Roserade (Analysis)

This Roserade works extremely well with Flash Fire users such as Heatran and Chandelure, as not only does Roserade attract Fire-type moves to give Heatran or Chanelure a boost, but the Spikes that are in play will help these Fire-types nab KOes against extremely bulky Pokemon such as Reuniclus and Hippowdon.</p>
Reuniclus doesn't care about spikes.
 
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[Overview]

<p>Roserade was known in the previous generation as a top-class lead. With decent Speed, access to Sleep Powder and (Toxic) Spikes, and a great Special Attack to ensure it was also a threaten opponents, Roserade saw use on many teams. While the new generation has brought along a large shift in the metagame, entry hazards are still a valuable commodity that few viable Pokemon can boast access to, and even fewer can boast viable usage. However, Roserade's Grass-type gives in it an invaluable super effective STAB, backed up by a great offensive movepool; this means it Roserade is able to combat the prevalent Rain and Sandstorm weather teams, meaning it and is still very viable for in the OU metagame of today, despite its ridiculous frailty.</p>

<p>It should be noted, however, that while Roserade is good, it is specialized; unless you have a specific reason for using Roserade over another faster, offensive entry hazard lead, there is usually a better option. Another point worth remembering is that Team Preview renders the use for of Roserade as a dedicated lead useless, but Roserade can still be effective all the same. Despite this, Roserade can still perform effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Roserade is one of few Pokemon that can effectively set up Toxic Spikes. At first, While Toxic Spikes seem like they are better suited to supporting stall teams, an offensive Toxic Spiker such as Roserade has its merits. The first point is that Roserade is the third fastest user of Toxic Spikes (not counting Qwilfish in the rain), meaning it can always set up at least two layers against slower opponents. The second point is that Roserade's great Special Attack means that after setting up Toxic Spikes, it can proceed to hit the opponent for reasonable damage, allowing another sweeper to come in and either pick off a weakened opponent, or set up while they switch. Compounded on this effect is the fact that In addition, Toxic Spikes will wear down the opposing team, also allowing other sweepers to help pick up some more damage and gain KOs., possibly raising KO chances Sleep Powder is Roserade's best choice against faster leads; because Roserade will be KOed before it can lay any Toxic Spikes, disabling the opponent will force them to switch, giving Roserade at least one layer, while still andshutting down one of the opponent's Pokemon for the rest of the game. It also prevents the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert from setting up their entry hazards, helping your sweepers even further.</p>

<p>Hidden Power Fire is recommended due to the fact that Forretress, Scizor, and Ferrothorn are more likely crop up early- or mid-game to try to take on Roserade; however, Hidden Power Ice is not without its merits for hitting Salamence, Garchomp, and Thundurus. Leaf Storm is the recommended STAB move, packing the most instantaneous power, but it forces Roserade to switch out afterwards, due to its the -2 to Special Attack drop it carries. Giga Drain has low damage output, but its healing properties can keep Roserade alive,and it works well with coming from Roserade's high Special Attack., can still damage the likes of Swampert and Hippowdon, while completely healing Roserade in the process.,
Alternatively, against foes such as Tyranitar and Gyarados, Grass Knot will be the most effective option against foes such as Tyranitar and Gyarados due to its having high damage output, but with and greater consistency.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs maximize Speed, so that Roserade speed ties with opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon at worst. Similarly, Special Attack is maximized in order to deal as much damage as possible before going down. Since Roserade is limited in terms of offense, depending on the its Hidden Power type, it will fail to KO many Dragon-types, some Grass-types, some Bug-types, and other generally bulky Pokemon. As well as this Additionally, Roserade will lure in many Fire-, Ground-, and Bug-type moves, as they will either hit it super effectively, or just have high power against Roserade's low Defense. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados and Jellicent are great partners, being extremely bulky and resisting almost all the types of attacks that could take down Roserade. They will also enjoy having Toxic Spikes to make their counters less threatening. As mentioned, Team Preview detracts from the effectiveness of this set as a lead, so be careful when using it for that purpose.</p>

[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Stun Spore / Leech Seed
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Roserade also has access to Spikes, and is very good at setting them up, being able to attack deal severe damage to the majority of Rapid Spinners in OU for severe damage. This Roserade is much bulkier than the Toxic Spikes set, and so Giga Drain becomes the better option, keeping Roserade healthy while still taking out the likes of Starmie and Excadrill. Grass Knot is still an option to hit heavier foes if desired. Once again, Hidden Power Fire takes out Ferrothorn and Forretress, two Pokemon that not only give Roserade stiff competition in setting up entry hazards, but also pose as potential walls against Roserade's offensive techniques. If Dragon Dance users such as Salamence and Dragonite are worrying, then Hidden Power Ice will swiftly KO the pair Dragon-types before they can even attack.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Spikes is a much more useful entry hazard in general, since the its effects are instant. Many late-game sweepers such as Gyarados and Virizion enjoy having Spikes around, enabling them to nab additional what would otherwise be impossible OHKOs against certain threats. The list is almost never-ending as to what benefits from having Spikes in play. If you find that you can get three layers of Spikes up and Roserade isn't particularly needed for weakening the opponent's Pokemon, Energy Ball is a stronger STAB move, yet still reliable. This Roserade works extremely well
with Flash Fire users such as Heatran and Chandelure,. It as not only does Roserade attracts Fire-type moves to give Heatran or Chandelure a boost, but the and provides Spikes that are in play will to help these Fire-types nab KOs against extremely bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Roserade's movepool is great for what it can do; Sludge Bomb is an effective STAB move with decent neutral coverage, although Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STABs;. Weather Ball can see some use, especially with the prominence of weather in this generation,. although Unfortunately, Pokemon commonly seen on weather teams resist it. in Sandstorm resist Rock, and it's a similar story with Rain; Shadow Ball can hit Ghost- and Psychic-types quite hard, although Roserade will struggle to break the likes of Reuniclus or Jellicent. Aromatherapy is an interesting choice, especially on the more defensive Roserade, although Roserade isn't as bulky as other clerics,. and It will not only struggles to find the opportunity to switch in repeatedly, but and is outclassed by the likes of Blissey. Grasswhistle can be used on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes is an illegal combination.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STAB moves, and fear only Hidden Power Fire. In particular, Skarmory and Ferrothorn can set up their entry hazards, and can either phaze you or use Gyro Ball you, respectively. Lacking Hidden Power Ice allows Dragon-types to come in and set up, or simply take you out. Blissey walls everything, provided it doesn't come in on two layers of Toxic Spikes. It can then follow up proceed to paralyze Roserade or take it down with Seismic Toss or Ice Beam. In general, Roserade hits hard, but if you can switch in without losing more than 40%, it's not hard to hit it on its frail Defense and take it out.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Technician is one of Roserade's better upgrades, although outside of the rare, weak Grass Knot, Roserade has few viable options that are boosted by Technician. Magical Leaf is more powerful than Energy Ball after Technician and has infinite accuracy and more PP. Most Roserade use Hidden Power, so reducing the power of Hidden Power to 60 or 59 from an IV spread listed <a href="/dp/articles/technician_hidden_powers">here</a> grants Roserade a Hidden Power strength of either 90 or 88, depending on which you decide on. Other options are Swift and Round, both of which are competitively useless.</p>
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jc104

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[Overview]

<p>Roserade was known in the previous generation as a top-class lead. With decent Speed, access to Sleep Powder and (Toxic) Spikes, and great Special Attack to threaten opponents, Roserade saw use on many teams. While the new generation has brought along a large shift in the metagame, entry hazards are still a valuable commodity that few viable Pokemon can boast access to. However, Roserade's Grass-type gives it an invaluable super effective STAB, backed up by a great offensive movepool; this means Roserade is able to combat the prevalent Rain and Sandstorm weather teams and is still very viable in the OU metagame of today, despite its ridiculous frailty.</p>

<p>It should be noted, however, that while Roserade is good, it is specialized; unless you have a specific reason for using Roserade over another faster, offensive entry hazard lead, there is usually a better option. Another point worth remembering is that Team Preview renders the use of Roserade as a dedicated lead useless. Despite this, Roserade can still perform effectively.</p>

[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Roserade is one of few Pokemon that can effectively set up Toxic Spikes. While Toxic Spikes may seem
like they are better suited to supporting stall teams, an offensive Toxic Spiker such as Roserade has its merits. The first point is that Roserade is the third fourth fastest user of Toxic Spikes (not counting Qwilfish in the rain), meaning it can always set up two layers against slower opponents. The second point is that Roserade's great Special Attack means that after setting up Toxic Spikes, it can proceed to hit the opponent for reasonable damage, allowing another sweeper to come in and either pick off a weakened opponent or set up while they switch. In addition, Toxic Spikes will wear down the opposing team, allowing other sweepers to pick up some more damage and gain valuable KOs. Sleep Powder is Roserade's best choice against faster leads; because Roserade will be KOed before it can lay any Toxic Spikes, it is best to disable the opponent's Pokemon for the rest of the game, forcing will force them to switch, and hence giving Roserade at least one layer and shutting down one of the opponent's Pokemon for the rest of the game. It also prevents the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert from setting up their entry hazards, helping your sweepers even further.</p>

<p>Hidden Power Fire is recommended due to the fact that Forretress, Scizor, and Ferrothorn are more likely to crop up early- or mid-game
to try and take on Roserade; however, Hidden Power Ice is not without its merits, for hitting Salamence, Garchomp, and Thundurus. Leaf Storm is the recommended STAB move, packing the most instantaneous initial power, but its Special Attack drop forces Roserade to switch out afterwards. Giga Drain has low damage output, but its healing properties can keep Roserade alive, working and works well with Roserade's stellar Special Attack. Alternatively, Grass Knot will be the most effective option against foes such as Tyranitar and Gyarados due to its higher damage output.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs maximize Speed, so that Roserade ties with opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon at worst. Similarly, Special Attack is maximized in order to deal as much damage as possible before going down. Since Roserade is limited in terms of offense, depending on its Hidden Power type, it will fail to KO many Dragon-types, some Grass-types, some Bug-types, and other generally bulky Pokemon. Additionally, Roserade will lure in many Fire-, Ground-, and Bug-type moves. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados and Jellicent are great partners,
being extremely bulky and resisting almost all the types of attacks that could take down Roserade. They will also enjoy having Toxic Spikes to make their counters less threatening. As mentioned, Team Preview detracts from the effectiveness of this set as a lead, so be careful when using it for that purpose.</p>

[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Stun Spore / Leech Seed
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Roserade also has access to Spikes, and is very good at setting them up, being able to deal severe damage to the majority of Rapid Spinners in OU. This Roserade is much bulkier than the Toxic Spikes set, so Giga Drain becomes the better option, keeping Roserade healthy while still taking out the likes of Starmie and Excadrill. Grass Knot is an option to hit heavier foes if desired. Once again, Hidden Power Fire takes out Ferrothorn and Forretress, two Pokemon that not only give Roserade stiff competition in setting up entry hazards, but also pose as potential walls
against to Roserade's offensive techniques. If Dragon Dance users such as Salamence and Dragonite are worrying, then Hidden Power Ice will swiftly KO the Dragons before they can even attack.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Spikes is a much more useful entry hazard in general, since its effects are instant. Many late-game sweepers such as Gyarados and Virizion enjoy having Spikes around, enabling them to nab additional OHKOs against certain threats. If you find that you can get three layers of Spikes up and Roserade isn't particularly needed for weakening the opponent's Pokemon, Energy Ball is a stronger STAB move, yet still reliable. This Roserade works extremely well with Flash Fire users such as Heatran and Chandelure; it attracts Fire-type moves to give Heatran or Chandelure a boost, and provides Spikes to help these Fire-types nab KOs against extremely bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Roserade's movepool is great for what it can do; Sludge Bomb is an effective STAB move with decent neutral coverage, although Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STABs. Weather Ball can see some use, especially with the prominence of weather in this generation; unfortunately, Pokemon commonly seen on weather teams resist it. Shadow Ball can hit Ghost- and Psychic-types quite hard, although Roserade will struggle to break the likes of Reuniclus or Jellicent. Aromatherapy is an interesting choice, especially on the more defensive Roserade, although Roserade isn't as bulky as other clerics. It struggles to find the opportunity to switch in repeatedly, and is outclassed by the likes of Blissey. Grasswhistle can be used on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes is an illegal combination. In addition to the listed sets, you may also slap a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs on Roserade and go fully offensive with a set of Leaf Storm / Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Fire / Rest and abuse Roserade's naturally high Special Attack.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STAB moves, and fear only Hidden Power Fire. In particular, Skarmory and Ferrothorn can set up their entry hazards, and use Whirlwind and Gyro Ball
either phaze or Gyro Ball Roserade, respectively. Lacking Hidden Power Ice allows Dragon-types to come in and set up, or simply take Roserade out. Blissey walls everything, provided it doesn't come in on two layers of Toxic Spikes. It can then proceed to paralyze Roserade or take it down with Seismic Toss or Ice Beam. In general, Roserade hits hard, but if a Pokemon can switch in without losing more than 40%, it's not hard to hit it on its frail Defense and take it out.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Technician is one of Roserade's better upgrades, although outside of the rare, weak Grass Knot, Roserade has few viable options that are boosted by Technician. Magical Leaf is more powerful than Energy Ball after Technician and has infinite accuracy and more PP. Most Roserade use Hidden Power, so reducing the power of Hidden Power to 60 or 59 from an IV spread listed <a href="/dp/articles/technician_hidden_powers">here</a> grants Roserade a Hidden Power strength of either 90 or 88, depending on which you decide on. Other options are Swift and Round, both of which are competitively useless.</p>
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Meru

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In Overview, I think there should be more mention that Spiker Roserade's usage only dropped because of Ferrothorn generally fitting the role better. It's still an amazing set in OU.
 

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