http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/rotom
i is writing this now
[Overview]
<p>This mischievous little specter may appear unassuming and cute at first glance, but its auspicious typing and well-distributed stats make it a versatile threat in the UU tier. Rotom’s Electric / Ghost typing gives it eight resistances or immunities, allowing for many opportunities to switch in. Its typing also provides excellent dual STABs, hitting almost all of UU for at least neutral damage. Combine this with Rotom’s unique and useful Speed, good Special Attack, and servicable defenses when EVed properly, and you have a premier Pokemon who can function in a variety of different ways to fit your team. While Rotom may not be the most threatening sweeper or the sturdiest wall, it is still an extremely useful Pokemon who can provide a variety or services for any team.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Rotom serves as an excellent revenge killer and check for many dangerous sweepers in the UU tier; it can effectively take down Swellow, Scyther, Dragon Dance Feraligatr, Alakazam, Mismagius, and more. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball take advantage of Rotom's fantastic dual STABs and work off its decent base 95 Special Attack. They also provide solid coverage, hitting all of UU bar Steelix for at least neutral damage. Hidden Power Ice rounds out the coverage, hitting Torterra, Altaria, and Leafeon for super effective damage. However, Will-O-Wisp may be used in the third slot in order to provide a safe option to cripple physical sweepers, Sucker Punch users, and Pursuit users whom Rotom may have trouble with otherwise. Trick rounds out the set as a useful tool that allows Rotom to cripple walls such as Chansey or Registeel who can switch into Rotom's attacks with little trouble, or to lock a Pokemon into an undesirable move after Rotom's revenge killing duties are no longer needed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice between a Timid and Modest nature depends on whether or not you want Rotom to be able to outspeed and revenge kill certain threats. Using a Timid nature allows Rotom to hit 463 Speed, which outspeeds positive-natured Choice Scarf Venusaur and Adamant +2 Torterra, as well as base 85s and 90s such as Toxicroak, Heracross, and Moltres if Rotom chooses to Trick its Choice Scarf away. A Modest nature grants Rotom a nice 10% boost in power, but will fail to outspeed the aforementioned threats. However, even with a Modest nature, Rotom can still outspeed Omastar and Gorebyss in the rain and +1 Feraligatr.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom works especially well on offensive teams as a revenge killer, given its already good Speed, respectable Special Attack, adequate coverage, and awesome typing. Choice Scarf Rotom can easily outspeed and revenge kill many sweepers who otherwise may cause offensive teams a lot of trouble. However, it lacks the raw power necessary to break through dedicated walls such as Registeel, Chansey, and Clefable. As such, it is advisable to carry Pokemon that can easily break through them. Hitmonlee and Heracross both fill this role excellently, as their Fighting-type STAB moves easily shred through the aforementioned walls. Choice Band Dugtrio is also a viable partner, as it reliably trap and 2HKO each of the above Pokemon; however, be careful when switching it in, as it will take heavy damage from any attack, even Seismic Toss.</p>
<p>You should also note that Rotom is easily trapped and killed with Pursuit if it is locked into an unfavorable move. Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Drapion, and Dugtrio can all come in either on a resisted attack or after a successful revenge kill and proceed to eliminate Rotom. Mixed Houndoom works especially well, as it can switch in on any move except Thunderbolt essentially for free and perhaps even gain a Flash Fire boost from Will-O-Wisp. As such, Rotom should not be used haphazardly on Pokemon who can be handled by the rest of your team, as bringing it out unnecessarily can easily result in its premature death.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + Pain Split
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom is also capable of acting as wallbreaker by utilizing the deadly combination of Substitute and Pain Split. This set packs a lot more punch than any other set that Rotom can run (bar Choice Specs), as Life Orb gives Rotom a huge 30% boost to its STAB attacks, allowing it to take full advantage of its great coverage and good Special Attack. Rotom can find many opportunities to switch in and set up, allowing it to cause a lot of damage to your opponent’s team.</p>
<p>The general strategy for this set is to come in on a Pokemon whom Rotom can force out, set up a Substitute on the switch, and then proceed to wreak havoc. Substitute allows Rotom to scout the switch-in and also protects it from status moves. Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt both benefit from STAB and provide excellent neutral coverage together. Pain Split gives Rotom an opportunity to recover valuable HP lost from Substitute, residual damage, and Life Orb recoil, as well as allowing it to defeat Registeel and Chansey, two Pokemon who can take Rotom’s STAB attacks without much trouble.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set are fairly straightforward. Maximum Speed and Special Attack allow Rotom to outspeed all positive-natured base 90 and slower Pokemon while hitting as hard as possible. The 4 leftover EVs are then placed in Special Defense to give Rotom a marginally easier time switching into special attacks such as Milotic’s Surf and Venusaur’s Sludge Bomb. Thanks to the extra kick from Life Orb and Rotom’s auspicious base 91 Speed, this Rotom makes a pretty good revenge killer for many threats, such as Moltres, Life Orb Milotic, and weakened Venusaur. The HP IV is lowered to 29 in order to reduce Rotom’s Life Orb recoil from 24 HP to 23. The loss of two HP from Rotom’s maximum HP is largely inconsequential, as Rotom has Pain Split to regain large chunks of its health.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom is also easily removed by Pursuit due to its frailty, but many common Pursuiters have trouble switching in due to Rotom’s power. Specially defensive Spiritomb is probably the best bet, as it is never 2HKOed by Thunderbolt, even after Stealth Rock damage. If Drapion and Houndoom can get in safely, then they can outspeed Rotom and threaten it with a powerful STAB Crunch, often catching it fleeing and OHKOing with Pursuit. Rotom also has trouble with Steelix, who resists both STAB attacks and can Roar Rotom out, and specially defensive Arcanine, who avoids the 2HKO from Thunderbolt and can heal with Morning Sun while causing major damage with Flare Blitz.</p>
[SET]
name: Utility / Defensive (which name is better?)
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Substitute / Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom, with its impressive collection of resistances and immunities, can function as a great spinblocker while maintaining some offensive prowess. This set can wear down your opponent’s team very effectively, switching in on Pokemon who can’t hurt Rotom and then proceeding to be a general nuisance. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball provide STAB moves and good coverage, hitting decently hard even without any EV investment. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom to immediately cripple the physical attackers it may attract, such as Registeel, Drapion, and Steelix. In the last slot, either Substitute or Pain Split may be used; Substitute protects Rotom against status afflictions and allows it to scout for its switch-ins, while Pain Split provides a somewhat reliable healing method.</p>
<p>The EVs provide Rotom with a good amount of bulk while at the same time allowing it to take advantage of its unique base 91 Speed. With 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature, Rotom outpaces all base 90s and below while at worst tying with opposing Rotom, giving it some utility against offensive teams as well. The leftover EVs are then placed in Defense, as Rotom’s resistances are mainly seen as physical attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD can be used if you want Rotom to be more of a physical wall than an defensive pivot. This EV spread give Rotom much more physical bulk and lets it act as a reliable switch-in to physical attackers such as Swellow, Scyther, and Donphan. Also, this spread may be more useful for teams that depend on Rotom to spinblock repeatedly, as Rotom can be more easily worn down with the less bulky spread. However, note that when using this spread, Rotom cannot take advantage of its unique Speed stat and therefore loses much of its offensive ability.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom appreciates entry hazards more than its counterparts, as it can cause many switches with its versatility. Thanks to the investment in both HP and Speed, this Rotom isn’t limited to either defensive or offensive duties; it functions equally well in both facets, as it can cripple walls and sweepers with Will-O-Wisp while eliminating frailer sweepers with Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball. As such, Stealth Rock and Spikes are much appreciated, allowing Rotom to quickly wear down your opponent’s team and eventually pull off a sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also attempt to pull off a sweep by boosting its Special Attack with Charge Beam. After a few boosts, Rotom is actually pretty powerful and can easily sweep an unprepared team. The general strategy for this set is to set up a Substitute on a Pokemon who either can’t hurt Rotom or will switch out in fear of being KOed or crippled, boost Rotom’s Special Attack with Charge Beam, and then sweep. To aid in its sweep, Rotom employs two additional attacks; Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball provide excellent coverage together and take full advantage of Rotom’s great dual STABs. However, Hidden Power Fighting may be used over Shadow Ball to provide perfect neutral coverage, hitting Steelix harder than Shadow Ball can.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set are fairly straightforward, as Rotom needs 252 EVs in both Special Attack and Speed in order to maximize its sweeping capabilities. This set doesn’t have much flexibility otherwise, as it needs a specific moveset to do its job properly. Will-O-Wisp may be used in the third slot, however, in order to cripple opposing Pokemon, since Charge Beam may be used as a somewhat reliable Electric-type STAB.</p>
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also go with a fully defensive set, utilizing the RestTalk combination to enable it to both act as a status absorber and heal its HP. With this set, Rotom becomes an extremely physically bulky Pokemon who is one of the most reliable spinblockers available. Rest allows Rotom to heal any status afflictions it may have picked up and fully replenishes Rotom’s HP, allowing it to continue to spinblock. Sleep Talk allows Rotom to not be completely useless while it is asleep, perhaps even allowing it to do some decent damage. Discharge is the primary option in the third slot, as the 30% paralysis rate can often be useful against sweepers like Houndoom who may try to switch in for free. Will-O-Wisp rounds out the set, allowing Rotom to cripple and render largely useless any non-Fire-type physical attacker.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and choice of nature are straightforward but effective, giving Rotom the maximum amount of physical bulk possible. Rotom is better off acting as a physical sponge than a special one, as most of its resistances and immunities, such as Flying-, Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks, are more commonly seen as physical attacks. Rotom can switch into many physical attackers, such as Swellow, Scyther, and Swords Dance Toxicroak, with ease and then either KO them with Discharge or cripple them with Will-O-Wisp. Thunderbolt may be used over Discharge to provide a bit of additional power; Thunderbolt also has a lower paralysis rate than Discharge, which may help in certain cases, as Rotom may unintentionally paralyze targets with Discharge whom would rather burn. </p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Will-O-Wisp
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also focus all of its efforts on supporting its teammates by running a Dual Screen set. Rotom’s excellent defensive typing makes it an especially effective Dual Screen user, as it can switch in multiple times to set up and is incredibly hard to KO once behind Reflect and Light Screen. Reflect and Light Screen are the crux of this set, as they allow otherwise frail sweepers like Linoone to set up without being KOed in the process, perhaps leading to a sweep.</p>
<p>An attack is used in the third slot to prevent Rotom from being complete Taunt bait; Discharge has a nice chance of paralysis and hits Water- and Flying-types, while Shadow Ball hits the Ground- and Grass-type Pokemon who are immune or resistant to Discharge for decent damage. Even though Rotom has no EV investment in Special Attack, it can still do some damage because opposing Pokemon will often have a hard time KOing it. The final move allows Rotom to either heal itself, creating more opportunities to set up Dual Screens, or cripple physical attackers, preventing them from freely setting up on Rotom. Pain Split is generally more useful, as Rotom might have to reprise its role to give its teammates another chance to set up; however, Will-O-Wisp is also an effective choice if you are worried about opposing sweepers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This Rotom is a team player, as its whole purpose is to give its teammates an easier time when setting up. As such, it is important to pack sweepers who can take advantage of the Dual Screens that Rotom painstakingly sets up. Feraligatr and Scyther are good examples of setup sweepers who appreciate Rotom’s efforts, as they can boost up much more comfortably when it is under the protection of Reflect and Light Screen. All-or-nothing sweepers such as Belly Drum variants of Charizard and Linoone can also be used, as they have a much better chance of successfully setting up and sweeping when any damage done to them is halved.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Specs, Rotom becomes an extremely potent special attacker who can tear through many walls with its power, at the expense of being locked into one move at one time. Taking advantage of Rotom’s fantastic dual STABs, Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball hit any Pokemon who doesn’t resist them for a decent chunk, at the very least. Hidden Power Ice provides coverage in the third moveslot, hitting Grass- and Ground-types for more damage than Shadow Ball does. </p>
- solid choice for offensive teams to check many dangerous pokemon, including swellow, scyther, dd feraligatr, alakazam, mismagius, etc
- thunderbolt + shadow ball for stab coverage
- hidden power ice for venusaur, torterra, altaria, and leafeon to an extent; will-o-wisp if you want to use a "safe" move to (a) cripple pursuit/resister/immunity switching in without predicting too much (b) cripple sucker punchers like sd toxicroak and sd absol without using trick (c) all purpose check to physical stat boosters in one move. note that shadow ball is more powerful than hp ice against rhyperior due to solid rock.
- trick for walls and to get rid of the scarf in situations when the speed is not needed and the flexibility is appreciated
- timid hits 463, modest hits 421. both of those beat jolly +1 feraligatr and modest +2 omastar/gorebyss, but modest falls 1 point short of adamant +2 torterra (422). timid is also needed to outpace +speed venusaur, toxicroak, heracross, and moltres after you trick the scarf away (and +speed scarf versions while rotom still has the scarf obviously).
[SET]
name: Substitute + Pain Split
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
- set up substitute, attack as needed, pain split on walls. decent super effective coverage provided by dual stab and unique typing/resistances allow rotom to set up on lots of things.
- beats chansey and registeel 1v1, two pokemon that trump offensive rotom who lack substitute.
- life orb gives attacks an extra kick to make up for the lack of a boosting move; makes rotom a good pokemon to use to revenge stuff against offense
- 29 hp iv to lower hp to 239, meaning rotom only loses 23 hp to life orb recoil rather than 24. the hp loss is not a big deal on this set since you have pain split. registeel's iron head still never breaks the substitute. 4 spd to switch into milotic's surf very marginally easier.
- tspikes help it beat chansey quicker
[SET]
name: Defensive [unsure about the name]
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Substitute / Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- designed to take advantage of rotom's resistances and speed tier to wear down the opponent/spinblock
- thunderbolt and shadow ball for good stab, will-o-wisp to beat up on physical attackers
- substitute to avoid status (toxic and thunder wave) and scout, or pain split to heal up
- max hp to be bulky, max speed to increase utility against offensive teams. 4 def to more easily switch into stone edge/megahorn/etc
- ac: max hp max def 4 sdef
- sr/spikes are especially dangerous with this set since it is so versatile (tbolt/sball non resists who have eaten hazards, will-o-wisp other stuff, switch out, and eventually run through the rest of the team)
- tspikes help it beat chansey quicker if it has substitute
[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- sets up substitutes on several common rotom checks and goes for a sweep with charge beam
- thunderbolt for more power against registeel/spiritomb/drapion and a reliable + powerful electric stab, but hp fighting for steelix
- ac: will-o-wisp in the third slot
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- status absorber and very bulky pokemon with sweet resistances make a good spinblocker
- bold since most of rotom's resistances/immunities are usually seen on pokemon with physical attacks
- ac: tbolt > discharge in case you paralyze something you want to burn
[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Will-O-Wisp
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- dual screens for sweepers set set up
- discharge for water/flying pokemon or shadow ball to hit ground/grass pokemon (you have no investment but screens means you get a few shots)
- pain split to stay alive or will-o-wisp to cripple opposing sweepers who want to set up on rotom
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- good stab coverage, unique speed tier
- hp ice for grass/ground or hp ground for steelix
- timid for +speed 80/85/90 and modest for more power
[Team Options]
- registeel covers rotom's weakness to dark/ghost attacks
- aggron and rhyperior, especially ones with substitute, mess up spiritomb. rotom covers their ground/fighting weaknesses.
- donphan, rhyperior, and fighting types beat registeel for the rotom sets who don't pack substitute/will-o-wisp
- spikes and stealth rock support are both very very good for non-choice rotom. they make up for rotom's relatively low special attack stat and take advantage of rotom's ability to force switches.
- idk what else... i kind of always just stick rotom on a team and it does fine...
[Optional Changes]
- thunder wave, rain dance + thunder + damp rock + shadow ball + hp ice/will-o-wisp, nothing else really
- max speed on most sets, then either hp or satk depending on what kind of set it is. 4 in hp for general bulkiness or in def/sdef if appropriate for the set.
[Counters]
- registeel, spiritomb, drapion, houndoom, clefable, chansey
- idk what else
yo whoostle lemme get in on this jank son
i is writing this now
[Overview]
<p>This mischievous little specter may appear unassuming and cute at first glance, but its auspicious typing and well-distributed stats make it a versatile threat in the UU tier. Rotom’s Electric / Ghost typing gives it eight resistances or immunities, allowing for many opportunities to switch in. Its typing also provides excellent dual STABs, hitting almost all of UU for at least neutral damage. Combine this with Rotom’s unique and useful Speed, good Special Attack, and servicable defenses when EVed properly, and you have a premier Pokemon who can function in a variety of different ways to fit your team. While Rotom may not be the most threatening sweeper or the sturdiest wall, it is still an extremely useful Pokemon who can provide a variety or services for any team.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf Rotom serves as an excellent revenge killer and check for many dangerous sweepers in the UU tier; it can effectively take down Swellow, Scyther, Dragon Dance Feraligatr, Alakazam, Mismagius, and more. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball take advantage of Rotom's fantastic dual STABs and work off its decent base 95 Special Attack. They also provide solid coverage, hitting all of UU bar Steelix for at least neutral damage. Hidden Power Ice rounds out the coverage, hitting Torterra, Altaria, and Leafeon for super effective damage. However, Will-O-Wisp may be used in the third slot in order to provide a safe option to cripple physical sweepers, Sucker Punch users, and Pursuit users whom Rotom may have trouble with otherwise. Trick rounds out the set as a useful tool that allows Rotom to cripple walls such as Chansey or Registeel who can switch into Rotom's attacks with little trouble, or to lock a Pokemon into an undesirable move after Rotom's revenge killing duties are no longer needed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The choice between a Timid and Modest nature depends on whether or not you want Rotom to be able to outspeed and revenge kill certain threats. Using a Timid nature allows Rotom to hit 463 Speed, which outspeeds positive-natured Choice Scarf Venusaur and Adamant +2 Torterra, as well as base 85s and 90s such as Toxicroak, Heracross, and Moltres if Rotom chooses to Trick its Choice Scarf away. A Modest nature grants Rotom a nice 10% boost in power, but will fail to outspeed the aforementioned threats. However, even with a Modest nature, Rotom can still outspeed Omastar and Gorebyss in the rain and +1 Feraligatr.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom works especially well on offensive teams as a revenge killer, given its already good Speed, respectable Special Attack, adequate coverage, and awesome typing. Choice Scarf Rotom can easily outspeed and revenge kill many sweepers who otherwise may cause offensive teams a lot of trouble. However, it lacks the raw power necessary to break through dedicated walls such as Registeel, Chansey, and Clefable. As such, it is advisable to carry Pokemon that can easily break through them. Hitmonlee and Heracross both fill this role excellently, as their Fighting-type STAB moves easily shred through the aforementioned walls. Choice Band Dugtrio is also a viable partner, as it reliably trap and 2HKO each of the above Pokemon; however, be careful when switching it in, as it will take heavy damage from any attack, even Seismic Toss.</p>
<p>You should also note that Rotom is easily trapped and killed with Pursuit if it is locked into an unfavorable move. Pokemon such as Spiritomb, Drapion, and Dugtrio can all come in either on a resisted attack or after a successful revenge kill and proceed to eliminate Rotom. Mixed Houndoom works especially well, as it can switch in on any move except Thunderbolt essentially for free and perhaps even gain a Flash Fire boost from Will-O-Wisp. As such, Rotom should not be used haphazardly on Pokemon who can be handled by the rest of your team, as bringing it out unnecessarily can easily result in its premature death.</p>
[SET]
name: Substitute + Pain Split
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom is also capable of acting as wallbreaker by utilizing the deadly combination of Substitute and Pain Split. This set packs a lot more punch than any other set that Rotom can run (bar Choice Specs), as Life Orb gives Rotom a huge 30% boost to its STAB attacks, allowing it to take full advantage of its great coverage and good Special Attack. Rotom can find many opportunities to switch in and set up, allowing it to cause a lot of damage to your opponent’s team.</p>
<p>The general strategy for this set is to come in on a Pokemon whom Rotom can force out, set up a Substitute on the switch, and then proceed to wreak havoc. Substitute allows Rotom to scout the switch-in and also protects it from status moves. Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt both benefit from STAB and provide excellent neutral coverage together. Pain Split gives Rotom an opportunity to recover valuable HP lost from Substitute, residual damage, and Life Orb recoil, as well as allowing it to defeat Registeel and Chansey, two Pokemon who can take Rotom’s STAB attacks without much trouble.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set are fairly straightforward. Maximum Speed and Special Attack allow Rotom to outspeed all positive-natured base 90 and slower Pokemon while hitting as hard as possible. The 4 leftover EVs are then placed in Special Defense to give Rotom a marginally easier time switching into special attacks such as Milotic’s Surf and Venusaur’s Sludge Bomb. Thanks to the extra kick from Life Orb and Rotom’s auspicious base 91 Speed, this Rotom makes a pretty good revenge killer for many threats, such as Moltres, Life Orb Milotic, and weakened Venusaur. The HP IV is lowered to 29 in order to reduce Rotom’s Life Orb recoil from 24 HP to 23. The loss of two HP from Rotom’s maximum HP is largely inconsequential, as Rotom has Pain Split to regain large chunks of its health.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom is also easily removed by Pursuit due to its frailty, but many common Pursuiters have trouble switching in due to Rotom’s power. Specially defensive Spiritomb is probably the best bet, as it is never 2HKOed by Thunderbolt, even after Stealth Rock damage. If Drapion and Houndoom can get in safely, then they can outspeed Rotom and threaten it with a powerful STAB Crunch, often catching it fleeing and OHKOing with Pursuit. Rotom also has trouble with Steelix, who resists both STAB attacks and can Roar Rotom out, and specially defensive Arcanine, who avoids the 2HKO from Thunderbolt and can heal with Morning Sun while causing major damage with Flare Blitz.</p>
[SET]
name: Utility / Defensive (which name is better?)
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Substitute / Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom, with its impressive collection of resistances and immunities, can function as a great spinblocker while maintaining some offensive prowess. This set can wear down your opponent’s team very effectively, switching in on Pokemon who can’t hurt Rotom and then proceeding to be a general nuisance. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball provide STAB moves and good coverage, hitting decently hard even without any EV investment. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom to immediately cripple the physical attackers it may attract, such as Registeel, Drapion, and Steelix. In the last slot, either Substitute or Pain Split may be used; Substitute protects Rotom against status afflictions and allows it to scout for its switch-ins, while Pain Split provides a somewhat reliable healing method.</p>
<p>The EVs provide Rotom with a good amount of bulk while at the same time allowing it to take advantage of its unique base 91 Speed. With 252 Speed EVs and a Timid Nature, Rotom outpaces all base 90s and below while at worst tying with opposing Rotom, giving it some utility against offensive teams as well. The leftover EVs are then placed in Defense, as Rotom’s resistances are mainly seen as physical attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>An alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD can be used if you want Rotom to be more of a physical wall than an defensive pivot. This EV spread give Rotom much more physical bulk and lets it act as a reliable switch-in to physical attackers such as Swellow, Scyther, and Donphan. Also, this spread may be more useful for teams that depend on Rotom to spinblock repeatedly, as Rotom can be more easily worn down with the less bulky spread. However, note that when using this spread, Rotom cannot take advantage of its unique Speed stat and therefore loses much of its offensive ability.</p>
<p>This variant of Rotom appreciates entry hazards more than its counterparts, as it can cause many switches with its versatility. Thanks to the investment in both HP and Speed, this Rotom isn’t limited to either defensive or offensive duties; it functions equally well in both facets, as it can cripple walls and sweepers with Will-O-Wisp while eliminating frailer sweepers with Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball. As such, Stealth Rock and Spikes are much appreciated, allowing Rotom to quickly wear down your opponent’s team and eventually pull off a sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also attempt to pull off a sweep by boosting its Special Attack with Charge Beam. After a few boosts, Rotom is actually pretty powerful and can easily sweep an unprepared team. The general strategy for this set is to set up a Substitute on a Pokemon who either can’t hurt Rotom or will switch out in fear of being KOed or crippled, boost Rotom’s Special Attack with Charge Beam, and then sweep. To aid in its sweep, Rotom employs two additional attacks; Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball provide excellent coverage together and take full advantage of Rotom’s great dual STABs. However, Hidden Power Fighting may be used over Shadow Ball to provide perfect neutral coverage, hitting Steelix harder than Shadow Ball can.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set are fairly straightforward, as Rotom needs 252 EVs in both Special Attack and Speed in order to maximize its sweeping capabilities. This set doesn’t have much flexibility otherwise, as it needs a specific moveset to do its job properly. Will-O-Wisp may be used in the third slot, however, in order to cripple opposing Pokemon, since Charge Beam may be used as a somewhat reliable Electric-type STAB.</p>
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also go with a fully defensive set, utilizing the RestTalk combination to enable it to both act as a status absorber and heal its HP. With this set, Rotom becomes an extremely physically bulky Pokemon who is one of the most reliable spinblockers available. Rest allows Rotom to heal any status afflictions it may have picked up and fully replenishes Rotom’s HP, allowing it to continue to spinblock. Sleep Talk allows Rotom to not be completely useless while it is asleep, perhaps even allowing it to do some decent damage. Discharge is the primary option in the third slot, as the 30% paralysis rate can often be useful against sweepers like Houndoom who may try to switch in for free. Will-O-Wisp rounds out the set, allowing Rotom to cripple and render largely useless any non-Fire-type physical attacker.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EV spread and choice of nature are straightforward but effective, giving Rotom the maximum amount of physical bulk possible. Rotom is better off acting as a physical sponge than a special one, as most of its resistances and immunities, such as Flying-, Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks, are more commonly seen as physical attacks. Rotom can switch into many physical attackers, such as Swellow, Scyther, and Swords Dance Toxicroak, with ease and then either KO them with Discharge or cripple them with Will-O-Wisp. Thunderbolt may be used over Discharge to provide a bit of additional power; Thunderbolt also has a lower paralysis rate than Discharge, which may help in certain cases, as Rotom may unintentionally paralyze targets with Discharge whom would rather burn. </p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Will-O-Wisp
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom can also focus all of its efforts on supporting its teammates by running a Dual Screen set. Rotom’s excellent defensive typing makes it an especially effective Dual Screen user, as it can switch in multiple times to set up and is incredibly hard to KO once behind Reflect and Light Screen. Reflect and Light Screen are the crux of this set, as they allow otherwise frail sweepers like Linoone to set up without being KOed in the process, perhaps leading to a sweep.</p>
<p>An attack is used in the third slot to prevent Rotom from being complete Taunt bait; Discharge has a nice chance of paralysis and hits Water- and Flying-types, while Shadow Ball hits the Ground- and Grass-type Pokemon who are immune or resistant to Discharge for decent damage. Even though Rotom has no EV investment in Special Attack, it can still do some damage because opposing Pokemon will often have a hard time KOing it. The final move allows Rotom to either heal itself, creating more opportunities to set up Dual Screens, or cripple physical attackers, preventing them from freely setting up on Rotom. Pain Split is generally more useful, as Rotom might have to reprise its role to give its teammates another chance to set up; however, Will-O-Wisp is also an effective choice if you are worried about opposing sweepers.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This Rotom is a team player, as its whole purpose is to give its teammates an easier time when setting up. As such, it is important to pack sweepers who can take advantage of the Dual Screens that Rotom painstakingly sets up. Feraligatr and Scyther are good examples of setup sweepers who appreciate Rotom’s efforts, as they can boost up much more comfortably when it is under the protection of Reflect and Light Screen. All-or-nothing sweepers such as Belly Drum variants of Charizard and Linoone can also be used, as they have a much better chance of successfully setting up and sweeping when any damage done to them is halved.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With Choice Specs, Rotom becomes an extremely potent special attacker who can tear through many walls with its power, at the expense of being locked into one move at one time. Taking advantage of Rotom’s fantastic dual STABs, Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball hit any Pokemon who doesn’t resist them for a decent chunk, at the very least. Hidden Power Ice provides coverage in the third moveslot, hitting Grass- and Ground-types for more damage than Shadow Ball does. </p>
- solid choice for offensive teams to check many dangerous pokemon, including swellow, scyther, dd feraligatr, alakazam, mismagius, etc
- thunderbolt + shadow ball for stab coverage
- hidden power ice for venusaur, torterra, altaria, and leafeon to an extent; will-o-wisp if you want to use a "safe" move to (a) cripple pursuit/resister/immunity switching in without predicting too much (b) cripple sucker punchers like sd toxicroak and sd absol without using trick (c) all purpose check to physical stat boosters in one move. note that shadow ball is more powerful than hp ice against rhyperior due to solid rock.
- trick for walls and to get rid of the scarf in situations when the speed is not needed and the flexibility is appreciated
- timid hits 463, modest hits 421. both of those beat jolly +1 feraligatr and modest +2 omastar/gorebyss, but modest falls 1 point short of adamant +2 torterra (422). timid is also needed to outpace +speed venusaur, toxicroak, heracross, and moltres after you trick the scarf away (and +speed scarf versions while rotom still has the scarf obviously).
[SET]
name: Substitute + Pain Split
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP
- set up substitute, attack as needed, pain split on walls. decent super effective coverage provided by dual stab and unique typing/resistances allow rotom to set up on lots of things.
- beats chansey and registeel 1v1, two pokemon that trump offensive rotom who lack substitute.
- life orb gives attacks an extra kick to make up for the lack of a boosting move; makes rotom a good pokemon to use to revenge stuff against offense
- 29 hp iv to lower hp to 239, meaning rotom only loses 23 hp to life orb recoil rather than 24. the hp loss is not a big deal on this set since you have pain split. registeel's iron head still never breaks the substitute. 4 spd to switch into milotic's surf very marginally easier.
- tspikes help it beat chansey quicker
[SET]
name: Defensive [unsure about the name]
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Substitute / Pain Split
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- designed to take advantage of rotom's resistances and speed tier to wear down the opponent/spinblock
- thunderbolt and shadow ball for good stab, will-o-wisp to beat up on physical attackers
- substitute to avoid status (toxic and thunder wave) and scout, or pain split to heal up
- max hp to be bulky, max speed to increase utility against offensive teams. 4 def to more easily switch into stone edge/megahorn/etc
- ac: max hp max def 4 sdef
- sr/spikes are especially dangerous with this set since it is so versatile (tbolt/sball non resists who have eaten hazards, will-o-wisp other stuff, switch out, and eventually run through the rest of the team)
- tspikes help it beat chansey quicker if it has substitute
[SET]
name: SubCharge
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Charge Beam
move 3: Thunderbolt / Hidden Power Fighting
move 4: Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- sets up substitutes on several common rotom checks and goes for a sweep with charge beam
- thunderbolt for more power against registeel/spiritomb/drapion and a reliable + powerful electric stab, but hp fighting for steelix
- ac: will-o-wisp in the third slot
[SET]
name: RestTalk
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge
move 4: Will-O-Wisp
item: Leftovers
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- status absorber and very bulky pokemon with sweet resistances make a good spinblocker
- bold since most of rotom's resistances/immunities are usually seen on pokemon with physical attacks
- ac: tbolt > discharge in case you paralyze something you want to burn
[SET]
name: Dual Screen
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Discharge / Shadow Ball
move 4: Pain Split / Will-O-Wisp
item: Light Clay
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- dual screens for sweepers set set up
- discharge for water/flying pokemon or shadow ball to hit ground/grass pokemon (you have no investment but screens means you get a few shots)
- pain split to stay alive or will-o-wisp to cripple opposing sweepers who want to set up on rotom
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- good stab coverage, unique speed tier
- hp ice for grass/ground or hp ground for steelix
- timid for +speed 80/85/90 and modest for more power
[Team Options]
- registeel covers rotom's weakness to dark/ghost attacks
- aggron and rhyperior, especially ones with substitute, mess up spiritomb. rotom covers their ground/fighting weaknesses.
- donphan, rhyperior, and fighting types beat registeel for the rotom sets who don't pack substitute/will-o-wisp
- spikes and stealth rock support are both very very good for non-choice rotom. they make up for rotom's relatively low special attack stat and take advantage of rotom's ability to force switches.
- idk what else... i kind of always just stick rotom on a team and it does fine...
[Optional Changes]
- thunder wave, rain dance + thunder + damp rock + shadow ball + hp ice/will-o-wisp, nothing else really
- max speed on most sets, then either hp or satk depending on what kind of set it is. 4 in hp for general bulkiness or in def/sdef if appropriate for the set.
[Counters]
- registeel, spiritomb, drapion, houndoom, clefable, chansey
- idk what else
yo whoostle lemme get in on this jank son
