[OVERVIEW]
Rotom is a fairly versatile Pokemon, capable of serving as a bulky Defog user, an offensive pivot that can easily wear teams down with Volt Switch and Hex, or a Choice Scarf user that can revenge kill offensive threats like Aerodactyl and +1 Vivillon. Levitate and an Electric / Ghost typing give Rotom a good number of resistances and immunities that includes Flying, Electric, Steel, Fighting, Normal, and Ground, enabling it to check important threats such as Passimian, Braviary, and Klinklang. Rotom has access to a solid support movepool with options like Will-O-Wisp, Trick, and Defog. Defog is especially notable given that Rotom's immunity to all entry hazards besides Stealth Rock and ability to threaten most hazard setters with Will-O-Wisp + Hex give it an easier time removing hazards. Volt Switch also gives Rotom the ability to pivot out against counters like Guzzlord as well as generate momentum for its team and give deadly wallbreakers an easier time switching in, and few Ground-types can reliably switch into Volt Switch thanks to the threat of being burned by Will-O-Wisp. However, Rotom's defensive capabilities are hindered by its average bulk, reliance on Iapapa Berry for recovery, and vulnerability to Dark, a very common offensive typing. Choice Scarf Rotom doesn't appreciate how easy its STAB moves are to exploit, whereas non-Choice Scarf variants don't appreciate being outpaced by common offensive Pokemon such as Sceptile and Sneasel. Even with Special Attack investment, Rotom isn't very powerful on its own and is often reliant on Z-Moves to deal with bulkier foes like pivot Incineroar, meaning that it can struggle with consistently breaking through teams.
[SET]
name: Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Will-O-Wisp
move 3: Hex
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Colbur Berry / Iapapa Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog allows Rotom to clear the field of entry hazards, preventing its team from taking unnecessary residual damage. Will-O-Wisp cripples defensive switch-ins to Rotom such as Steelix, Rhydon, and Vileplume as well as physical attackers like Sneasl and Passimian, which prevents the former from being able to easily KO Rotom. Hex is Rotom's main STAB move and pairs well with Will-O-Wisp. Volt Switch gives Rotom the ability to generate momentum and pivot out against Pokemon it tends to bait in such as Incineroar.
Set Details
========
The investment in HP maximizes Rotom's general bulk, while the investment in Speed coupled with a Timid nature allows Rotom to be as fast as possible, notably outspeeding Pokemon like Vanilluxe, Vivillon, and Medicham. Colbur Berry in tandem with Will-O-Wisp enables Rotom to potentially avoid being Pursuit trapped by Sneasel as well as take on Fighting-types that use Knock Off. Alternatively, Iapapa Berry can be used to circumvent Rotom's lack of recovery. This leaves Rotom much more vulnerable to Dark-type moves, however. Levitate is Rotom's only ability and allows it to switch into Ground-type moves, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web with impunity.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom should primarily be brought in whenever it predicts Pokemon like Klinklang and non-Assault Vest Slowbro to switch in, as it forces these Pokemon out and can use that turn to remove hazards, use Volt Switch, or burn a predicted switch-in. Early-game, the main moves Rotom should be using are Will-O-Wisp and Volt Switch, as they tend to apply the most pressure on many teams. Burning foes as soon as possible also makes Hex more spammable. If the opposing team has a Ground-type, try to catch it on a predicted switch with Will-O-Wisp, as burn damage in tandem with Hex and potential entry hazards limits its ability to reliably block Volt Switch. Whenever Rotom anticipates Incineroar or Guzzlord to switch in, it should use Volt Switch to preserve momentum. Be wary of Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Absol, as they can potentially remove Rotom after it clears the field or KOes a foe, especially if Rotom isn't holding Colbur Berry.
Team Options
========
Bulky offensive and balance teams really appreciate the immense support that Rotom is capable of providing as well as its good defensive presence. Dark checks such as Diancie, Hariyama, and Passimian are a necessity, as Rotom struggles to do very much to bulkier Dark-types and finds itself easily pressured and KOed by the more offensive ones. Offensive variants of Diancie can wear Silvally-Steel down with Earth Power and appreciate Rotom keeping Klinklang in check. All of these examples can also pressure Ground-types like Rhydon and Steelix, which enables Rotom to more reliably spam Volt Switch. Additional pivots like Incineroar, Passimian, and Braviary complete a VoltTurn core with Rotom, keeping the pressure going on opposing teams. The former two can also cripple defensive Pokemon with Knock Off, and all of them can take advantage of Sneasel and Choice Scarf Houndoom being locked into Pursuit. Incineroar can also spread burns with Will-O-Wisp, which immediately powers up Hex. Wallbreakers like Diancie, Medicham, and Sceptile appreciate being paired with Rotom, as its ability to bait in or pivot out against Pokemon like Guzzlord, Incineroar, and Rhydon often generates a free turn for them to put holes in opposing teams without requiring them to directly switch into attacks. Pokemon that appreciate having entry hazards removed such as Incineroar, Vanilluxe, Delphox, and Aerodactyl are good teammates. These Pokemon are also more examples of threatening wallbreakers that pair well with Rotom. Given that Rotom can wear down bulky Pokemon like Slowbro, Steelix, and Rhydon, Pokemon that can take advantage of this such as Klinklang, Aromatisse, and Aerodactyl make for good partners.
[SET]
name: Z-Move
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Hex
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Will-O-Wisp powers up Hex and cripples switch-ins to Rotom such as Steelix and Rhydon as well as Pursuit trappers looking to remove Rotom like Sneasel and Absol. Hex is Rotom's main STAB move, reaching an impressive Base Power of 130 when used against statused foes and becoming even more powerful when turned into Never-Ending Nightmare. Thunderbolt is Rotom's most powerful and reliable STAB move, super effectively hitting Pokemon such as Braviary and Dodrio. Volt Switch is a secondary Electric-type move that enables Rotom to capitalize on the switches it forces by pivoting out against most counters and generating momentum for a teammate. Thunder is a more powerful alternative to Thunderbolt that amps up Rotom's overall offensive presence and has a decent chance to paralyze foes, though the move's lower accuracy makes it less reliable. It's worth noting that Thunder should only be used alongside Electrium Z, as this turns it into Gigavolt Havoc and allows Rotom to OHKO Pokemon like Vanilluxe after Stealth Rock damage.
Set Details
========
The investment in Special Attack maximizes Rotom's offensive presence, while the investment in Speed combined with a Timid nature makes Rotom as fast as possible and allow it to outpace Pokemon like Medicham and non-Choice Scarf Vanilluxe. Ghostium Z turns Hex into Never-Ending Nightmare, a strong, one-time attack that makes up for Rotom's meager Special Attack and isn't reliant on the opposing Pokemon being statused for its damage output. If Rotom opts for Thunder, it should be used alongside Electrium Z to boost its Base Power to 185 and prevent Rotom from missing one time. Levitate allows Rotom to freely switch into Ground-type moves and gives it an immunity to all entry hazards besides Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom should primarily be switched in when it predicts foes to use Ground-type moves or Rapid Spin, as it is immune to these moves, or when predicting Pokemon such as Slowbro and Klinklang to switch in, as it can force them out and generate a free turn for itself. Spamming Will-O-Wisp early-game is smart, as this punishes Electric-immune Pokemon and potential Pursuit trappers and powers up Hex against as many targets as soon as possible. However, if the opposing team has an Incineroar or Houndoom, Rotom should focus on using Volt Switch rather than Will-O-Wisp, as these Pokemon otherwise freely switch in and take advantage of Rotom by either setting up on it or Pursuit trapping it. Against defensive teams, Rotom should save its Z-Move until it's needed to break through a bulkier Pokemon that it can't afford to burn first. Rotom can more freely use its Z-Move against offensive teams, however, as it typically won't be reliant on it to break through walls. Once all Ground-types have been removed, the move Rotom uses most should be Volt Switch, as it wears bulkier foes down while also generating momentum for a teammate. If possible, try to preserve Rotom until all Pursuit trappers have been removed, since it cannot reliably KO a foe without fearing being removed immediately after.
Team Options
========
Rotom's ability to check offensive threats like Klinklang and Samurott as well as spinblock, spread status, and generate momentum with Volt Switch enables it to fit on offensive and balance teams with ease. Rotom's tendency to force switches means that it appreciates being paired with entry hazard setters like Diancie, Rhydon, and Garbodor, as many checks and counters to Rotom hate being worn down by residual damage. Garbodor is especially notable, since it can serve as a secondary Fighting check and sets Toxic Spikes, which immediately powers up Hex. In return, Rotom can block Rapid Spin, deal with the problematic Xatu, and pressure Defog users like Golbat. Dark checks are important teammates to have, with Diancie and Hariyama being notable examples. Defensive Diancie can provide cleric support with Heal Bell, while offensive Diancie as well as Hariyama can dent almost every Ground-type with their STAB moves, which can pave the way for Rotom to spam Volt Switch. Setup sweepers that can punish Pokemon such as Sneasel and Houndoom being locked into Pursuit, such as Aromatisse, Comfey, and Klinklang, are good teammates. The former two examples serve as secondary Fighting checks, and they all appreciate Rotom wearing down bulky Steel-types like Steelix, Silvally-Steel, and Ferroseed through Will-O-Wisp and Hex. Strong wallbreakers that don't enjoy switching directly into unresisted hits like Medicham, Guzzlord, and Magmortar appreciate being paired with Rotom, as it baits in Pokemon that they can exploit like Ferroseed, Druddigon, and Cryogonal. Additional pivots such as Incineroar, Passimian, and Scyther complete a VoltTurn core with Rotom, keeping up pressure and wearing down Rotom's defensive switch-ins.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Trick / Defog
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch enables Rotom to generate momentum while also dealing super effective damage to Pokemon like Slowbro, Xatu, and Vaporeon. Thunderbolt is a more reliable STAB move that deals more damage to Pokemon like Blastoise and +1 Vivillon and doesn't force Rotom to switch out. Shadow Ball is Rotom's Ghost-type STAB move, hitting Pokemon like Decidueye, Dhelmise, Palossand, and Delphox super effectively as well as preventing Electric-immune Pokemon like Steelix from freely switching into Rotom. Trick can be used to cripple defensive Pokemon that are reliant on their item for longevity or bulk like Steelix and Rhydon while also enabling Rotom to switch between moves. Alternatively, Defog allows Rotom to clear the field of entry hazards in an emergency, which can be especially useful for offensive teams. Will-O-Wisp is another option that can be used to cripple switch-ins as well as offensive Pokemon like Absol if they become problematic, and it can also be used as a last-ditch effort to give a setup sweeper an easier time setting up. Note that locking into any of Defog, Trick, or Will-O-Wisp leaves Rotom rather easy to exploit.
Set Details
========
The investment in Speed combined with a Timid nature and Choice Scarf allows Rotom to be as fast as possible, notably outspeeding Sneasel, Delphox, and Choice Scarf Passimian. Maximum investment in Special Attack is useful for bolstering Rotom's offensive presence. Levitate provides Rotom with an immunity to Ground-type moves, allowing it freely switch into Earthquake from Pokemon like Steelix. Levitate also means that Rotom isn't affected by Spikes, Toxic Spikes, or Sticky Web.
Usage Tips
========
Primarily switch Rotom into Pokemon that it can check, such as Braviary, Klinklang, and Golbat, as well as into predicted Ground-type moves. Be wary of Toxic from Golbat, however. Though Rotom can also switch into Rapid Spin, certain spinners like Dhelmise and Hitmonlee can heavily damage or OHKO it, meaning that this should only be done if absolutely necessary. Rotom should also be switched into fast threats such as +1 Vivillon, +2 Omastar, and Accelgor after they KO one of its teammates to easily revenge kill them. Spamming Volt Switch early- and mid-game is smart, as this allows Rotom to keep up pressure and momentum while dealing decent damage to targets that don't resist Electric, avoiding being Pursuit trapped by Pokemon like Sneasel looking to switch in on Shadow Ball, and pivoting out against checks like Guzzlord. Against teams with Ground-types, however, Rotom should refrain from using Volt Switch as much and aim to wear them down throughout the match with Shadow Ball, cripple them with Trick, or simply double switch to a teammate that can take them on. Rotom should mainly use Trick against bulkier teams, as doing so allows it to place more pressure on defensive Pokemon and it needs its Choice Scarf to function well against offensive teams. Be sure to consider whether Rotom needs its item anymore before using Trick. If you wish to use Rotom as a cleaner late-game, try to avoid locking into Shadow Ball during the early stages of the game against teams with Pursuit trappers unless absolutely necessary, as they can easily switch into Rotom after it KOes a foe and remove it. Only use Defog when attempting to sacrifice Rotom or if Rotom forces a switch, as being locked into it is a massive momentum sink and can lead to Pokemon such as Incineroar and Diancie being able to freely set up on it.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Rotom fits best on offensive and bulky offensive teams in need of way to keep fast Pokemon like Delphox and Choice Scarf Passimian in check that also appreciate the multiple forms of support and utility Rotom can provide them with. Given that Rotom tends to bait in bulky Ground-types and can struggle to break through them without constant prediction, having Grass-, Water-, and Ice-type teammates such as Sceptile, Samurott, and Vanilluxe can be handy. Swords Dance Samurott can also heavily pressure specially bulky Pokemon like Mega Audino and Silvally-Steel for Rotom. Dark checks like Hariyama and Diancie are appreciated, as Rotom can't deal very much damage to bulky Dark-types and doesn't immediately OHKO offensive Dark-types while they easily OHKO Rotom in return. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Rhydon, Steelix, and Garbodor is extremely valuable, as Rotom is good at forcing switches and appreciates having its checks and counters take residual damage and get worn down faster. In return, Rotom can block Rapid Spin and apply heavy pressure on Xatu as well as most Defog users. U-turn users such as Incineroar, Passimian, Whimsicott, and Scyther complete a VoltTurn core with Rotom, keeping momentum and applying a lot of pressure if entry hazards are up. Pokemon that can bluff Choice Scarf sets such as Bulk Up or Choice Band Passimian and Nasty Plot Houndoom are good partners, as they prevent opponents from immediately suspecting Rotom's set. These examples can also break through many of Rotom's defensive answers.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Specs can be used to make up for Rotom's lackluster damage output by letting it more easily break through checks like Incineroar and Steelix, but neither of Rotom's STAB types is great to be locked into, and this comes without the benefit of increasing Rotom's Speed like Choice Scarf does. Similarly, a Substitute + Pain Split set with Life Orb is an option that amps up Rotom's firepower while allowing it to potentially avoid Pursuit once as well as status conditions, though Haunter does this better because of its more threatening STAB combination and higher Speed and Special Attack. Discharge allows Rotom to spread a secondary form of status to foes, but it's not as powerful as Thunderbolt and doesn't generate momentum like Volt Switch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Guzzlord is one of the most difficult Pokemon for Rotom to bypass, as it resists Rotom's STAB types, is decently bulky, doesn't mind being burned much, and can OHKO Rotom with Draco Meteor. Incineroar is also hard to break through, as it has the bulk to take Rotom's Electric-type moves, resists Ghost, is immune to Will-O-Wisp, and can set up on Choice-locked variants if it's running Swords Dance. Sneasel, Houndoom, and Absol can threaten to Pursuit trap or KO Rotom despite its Colbur Berry if it takes a bit of prior damage, with Houndoom ignoring it completely because of Unnerve. These Pokemon struggle to switch in, Sneasel and Absol hate being burned, and all three of them cannot as reliably deal with Choice Scarf Rotom, however.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Rotom's mediocre Special Attack and somewhat weak STAB moves barring Hex prevent it from breaking through specially bulky Pokemon like Diancie, Mega Audino, Type: Null, and Cryogonal. Mega Audino is especially annoying given its immunity to Trick, access to Heal Bell to cure burns, and reliable recovery in Wish as well as a pre-Mega ability in Regenerator allowing it to sponge Rotom's hits with ease. Specially bulky wallbreakers like Alolan Exeggutor are also a problem for Rotom, as they can easily take a hit and deal massive damage in return.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although Rotom has a good natural Speed tier, non-Choice Scarf sets are easily outsped and KOed by Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Delphox, Sceptile, and Choice Vanilluxe. Heliolisk is also annoying, as it resists Electric, is immune to Ghost, and can threaten to hit Rotom super effectively with Dark Pulse or wear it down with its other moves.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[allstarapology, 400292]]
- Quality checked by: [[Blast, 191846], [Eternally, 295647], [Rabia, 336073]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
- Earlier versions by: [[roman, 396169]]
Last edited:
