OU Rotom-W

Alfalfa

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QC: 2 / 3: ben gay, AM, aim
GP: 1/2 GatoDelFuego, Psywaves

Overview
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Rotom-W is a premier pivot in the OU metagame that is able to switch into a number of common Pokemon, such as Azumarill, Talonflame, and Landorus-T. Due to its access to Will-O-Wisp and sufficient defenses enabling it to pivot into a number of offensive threats, it is very easy to fit into a balanced or a slower-paced offensive team. However, Rotom-W has a low HP stat, and its lack of reliable recovery makes it easy for the foe to wear it down. In addition, there are a slew of Pokemon in OU that are capable of getting past Rotom-W through sheer power, specific coverage, or through other aspects.

Physically Defensive Pivot
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name: Physically Defensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Pain Split / Rest
ability: Levitate
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
nature: Bold

Moves
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Volt Switch is Rotom-W's Electric STAB move that allows it to regain momentum after pivoting into a threat. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's secondary STAB that allows it to beat some of the Pokemon it checks, most notably Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Mamoswine, which are immune to Volt Switch. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-W to inflict burns on the foe and deter physical attackers. Pain Split can be used when Rotom-W's HP is low to regain some HP, but it tends to be very inconsistent overall due to being dependent on the foe's HP. Rest in tandem with Chesto Berry can be used instead, but Chesto Berry only works once, whereas Pain Split can be used multiple times; it is best used if Rotom-W's team is weak to status.

Set Details
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248 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs give Rotom-W close to maximum HP while allowing it to take less passive damage from Stealth Rock, status, etc. Leftovers is appreciated for its passive recovery, as Rotom-W gets worn down rather easily. However, if Rotom-W is running Rest, then Chesto Berry should be used instead. If outrunning particular threats is important, then 44 Speed EVs can be taken from Defense and put into Speed to outrun Jolly Azumarill so Rotom-W will be able to burn it after a Belly Drum, but Jolly Azumarill is not particularly common. Alternatively, 88 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed Jolly Crawdaunt, or 128 Speed EVs to outrun Adamant Bisharp, both at the cost of some bulk. A Bold Nature allows Rotom-W to take physical attacks from Pokemon such as Azumarill and Mega Pinsir better. If some more special bulk is desired, Rotom-W can run a mixed defensive spread of 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 SpD to enable it to take hits from Mega Manectric, Landorus, Latios, and Latias much more easily.

Usage Tips
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Rotom-W should be used to pivot into common Pokemon that it can check, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, Landorus-T, and Sand Rush Excadrill. However, do not let Rotom-W get worn down too much, as it needs to be healthy to handle many of the Pokemon whose attacks it does not resist. Use Volt Switch for scouting and gaining momentum, especially against threats that do not want to stay in on Rotom-W, such as Azumarill, Landorus-T, and Talonflame. Be careful when using Will-O-Wisp if a Conkeldurr or Guts Heracross is on the opponent's team. Otherwise, feel free to use it to cripple opposing Pokemon.

Team Options
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Landorus-T forms a solid VoltTurn core with Rotom-W that is able to check most physical attackers in OU in tandem with each other. Scizor also can form a VoltTurn core and has good defensive synergy with Rotom-W as well. Rotom-W appreciates teammates that can beat Grass-types that would want to take advantage of Rotom-W. Celebi can beat Breloom and Chesnaught, set up on Ferrothorn, and can check Mega Sceptile, thus making a good teammate. On the same token, Rotom-W is a team supporter, so Pokemon that are troubled by threats that Rotom-W checks, such as Mega Gallade and Mega Lopunny, are good teammates. Setup sweepers appreciate Rotom-W's ability to spread burns and bring them in safely with Volt Switch to make securing setup opportunities easier. Examples include Swords Dance Talonflame and Swords Dance Diggersby.

Other Options
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Thunderbolt is stronger than Volt Switch if Rotom-W wants more power, but Rotom-W does not have the space for it. However, the advantage of not forcing a switch allows Rotom-W to stay in against Water-types. Thunder Wave can help Rotom-W spread paralysis, but Will-O-Wisp is better overall, as Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-W to cripple many of the Pokemon it switches into. A Choice Scarf set with Trick has a surprise factor, but wastes Rotom-W's defensive capabilities, one of its key selling points behind its use. Alternatively, Rotom-W can run a specially defensive set that allows it to switch into Landorus, but it forgoes the physical bulk that it needs to stomach attacks from many of the Pokemon it is supposed to pivot into. At the cost of some bulk, Rotom-W can run a more offensive set with 220 HP / 128 SpA / 160 Spe EVs and Hidden Power Fire or Signal Beam that allows it to provide some offensive pressure and lure in Ferrothorn or Celebi, respectively. In a similar vein, a Choice Specs set can be used instead, which gives Rotom-W a chance to provide more pressure against balanced teams.

Checks and Counters
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**Grass-types**: Grass-types can switch into Rotom-W without taking much from its attack, though some of them, such as Breloom and Mega Venusaur, dislike Will-O-Wisp. Celebi counters Rotom-W, not fearing Will-O-Wisp due to Natural Cure, and is able to set up on it or force it out. Serperior can use Rotom-W as setup fodder, whereas Mega Sceptile gets a free Special Attack boost from Volt Switch due to Lightning Rod.

**Fairy-types**: A number of Fairy-types, such as Magic Guard Clefable, Mega Gardevoir, and mixed or specially offensive Mega Altaria can prove to be troublesome for Rotom-W, as Rotom-W struggles to break through most of these Pokemon, whereas they possess the potential to break Rotom-W back.

**Dragon-types**: Rotom-W lacks the ability to pressure Latios and Latias outside of Will-O-Wisp, whereas they can wall it back. Mega Altaria can heal off Will-O-Wisp with Heal Bell or Refresh and proceed to set up on Rotom-W.

**Guts Users**: Guts users, such as Heracross and Conkeldurr, can gain an Attack boost from Rotom-W's Will-O-Wisp. However, Heracross will get worn down very easily by Rotom-W's attacks. Conkeldurr, on the other hand, has the bulk to be able to stomach these attacks and hit hard back.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Specially bulky Pokemon like Chansey and Cresselia can wall Rotom-W and proceed it to cripple it with Toxic.

  • Good pivot that can switch into a lot of common Pokemon, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, and Landorus-T
  • Literally one of the easiest Pokemon to fit onto balance or non-HO offense
  • Can be troublesome for a number of offensive teams to handle due to access to Will-O-Wisp + ability to check a number of offensive threats
  • Low HP stat, and lacking of reliable recovery makes it easy to wear down
  • Many Pokemon can get past Rotom-W, whether it be sheer power, specific coverage, or the like

  • Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to regain momentum after pivoting into a threat
  • Hydro Pump allows Rotom-W to beat some of the Pokemon it checks, most notably Ground-types likes Landorus-T and Mamoswine that are immune to Volt Switch
  • Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-W to inflict burns on the opponent and deter physical attackers
  • Pain Split is Rotom-W's form of recovery, but it tends to be inconsistent
  • Rest with Chesto Berry is plausible, but the Chesto Berry only works once, whereas Pain Split can be used multiple times; however, it can be used if Rotom-W's team is weak to status
*248 HP gives Rotom-W a Leftovers number and take less damage from Stealth Rock
*Leftovers is appreciated for its passive recovery, as Rotom-W gets worn down rather easily
*44 Speed EVs allows Rotom-W to outspeed minimum speed Landorus-T; 128 speed EVs can be used to outrun Adamant Bisharp
*Bold Nature with defense investment allows Rotom-W to take hits from Pokemon like Azumarill and Mega Pinsir better, and
*A mixed spread of 248 HP / 152 Def / 108 SpD allows Rotom-W to take hits from Mega Manectric, Landorus, Latios, and and Latias much easier

*Pivot into common Pokemon that Rotom-W can check, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, Landorus-T, Sand Rush Excadrill, etc.
*Do not let Rotom-W get worn down too much, as it needs to be healthy to handle many of the Pokemon whose attacks it does not resist
*Use Volt Switch for scouting and gaining momentum, especially off threats that do not want to stay in on Rotom-W, such as Azumarill, Landorus-T, and Talonflame
*Be careful when using Will-O-Wisp if a Conkeldurr / Guts Heracross is on the opponent's team; otherwise, use it to cripple opposing Pokemon

*Landorus-T forms a solid Volt-Turn core with Rotom-W, being able to check most physical attackers in OU in tandem with each other.
*Pokemon that are troubled by threats that Rotom-W checks, such as Mega Gallade, Mega Lopunny, etc.
*Set up sweepers appreciate Rotom-W's ability to spread burns and bring them safely with Volt Switch because it makes securing set-up opportunities easier. Pokemon that have issues find safe set up opportunities, such as Swords Dance Talonflame and Swords Dance Diggersby, thus make good teammates.
*Rotom-W appreciates teammates that can beat of Grass-types that would want to take advantage of Rotom-W. Celebi can beat Breloom, Chesnaught, set up on Ferrothorn, and can check Mega Sceptile, thus making a good teammate.
*Scizor has good defensive synergy with Rotom-W, and can form a VoltTurn core

*Thunderbolt is stronger than Volt Switch if Rotom-W wants more power, but it does not have the space for it. However, the advantage of not forcing a switch allows Rotom-W to stay in against Water-types.
*Thunder Wave can help Rotom-W spread paralysis, but Will-O-Wisp is better overall, as it allows it to cripple many of the Pokemon it switches into
*Choice Scarf with Trick has a surprise factor to it, but it wastes Rotom-W's defensive capabilities, one of its key selling points behind its use
*A Specially Defensive set allows Rotom-W to switch into Landorus, but it forgoes its ability to stomach attacks from many of the Pokemon it is supposed to check
 
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Mandatory Kurona saying to mention Serperior in C+C. Especially notable, however, for outspeeding and using Rotom-W as set-up fodder.
 
Kurona said:
Mandatory Kurona saying to mention Serperior in C+C. Especially notable, however, for outspeeding and using Rotom-W as set-up fodder.
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I think Mega Sceptile is also a good check as well as he comes in for free on volt switch (a move rotom w will usually be using alot) and KO with Leaf Storm
 
Kurona said:
Mandatory Kurona saying to mention Serperior in C+C. Especially notable, however, for outspeeding and using Rotom-W as set-up fodder.
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one hitta quitta said:
I think Mega Sceptile is also a good check as well as he comes in for free on volt switch (a move rotom w will usually be using alot) and KO with Leaf Storm
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Just lump these into Grass-types :s
 
If i could add anything i would state that giving a specially defensive set a mention as well as elaborating as to why choice scarf is "ass." HP Ice could be used in OO and make sure to make mention of excadrill as a check, as it could switch in on an unexpected volt switch and take this thing out with mold breaker earthquake.
 
Concerning some of the things you said Rotom-W dealt with:
  • Specs Keldo always 2HKOs with Secret Sword after Rocks (~40% otherwise) and can 2HKO with Hydro Pump after Rocks (albeit very rarely after taking accuracy into account).
  • Mega Lopunny can 2HKO with High Jump Kick 90% of the time (guaranteed with Rocks) while Return has a small 2HKO chance with Rocks. Adamant always 2HKOs with High Jump Kick and has a high chance to 2HKO with Return after Rocks while SubPuP wins if you switch-in/use Will-O-Wisp as it makes a Sub.
  • Banded Azumarill does over 60% with Play Rough while Knock Off can deal up to 53%; you're only switching into this thing once confidently. Belly Drum can OHKO you after Rocks even if it's burned, but the Burn should neuter it enough that something else can finish it off without dying to Aqua Jet.
Mention that Rotom-W oftentimes needs to be healthy to check anything it doesn't resist, since it's not that bulky, and that Volt Switching too much with Rocks up will wear it down to the point it might not being able to do its job lategame when it's needed the most.

For OO, maybe Thunderbolt? Sometimes the extra power is nice when you don't want to switch out.

Concerning Scarf, it can be a REALLY annoying surprise for your opponent to randomly get outsped and burned/para'd, but you lose out on Rotom-W's defensive capabilities and slow-ish Volt Switch.
 
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Karxrida said:
Concerning some of the things you said Rotom-W dealt with:
  • Specs Keldo always 2HKOs with Secret Sword after Rocks (~40% otherwise) and can 2HKO with Hydro Pump after Rocks (albeit very rarely after taking accuracy into account).
  • Mega Lopunny can 2HKO with High Jump Kick 90% of the time (guaranteed with Rocks) while Return has a small 2HKO chance with Rocks. Adamant always 2HKOs with High Jump Kick and has a high chance to 2HKO with Return after Rocks while SubPuP wins if you switch-in/use Will-O-Wisp as it makes a Sub.
  • Banded Azumarill does over 60% with Play Rough while Knock Off can deal up to 53%; you're only switching into this thing once confidently. Belly Drum can OHKO you after Rocks even if it's burned, but the Burn should neuter it enough that something else can finish it off without dying to Aqua Jet.
Mention that Rotom-W oftentimes needs to be healthy to check anything it doesn't resist, since it's not that bulky, and that Volt Switching too much with Rocks up will wear it down to the point it might not being able to do its job lategame when it's needed the most.

For OO, maybe Thunderbolt? Sometimes the extra power is nice when you don't want to switch out.

Concerning Scarf, it can be a REALLY annoying surprise for your opponent to randomly get outsped and burned/para'd, but you lose out on Rotom-W's defensive capabilities and slow-ish Volt Switch.
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If you are referring to PuP Mega Lopunny, then you are right; however, Rotom-W is capable of handling non-PuP variants just fine.
You are right on Keldeo, I miscalced it. That was my fault. Rotom-W only checks Azumarill, that is why I mentioned it.
 
Thunder Wave should certainly be in moves, as it cripples mega charizard X which sets up on you easily otherwise.

mod edit: don't talk about format during the qc stage at all, the only exception is in written up checks & counters
 
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boltsandbombers said:
Thunder Wave should certainly be in moves, as it cripples mega charizard X which sets up on you easily otherwise.

Latios and Latias dont deserve their own section, maybe make it Dragon-types or Other Bulky Resists.
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Regarding Zard X, I will let QC give their decision on that, as while Zard X has the potential to set up on Rotom-W, only a small amount of prior damage will prohibit it from setting up (assuming 60-100 EVs in HP).

I will conjoin Lati@s into a different section, thanks for pointing that out.
 
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mention that chestoresto is a viable alternative over pain split if your team is prone to status, as it helps alleviate that. it is also more beneficial in the short run, meaning more offensive builds that use rotom for its overall utility leave rotom very much pressured because of it in which case rest would be more preferable than split. you are also understating how much rotom is actually capable of. it has a great matchup against sand offense, rain offense, bird spam and bulky offense. in usage tips, elaborate on what volt switch is capable of. obviously for momentum, but it can also tank a hit to get a free switch to something else and how you get said momentum. for ex., risk vs reward like agnst azu and land-t. volt would be the most optimal play seeing as the two don't want to take a hydro or wisp as they are most likely going to switch to say lati. i'd like other people's opinion on this, but is 44 spe rotom all that necessary anymore? afaik bdrum azu don't run max max jolly since adamant is more beneficial to them than wasted speed evs. also you can mention a spread of 248 hp / 152 def /108 spdef if one is concerned of the lack of sp def invest. lets it better take on the likes of mega man, latis, thund, lando, scalds etc. so to summarize: slash chesto berry after lefties and rest after pain split and better explain it's uses, elaborate on what rotom can really do and the various things it is able to check/counter, expand on how to play with rotom. o also scizor as a good partner for it :p . once you do this consider it 1/3
 
yeah i agree on dropping speed, there is little to no reason to run jolly azu as you dont guranantee the ohko on stuff like ferro, so the optimal spread for rotom-w would just be getting the jump on no speed land-t (even though its really uncommon)
 
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Alfalfa said:
If you are referring to PuP Mega Lopunny, then you are right; however, Rotom-W is capable of handling non-PuP variants just fine.
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actually no, it still can't come in on Mega Lopunny
252 Atk Mega Lopunny High Jump Kick vs. 248 HP / 216+ Def Rotom-W: 156-184 (51.4 - 60.7%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
so this point is misleading
  • Good pivot that can switch into a lot of common Pokemon, such as Talonflame, Azumarill, Landorus-T, and Mega Lopunny
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it can come in on Talonflame, Azu, and Lando-T alright, but not on Mega Lop.
**Guts Abusers**: Guts users, such as Heracross and Conkeldurr, can gain an attack boost from Rotom-W's Will-O-Wisp. However, Heracross will get worn down very easily by Rotom-W's attacks. Conkeldurr, on the other hand, has the bulk to be able to stomach these attacks, and hit hard back.
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You don't wear down Heracross by your attacks, you're easily ko'd unless you burned it while it came in on you(which is highly unlikely to happen). Even then there is a slight chance you'll be OHKO'd.
252 Atk Life Orb Heracross Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 216+ Def Rotom-W: 175-208 (57.7 - 68.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Guts Heracross Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 216+ Def Rotom-W: 263-309 (86.7 - 101.9%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

edit: maybe you could rephrase it as "Heracross is now quickly worn down by LO recoil+Burn"
 
Jukain said:
i disagree with dropping speed, i'd rather just be safe. the spread with spdef is fine too but i think the main spread should retain the speed.
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Yeah I agree, I've actually been running even more speed investment and numerous times it's been very useful. Bisharp in my experience is extremely common and using 128 Speed EVs outspeed Adamant Bisharp and guarantees that you get off a Wisp. I don't know it's viable enough to mention in Set Details, but I think it is.
 
128 Speed EVs sounds on paper like a possible EV spread, though losing out on the bulk you lose does make a difference. If QC asks me to mention 128 Speed EVs though, I will give it a mention.
 
Just mention some stuff it realistically will never break under checks and counters such as Toxic Chansey and Cresselia for example and offensive mons it has troubles with like Mixed attacker M-Altaria for example. I'd put M-Altaria under Fairy types cause Rotom-W has more trouble handling a lot of the Fairies in the tier as well, which can be consolidated into a section for Fairies mentioning Clefable, M-Gard, and M-Altaria. QC 2/3 when you've done this.
 
AM said:
Just mention some stuff it realistically will never break under checks and counters such as Toxic Chansey and Cresselia for example and offensive mons it has troubles with like Mixed attacker M-Altaria for example. I'd put M-Altaria under Fairy types cause Rotom-W has more trouble handling a lot of the Fairies in the tier as well, which can be consolidated into a section for Fairies mentioning Clefable, M-Gard, and M-Altaria. QC 2/3 when you've done this.
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How do you suggest I categorize Toxic Chansey and Cresselia under C&C? Should I categorize them as "bulky Pokemon with Toxic" or something to the like?
 
With the specially defensive set, IMO give it a mention under set details as opposed to OO. It just seems that switching around the EVs is better placed in set details than in OO.

Also IMO the 128 speed spread should get a small mention in set details as outpacing Bisharp to hit it up with a Will-O is really nice on teams which are weak to it.
 
gamer boy said:
With the specially defensive set, IMO give it a mention under set details as opposed to OO. It just seems that switching around the EVs is better placed in set details than in OO.

Also IMO the 128 speed spread should get a small mention in set details as outpacing Bisharp to hit it up with a Will-O is really nice on teams which are weak to it.
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Specially Defensive Rotom-W looks good on paper, but there is nothing notable that it checks, outside of Landorus-I, which is not worth giving the sheer utility that physically defensive Rotom-W provides in taking hits.
 
Please change the HP investment in the main EV spread to 252. Running 248 HP reduces the amount of Leftovers recovery you gain every turn by a point, and running max HP for that extra point of Leftovers recovery will quickly make up for the extra point you're taking in Stealth Rock damage whenever you switch in. You can, however, mention 248 HP for when you're running ChestoRest since Leftovers will no longer be a part of the equation.
 
No, 248 HP is better. Leftovers numbers are not really important when you consider the potential for Rotom-W to be hit with Knock Off, and that 304 is a terrible HP number for residual damage, as it is divisible by 8 and 16. Max HP Rotom-W takes 1 more HP of damage from sand, Stealth Rock, burn, Toxic, and Leech Seed, all of which are undesirable.
 
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