I've updated Roserade to OU, for some sets, its mainly been concising, others complete rewrite.
STATUS: Ready for upload?
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/roserade
____________________
Changes:
-On the Lead set, I’ve added in a bit about against common leads
-Slightly concised the Spikes set
-Changed Choice set to OU
-Changed SubSeed set to OU
-Removed Life Orb set – main use was in UU, lacks use in OU
-Changed Team Options section to OU
-Change other sections at end to OU
-Team Options in blue
_____________________
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Focus Sash
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade makes a great lead in OU thanks to its good Speed stat and Sleep Powder. Most of its success will come when facing slower leads, such as Swampert, Hippowdon, and Bronzong. Even when facing faster leads such as Azelf, Roserade can make its opponent think twice about what move to use thanks to its Focus Sash along with the dual threat of Leaf Storm and Sleep Powder. If possible, Roserade should open with Sleep Powder. After successfully putting something to sleep, Roserade should be guaranteed at least one layer of Toxic Spikes. Hidden Power Fire is for the Scizor and Forretress looking to KO you with Bullet Punch and Rapid Spin your Toxic Spikes away, respectively. Hidden Power Ground is also an option for Heatran and other Fire-types. Hidden Power Ice is another option for Salamence who may switch in to take Leaf Storm once they have sacrificed someone to Sleep Powder. It is not uncommon for a player to elicit a Leaf Storm from Roserade by baiting it with their Tyranitar or Gyarados only to switch to a Pokemon that is more suited to taking the blow, such as Scizor or Skarmory. This is usually followed by a switch back to the original Pokemon, who can then set up on Roserade much more easily. To avoid such scenarios, Grass Knot can be used over Leaf Storm.</p>
<p>Teammates for this set should be able to abuse Toxic Spikes to their fullest potential, letting the entry hazards weaken a wall enough so that they can set up and KO it. Empoleon, Rotom-A, and Latias all come to mind, as Blissey will be unable to wall them very successfully while coping with accumulating Toxic damage. Make sure you keep in mind how many layers of Toxic Spikes you should aim to lay down. One layer should suffice if facing a more offensive team, as normal poison will outdamage "Toxic" poison over two turns. If facing a stall team, two layers are needed so that your opponent's walls will have no chance to just recover off the fixed poison damage that results from only one layer of Toxic Spikes. A Ghost-type such as Rotom-A is a nice partner to this to stop your oppponent spinning away your Toxic Spikes.</p>
<p>This set has problems with Jirachi, Infernape, and Lum Berry Metagross leads. an Iron Head and stop Roserade 60% of the time, Infernape can use the combination of Fake Out and Fire Blast to take out Roserade,, and Lum Berry Metagross leads can take Sleep Powder due to Lum Berry and OHKO with Earthquake + Bullet Punch. Magnezone makes a nice partner since it can trap Jirachi leads as well as Earthquake-less Metagross leads. Heatran can also do well against both Jirachi and Lum Berry Metagross leads, although it must not switch in on Earthquake from Metagross, but once in, it scares them of with Fire Blast. Rotom-A and Zapdos make nice partners because they can stop Jirachi and Metagross; Rotom-H in particular due to Overheat. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon can make nice partners to deal with Infernape leads. Latias, Starmie, and Salamence can also do well against Infernape leads. Aerodactyl and Azelf leads with Taunt stop this set from setting up Toxic Spikes or using Sleep Powder. A Choice Scarf Jirachi can do well with Iron Head to take care of those two, since they only have a 60% chance of attacking. Tyranitar can do well against Azelf, but its Sand Stream will mean your Sash will be broken next time you switch in. However, Stealth Rock would likely now be on the field and so Roserade's Sash would be broken the next time it switches in. Swampert can make a nice partner to deal with Aerodactyl leads. Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape are good options to scare off Roserade that try and absorb your Toxic Spikes as well as scaring off Forretress who tries to spin them away. Tentacruel can absorb your Toxic Spikes therefore having a Pokemon such as Latias to set up can be useful or a powerful Earthquake user such as Mamoswine who can scare it off.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Stun Spore / Synthesis / Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Most people overlook Roserade’s fantastic support option of setting up Spikes, along with its good base 105 Special Defense stat. This set takes advantage of these two qualities to make a pseudo-tank that can set up entry hazards while handling common Rapid Spinners.</p>
<p>Grass Knot and Hidden Power Fire take on most Rapid Spinners; Blastoise, Claydol, Donphan, and Starmie are dealt with by Grass Knot, and Forretress without any Special Defense EVs are OHKOed by a quick Hidden Power Fire. Stun Spore enables you to prevent Pokemon like Heatran, Infernape, and Salamence from setting up on you with no strings attached. However, Roserade appreciates recovery as well, so Synthesis and Rest are options as well. Synthesis is the ideal move, as with it, Roserade can set up on the likes of Rotom-A, Celebi, and Vaporeon while effortlessly recovering off the damage sustained from their weaker special attacks. Unfortunately, sandstorm will ruin Synthesis, so Rest can be used as well, as it is a more consistent option; especially since Natural Cure removes sleep. Other options on this set include Hidden Power Ice to handle Salamence, Energy Ball for breaking the Substitutes of Rotom-A, and Hidden Power Ground for taking on Heatran, Infernape, and Jolteon.</p>
<p>The EVs are certainly not the standard Roserade EVs, but they have a relatively simple purpose. The HP and SpD EVs provide great special bulk, letting Roserade take most special hits with ease and Rest off the damage. The Speed EVs outpace the common 36 Speed EVs base 100s like Celebi and Zapdos, as well as outpacing Jolly Tyranitar. Another option is to use 56 Defense EVs, in a spread of 252 HP / 56 Def / 80 SpD / 120 Spe, as it will survive an Adamant Scizor's Choice Band Bullet Punch always, even through Stealth Rock and sandstorm.</p>
<p>To maximize Roserade's potential, center your team around causing switches. Both offensive and defensive approaches are viable. Using Pokemon like Hippowdon and Blissey will force your opponent to constantly switch out his sweepers from Pokemon that wall them, and using Pokemon like Salamence and Infernape will rack up Spikes damage from repeated switches to a counter. Make sure you have a Pokemon to take the probable Fire- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Roserade, especially physical ones. Heatran can easily withstand those attacks, and it can switch into a Scizor trying to Bullet Punch a weakened Roserade. Bulky Water-types like Gyarados, Suicune, and Swampert, and Vaporeon can deal with Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape, along with the ever-threatening Salamence and to an extent, Latias. They also happen to lure in a number of Pokemon Roserade can freely set up on. Suicune and Vaporeon attract Blissey, and Gyarados and Swampert can lure in Vaporeon and Rotom-A respectively. Celebi is prone to switching in on all four as well. Of note is that these Water-types all have access to Roar, which takes advantage of the residual damage of Roserade's Spikes. A Ghost-type such as Rotom-A is a nice partner to this to stop your oppponent spinning away your Spikes. If you lack Hidden Power Fire, then powerful Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape can deal with Forretress that try and Rapid Spin away your Spikes.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Sleep Powder / Energy Ball
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like most special attackers, Roserade can make great use of a Choice item. Roserade can actually make a very nice lead with a Choice Scarf as it can incapacitate most common leads, barring Choice Scarf Jirachi and Lum Berry ones. Leaf Storm is a powerful attack that will badly hurt most Pokemon without a Grass-type resistance. Sludge Bomb supplements Leaf Storm by hitting most Grass-type resists, although you must watch out for Scizor switch-ins. Hidden Power Ground hits the Steel- and Poison- types that resist your STAB attacks, Heatran in particular. However, Hidden Power Ice can be used for Salamence who may try and switch into Leaf Storm, but leaves you helpless against Steel-types. Hidden Power Fire is another option for Forretress and Scizor, while also hurting most Steel-types, but leaves you useless against Heatran. If not being used as a lead then Sleep Powder can be replaced by Energy Ball for a more reliable Grass-type attack late-game.</p>
<p>Although Choice Scarf is the preferred item due to Roserade’s average Speed, Choice Specs can be used should you want more power rather than a revenge killer / lead. When holding Choice Specs, Sleep Powder is a less worthwhile option due to Roserade’s lower Speed, therefore Energy Ball would be preferred for a more reliable Grass-type attack. The Choice Specs set packs a lot more power, but is also rather slow. Timid is the preferred nature for the extra Speed it provides, allowing Roserade to outspeed +1 neutral natured base 100s, and with the Choice Specs set, it outspeeds Jolly Gyarados, Timid Rotom-A, and neutral base 100s. Modest can be used for the extra power though. It does make Leaf Storm a much deadlier weapon.</p>
<p>Blissey is the biggest problem to this set, laughing at all special attacks, as well as Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure. Snorlax also has high Special Defense to take attacks, but fears Sleep Powder more, unless it has Sleep Talk. Lum Berry Metagross leads cause this set problems when this is used as a lead since Meteor Mash will OHKO and Lum Berry saves them from Sleep Powder. Skarmory and Forretress are a problem as long as they don’t switch in on Sleep Powder or the odd Hidden Power Fire. Once in, they can take the time to set up Spikes with ease. With a Grass-type resistance and Poison-type immunity, Heatran can do well as long as it doesn’t switch in on Hidden Power Ground or Sleep Powder. Salamence resists Leaf Storm and is immune to Hidden Power Ground so is a problem, and can take the time to Dragon Dance up or just unleash a powerful attack. Bronzong can take all attacks easily barring Hidden Power Fire / Sleep Powder and attack back with Gyro Ball. Scizor is a problem due to Bullet Punch revenge killing Roserade, and barring Hidden Power Fire or Sleep Powder, it can switch in with ease.</p>
<p>Heracross, Infernape, Lucario, and Machamp are good options for partners to scare off both Blissey and Snorlax. Infernape also has STAB Fire-type moves to scare off Bronzong, Forretress, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. Heatran is a solid partner to deal with the Steel-types and can also bait Blissey and Snorlax with Explosion. The Rotom forms can make nice partners to deal with Forretress, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory; Rotom-H in particular due to Overheat. Zapdos is a nice partner for the same reasons as Rotom-A. Bulky Water-types such as Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon can make nice partners to scare off Heatran, barring Hidden Power Grass. Suicune and Swampert can also do well against Metagross and Salamence. Gyarados can also make a nice partner for taking on most Heatran as well as Scizor. It can also deal with Skarmory thanks to Taunt. Dugtrio remains a good option to trap and kill weakened Blissey and Metagross, as well as non-Choice Scarf Heatran, although it can’t take a hit.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can use a SubSeed set fairly effectively; its two main selling points are a STAB Sludge Bomb to fend off opposing Grass-types, who are unaffected by Leech Seed, and the ability to set up Spikes. The general strategy is to come in on an attack that can't do too much damage to Roserade, and then set up a Substitute. The either use Sludge Bomb if you can deal heavy damage to the switch-in or Leech Seed if you cannot. Assuming you do manage to pull off a successful Leech Seed, you should be able to wear down your opponent's health through repeated Substitutes. Through this, you will either KO your foe, force it to switch out, or force it to recover. If your enemy switches out, you should have a Substitute up, so rinse and repeat the whole process. If your opponent recovers, you have essentially gained a free turn in which you are free to set up a layer of Spikes, possibly more if your opponent used Rest. Spikes can be replaced by Hidden Power Fire should you want to deal with Forretress who can Rapid Spin away Leech Seed and is immune to Sludge Bomb.</p>
<p>The EVs are pretty straightforward. Maximize your Speed first so that you will be able to outspeed a wider range of opponent and therefore be able to initiate your SubSeeding combination without getting hit first. Then maximize Special Attack, as Roserade's defenses are more of a second thought when using this set; you shouldn't be taking many hits when using this strategy.</p>
<p>Even though this set is more of an independent operator, it can still use help from its teammates, especially in entry hazard support. Stealth Rock is much appreciated on this set, as Pokemon will often switch out from Leech Seed. Azelf, Metagross and Swampert are good options to set up Stealth Rock. Paralysis support is also useful to help in outspeeding faster opponents. Good options for this are Rotom-A and Zapdos. Taunt Gyarados can cause this set problems by stopping it from using Leech Seed, Spikes, or Substitute, therefore Rotom-A, Suicune, or Vaporeon can make nice partners to deal with it.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Stealth Rock support is useful for most sets. Azelf, Metagross, and Swampert are good options for this. Paralysis support can be helpful for the the Spikes and SubSeed sets to help them outspeed many of the faster Pokemon. Rotom-A and Zapdos are good options. Celebi can also make good use of Thunder Wave, but has a similar typing.</p>
<p>Good offensive partners to Roserade include Heatran and Infernape. They can scare off the Steel-types which Roserade hates, and they both have moves to hit Salamence with. Infernape can also deal with Blissey and Snorlax who wall offensive Roserade sets. Starmie is a nice offensive partner to scare off Heatran, as well as Salamence and Skarmory. Heracross, Lucario, and Machamp are good partners to take out Blissey and Snorlax. Rotom-A and Zapdos are good offensive partners to deal with Bronzong, Jirachi, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. Rotom-A can also deal with Gyarados.</p>
<p>There are many good defensive partners to Roserade. Heatran is also an excellent defensive partner to Roserade, possessing a resistance or immunity to all of Roserade's weaknesses. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon also work well alongside Roserade. They can all take Fire-type attacks aimed at Roserade, and Suicune and Vaporeon can both take Ice-type attacks aimed at Roserade. Rotom-A and Zapdos are also good defensive partners for dealing with Pokemon such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. They can also take Flying-type moves aimed at Roserade.</p>
<p>Make sure you switch your Roserade into the correct moves. Even though it is quite sturdy in terms of Special Defense, small-to-moderate sized chunks of residual damage can take their toll on your Roserade. For example, you may be able to switch directly from Salamence to Roserade in face of a Vaporeon, knowing that Ice Beam will not 2HKO. However, it might also be possible to have your Infernape take the Ice Beam and then switch to Roserade on the incoming Surf. Little "transition switches" like that can go a long way to preserving your Roserade's health; just make sure that you don't become too predictable by overusing them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Extrasensory provides better coverage against Poison-types and Fighting-types, but Poison-types aren’t common in OU, and Leaf Storm hits most Fighting-types harder than Extrasensory. Setting up Sunny Day or Rain Dance is an option for support, and that can work nicely with Synthesis (only Sunny Day) and Weather Ball. Aromatherapy is also helpful for healing your team, and GrassWhistle is an option for sleep on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes are illegal together. Shadow Ball is usable on the Choice Specs set for hitting Ghost-types as a filler move. Growth can boost Roserade's Special Attack to phenomenal levels, but Roserade does not really have enough available moveslots to accommodate Growth and both type coverage and staying power.</p>
[EVs]
<p>On most sets, focus on Speed and Special Attack with a Timid nature and 252 EVs to each. With the given Speed, Roserade outspeeds neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon like Salamence, as well as positive base 85 Speed Pokemon like Heracross. On the Spikes set, a more defensive spread is called for, enabling Roserade to take both special hits and weaker physical hits most of the time.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Roserade is not a staple of OU, but is still a very versatile Pokemon that can fit on almost any team. It is one of the best leads in the game, and can easily come in on many weak special attacks and start launching vicious assaults off of an excellent 125 base special attack, or begin turning the opponent's terrain into a veritable minefield. Roserade is one of the best Toxic Spikes users in OU. Roserade has Sleep Powder to disable anything that dares to try and shut it down.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Skarmory can set up Spikes on Roserade if it switches into a Leaf Storm or if Roserade does not have Hidden Power Fire. Heatran works well, too, as it resists Grass and is immune to Fire; just beware of the occasional Hidden Power Ground. Salamence resists Roserade's most common moves; just watch out for Hidden Power Ice or Stun Spore.</p>
<p>Forretress can deal with all sets without Hidden Power Fire or Sleep Powder as it has Rapid Spin to spin away Leech Seed, resists Grass-type moves, and is immune to Poison-type moves. Blissey and Snorlax are great counters to most sets, barring SubSeed. They have high Special Defense to take special attacks, and Blissey doesn’t mind Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure, while RestTalk Snorlax can also take Sleep Powder. Most Steel-types can counter the Choice sets as long as they don’t switch in on Sleep Powder or Hidden Power Ground / Fire since they resist Grass-type moves and are immune to Poison-type moves. Tentacruel and opposing Roserade are good counters to the Lead set due to being able to absorb Toxic Spikes and having high Special Defense. Tentacruel also has Rapid Spin.</p>
<p>Although they are UU, Drapion is one of the best initial switch-ins to Roserade. It resists both of Roserade's STAB moves and has access to Taunt to prevent any kind of set up. Clefable makes a good counter for the Leech Seeding set, as it is immune to residual damage and doesn't mind sleep with a Toxic Orb. However, it has no way to prevent Roserade from setting up Spikes. A defensive Torterra works as well, as it is immune to Leech Seed and is capable of OHKOing Roserade with Earthquake. Jumpluff and Lopunny can switch in on Substitute, outspeed Roserade, and Encore it, thereby making Roserade switch out.</p>
STATUS: Ready for upload?
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/roserade
____________________
Changes:
-On the Lead set, I’ve added in a bit about against common leads
-Slightly concised the Spikes set
-Changed Choice set to OU
-Changed SubSeed set to OU
-Removed Life Orb set – main use was in UU, lacks use in OU
-Changed Team Options section to OU
-Change other sections at end to OU
-Team Options in blue
_____________________
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Focus Sash
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade makes a great lead in OU thanks to its good Speed stat and Sleep Powder. Most of its success will come when facing slower leads, such as Swampert, Hippowdon, and Bronzong. Even when facing faster leads such as Azelf, Roserade can make its opponent think twice about what move to use thanks to its Focus Sash along with the dual threat of Leaf Storm and Sleep Powder. If possible, Roserade should open with Sleep Powder. After successfully putting something to sleep, Roserade should be guaranteed at least one layer of Toxic Spikes. Hidden Power Fire is for the Scizor and Forretress looking to KO you with Bullet Punch and Rapid Spin your Toxic Spikes away, respectively. Hidden Power Ground is also an option for Heatran and other Fire-types. Hidden Power Ice is another option for Salamence who may switch in to take Leaf Storm once they have sacrificed someone to Sleep Powder. It is not uncommon for a player to elicit a Leaf Storm from Roserade by baiting it with their Tyranitar or Gyarados only to switch to a Pokemon that is more suited to taking the blow, such as Scizor or Skarmory. This is usually followed by a switch back to the original Pokemon, who can then set up on Roserade much more easily. To avoid such scenarios, Grass Knot can be used over Leaf Storm.</p>
<p>Teammates for this set should be able to abuse Toxic Spikes to their fullest potential, letting the entry hazards weaken a wall enough so that they can set up and KO it. Empoleon, Rotom-A, and Latias all come to mind, as Blissey will be unable to wall them very successfully while coping with accumulating Toxic damage. Make sure you keep in mind how many layers of Toxic Spikes you should aim to lay down. One layer should suffice if facing a more offensive team, as normal poison will outdamage "Toxic" poison over two turns. If facing a stall team, two layers are needed so that your opponent's walls will have no chance to just recover off the fixed poison damage that results from only one layer of Toxic Spikes. A Ghost-type such as Rotom-A is a nice partner to this to stop your oppponent spinning away your Toxic Spikes.</p>
<p>This set has problems with Jirachi, Infernape, and Lum Berry Metagross leads. an Iron Head and stop Roserade 60% of the time, Infernape can use the combination of Fake Out and Fire Blast to take out Roserade,, and Lum Berry Metagross leads can take Sleep Powder due to Lum Berry and OHKO with Earthquake + Bullet Punch. Magnezone makes a nice partner since it can trap Jirachi leads as well as Earthquake-less Metagross leads. Heatran can also do well against both Jirachi and Lum Berry Metagross leads, although it must not switch in on Earthquake from Metagross, but once in, it scares them of with Fire Blast. Rotom-A and Zapdos make nice partners because they can stop Jirachi and Metagross; Rotom-H in particular due to Overheat. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon can make nice partners to deal with Infernape leads. Latias, Starmie, and Salamence can also do well against Infernape leads. Aerodactyl and Azelf leads with Taunt stop this set from setting up Toxic Spikes or using Sleep Powder. A Choice Scarf Jirachi can do well with Iron Head to take care of those two, since they only have a 60% chance of attacking. Tyranitar can do well against Azelf, but its Sand Stream will mean your Sash will be broken next time you switch in. However, Stealth Rock would likely now be on the field and so Roserade's Sash would be broken the next time it switches in. Swampert can make a nice partner to deal with Aerodactyl leads. Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape are good options to scare off Roserade that try and absorb your Toxic Spikes as well as scaring off Forretress who tries to spin them away. Tentacruel can absorb your Toxic Spikes therefore having a Pokemon such as Latias to set up can be useful or a powerful Earthquake user such as Mamoswine who can scare it off.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Stun Spore / Synthesis / Rest
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Most people overlook Roserade’s fantastic support option of setting up Spikes, along with its good base 105 Special Defense stat. This set takes advantage of these two qualities to make a pseudo-tank that can set up entry hazards while handling common Rapid Spinners.</p>
<p>Grass Knot and Hidden Power Fire take on most Rapid Spinners; Blastoise, Claydol, Donphan, and Starmie are dealt with by Grass Knot, and Forretress without any Special Defense EVs are OHKOed by a quick Hidden Power Fire. Stun Spore enables you to prevent Pokemon like Heatran, Infernape, and Salamence from setting up on you with no strings attached. However, Roserade appreciates recovery as well, so Synthesis and Rest are options as well. Synthesis is the ideal move, as with it, Roserade can set up on the likes of Rotom-A, Celebi, and Vaporeon while effortlessly recovering off the damage sustained from their weaker special attacks. Unfortunately, sandstorm will ruin Synthesis, so Rest can be used as well, as it is a more consistent option; especially since Natural Cure removes sleep. Other options on this set include Hidden Power Ice to handle Salamence, Energy Ball for breaking the Substitutes of Rotom-A, and Hidden Power Ground for taking on Heatran, Infernape, and Jolteon.</p>
<p>The EVs are certainly not the standard Roserade EVs, but they have a relatively simple purpose. The HP and SpD EVs provide great special bulk, letting Roserade take most special hits with ease and Rest off the damage. The Speed EVs outpace the common 36 Speed EVs base 100s like Celebi and Zapdos, as well as outpacing Jolly Tyranitar. Another option is to use 56 Defense EVs, in a spread of 252 HP / 56 Def / 80 SpD / 120 Spe, as it will survive an Adamant Scizor's Choice Band Bullet Punch always, even through Stealth Rock and sandstorm.</p>
<p>To maximize Roserade's potential, center your team around causing switches. Both offensive and defensive approaches are viable. Using Pokemon like Hippowdon and Blissey will force your opponent to constantly switch out his sweepers from Pokemon that wall them, and using Pokemon like Salamence and Infernape will rack up Spikes damage from repeated switches to a counter. Make sure you have a Pokemon to take the probable Fire- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Roserade, especially physical ones. Heatran can easily withstand those attacks, and it can switch into a Scizor trying to Bullet Punch a weakened Roserade. Bulky Water-types like Gyarados, Suicune, and Swampert, and Vaporeon can deal with Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape, along with the ever-threatening Salamence and to an extent, Latias. They also happen to lure in a number of Pokemon Roserade can freely set up on. Suicune and Vaporeon attract Blissey, and Gyarados and Swampert can lure in Vaporeon and Rotom-A respectively. Celebi is prone to switching in on all four as well. Of note is that these Water-types all have access to Roar, which takes advantage of the residual damage of Roserade's Spikes. A Ghost-type such as Rotom-A is a nice partner to this to stop your oppponent spinning away your Spikes. If you lack Hidden Power Fire, then powerful Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape can deal with Forretress that try and Rapid Spin away your Spikes.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Sleep Powder / Energy Ball
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like most special attackers, Roserade can make great use of a Choice item. Roserade can actually make a very nice lead with a Choice Scarf as it can incapacitate most common leads, barring Choice Scarf Jirachi and Lum Berry ones. Leaf Storm is a powerful attack that will badly hurt most Pokemon without a Grass-type resistance. Sludge Bomb supplements Leaf Storm by hitting most Grass-type resists, although you must watch out for Scizor switch-ins. Hidden Power Ground hits the Steel- and Poison- types that resist your STAB attacks, Heatran in particular. However, Hidden Power Ice can be used for Salamence who may try and switch into Leaf Storm, but leaves you helpless against Steel-types. Hidden Power Fire is another option for Forretress and Scizor, while also hurting most Steel-types, but leaves you useless against Heatran. If not being used as a lead then Sleep Powder can be replaced by Energy Ball for a more reliable Grass-type attack late-game.</p>
<p>Although Choice Scarf is the preferred item due to Roserade’s average Speed, Choice Specs can be used should you want more power rather than a revenge killer / lead. When holding Choice Specs, Sleep Powder is a less worthwhile option due to Roserade’s lower Speed, therefore Energy Ball would be preferred for a more reliable Grass-type attack. The Choice Specs set packs a lot more power, but is also rather slow. Timid is the preferred nature for the extra Speed it provides, allowing Roserade to outspeed +1 neutral natured base 100s, and with the Choice Specs set, it outspeeds Jolly Gyarados, Timid Rotom-A, and neutral base 100s. Modest can be used for the extra power though. It does make Leaf Storm a much deadlier weapon.</p>
<p>Blissey is the biggest problem to this set, laughing at all special attacks, as well as Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure. Snorlax also has high Special Defense to take attacks, but fears Sleep Powder more, unless it has Sleep Talk. Lum Berry Metagross leads cause this set problems when this is used as a lead since Meteor Mash will OHKO and Lum Berry saves them from Sleep Powder. Skarmory and Forretress are a problem as long as they don’t switch in on Sleep Powder or the odd Hidden Power Fire. Once in, they can take the time to set up Spikes with ease. With a Grass-type resistance and Poison-type immunity, Heatran can do well as long as it doesn’t switch in on Hidden Power Ground or Sleep Powder. Salamence resists Leaf Storm and is immune to Hidden Power Ground so is a problem, and can take the time to Dragon Dance up or just unleash a powerful attack. Bronzong can take all attacks easily barring Hidden Power Fire / Sleep Powder and attack back with Gyro Ball. Scizor is a problem due to Bullet Punch revenge killing Roserade, and barring Hidden Power Fire or Sleep Powder, it can switch in with ease.</p>
<p>Heracross, Infernape, Lucario, and Machamp are good options for partners to scare off both Blissey and Snorlax. Infernape also has STAB Fire-type moves to scare off Bronzong, Forretress, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. Heatran is a solid partner to deal with the Steel-types and can also bait Blissey and Snorlax with Explosion. The Rotom forms can make nice partners to deal with Forretress, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory; Rotom-H in particular due to Overheat. Zapdos is a nice partner for the same reasons as Rotom-A. Bulky Water-types such as Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon can make nice partners to scare off Heatran, barring Hidden Power Grass. Suicune and Swampert can also do well against Metagross and Salamence. Gyarados can also make a nice partner for taking on most Heatran as well as Scizor. It can also deal with Skarmory thanks to Taunt. Dugtrio remains a good option to trap and kill weakened Blissey and Metagross, as well as non-Choice Scarf Heatran, although it can’t take a hit.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Spikes
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can use a SubSeed set fairly effectively; its two main selling points are a STAB Sludge Bomb to fend off opposing Grass-types, who are unaffected by Leech Seed, and the ability to set up Spikes. The general strategy is to come in on an attack that can't do too much damage to Roserade, and then set up a Substitute. The either use Sludge Bomb if you can deal heavy damage to the switch-in or Leech Seed if you cannot. Assuming you do manage to pull off a successful Leech Seed, you should be able to wear down your opponent's health through repeated Substitutes. Through this, you will either KO your foe, force it to switch out, or force it to recover. If your enemy switches out, you should have a Substitute up, so rinse and repeat the whole process. If your opponent recovers, you have essentially gained a free turn in which you are free to set up a layer of Spikes, possibly more if your opponent used Rest. Spikes can be replaced by Hidden Power Fire should you want to deal with Forretress who can Rapid Spin away Leech Seed and is immune to Sludge Bomb.</p>
<p>The EVs are pretty straightforward. Maximize your Speed first so that you will be able to outspeed a wider range of opponent and therefore be able to initiate your SubSeeding combination without getting hit first. Then maximize Special Attack, as Roserade's defenses are more of a second thought when using this set; you shouldn't be taking many hits when using this strategy.</p>
<p>Even though this set is more of an independent operator, it can still use help from its teammates, especially in entry hazard support. Stealth Rock is much appreciated on this set, as Pokemon will often switch out from Leech Seed. Azelf, Metagross and Swampert are good options to set up Stealth Rock. Paralysis support is also useful to help in outspeeding faster opponents. Good options for this are Rotom-A and Zapdos. Taunt Gyarados can cause this set problems by stopping it from using Leech Seed, Spikes, or Substitute, therefore Rotom-A, Suicune, or Vaporeon can make nice partners to deal with it.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Stealth Rock support is useful for most sets. Azelf, Metagross, and Swampert are good options for this. Paralysis support can be helpful for the the Spikes and SubSeed sets to help them outspeed many of the faster Pokemon. Rotom-A and Zapdos are good options. Celebi can also make good use of Thunder Wave, but has a similar typing.</p>
<p>Good offensive partners to Roserade include Heatran and Infernape. They can scare off the Steel-types which Roserade hates, and they both have moves to hit Salamence with. Infernape can also deal with Blissey and Snorlax who wall offensive Roserade sets. Starmie is a nice offensive partner to scare off Heatran, as well as Salamence and Skarmory. Heracross, Lucario, and Machamp are good partners to take out Blissey and Snorlax. Rotom-A and Zapdos are good offensive partners to deal with Bronzong, Jirachi, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. Rotom-A can also deal with Gyarados.</p>
<p>There are many good defensive partners to Roserade. Heatran is also an excellent defensive partner to Roserade, possessing a resistance or immunity to all of Roserade's weaknesses. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados, Suicune, Swampert, and Vaporeon also work well alongside Roserade. They can all take Fire-type attacks aimed at Roserade, and Suicune and Vaporeon can both take Ice-type attacks aimed at Roserade. Rotom-A and Zapdos are also good defensive partners for dealing with Pokemon such as Bronzong, Jirachi, Metagross, Scizor, and Skarmory. They can also take Flying-type moves aimed at Roserade.</p>
<p>Make sure you switch your Roserade into the correct moves. Even though it is quite sturdy in terms of Special Defense, small-to-moderate sized chunks of residual damage can take their toll on your Roserade. For example, you may be able to switch directly from Salamence to Roserade in face of a Vaporeon, knowing that Ice Beam will not 2HKO. However, it might also be possible to have your Infernape take the Ice Beam and then switch to Roserade on the incoming Surf. Little "transition switches" like that can go a long way to preserving your Roserade's health; just make sure that you don't become too predictable by overusing them.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Extrasensory provides better coverage against Poison-types and Fighting-types, but Poison-types aren’t common in OU, and Leaf Storm hits most Fighting-types harder than Extrasensory. Setting up Sunny Day or Rain Dance is an option for support, and that can work nicely with Synthesis (only Sunny Day) and Weather Ball. Aromatherapy is also helpful for healing your team, and GrassWhistle is an option for sleep on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes are illegal together. Shadow Ball is usable on the Choice Specs set for hitting Ghost-types as a filler move. Growth can boost Roserade's Special Attack to phenomenal levels, but Roserade does not really have enough available moveslots to accommodate Growth and both type coverage and staying power.</p>
[EVs]
<p>On most sets, focus on Speed and Special Attack with a Timid nature and 252 EVs to each. With the given Speed, Roserade outspeeds neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon like Salamence, as well as positive base 85 Speed Pokemon like Heracross. On the Spikes set, a more defensive spread is called for, enabling Roserade to take both special hits and weaker physical hits most of the time.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>Roserade is not a staple of OU, but is still a very versatile Pokemon that can fit on almost any team. It is one of the best leads in the game, and can easily come in on many weak special attacks and start launching vicious assaults off of an excellent 125 base special attack, or begin turning the opponent's terrain into a veritable minefield. Roserade is one of the best Toxic Spikes users in OU. Roserade has Sleep Powder to disable anything that dares to try and shut it down.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Skarmory can set up Spikes on Roserade if it switches into a Leaf Storm or if Roserade does not have Hidden Power Fire. Heatran works well, too, as it resists Grass and is immune to Fire; just beware of the occasional Hidden Power Ground. Salamence resists Roserade's most common moves; just watch out for Hidden Power Ice or Stun Spore.</p>
<p>Forretress can deal with all sets without Hidden Power Fire or Sleep Powder as it has Rapid Spin to spin away Leech Seed, resists Grass-type moves, and is immune to Poison-type moves. Blissey and Snorlax are great counters to most sets, barring SubSeed. They have high Special Defense to take special attacks, and Blissey doesn’t mind Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure, while RestTalk Snorlax can also take Sleep Powder. Most Steel-types can counter the Choice sets as long as they don’t switch in on Sleep Powder or Hidden Power Ground / Fire since they resist Grass-type moves and are immune to Poison-type moves. Tentacruel and opposing Roserade are good counters to the Lead set due to being able to absorb Toxic Spikes and having high Special Defense. Tentacruel also has Rapid Spin.</p>
<p>Although they are UU, Drapion is one of the best initial switch-ins to Roserade. It resists both of Roserade's STAB moves and has access to Taunt to prevent any kind of set up. Clefable makes a good counter for the Leech Seeding set, as it is immune to residual damage and doesn't mind sleep with a Toxic Orb. However, it has no way to prevent Roserade from setting up Spikes. A defensive Torterra works as well, as it is immune to Leech Seed and is capable of OHKOing Roserade with Earthquake. Jumpluff and Lopunny can switch in on Substitute, outspeed Roserade, and Encore it, thereby making Roserade switch out.</p>
