best counters to Heracross, Breloom, and Machamp and can outrun each of them and OHKO or 2HKO with Air Slash. Rotom-S can also function as a great annoyer by making use of parafusion and Air Slash's 30% flinch rate. Although Rotom-S is largely outclassed by its other forms, it still has a few unique options that players should keep in mind when building a team. However, you should note that if you don't intend to use Air Slash, another Rotom form is recommended, as you can gain an edge in a match by bluffing Overheat, Leaf Storm, or Hydro Pump.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Blissey counters virtually any set, although it will dislike being Tricked a Choice item. Slaking, Snorlax, and Tyranitar can switch in with relative ease and Pursuit Rotom-S, although none of them will enjoy receiving a Choice Specs or being hit with a Will-O-Wisp. Choice Specs Tyranitar is arguably the best switch in with its high Special Defense and it isn't fazed by Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Jolteon can switch into the Choice set with relative ease, with its immunity to Electric-type attacks and resistances to Air Slash, and fire off Shadow Balls of its own. Furthermore, Jolteon doesn't particularly mind receiving a Choice item. Electivire is in a similar boat, although if its physical based it won't enjoy Choice Specs or Will-O-Wisp. Calm Zapdos can switch in on anything and either Pressure stall Rotom-S or wear it down with repeated Thunderbolts or Heat Waves. Calm Mind Raikou and Jirachi can both use Rotom-S as set up fodder as long as they avoid Trick. Heatran and Magnezone can switch in on just about anything, excluding the incredibly rare Hidden Power Ground, and beat Rotom-S down. If Rotom-S opts against using Air Slash on the Rest-Talk set, Heracross can switch in on Will-O-Wisp for a Guts boost. Choice Scarf Gengar can revenge kill any variant of Rotom-S, but it can't switch in on Shadow Ball.</p>
All right, I've been procrastinating on doing this for almost a week, so I decided to sit down and finish it all today. I did it in notepad this time to avoid having to deal with the mess of removing font tags. Changes are in brown.
What I've Done:
-Added team discussions to each set
-Added team options section
-Removed mention of HP Grass in Choice set: Rotom-C was better
-Minor changes in Rest-talk set to emphasize its role on a stall team
-Changes to Other Options
-Slight restructuring of offensive set
[SET]
name: Special Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Trick / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
ev's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Offensive Rotom-S can be quite an effective sweeper with its unique typing allowing it to switch in on quite a few threats. Notably, Rotom-S is one of the better Heracross counters since it can switch into Heracross's STAB attacks with impunity and OHKO with Air Slash, if one opts for Choice Specs, or OHKO on average with Stealth Rock, if one opts for Choice Scarf.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball are rather obvious moves for STAB, and Shadow Ball is necessary to combat Jolteon and Electivire. Air Slash is Rotom-S's exclusive move and allows it to take on Breloom, Heracross, and Infernape. The final slot depends on what you want to hit. Hidden Power Ice is your best option against Dragonite, Flygon, and Salamence. However, Trick is probably a superior option because a Choice Scarf and Choice Specs are anathema to Blissey and Snorlax, although because of its exclusive move restriction necessitating the use of Shadow Ball, the other Rotom forms are best used for Trick.</p>
<p>Both Choice Specs and Choice Scarf are viable options on offensive Rotom-S and it comes down to whether your team needs power or speed. With a Timid nature Rotom-S is able to outrun base 85 Speed Pokemon, notably Kingdra and Heracross. With a Choice Scarf equipped Rotom-S will outrun all unboosted Pokemon, sans Deoxys-S and Ninjask. A Timid nature is always recommended because of Rotom-S's ability to outrun Jolly Heracross, Naive Scarfed Heatran, Agility Empoleon and Metagross, and a positive-natured Dragon Dance Gyarados. As with any Choice user, exchanging for Life Orb is viable as well.</p>
<p>Tyranitar easily counters this set, and Heatran can defeat it if it comes in on any attack other than a Choice Specs boosted Thunderbolt. You can turn the weakness to Tyranitar into an advantage by using a Lucario to take the expected Dark- / Rock-type attack and use Swords Dance on the switch. Alternatively, Machamp can directly counter Tyranitar, with its Dark- / Rock-type resistances and decent overall defenses. In regards to Heatran, a Tyranitar of your own is quite useful here, as it can efficiently take the harsh special attacks that cause Rotom-S to suffer. Snorlax can also work well in this regard: with its Thick Fat ability and high Special Defense, it can fairly easily defeat Heatran that don't resort to Explosion. Latias also works well in this role, though it makes your team weaker against Tyranitar and other Ghost- / Dark-type attackers.</p>
<p>Jolteon and specially defensive Zapdos sets give Rotom-S trouble. Fortunately, Tyranitar, Snorlax, and Latias all can easily defeat them.</p>
<p>Tyranitar is often paired with Gyarados, Infernape, or Scizor. Rotom-S easily counters Scizor. A Choice Scarf variant of this set can revenge kill Gyarados with Thunderbolt after it has Dragon Danced once, or a Choice Scarf Starmie can do the same. Use caution with Starmie, however, as it adds to your Ghost and Dark-type weaknesses. Starmie, Latias, or a Gyarados of your own can be used to deal with Infernape.</p>
<p>On the defensive side, Blissey sponges all of the set's attacks, but she can be crippled by predicting her switch-in and using Trick. In any case, however, it is good practice to use mixed attackers or stat-uppers that are capable of breaking through stall. Lucario and Tyranitar are good candidates for this role, and Rotom-S can take the Ground and Fighting-type attacks aimed at both of them.</p>
[SET]
name: Annoyer
move 1: Discharge / Thunder Wave
move 2: Confuse Ray
move 3: Air Slash
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
ev's: 252 HP / 40 SpA / 216 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes advantage of Rotom-S's access to annoying moves, such as Thunder Wave and Confuse Ray, coupled with Air Slash's 30% chance to flinch. Discharge is also a very good option in place of Thunder Wave. Discharge has a decent 30% chance of causing paralysis while still having an offensive option. Once paralysis and confusion have set in, your opponent will only be able to attack three-eighths of the time. Add in Air Slash's flinch rate and you have yourself quite an annoying Pokemon. Shadow Ball is the final option for STAB and it prevents Electivire, Jolteon, and Rhyperior from walling you entirely.</p>
<p>The given EVs are such that Rotom-S outruns maximum Speed, Adamant Gyarados allowing you to hit it with a Thunder Wave or Discharge before it can attack. The remaining EVs were placed in HP for overall survivability and then Special Attack for higher damage output.</p>
<p>An alternate option here is to drop Confuse Ray entirely and run a more sweeper oriented set by shifting the EVs to Special Attack and Speed and running Discharge / Air Slash / Shadow Ball and then either Hidden Power Ground or Hidden Power Ice in the final slot.</p>
<p>Tyranitar doesn't really mind paralysis, and it will still likely break through with a powerful, super effective Crunch. Therefore, using Lucario or Machamp is advisable. Heatran still walls and will defeat this set due to the lack of instant recovery, so again the use of Snorlax or a Tyranitar of your own is advisable. Blissey walls this set completely, and doesn't fear Trick as with the Special Choice set, so it is a matter of necessity to include a mixed attacker or strong physical stat-upper, such as Lucario or Tyranitar, that is capable of breaking through stall. Again, Jolteon and specially defensive Zapdos can defeat this set, but they have similar counters to Heatran.</p>
[SET]
name: Rest Talk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Air Slash
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
ev's: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is one set that nearly every Rotom-appliance can run, a basic Rest-Talk set. Rotom-S is naturally bulky and has unique typing and Rest-Talk helps with its survivability. Additionally, Rotom-S makes an excellent counter to many sleep inducers such as Breloom, Yanmega, and Crobat. Discharge is for STAB and is the best option for paralysis. Shadow Ball is also usable as a STAB option to counter Gengar, but generally Discharge is your best option. Will-O-Wisp is your final option and is great for crippling physical attackers such as Metagross and Tyranitar who may be tempted to switch in. Air Slash is also a decent option since Rotom-S can easily absorb sleep from Breloom and threaten it with Air Slash. On a stall team, Shadow Ball and Air Slash should be used, as Toxic Spikes support is assumed. Thunderbolt may be considered for Scizor, but if Scizor is a concern, Rotom-H is a superior candidate for your team.</p>
<p>The EVs provide equal defenses to allow Rotom-S to take hits from both ends of the spectrum.</p>
<p>This set is frequently employed on stall-oriented teams that are based on residual damage, and as such, its teammates are different from those of the offensive sets. The Rotom formes are the best Rapid Spin blockers in the metagame, and they should be accompanied by teammates who set up entry hazards. You should use either Hippowdon or Swampert to set up Stealth Rock, depending on if Lucario or Heatran is a greater concern, respectively, and on how much instant recovery is of value to you. Either Skarmory and Tentacruel or Forretress should be used to set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes to further wear down the opponent.</p>
<p>As with all the other sets, Tyranitar and Heatran are concerns, (Blissey, with its nonexistent offensive presence, can be defeated by Toxic Spikes) but different teammates are recommended for this defensively oriented set. Blissey can wall Heatran and Tentacruel can defeat it. Hippowdon is an excellent counter to Tyranitar, using Slack Off until Toxic Spikes take their toll or just using a STAB Earthquake. However, you should watch out for Defense drops obtained by Crunch if pursuing the former route.</p>
<p>Recently, due to the introduction of Latias and the Rotom formes in OU, specially defensive Forretress sets with Payback are being used to set up on and defeat weak special attackers such as this set. Once an opponent sees that you are not using a Rotom-H, he can send in such a Forretress with impunity, using Payback as you switch in to secure a 3HKO (34.87% - 41.45%). Will-O-Wisp can end this threat, but burn may interfere with Toxic Spikes. You can also use a Skarmory that possesses Taunt in order to stop the opponent from setting up entry hazards. But you must realize that Taunt doesn't block Rapid Spin, because it is an attack.</p>
[SET]
name: Boosting Sweeper
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
ev's: 64 HP / 232 SpA / 212 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although one of the lesser used options, Charge Beam allows Rotom-S to attack while having a large chance to boost its already high Special Attack. When combined with Substitute, Rotom-S is even more capable of setting up on Blissey, a Pokemon that would normally wall a special attacking Rotom-S set. Seismic Toss has no effect on Rotom-S and Flamethrower / Ice Beam do not break Rotom-S's Substitutes due to the slight HP investment. Substitute also allows Rotom-S to block any Thunder Wave or Toxic that Blissey might launch at it. Shadow Ball is Rotom-S's main form of attack once it has received boosts from Charge Beam, capable of 3HKOing even 252 HP / 96 SpD Sassy Bronzong after a single boost. Hidden Power Fighting allows Rotom-S to take on incoming Tyranitar hoping to munch down on the wily ghost. After six boosts, Rotom-S is capable of 2HKOing even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey (the bulkiest Blissey that Rotom will likely encounter) with either Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-S's best form of attack against Scizor.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, 64 HP EVs allow Rotom-S's Substitutes to withstand any attack that Blissey is likely to use, as well as allowing Rotom-S to form three Substitutes in sand and five in normal weather. A Timid nature and 212 EVs allows Rotom-S to outspeed positive-Speed natured Mamoswine and neutral-Speed natured Lucario. Using 212 Speed EVs also allows Rotom-S to reach a bonus point. 232 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-S to almost always 2HKO even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey with Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt after six boosts. Rotom-S also has a 38% chance of 2HKOing 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Tyranitar in Sandstorm after a single boost with Hidden Power Fighting, a definite 2HKO if Tyranitar switches into Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Toxic Spikes support helps this set greatly, making it far easier to get past Blissey and guaranteeing a 2HKO on Tyranitar with Hidden Power Fighting after a Special Attack raise. Tentacruel, Forretress, and Roserade are great choices for setting up the entry hazard.</p>
<p>This set can defeat Tyranitar if a boost is obtained, but Heatran remains problematic as ever. Again, a Tyranitar of your own or a Snorlax is a good choice to pair with this set, but Sand Stream can backfire on you. You will have problems against Jolteon, Electivire, Flygon, Gliscor, and Hippowdon, since Charge Beam is your method of raising your stats. Most Flygons, bar the Choice Band user, cannot break through a Vaporeon, who can use Wish to help Rotom-S enter the field and begin to set up. A mixed Swampert can defeat all of these threats, fearing only Hidden Power Grass from Jolteon. As a bonus, Swampert, Vaporeon, and Tentacruel are great options to defeat Heatran. The reason they weren't brought up earlier is because compared to Tyranitar and Snorlax, their typing doesn't mesh as well with that of Rotom-S.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Entry hazards help out Rotom-S quite a bit. Many stall players use a Rest Talk Rotom forme to defeat Gyarados, and Stealth Rock forces it to take 25% of its health for switching in. Spikes and Toxic Spikes are the hallmarks of stall play, and Rotom-S usually finds its role in blocking attempts to clear them. The Boosting Sweeper set enjoys the use of Toxic Spikes to easily defeat Blissey. Sandstorms, summoned by Tyranitar or Hippowdon, can help a defensively oriented Rotom-S such as the Rest Talker by wearing down its offensive foes. However, the weather effect hurts offensive variants that lack a method of recovery.</p>
<p>When Rotom-S is played offensively, its teammates should seek to help it defeat its main counters: Tyranitar, Heatran, and Blissey. Heatran is defeated by Tyranitar, Snorlax, and bulky Water-types such as Vaporeon and Suicune, though Sand Stream may be a concern when using Tyranitar. Tyranitar is handled by most fighting types such as Machamp and Hariyama, and Lucario can set up on Rock and Dark attacks. Blissey can be defeated by any physical attacker, but care should be taken to make sure that your Pokemon of choice can also get past Skarmory or Forretress. Lucario and Tyranitar both have the power and movepool necessary for this.</p>
<p>Defensive Rotom-S sets, such as the Rest Talker, should be paired with the standard stall teammates. Spikes and Toxic Spikes are a given, and Skarmory, Tentacruel, and Forretress all serve this role well. Blissey is an excellent option for dealing with Gengar, and Hippowdon and Swampert are good choices for the role of setting up Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>Tyranitar is often paired with Scizor, Salamence, and Gyarados. Rotom-S handles Scizor and Gyarados, but Salamence could prove problematic. Therefore, on a defensive team, Hippowdon should be used, whereas on an offensive team, Mamoswine is worth consideration. Heatran is seen with Scizor, Gyarados and Lucario. Hippowdon and Blissey can defeat all possible permutations of Lucario, while a scarfed Heatran of your own can do the same on an offensive team. Zapdos is frequently partnered with Scizor, Metagross, and Heatran. Of these three, Heatran is the only one who causes you problems, and he can be dealt with by Tyranitar, Snorlax, and Blissey. Jolteon is often accompanied by the same partners as Tyranitar, meaning that either Hippowdon or Mamoswine should be employed, depending on your team.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Rotom-S can make use of dual screens; however, Rotom-W or Rotom-C are superior in making use of them since they can actually threaten Tyranitar once Reflect is in place with Hydro Pump or Leaf Storm, respectively. Similarly, Rotom-S can also use the Rain Dance and Thunder combination, but again Rotom-W does this better because Hydro Pump gains a boost in the rain. Hidden Power Ground is a usable option for Heatran and Magnezone, and Hidden Power Fighting is a viable option for dealing with Tyranitar, along with those two. However, Rotom-W deals with these threats more easily, as it can use Hydro Pump. Will-O-Wisp is often enough to cripple Tyranitar anyways, making Hidden Power Fighting redundant.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Generally you'll want to EV Rotom-S offensively as its other forms perform best with more defensive options. However, if you desire to use a defensive set such as the Rest-Talk set you'll want to maximize HP and then split your defenses roughly evenly to combat both ends of the offensive spectrum. Feel free to distribute your EVs to survive specific attacks though.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Unfortunately for Rotom-S it was stricken with arguably the poorest exclusive move of the Rotom family, Air Slash, so its not likely to be the most popular choice amongst players should they opt to make use of one of the Rotom formes. That said, the move that cursed Rotom-S to inferiority can also be viewed as a saving grace. Rotom-S is one of the best counters to Heracross, Breloom, and Machamp and can outrun each of them and OHKO or 2HKO with Air Slash. Rotom-S can also function as a great annoyer by making use of parafusion and Air Slash's 30% flinch rate. Although Rotom-S is largely outclassed by its other forms, it still has a few unique options that players should keep in mind when building a team. However, you should note that if you don't intend to use Air Slash, another Rotom form is recommended, as you can gain an edge in a match by bluffing Overheat, Leaf Storm, or Hydro Pump.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Blissey counters virtually any set, although it will dislike being Tricked a Choice item. Slaking, Snorlax, and Tyranitar can switch in with relative ease and Pursuit Rotom-S, although none of them will enjoy receiving a Choice Specs or being hit with a Will-O-Wisp. Choice Specs Tyranitar is arguably the best switch in with its high Special Defense and it isn't fazed by Will-O-Wisp or Trick. Jolteon can switch into the Choice set with relative ease, with its immunity to Electric-type attacks and resistances to Air Slash, and fire off Shadow Balls of its own. Furthermore, Jolteon doesn't particularly mind receiving a Choice item. Electivire is in a similar boat, although if its physical based it won't enjoy Choice Specs or Will-O-Wisp. Calm Zapdos can switch in on anything and either Pressure stall Rotom-S or wear it down with repeated Thunderbolts or Heat Waves. Calm Mind Raikou and Jirachi can both use Rotom-S as set up fodder as long as they avoid Trick. Heatran and Magnezone can switch in on just about anything, excluding the incredibly rare Hidden Power Ground, and beat Rotom-S down. If Rotom-S opts against using Air Slash on the Rest-Talk set, Heracross can switch in on Will-O-Wisp for a Guts boost. Choice Scarf Gengar can revenge kill any variant of Rotom-S, but it can't switch in on Shadow Ball.</p>
