QC: Fiend / Hilomilo / Levi
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
At first glance, Rowlet seems completely outclassed by Vullaby, as all of the latter's stats are higher than or equal to Rowlet's. Vullaby also gets STAB Knock Off, Weak Armor, and Overcoat, allowing it to be overall better than Rowlet both offensively and defensively. However, Rowlet does have a few niches. To start off, it has access to Baton Pass as well as both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, allowing it to pass boosts to its teammates when needed. Thanks to its good bulk and access to recovery, it is often able to pass multiple boosts to an ally. It also resists Water and hits Ground-types super effectively with a STAB move, which is unique for a Defog user. Its access to Sucker Punch also means that its offensive set is not as hindered by its low Speed as may seem at first glance and is left less reliant on the opponent's actions than Vullaby. Its Grass / Flying typing allows it to perform as a check to Fighting-types such as Mienfoo as well as Ground-types such as Mudbray and Diglett. Rowlet is also fairly versatile, making it somewhat difficult for your opponent to know what they're up against at Team Preview.
Sadly, Rowlet still suffers from its low Speed stat on sets lacking Sucker Punch, and even on sets with Sucker Punch, the move is not very powerful without a boost. In addition, its offensive stats are low when uninvested, meaning that its defensive sets are very passive and can potentially be set up on. Even when invested, Rowlet is often too weak to be a big threat without a Swords Dance boost. Rowlet also suffers from a Stealth Rock weakness, which means it can be whittled down quite easily. Its typing gives it a 4x weakness to Ice as well as a weakness to Rock, meaning Rowlet will quickly go down to common coverage moves, such as Ice Punch on Timburr or Rock Slide on Mudbray, meaning it won't be able to check those Pokemon it seems like it would be able to. In addition, Rowlet struggles to keep itself healthy enough to perform its role well. Lastly, Rowlet's Baton Pass set faces competition from Torchic, which is capable of passing Speed in addition to Swords Dance boosts, and Mienfoo, which has more offensive presence, but Rowlet can also pass Nasty Plot boosts and its greater bulk allows it to pass multiple boosts much more easily.
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Swords Dance / Nasty Plot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Leaf Blade / Energy Ball
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Sassy
evs: 132 HP / 156 Def / 196 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Baton Pass allows Rowlet to pass stat boosts to a teammate. Swords Dance or Nasty Plot should be chosen depending on Rowlet's teammates. If they generally require a boost to Attack, Swords Dance is preferred, while Nasty Plot is better if a Special Attack boost is preferred. Roost heals Rowlet's HP, greatly increasing its longevity and allowing it to set up multiple boosts much more easily. If Swords Dance is chosen, Leaf Blade should be the STAB move of choice, as it allows Rowlet to benefit from the boosts itself. Similarly, if Nasty Plot is used, Energy Ball should be used in the final slot.
Set Details
========
Eviolite is the item of choice, as it greatly enhances Rowlet's bulk and increases its longevity in combination with Roost. The Special Defense and HP EVs with a Sassy nature raise Rowlet's special bulk significantly and allow it to take a Sludge Bomb from Hex Gastly after Stealth Rock as well as two Sludge Bombs from Foongus. The HP EVs also allow Rowlet to survive four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. The Defense EVs make Rowlet as bulky as possible both physically and specially, notably avoiding the 2HKO from Mienfoo's High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock and Mudbray's Rock Slide and Heavy Slam. This EV spread also hits an Eviolite-optimal number in Defense. No Speed EVs and a Relaxed nature are used in order to make Rowlet hit 9 Speed. This usually makes sure Rowlet gets off a slow Baton Pass, which allows its teammate to come in for free, while Speed tying with Spritzee and outspeeding Foongus. Overgrow is Rowlet's only released ability, and it won't come into play very often, since Rowlet should usually use Roost when it is in Overgrow range.
Usage Tips
========
Focus on getting Rowlet in on Pokemon it can set up on, such as Mudbray. When it is in, staying healthy is the main priority, as a weakened Rowlet will struggle to find setup opportunities. Use Swords Dance or Nasty Plot when an opportunity arises, such as when Rowlet is in on a Pokemon that can't do much to it like Spritzee or Snivy lacking Hidden Power Ice. Rowlet becomes somewhat strong itself after multiple boosts, so don't be afraid to use Rowlet's offensive move. Keep in mind, however, that getting boosts to a teammate is the goal of this set. When Rowlet can no longer stay in or it has accumulated enough boosts, use Baton Pass to give an ally an opportunity to sweep. Rowlet can also use Baton Pass without any boosts in order to generate momentum for its team. This can help a teammate get in for free, generating a potential setup opportunity. Be wary of staying in on a Pokemon that seems unable to hurt Rowlet significantly but sometimes carries Ice-type coverage, such as Timburr or Chinchou.
Team Options
========
Baton Pass recipients obviously pair well with this set. Physical Vullaby, Pawniard, Mienfoo, Corphish and Doduo all appreciate a Swords Dance boost, while special Vullaby, special Carvanha, Chinchou, Magnemite, and Abra like getting a Nasty Plot boost. Torchic and Mienfoo are also good partners for Rowlet, as they can form a Baton Pass chain. Since Rowlet supplies the offensive boosts, Torchic no longer needs to run Swords Dance and can instead run a set of Protect / Substitute / Baton Pass / Flame Charge, focusing completely on passing as much Speed as possible and potentially a Substitute to a teammate. If Torchic and Rowlet are used together, it is usually better to start the Baton Pass chain with Torchic, as the Speed boosts make it a lot easier for Rowlet to set up itself, while the offensive boosts don't necessarily help Torchic. Water-types pair well with Rowlet, as they can switch into the Fire- and Ice-types that threaten it, while Rowlet can set up on the Grass-types that Water-types lure in. Chinchou is especially good, as it can also switch into Flying-types and get Rowlet in for free with Volt Switch. It also lures in Ground-types, which Rowlet can set up on. Ground-types such as Mudbray can take on the Poison- and Rock-types that threaten Rowlet, while Rowlet can take on Water-types in exchange. Entry hazard removers such as Vullaby and Staryu are good partners as well, since Rowlet has a Stealth Rock weakness and Baton Pass forces an ally to take entry hazard damage if they are up. Checks to Flying-types such as Magnemite and Chinchou are good teammates for Rowlet, as it struggles to take on those Flying-types. Pokemon that appreciate a slow Baton Pass to get in for free, such as Sturdy Shell Smash users like Tirtouga, appreciate Rowlet. While the stat boosts Rowlet can Baton Pass to them are not as important, they also do not mind them, as they give them an even easier time sweeping. Onix is a good teammate, as it can prevent entry hazards from going up on your side of the field with Taunt while checking the Fire- and Flying-types that threaten Rowlet. It can also lure Cottonee, whose Prankster Encore prevents Rowlet from setting up, and eliminate it with Heavy Slam, which can prevent Rowlet from setting up with Prankster Encore, and set up Stealth Rock to make a sweep from one of its teammates easier.
[SET]
name: Defensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Roost
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Leaf Blade
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 132 HP / 156 Def / 196 SpD / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog removes entry hazards from both sides of the field, allowing Rowlet's teammates to switch in more freely. Roost gives Rowlet a form of reliable recovery, greatly increasing its longevity. Brave Bird is Rowlet's most powerful STAB move, threatening the Fighting- and Grass-types that it can check, such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Cottonee. Leaf Blade is a secondary STAB move that doesn't inflict recoil and hits the Water- and Ground-types that Rowlet checks, such as Chinchou, Diglett, and Mudbray.
Set Details
========
Eviolite makes Rowlet as bulky as possible, allowing it to avoid getting KOed as long as possible. The Special Defense and HP EVs with a Careful nature maximize Rowlet's special bulk, allowing it to usually take two Sludge Bombs from Foongus as well as one Sludge Bomb from Hex Gastly after Stealth Rock. The HP EVs also allow Rowlet to survive four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. The Defense EVs give Rowlet as much physical bulk as possible without a boosting nature and also gain an extra point from Eviolite. They also allow Rowlet to take two High Jump Kicks from Mienfoo after Stealth Rock and two Iron Heads from Pawniard after losing its Eviolite. The leftover EVs are put into Speed, giving Rowlet 11 Speed. Overgrow is the only available ability for Rowlet and usually won't come into play, though Overgrow-boosted Leaf Blade is more powerful than Brave Bird.
Usage Tips
========
Use Rowlet as a check to opposing Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon, such as Mudbray and Mienfoo, and don't be afraid to switch it in. Its bulk is good enough to take most hits, and it can hit back somewhat hard as well. However, when Stealth Rock is up, don't switch Rowlet in blindly. Many Pokemon it can check can 2HKO it after Stealth Rock, such as the aforementioned Mudbray and Mienfoo, meaning it has a hard time taking two hits and using Defog. For that reason, bringing Rowlet in on a free switch to use Defog is usually preferred. Be careful to not use Brave Bird too much. The recoil can wear Rowlet down quickly, making it a lot harder for it to check its foes. Be wary of super effective coverage on Pokemon you think Rowlet can check, such as Ice Punch on Timburr or Poison Jab on Mienfoo.
Team Options
========
Defensive Rowlet should generally be used on defensively inclined teams, as its low offensive presence means it will usually lose momentum for its team. Chinchou is an excellent partner for Rowlet, as it can take Flying-, Fire- and Ice-type hits and bring it in safely with Volt Switch, while Rowlet can easily take the Grass- and Ground-type hits that Chinchou fears. Other Water-types such as Slowpoke and Shellder also synergize well with Rowlet, as they can take on Fire- and Ice-types while Rowlet takes on Grass-types. Rowlet also fits very nicely on bulky Fire / Grass / Water cores, as it appreciates its checks being taken care of by the other members of the core. Switch-ins to Ice-type moves other than Water-types, such as Steel-types like Magnemite and Fire-types like Ponyta, help Rowlet deal with its 4x weakness. Ground-types such as Mudbray and Diglett can take on the Steel-, Poison- and Rock-types that Rowlet fears, while Rowlet takes on Water- and Grass-types. They do, however, share an Ice-type weakness. Choice Scarf Pawniard can Pursuit trap Gastly, Doduo and Rufflet, all of which threaten Rowlet. It also appreciates Rowlet's Defog support, as it doesn't like switching into Spikes. It can also help Rowlet deal with Rock-, Flying-, and Ice-types, all of which Rowlet fears. Other Steel-types have very good synergy with Rowlet as well, as they can switch into the Rock-, Flying-, Ice-, and Poison-types that Rowlet fears.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sucker Punch / Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Rowlet's Attack by two stages, allowing it to do significant damage to its foes. Brave Bird is Rowlet's most powerful move and hits the Fighting- and Grass-types that it can set up on, such as Mienfoo and Snivy, super effectively. Leaf Blade is a secondary STAB move that hits Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types super effectively. Rock-types such as Onix and Tirtouga are especially notable, as they resist Rowlet's more powerful Brave Bird. Sucker Punch is a priority move that is used to offset Rowlet's low Speed. Baton Pass allows this set to function as a more offensive version of the set listed above, capable of threatening its foes while setting up. However, the lack of bulk investment and Roost means that Rowlet will struggle to set up multiple Swords Dances, thus leaving this version typically outclassed by Torchic. Roost can be used to allow Rowlet to stay healthy and accumulate boosts more easily, but forgoing Sucker Punch leaves Rowlet open to being revenge killed and thus should only be done if Rowlet's teammates can give it Sticky Web support.
Set Details
========
Life Orb is the item of choice, as it secures many crucial KOs in combination with the Attack investment, such as the OHKO on Timburr with Brave Bird without a boost as well as the OHKO on Ponyta and non-Eviolite Vullaby at +2 with Brave Bird. Eviolite or Berry Juice can be used to give Rowlet an easier time setting up, but the lack of a boost to its low power means Rowlet is not very threatening. 180 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Rowlet to hit 14 Speed, outspeeding Pokemon such as Shellder, Bellsprout, defensive Vullaby, and slow Mienfoo. Rowlet can often pick up a surprise KO on these Pokemon, excluding Vullaby, as a fast Rowlet is usually unexpected. The leftover EVs are put into Special Defense to raise it by one point. Even though there are enough EVs left over to raise HP by one point, this would make Rowlet hit 24 HP, which means it will go down to four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. Overgrow is Rowlet's only ability. On this set, it is somewhat useful, as it makes Leaf Blade even more powerful than Brave Bird when Rowlet is in Overgrow range, meaning it doesn't have to take further recoil to deal significant damage.
Usage Tips
========
Since Rowlet's offensive stats are too low to wallbrea even at +2, it should be preserved as a late-game cleaner. Once its counters, such as Steel-types like Magnemite and Pawniard, priority users like the aforementioned Pawniard and Ice Shard Shellder, and Choice Scarf users like Doduo and Vullaby, have been weakened or removed, try to bring it in on a Pokemon it forces out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep. An offensive Rowlet set is very uncommon and thus has a surprise factor. Not revealing Sucker Punch early can lead your opponent into a false sense of security, which sometimes means they play more recklessly with their counters. Since this Rowlet lacks Roost, it is not advised to switch into attacks. Instead, bring Rowlet in on a safe switch through use of, for example, Volt Switch or U-turn in order to set up much more easily. The lack of defensive investment and Eviolite means that this Rowlet needs to be especially careful of super effective coverage on Pokemon it could otherwise set up on, such as Ice Punch Timburr, Rock Slide Mudbray, and Poison Jab Mienfoo. Rowlet can set up on weak defensive Pokemon such as Slowpoke as well as weak Ground-types such as Diglett and Fighting-types like defensive Mienfoo and Timburr as long as they lack super effective coverage. Sucker Punch can be used to deal good damage to revenge killers, such as Doduo and Rufflet, if you know Rowlet will be going down anyway. This might weaken them enough for a teammate to take them out, especially if Rowlet has already set up a Swords Dance. If Rowlet is running Baton Pass, it should be used on a predicted switch to allow a teammate to KO the Pokemon your opponent wanted to use to stop Rowlet. It can also be used without any boosts to generate momentum for your team and potentially bring another setup sweeper such as Shellder or Vullaby in for free.
Team Options
========
Sticky Web support from Surskit or Spinarak is greatly appreciated, as it allows Rowlet to outspeed the entire grounded unboosted metagame, meaning it is no longer forced to run Sucker Punch. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Staryu and Vullaby is absolutely necessary, as this Rowlet set does not have the bulk to set up after losing 25% of its HP upon switching in. Diglett and Magnet Pull Magnemite are great teammates, as they are able to trap and KO the Steel-types that resist both of Rowlets STAB moves. Diglett can also provide Rowlet with Memento support, which can give it a great opportunity to set up. Similarly, Cottonee can also provide Memento support for Rowlet. Pivots such as Chinchou, Mienfoo, and Foongus can all get Rowlet in for free. Chinchou also has excellent defensive synergy with Rowlet, while Foongus's Spore can give Rowlet a free turn to set up in addition to a free switch. Aipom can be a good teammate, as it shares some checks, like Pawniard and Magnemite, with Rowlet, allowing them to wear those checks down together, potentially facilitating a sweep for Rowlet. Switch-ins to Ice-, Flying-, Rock-, Poison-, and Fire-types are all very useful for Rowlet, as all of those threaten it significantly. Electric-types such as Chinchou and Magnemite can switch into Flying-, and, in Chinchou's case, Ice- and Fire-types, Water-types like Chinchou, Slowpoke, and Mareanie can switch into Ice- and Fire-types, and Steel-types like Pawniard and Ferroseed switch into Ice-, Flying-, Rock-, and Poison-types. Spikes and Stealth Rock setters like Ferroseed and Onix can help Rowlet by wearing down bulky foes and breaking Sturdy and Focus Sash, allowing Rowlet to sweep more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Since Rowlet has 14 Speed, a Choice Scarf set may seem like a good option, but Rowlet lacks moves to use on such a set. If you really want to run such a set, Brave Bird / Leaf Blade / Baton Pass / Shadow Claw is the best moveset. Similarly, even though an offensive Nasty Plot set may seem alluring, Rowlet lacks a special Flying-type STAB move, Giga Drain, and special coverage, meaning it is not very good. A full Baton Pass set with Baton Pass / Nasty Plot / Swords Dance / Roost can be used in order to be more versatile in which boost is being passed, but since this lacks an offensive move, it is entirely passive. Haze can be used on the defensive set to prevent Rowlet from being setup bait, but Rowlet has a hard time finding space for it. Curse is an option on the Baton Pass set to boost Defense in addition to Attack. However, since Curse only boosts Attack by one stage as opposed to Swords Dance's two, it takes much longer for Rowlet to build up enough boosts for a teammate to sweep. In addition, the Speed drop means that the teammate Rowlet passes to will usually have to take a hit before being able to attack, which is a significant problem for frailer sweepers like Carvanha and Mienfoo. Work Up can also be used on the Baton Pass set in order to be able to pass boosts to all kinds of attackers, but since it only raises Attack and Special Attack by one stage, it takes much longer for Rowlet to make a teammate a significant threat. Substitute can also be used on the Baton Pass set, but Rowlet doesn't have the moveslot for it. Rowlet has a large utility movepool that includes Feather Dance, Light Screen, Confuse Ray, and Toxic, but Rowlet does not have the moveslot for them, as they are almost always outclassed by the utility of Defog or Baton Pass, the damage of Leaf Blade, Energy Ball, or Brave Bird, and the recovery of Roost.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Steel-types resist both of Rowlet's STAB moves and can proceed to fire off a powerful attack, set up, or use Stealth Rock. Pawniard, especially, also resists Sucker Punch and gets an Attack boost if it switches into Defog.
**Flying-types**: Rufflet and Vullaby can both take any hit from Rowlet before OHKOing with Brave Bird or, if it's Nasty Plot Vullaby, Air Slash. Doduo outspeeds and OHKOes Rowlet.
**Stealth Rock**: Rowlet's weakness to Stealth Rock can cause it to be whittled down very quickly and forces it to use Roost more often than it would like, which can sap momentum from Rowlet's team.
**Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Mareanie and Alolan Grimer can take most of Rowlet's moves with relative ease, though they have to be careful of a boosted Brave Bird. Offensive Poison-types like Gastly can outspeed and OHKO Rowlet.
**Faster Fire-types**: Ponyta, Vulpix, and Magby can all outspeed and deal significant damage to or even OHKO Rowlet.
**Ice-type coverage**: Many Pokemon such as Staryu, Chinchou, and Timburr can carry Ice-type coverage and usually OHKO it. However, they have a hard time switching in, as Rowlet can deal significant damage to them. Timburr must also be wary of a faster Rowlet.
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
At first glance, Rowlet seems completely outclassed by Vullaby, as all of the latter's stats are higher than or equal to Rowlet's. Vullaby also gets STAB Knock Off, Weak Armor, and Overcoat, allowing it to be overall better than Rowlet both offensively and defensively. However, Rowlet does have a few niches. To start off, it has access to Baton Pass as well as both Nasty Plot and Swords Dance, allowing it to pass boosts to its teammates when needed. Thanks to its good bulk and access to recovery, it is often able to pass multiple boosts to an ally. It also resists Water and hits Ground-types super effectively with a STAB move, which is unique for a Defog user. Its access to Sucker Punch also means that its offensive set is not as hindered by its low Speed as may seem at first glance and is left less reliant on the opponent's actions than Vullaby. Its Grass / Flying typing allows it to perform as a check to Fighting-types such as Mienfoo as well as Ground-types such as Mudbray and Diglett. Rowlet is also fairly versatile, making it somewhat difficult for your opponent to know what they're up against at Team Preview.
Sadly, Rowlet still suffers from its low Speed stat on sets lacking Sucker Punch, and even on sets with Sucker Punch, the move is not very powerful without a boost. In addition, its offensive stats are low when uninvested, meaning that its defensive sets are very passive and can potentially be set up on. Even when invested, Rowlet is often too weak to be a big threat without a Swords Dance boost. Rowlet also suffers from a Stealth Rock weakness, which means it can be whittled down quite easily. Its typing gives it a 4x weakness to Ice as well as a weakness to Rock, meaning Rowlet will quickly go down to common coverage moves, such as Ice Punch on Timburr or Rock Slide on Mudbray, meaning it won't be able to check those Pokemon it seems like it would be able to. In addition, Rowlet struggles to keep itself healthy enough to perform its role well. Lastly, Rowlet's Baton Pass set faces competition from Torchic, which is capable of passing Speed in addition to Swords Dance boosts, and Mienfoo, which has more offensive presence, but Rowlet can also pass Nasty Plot boosts and its greater bulk allows it to pass multiple boosts much more easily.
[SET]
name: Baton Pass
move 1: Baton Pass
move 2: Swords Dance / Nasty Plot
move 3: Roost
move 4: Leaf Blade / Energy Ball
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Sassy
evs: 132 HP / 156 Def / 196 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Baton Pass allows Rowlet to pass stat boosts to a teammate. Swords Dance or Nasty Plot should be chosen depending on Rowlet's teammates. If they generally require a boost to Attack, Swords Dance is preferred, while Nasty Plot is better if a Special Attack boost is preferred. Roost heals Rowlet's HP, greatly increasing its longevity and allowing it to set up multiple boosts much more easily. If Swords Dance is chosen, Leaf Blade should be the STAB move of choice, as it allows Rowlet to benefit from the boosts itself. Similarly, if Nasty Plot is used, Energy Ball should be used in the final slot.
Set Details
========
Eviolite is the item of choice, as it greatly enhances Rowlet's bulk and increases its longevity in combination with Roost. The Special Defense and HP EVs with a Sassy nature raise Rowlet's special bulk significantly and allow it to take a Sludge Bomb from Hex Gastly after Stealth Rock as well as two Sludge Bombs from Foongus. The HP EVs also allow Rowlet to survive four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. The Defense EVs make Rowlet as bulky as possible both physically and specially, notably avoiding the 2HKO from Mienfoo's High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock and Mudbray's Rock Slide and Heavy Slam. This EV spread also hits an Eviolite-optimal number in Defense. No Speed EVs and a Relaxed nature are used in order to make Rowlet hit 9 Speed. This usually makes sure Rowlet gets off a slow Baton Pass, which allows its teammate to come in for free, while Speed tying with Spritzee and outspeeding Foongus. Overgrow is Rowlet's only released ability, and it won't come into play very often, since Rowlet should usually use Roost when it is in Overgrow range.
Usage Tips
========
Focus on getting Rowlet in on Pokemon it can set up on, such as Mudbray. When it is in, staying healthy is the main priority, as a weakened Rowlet will struggle to find setup opportunities. Use Swords Dance or Nasty Plot when an opportunity arises, such as when Rowlet is in on a Pokemon that can't do much to it like Spritzee or Snivy lacking Hidden Power Ice. Rowlet becomes somewhat strong itself after multiple boosts, so don't be afraid to use Rowlet's offensive move. Keep in mind, however, that getting boosts to a teammate is the goal of this set. When Rowlet can no longer stay in or it has accumulated enough boosts, use Baton Pass to give an ally an opportunity to sweep. Rowlet can also use Baton Pass without any boosts in order to generate momentum for its team. This can help a teammate get in for free, generating a potential setup opportunity. Be wary of staying in on a Pokemon that seems unable to hurt Rowlet significantly but sometimes carries Ice-type coverage, such as Timburr or Chinchou.
Team Options
========
Baton Pass recipients obviously pair well with this set. Physical Vullaby, Pawniard, Mienfoo, Corphish and Doduo all appreciate a Swords Dance boost, while special Vullaby, special Carvanha, Chinchou, Magnemite, and Abra like getting a Nasty Plot boost. Torchic and Mienfoo are also good partners for Rowlet, as they can form a Baton Pass chain. Since Rowlet supplies the offensive boosts, Torchic no longer needs to run Swords Dance and can instead run a set of Protect / Substitute / Baton Pass / Flame Charge, focusing completely on passing as much Speed as possible and potentially a Substitute to a teammate. If Torchic and Rowlet are used together, it is usually better to start the Baton Pass chain with Torchic, as the Speed boosts make it a lot easier for Rowlet to set up itself, while the offensive boosts don't necessarily help Torchic. Water-types pair well with Rowlet, as they can switch into the Fire- and Ice-types that threaten it, while Rowlet can set up on the Grass-types that Water-types lure in. Chinchou is especially good, as it can also switch into Flying-types and get Rowlet in for free with Volt Switch. It also lures in Ground-types, which Rowlet can set up on. Ground-types such as Mudbray can take on the Poison- and Rock-types that threaten Rowlet, while Rowlet can take on Water-types in exchange. Entry hazard removers such as Vullaby and Staryu are good partners as well, since Rowlet has a Stealth Rock weakness and Baton Pass forces an ally to take entry hazard damage if they are up. Checks to Flying-types such as Magnemite and Chinchou are good teammates for Rowlet, as it struggles to take on those Flying-types. Pokemon that appreciate a slow Baton Pass to get in for free, such as Sturdy Shell Smash users like Tirtouga, appreciate Rowlet. While the stat boosts Rowlet can Baton Pass to them are not as important, they also do not mind them, as they give them an even easier time sweeping. Onix is a good teammate, as it can prevent entry hazards from going up on your side of the field with Taunt while checking the Fire- and Flying-types that threaten Rowlet. It can also lure Cottonee, whose Prankster Encore prevents Rowlet from setting up, and eliminate it with Heavy Slam, which can prevent Rowlet from setting up with Prankster Encore, and set up Stealth Rock to make a sweep from one of its teammates easier.
[SET]
name: Defensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Roost
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Leaf Blade
item: Eviolite
ability: Overgrow
nature: Careful
evs: 132 HP / 156 Def / 196 SpD / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog removes entry hazards from both sides of the field, allowing Rowlet's teammates to switch in more freely. Roost gives Rowlet a form of reliable recovery, greatly increasing its longevity. Brave Bird is Rowlet's most powerful STAB move, threatening the Fighting- and Grass-types that it can check, such as Mienfoo, Timburr, and Cottonee. Leaf Blade is a secondary STAB move that doesn't inflict recoil and hits the Water- and Ground-types that Rowlet checks, such as Chinchou, Diglett, and Mudbray.
Set Details
========
Eviolite makes Rowlet as bulky as possible, allowing it to avoid getting KOed as long as possible. The Special Defense and HP EVs with a Careful nature maximize Rowlet's special bulk, allowing it to usually take two Sludge Bombs from Foongus as well as one Sludge Bomb from Hex Gastly after Stealth Rock. The HP EVs also allow Rowlet to survive four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. The Defense EVs give Rowlet as much physical bulk as possible without a boosting nature and also gain an extra point from Eviolite. They also allow Rowlet to take two High Jump Kicks from Mienfoo after Stealth Rock and two Iron Heads from Pawniard after losing its Eviolite. The leftover EVs are put into Speed, giving Rowlet 11 Speed. Overgrow is the only available ability for Rowlet and usually won't come into play, though Overgrow-boosted Leaf Blade is more powerful than Brave Bird.
Usage Tips
========
Use Rowlet as a check to opposing Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon, such as Mudbray and Mienfoo, and don't be afraid to switch it in. Its bulk is good enough to take most hits, and it can hit back somewhat hard as well. However, when Stealth Rock is up, don't switch Rowlet in blindly. Many Pokemon it can check can 2HKO it after Stealth Rock, such as the aforementioned Mudbray and Mienfoo, meaning it has a hard time taking two hits and using Defog. For that reason, bringing Rowlet in on a free switch to use Defog is usually preferred. Be careful to not use Brave Bird too much. The recoil can wear Rowlet down quickly, making it a lot harder for it to check its foes. Be wary of super effective coverage on Pokemon you think Rowlet can check, such as Ice Punch on Timburr or Poison Jab on Mienfoo.
Team Options
========
Defensive Rowlet should generally be used on defensively inclined teams, as its low offensive presence means it will usually lose momentum for its team. Chinchou is an excellent partner for Rowlet, as it can take Flying-, Fire- and Ice-type hits and bring it in safely with Volt Switch, while Rowlet can easily take the Grass- and Ground-type hits that Chinchou fears. Other Water-types such as Slowpoke and Shellder also synergize well with Rowlet, as they can take on Fire- and Ice-types while Rowlet takes on Grass-types. Rowlet also fits very nicely on bulky Fire / Grass / Water cores, as it appreciates its checks being taken care of by the other members of the core. Switch-ins to Ice-type moves other than Water-types, such as Steel-types like Magnemite and Fire-types like Ponyta, help Rowlet deal with its 4x weakness. Ground-types such as Mudbray and Diglett can take on the Steel-, Poison- and Rock-types that Rowlet fears, while Rowlet takes on Water- and Grass-types. They do, however, share an Ice-type weakness. Choice Scarf Pawniard can Pursuit trap Gastly, Doduo and Rufflet, all of which threaten Rowlet. It also appreciates Rowlet's Defog support, as it doesn't like switching into Spikes. It can also help Rowlet deal with Rock-, Flying-, and Ice-types, all of which Rowlet fears. Other Steel-types have very good synergy with Rowlet as well, as they can switch into the Rock-, Flying-, Ice-, and Poison-types that Rowlet fears.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Brave Bird
move 3: Leaf Blade
move 4: Sucker Punch / Baton Pass
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 236 Atk / 36 SpD / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Swords Dance boosts Rowlet's Attack by two stages, allowing it to do significant damage to its foes. Brave Bird is Rowlet's most powerful move and hits the Fighting- and Grass-types that it can set up on, such as Mienfoo and Snivy, super effectively. Leaf Blade is a secondary STAB move that hits Rock-, Ground-, and Water-types super effectively. Rock-types such as Onix and Tirtouga are especially notable, as they resist Rowlet's more powerful Brave Bird. Sucker Punch is a priority move that is used to offset Rowlet's low Speed. Baton Pass allows this set to function as a more offensive version of the set listed above, capable of threatening its foes while setting up. However, the lack of bulk investment and Roost means that Rowlet will struggle to set up multiple Swords Dances, thus leaving this version typically outclassed by Torchic. Roost can be used to allow Rowlet to stay healthy and accumulate boosts more easily, but forgoing Sucker Punch leaves Rowlet open to being revenge killed and thus should only be done if Rowlet's teammates can give it Sticky Web support.
Set Details
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Life Orb is the item of choice, as it secures many crucial KOs in combination with the Attack investment, such as the OHKO on Timburr with Brave Bird without a boost as well as the OHKO on Ponyta and non-Eviolite Vullaby at +2 with Brave Bird. Eviolite or Berry Juice can be used to give Rowlet an easier time setting up, but the lack of a boost to its low power means Rowlet is not very threatening. 180 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Rowlet to hit 14 Speed, outspeeding Pokemon such as Shellder, Bellsprout, defensive Vullaby, and slow Mienfoo. Rowlet can often pick up a surprise KO on these Pokemon, excluding Vullaby, as a fast Rowlet is usually unexpected. The leftover EVs are put into Special Defense to raise it by one point. Even though there are enough EVs left over to raise HP by one point, this would make Rowlet hit 24 HP, which means it will go down to four rounds of Stealth Rock damage. Overgrow is Rowlet's only ability. On this set, it is somewhat useful, as it makes Leaf Blade even more powerful than Brave Bird when Rowlet is in Overgrow range, meaning it doesn't have to take further recoil to deal significant damage.
Usage Tips
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Since Rowlet's offensive stats are too low to wallbrea even at +2, it should be preserved as a late-game cleaner. Once its counters, such as Steel-types like Magnemite and Pawniard, priority users like the aforementioned Pawniard and Ice Shard Shellder, and Choice Scarf users like Doduo and Vullaby, have been weakened or removed, try to bring it in on a Pokemon it forces out to set up a Swords Dance and sweep. An offensive Rowlet set is very uncommon and thus has a surprise factor. Not revealing Sucker Punch early can lead your opponent into a false sense of security, which sometimes means they play more recklessly with their counters. Since this Rowlet lacks Roost, it is not advised to switch into attacks. Instead, bring Rowlet in on a safe switch through use of, for example, Volt Switch or U-turn in order to set up much more easily. The lack of defensive investment and Eviolite means that this Rowlet needs to be especially careful of super effective coverage on Pokemon it could otherwise set up on, such as Ice Punch Timburr, Rock Slide Mudbray, and Poison Jab Mienfoo. Rowlet can set up on weak defensive Pokemon such as Slowpoke as well as weak Ground-types such as Diglett and Fighting-types like defensive Mienfoo and Timburr as long as they lack super effective coverage. Sucker Punch can be used to deal good damage to revenge killers, such as Doduo and Rufflet, if you know Rowlet will be going down anyway. This might weaken them enough for a teammate to take them out, especially if Rowlet has already set up a Swords Dance. If Rowlet is running Baton Pass, it should be used on a predicted switch to allow a teammate to KO the Pokemon your opponent wanted to use to stop Rowlet. It can also be used without any boosts to generate momentum for your team and potentially bring another setup sweeper such as Shellder or Vullaby in for free.
Team Options
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Sticky Web support from Surskit or Spinarak is greatly appreciated, as it allows Rowlet to outspeed the entire grounded unboosted metagame, meaning it is no longer forced to run Sucker Punch. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Staryu and Vullaby is absolutely necessary, as this Rowlet set does not have the bulk to set up after losing 25% of its HP upon switching in. Diglett and Magnet Pull Magnemite are great teammates, as they are able to trap and KO the Steel-types that resist both of Rowlets STAB moves. Diglett can also provide Rowlet with Memento support, which can give it a great opportunity to set up. Similarly, Cottonee can also provide Memento support for Rowlet. Pivots such as Chinchou, Mienfoo, and Foongus can all get Rowlet in for free. Chinchou also has excellent defensive synergy with Rowlet, while Foongus's Spore can give Rowlet a free turn to set up in addition to a free switch. Aipom can be a good teammate, as it shares some checks, like Pawniard and Magnemite, with Rowlet, allowing them to wear those checks down together, potentially facilitating a sweep for Rowlet. Switch-ins to Ice-, Flying-, Rock-, Poison-, and Fire-types are all very useful for Rowlet, as all of those threaten it significantly. Electric-types such as Chinchou and Magnemite can switch into Flying-, and, in Chinchou's case, Ice- and Fire-types, Water-types like Chinchou, Slowpoke, and Mareanie can switch into Ice- and Fire-types, and Steel-types like Pawniard and Ferroseed switch into Ice-, Flying-, Rock-, and Poison-types. Spikes and Stealth Rock setters like Ferroseed and Onix can help Rowlet by wearing down bulky foes and breaking Sturdy and Focus Sash, allowing Rowlet to sweep more easily.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Since Rowlet has 14 Speed, a Choice Scarf set may seem like a good option, but Rowlet lacks moves to use on such a set. If you really want to run such a set, Brave Bird / Leaf Blade / Baton Pass / Shadow Claw is the best moveset. Similarly, even though an offensive Nasty Plot set may seem alluring, Rowlet lacks a special Flying-type STAB move, Giga Drain, and special coverage, meaning it is not very good. A full Baton Pass set with Baton Pass / Nasty Plot / Swords Dance / Roost can be used in order to be more versatile in which boost is being passed, but since this lacks an offensive move, it is entirely passive. Haze can be used on the defensive set to prevent Rowlet from being setup bait, but Rowlet has a hard time finding space for it. Curse is an option on the Baton Pass set to boost Defense in addition to Attack. However, since Curse only boosts Attack by one stage as opposed to Swords Dance's two, it takes much longer for Rowlet to build up enough boosts for a teammate to sweep. In addition, the Speed drop means that the teammate Rowlet passes to will usually have to take a hit before being able to attack, which is a significant problem for frailer sweepers like Carvanha and Mienfoo. Work Up can also be used on the Baton Pass set in order to be able to pass boosts to all kinds of attackers, but since it only raises Attack and Special Attack by one stage, it takes much longer for Rowlet to make a teammate a significant threat. Substitute can also be used on the Baton Pass set, but Rowlet doesn't have the moveslot for it. Rowlet has a large utility movepool that includes Feather Dance, Light Screen, Confuse Ray, and Toxic, but Rowlet does not have the moveslot for them, as they are almost always outclassed by the utility of Defog or Baton Pass, the damage of Leaf Blade, Energy Ball, or Brave Bird, and the recovery of Roost.
Checks and Counters
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**Steel-types**: Steel-types resist both of Rowlet's STAB moves and can proceed to fire off a powerful attack, set up, or use Stealth Rock. Pawniard, especially, also resists Sucker Punch and gets an Attack boost if it switches into Defog.
**Flying-types**: Rufflet and Vullaby can both take any hit from Rowlet before OHKOing with Brave Bird or, if it's Nasty Plot Vullaby, Air Slash. Doduo outspeeds and OHKOes Rowlet.
**Stealth Rock**: Rowlet's weakness to Stealth Rock can cause it to be whittled down very quickly and forces it to use Roost more often than it would like, which can sap momentum from Rowlet's team.
**Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Mareanie and Alolan Grimer can take most of Rowlet's moves with relative ease, though they have to be careful of a boosted Brave Bird. Offensive Poison-types like Gastly can outspeed and OHKO Rowlet.
**Faster Fire-types**: Ponyta, Vulpix, and Magby can all outspeed and deal significant damage to or even OHKO Rowlet.
**Ice-type coverage**: Many Pokemon such as Staryu, Chinchou, and Timburr can carry Ice-type coverage and usually OHKO it. However, they have a hard time switching in, as Rowlet can deal significant damage to them. Timburr must also be wary of a faster Rowlet.
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