
[Overview]
<p>Rotom-W manages to stand out as a premier Water-type in yet another tier thanks to its great typing, bulk, offenses, and ability. Its dual STABs coming off of its base 105 Special Attack stat allow it to threaten common Pokemon in weather teams, and from a defensive standpoint, its typing in tandem with its good bulk allows it to check dangerous Pokemon such as Heatran and Kingdra. Its ability in Levitate is the icing on the cake, allowing it to both easily check and partner well with Earthquake users such as Excadrill and Landorus. Sadly for Rotom-W, however, it faces competition from other Electric-types in the tier, most notably Zapdos and Thundurus, who are more powerful and have cooler support options such as Tailwind and priority Thunder Wave. Thankfully, however, Rotom-W's access to Hydro Pump gives it a niche these other threats do not have, allowing it to maim the Ground-types looking to absorb an Electric-type attack. All in all, Rotom-W is a top tier threat that every team should be prepared for.</p>
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Thunder Wave / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Protect
item: Sitrus Berry
nature: Modest
evs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With this set, Rotom-W makes an excellent offensive support Pokemon and can use its good bulk and offensive power to check powerful Pokemon such as Excadrill, Kingdra, and Tyranitar. Hydro Pump is a great attacking move here, as it is very powerful and has excellent neutral coverage. It also decimates Ground-types and Tyranitar, both of which wouldn't mind taking a Thunderbolt. The fact that it gets a boost under rain allows Rotom-W to be both a nice rain partner and an even better rain check. Thunderbolt is a nice secondary STAB move, mauling the bulky Water-types that would otherwise not be threatened by Rotom-W. Thunderbolt also gives Rotom-W a more accurate attacking option than Hydro Pump. Thunder Wave is used here in order to cripple faster Pokemon and allow Rotom-W to better support its team. It is also nice to give Rotom-W a way to hit Pokemon that otherwise would not be very threatened by it, such as Latios. Will-O-Wisp is nice to cripple physical attackers, but paralysis is generally a more useful status condition.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Sitrus Berry is the main item on this set because it helps boost Rotom-W's survivabiity, allowing it to continue to be a threat to the opponent as well as granting it the ability to take multiple hits in a single turn when needed. The investment in bulk is used to let Rotom-W survive a Life Orb-boosted Giga Drain from Ludicolo and either cripple it with paralysis or hit it with a Thunderbolt; the rest of the EVs are invested in Rotom-W's Special Attack to allow it to hit the things it checks for solid damage. Hidden Power Grass is a nice option to hit Gastrodon, which is otherwise a huge problem for this set. However, the loss of a support move can hamper Rotom-W's effectiveness. Thunder is a nice option in rain to grant Rotom-W more power, but its accuracy is shaky outside of rain, which can be a problem. Another option for this set is Discharge, as it gives Rotom-W a spread move with a nice paralysis chance. However, there is a noticeable drop in power between it and Thunderbolt, and the fact that it can also hit your partner can be a huge problem as it either forces Rotom-W's partner to Protect or forces you to pair Rotom-W with a Pokemon with an immunity to Electric-type attacks.</p>
<p>Because Rotom-W is vulnerable to Grass- and Dragon-types that don't mind its attacks, Pokemon that can handle them such as Scizor and Abomasnow make for great partners. Scizor resists both Grass- and Dragon-type moves and can damage their users heavily with its Technician-boosted attacks. Abomasnow's STAB Blizzards can easily threaten both Grass- and Dragon-types, and it can also take care of Gastrodon with Giga Drain, making it another good choice. Other good partners include Hitmontop for its Intimidate support, Latios for its ability to outspeed other Dragon-types and beat Grass-types, and Tornadus for outspeeding all common Dragon-types and decimating things that can threaten Rotom-W with a Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Pokemon such as Garchomp and Landorus can also be effective partners, as they appreciate Rotom-W's ability to check rain as well as its paralysis support; they also don't have to worry about hitting Rotom-W with Earthquake thanks to its Levitate ability.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Thunder / Trick
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Trick / Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
evs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Specs and maximum Special Attack investment, Rotom-W's Special Attack reaches a whopping 509, letting it dish out serious pain to just about anything it attacks. Hydro Pump is the main STAB attack here, and it is a great move to be locked into thanks to its great coverage and high power, which lets it heavily damage Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Scizor. Thunderbolt is the secondary STAB move and has nice coverage with Hydro Pump, eliminating pesky Water-types such as Jellicent and Suicune that don't mind a Hydro Pump. It also allows Rotom-W to be locked into a more reliable STAB move and not have to risk Hydro Pump's 80% accuracy. Thunder might seem like a strange option alongside Thunderbolt, but it serves an important purpose. Even if you are using Rotom-W outside of rain, Thunder is necessary to net important KOs against common rain Pokemon, making this set a much better rain check. Here are some damage calculations comparing the power of Thunder to that of Thunderbolt:</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ludicolo: 220-259 (73.57 - 86.62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Thunder vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ludicolo: 277-327 (92.64 - 109.36%) -- 56.25% chance to OHKO</li>
<li>252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Kingdra: 229-270 (78.69 - 92.78%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-W Thunder vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Kingdra: 288-340 (98.96 - 116.83%) -- 93.75% chance to OHKO</li></ul>
<p>If you are uncomfortable using Thunder outside of rain, Trick is another good option, as it lets you cripple a Pokemon by locking it into a move, severely hampering its usability. Trick is also useful because it prevents Pokemon from effectively taking advantage of moves such as Fake Out and Protect. Hidden Power Grass is mainly used to eliminate Gastrodon, which is very important because Gastrodon is immune to both of its STABs and not only redirects but also gets a boost from Hydro Pump. Hidden Power Ice is also an option to be able to eliminate Salamence and Shaymin-S. However, Thunder is able to OHKO both of them, so keep that in mind when deciding whether to use it.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to fire off an attack while gaining momentum, but it is weaker than Thunderbolt and isn't able to be used as reliably due to forcing Rotom-W out when it is used. Another option for this set is Discharge, as it gives Rotom-W a spread move with a high chance to paralyze an opposing Pokemon. However, there is a noticable drop in power between it and Thunderbolt, and the fact that it can hit Rotom-W's partner can be a huge problem. This set really enjoys rain support, as not only does it grant Hydro Pump more power but it also allows Rotom-W to use Thunder reliably. The EVs allow Rotom-W to live a Life Orb-boosted Giga Drain from Ludicolo, which is even more important on this set because Rotom-W has a high chance to OHKO it in return with Thunder.</p>
<p>Pokemon such as Scizor and Tornadus that can reliably eliminate Grass- and Dragon-types make good partners for this set as well. Garchomp, Excadrill, and Landorus appreciate this set's ability to easily wear down defensive Pokemon so they can clean up late-game. They also enjoy the fact that they can use their powerful Earthquakes without worrying about hurting Rotom-W. Cresselia also makes for a great partner as it can provide the speed control that Rotom-W likes having. It also enjoys the fact that this set can easily destroy things such as Scizor and Tyranitar that would otherwise threaten it.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Hydro Pump
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Volt Switch / Trick
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf set, Rotom-W can outspeed and beat faster threats such as Tornadus. Hydro Pump is one of the main STAB moves used, and it is a great attacking option due to its high Base Power and its impeccable coverage. It is also great because it can eliminate Ground-types which are looking to absorb a Thunderbolt or Volt Switch; it also hits Tyranitar, which otherwise would not be bothered by anything on this set. Thunderbolt is another great attacking option because it hits bulky Water-types such as Jellicent and Politoed and is more reliable than Hydro Pump due to its perfect accuracy. Volt Switch is a great option for picking off weakened Pokemon while maintaining offensive momentum. It is also a great way to bring in Pokemon such as Politoed to give your team an edge in weather wars. Trick is a great option to cripple defensive Pokemon that might try to take advantage of the fact that Rotom-W will be locked into a move. The fact that it disrupts the use of moves such as Fake Out and Protect is also a nice bonus. Hidden Power Grass is the main option on this set to get rid of Gastrodon, which is very important because Rotom-W has no way to get past it otherwise. However, Hidden Power Ice is an option to KO Shaymin-S and Salamence.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are very simple and are meant to make Rotom-W as fast and as powerful as possible. A Timid nature is slashed first in order to outspeed Jolly Choice Scarf Heracross, but if this benchmark isn't necessary for your team, a Modest nature can be used for more power, netting useful KOs such as an OHKO on Tyranitar outside of Sand. Thunder is an option over Thunderbolt, but it should only be used with rain support, as otherwise its accuracy will be too shaky. Sadly, due to the lack of investment in bulk, this set has more trouble switching into hits than others. This set works best on teams that are slower and need a way to take on fast attackers, so teams utilizing strategies such as Tailwind will likely be better served by another one.</p>
<p>Politoed makes for a great partner for this set, giving Hydro Pump a large boost in power and enabling Rotom-W to use Thunder instead of Thunderbolt. In addition, Politoed appreciates Rotom-W's access to Volt Switch, as it allows Politoed to perform better in weather wars. Pokemon that can defeat the Grass- and Dragon-types that don't mind taking on this set, such as Scizor, Abomasnow, and Tornadus, make for good partners. Cresselia makes for another good partner to this set as it can provide Helping Hand support, allowing Rotom-W to gain KOs that it might otherwise miss out on, such as an OHKO on Shaymin-S with Thunder.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Rotom-W can utilize a ChestoRest set to heal off damage and cure itself of status, but the lack of a support move can hinder its effectiveness. A Rain Dance set can be effective to aid Politoed in winning weather wars. Sunny Day might seem like a strange option, but thanks to Rotom-W's typing and bulk, it can take hits from common rain attackers, set up Sunny Day, and maul Politoed with a STAB Thunderbolt. A Life Orb attacker set can be used to grant Rotom-W more attacking power and flexibility, but the recoil hampers its ability to check important threats. Light Screen can be used to pad the Special Defense of Rotom-W and its teammates. A Rindo Berry can be used to let Rotom-W survive a hit from Shaymin-S or Ferrothorn, letting it respond with the appropriate status move. Finally, Electroweb is an interesting option that lets Rotom-W grant more speed control to its team.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Grass- and Dragon-types that resist both of Rotom-W's STABs make for good counters to it. Abomasnow can easily switch into all of Rotom-W's moves and hit it hard with a STAB Giga Drain. Ferrothorn and Virizion also switch in with ease and can quickly dispatch Rotom-W, although they both must watch out for Will-O-Wisp. While Breloom and Shaymin-S don't enjoy taking one of Rotom-W's attacks, they can outspeed and KO with Bullet Seed and Seed Flare, respectively. Amoonguss is able to switch into Rotom-W with impunity, redirect its attacks with Rage Powder, put it to sleep with Spore, and heal off the damage with Regenerator. Latios, Latias, Hydreigon, Kyurem, and Kyurem-B can all shrug off attacks from Rotom-W and deal huge amounts of damage back with their Dragon-type STABs. Gastrodon is immune to both of Rotom-W's STABs, although unless it has Toxic, it can do little in return.</p>
[Overview]
Name: Bulky Attacker
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt / Discharge
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Will-O-Wisp
Move 4: Protect
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[Set Comments]
Name: Choice Specs
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Thunder / Trick
Move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Trick / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[Set Comments]
Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch / Trick
Move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice / Trick
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
- Good offensive and defensive typing
- Nice stats
- Makes a good check to most weathers
- Levitate is a nice ability
Name: Bulky Attacker
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt / Discharge
Move 3: Thunder Wave / Will-O-Wisp
Move 4: Protect
Item: Sitrus Berry
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[Set Comments]
- Hydro Pump is main STAB move
- Thunderbolt is great secondary STAB
- Discharge can be used for spread, but is alot weaker than Thunderbolt and hits partner
- Thunder Wave lets it cripple weather sweepers and other fast mons
- Will-O-Wisp gives it a way to cripple physical attackers
- Protect = Protect
- Sitrus Berry gives longevity
- Hidden Power Grass
- Will-O-Wisp can cripple physical attackers
- Thunder can be used if using Rain
- Partners that can handle Grass and Dragons that resist STAB are nice
- Intimidate support is nice to tank physical hits better
- EV Spread lets you live through a LO Modest Giga Drain from Ludicolo guaranteed
Name: Choice Specs
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Thunder / Trick
Move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Trick / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Modest
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 SpD
[Set Comments]
- Hydro Pump is great STAB move, hits hard
- Thunderbolt is nice secondary STAB
- Thunder is great even outside of Rain since it lets you function as a great Rain check (56% chance to OHKO Ludicolo, 94% to OHKO Kingdra, etc.)
- Trick is cool to cripple slower mons though
- Hidden Power Ice is to hit Dragons
- Hidden Power Grass is for Gastrodon who walks over this set
- Volt Switch can be useful to switch into a partner without losing momentum
- Discharge is weaker but spread can be nice (watch for hitting partner though)
- Great weather check on all kinds of teams
- Rain support is nice to give more power
- Speed control comes in handy so Rotom-W can smack things around without taking a hit first
- EVs do same thing as above set (56% chance to OHKO Ludicolo with Thunder after living the hit is p. awesome too)
Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Hydro Pump
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Volt Switch / Trick
Move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ice / Trick
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[Set Comments]
- Very useful as a revenge killer and has a nice set of moves
- Hydro Pump is mandatory STAB move
- Thunderbolt also needed for max power when revenge killing
- Volt Switch is a great way to hit while keeping up momentum
- Trick is nice to cripple defensive mons
- Hidden Power Grass is nice to maul Gastrodon which otherwise comes in on this set with ease
- Hidden Power Ice lets you maul things like Salamence and Shaymin-S
- Nice if you need a speedy mon on your team as a catch-all to threats
- Helping Hand support is good to help nab extra KOs
- Enjoys Rain support to get the most power, so think twice about using this in other weathers
- Not as bulky as other Rotom sets so it doesn't switch into hits as well
- ChestoRest set
- Rain Dance
- Sunny Day
- LO Attacker
- Light Screen
- Rindo Berry
- Electroweb
- Abomasnow
- Gastrodom
- Latios & Latias
- Hydreigon
- Kyurem & Kyurem-B
- Ferrothorn
- Amoonguss
- Breloom & Virizion
- Shaymin-S
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