-
Check out the relaunch of our general collection, with classic designs and new ones by our very own Pissog!
-
Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
Roserade (Update)
- Thread starter Snorlaxe
- Start date
i just want to mention that a lot of people lately have been using roserade as a dual spiker. roserade surprisingly gets a lot of opportunities to lay down and looking at one layer of each isn't rare by any means. the set i've seen running around for that specific roserade has dropped hidden power for tspikes. it's become more common and from testing i'd say it's nothing short of a beast. just thought that might be something to consider.
That actually sounds pretty cool. I've personally never seen one used, but I'll test it today/tomorrow and see how it works for me. Thanks :)
Thanks for the thorough stuff you've done so far, jc104 ^_^ I'm adding it now!
Also:
Mence resists Grass, which was my mentality when I wrote that, but I'll just chuck in another Steel-type in Mence's place for clarification.
EDIT: also, isn't "Spinning" capitalized because it is, in a way, a move title?
EDIT2: I'm leaving "often underestimated" without a hyphen because I don't think it needs to be modified by a hyphen. However, if another GPer tells me to hyphenate it, then that means you're probably correct, and so I'll happily change it then :)
EDIT3: you've done the rest of it, thanks a lot! ^_^ doesn't it need to be stamped, or has GP done away with the stamps (I remember someone telling me that the stamps were no longer being used)?
EDIT4: my internet failed just as I was about to finish putting in all your changes, but its back up now, and your changes are in! :)
Also:
Mence resists Grass, which was my mentality when I wrote that, but I'll just chuck in another Steel-type in Mence's place for clarification.
EDIT: also, isn't "Spinning" capitalized because it is, in a way, a move title?
EDIT2: I'm leaving "often underestimated" without a hyphen because I don't think it needs to be modified by a hyphen. However, if another GPer tells me to hyphenate it, then that means you're probably correct, and so I'll happily change it then :)
EDIT3: you've done the rest of it, thanks a lot! ^_^ doesn't it need to be stamped, or has GP done away with the stamps (I remember someone telling me that the stamps were no longer being used)?
EDIT4: my internet failed just as I was about to finish putting in all your changes, but its back up now, and your changes are in! :)
It was decided in the unresolved convention issues page that it would not be capitalised.
Edit - leaving it as "often overlooked" is fine as far as I am concerned.
Also, some of us have decided to temporarily withhold the stamp until necessary changes have been made. This does not mean all of the changes (you are entitled to disagree) but is there to ensure that stuff doesn't get uploaded or checked again until stuff is fixed.
Edit - leaving it as "often overlooked" is fine as far as I am concerned.
Also, some of us have decided to temporarily withhold the stamp until necessary changes have been made. This does not mean all of the changes (you are entitled to disagree) but is there to ensure that stuff doesn't get uploaded or checked again until stuff is fixed.
Set comments are very repetitive, of each other and of the overview.
This wasn't made to entertain you, it was made to inform the reader about Roserade, which it does.
Little nitpick:
I believe they're out of order.. should be 236 HP / 152 SpD / 120 Spe.
(EVs on the SubSeed set)
I believe they're out of order.. should be 236 HP / 152 SpD / 120 Spe.
Yes but it would be better if it weren't repetitive, wouldn't it?
@jc104 -- thanks, I will :)
@purfugly -- they're repetitive because you must explain each set in very thorough detail. if you're explaining it very thoroughly, then there's bound to be some repeated information, right? the analysis is not supposed to read well as a whole together; very few people sit down and read an entire analysis top to bottom. the analysis is supposed to provide detailed strategical information on all aspects of Roserade, and so each section must be as detailed as possible (while not turning the analysis into a novel).
@purfugly -- they're repetitive because you must explain each set in very thorough detail. if you're explaining it very thoroughly, then there's bound to be some repeated information, right? the analysis is not supposed to read well as a whole together; very few people sit down and read an entire analysis top to bottom. the analysis is supposed to provide detailed strategical information on all aspects of Roserade, and so each section must be as detailed as possible (while not turning the analysis into a novel).
Additions in bold, removals in red.
Pretty good write-up, but there were a fair few number of issues. For one, you must type your analyses in a word processor, because nearly all of your apostrophes were wrong. I fixed all of them, but for the future, you really need to check this thing yourself. (I recommend typing analyses directly into Smogon to prevent this issue) I also did a lot of rewording of sections, because you have a tendency to overuse the same phrases like "as such", "due to this", and the word "valuable." You also tend to use semicolons at every possible opportunity, which really makes reading the analysis choppy and a bit painful. You should use them more sparingly in the future. Also, take note of the set renames; all of those that I renamed were for on-site conventions with other analyses. Choice Scarf sets should be called "Choice Scarf", Life Orb attackers should be called "Life Orb" and so on. (Refer to Heatran for an example)
Anyway, I don't think there were enough errors or significant enough errors to force this to get another check, so I'll give this its 2/2. Cheers.
GP Check 2/2
[Overview]
<p>Roserade is, hands down, one of the best Toxic Spikes users in OU. She can easily dispense Toxic Spikes while in the lead position thanks to Sleep Powder, which allows her to neuter opposing leads, and her decent Speed stat. While Roserade is usually seen as a Toxic Spikes user, she can also be employed as an exceptional offensive Pokemon. She has access to two powerful STAB moves in Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb, and as a result of this, she can successfully run both a Life Orb and a Choice Scarf set. On top of all this, she is also an excellent Spikes user, and can employ use a SubSeeding strategy to stall out the opposing team.</p>
<p>However, there are exist some downsides to using Roserade. She is very frail on the physical side, and will be KOed by most powerful physical attacks hits. Priority moves, such as ExtremeSpeed and Bullet Punch, will often spell doom for Roserade. Additionally, her Grass/Poison STAB combination is resisted by many common Pokemon, such as Heatran, Scizor, and Jirachi, and so she must rely on a Hidden Power type to cover all of these threats. Despite these downsides all this, however, Roserade is a solid choice on any OU team looking for a versatile entry hazard supporter or special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
Name: Toxic Spikes Lead lead
Move 1: Toxic Spikes Sleep Powder
Move 2: Sleep Powder Toxic Spikes
Move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot / Energy Ball
Move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Focus Sash
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>As previously mentioned, Sleep Powder is extremely important on Roserade, as it allows her to sleep and proceed to set up on many common leads such as Swampert and non-Lum Berry Metagross Heatran. Toxic Spikes is a great support move, and Roserade can set layers up reliably is an exceptionally good user of the move. The third moveslot is for Roserade’s STAB move of choice. ; however, you have several choices. Leaf Storm is preferred for its sheer power, but Grass Knot can be used instead if the Special Attack drop Leaf Storm yields is unattractive. If the inconsistency of both moves is unappealing to you, however, then Energy Ball is a fairly decent replacement, albeit much less powerful than Leaf Storm. good, consistent STAB move to use (albeit nowhere near as powerful as Leaf Storm). In the final moveslot, Roserade has her choice of Hidden Power to use. Hidden Power Fire is the primary option as it allows Roserade to hit Skarmory and Forretress leads who will otherwise easily set up on her. Hidden Power Ice is a good option as well for its ability to OHKO Gliscor and Salamence, (who will often switch in on Roserade hoping to set up with Dragon Dance).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can also use Hidden Power Ground quite well. It allows Roserade to beat Heatran and Occa Berry Metagross leads, whom Roserade otherwise has difficulty damaging. However, its use outside of this function is extremely limited, and so you are usually better off sticking to one of the Hidden Power options that is already listed above.</p>
<p>The EV spread is very simple, yet still quite effective. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are an absolute must when using Roserade, as they allow her to outspeed as much as the maximum number of threats possible. Considering Roserade is not one of the most bulky bulkiest Pokemon out there, it is important that she is able to outspeed as many leads as she can so that she can sleep them before they attack her. 252 Special Attack EVs are used so that Roserade can deal as much damage as possible with both her STAB attack and her choice of Hidden Power. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to give Roserade a one point boost. Focus Sash is the only item that should ever be used on this Roserade set, as without it, she would be is OHKOed by many opposing leads, and would never gets the chance to set up her precious Toxic Spikes. Any other item will usually not be worth using, as more often than not, Roserade won’t survive long enough to enjoy it.</p>
<p>Heatran is one of the best partners to this set. He is capable of switching in on many leads who otherwise threaten Roserade, such as Jirachi leads, and proceeding to batter the opposition with his powerful STAB Fire-type attacks. He is also a capable user of Stealth Rock, which makes a good complement to Roserade's entry hazards something that Roserade is unable to do. In turn, Roserade can switch in on Water-types who threaten Heatran. Magnezone also makes a good partner, particularly if Roserade is running Hidden Power Ice; it can easily switch in on the numerous Steel-types who will attempt to KO or set up on Roserade, trap them with Magnet Pull, and proceed to KO them with its powerful Thunderbolt. Machamp leads are very troublesome for Roserade to take on. They can absorb Sleep Powder with Lum Berry, and use a combination of Ice Punch + Bullet Punch to swiftly KO Roserade. For this reason, defensive Rotom-A is a good partner for Roserade to have, as it is immune to DynamicPunch, takes small damage from Ice Punch, and can cripple Machamp with Will-O-Wisp (though Machamp's Lum Berry must be used first) or attack him with its STAB Thunderbolt. Rotom-A is also a great Rapid Spin blocker, particularly Rotom-H, and can prevent Roserade'’s precious Toxic Spikes from being spun away. It is also important to pair Roserade with Pokemon who enjoy Toxic Spikes support. SubRoost Zapdos and Torment Heatran and great examples of this; they are very stall-oriented Pokemon, and with Toxic Spikes support, their stalling is much swifter and easier to carry out.</p>
[SET]
Name: Spikes
Move 1: Spikes
Move 2: Grass Knot / Energy Ball
Move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Stun Spore / Rest / Leech Seed
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
Evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Roserade is a great Toxic Spikes user, she can also set up Spikes, and thanks to her good base 105 Special Defense and ability to heavily damage many common Rapid Spinners, she is an exceptionally good and often overlooked user of the move. Her sky-high Special Attack sets her apart from other Spikes users like Skarmory, as does her decent special bulk.</p>
<p>Spikes is a great support move, and forms the crux of this set. Roserade makes a very good user of it. Grass Knot is the primary choice for Roserade’s STAB option, but Energy Ball works just as well if the inconsistency of Grass Knot is unappealing to you. Hidden Power Fire is used in the third slot for hitting Steel-types who will commonly switch in on Roserade, such as Scizor and Skarmory, but Hidden Power Ice is a viable alternative if you wish to be able to hit Dragon-types such as Salamence and Dragonite, who will otherwise set up on Roserade without a second thought. It should be noted, however, that if you choose to use Hidden Power Ice you are losing out on the ability to hit Forretress, who will delight in switching in on Roserade, spinning away her Spikes, and then setting up Spikes of his own. In the last moveslot, you have several decent options to choose from. Stun Spore is the prime primary choice, as it allows Roserade to afflict Pokemon switching into on her with crippling paralysis; it also comes with the neat ability to paralyze Ground-types, like Flygon, who are immune to most paralysis-inducing moves. If Stun Spore isn’t your cup of tea, Rest can be used instead, as it allows Roserade to fully recover her health, switch out, and come back in later with no status effects (thanks to Natural Cure). Leech Seed can also be used if you want Roserade to further stall out opposing Pokemon while setting up Spikes; it also allows Roserade to stall Blissey, who otherwise walls her absolutely.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Synthesis can be used in the fourth moveslot in order to give Roserade an alternative instant recovery move. However, tThe main issue with this is that Synthesis'’ recovery is decreased from 50% to 25% when sandstorm is active on the field. Seeing how common Tyranitar is, this will be quite often, and will severely lower Roserade'’s ability to take the special hits that she is meant to take. Overall, if you’re in the market for an instant recovery move on Roserade, Rest is the better option due to its reliability.</p>
<p>The EV spread allows Roserade to maintain acceptable physical bulk and excellent special bulk. With the given HP and Defense EVs, Roserade will always survive an Adamant Choice Band Scizor'’s Bullet Punch, even after Stealth Rock damage. 136 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature ensure that she’s no slouch on the special side of things, either, and allow her to easily switch in on resisted hits like Starmie'‘s Surf and Rotom-A's Thunderbolt and proceed to set up Spikes. If surviving Choice Band Scizor'’s Bullet Punch isn'’t of importance to you, then an alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe can be used; it allows Roserade to outspeed 36 Speed Celebi, Zapdos, and Jirachi, as well as 252 Speed Jolly Tyranitar. Leftovers is the item of choice for its ability to slowly-but-surely recover Roserade'’s health; no other item is as effective for this set.</p>
<p>Good teammates for Roserade are Pokemon who will force a lot of switches; this allows the team to take advantage of her Spikes and wear down the opposition through indirect damage. The specific Pokemon who you to use alongside Roserade depend on the kind of team that you are using. If you are using a more stall-oriented team, then more defensive partners will be the better choices. A simple Skarmory + Blissey combination will form the infamous “"SkarmBliss"” duo, capable of walling a significant portion of the metagame and forcing numerous switches. ; this combo alone will force the opponent to switch multiple times, thus racking up Spikes damage. On an offensive team, Pokemon who force switches due to with their offensive presence make are good partners for Roserade. U-turn Infernape, for instance, is a great example of this; he can switch in on a predicted Fire-type attack, then and U-turn as the opponent switches to a counter, forcing more residual damage. You will then have successfully inflicted more Spikes damage on the opponent, and they will be in a bad position due to Infernape’s U-turn. Mixed Salamence will also force a lot of switches with his versatility. Another effective way to take advantage of Roserade'’s Spikes is to utilize a Fire + Water + Grass defensive core. As such, uUsing Roserade in tandem with a combination of Pokemon such as Heatran and Vaporeon will work well. This will force the opponent to switch multiple times due to the defensive synergy that a Fire + Water + Grass core has, racking up more Spikes damage and keeping your core at high health.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice Scarf ScarfRade
Move 1: Leaf Storm / Energy Ball
Move 2: Sludge Bomb
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Sleep Powder
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to Roserade'’s amazing Special Attack and decent Speed, she is able to utilize a Choice Scarf set to great effect. The main selling point over other Choice Scarf users is her access to a blazing fast Sleep Powder, allowing her to outpace and cripple any Pokemon in the game (bar other Choice Scarf users).</p>
<p>Leaf Storm is listed as the main option in the first moveslot because of the its immense power it has. However, Energy Ball is a less powerful, but more reliable option for the more conservative player. Sludge Bomb is used in the second slot as it gives Roserade an effective means of hitting the Pokemon who take small little damage from Leaf Storm, such as Celebi and Salamence. However, be wary when you'’re using Sludge Bomb, as it is a risky move on a Choice Pokemon; opposing Steel-types will be able to switch in and set up on Roserade with their immunity to Poison-type attacks and force Roserade to switch out. Hidden Power Ice is the primary option in the third moveslot as it allows Roserade to outspeed and OHKO Salamence and Gliscor; Salamence in particular is a threat to this set as he can freely come in on Leaf Storm, so it helps to have a means of revenge killing him before a Dragon Dance. Keep in mind, however, that Roserade doesn’t outspeed Salamence after a Dragon Dance. Hidden Power Ground is used viable solely for the purpose of hitting Heatran, who will otherwise be able to freely switch in on Roserade throughout the entire match and wreak havoc. Sleep Powder is the best move in the final moveslot as it allows Roserade to outspeed and cripple almost any threat, which helps her team immensely in the long run.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hidden Power Fire is an alternate move for Roserade to use. It allows her to hit most Steel-types who switch in on her quite hard, which is helpful as Steel-types will otherwise wall the set indefinitely. However, if you are using Scarf Roserade you should already have a way to deal with Steel-types, so the need for Hidden Power Fire is alleviated. Roserade can also use Grass Knot, but the inconsistency of its base power is unattractive on a Choice set where she is unable to switch attacks.</p>
<p>The EV spread is extremely simple. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are absolutely necessary a necessity, because Roserade needs to be able to outspeed all of the threats she possibly can. 252 Special Attack EVs are used to boost Roserade'’s already immense Special Attack score statand allow her to hit for much more damage. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to give Roserade a tiny boost in defensive capability. If revenge killing threats isn’t what you intend to use Scarf Roserade for, then Choice Specs can be an alternative item for you. However, this will leave Roserade not only easily walled by anyone with a resistance to Grass- or Poison-type moves, but it will also make it so that she is outsped by many threats, which isn’t something that you want to have happen; Roserade loses much of her effectiveness when she isn’t as fast as she can be, particularly on a Choice set where she can’t switch attacks. ((This is all irrelevant on a Choice Scarf set, especially seeing as it's a poor option)) Modest is an alternate nature if you wish to hit harder, but Roserade already hits quite hard, and she needs all the Speed she can get.</p>
<p>When using Choice Scarf Roserade, you absolutely must have a Pokemon who can take out Steel-types.; otherwise, tThey will otherwise switch in on her throughout the entire match with no consequences and be free to set up. Heatran makes a great partner for this reason. Substitute Heatran in particular works splendidly with this set for this reason, as he can switch in on any Steel-type causing Roserade problems, like Skarmory, set up a Substitute on the switch, and proceed to heavily damage the opposition with his STAB Fire Blast. Heatran is an even better partner if he carries Explosion, as this allows him to lure in and OHKO Blissey, who otherwise walls both he and Roserade completely. While Heatran is a great partner to this Roserade, he is also a great counter to her. Unless you'’re running Hidden Power Ground, opposing Heatran will wall Roserade. switch in all day, and Roserade will be unable to hit them. For this reason, bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Vaporeon work well alongside Roserade, as they can easily switch in on and scare off opposing Heatran. Both Fighting- and Fire-types are good offensive partners to this set; fortunately, Infernape combines can use both of these two types with his dual-typing, making him an ideal offensive partner for Roserade.; hHe can easily break a the Skarmory + Blissey combination, which that Roserade is completely helpless against.</p>
[SET]
Name: Life Orb Offensive
Move 1: Leaf Storm / Energy Ball
Move 2: Sludge Bomb
Move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Sleep Powder / Spikes / Toxic Spikes
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to take advantage of Roserade'’s high Special Attack and above-average Speed by turning her into a full-blown special sweeper. While this set may appear to be outclassed by Life Orb Sceptile, Roserade has higher Special Attack and the advantage of being able to run a great support move in tandem with her attacking options, whether it be Sleep Powder, Spikes, or Toxic Spikes. Any one of these support moves works excellently on this set, and you can use any option you like depending on your team’s needs, making Roserade stand out from other average all-out-attacking Life Orb users.</p>
<p>Leaf Storm is the best option in the first moveslot for the immense power that it packs, but Energy Ball can be used instead if you want a more consistent move. Sludge Bomb is used in the second slot as a secondary source of STAB; it also that allows Roserade to always OHKO Naive Salamence with Sludge Bomb after Stealth Rock damage. The final third slot gives is for Roserade's her choice of Hidden Power; Hidden Power Fire is the best option for hitting Steel-types such as Skarmory and Forretress who otherwise completely wall Roserade, but while Hidden Power Ground can be used instead as a means of hitting Heatran, who is immune to Sludge Bomb and has a 4x resistance to Leaf Storm. The final moveslot is what sets Roserade apart from other Life Orb attackers: the ability to successfully use a handy support move. The choice of move depends solely on your team'’s needs, and as such, there is no “"better"” option. Sleep Powder is listed as the first option as it allows Roserade to cripple any Pokemon switching into her (bar RestTalkers and status absorbers). However, Spikes or Toxic Spikes can be used if your team can abuse the entry hazard support. requires this support.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hidden Power Ice can be used in place of the two listed Hidden Powers, as it allows Roserade to OHKO Salamence, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor switch-ins with no questions asked. However, Salamence is already OHKOed by Sludge Bomb after Stealth Rock damage, while Flygon and Gliscor are both OHKOed by Leaf Storm; as such, Hidden Power Ice becomes more of a mostly redundant option. Expert Belt can be used to help Roserade bluff a Choice item and surprise a counter with Sleep Powder, but Life Orb grants her significantly more power and enables many key OHKOes, such as against Salamence. , and makes several OHKOs possible which would not be if she were to use Expert Belt instead.</p>
<p>252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are necessary on this set as they allow Roserade to outspeed as many threats as possible; considering Roserade isn'’t particularly bulky, it is important that she instead be fast. 252 Special Attack EVs are used so that she hits as hard as she possibly can, and with her base 125 Special Attack stat, very few Pokemon can switch into on her safely. The remaining EVs are placed in HP as filler. While some people may see it as a good idea to run a Modest nature on this set to deal more damage to incoming Pokemon, it is almost always more important valuable to be able to outspeed and damage the opponent’s Pokemon as opposed to simply hitting them harder on the switch-in. By using a Modest nature, Roserade is outsped by many more threats, and often won’t be able to stand up to their attacks; as such, Timid is always the best choice of nature.</p>
<p>Blissey will completely walls this set, not caring about Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure and sponging all of Roserade'’s assaults attacks with her astronomical Special Defense. stat; Snorlax walls Roserade in similar fashion similarly, but will be temporarily shut down by Sleep Powder. In order to deal with these Pokemon, offensive support is needed. Lucario makes a good choice for this, able with his ability to switch in on Blissey and a sleeping Snorlax, set up a Swords Dance, and sweep. Mixed Salamence can break down stall teams that will otherwise usually have a solid response to this set.; Mixed Infernape accomplishes the same thing, and has the additional bonus of easily breaking the dreaded “"SkarmBliss"” combination. Unless you’re running Hidden Power Ground, Heatran will completely wall Roserade; as such, Dragon Dance Gyarados is a wonderful offensive partner alongside this Roserade, capable of easily to switching into Heatran and setting up a Dragon Dance (beware of rare Hidden Power Electric variants, however). With entry hazard support, very few Pokemon will be able to switch into this Roserade safely. Stealth Rock support is a must, as with it, Roserade is able to OHKO Salamence with Sludge Bomb. A Heatran of your own makes a great choice for setting it up with his defensive synergy to supply this, synergizing wonderfully with Roserade. Spikes support can is also be a good idea when using this set, as it secures securing several OHKOs for Roserade. Physically defensive Skarmory is a good Spikes user alongside Roserade.; aAlthough they do share a weakness to Fire-type moves, he can switch into the physical moves that will otherwise easily take down Roserade, making him a solid teammate.</p>
[SET]
Name: SubSeed
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Leech Seed
Move 3: Sludge Bomb / Energy Ball
Move 4: Spikes
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 236 HP / 152 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is a more stall-oriented Roserade set that combines her ability to successfully use Spikes with her ability to take resisted special attacks like a champ. Roserade'’s main advantage over other SubSeeders is her access to Spikes, her Poison-type STAB in Sludge Bomb, and her nice base 105 Special Defense.</p>
<p>Substitute is used on this set as it allows Roserade to set up a safety net against critical hits and status. It also makes it much easier to stall out the opponent, as they will have to hit through Roserade'’s Substitute directly, giving her more time to stall them out. Leech Seed is used to allow Roserade to both stall out her opponent and gain back some of her own HP at the same time. When used in tandem with her Leftovers, Roserade will often have restored all of the health that she used in order to create a Substitute in just two turns. Sludge Bomb is the primary attacking option in the third slot as it allows Roserade to nail Grass-type switch-ins, such as Celebi, for big serious damage, who would otherwise switch in and absorb Leech Seed without trouble a thought. However, Energy Ball is a passable option as well, allowing Roserade to hit bulky Water-type Pokemon as well as Pokemon who are resistant to Sludge Bomb harder. Spikes is used in the final slot as a means of allowing Roserade to support her team while she stalls out the opposition with her SubSeeding combo. With her good base 105 Special Defense, Roserade can easily set up Spikes on powerful resisted special attacks, and will often set up one to two layers of the hazard, making it harder for the opponent to switch.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can use Hidden Power Fire in the third moveslot in order to hit Steel-types who will otherwise wall her completely. However, this leaves her open to being set up on by many threats, such as the ever-dangerous Salamence, and so it is often an inferior option, especially when you consider the fact that Roserade only has one attacking option on this set.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are customized to maximize Roserade'’s defensive potential. 236 HP EVs allow for much more overall bulk, and let Roserade take many attacks that she otherwise would be unable to. 152 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature allow Roserade to set up a Substitute on any resisted special attack up to Modest Magnezone'’s STAB Thunderbolt, a very powerful special attack. 120 Speed EVs allow Roserade to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, as well as 36 Speed Jirachi, Zapdos, and Celebi. If Speed is more important than overall defensive ability when using this set, then an alternate EV spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe with a Timid nature becomes a viable option. While this does allow Roserade to outspeed and Leech Seed more threats, it leaves her unable to easily set up a Substitute against many of the powerful special attackers against whom she can set up on with the main EV spread, so the alternate spread is severely inferior if you aren’t interested in outspeeding anyone in particular.</p>
<p>Though this set is capable of handling many threats on its own, it can really shine with proper team support. Toxic Spikes support can be a huge blessing when used in tandem with a set like this; Roserade will often find herself stalling out opponents, and with two layers of Toxic Spikes on the opponent'‘s side of the field, she can do so much more easily and quickly. Tentacruel makes a good choice to provide Toxic Spikes support, as he can also Rapid Spin away any entry hazards that the opponent set up, making it much easier for Roserade to switch in and begin her SubSeeding process. If you aren'’t interested in Toxic Spikes, however, then paralysis support can be employed to allow Roserade to outspeed more threats and set up on them.; Rotom-A is a good choice for this, as it is also capable of preventing the opponent from spinning away Roserade'’s Spikes. Stealth Rock support also helps this set, as Roserade will be forcing a lot of switches with Leech Seed. Metagross, Swampert, and Heatran are solid Stealth Rock users, and all three synergize well with Roserade defensively. Taunt Gyarados will easily set up on this set, so Hidden Power Electric Vaporeon makes a good defensive partner. Vaporeon can also pass Wishes to Roserade, keeping her health high.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>When using Roserade, entry hazard support helps a lot, as she will often force a lot of switches thanks to the prospect of her powerful special attacks or her crippling Sleep Powder. Metagross, Swampert, and Heatran are good choices to supply Stealth Rock, as they are reliable users of the move and who synergize well with Roserade. If Roserade is not running a set utilizing Spikes, then having Spikes support from another teammate is a good plan, as when used in conjunction with Stealth Rock, it maximizes the residual damage inflicted on all of your opponent'’s Pokemon. Skarmory is a good choice for providing Spikes support due to his high Defense and access to Whirlwind,; however, but he does shares a Fire-type weakness with Roserade, so beware. If you’re using a Roserade set that utilizes Toxic Spikes, make sure Roserade is paired with Pokemon who work better with Toxic Spikes such support. SubRoost Zapdos and Torment Heatran are prime examples of this, as they can use the Toxic Spikes to more easily stall out the opposition; SubCharge Rotom-A works in a similar vein, and can also block any attempts to Rapid Spin away your entry hazards the valuable Toxic Spikes.</p>
<p>Fire-types like Heatran and Infernape are great offensive partners to all Roserade sets, scaring off the Steel-type Pokemon who will otherwise wall and set up on her. Fighting-types such as Machamp and Lucario are able to check Blissey and Snorlax, both of whom can easily switch in on Roserade'’s attacks with their high HP and Special Defense stats and proceed to set up on her. Opposing Fire-types will also spell doom for Roserade; as such, so bulky Water-type Pokemon are great teammates to check them. Vaporeon gets a special mention as he can pass Wish to Roserade, keeping her health high. Suicune and Gyarados are good choices as well, easily switching in on the Fire-type moves aimed at Roserade. Rotom-H is a wonderful defensive partner for Roserade, as it can easily switch in on and dispose of the common Steel-type Pokemon who switch in on Roserade. Rotom-H has the additional ability to block Rapid Spin, meaning that the opponent can'’t simply spin away the entry hazards Toxic Spikes (or Spikes) that Roserade sets up. In order to maximize Roserade'’s defensive potential, it may be a good idea to utilize a Fire + Water + Grass defensive core. By using Roserade alongside a combination of Pokemon like Heatran and Vaporeon, you obtain amazing defensive synergy. This allows you to more easily switch in and out of your opponent'’s attacks, and ultimately helps create more situations in which Roserade can easily switch in and set up or sweep.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Roserade has a few other decent moves that will usually struggle to find a place on her set. Extrasensory can be used in order to hit Fighting-types, but the only Pokemon whom it will hit harder than Roserade's other moves are Machamp, Gengar, and Breloom, usually making it a wasted moveslot. Roserade also makes for a decent weather supporter due to access to both Rain Dance and Sunny Day, as well as Weather Ball, but she is extremely physically frail, and will usually only get a maximum of one opportunity to set up weather. GrassWhistle can be used as a sleep-inducing move on sets where Sleep Powder is illegal, but its poor accuracy often makes it an undesirable choice. Roserade makes a decent cleric with Aromatherapy, but traditional clerics like Blissey and Celebi are usually better choices for such a role. Shadow Ball can be used on offensive sets, but it will usually only hit Gengar harder than Roserade's other moves, as Rotom-A is already hit for tremendous damage by Leaf Storm. Growth is an option to boost Roserade’s already-high Special Attack, but she is often too slow and physically frail to successfully sweep.</p>
<p>A Timid nature and 252 Speed EVs is an absolute must on the more offensive sets, as well as the Toxic Spikes set. On more defensive sets, the EVs are customized to allow Roserade to more easily set up on opposing special attackers. Overall, the EVs on most sets are extremely straightforward, and shouldn’t be deviated from, as they usually serve a specific purpose.</p> ((This is all covered in the set comments, and so shouldn't be here))
[Counters]
<p>While Roserade may be an extremely powerful special attacker, she is easily walled by many common Pokemon. Any Roserade set lacking Hidden Power Fire will be completely shut down by opposing Steel-types, as they aren’t heavily damaged by any other move Roserade commonly carries. This means Pokemon like Skarmory and Forretress can easily set up on Roserade, while Pokemon like Scizor can switch in and score big serious damage on her. Salamence and Dragonite will set up on most Roserade sets lacking Hidden Power Ice, but must be wary of Sludge Bomb from the Life Orb set, as it will hurt them significantly damage them. Blissey and Snorlax effortlessly wall most Roserade sets, but the SubSeed set will do a number on them due to their large HP stats. Heatran can easily switch in on Roserade and proceed to either set up or simply spam his powerful STAB Fire Blast, but ; however, Heatran must beware of rare Hidden Power Ground variants. Overall, almost anyone faster than Roserade with a decently powered physical STAB move will beat her, as her Defense leaves a lot to be desired, and her Speed is just average at best.</p>
<p>Roserade is, hands down, one of the best Toxic Spikes users in OU. She can easily dispense Toxic Spikes while in the lead position thanks to Sleep Powder, which allows her to neuter opposing leads, and her decent Speed stat. While Roserade is usually seen as a Toxic Spikes user, she can also be employed as an exceptional offensive Pokemon. She has access to two powerful STAB moves in Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb, and as a result of this, she can successfully run both a Life Orb and a Choice Scarf set. On top of all this, she is also an excellent Spikes user, and can employ use a SubSeeding strategy to stall out the opposing team.</p>
<p>However, there are exist some downsides to using Roserade. She is very frail on the physical side, and will be KOed by most powerful physical attacks hits. Priority moves, such as ExtremeSpeed and Bullet Punch, will often spell doom for Roserade. Additionally, her Grass/Poison STAB combination is resisted by many common Pokemon, such as Heatran, Scizor, and Jirachi, and so she must rely on a Hidden Power type to cover all of these threats. Despite these downsides all this, however, Roserade is a solid choice on any OU team looking for a versatile entry hazard supporter or special sweeper.</p>
[SET]
Name: Toxic Spikes Lead lead
Move 1: Toxic Spikes Sleep Powder
Move 2: Sleep Powder Toxic Spikes
Move 3: Leaf Storm / Grass Knot / Energy Ball
Move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
Item: Focus Sash
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to her decent Speed and access to Sleep Powder, Roserade is one of the best Toxic Spikes users in OU. She is able to dispense the hazard even more easily in the serves as an excellent lead position due to with her ability to shut down many common leads and proceed to set up on them. She works best against slow, bulky leads who are unable to defend themselves from a Sleep Powder.</p>
<p>As previously mentioned, Sleep Powder is extremely important on Roserade, as it allows her to sleep and proceed to set up on many common leads such as Swampert and non-Lum Berry Metagross Heatran. Toxic Spikes is a great support move, and Roserade can set layers up reliably is an exceptionally good user of the move. The third moveslot is for Roserade’s STAB move of choice. ; however, you have several choices. Leaf Storm is preferred for its sheer power, but Grass Knot can be used instead if the Special Attack drop Leaf Storm yields is unattractive. If the inconsistency of both moves is unappealing to you, however, then Energy Ball is a fairly decent replacement, albeit much less powerful than Leaf Storm. good, consistent STAB move to use (albeit nowhere near as powerful as Leaf Storm). In the final moveslot, Roserade has her choice of Hidden Power to use. Hidden Power Fire is the primary option as it allows Roserade to hit Skarmory and Forretress leads who will otherwise easily set up on her. Hidden Power Ice is a good option as well for its ability to OHKO Gliscor and Salamence, (who will often switch in on Roserade hoping to set up with Dragon Dance).</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can also use Hidden Power Ground quite well. It allows Roserade to beat Heatran and Occa Berry Metagross leads, whom Roserade otherwise has difficulty damaging. However, its use outside of this function is extremely limited, and so you are usually better off sticking to one of the Hidden Power options that is already listed above.</p>
<p>The EV spread is very simple, yet still quite effective. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are an absolute must when using Roserade, as they allow her to outspeed as much as the maximum number of threats possible. Considering Roserade is not one of the most bulky bulkiest Pokemon out there, it is important that she is able to outspeed as many leads as she can so that she can sleep them before they attack her. 252 Special Attack EVs are used so that Roserade can deal as much damage as possible with both her STAB attack and her choice of Hidden Power. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to give Roserade a one point boost. Focus Sash is the only item that should ever be used on this Roserade set, as without it, she would be is OHKOed by many opposing leads, and would never gets the chance to set up her precious Toxic Spikes. Any other item will usually not be worth using, as more often than not, Roserade won’t survive long enough to enjoy it.</p>
<p>Heatran is one of the best partners to this set. He is capable of switching in on many leads who otherwise threaten Roserade, such as Jirachi leads, and proceeding to batter the opposition with his powerful STAB Fire-type attacks. He is also a capable user of Stealth Rock, which makes a good complement to Roserade's entry hazards something that Roserade is unable to do. In turn, Roserade can switch in on Water-types who threaten Heatran. Magnezone also makes a good partner, particularly if Roserade is running Hidden Power Ice; it can easily switch in on the numerous Steel-types who will attempt to KO or set up on Roserade, trap them with Magnet Pull, and proceed to KO them with its powerful Thunderbolt. Machamp leads are very troublesome for Roserade to take on. They can absorb Sleep Powder with Lum Berry, and use a combination of Ice Punch + Bullet Punch to swiftly KO Roserade. For this reason, defensive Rotom-A is a good partner for Roserade to have, as it is immune to DynamicPunch, takes small damage from Ice Punch, and can cripple Machamp with Will-O-Wisp (though Machamp's Lum Berry must be used first) or attack him with its STAB Thunderbolt. Rotom-A is also a great Rapid Spin blocker, particularly Rotom-H, and can prevent Roserade'’s precious Toxic Spikes from being spun away. It is also important to pair Roserade with Pokemon who enjoy Toxic Spikes support. SubRoost Zapdos and Torment Heatran and great examples of this; they are very stall-oriented Pokemon, and with Toxic Spikes support, their stalling is much swifter and easier to carry out.</p>
[SET]
Name: Spikes
Move 1: Spikes
Move 2: Grass Knot / Energy Ball
Move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
Move 4: Stun Spore / Rest / Leech Seed
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Calm
Evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While Roserade is a great Toxic Spikes user, she can also set up Spikes, and thanks to her good base 105 Special Defense and ability to heavily damage many common Rapid Spinners, she is an exceptionally good and often overlooked user of the move. Her sky-high Special Attack sets her apart from other Spikes users like Skarmory, as does her decent special bulk.</p>
<p>Spikes is a great support move, and forms the crux of this set. Roserade makes a very good user of it. Grass Knot is the primary choice for Roserade’s STAB option, but Energy Ball works just as well if the inconsistency of Grass Knot is unappealing to you. Hidden Power Fire is used in the third slot for hitting Steel-types who will commonly switch in on Roserade, such as Scizor and Skarmory, but Hidden Power Ice is a viable alternative if you wish to be able to hit Dragon-types such as Salamence and Dragonite, who will otherwise set up on Roserade without a second thought. It should be noted, however, that if you choose to use Hidden Power Ice you are losing out on the ability to hit Forretress, who will delight in switching in on Roserade, spinning away her Spikes, and then setting up Spikes of his own. In the last moveslot, you have several decent options to choose from. Stun Spore is the prime primary choice, as it allows Roserade to afflict Pokemon switching into on her with crippling paralysis; it also comes with the neat ability to paralyze Ground-types, like Flygon, who are immune to most paralysis-inducing moves. If Stun Spore isn’t your cup of tea, Rest can be used instead, as it allows Roserade to fully recover her health, switch out, and come back in later with no status effects (thanks to Natural Cure). Leech Seed can also be used if you want Roserade to further stall out opposing Pokemon while setting up Spikes; it also allows Roserade to stall Blissey, who otherwise walls her absolutely.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Synthesis can be used in the fourth moveslot in order to give Roserade an alternative instant recovery move. However, tThe main issue with this is that Synthesis'’ recovery is decreased from 50% to 25% when sandstorm is active on the field. Seeing how common Tyranitar is, this will be quite often, and will severely lower Roserade'’s ability to take the special hits that she is meant to take. Overall, if you’re in the market for an instant recovery move on Roserade, Rest is the better option due to its reliability.</p>
<p>The EV spread allows Roserade to maintain acceptable physical bulk and excellent special bulk. With the given HP and Defense EVs, Roserade will always survive an Adamant Choice Band Scizor'’s Bullet Punch, even after Stealth Rock damage. 136 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature ensure that she’s no slouch on the special side of things, either, and allow her to easily switch in on resisted hits like Starmie'‘s Surf and Rotom-A's Thunderbolt and proceed to set up Spikes. If surviving Choice Band Scizor'’s Bullet Punch isn'’t of importance to you, then an alternate EV spread of 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe can be used; it allows Roserade to outspeed 36 Speed Celebi, Zapdos, and Jirachi, as well as 252 Speed Jolly Tyranitar. Leftovers is the item of choice for its ability to slowly-but-surely recover Roserade'’s health; no other item is as effective for this set.</p>
<p>Good teammates for Roserade are Pokemon who will force a lot of switches; this allows the team to take advantage of her Spikes and wear down the opposition through indirect damage. The specific Pokemon who you to use alongside Roserade depend on the kind of team that you are using. If you are using a more stall-oriented team, then more defensive partners will be the better choices. A simple Skarmory + Blissey combination will form the infamous “"SkarmBliss"” duo, capable of walling a significant portion of the metagame and forcing numerous switches. ; this combo alone will force the opponent to switch multiple times, thus racking up Spikes damage. On an offensive team, Pokemon who force switches due to with their offensive presence make are good partners for Roserade. U-turn Infernape, for instance, is a great example of this; he can switch in on a predicted Fire-type attack, then and U-turn as the opponent switches to a counter, forcing more residual damage. You will then have successfully inflicted more Spikes damage on the opponent, and they will be in a bad position due to Infernape’s U-turn. Mixed Salamence will also force a lot of switches with his versatility. Another effective way to take advantage of Roserade'’s Spikes is to utilize a Fire + Water + Grass defensive core. As such, uUsing Roserade in tandem with a combination of Pokemon such as Heatran and Vaporeon will work well. This will force the opponent to switch multiple times due to the defensive synergy that a Fire + Water + Grass core has, racking up more Spikes damage and keeping your core at high health.</p>
[SET]
Name: Choice Scarf ScarfRade
Move 1: Leaf Storm / Energy Ball
Move 2: Sludge Bomb
Move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Sleep Powder
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to Roserade'’s amazing Special Attack and decent Speed, she is able to utilize a Choice Scarf set to great effect. The main selling point over other Choice Scarf users is her access to a blazing fast Sleep Powder, allowing her to outpace and cripple any Pokemon in the game (bar other Choice Scarf users).</p>
<p>Leaf Storm is listed as the main option in the first moveslot because of the its immense power it has. However, Energy Ball is a less powerful, but more reliable option for the more conservative player. Sludge Bomb is used in the second slot as it gives Roserade an effective means of hitting the Pokemon who take small little damage from Leaf Storm, such as Celebi and Salamence. However, be wary when you'’re using Sludge Bomb, as it is a risky move on a Choice Pokemon; opposing Steel-types will be able to switch in and set up on Roserade with their immunity to Poison-type attacks and force Roserade to switch out. Hidden Power Ice is the primary option in the third moveslot as it allows Roserade to outspeed and OHKO Salamence and Gliscor; Salamence in particular is a threat to this set as he can freely come in on Leaf Storm, so it helps to have a means of revenge killing him before a Dragon Dance. Keep in mind, however, that Roserade doesn’t outspeed Salamence after a Dragon Dance. Hidden Power Ground is used viable solely for the purpose of hitting Heatran, who will otherwise be able to freely switch in on Roserade throughout the entire match and wreak havoc. Sleep Powder is the best move in the final moveslot as it allows Roserade to outspeed and cripple almost any threat, which helps her team immensely in the long run.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hidden Power Fire is an alternate move for Roserade to use. It allows her to hit most Steel-types who switch in on her quite hard, which is helpful as Steel-types will otherwise wall the set indefinitely. However, if you are using Scarf Roserade you should already have a way to deal with Steel-types, so the need for Hidden Power Fire is alleviated. Roserade can also use Grass Knot, but the inconsistency of its base power is unattractive on a Choice set where she is unable to switch attacks.</p>
<p>The EV spread is extremely simple. 252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are absolutely necessary a necessity, because Roserade needs to be able to outspeed all of the threats she possibly can. 252 Special Attack EVs are used to boost Roserade'’s already immense Special Attack score statand allow her to hit for much more damage. The remaining EVs are placed in HP to give Roserade a tiny boost in defensive capability. If revenge killing threats isn’t what you intend to use Scarf Roserade for, then Choice Specs can be an alternative item for you. However, this will leave Roserade not only easily walled by anyone with a resistance to Grass- or Poison-type moves, but it will also make it so that she is outsped by many threats, which isn’t something that you want to have happen; Roserade loses much of her effectiveness when she isn’t as fast as she can be, particularly on a Choice set where she can’t switch attacks. ((This is all irrelevant on a Choice Scarf set, especially seeing as it's a poor option)) Modest is an alternate nature if you wish to hit harder, but Roserade already hits quite hard, and she needs all the Speed she can get.</p>
<p>When using Choice Scarf Roserade, you absolutely must have a Pokemon who can take out Steel-types.; otherwise, tThey will otherwise switch in on her throughout the entire match with no consequences and be free to set up. Heatran makes a great partner for this reason. Substitute Heatran in particular works splendidly with this set for this reason, as he can switch in on any Steel-type causing Roserade problems, like Skarmory, set up a Substitute on the switch, and proceed to heavily damage the opposition with his STAB Fire Blast. Heatran is an even better partner if he carries Explosion, as this allows him to lure in and OHKO Blissey, who otherwise walls both he and Roserade completely. While Heatran is a great partner to this Roserade, he is also a great counter to her. Unless you'’re running Hidden Power Ground, opposing Heatran will wall Roserade. switch in all day, and Roserade will be unable to hit them. For this reason, bulky Water-types such as Suicune and Vaporeon work well alongside Roserade, as they can easily switch in on and scare off opposing Heatran. Both Fighting- and Fire-types are good offensive partners to this set; fortunately, Infernape combines can use both of these two types with his dual-typing, making him an ideal offensive partner for Roserade.; hHe can easily break a the Skarmory + Blissey combination, which that Roserade is completely helpless against.</p>
[SET]
Name: Life Orb Offensive
Move 1: Leaf Storm / Energy Ball
Move 2: Sludge Bomb
Move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Sleep Powder / Spikes / Toxic Spikes
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to take advantage of Roserade'’s high Special Attack and above-average Speed by turning her into a full-blown special sweeper. While this set may appear to be outclassed by Life Orb Sceptile, Roserade has higher Special Attack and the advantage of being able to run a great support move in tandem with her attacking options, whether it be Sleep Powder, Spikes, or Toxic Spikes. Any one of these support moves works excellently on this set, and you can use any option you like depending on your team’s needs, making Roserade stand out from other average all-out-attacking Life Orb users.</p>
<p>Leaf Storm is the best option in the first moveslot for the immense power that it packs, but Energy Ball can be used instead if you want a more consistent move. Sludge Bomb is used in the second slot as a secondary source of STAB; it also that allows Roserade to always OHKO Naive Salamence with Sludge Bomb after Stealth Rock damage. The final third slot gives is for Roserade's her choice of Hidden Power; Hidden Power Fire is the best option for hitting Steel-types such as Skarmory and Forretress who otherwise completely wall Roserade, but while Hidden Power Ground can be used instead as a means of hitting Heatran, who is immune to Sludge Bomb and has a 4x resistance to Leaf Storm. The final moveslot is what sets Roserade apart from other Life Orb attackers: the ability to successfully use a handy support move. The choice of move depends solely on your team'’s needs, and as such, there is no “"better"” option. Sleep Powder is listed as the first option as it allows Roserade to cripple any Pokemon switching into her (bar RestTalkers and status absorbers). However, Spikes or Toxic Spikes can be used if your team can abuse the entry hazard support. requires this support.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Hidden Power Ice can be used in place of the two listed Hidden Powers, as it allows Roserade to OHKO Salamence, Dragonite, Flygon, and Gliscor switch-ins with no questions asked. However, Salamence is already OHKOed by Sludge Bomb after Stealth Rock damage, while Flygon and Gliscor are both OHKOed by Leaf Storm; as such, Hidden Power Ice becomes more of a mostly redundant option. Expert Belt can be used to help Roserade bluff a Choice item and surprise a counter with Sleep Powder, but Life Orb grants her significantly more power and enables many key OHKOes, such as against Salamence. , and makes several OHKOs possible which would not be if she were to use Expert Belt instead.</p>
<p>252 Speed EVs and a Timid nature are necessary on this set as they allow Roserade to outspeed as many threats as possible; considering Roserade isn'’t particularly bulky, it is important that she instead be fast. 252 Special Attack EVs are used so that she hits as hard as she possibly can, and with her base 125 Special Attack stat, very few Pokemon can switch into on her safely. The remaining EVs are placed in HP as filler. While some people may see it as a good idea to run a Modest nature on this set to deal more damage to incoming Pokemon, it is almost always more important valuable to be able to outspeed and damage the opponent’s Pokemon as opposed to simply hitting them harder on the switch-in. By using a Modest nature, Roserade is outsped by many more threats, and often won’t be able to stand up to their attacks; as such, Timid is always the best choice of nature.</p>
<p>Blissey will completely walls this set, not caring about Sleep Powder due to Natural Cure and sponging all of Roserade'’s assaults attacks with her astronomical Special Defense. stat; Snorlax walls Roserade in similar fashion similarly, but will be temporarily shut down by Sleep Powder. In order to deal with these Pokemon, offensive support is needed. Lucario makes a good choice for this, able with his ability to switch in on Blissey and a sleeping Snorlax, set up a Swords Dance, and sweep. Mixed Salamence can break down stall teams that will otherwise usually have a solid response to this set.; Mixed Infernape accomplishes the same thing, and has the additional bonus of easily breaking the dreaded “"SkarmBliss"” combination. Unless you’re running Hidden Power Ground, Heatran will completely wall Roserade; as such, Dragon Dance Gyarados is a wonderful offensive partner alongside this Roserade, capable of easily to switching into Heatran and setting up a Dragon Dance (beware of rare Hidden Power Electric variants, however). With entry hazard support, very few Pokemon will be able to switch into this Roserade safely. Stealth Rock support is a must, as with it, Roserade is able to OHKO Salamence with Sludge Bomb. A Heatran of your own makes a great choice for setting it up with his defensive synergy to supply this, synergizing wonderfully with Roserade. Spikes support can is also be a good idea when using this set, as it secures securing several OHKOs for Roserade. Physically defensive Skarmory is a good Spikes user alongside Roserade.; aAlthough they do share a weakness to Fire-type moves, he can switch into the physical moves that will otherwise easily take down Roserade, making him a solid teammate.</p>
[SET]
Name: SubSeed
Move 1: Substitute
Move 2: Leech Seed
Move 3: Sludge Bomb / Energy Ball
Move 4: Spikes
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
Nature: Timid
Evs: 236 HP / 152 SpD / 120 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is a more stall-oriented Roserade set that combines her ability to successfully use Spikes with her ability to take resisted special attacks like a champ. Roserade'’s main advantage over other SubSeeders is her access to Spikes, her Poison-type STAB in Sludge Bomb, and her nice base 105 Special Defense.</p>
<p>Substitute is used on this set as it allows Roserade to set up a safety net against critical hits and status. It also makes it much easier to stall out the opponent, as they will have to hit through Roserade'’s Substitute directly, giving her more time to stall them out. Leech Seed is used to allow Roserade to both stall out her opponent and gain back some of her own HP at the same time. When used in tandem with her Leftovers, Roserade will often have restored all of the health that she used in order to create a Substitute in just two turns. Sludge Bomb is the primary attacking option in the third slot as it allows Roserade to nail Grass-type switch-ins, such as Celebi, for big serious damage, who would otherwise switch in and absorb Leech Seed without trouble a thought. However, Energy Ball is a passable option as well, allowing Roserade to hit bulky Water-type Pokemon as well as Pokemon who are resistant to Sludge Bomb harder. Spikes is used in the final slot as a means of allowing Roserade to support her team while she stalls out the opposition with her SubSeeding combo. With her good base 105 Special Defense, Roserade can easily set up Spikes on powerful resisted special attacks, and will often set up one to two layers of the hazard, making it harder for the opponent to switch.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade can use Hidden Power Fire in the third moveslot in order to hit Steel-types who will otherwise wall her completely. However, this leaves her open to being set up on by many threats, such as the ever-dangerous Salamence, and so it is often an inferior option, especially when you consider the fact that Roserade only has one attacking option on this set.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are customized to maximize Roserade'’s defensive potential. 236 HP EVs allow for much more overall bulk, and let Roserade take many attacks that she otherwise would be unable to. 152 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature allow Roserade to set up a Substitute on any resisted special attack up to Modest Magnezone'’s STAB Thunderbolt, a very powerful special attack. 120 Speed EVs allow Roserade to outspeed Jolly Tyranitar, as well as 36 Speed Jirachi, Zapdos, and Celebi. If Speed is more important than overall defensive ability when using this set, then an alternate EV spread of 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe with a Timid nature becomes a viable option. While this does allow Roserade to outspeed and Leech Seed more threats, it leaves her unable to easily set up a Substitute against many of the powerful special attackers against whom she can set up on with the main EV spread, so the alternate spread is severely inferior if you aren’t interested in outspeeding anyone in particular.</p>
<p>Though this set is capable of handling many threats on its own, it can really shine with proper team support. Toxic Spikes support can be a huge blessing when used in tandem with a set like this; Roserade will often find herself stalling out opponents, and with two layers of Toxic Spikes on the opponent'‘s side of the field, she can do so much more easily and quickly. Tentacruel makes a good choice to provide Toxic Spikes support, as he can also Rapid Spin away any entry hazards that the opponent set up, making it much easier for Roserade to switch in and begin her SubSeeding process. If you aren'’t interested in Toxic Spikes, however, then paralysis support can be employed to allow Roserade to outspeed more threats and set up on them.; Rotom-A is a good choice for this, as it is also capable of preventing the opponent from spinning away Roserade'’s Spikes. Stealth Rock support also helps this set, as Roserade will be forcing a lot of switches with Leech Seed. Metagross, Swampert, and Heatran are solid Stealth Rock users, and all three synergize well with Roserade defensively. Taunt Gyarados will easily set up on this set, so Hidden Power Electric Vaporeon makes a good defensive partner. Vaporeon can also pass Wishes to Roserade, keeping her health high.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>When using Roserade, entry hazard support helps a lot, as she will often force a lot of switches thanks to the prospect of her powerful special attacks or her crippling Sleep Powder. Metagross, Swampert, and Heatran are good choices to supply Stealth Rock, as they are reliable users of the move and who synergize well with Roserade. If Roserade is not running a set utilizing Spikes, then having Spikes support from another teammate is a good plan, as when used in conjunction with Stealth Rock, it maximizes the residual damage inflicted on all of your opponent'’s Pokemon. Skarmory is a good choice for providing Spikes support due to his high Defense and access to Whirlwind,; however, but he does shares a Fire-type weakness with Roserade, so beware. If you’re using a Roserade set that utilizes Toxic Spikes, make sure Roserade is paired with Pokemon who work better with Toxic Spikes such support. SubRoost Zapdos and Torment Heatran are prime examples of this, as they can use the Toxic Spikes to more easily stall out the opposition; SubCharge Rotom-A works in a similar vein, and can also block any attempts to Rapid Spin away your entry hazards the valuable Toxic Spikes.</p>
<p>Fire-types like Heatran and Infernape are great offensive partners to all Roserade sets, scaring off the Steel-type Pokemon who will otherwise wall and set up on her. Fighting-types such as Machamp and Lucario are able to check Blissey and Snorlax, both of whom can easily switch in on Roserade'’s attacks with their high HP and Special Defense stats and proceed to set up on her. Opposing Fire-types will also spell doom for Roserade; as such, so bulky Water-type Pokemon are great teammates to check them. Vaporeon gets a special mention as he can pass Wish to Roserade, keeping her health high. Suicune and Gyarados are good choices as well, easily switching in on the Fire-type moves aimed at Roserade. Rotom-H is a wonderful defensive partner for Roserade, as it can easily switch in on and dispose of the common Steel-type Pokemon who switch in on Roserade. Rotom-H has the additional ability to block Rapid Spin, meaning that the opponent can'’t simply spin away the entry hazards Toxic Spikes (or Spikes) that Roserade sets up. In order to maximize Roserade'’s defensive potential, it may be a good idea to utilize a Fire + Water + Grass defensive core. By using Roserade alongside a combination of Pokemon like Heatran and Vaporeon, you obtain amazing defensive synergy. This allows you to more easily switch in and out of your opponent'’s attacks, and ultimately helps create more situations in which Roserade can easily switch in and set up or sweep.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Roserade has a few other decent moves that will usually struggle to find a place on her set. Extrasensory can be used in order to hit Fighting-types, but the only Pokemon whom it will hit harder than Roserade's other moves are Machamp, Gengar, and Breloom, usually making it a wasted moveslot. Roserade also makes for a decent weather supporter due to access to both Rain Dance and Sunny Day, as well as Weather Ball, but she is extremely physically frail, and will usually only get a maximum of one opportunity to set up weather. GrassWhistle can be used as a sleep-inducing move on sets where Sleep Powder is illegal, but its poor accuracy often makes it an undesirable choice. Roserade makes a decent cleric with Aromatherapy, but traditional clerics like Blissey and Celebi are usually better choices for such a role. Shadow Ball can be used on offensive sets, but it will usually only hit Gengar harder than Roserade's other moves, as Rotom-A is already hit for tremendous damage by Leaf Storm. Growth is an option to boost Roserade’s already-high Special Attack, but she is often too slow and physically frail to successfully sweep.</p>
<p>A Timid nature and 252 Speed EVs is an absolute must on the more offensive sets, as well as the Toxic Spikes set. On more defensive sets, the EVs are customized to allow Roserade to more easily set up on opposing special attackers. Overall, the EVs on most sets are extremely straightforward, and shouldn’t be deviated from, as they usually serve a specific purpose.</p> ((This is all covered in the set comments, and so shouldn't be here))
[Counters]
<p>While Roserade may be an extremely powerful special attacker, she is easily walled by many common Pokemon. Any Roserade set lacking Hidden Power Fire will be completely shut down by opposing Steel-types, as they aren’t heavily damaged by any other move Roserade commonly carries. This means Pokemon like Skarmory and Forretress can easily set up on Roserade, while Pokemon like Scizor can switch in and score big serious damage on her. Salamence and Dragonite will set up on most Roserade sets lacking Hidden Power Ice, but must be wary of Sludge Bomb from the Life Orb set, as it will hurt them significantly damage them. Blissey and Snorlax effortlessly wall most Roserade sets, but the SubSeed set will do a number on them due to their large HP stats. Heatran can easily switch in on Roserade and proceed to either set up or simply spam his powerful STAB Fire Blast, but ; however, Heatran must beware of rare Hidden Power Ground variants. Overall, almost anyone faster than Roserade with a decently powered physical STAB move will beat her, as her Defense leaves a lot to be desired, and her Speed is just average at best.</p>
Anyway, I don't think there were enough errors or significant enough errors to force this to get another check, so I'll give this its 2/2. Cheers.
GP Check 2/2
Thanks for the really thorough prose edits, Dusk. All your stuff is in ^_^ As for the bad apostrophes, I typed this analysis in Microsoft Works Word Processor, which is probably why the incorrect punctuation was in the analysis. I've used MWWP to type all of my previous analyses, however, and it's never been an issue before. People must have just missed them ?_?
As for the intense semicolon usage, that's a bit of a habit that I developed in 6th grade. I'll try to police myself on my semicolon usage in the future ^_^
This now is officially GP Team approved. Can I get a final proofread on this to catch anything they may have missed (though I doubt there's much)?
As for the intense semicolon usage, that's a bit of a habit that I developed in 6th grade. I'll try to police myself on my semicolon usage in the future ^_^
This now is officially GP Team approved. Can I get a final proofread on this to catch anything they may have missed (though I doubt there's much)?
Your overview should be just that though, and not something that is just going to be repeated in the first set comment
The overview is something that should give the reader a preview of the Pokemon's strengths and weaknesses, so they can evaluate if its worth it to read on, and if said Pokemon is viable on their team (correct me if im wrong...but I'm pretty sure thats what they are for). That being said, if you know you are going to use a Pokemon, you may not read the overview and go straight to the set. Therefore missing out on information that could help you.
One thing I think should be mentioned is that Roserade works very well on Sandstorm teams for 3 reasons:
1) They need a good Water / Grass resist
2) She absorbs Toxic Spikes
3) Weather Ball becomes 100 Base Power Rock attack (Fuck you Salamence, Zapdos)
1) They need a good Water / Grass resist
2) She absorbs Toxic Spikes
3) Weather Ball becomes 100 Base Power Rock attack (Fuck you Salamence, Zapdos)
