Long due revamp of this once feared beast of D/P, re-written in the context of the UU Metagame.
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/rampardos
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Rampardos is the very essence of the term "glass cannon". Apart from its beastly Attack and above average HP all its other stats are poor. When using Rampardos it is essential to make sure you emphasize and focus on the qualities that set it apart from its powerful rock counterparts in Aggron and Rhyperior, namely its slightly higher base Speed, and more importantly its ability, Mold Breaker.</p>
<p>Mold Breaker allows it to easily dispatch defensive threats such as Weezing with its powerful Earthquake, as well as useful things like circumventing Rhyperior's Solid Rock ability.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Band, Rampardos' Attack reaches absurd new heights. 706 with Adamant, and 644 with Jolly. Jolly is the preferred nature, providing a speed of 236 which allows you to get a jump on offensive Pokémon that linger in the base 50 to 56 Speed ranges as well as many walls that don't invest heavily in Speed, Milotic being a notable example.</p>
<p>The Choice Band can be a real wreaking ball when used right. Stone Edge is the key to this set, OHKOing or 2HKOing almost anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake gives Rampardos excellent type coverage alongside Stone Edge, as well as hitting Pokémon such as Weezing and Rotom for super effective damage. Zen Headbutt is Rampardos' best option against defensive Fighting-types such as Intimidate Hitmontop and Hariyama. Fire Punch in the final move slot is for Torterra who would otherwise be able to wall the entire set.</p>
<p>Next to nothing will be able to switch safely into Rampardos' attacks, however it must be used with care as it is still relatively slow and being locked into resisted moves can allow dangerous threats such as Rhyperior and Aggron to set up.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Rampardos is good at punching holes into opposing teams and severely weakening defensive cores. Feraligatr is a Pokémon which teams up well offensively with Rampardos. Rampardos lures in and beats Pokémon like Milotic, and dents defensive cores which significantly ease Feraligatr's chances of pulling off a Dragon Dance sweep against the weakened team. Defensively, Pokémon such as Uxie can assist by setting up Stealth Rock, and using Thunder Wave to cripple faster Pokémon, all the while being able come in on Fighting and Ground moves aimed at Rampardos with ease.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos has a mighty attack stat, but its poor speed often holds it back from reaching its full attacking potential, Choice Scarf helps to remedy this somewhat.</p>
<p>Just like the Choice Band set, Stone Edge's STAB is the main attraction, still boasting massive power off Rampardos' 429 (if Jolly) or 471 (if Adamant) Attack. Earthquake rounds off Rampardos' type coverage alongside Stone Edge, Zen Headbutt is Rampardos' best option against defensive Fighting, and Fire Punch nails Torterra. Jolly is the preferred nature for the Choice Scarf set as it enables you to out speed all positive natured base 110 Speed Pokémon and below, whereas Adamant must settle for beating positive natured base 95 Speed Pokémon and below.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Even with its high Attack, Choice Scarf Rampardos desperately needs Stealth Rock to net crucial OHKOs or 2HKOs. Claydol can provide rocks while dealing with ground and fighting moves that Rampardos attracts, however the two share a common Water and Grass weakness. Conversely, Leafeon who sports a resistance to the aforementioned Water and Grass weak as well as Ground, pairs well with Rampardos. It appreciates Rampardos' ability to take out troublesome Pokémon such as Weezing and Registeel, while being able to pose a threat to bulky waters that would look to stand in Rampardos' way.</p>
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Focus Sash / Liechi Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the Choice Scarf set grants Rampardos instant speed, it relies heavily on prediction and is forced out relatively easily. Rock Polish gives Rampardos increased speed with the ability to switch freely between attacks, making it that much more dangerous.</p>
<p>As with previous sets, Stone Edge is your key attacking move, complimented by Earthquake, while Zen Headbutt makes defensive Fighting-types think twice.</p>
<p>If using this set with Sandstorm support, then the Liechi Berry becomes an option. The Special Defence boost granted by Sandstorm will allow Rampardos to weather a Surf from a standard defensive Milotic while you Rock Polish, thus activating the Attack boost, essentially giving you a Choice Band-powered Rampardos with +2 Speed and the freedom of not being locked into one attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Relying on a Focus Sash for this strategy is risky outside of the lead spot as any prior damage will render it useless. Rigorous Rapid Spin support will be required if not using the set as a lead. Defensive Hitmontop is a good partner to this set, being able to switch into a variety of physically offensive threats as a cover for Rampardos. It possesses Foresight and Rapid Spin to thwart attempts to block spinning using Ghost-types, keeping the field clear of hazards. If using the Liechi Berry, Hippopotas makes a vital teammate, being able to summon infinite Sandstorm enabling Rampardos to take a Surf while boosting</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Salac Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos is a very threatening Pokémon to face. This set looks to take advantage of that fact.</p>
<p>The idea is simple enough in principle, but getting Rampardos into play is no easy feat. Get Rampardos in against something that is likely to flee, Substitute on the switch in to a wall, then Swords Dance and Substitute again until your Salac Berry is activated. After that you can attempt to sweep with 858 Attack and 354 Speed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>While this set can function as a standalone Pokémon better than other sets, it will still greatly appreciates entry hazards. Cloyster is a fine source of Spikes and Toxic Spikes, the latter of which will help to wear down opposing walls while Rampardos Substitutes. Omastar can also provide Spikes and Toxic Spikes along with Stealth Rock making it a worthy choice</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Focus Sash / Salac Berry
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos is possibly one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire game after a Swords Dance. Not even the mighty Groudon can match its power, and this set takes advantage of that. Swords Dance boosts Rampardos' Attack to an unprecedented 942. The attacks are standard: Stone Edge and Earthquake provide great coverage, while Zen Headbutt hits those bulky Fighting Pokémon who resist your STAB Rock attack.</p>
<p>Similarly to the Rock Polish set, If using this set with Sandstorm support, then the Salac Berry becomes an option. The Special Defence boost granted by Sandstorm will allow Rampardos to weather a Surf from a standard defensive Milotic while you Swords Dance, thus activating the speed boost, granting you a frightening +2 Attack and +1 Speed Rampardos on your hands.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When using Focus Sash as the hold item, as mentioned in the Rock Polish set, Rapid Spin is a necessity, which again, Defensive Hitmontop can help with. Sandstorm makes this set that much more threatening with the prospect of being able to set up in the face of Milotic, for which reason Hippopotas makes an ideal team member as it can summon infinite Sandstorm thanks to Sand Stream.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Life Orb
nature: Brave
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A stat spread like Rampardos' is ideal for a Trick Room set. Brave Rampardos with a 0 Speed IV reaches a low of 108 Speed, which is slower than almost any wall that tries to stand in its way. Head Smash is here because Rampardos doesn't need to survive a hit or set anything up, as well as the fact that in Trick Room, you will want to dish out as much damage as possible before the effects of Trick Room end. Earthquake adds coverage, Zen Headbutt handles Fighting-types and Fire Punch is for Torterra. The HP EVs help to soften the recoil sustained from Head Smash.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Naturally a Pokémon with the ability to set up Trick Room is required for this particular set. Porygon2 and Slowbro are both fine choices for the job, being sturdy enough to weather quite a few hits, and heal them off later. Exeggutor also makes an excellent partner for this Rampardos being able to cover its weaknesses perfectly while setting up Trick Room and incapacitating an opponent with the use of Sleep Powder.</p>
[TEAM OPTIONS]
<p>All Rampardos sets will appreciate the presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing field, for which reason reliable Pokémon such as Uxie, Mesprit, Donphan and Claydol partner up effectively with Rampardos, all being able to take attacks directed at Rampardos, all the while supporting with Stealth Rock. In the case of Uxie and Mesprit, the spreading of status conditions, via Yawn or Thunder Wave, helps to enable and improve Rampardos' offence.</p>
<p>Choice Band Rampardos breaks down walls, and as such Pokémon that can capitalize on weakened teams pair well with Rampardos. With an opponent's bulky water dispatched or severely weakened, Pokémon like Feraligatr and Azumarill have a much easier time dishing out damage. Fast sweepers like Swellow and Sceptile will also appreciate Rampardos' wall breaking abilities, enabling them to ravage through broken teams late game.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf and Rock Polish Rampardos will benefit greatly from Spikes support, being unable to boost their attack, the extra damage provided goes a long way in helping it to clean up late game. Pokémon that can provide such support for Rampardos include Cloyster, Omastar, and Qwilfish, the latter of which can run a bulky spread in order to switch in on Fighting moves that Rampardos will inevitably attract.</p>
<p>On the defensive you will need Pokémon that can take care of Rampardos' glaring weaknesses. Strong Grass-types such as Leafeon and Tangrowth can cover Rampardos well, being able to switch in on Bulky Ground-types that trouble Rampardos, and pose a significant threat to troublesome Water-types. Leafeon is able to pass Wish and Heal Bell, both of which can not only aid Rampardos, but the team as a whole. Tangrowth is able to paralyze an opponent with Stun Spore, as well as soften up teams by Knocking Off vital recovery items like Leftovers. Venusaur is another solid choice, being able to dispatch of the same Ground and Water-types with ease, while sporting a Fighting resist, although it misses out on a Ground resist.</p>
<p>Weezing is also a good compliment defensively to pair with Rampardos, covering its Grass, Fighting and Ground weaknesses. It handles troublesome Grass-types such as Venusaur and Torterra, as well as being a full stop to most Fighting types that would otherwise make short work of Rampardos.</p>
[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>Despite the massive recoil it will inflict, Head Smash is an option over Stone Edge on either of the Choice sets. The Choice Scarfer needs all the power it can get, and Jolly Head Smash will always 2HKO Milotic. On the Choice Band, Head Smash allows Rampardos to get a clean 2HKO on Tangrowth and allows for a OHKO on max HP/max Defence Milotic with an Adamant nature.</p>
<p>Rampardos' physical move pool leaves a lot to be desired, and what's listed is the extent of its usefulness. ThunderPunch is also available to hit bulky Water-types with more accuracy and reliability than Stone Edge, but its coverage is largely redundant with Stone Edge, which has the same power even when neutral. Crunch is available to hit Claydol and not much else compared to Stone Edge.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Rampardos only needs two things: Speed and Attack. Max the two out and drop the last four EVs into HP. The Trick Room set wants the lowest Speed possible, with max HP for Head Smash recoil.</p>
[COUNTERS]
<p>Bulky Ground-Types usually make good answers to Rampardos. Donphan stands out as the number one answer to Rampardos, being able to switch into any of the sets with relative comfort and threaten Rampardos with its powerful Earthquake. Torterra is in a similar boat as Donphan, while also resisting Rampardos' Stone Edge and Earthquake combo, it only fears Choice Band Fire Punch. Claydol also sports resists to the EdgeQuake combo, and its good defensive stats mean can switch in on Rampardos with little fear, bar the rare Crunch attack.</p>
<p>Rampardos' low Speed is compounded by its lacklustre defences, which makes it easy for any faster Pokémon with a decent STAB attack to threaten Rampardos. Its poor defences mean it is very susceptible to priority attacks, so Pokémon such as Azumarill, Hitmontop, and Absol, with their respective priority attacks, will put Rampardos out of commission in no time.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/rampardos
[OVERVIEW]
<p>Rampardos is the very essence of the term "glass cannon". Apart from its beastly Attack and above average HP all its other stats are poor. When using Rampardos it is essential to make sure you emphasize and focus on the qualities that set it apart from its powerful rock counterparts in Aggron and Rhyperior, namely its slightly higher base Speed, and more importantly its ability, Mold Breaker.</p>
<p>Mold Breaker allows it to easily dispatch defensive threats such as Weezing with its powerful Earthquake, as well as useful things like circumventing Rhyperior's Solid Rock ability.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Band, Rampardos' Attack reaches absurd new heights. 706 with Adamant, and 644 with Jolly. Jolly is the preferred nature, providing a speed of 236 which allows you to get a jump on offensive Pokémon that linger in the base 50 to 56 Speed ranges as well as many walls that don't invest heavily in Speed, Milotic being a notable example.</p>
<p>The Choice Band can be a real wreaking ball when used right. Stone Edge is the key to this set, OHKOing or 2HKOing almost anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake gives Rampardos excellent type coverage alongside Stone Edge, as well as hitting Pokémon such as Weezing and Rotom for super effective damage. Zen Headbutt is Rampardos' best option against defensive Fighting-types such as Intimidate Hitmontop and Hariyama. Fire Punch in the final move slot is for Torterra who would otherwise be able to wall the entire set.</p>
<p>Next to nothing will be able to switch safely into Rampardos' attacks, however it must be used with care as it is still relatively slow and being locked into resisted moves can allow dangerous threats such as Rhyperior and Aggron to set up.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band Rampardos is good at punching holes into opposing teams and severely weakening defensive cores. Feraligatr is a Pokémon which teams up well offensively with Rampardos. Rampardos lures in and beats Pokémon like Milotic, and dents defensive cores which significantly ease Feraligatr's chances of pulling off a Dragon Dance sweep against the weakened team. Defensively, Pokémon such as Uxie can assist by setting up Stealth Rock, and using Thunder Wave to cripple faster Pokémon, all the while being able come in on Fighting and Ground moves aimed at Rampardos with ease.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos has a mighty attack stat, but its poor speed often holds it back from reaching its full attacking potential, Choice Scarf helps to remedy this somewhat.</p>
<p>Just like the Choice Band set, Stone Edge's STAB is the main attraction, still boasting massive power off Rampardos' 429 (if Jolly) or 471 (if Adamant) Attack. Earthquake rounds off Rampardos' type coverage alongside Stone Edge, Zen Headbutt is Rampardos' best option against defensive Fighting, and Fire Punch nails Torterra. Jolly is the preferred nature for the Choice Scarf set as it enables you to out speed all positive natured base 110 Speed Pokémon and below, whereas Adamant must settle for beating positive natured base 95 Speed Pokémon and below.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Even with its high Attack, Choice Scarf Rampardos desperately needs Stealth Rock to net crucial OHKOs or 2HKOs. Claydol can provide rocks while dealing with ground and fighting moves that Rampardos attracts, however the two share a common Water and Grass weakness. Conversely, Leafeon who sports a resistance to the aforementioned Water and Grass weak as well as Ground, pairs well with Rampardos. It appreciates Rampardos' ability to take out troublesome Pokémon such as Weezing and Registeel, while being able to pose a threat to bulky waters that would look to stand in Rampardos' way.</p>
[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Focus Sash / Liechi Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the Choice Scarf set grants Rampardos instant speed, it relies heavily on prediction and is forced out relatively easily. Rock Polish gives Rampardos increased speed with the ability to switch freely between attacks, making it that much more dangerous.</p>
<p>As with previous sets, Stone Edge is your key attacking move, complimented by Earthquake, while Zen Headbutt makes defensive Fighting-types think twice.</p>
<p>If using this set with Sandstorm support, then the Liechi Berry becomes an option. The Special Defence boost granted by Sandstorm will allow Rampardos to weather a Surf from a standard defensive Milotic while you Rock Polish, thus activating the Attack boost, essentially giving you a Choice Band-powered Rampardos with +2 Speed and the freedom of not being locked into one attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Relying on a Focus Sash for this strategy is risky outside of the lead spot as any prior damage will render it useless. Rigorous Rapid Spin support will be required if not using the set as a lead. Defensive Hitmontop is a good partner to this set, being able to switch into a variety of physically offensive threats as a cover for Rampardos. It possesses Foresight and Rapid Spin to thwart attempts to block spinning using Ghost-types, keeping the field clear of hazards. If using the Liechi Berry, Hippopotas makes a vital teammate, being able to summon infinite Sandstorm enabling Rampardos to take a Surf while boosting</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Salac Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos is a very threatening Pokémon to face. This set looks to take advantage of that fact.</p>
<p>The idea is simple enough in principle, but getting Rampardos into play is no easy feat. Get Rampardos in against something that is likely to flee, Substitute on the switch in to a wall, then Swords Dance and Substitute again until your Salac Berry is activated. After that you can attempt to sweep with 858 Attack and 354 Speed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>While this set can function as a standalone Pokémon better than other sets, it will still greatly appreciates entry hazards. Cloyster is a fine source of Spikes and Toxic Spikes, the latter of which will help to wear down opposing walls while Rampardos Substitutes. Omastar can also provide Spikes and Toxic Spikes along with Stealth Rock making it a worthy choice</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Focus Sash / Salac Berry
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rampardos is possibly one of the most powerful Pokémon in the entire game after a Swords Dance. Not even the mighty Groudon can match its power, and this set takes advantage of that. Swords Dance boosts Rampardos' Attack to an unprecedented 942. The attacks are standard: Stone Edge and Earthquake provide great coverage, while Zen Headbutt hits those bulky Fighting Pokémon who resist your STAB Rock attack.</p>
<p>Similarly to the Rock Polish set, If using this set with Sandstorm support, then the Salac Berry becomes an option. The Special Defence boost granted by Sandstorm will allow Rampardos to weather a Surf from a standard defensive Milotic while you Swords Dance, thus activating the speed boost, granting you a frightening +2 Attack and +1 Speed Rampardos on your hands.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>When using Focus Sash as the hold item, as mentioned in the Rock Polish set, Rapid Spin is a necessity, which again, Defensive Hitmontop can help with. Sandstorm makes this set that much more threatening with the prospect of being able to set up in the face of Milotic, for which reason Hippopotas makes an ideal team member as it can summon infinite Sandstorm thanks to Sand Stream.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick Room
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Life Orb
nature: Brave
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A stat spread like Rampardos' is ideal for a Trick Room set. Brave Rampardos with a 0 Speed IV reaches a low of 108 Speed, which is slower than almost any wall that tries to stand in its way. Head Smash is here because Rampardos doesn't need to survive a hit or set anything up, as well as the fact that in Trick Room, you will want to dish out as much damage as possible before the effects of Trick Room end. Earthquake adds coverage, Zen Headbutt handles Fighting-types and Fire Punch is for Torterra. The HP EVs help to soften the recoil sustained from Head Smash.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Naturally a Pokémon with the ability to set up Trick Room is required for this particular set. Porygon2 and Slowbro are both fine choices for the job, being sturdy enough to weather quite a few hits, and heal them off later. Exeggutor also makes an excellent partner for this Rampardos being able to cover its weaknesses perfectly while setting up Trick Room and incapacitating an opponent with the use of Sleep Powder.</p>
[TEAM OPTIONS]
<p>All Rampardos sets will appreciate the presence of Stealth Rock on the opposing field, for which reason reliable Pokémon such as Uxie, Mesprit, Donphan and Claydol partner up effectively with Rampardos, all being able to take attacks directed at Rampardos, all the while supporting with Stealth Rock. In the case of Uxie and Mesprit, the spreading of status conditions, via Yawn or Thunder Wave, helps to enable and improve Rampardos' offence.</p>
<p>Choice Band Rampardos breaks down walls, and as such Pokémon that can capitalize on weakened teams pair well with Rampardos. With an opponent's bulky water dispatched or severely weakened, Pokémon like Feraligatr and Azumarill have a much easier time dishing out damage. Fast sweepers like Swellow and Sceptile will also appreciate Rampardos' wall breaking abilities, enabling them to ravage through broken teams late game.</p>
<p>Choice Scarf and Rock Polish Rampardos will benefit greatly from Spikes support, being unable to boost their attack, the extra damage provided goes a long way in helping it to clean up late game. Pokémon that can provide such support for Rampardos include Cloyster, Omastar, and Qwilfish, the latter of which can run a bulky spread in order to switch in on Fighting moves that Rampardos will inevitably attract.</p>
<p>On the defensive you will need Pokémon that can take care of Rampardos' glaring weaknesses. Strong Grass-types such as Leafeon and Tangrowth can cover Rampardos well, being able to switch in on Bulky Ground-types that trouble Rampardos, and pose a significant threat to troublesome Water-types. Leafeon is able to pass Wish and Heal Bell, both of which can not only aid Rampardos, but the team as a whole. Tangrowth is able to paralyze an opponent with Stun Spore, as well as soften up teams by Knocking Off vital recovery items like Leftovers. Venusaur is another solid choice, being able to dispatch of the same Ground and Water-types with ease, while sporting a Fighting resist, although it misses out on a Ground resist.</p>
<p>Weezing is also a good compliment defensively to pair with Rampardos, covering its Grass, Fighting and Ground weaknesses. It handles troublesome Grass-types such as Venusaur and Torterra, as well as being a full stop to most Fighting types that would otherwise make short work of Rampardos.</p>
[OTHER OPTIONS]
<p>Despite the massive recoil it will inflict, Head Smash is an option over Stone Edge on either of the Choice sets. The Choice Scarfer needs all the power it can get, and Jolly Head Smash will always 2HKO Milotic. On the Choice Band, Head Smash allows Rampardos to get a clean 2HKO on Tangrowth and allows for a OHKO on max HP/max Defence Milotic with an Adamant nature.</p>
<p>Rampardos' physical move pool leaves a lot to be desired, and what's listed is the extent of its usefulness. ThunderPunch is also available to hit bulky Water-types with more accuracy and reliability than Stone Edge, but its coverage is largely redundant with Stone Edge, which has the same power even when neutral. Crunch is available to hit Claydol and not much else compared to Stone Edge.</p>
[EVs]
<p>Rampardos only needs two things: Speed and Attack. Max the two out and drop the last four EVs into HP. The Trick Room set wants the lowest Speed possible, with max HP for Head Smash recoil.</p>
[COUNTERS]
<p>Bulky Ground-Types usually make good answers to Rampardos. Donphan stands out as the number one answer to Rampardos, being able to switch into any of the sets with relative comfort and threaten Rampardos with its powerful Earthquake. Torterra is in a similar boat as Donphan, while also resisting Rampardos' Stone Edge and Earthquake combo, it only fears Choice Band Fire Punch. Claydol also sports resists to the EdgeQuake combo, and its good defensive stats mean can switch in on Rampardos with little fear, bar the rare Crunch attack.</p>
<p>Rampardos' low Speed is compounded by its lacklustre defences, which makes it easy for any faster Pokémon with a decent STAB attack to threaten Rampardos. Its poor defences mean it is very susceptible to priority attacks, so Pokémon such as Azumarill, Hitmontop, and Absol, with their respective priority attacks, will put Rampardos out of commission in no time.</p>
