Rotom-W (New Analysis)

[SET]
name: Offensive Choice
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W has one advantage over its other formes: Hydro Pump. With Hydro Pump, Rotom-W can make an excellent revenge killer with Choice Scarf against threats such as Infernape and Heatran. Both Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball are Rotom-W’s best STAB moves and will eliminate Gyarados and Gengar, respectively. Trick offers Rotom-W the ability to cripple a Pokemon such as Blissey or Snorlax by burdening them with a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs. Timid is the recommended nature for Choice Scarf to outrun Timid Heatran as well as Gengar, provided that said Gengar lacks Choice Scarf.</p>

<p>Choice Specs is an excellent item if you prefer to use Rotom-W more as a sweeper than a revenge killer. Modest is recommended to give Rotom-W the necessary boost in Special Attack. If Adamant Lucario is of concern, Timid is a fine option.</p>

[SET]
name: Sleep Talk, Defense
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Hydro Pump / Hidden Power Ice / Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The lack of recovery is a problem for defensive Rotom-W; however, Rest and Sleep Talk compensate for this. When choosing the corresponding move, Rotom-W must be aware of what it should do. Discharge and Hydro Pump give Rotom-W the difference between its other formes. It can handle Heatran that dare switch into Rotom-W thanks to the 66% chance of either selecting the super effective Hydro Pump or the Discharge . If Discharge paralyzes Heatran, it can be defeated next turn by Hydro Pump. Discharge and Will-O-Wisp allow Rotom-W to use pseudo Double Status while sleeping. Hidden Power Ice and Discharge offer near-ideal coverage, being able to nail common Ground- and Grass-type switch-ins, while Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting go the full distance, offering unparalleled perfect coverage.</ p>

<p>The EVs here are recommended for balance of both defenses. If wanted, Rotom-W can invest into more Defense or Special Defense for certain threats. With more Defense, Rotom-W can intercept Metagross easier while more Special Defense gives Rotom-W the ability to counter Zapdos and Starmie easier.</p>

[SET]
name: Double Status
move 1: Discharge
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Shadow Ball / Light Screen
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Tyranitar is a fearsome threat to the Rotom appliances thanks to Pursuit and its vast physical movepool. With Will-O-Wisp and Hydro Pump, Rotom-W can defeat Choice Band Tyranitar one-on-one as well as many other physical threats. Discharge and Will-O-Wisp offer Rotom-W the ability to cripple its opponents with either paralysis or a burn.</p>

<p> The fourth move is determined based on what Rotom-W does post-status infliction. Shadow Ball offers Rotom-W a chance to fight against Celebi and Swampert thanks to the chances of their Special Defense being dropped one stage. Light Screen offers Rotom-W a boost in its Special Defense, thus being able to take more hits on both sides of the spectrum. The Speed EVs outpace Adamant Tyranitar.</p>

[SET]
name: Washing in the Rain
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb / Damp Rock / Leftovers
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Hydro Pump exclusive to Rotom-W and STAB Thunder tearing apart many Pokemon, Rain Dance looks very appealing. After setting up the rain, Rotom-W can fire off pseudo-STAB Hydro Pumps at Ground-types or use STAB Thunder for 30% chance of paralysis to aggravate the opponent. Thanks to STAB Thunder scaring most Water-type, excluding Swampert, it makes it difficult for the opponent to use the rain effectively against Rotom-W. While Shadow Ball is the best option for slot four, Hidden Power Ice hits Grass-types such as Roserade and Breloom harder. If Celebi is the main concern to this set, Shadow Ball can easily 2HKO it. Shadow Ball is preferred over Hidden Power Ice because Cresselia and other Rotom appliances won’t enjoy constant Shadow Ball attacks.</p>

<p>This set can be played either offensively or defensively. Offensively Rotom-W should use either Life Orb or Damp Rock as the item. Life Orb gives Rotom-W the extra boost needed to significantly damage Zapdos and Swampert. Damp Rock lengthens the number of turns in the rain, thus giving Rotom-W and its teammates more time to abuse the weather. Defensive strategies can also use Damp Rock; however, Leftovers is a good choice to keep Rotom-W alive longer. If Rotom-W needs to be bulkier than what is suggested, use either the RestTalk or the Double Status spreads with a Calm or Bold nature.</p>

[SET]
name: Double Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Hydro Pump / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Light Clay
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 100 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Double Screen is an excellent strategy if Rotom-W’s teammates require protection while they set up. Discharge allows Rotom-W to aid its team with paralysis while Hydro Pump helps to combats Infernape and Heatran provided that Light Screen is activate. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting give Rotom-W perfect coverage with the bonus of hurting Celebi and Swampert harder than any of its other moves.</p>

<p>The Speed EVs outrun Adamant Tyranitar while the defenses are balanced to take advantage of both Reflect and Light Screen.</p>

[SET]
name: Boosting Sweeper
move 1: Charge Beam
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
EVs: 64 HP / 232 SpA / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although one of the lesser used options, Charge Beam allows Rotom-W to attack while having a large chance to boost its already high Special Attack. When combined with Substitute, Rotom-W is even more capable of setting up on Blissey, a Pokemon that would normally wall a special attacking Rotom-W set. Seismic Toss has no effect on Rotom-W and Flamethrower / Ice Beam do not break Rotom-W's Substitutes due to the slight HP investment. Substitute also allows Rotom to block any Thunder Wave or Toxic that Blissey might launch at it. Shadow Ball is Rotom-W's main form of attack once it has received boosts from Charge Beam, capable of 3HKOing even 252 HP / 96 SpD Sassy Bronzong after a single boost. Hidden Power Fighting allows Rotom-W to take on incoming Tyranitar hoping to munch down on the wily ghost. After six boosts, Rotom-W is capable of 2HKOing even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey (the bulkiest Blissey that Rotom will likely encounter) with either Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-W's best form of attack against Scizor.</p>

<p>As previously mentioned, 64 HP EVs allow Rotom-W's Substitutes to withstand any attack that Blissey is likely to use, as well as allowing Rotom-W to form three Substitutes in sand and five in normal weather. A Timid Nature and 212 EVs allows Rotom-W to outspeed neutral-natured Mamoswine and Lucario, as well as receive a bonus point.. Using 212 Speed EVs also allows Rotom-W to reach a bonus point. 236 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-W to almost always 2HKO even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey with Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt after six boosts as well as having a 38% chance of 2HKOing 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Tyranitar in Sandstorm after a single boost with Hidden Power Fighting, a definite 2HKO if Tyranitar switches into Stealth Rock.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>Hidden Power Grass works in tandem with Thunderbolt or Discharge to eliminate Swampert but Shadow Ball can usually wear him down. Charge Beam and Hydro Pump work on the RestTalk set if Rotom-W desires more power while maintaining its bulky physique. Confuse Ray pairs well with Discharge, though the annoyer role is best left to Rotom-F thanks to Air Slash. Thunder Wave and Toxic are Rotom-W’s other status moves available. Thunder Wave guarantees paralysis while Toxic cripples bulky Pokemon such as Zapdos. Ominous Wind and Charge are Rotom-W’s other options to bolster its stats. Spite and Protect allow Rotom-W to PP stall; however, it is better left to Dusknoir and Spiritomb thanks to Pressure.</p>

[EVs]
<p>There are many ways to actually go about EVing Rotom-W so great care is needed. The offensive spread should focus on Speed and Special Attack almost entirely. Any other sets should always focus on maximizing HP with the exception of the Boosting Sweeper which should use 64 HP EVs to prevent most Blissey's Flamethrowers and Ice Beams from breaking your Substitutes. Speed EVs become more important when considering what Rotom-W should outpace. With Choice Scarf and 184 Speed EVs Rotom-W reaches 418 Speed with a Timid nature, just enough to outpace even the fastest Heatran. 88 Speed EVs with a neutral nature outpaces at the very least max Speed Adamant Scizor. From there, the dilemma is how to distribute the remaining EVs among the defenses. Once EVs are placed, pick a nature that compliments the chosen spread. So for example, you would want to use Bold if you opt to use 168 Defense EVs. 154 Speed EVs obtain 246 Speed, just enough to also outpace Tyranitar with a Jolly nature. Timid with 212 Speed EVs outruns Adamant Lucario, Mamoswine, and Gyarados.</p>

<p>Generally, Rotom-W enjoys balanced defenses so you should opt for a spread that achieves this. Both 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD with a Calm Nature or 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD with a Bold Nature accomplish this goal. 252 HP / 116 Def / 140 SpD with a Bold nature is another possibility with the Double Screen set. This set adds more of a buffer against neutral Psychic from Azelf possibly avoiding a 2HKO at best as well as what was mentioned with the original EV spread.</p>

[Opinion]
<p>Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's forte and it is an excellent offensive move. It gives Rotom-W the ability to retaliate against Ground-types. It also makes Heatran and other Fire-types have second thoughts on whether to switch into Rotom-W. It is arguably one of the best defensive anti-spinners in the game, but it is no slouch on the offensive either. Rain Dance is menacing when used with Rotom-W thanks to Hydro Pump being boosted by the rain. Rotom-W is a Pokemon that should not be underestimated as it is backed up by its numerous resistances, excellent Defenses, modest Special Attack, and its acceptable Speed. The aforementioned Hydro Pump and Rain Dance are the main reasons to use the washing machine Rotom over its other formes though.</p>

[Counters]
<p>Blissey is one of Rotom-W’s better counters, if not the best. It is a very dominant special wall that sponges every special attack from Rotom-W and heals off the damage with either Wish or Softboiled. Natural Cure makes Blissey an even better candidate since it can remove status upon switching out. The only set that Blissey should fear is the Substitute / Charge Beam Rotom-W. Trick + Choice item is, however, a nuisance to Blissey, so caution is advised when switching into Rotom-W. Tyranitar doesn’t enjoy Hydro Pump, Hidden Power Fighting, or Will-O-Wisp, but can easily step into Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball while Pursuiting Rotom-W. Pokemon with Rest and Sleep Talk, especially Spiritomb, are the best counters to most of Rotom-W's strategies. Spiritomb takes neutral damage from every one of Rotom-W’s attacks and sports STAB Shadow Ball or Dark Pulse to eliminate it. Swampert with Curse and Waterfall sets up on Rotom-W that lack Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Grass. With Substitute and Calm Mind, Jirachi and Raikou can set up against Rotom-W. Heatran, despite being frightened of switching into Hydro Pump, can absorb Will-O-Wisp and return the favor with STAB, Flash Fire boosted Fire Blast.</p>

Skeleton (Old)

[SET]
name: Washing in the Rain
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb / Damp Rock
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W loves the rain, literally. The combination of STAB Thunder, the ability to learn Hydro Pump, well-distributed stats, and finally his useful resistances make him an excellent consideration for Rain Dance. Hydro Pump gains a pseudo-STAB under the rain that punishes Ground-types that intercept Thunder. Speaking of Thunder it gains 100% accuracy in the rain and has the useful 30% chance of paralysis. The final move is simply a matter of choice. Shadow Ball has STAB and damages Celebi who is normally the only Grass-type in the OU environment barring Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Ice hits both mentioned Pokemon for super effective damage. Life Orb is a good consideration as the power boost is welcome when Blissey is absent; however, Damp Rock helps make the rain last as long as possible and is useful when your team is based around the rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice, 3 Attacks
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W has Trick to help abuse either item that is deemed useful on the set. Shadow Ball has a little more use on this set to help eliminate Cresselia and the such but both Hidden Power Ice and Grass have their merits on this set. Trick of course is the reason to use this set to help Rotom-W still can cripple as well as have a chance of being a good special sweeper.</p>

<p>Choice Specs adds more power to this set and is welcome with Modest especially. Choice Scarf is useful for revenge kills, especially against Heatran, and is better with Timid. The Scarf can still use Modest if you aren't afraid of Timid Heatran with a Choice Scarf and you think more power is necessary.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice, 2 Attacks
move 1: Discharge
move 2: Hydro Pump / Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
EVs: 252 HP / 72 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Instead of using three attacks this set attempts to sacrifice coverage for a move to cripple other Pokemon. Discharge is a great nuisance against speedy threats as well as damaging the opponent as well. Will-O-Wisp shuts down the usual physical sweepers. The second attack has some problems of decision but stating that Hydro Pump is the best decision as Discharge and Hydro Pump make Rotom a decent way to stop Heatran.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Sweeper
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass / Charge Beam
item: Life Orb / Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set foregoes the ability to use Trick altogether and adds more coverage to the set than ever before. The addition of Hidden Power adds more coverage. Ice is preferable here to destroy Dragon switch-ins as well as Grass switch-ins. Grass still has the merit of hitting Swampert. On top of this this set adds a more offensive as well as a versatile approach. This can easily work in the Rain with Thunder over Thunderbolt. You can also drop Hidden Power altogether for Charge Beam as a way to gain a boost to your Special Attack stat.</p>

<p>The advantages to this set over the 3 attack Choice set is simple: more coverage. Adding a Hidden Power alongside the set gives Rotom-W the ability to hit many Pokemon for "super effective" hitting everything but Poison, Normal, and Steel. Speaking of Choice items this set can use them both if one feels that Rotom-W needs more of a boost in Special Attack or Speed. Choice Specs gives Rotom a massive boost with Modest and Scarf makes Rotom-W a great revenge killer, especially with Timid. Tyranitar could prove threatening to this set especially with the Choice items; however, don't let this stop you from using them. Choice Specs Rotom-W is a massive threat with his wide movepool and useful STAB moves. Thunder works as an alternative to Thunderbolt if you decide to use this set in the rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Boosting Sweeper
move 1: Charge Beam
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fighting / Thunderbolt
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 64 HP / 232 SpA / 212 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although one of the lesser used options, Charge Beam allows Rotom-W to attack while having a large chance to boost its already high Special Attack. When combined with Substitute, Rotom-W is even more capable of setting up on Blissey, a Pokemon that would normally wall a special attacking Rotom-W set. Seismic Toss has no effect on Rotom-W and Flamethrower / Ice Beam do not break Rotom-W's Substitutes due to the slight HP investment. Substitute also allows Rotom to block any Thunder Wave or Toxic that Blissey might launch at it. Shadow Ball is Rotom-W's main form of attack once it has received boosts from Charge Beam, capable of 3HKOing even 252 HP / 96 SpD Sassy Bronzong after a single boost. Hidden Power Fighting allows Rotom-W to take on incoming Tyranitar hoping to munch down on the wily ghost. After six boosts, Rotom-W is capable of 2HKOing even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey (the bulkiest Blissey that Rotom will likely encounter) with either Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-W's best form of attack against Scizor.</p>

<p>As previously mentioned, 64 HP EVs allow Rotom-W's Substitutes to withstand any attack that Blissey is likely to use, as well as allowing Rotom-W to form three Substitutes in sand and five in normal weather. A Timid Nature and 212 EVs allows Rotom-W to outspeed neutral-natured Mamoswine and Lucario. Using 212 Speed EVs also allows Rotom-W to reach a bonus point. 236 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-W to almost always 2HKO even 0 HP / 176 SpD Calm Blissey with Hidden Power Fighting or Thunderbolt after six boosts. Rotom-W also has a 38% chance of 2HKOing 252 HP / 252 SpD Careful Tyranitar in Sandstorm after a single boost with Hidden Power Fighting, a definite 2HKO if Tyranitar switches into Stealth Rock.</p>

[SET]
name: Double Status
move 1: Discharge
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
move 3: Hydro Pump / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest / Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W also has the ability to use two status moves to cripple multiple amounts of Pokemon. The combination of Discharge and Will-O-Wisp is devastating and can shut down many sweepers in the OU environment. Discharge works as an alternative to Thunder Wave as this will not only give you a reliable Electric-type move, but also a 30% chance of paralysis as well. If you do deem to use Discharge simply use Hydro Pump. Hidden Power Ice works well alongside Discharge if you want to consider Toxic may seem like an odd consideration but is still very useful when walls attempt to switch into Rotom instead of the usual sweepers. It works wonders against Zapdos and does decently against Blissey. You can possibly use an interesting combination such as Discharge, Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, and Hidden Power Ice for a triple platform of status possibilities.</p>

[SET]
name: Double Screen
move 1: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Hydro Pump / Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Reflect
move 4: Light Screen
item: Light Clay
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 56 Spe / 100 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Double Screen is a viable choice on one with such defensive stats. The idea is simple really: set up Reflect and Light Screen and act accordingly. You can remove either screen if you think that it is necessary for an Attack move or even use a combination such as Will-O-Wisp and Light Screen.</p>

<p>The EVs suggested is deemed the most useful for this set. The Speed EVs outpace Adamant Tyranitar while the Special Defense EVs give you an emergency switch against Lucario Dark Pulse as well as a Timid Gengar's Shadow Ball.</p>

[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of the Rest Talking sets that are possible. Rotom sadly lacks the ability to recover, but this set works well nevertheless. Presented first is with the usual Electric strategy. Discharge works well on this set due to the welcome paralysis rate as well as no real afterthought of doing less damage than with Thunderbolt. Will-O-Wisp complements this set as making it a pseudo-Double Status user or Hidden Power Ice gives the dubious Electric / Ice combination. Toxic works decently on this set as another way to outstall certain threats such as bulky Ground-types.</p>

<p>There's also the possibility of sacrificing the ability to cripple for perfect coverage instead. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting have no resistances in any metagame whatsoever. On top of that Shadow Ball can promote Special Defense drops that can help Rotom-W either promote switches or weaken the opponent slightly.</p>

[SET]
name: RestTalk, Charge Beam
move 1: Charge Beam
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 88 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set complies with an entirely different strategy compared to the other SleepTalkers. Instead of praying for Shadow Ball's Special Defense drops or hoping that Discharge will paralyze, this set attempts to give an offensive yet defensive approach. Charge Beam is decent STAB and can boost his Special Attack most of the time. Hydro Pump is one of the better choices alongside Charge Beam as this prevents Ground-types from leeching your Charge Beam. Although Hydro Pump is preffered Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Ice make decent options if you feel that coverage is necessary.</p>

[Other Options]
<p>As you've seen above Rotom-W has many options to consider though must remember not to be outclassed by the other Rotom appliances. Hidden Power Ground has the mention of destroying Magnezone and other Steel-types without resorting to methods of using Rotom-H and still maintaining the capability of using Hydro Pump. Charge sounds gimmicky but has the ability to bolster his Special Defense if necessary. It also gives a nice boost to his Electric attacks. Ominous Wind gets a mention of another way to bolster his stats; albiet somewhat gimmicky, it still has STAB to back it up and is best used alongside the Sleep Talking sets. Spite and Protect get mentions of a way to PP stall due to the lack of Pressure.</p>

[EVs]
<p>There are many ways to actually go about with the EVs so great detail is needed. The offensive spread should focus on maxing Speed and Special Attack. Any other sets should always focus on maximizing HP with the exception of the Boosting Sweeper which should use 80 HP to prevent Flamethrower and Ice Beam from breaking your Substitute from the first impact. Speed EVs become more important when considering what Rotom-W should outpace. With Choice Scarf and 184 Speed EVs Rotom-W reaches 418 Speed with a Timid nature, just enough to outspace even the fastest Heatran. 88 Speed EVs with a neutral nature outpaces at the very least Adamant Scizor with max Speed. From there it's figuring out where to throw the remainder EVs into either defenses. After that use the beneficial nature that compliments the used EVs. So for example, you would want to use Bold if you opt to use 168 Defense EVs. 154 Speed EVs obtain 246 Speed; just enough to also outpace said Tyranitar with a Jolly nature. Timid with 212 Speed EVs outpace Adamant Lucario, Mamoswine, and Gyarados.</p>

<p>There are a couple of ways to maximize Rotom's defenses. The first is by using either Calm or Bold and max HP, 180 EVs into the defense without the beneficial nature, and the remaining 76 EVs into the defense with the positive Nature. Another alternative is using max HP and 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD and a Calm Nature or 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD with a Bold Nature. 252 HP/116 Def/140 SDef with a Bold nature is another possibility with the Double Screen set. This set adds more of a buffer against neutral Psychic from Azelf possibly avoiding a 2HKO at best as well as what was mentioned with the original EV spread.</p>

[Opinion]
<p>The presence of the Rotom appliances themselves give the metagame a new niche Pokemon to consider in their teams. Rotom-W is capable of shutting down one of Rotom Appliance's best counters, Heatran, easily and also boasts the ability to use Rain Dance to its max potential. It also acts as a great counter to many Pokemon such as Yanmega, Metagross, and Scizor despite lacking Overheat that Rotom-H offers. Speaking of Hydro Pump it gets the merit of not having the Special Attack drop that Overheat and Leaf Storm offers and still has stable accuracy unlike Blizzard from Rotom-F.</p>

<p>Rotom-W also has the presence of its abundance of resistances. Being immune to Ground, Normal, and Fighting and resisting Steel, Electric, Flying, Poison, and Bug give it the qualities that Spiritomb and Dusknoir lack. And on top of that Rotom-W's well-distributed stats in not only his Defenses but his Speed and Special Attack give him indefinite possibilities of movesets to consider. Not only that but having Light Screen, Reflect, and Thunder Wave give him the niche over many Ghost-types. Speaking of Ghost-type Rotom-W has the capability to be an excellent blocker of Rapid Spin since he stands a sporting chance with his dual STABs and Hydro Pump on his side. His base Speed of 86 has the mention of outpacing Adamant Heracross even. The only real downfalls are the lack of a reliable recovery move alongside his weaknesses to Dark and Ghost.</p>

<p>Overall Rotom-W can cause one's head to whirl in circles when it is present. It's moveset possibilities alongside those resistances give Rotom the ability to be an excellent Tank. The use of Hydro Pump also gives Rotom-W the edge of a fighting chance against threats such as Tyranitar as well as many bulky Grounds that are omnipresent in OU and normally love to absorb his Electric attacks.</p>

[Counters]
<p>Blissey, of course, is the best against such a Pokemon. She has no trouble stepping in the vast majority of attacks thanks to Natural Cure and still has Ice Beam to retaliate. As for everything else things are easier said than done because Rotom-W has many possibilities of movesets and purposes, thus it is difficult to find a certain Pokemon that can his status attacks, his STABs of Electric as well as Ghost, and finally Hydro Pump.</p>

<p>Sleep Talking Pokemon also do very well against most Pokemon as long as they have decent Special Defense and is careful of watching their Special Defense drops from Shadow Ball. Swampert will do best against Rotom-W especially if said Swampert has Rest, Sleep Talk, and Curse alongside him. Swampert still needs to keep an eye on Speaking of Curse sets Tyranitar makes a good threat the vast majority of the time. Rest, Sleep Talk, and Crunch make Tyranitar a huge threat to Rotom-W with Sandstorm boosting Tyranitar's Special Defense and making the rain dissapear. On top of that Tyranitar has an abundance of STAB Dark moves to choose from to eliminate Rotom-W from Pursuit all the way to Dark Pulse.</p>

<p>Heatran has some difficulties against Hydro Pump and Discharge; however, he can easily step into Will-O-Wisp and retaliate accordingly with either STAB Fire Blast or Substitute at will. Zapdos can PP stall some of Rotom-W's moves such as Hydro Pump but Zapdos must be aware of the Special Defense drops from Shadow Ball. Retaliating with Heat Wave will put Rotom-W into a difficult situation. Jirachi and Raikou can use the ever-dreaded Substitute and Calm Mind combination to wear out Rotom-W as well as blocking status. And finally Heracross can still come into Will-O-Wisp and threaten Rotom-W off with either Pursuit or a boosted Stone Edge.</p>

Colonel M said:

[SET]
name: Rain Dance
move 1: Rain Dance
move 2: Thunder
move 3: Hydro Pump
move 4: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
item: Life Orb / Damp Rock
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W loves the rain, literally. The combination of STAB Thunder, the ability to learn Hydro Pump, well-distributed stats,
and finally his useful resistances make him an excellent consideration for Rain Dance. Hydro Pump gains a pseudo-STAB under the
rain that punishes Ground-types that intercept Thunder. Speaking of Thunder it gains 100% accuracy in the rain and has the useful
30% chance of paralysis. The final move is simply a matter of choice. Shadow Ball has STAB and damages Celebi who is normally the
only Grass-type in the OU environment barring Shaymin-S. Hidden Power Ice hits both mentioned Pokemon for super effective damage.
Life Orb is a good consideration as the power boost is welcome when Blissey is absent; however, Damp Rock helps make the rain last
as long as possible and is useful when your team is based around the rain.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice, 3 Attacks
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W has Trick to help abuse either item that is deemed useful on the set. Shadow Ball has a little more use on this set to
help eliminate Cresselia and the such but both Hidden Power Ice and Grass have their merits on this set. Trick of course is the
reason to use this set to help Rotom-W still can cripple as well as have a chance of being a good special sweeper.</p>

<p>Choice Specs adds more power to this set and is welcome with Modest especially. Choice Scarf is useful for revenge kills,
especially against Heatran, and is better with Timid. The Scarf can still use Modest if you aren't afraid of Timid Heatran with
a Choice Scarf and you think more power is necessary.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice, 2 Attacks
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hydro Pump / Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
EVs: 252 HP / 72 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Instead of using three attacks this set attempts to sacrifice coverage for a move to cripple other Pokemon. Thunder Wave is a
great nuisance against speedy threats and Will-O-Wisp shuts down the usual physical sweepers. The second attack has some
problems of decision but stating that Hydro Pump is the best decision as Thunder Wave and Hydro Pump make Rotom a decent way to
stop Heatran.</p>

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Grass
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid / Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set foregoes the ability to use Trick altogether and adds more coverage to the set than ever before. The addition of Hidden Power adds more coverage. Ice is preferable here to destroy Dragon switch-ins as well as Ice switch-ins. Grass still has the merit of hitting Swampert.

[SET]
name: Double Status
move 1: Thunder Wave / Discharge
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
move 3: Thunderbolt / Hydro Pump / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-W also has the ability to use two status moves to cripple multiple amounts of Pokemon. The combination of Thunder Wave
and Will-O-Wisp is devastating and can shut down many sweepers in the OU environment. Discharge works as an alternative to
Thunder Wave as this will not only give you a reliable Electric-type move, but also a 30% chance of paralysis as well. If you do
deem to use Discharge simply use Hydro Pump. Hidden Power Ice works well alongside Discharge if you want to consider Toxic may
seem like an odd consideration but is still very useful when walls attempt to switch into Rotom instead of the usual sweepers. It
works wonders against Zapdos and does decently against Blissey.</p>

[SET]
name: Double Screen
move 1: Thunderbolt / Discharge
move 2: Hydro Pump / Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Reflect
move 4: Light Screen
item: Light Clay
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Double Screen is a viable choice on one with such defensive stats. The idea is simple really: set up Reflect and Light Screen
and act accordingly. You can remove either screen if you think that it is necessary for an Attack move or even use a combination
such as Will-O-Wisp and Light Screen.</p>

[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Discharge
move 2: Will-O-Wisp / Shadow Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 180 SpD

Click to expand...

Nice so far =) Washtom <3 P.S. Turn word wrap off when c/ping

Got it. Expect Resttalk and "Standard" later hopefully. I'm somewhat tired.

charge beam/hydropump resttalk probably deserves it's own set, me and MS can vouch for it ;)

A Sleep Talk Set with Rest + Sleep Talk + Hydro Pump + Shadow Ball would offer pretty good coverage... Consider it as Other Options for the set you provided.

Added some more. EV section seems to be difficult to consider. More counters would help too. Sorry Misaki but could you do a second sweep with the Sleep Talking sets on down? This computer of mine is really laggy with fixing things.

Don't be afraid to mention something. There's a lot of possibilities with these Rotoms and all help is appreciated.

Ice is preferable here to destroy Dragon switch-ins as well as Grass switch-ins. Grass still has the merit of hitting Swampert.

Click to expand...

Was originally Ice.

^ Got this.

Do the RestTalk and Double Screen sets need the defenses to be equal for something? The spreads aren't completely efficient.

Calm 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD
Bold 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD

Those two spreads when compared to yours trade 11 in one stat for 13 in the other. They are the most balanced, optimized spreads available.

I'll keep those in mind Hearts when I put the EV section together. I might make those the prime options as well and just throw my original EV spreads into the EV section for balanced defenses. That was the main reason I've used them anyways.

This may be just me, but I have always run some speed on the Rotom-appliance forms. I always put enough to outpace Tyranitar and Scizor, which is espically important for this form. I've been using the "Double Status" set (Discharge over Twave), and I think that the fact that Rotom-W can beat Tar 1 v 1 should be empaised. Will-O-Wisp first, then Hydro Pump until its dead, and I have never been beaten by Tyranitar. Because this thing also makes a pretty good Scizor counter (abiet not as good as Rotom-H, but that thing has its own Heatran troubles), I have always used speed EVs, and I have been very successful.

You may want to combine the Life Orb and four attack Choice sets, and the Sleep Talk sets. There's really no reason to spread strategies that play similarly over three sets.

Like... how many Speed EVs maddog? Enough for Jolly Tyranitar?

@Great Sage: I can agree on combining the Life Orb and Four Attack Choice set. Sleep Talk Set might look a bit messy so I'll combine the first two and keep the third one as is. Is this acceptable?

And people please: if you feel something needs more explaination say so! I'm not afraid to add more to the SET COMMENTS if you think something is unclear.

EV spread: Uh... yeah... I might just use something like a combination of maddog and CoTH's EVs. Give me a little more time on this, I'm working with this. For now I might copy -> paste CoTH's EVs. I'll look further into some random calcs. Anyone want to give me some things that Rotom should take from? Like certain Pokemon attacks?

88 Speed EVs with neutral nature outspeed a Adamant Max Speed Tyranitar and Adamant Max Speed Scizor

I'm currently using 154 Speed EVs for 246 Speed. Venom's suggestion works too.

How about using Venom's as the benchmark and then maddog's could be in EV section? I still want to maximize Rotom form's abilities of taking hits. Not that I'm disagreeing with you maddog at all.

I'll get to work on EV spreads soon. Rotom-F's will be outdated somewhat as well.

Not a problem at all. I usually use a Modest nature too (no EVs) on most of the Rotoms to take advanage of that great base 105 SpAtk. I would also suggest Discharge over Thunderwave on the Double Status set. Otherwise, looks great! Ima go work on Tar now.

Okay, Double Status has been updated. CoTHs spread looks good on the SleepTalk set in general. I've kept mine for Double Screen. Gorm could I get those EVs that you use for the Charge Beam set? After I get that EV spread I'll work on the actual EV section.

88 speed for ttar bold max hp rest in def =)

I'll get that updated asap. EV section will probably be complete shortly. I'll get the fix on that Venom and I'm going to mention a little bit about Rotom-W being a decent Spin Blocker if no one minds.

Also going to add Stellar's set in here once I get his permission. Venom and Caelum should look into this set as well for your Rotom forms.

Colonel M said:

[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fighting
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
EVs: 252 HP / 136 Def / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>One of the Rest Talking sets that are possible. Rotom sadly lacks the ability to recover, but this set works well nevertheless. Presented first is with the usual Electric strategy. Discharge works well on this set due to the welcome paralysis rate as well as no real afterthought of doing less damage than with Thunderbolt. Will-O-Wisp complements this set as making it a pseudo-Double Status user or Hidden Power Ice gives the dubious Electric / Ice combination. Toxic works decently on this set as another way to outstall certain threats such as bulky Ground-types.</p>

<p>There's also the possibility of sacrificing the ability to cripple for perfect coverage instead. Shadow Ball and Hidden Power Fighting have no resistances in any metagame whatsoever. On top of that Shadow Ball can promote Special Defense drops that can help Rotom-W either promote switches or weaken the opponent slightly.</p>

Click to expand...

This is an awesome set...just wanted to say that with this EV spread, you can be OHKO'd by Gengar's Life Orb Shadow Ball 74% of the time. An alternative EV spread of 252 HP/252 Sp. Def Calm will never be OHKOd (unless Stealth Rock is present, and only 15% of the time at that).

Just like I told Caelum (or was it Venom?) you need to replace Appliance Rotom in my write up with Rotom-W.

I'll get to this right now Stellar. Thanks for reminding me too.

@SithLord: In all honesty I wouldn't attempt to gamble Rotom's chances of taking a STAB Shadow Ball from Gengar. I'd rather switch out in that scenario and let someone else take it. Using all those Special Defense EVs can also spell trouble if you lack Will-O-Wisp and physical sweepers are present on the field.

Keep adding suggestions and such guys, just because I turn some down doesn't mean they all will.