QC Checks: atomicllamas / Spirit / EonX
GP Checks: fleurdyleurse / frenzyplant
Overview
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Even though Rotom's STAB attacks have great coverage, its low 95 Special Attack makes it unable to sweep teams. It also doesn't have a very wide movepool aside from its STAB moves. Besides its HP, Rotom's stats are decent, allowing it to play different roles succesfully in the metagame. It has a good typing, with only three weaknesses, and thanks to its ability Levitate, it loses a weakness to Ground, effectively having only two weaknesses. Rotom's Ghost typing grants it an immunity to Fighting- and Normal-type moves, such as Rapid Spin. Rotom has access to Volt Switch, which is a great way for it to gain momentum. However, Rotom faces competition from Mismagius as a fast spinblocker.
Choice Scarf
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name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Volt Switch is a good STAB option that allows Rotom to switch out of non Ground-types and helps it gain momentum. Thunderbolt is the most powerful STAB option for Rotom, and it is the best move to use to clean up thanks to its high Base Power; also, unlike Volt Switch, it doesn't force Rotom out. Shadow Ball ensures that Rotom is not completely hopeless against Ground-types. It also grants excellent neutral coverage with Thunderbolt. Trick is a good move to stop a Pokemon from setting up or laying down entry hazards, such as Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and Choice Scarf allow Rotom to outrun any opponent in RU, including Choice Scarf Moltres. 252 Special Attack EVs let Rotom hit harder and help it gain a KO with more ease. Levitate covers Rotom's weakness to Ground-type moves.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Rotom in when one of its teammates has just been KOed so that it can revenge kill the opponent or use Volt Switch to deal some damage. However, using Rotom as a lead is also an effective way of using it; it can stop setup sweepers with Trick, or just Volt Switch out into a Pokemon that has an advantage over the opponent. Rotom also has a lot of switch-in opportunities thanks to its three immunties; however, recklessly switching Rotom in is not recommended. Be sure to watch out if the opponent has a Ground-type on their team, as Ground-types are immune to Thunderbolt and Volt Switch; furthermore, as Rotom will be forced to switch, the opponent will receive a free turn. Also, use Trick on setup sweepers, as it will force the sweeper to switch out; Trick can also be used on defensive Pokemon to cripple them.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can take out Dark-types easily, such as Gurdurr, make good partners, as Rotom can't take out Dark-types by itself. Another Pokemon with U-turn or Volt Switch will be a good partner, forming core with Rotom. Also, Pokemon that can lay down entry hazards, such as Rhyperior and Accelgor, are quite useful, as they help Rotom gain a KO earlier. Aside from that, Rotom also blocks Rapid Spin, protecting the entry hazards. Wallbreakers such as Moltres or Clawitzer are also rather useful to wear down special walls. Moltres gets an exclusive mention, as it takes care of Doublade, which can easily take Rotom out with Shadow Sneak.
SubSplit
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name: SubSplit
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
ability: Levitate
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Substitute stops status, is a great way to ensure a free turn if someone tries to use a status move on Rotom, and gives Rotom a cushion against quicker opponents, which is useful, as Rotom is pretty frail. Pain Split provides Rotom a bit of recovery and has great synergy with Substitute. Thunderbolt is a powerful attack that also has a chance to paralyze the opponent, sometimes granting Rotom free turns to set up a Substitute. Shadow Ball is also a good STAB move, that can defeat Ghost-type Pokemon, which can also pose as checks to Rotom if they aren't dealt with. Will-O-Wisp can be used to let Rotom take physical hits more easily.
Set Details
========
Life Orb powers up Rotom's attacks and is useful in combination with Pain Split. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Rotom to outrun Pokemon such as Moltres. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom to hit hard.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to its immunities, Rotom can be sent in when you predict your opponent to use an attack that Rotom is immune to. Its immunities also give Rotom the opportunity to set up Substitute or burn the incoming Pokemon if Rotom carries Will-O-Wisp. Watch out for Exploud's Boomburst, though, as it goes through Substitute and still hits Rotom thanks to Scrappy. If you predict the opponent to use Rapid Spin, switch Rotom in; it is immune to Rapid Spin and thus stops opponent from removing your entry hazards. Rotom can also switch in on walls such as Registeel and Alomomola, as it can set up a free Substitute. Rotom can also force quite some switches, so take advantage of that by setting up a free Substitute.
Team Options
========
Any Pokemon that can beat Rotom's checks and counters, which include Gurdurr, Shiftry and Cobalion, make for good partners. Pokemon that hit targets that resist Rotom's dual STAB moves are good partners, such as Drapion, which hits Shiftry efficiently. Pokemon that set up Toxic Spikes, such as Qwilfish, are useful because Rotom blocks Rapid Spin, and Toxic Spikes allows it to stall out an enemy by Toxic damage and repeatedly setting up Substitutes.
Other Options
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Confuse Ray in combination with Thunder Wave is an option to prevent the enemy it from moving at times, though this strategy is extremely luck-reliant. Hidden Power Ice hits Ground-types, while Hidden Power Fire grants coverage against other types. Discharge could be used for a higher chance to paralyze the opponent, but if you need to do more damage, Thunderbolt is better. A dual screens set with Light Clay is decent too, as Rotom's good speed allows it to set the screens up easily. Choice Specs is an option if you want Rotom to hit as hard as possible. Toxic can be used to inflict damage on the opponent that increases every turn it stays in.
Checks & Counters
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**Shiftry** Rotom basically can't do anything to Shiftry, which resists Rotom's STAB moves and can easily OHKO it with Sucker Punch.
**Spiritomb** Spiritomb bypasses Rotom's Substitute because of Infiltrator, has access to Sucker Punch and Pursuit, and wears Rotom down quite easily.
**Pursuit** As Rotom is frail and weak to Dark-type moves, it is useless against opponents with a powerful Pursuit, such as Spiritomb, Drapion, and Escavalier.
**Aromatisse** Aromatisse can take Rotom's hits with ease and either set up on it or recover health back.
**Bulky Attackers** Bulky attackers, such as Rhyperior, Druddigon and Virizion, are solid checks, as they can take a hit or two and strike back with powerful attacks.
**Heliolisk** Heliolisk resists Rotom's dual STAB moves and can KO it easily with Surf.
GP Checks: fleurdyleurse / frenzyplant
Overview
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Choice Scarf
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name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Team Options
========
SubSplit
########
name: SubSplit
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
ability: Levitate
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Set Details
========
========
Team Options
========
Other Options
########
Checks & Counters
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**Shiftry** Rotom basically can't do anything to Shiftry, since it resists Rotom's dual STAB and can easily OHKO with Sucker Punch
**Special walls** Rotom has nothing it can do against special walls like Virizion and Aromatisse, they take Rotom's hits without effort and can set up on them after
**Rhyperior** Rhyperior is unaffected by Volt Switch and can handle a Shadow Ball, while it deals with Rotom using Rock Blast
**Heliolisk** Heliolisk resists Rotom's dual STAB and can kill it easily with Surf
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- Great coverage thanks tot its STAB attacks
- Not very wide movepool
- Decent offensive/defensive stats
- Good typing with only 2 weaknesses
- Blocks Rapid Spin
Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
- Volt Switch is a good STAB option that allows Rotom to switch out of any non-ground type and helps it gain momentum
- Thunderbolt is the most powerful STAB option, and has the chance to paralyze the opponent as well
- Shadow Ball ensures Rotom is not completely hopeless against Ground types. Besides, it gives coverage against Psychic and Ghost-types
- Trick can be used to stop a Pokemon from greeding, or setting up Stealth Rock
Set Details
========
- Choice Scarf, Timid Nature plus 252 EVs invested in Speed adds up to Rotom's decent 91 Speed stat, allowing it to outrun any unboosted opponent in its tier
- 252 EVs invested in Special Attack makes Rotom hit harder and help it to gain a KO easier
- Levitate covers Rotom's ground weakness, and is the only ability Rotom can use
Usage Tips
========
- Sent Rotom in at best when one of its teammates has just been killed, this way it can quickly revengekill or use Volt Switch to pull off some damage.
- Lead is also an effective way of using Rotom; it can stop set-up by using Trick, or just Volt Switch out into a Pokemon with an advantage over the opponent.
- Watch out if the opponent has a Ground-type on their team, because Volt Switch or Thunderbolt won't have effect, and keeps you locked in the move.
- Trick the opponent on set-up; this locks it in and forces a switch.
Team Options
========
- Anything that can take out Dark types well, such as Gurdurr works; Rotom can take out Ghost-types itself by using Shadow Ball
- Any other Pokemon with U-turn or Volt Switch will work, as you can alternate with Rotom and the other Pokemon
SubSplit
########
name: SubSplit
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
ability: Levitate
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
- Substitute stops status and is a great way to ensure a free turn if someone tries to use a status move on it. However, watch out for sound based moves, as they go through.
- Pain Split provides Rotom a bit of recovery and has great synergy with Substitute
- Thunderbolt is a powerful attack that also has a chance to paralyze the opponent, that sometimes grants free turns to set up a Substitute
- Shadow Ball is also a good STAB option, and kills Ghost-type Pokemon, where it's weak to.
- Will-O-Wisp can be used to stop a physical attacker with more ease, making it better resistant to physical attacks
Set Details
========
- Life Orb powers up Rotom's attacks and it is useful in combination with Pain Split.
- 252 Speed plus Timid nature EVs allow Rotom to outrun Pokemon such as Moltres.
- 252 EVs in Special Attack boosts its Special Attack, so it can hits way more effectively.
========
- Thanks to the 3 immunities it has, sent Rotom in when you predict one of these type-attacks to be used by the opponent. It also gives it the oppurtinity to set up substitute or burn the incoming Pokemon
- If you predict a Rapid Spin, switch Rotom in; it blocks Rapid Spin
- Rotom can switch in on walls such as Registeel and Alomomola, because this way it has the ability to set up a free substitute
Team Options
========
- Any Pokemon that beats up Rotom's weaknesses, Gurdurr and Shiftry for example will work; they make it sure Rotom does not have to fear its weaknesses
- Pokemon that hits opponents that resist Rotom's dual STAB will work; If not Rotom can't do anything but set up substitutes and Pain Split, and without status it doesn't have any utility
- Pokemon that set up hazards are good; Rotom blocks Rapid Spin and helps wallbreaker kill more easily
Other Options
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- Confuse Ray + Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power Ice/Fire
- Discharge
- Double Screen
- Choice Specs
- Toxic
Checks & Counters
########
**Shiftry** Rotom basically can't do anything to Shiftry, since it resists Rotom's dual STAB and can easily OHKO with Sucker Punch
**Special walls** Rotom has nothing it can do against special walls like Virizion and Aromatisse, they take Rotom's hits without effort and can set up on them after
**Rhyperior** Rhyperior is unaffected by Volt Switch and can handle a Shadow Ball, while it deals with Rotom using Rock Blast
**Heliolisk** Heliolisk resists Rotom's dual STAB and can kill it easily with Surf
Overview
########
Even though Rotom's STAB attacks have great coverage, its low 95 Special Attack makes it unable to sweep teams. It also doesn't have a very wide movepool aside from its STAB moves. Besides its HP, Rotom's stats are decent, allowing it to play different roles succesfully in the metagame. It has a good typing, with only three weaknesses, and thanks to its ability Levitate, it loses a weakness to Ground, effectively having only two weaknesses. Rotom's Ghost typing grants it an immunity to Fighting- and Normal-type moves, such as Rapid Spin. Rotom has access to Volt Switch, which is a great way for it to gain momentum. However, Rotom faces competition from Mismagius as a fast spinblocker.
Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Volt Switch is a good STAB option that allows Rotom to switch out of non Ground-types and helps it gain momentum. Thunderbolt is the most powerful STAB option for Rotom, and it is the best move to use to clean up thanks to its high Base Power; also, unlike Volt Switch, it doesn't force Rotom out. Shadow Ball ensures that Rotom is not completely hopeless against Ground-types. It also grants excellent neutral coverage with Thunderbolt. Trick is a good move to stop a Pokemon from setting up or laying down entry hazards, such as Stealth Rock.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs, a Timid nature, and Choice Scarf allow Rotom to outrun any opponent in RU, including Choice Scarf Moltres. 252 Special Attack EVs let Rotom hit harder and help it gain a KO with more ease. Levitate covers Rotom's weakness to Ground-type moves.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Rotom in when one of its teammates has just been KOed so that it can revenge kill the opponent or use Volt Switch to deal some damage. However, using Rotom as a lead is also an effective way of using it; it can stop setup sweepers with Trick, or just Volt Switch out into a Pokemon that has an advantage over the opponent. Rotom also has a lot of switch-in opportunities thanks to its three immunties; however, recklessly switching Rotom in is not recommended. Be sure to watch out if the opponent has a Ground-type on their team, as Ground-types are immune to Thunderbolt and Volt Switch; furthermore, as Rotom will be forced to switch, the opponent will receive a free turn. Also, use Trick on setup sweepers, as it will force the sweeper to switch out; Trick can also be used on defensive Pokemon to cripple them.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can take out Dark-types easily, such as Gurdurr, make good partners, as Rotom can't take out Dark-types by itself. Another Pokemon with U-turn or Volt Switch will be a good partner, forming core with Rotom. Also, Pokemon that can lay down entry hazards, such as Rhyperior and Accelgor, are quite useful, as they help Rotom gain a KO earlier. Aside from that, Rotom also blocks Rapid Spin, protecting the entry hazards. Wallbreakers such as Moltres or Clawitzer are also rather useful to wear down special walls. Moltres gets an exclusive mention, as it takes care of Doublade, which can easily take Rotom out with Shadow Sneak.
SubSplit
########
name: SubSplit
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
ability: Levitate
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Substitute stops status, is a great way to ensure a free turn if someone tries to use a status move on Rotom, and gives Rotom a cushion against quicker opponents, which is useful, as Rotom is pretty frail. Pain Split provides Rotom a bit of recovery and has great synergy with Substitute. Thunderbolt is a powerful attack that also has a chance to paralyze the opponent, sometimes granting Rotom free turns to set up a Substitute. Shadow Ball is also a good STAB move, that can defeat Ghost-type Pokemon, which can also pose as checks to Rotom if they aren't dealt with. Will-O-Wisp can be used to let Rotom take physical hits more easily.
Set Details
========
Life Orb powers up Rotom's attacks and is useful in combination with Pain Split. 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Rotom to outrun Pokemon such as Moltres. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Rotom to hit hard.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to its immunities, Rotom can be sent in when you predict your opponent to use an attack that Rotom is immune to. Its immunities also give Rotom the opportunity to set up Substitute or burn the incoming Pokemon if Rotom carries Will-O-Wisp. Watch out for Exploud's Boomburst, though, as it goes through Substitute and still hits Rotom thanks to Scrappy. If you predict the opponent to use Rapid Spin, switch Rotom in; it is immune to Rapid Spin and thus stops opponent from removing your entry hazards. Rotom can also switch in on walls such as Registeel and Alomomola, as it can set up a free Substitute. Rotom can also force quite some switches, so take advantage of that by setting up a free Substitute.
Team Options
========
Any Pokemon that can beat Rotom's checks and counters, which include Gurdurr, Shiftry and Cobalion, make for good partners. Pokemon that hit targets that resist Rotom's dual STAB moves are good partners, such as Drapion, which hits Shiftry efficiently. Pokemon that set up Toxic Spikes, such as Qwilfish, are useful because Rotom blocks Rapid Spin, and Toxic Spikes allows it to stall out an enemy by Toxic damage and repeatedly setting up Substitutes.
Other Options
########
Confuse Ray in combination with Thunder Wave is an option to prevent the enemy it from moving at times, though this strategy is extremely luck-reliant. Hidden Power Ice hits Ground-types, while Hidden Power Fire grants coverage against other types. Discharge could be used for a higher chance to paralyze the opponent, but if you need to do more damage, Thunderbolt is better. A dual screens set with Light Clay is decent too, as Rotom's good speed allows it to set the screens up easily. Choice Specs is an option if you want Rotom to hit as hard as possible. Toxic can be used to inflict damage on the opponent that increases every turn it stays in.
Checks & Counters
########
**Shiftry** Rotom basically can't do anything to Shiftry, which resists Rotom's STAB moves and can easily OHKO it with Sucker Punch.
**Spiritomb** Spiritomb bypasses Rotom's Substitute because of Infiltrator, has access to Sucker Punch and Pursuit, and wears Rotom down quite easily.
**Pursuit** As Rotom is frail and weak to Dark-type moves, it is useless against opponents with a powerful Pursuit, such as Spiritomb, Drapion, and Escavalier.
**Aromatisse** Aromatisse can take Rotom's hits with ease and either set up on it or recover health back.
**Bulky Attackers** Bulky attackers, such as Rhyperior, Druddigon and Virizion, are solid checks, as they can take a hit or two and strike back with powerful attacks.
**Heliolisk** Heliolisk resists Rotom's dual STAB moves and can KO it easily with Surf.
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