[OVERVIEW]
Golem is one of the most reliable Stealth Rock setters in the tier thanks to Sturdy, which allows it to withstand at least one attack, guaranteeing an entry hazard set; however, it faces competition from other Stealth Rock leads, such as Carracosta and Barbaracle. Sturdy and Explosion are the main reasons to use Golem over Carracosta and Barbaracle. In addition, Golem can be preferred over Probopass for its offensive presence and secondary Ground typing. STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge hit most of the common leads and provide great coverage. It finds a strong priority move in Sucker Punch, which makes up for its low Speed, and it has a few relevant resistances and a good Defense stat, which makes it a great check to some big threats such as Dodrio, Flareon, Ursaring, and Stoutland. However, it has a slew of weaknesses, including double weaknesses to Water- and Grass-type moves. Its offensive presence is limited by the amount of bulky Pokemon in the metagame, especially Water- and Grass-types. It also has no reliable forms of recovery, meaning it can't act as a physical wall and switch repeatedly into attacks.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Blast
move 4: Explosion / Sucker Punch
item: Custap Berry / Weakness Policy
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock wears down opposing teams with residual damage and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy. STAB Stone Edge and Earthquake cover a lot of threats and hit hard. Rock Blast may be used to break Substitutes and OHKO other Focus Sash leads such as Grass- and Bug-types. Explosion prevents spinners and Defoggers, such as Armaldo, Pelipper, and Togetic, from removing Stealth Rock and provides momentum for the team. It also weakens common checks to your team so that another Pokemon can clean later on. Sucker Punch can be used to pick off weakened but faster Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Sturdy allows Golem to survive at least one hit in order to set up Stealth Rock. A Weakness Policy allows it to make use of its weaknesses by discouraging the use of super effective moves when Golem is at full HP and helps deal more damage, particularly with Sucker Punch. A Custap Berry, on the other hand, can be run to let Golem use Explosion after Sturdy has activated, which is useful against faster Pokemon. Maximum Speed investment allows it to outspeed everything up to uninvested base 75 Speed Pokemon, such as Pelipper. An Adamant nature allows Golem to deal more damage, whereas a Jolly nature lets Golem outspeed standard Poliwrath.
Usage Tips
========
Golem is best used as a lead, as Sturdy will always be intact at the start of the match. Its main role is setting Stealth Rock up as soon as possible. It can also be used mid-game, as it can check Flying-, Normal-, and Electric-types. Even though Golem is a Ground-type, it can't properly counter Electric-types such as Zebstrika, as their coverage allows them to KO Golem. Use Explosion in front of slower Rapid Spin users and Defoggers in order to prevent them from removing entry hazards. Watch out for Mold Breaker Rampardos and Bullet Seed Torterra, which can easily OHKO through Sturdy. Golem should not be considered a reliable check to offensive threats, as without HP investment, Golem's bulk is mediocre at best. You can also switch Golem in many times in order to get it to Custap Berry range. Stealth Rock should not be used against faster Pokemon with Taunt, such as Misdreavus, because it'd be useless.
Team Options
========
This Golem set is one of the best Stealth Rock setters for hyper offensive teams, as it is relatively quick and powerful, and you can usually maintain Stealth Rock because of Explosion. It should be paired with a Ghost-type, such as Misdreavus, in order to block Rapid Spin, and possibly a Defiant user, such as Pawniard or Purugly, to benefit from Defog, as you'll often get only one chance to set Stealth Rock. Other entry hazard setters, such as Roselia, can be used to further increase the residual damage and create nice entry hazard-stacking cores. Powerful attackers, such as Zebstrika, Ninetales, and Sawsbuck, appreciate entry hazard support. Ninetales and Zebstrika, in particular, are great partners, as they're able to deal with bulky Grass- and Water-types.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock deals residual damage and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy. Earthquake is Golem's strong STAB move. A Rock-type STAB move helps against common Defoggers and spinners such as Togetic, Pelipper, and Avalugg. Rock Blast is great for hitting through Substitute and breaking Focus Sash; it is also the only way for Golem to threaten Avalugg. Choose Stone Edge in order to deal more damage. Sucker Punch is great for picking off weakened Pokemon. Toxic can allow Golem to cripple some bulky Pokemon, as it otherwise couldn't do much to Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath.
Set Details
========
Leftovers gives Golem slightly more longevity, notably restoring Sturdy after Golem switches into Stealth Rock. Sturdy allows Stealth Rock to be set up reliably. Most offensive teams can't really switch into Stealth Rock too many times. 44 EVs in Speed are needed to outrun uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon, such as Piloswine, Lickilicky, and Carbink. 252 Attack EVs, along with an Adamant nature, allow Golem to deal as much damage as possible. 212 HP EVs are given to increase its bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Golem's main role on any team is to set Stealth Rock up, tank a few physical hits, and threaten the opponent's team with high-powered attacks. It is also useful throughout the match, as it is able to check Flying-, Electric-, Normal-, and Fire-types, especially if they are holding a Choice item. As such, there's no need to use it as a lead if the opposing team has a Defogger. Sucker Punch is useful to finish off weakened foes and get chip damage off before dying. For example, it lets Golem revenge kill weakened Simipour and Ninetales. Toxic should be used to hit bulky Pokemon, such as Tangela and Torterra, on the switch because staying in isn't recommended. Be careful of Taunt users, such as Misdreavus, because they can stop Golem from setting Stealth Rock up.
Team Options
========
Golem can fit in balanced and offensive teams because of its ability to maintain offensive presence and provide entry hazard support at the same time. Pokemon that can switch into Water- and Grass-types, such as Gourgeist, Torterra, and Tangela, make for useful partners. Roselia can be a good teammate, as it can set up entry hazards and it has good typing synergy with Golem. Golem has great synergy with offensive Flying-types, such as Dodrio and Chatot, as it can beat Steel-types, such as Probopass, with Earthquake and can tank Rock- and Electric-type attacks. Pokemon that prevent or discourage entry hazards from being removed, such as Misdreavus, Pawniard, and Purugly, are useful. Finally, Pokemon that benefit from Stealth Rock, such as Ninetales, Zebstrika, and Dodrio, are recommended as partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Superpower can be used to hit Normal- and Dark-types, such as Lickilicky, Ursaring, and Mightyena, super effectively. Thanks to Sturdy, Counter can be used to get rid of physical attackers after Golem gets hit by a powerful attack. Autotomize boosts Speed, making Golem more threatening and allowing it to outspeed almost the whole tier. A Choice Band may be given to deal more damage to the opposing Pokemon. Mental Herb prevents Taunt users from stopping Golem from setting Stealth Rock up.
Checks and Counters
=================
**Bulky Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Torterra, Gourgeist, and Tangela resist Golem's STAB attacks and can switch into it and either OHKO it with their STAB attacks or force it out.
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Poliwrath can switch into Golem without taking much damage, due to their bulk and resistances, and OHKO it with their powerful Water-type STAB moves.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Golem can deal with the most common Rapid Spin users such as Torkoal and Armaldo quite well and can deal damage to Defoggers such as Pelipper and Swanna on the switch in, but it is threatened by their STAB attacks and doesn't want its entry hazards removed.
**Anti-Leads**: Bullet Seed Torterra and Mold Breaker Rampardos are able to OHKO Golem regardless of Sturdy. Taunt users, such as Misdreavus, Vigoroth, and Kricketune, can stop Golem from setting up Stealth Rock.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Pokemon with super effective coverage, such as Raichu, Ninetales, and Zebstrika, can normally OHKO Golem, though Golem can survive a hit thanks to Sturdy and might have a Weakness Policy. Strong special attackers in general hit Golem pretty hard.
Golem is one of the most reliable Stealth Rock setters in the tier thanks to Sturdy, which allows it to withstand at least one attack, guaranteeing an entry hazard set; however, it faces competition from other Stealth Rock leads, such as Carracosta and Barbaracle. Sturdy and Explosion are the main reasons to use Golem over Carracosta and Barbaracle. In addition, Golem can be preferred over Probopass for its offensive presence and secondary Ground typing. STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge hit most of the common leads and provide great coverage. It finds a strong priority move in Sucker Punch, which makes up for its low Speed, and it has a few relevant resistances and a good Defense stat, which makes it a great check to some big threats such as Dodrio, Flareon, Ursaring, and Stoutland. However, it has a slew of weaknesses, including double weaknesses to Water- and Grass-type moves. Its offensive presence is limited by the amount of bulky Pokemon in the metagame, especially Water- and Grass-types. It also has no reliable forms of recovery, meaning it can't act as a physical wall and switch repeatedly into attacks.
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone Edge / Rock Blast
move 4: Explosion / Sucker Punch
item: Custap Berry / Weakness Policy
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock wears down opposing teams with residual damage and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy. STAB Stone Edge and Earthquake cover a lot of threats and hit hard. Rock Blast may be used to break Substitutes and OHKO other Focus Sash leads such as Grass- and Bug-types. Explosion prevents spinners and Defoggers, such as Armaldo, Pelipper, and Togetic, from removing Stealth Rock and provides momentum for the team. It also weakens common checks to your team so that another Pokemon can clean later on. Sucker Punch can be used to pick off weakened but faster Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Sturdy allows Golem to survive at least one hit in order to set up Stealth Rock. A Weakness Policy allows it to make use of its weaknesses by discouraging the use of super effective moves when Golem is at full HP and helps deal more damage, particularly with Sucker Punch. A Custap Berry, on the other hand, can be run to let Golem use Explosion after Sturdy has activated, which is useful against faster Pokemon. Maximum Speed investment allows it to outspeed everything up to uninvested base 75 Speed Pokemon, such as Pelipper. An Adamant nature allows Golem to deal more damage, whereas a Jolly nature lets Golem outspeed standard Poliwrath.
Usage Tips
========
Golem is best used as a lead, as Sturdy will always be intact at the start of the match. Its main role is setting Stealth Rock up as soon as possible. It can also be used mid-game, as it can check Flying-, Normal-, and Electric-types. Even though Golem is a Ground-type, it can't properly counter Electric-types such as Zebstrika, as their coverage allows them to KO Golem. Use Explosion in front of slower Rapid Spin users and Defoggers in order to prevent them from removing entry hazards. Watch out for Mold Breaker Rampardos and Bullet Seed Torterra, which can easily OHKO through Sturdy. Golem should not be considered a reliable check to offensive threats, as without HP investment, Golem's bulk is mediocre at best. You can also switch Golem in many times in order to get it to Custap Berry range. Stealth Rock should not be used against faster Pokemon with Taunt, such as Misdreavus, because it'd be useless.
Team Options
========
This Golem set is one of the best Stealth Rock setters for hyper offensive teams, as it is relatively quick and powerful, and you can usually maintain Stealth Rock because of Explosion. It should be paired with a Ghost-type, such as Misdreavus, in order to block Rapid Spin, and possibly a Defiant user, such as Pawniard or Purugly, to benefit from Defog, as you'll often get only one chance to set Stealth Rock. Other entry hazard setters, such as Roselia, can be used to further increase the residual damage and create nice entry hazard-stacking cores. Powerful attackers, such as Zebstrika, Ninetales, and Sawsbuck, appreciate entry hazard support. Ninetales and Zebstrika, in particular, are great partners, as they're able to deal with bulky Grass- and Water-types.
[SET]
name: Tank
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock deals residual damage and breaks Focus Sash and Sturdy. Earthquake is Golem's strong STAB move. A Rock-type STAB move helps against common Defoggers and spinners such as Togetic, Pelipper, and Avalugg. Rock Blast is great for hitting through Substitute and breaking Focus Sash; it is also the only way for Golem to threaten Avalugg. Choose Stone Edge in order to deal more damage. Sucker Punch is great for picking off weakened Pokemon. Toxic can allow Golem to cripple some bulky Pokemon, as it otherwise couldn't do much to Pokemon such as Tangela and Poliwrath.
Set Details
========
Leftovers gives Golem slightly more longevity, notably restoring Sturdy after Golem switches into Stealth Rock. Sturdy allows Stealth Rock to be set up reliably. Most offensive teams can't really switch into Stealth Rock too many times. 44 EVs in Speed are needed to outrun uninvested base 50 Speed Pokemon, such as Piloswine, Lickilicky, and Carbink. 252 Attack EVs, along with an Adamant nature, allow Golem to deal as much damage as possible. 212 HP EVs are given to increase its bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Golem's main role on any team is to set Stealth Rock up, tank a few physical hits, and threaten the opponent's team with high-powered attacks. It is also useful throughout the match, as it is able to check Flying-, Electric-, Normal-, and Fire-types, especially if they are holding a Choice item. As such, there's no need to use it as a lead if the opposing team has a Defogger. Sucker Punch is useful to finish off weakened foes and get chip damage off before dying. For example, it lets Golem revenge kill weakened Simipour and Ninetales. Toxic should be used to hit bulky Pokemon, such as Tangela and Torterra, on the switch because staying in isn't recommended. Be careful of Taunt users, such as Misdreavus, because they can stop Golem from setting Stealth Rock up.
Team Options
========
Golem can fit in balanced and offensive teams because of its ability to maintain offensive presence and provide entry hazard support at the same time. Pokemon that can switch into Water- and Grass-types, such as Gourgeist, Torterra, and Tangela, make for useful partners. Roselia can be a good teammate, as it can set up entry hazards and it has good typing synergy with Golem. Golem has great synergy with offensive Flying-types, such as Dodrio and Chatot, as it can beat Steel-types, such as Probopass, with Earthquake and can tank Rock- and Electric-type attacks. Pokemon that prevent or discourage entry hazards from being removed, such as Misdreavus, Pawniard, and Purugly, are useful. Finally, Pokemon that benefit from Stealth Rock, such as Ninetales, Zebstrika, and Dodrio, are recommended as partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Superpower can be used to hit Normal- and Dark-types, such as Lickilicky, Ursaring, and Mightyena, super effectively. Thanks to Sturdy, Counter can be used to get rid of physical attackers after Golem gets hit by a powerful attack. Autotomize boosts Speed, making Golem more threatening and allowing it to outspeed almost the whole tier. A Choice Band may be given to deal more damage to the opposing Pokemon. Mental Herb prevents Taunt users from stopping Golem from setting Stealth Rock up.
Checks and Counters
=================
**Bulky Grass-types**: Pokemon such as Torterra, Gourgeist, and Tangela resist Golem's STAB attacks and can switch into it and either OHKO it with their STAB attacks or force it out.
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Poliwrath can switch into Golem without taking much damage, due to their bulk and resistances, and OHKO it with their powerful Water-type STAB moves.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Golem can deal with the most common Rapid Spin users such as Torkoal and Armaldo quite well and can deal damage to Defoggers such as Pelipper and Swanna on the switch in, but it is threatened by their STAB attacks and doesn't want its entry hazards removed.
**Anti-Leads**: Bullet Seed Torterra and Mold Breaker Rampardos are able to OHKO Golem regardless of Sturdy. Taunt users, such as Misdreavus, Vigoroth, and Kricketune, can stop Golem from setting up Stealth Rock.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Pokemon with super effective coverage, such as Raichu, Ninetales, and Zebstrika, can normally OHKO Golem, though Golem can survive a hit thanks to Sturdy and might have a Weakness Policy. Strong special attackers in general hit Golem pretty hard.
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