Statistics
|
Stat |
| HP |
105
|
413 |
| Atk |
130
|
358 |
| Def |
120
|
338 |
| SpA |
45
|
188 |
| SpD |
45
|
188 |
| Spe |
40
|
178 |
Rhydon makes a good Curser with the unresisted STAB Earthquake + STAB Rock Slide. With Roar, you can guarantee that no one will be slower than Rhydon after a Curse, meaning as long as you use Roar, he won't be Roared or Whirlwinded out. This set can be pretty mean with Spikes down; since Rhydon can't really manhandle threats like Exeggutor and Suicune, he can continually Roar them out upon switching and whittle them down from the Spikes.
Other Options
Using Rest instead of Roar or Curse is probably the most common thing seen. Be warned that unless you have Heal Bell handy, Rhydon is deadweight whilst asleep. Substitute is also seen sometimes instead of Curse—this helps block status afflictions while you Roar or attack potential threats. Zap Cannon is about the only other attacking move of interest. With it, you can paralyze your foe and gain a Speed advantage. Counter, though never used, can bounce back an Earthquake from something for a great surprise kill—this works well with Cursing Snorlaxen. A rarely seen move is Toxic; though it may seem a waste to stick a status move on a hardcore attacker like Rhydon, after a few turns watch your opponent moan in aggravation as his Rhydon counter is worn down.
Opinion
Rhydon is a physical pokemon that can hit hard. Despite the meaty Defense and HP, it is his physical weaknesses (namely Earthquake), rather than the gaping special weaknesses, that keep Rhydon from being a very effective wall. Of course, Rhydon can potentially stop annoying things like Snorlax and maybe even kill them, which Skarmory cannot do. Rhydon usually only has one turn to make an impact, so choose wisely. Rhydon benefits tremendously from an opponent having a status affliction, whether it be gaining that extra 10% or so from poison that puts something in KO range, or having a Speed advantage from a paralyzed opponent. If given that little bit of extra help (and even without it), Rhydon is a monster.
Counters
Exeggutor and Suicune are probably two of the better Rhydon counters—Exeggutor resists Earthquake and can hit back with Giga Drain for an OHKO or Psychic for lots of damage. Suicune, though it doesn't resist Rhydon's attacks, has mammoth defensive stats and can waste Rhydon with Surf. Just about any Water or Grass-type will prove to be a good Rhydon counter, but a lucky critical hit can put a lot of things in KO range for him. Skarmory can also be a reliable counter, but beware of Rock Slide flinching and Cursing.
