[Overview]
<p>NU is a tier packed full of potential Stealth Rock users, many of whom share one of Golem's typings. However, there are many different reasons to choose Golem for a slot on your team. The best reason to choose Golem for your team is its dual Ground / Rock typing, which no other common Pokemon in NU shares. This allows it to take Flying-type moves with ease while also being immune to Electric-type attacks. It also gives Golem an additional STAB move to utilize, which Pokemon like Gigalith would love to have. Additionally, Golem is one of only a few Pokemon in the tier that is nearly guaranteed to set up Stealth Rock thanks to Sturdy, allowing Golem to live any one hit from full HP unless the opposing Pokemon has Mold Breaker. With these things in mind, Golem is usually better suited for more offensively oriented teams. Finally, while Golem may have exploitable Grass-, Water-, and Ground-type weaknesses and a low Special Defense stat, it is still a great Stealth Rock user that gets its job done well.</p>
[SET]
name: Custap Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Explosion
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to get up entry hazards at the beginning of the battle. With Sturdy at its disposal, Golem is guaranteed to set up Stealth Rock against most opposing leads. Another way this set benefits from the presence of Sturdy is through Custap Berry and Explosion. Thanks to Sturdy and a lack of EVs in Defense or Special Defense, Golem will often be knocked down to Custap range very early on in the battle. Custap Berry gives the user +1 priority on the next selected move when the holder is at 25% or less HP. This, in combination with Explosion, makes Golem a potent threat and allows for a safe switch into another Pokemon once it has completed the task of setting up Stealth Rock. Some may argue that Gigalith does this job better due to its higher Attack stat, but Golem also has Ground-type STAB to its advantage—something that Gigalith cannot claim. This makes Earthquake a mandatory move on the set. Rock Blast is chosen over Stone Edge or Rock Slide to allow Golem to hit through common Substitute users such as Braviary, Haunter, and Ninjask, as well as breaking Focus Sashes on Pokemon like Scolipede.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given set runs maximum Speed EVs because the loss in bulk is not important for a suicide lead. There are also still a few options that you can use over the moves listed in this set. Toxic is a nice move to take on the bulkier Pokemon against which Golem may otherwise struggle, chipping away at walls such as Alomomola and Tangela. You may also want to run Sucker Punch over Explosion to catch some Pokemon such as Haunter off guard after Custap Berry has been used. This set runs best on offensive teams that require a specific Pokemon being weakened or taken out, as both Explosion and Stealth Rock will deal a great amount of damage to opposing leads and switch-ins. Anything that appreciates the presence of Stealth Rock to assure a KO makes a good partner to this Golem set. Some examples include Sawsbuck, Ludicolo, and Seismitoad. Scolipede makes a decent partner to Golem as well, as it can set up Spikes alongside Golem's Stealth Rock while Golem can take the Fire-, Rock-, and Flying-type attacks aimed at Scolipede. Finally, Misdreavus can be partnered alongside Golem to take on Sawk and block Rapid Spin.</p>
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes a slightly more defensive role than the Custap Berry set. One of the main benefits of Golem using this set is that it stays around much longer, in most in most cases, allowing it to check Flying-types in the tier. Once again, this set sets up Stealth Rock and uses Rock Black and Earthquake for STAB moves. For the final moveslot, there are two options: Toxic and Sucker Punch. The choice between the two is entirely up to what your team needs more. Toxic is great for crippling walls and decreasing their vitality, while Sucker Punch takes on a more offensive role, allowing Golem to beat faster, frailer foes such as Haunter.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Shell Smash Torkoal before it has gotten off the boost and defeat it before it gets the chance to use Rapin Spin. Lum Berry can be used in lieu of Leftovers to cure one infliction of status, giving Golem the opportunity to come in on a predicted Toxic later in the match. It also helps it to beat Liepard and to guarantee Stealth Rock is placed against opposing Golurk with DynamicPunch. Rocky Helmet is another option for an item, as it punishes both Rapin Spin users for removing your Stealth Rock and Swellow and Braviary that try to regain switch initiative with U-turn. Protect may be chosen over Sucker Punch or Toxic for the last slot. While it may have less utility than either of these moves, there are situations where Protect can come in handy. First, it allows Golem to scout against common Choiced Pokemon such as Primeape and Sawk. It also grants Golem a turn of Leftovers recovery after switching in to Stealth Rock, allowing it to refresh the effects of Sturdy.</p>
<p>Good teammates for this set are rather similar to the Custap Berry set: Pokemon that like the presence of Stealth Rock on the field in order to help net certain KOes love the utility this set offers. Since this Golem set often sticks around longer in the battle, it can also take hits from Flying and Normal-types that other teammates may not appreciate. This makes frailer offensive threats, such as Swellow and Jynx, great choices for partners. Golem also appreciates a partner who can sponge the special hits that it would rather avoid. Mantine fits this role well since it complements Golem's typing well, resists Fighting-type attacks, and takes most special Grass and Ice-type attacks with ease. It also has Water Absorb, which means it benefits from switching into Water-type attacks targeted at Golem.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>There are not many other options for Golem. One thing that it can fit into its Custap set is Sunny Day over Explosion. With this change, Golem is able to set up both Stealth Rock and Sunny Day in order to support its team. This is a solid option for sun teams, as Golem will likely use Sunny Day right before it dies, providing a free switch into a threatening sun sweeper. You can also choose to run Stone Edge for more power or Rock Slide for greater accuracy, though you lose out on being able to break Substitutes and Focus Sashes. Normal Gem can be used alongside Explosion to deal massive amounts of damage, though this is less reliable than Custap Berry. For this same reason, Lum Berry and Leftovers are generally poor choices on the Custap set. Autotomize may seem like a good option to outspeed and defeat common checks to Golem, but between its common weaknesses making it difficult to set up and its Speed leaving it vulnerable to being revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users, Golem is generally better off filling a supporting role. A Choice Band could be used, but Golem is not best suited for this role; since many other common Stealth Rock users share a similar typing, you are just compounding weaknesses for your opponent to exploit. Sturdy is also great for a Stealth Rock lead role, and by running a Choice Band set, you aren't utilizing Golem to its fullest potential.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Golem's weaknesses are common, and it also has a poor Special Defense status that can be used against it. For these reasons, its has many checks and counters. Some Taunt users, such as Misdreavus and Serperior, can both prevent Stealth Rock from being set and defeat Golem one-on-one. Misdreavus is faster than both of Golem's sets, has access to Will-O-Wisp, and is immune to both Explosion and Earthquake. Serperior can use Taunt and hit Golem hard with Giga Drain. Mold Breaker Sawk can also prevent Stealth Rock from being placed by ignoring Sturdy and knocking out Golem in one hit. Golem struggles to beat bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Torterra, which can all manage to take a hit while bringing Golem down to 1 HP. Piloswine can also beat Golem thanks to STAB Ice Shard and Earthquake, both of which Golem is weak to. Alomomola cannot prevent Golem from setting up Stealth Rock, but otherwise, it will always beat Golem not carrying Toxic thanks to its great HP, high Defense and access to Wish. Finally, while Golem may seem like a solid answer to Braviary, it needs to be wary against it due to Bulk Up. Golem relies on hitting a high number of times with Rock Blast in order to break through Substitutes and hit for solid damage; otherwise, Braviary can set up to +6 Attack and Defense with Bulk Up while Golem struggles to break Substitute. Golem also risks being hit with a Superpower if it switches into Braviary.</p>
<p>NU is a tier packed full of potential Stealth Rock users, many of whom share one of Golem's typings. However, there are many different reasons to choose Golem for a slot on your team. The best reason to choose Golem for your team is its dual Ground / Rock typing, which no other common Pokemon in NU shares. This allows it to take Flying-type moves with ease while also being immune to Electric-type attacks. It also gives Golem an additional STAB move to utilize, which Pokemon like Gigalith would love to have. Additionally, Golem is one of only a few Pokemon in the tier that is nearly guaranteed to set up Stealth Rock thanks to Sturdy, allowing Golem to live any one hit from full HP unless the opposing Pokemon has Mold Breaker. With these things in mind, Golem is usually better suited for more offensively oriented teams. Finally, while Golem may have exploitable Grass-, Water-, and Ground-type weaknesses and a low Special Defense stat, it is still a great Stealth Rock user that gets its job done well.</p>
[SET]
name: Custap Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast
move 4: Explosion
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is designed to get up entry hazards at the beginning of the battle. With Sturdy at its disposal, Golem is guaranteed to set up Stealth Rock against most opposing leads. Another way this set benefits from the presence of Sturdy is through Custap Berry and Explosion. Thanks to Sturdy and a lack of EVs in Defense or Special Defense, Golem will often be knocked down to Custap range very early on in the battle. Custap Berry gives the user +1 priority on the next selected move when the holder is at 25% or less HP. This, in combination with Explosion, makes Golem a potent threat and allows for a safe switch into another Pokemon once it has completed the task of setting up Stealth Rock. Some may argue that Gigalith does this job better due to its higher Attack stat, but Golem also has Ground-type STAB to its advantage—something that Gigalith cannot claim. This makes Earthquake a mandatory move on the set. Rock Blast is chosen over Stone Edge or Rock Slide to allow Golem to hit through common Substitute users such as Braviary, Haunter, and Ninjask, as well as breaking Focus Sashes on Pokemon like Scolipede.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given set runs maximum Speed EVs because the loss in bulk is not important for a suicide lead. There are also still a few options that you can use over the moves listed in this set. Toxic is a nice move to take on the bulkier Pokemon against which Golem may otherwise struggle, chipping away at walls such as Alomomola and Tangela. You may also want to run Sucker Punch over Explosion to catch some Pokemon such as Haunter off guard after Custap Berry has been used. This set runs best on offensive teams that require a specific Pokemon being weakened or taken out, as both Explosion and Stealth Rock will deal a great amount of damage to opposing leads and switch-ins. Anything that appreciates the presence of Stealth Rock to assure a KO makes a good partner to this Golem set. Some examples include Sawsbuck, Ludicolo, and Seismitoad. Scolipede makes a decent partner to Golem as well, as it can set up Spikes alongside Golem's Stealth Rock while Golem can take the Fire-, Rock-, and Flying-type attacks aimed at Scolipede. Finally, Misdreavus can be partnered alongside Golem to take on Sawk and block Rapid Spin.</p>
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes a slightly more defensive role than the Custap Berry set. One of the main benefits of Golem using this set is that it stays around much longer, in most in most cases, allowing it to check Flying-types in the tier. Once again, this set sets up Stealth Rock and uses Rock Black and Earthquake for STAB moves. For the final moveslot, there are two options: Toxic and Sucker Punch. The choice between the two is entirely up to what your team needs more. Toxic is great for crippling walls and decreasing their vitality, while Sucker Punch takes on a more offensive role, allowing Golem to beat faster, frailer foes such as Haunter.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>56 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Shell Smash Torkoal before it has gotten off the boost and defeat it before it gets the chance to use Rapin Spin. Lum Berry can be used in lieu of Leftovers to cure one infliction of status, giving Golem the opportunity to come in on a predicted Toxic later in the match. It also helps it to beat Liepard and to guarantee Stealth Rock is placed against opposing Golurk with DynamicPunch. Rocky Helmet is another option for an item, as it punishes both Rapin Spin users for removing your Stealth Rock and Swellow and Braviary that try to regain switch initiative with U-turn. Protect may be chosen over Sucker Punch or Toxic for the last slot. While it may have less utility than either of these moves, there are situations where Protect can come in handy. First, it allows Golem to scout against common Choiced Pokemon such as Primeape and Sawk. It also grants Golem a turn of Leftovers recovery after switching in to Stealth Rock, allowing it to refresh the effects of Sturdy.</p>
<p>Good teammates for this set are rather similar to the Custap Berry set: Pokemon that like the presence of Stealth Rock on the field in order to help net certain KOes love the utility this set offers. Since this Golem set often sticks around longer in the battle, it can also take hits from Flying and Normal-types that other teammates may not appreciate. This makes frailer offensive threats, such as Swellow and Jynx, great choices for partners. Golem also appreciates a partner who can sponge the special hits that it would rather avoid. Mantine fits this role well since it complements Golem's typing well, resists Fighting-type attacks, and takes most special Grass and Ice-type attacks with ease. It also has Water Absorb, which means it benefits from switching into Water-type attacks targeted at Golem.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>There are not many other options for Golem. One thing that it can fit into its Custap set is Sunny Day over Explosion. With this change, Golem is able to set up both Stealth Rock and Sunny Day in order to support its team. This is a solid option for sun teams, as Golem will likely use Sunny Day right before it dies, providing a free switch into a threatening sun sweeper. You can also choose to run Stone Edge for more power or Rock Slide for greater accuracy, though you lose out on being able to break Substitutes and Focus Sashes. Normal Gem can be used alongside Explosion to deal massive amounts of damage, though this is less reliable than Custap Berry. For this same reason, Lum Berry and Leftovers are generally poor choices on the Custap set. Autotomize may seem like a good option to outspeed and defeat common checks to Golem, but between its common weaknesses making it difficult to set up and its Speed leaving it vulnerable to being revenge killed by common Choice Scarf users, Golem is generally better off filling a supporting role. A Choice Band could be used, but Golem is not best suited for this role; since many other common Stealth Rock users share a similar typing, you are just compounding weaknesses for your opponent to exploit. Sturdy is also great for a Stealth Rock lead role, and by running a Choice Band set, you aren't utilizing Golem to its fullest potential.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Golem's weaknesses are common, and it also has a poor Special Defense status that can be used against it. For these reasons, its has many checks and counters. Some Taunt users, such as Misdreavus and Serperior, can both prevent Stealth Rock from being set and defeat Golem one-on-one. Misdreavus is faster than both of Golem's sets, has access to Will-O-Wisp, and is immune to both Explosion and Earthquake. Serperior can use Taunt and hit Golem hard with Giga Drain. Mold Breaker Sawk can also prevent Stealth Rock from being placed by ignoring Sturdy and knocking out Golem in one hit. Golem struggles to beat bulky Water- and Grass-types, such as Samurott, Ludicolo, and Torterra, which can all manage to take a hit while bringing Golem down to 1 HP. Piloswine can also beat Golem thanks to STAB Ice Shard and Earthquake, both of which Golem is weak to. Alomomola cannot prevent Golem from setting up Stealth Rock, but otherwise, it will always beat Golem not carrying Toxic thanks to its great HP, high Defense and access to Wish. Finally, while Golem may seem like a solid answer to Braviary, it needs to be wary against it due to Bulk Up. Golem relies on hitting a high number of times with Rock Blast in order to break through Substitutes and hit for solid damage; otherwise, Braviary can set up to +6 Attack and Defense with Bulk Up while Golem struggles to break Substitute. Golem also risks being hit with a Superpower if it switches into Braviary.</p>
[Overview]
[set]
name:Custap Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
ability: Sturdy
item: leftovers
nature: adamant
200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
[set comments]
[other options]
[checks and counters]
- Competes with a variety rock and ground types for a teamslot as a Bulky SR Lead. Golem differentiates itself from most by having access to Sturdy and a great secondary STAB
- Golem fits a lot better onto more offensive teams whereas pokemon such as Bastiodon are more suitable choices for Stall or Defensive teams.
- Great offensive Typing.
- Good check to Birds.
- Weaknesses to common offensive types (Ground / Water / Grass).
- Well equipped movepool, but often struggles to find times where other moves would be useful.
[set]
name:Custap Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Rock Blast / Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
- Designed to set up SR then move first next turn and damage the foe as heavily as possible.
- STAB Earthquake sets it apart from Gigalith as a Custap user and provides great coverage alongside it's other stab option
- Explosion turns it into more of a suicide lead dealing massive damage to those who don't resist it
- Rock blast allows you to hit through common substitute users such as Braviary, Haunter and Ninjask and break Scolipede sashes.
- Scolipede makes a decent partner - Golem resists Fire/Rock type attacks aimed at Scolipede, and Scolipede in turn has an easier time vs Sawk.
- Misdreavus can help vs Sawk too. Burning it before it can KO back.
- Anything that appreciates rocks to turn an almost KO into a guaranteed KO appreciates Golems support (Ludicolo, Seismitoed, Sawsbuck for example)
- Toxic can be used as a last ditch attempt for poison a wall that you may otherwise have trouble with (read - Alomomola)
- Offensive teams which require a specific pokemon being weakened or taken out make for excellent teammates in general as both SR and Explosion will do a great deal of damage to the majority of leads and switch-ins.
- Premature explosion can leave you very vunerable to flying types such as AcroBlim and Braviary. If you're using Golem a your check to them.
- Sucker punch can be used over Explosion to catch some mons like Haunter off guard after Custap has been used.
name: Utility
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Stone Edge / Rock Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sucker Punch / Toxic
ability: Sturdy
item: leftovers
nature: adamant
200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
[set comments]
- All common taunt users are usually faster than golem
- EVs to outspeed Torkoal and KO it beore it can spin
- Toxic is an additional option to help break down things that can wall Golem (Such as Alomamola)
- Protect allows it to scout choice locked Sawk's move and also regain Sturdy after Stealth Rock Damage
- Protect is an option over Sucker Punch to allow you to check which move Sawk has locked itself into and it allows you to regain the use of sturdy after switching into rocks at full hp.
- Spread allows you to always beat Torkoal so it can't switch in and spin
- Lum Berry (whilst an inferior option) can be used to survive stauts once providing it a chance to come back later in a match on a predicted toxic.
- Rocky Helmet can serve as a deterrent for spinners and also may deter weaker physical assults from attacks such as U-turn which could ruin your opponents momentum.
- Sap Sipper Pokémon are partners that may benefit from eating sleep powders aimed at Golem from Tangela
[other options]
- Not really much else
- Sunny Day in Custap set for a double setup set.
- Rock Slide over Stone edge Power > Accuracy or Rock blast if you find rock blast a little too unreliable
- Normal Gem and Explosion
- Autotomize?
- Leftovers or Lum Berry over Custap berry on the lead set
- Choice Band - Can work, but far too gimmicky. Golem has better things to be doing.
[checks and counters]
- Alomomola
- Torterra
- Samurott
- Bulky Water / Ground (Piloswine) / Grass Types
- Mold Breaker Sawk bypasses sturdy and can ko back
- Taunt stops it from doing it's main job of SR
- Weak Special Def
- Needs to be wary of sub-bulk up braviary - Golem needs to get relatively lucky with Rock Blast.
- Misdreavus can taunt and burn Golem whilst having an immunity to both Explosion and EQ
