[OVERVIEW]
Rotom excels as a support Pokemon thanks to its utility movepool and ability to pressure common entry hazard setters such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Seismitoad as well as check wallbreakers like Heliolisk and Braviary. Levitate in particular enables Rotom to be a reliable Defogger, providing it with an immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A potent offensive typing also enables Rotom to effectively pressure common defensive cores with the help of Z-Crystals and Choice Specs without being helpless against checks like Incineroar and Bulk Up Scrafty. Unfortunately, Rotom is incredibly vulnerable to faster Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Aerodactyl, with the latter also bypassing a potential Colbur Berry thanks to Unnerve. Additionally, Z-Crystal sets are reliant on their Z-Move to get past checks, making it necessary to predict properly with, while Choice Specs variants can be taken advantage of if locked into a poor move. Lastly, while the defensive set makes Rotom a bit bulkier, its only average defenses combined with its lack of recovery outside of a potential pinch Berry harm its longevity, leaving it unable to switch into attacks too frequently.
[SET]
name: Defensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Hex
item: Colbur Berry / Iapapa Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Given Rotom's decent invested bulk alongside the defensive utility its typing and ability provide, Rotom is a capable Defogger due to it finding multiple opportunities per game to switch in and remove entry hazards. Volt Switch lets Rotom pivot out versus checks like Incineroar, Magmortar, and Scrafty and bring in the appropriate answer. Will-O-Wisp punishes potential Volt Switch answers like Steelix, Druddigon, and Togedemaru while also preventing Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Aerodactyl from aggressively switching in as easily. Hex synergizes well with Will-O-Wisp and is Rotom's only way to target certain Electric-resistant and -immune Pokemon like Vikavolt and Seismitoad for passable damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature makes Rotom as fast as possible, while 248 HP EVs improve its ability to switch into Pokemon like Heliolisk, Vikavolt, and Accelgor and reduce Stealth Rock damage. Colbur Berry makes Rotom more effective at switching into Passimian and protects it against Pursuit trapping from Sneasel. Alternatively, Iapapa Berry gives Rotom extra longevity, allowing it to function as a more consistent answer to Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Braviary, and Togedemaru. Levitate is Rotom's only ability and helps it better check Pokemon such as Passimian, Rhydon, and Steelix.
Usage Tips
========
Due to Rotom's very usable bulk, it's capable of switching into threats like Heliolisk, Braviary, and Togedemaru multiple times throughout a match. Use these opportunities to remove entry hazards, spread status, or generate momentum with Volt Switch. Volt Switch is generally Rotom's safest move to use; Electric-immune Pokemon are unlikely to switch into Rotom due to the threat of Will-O-Wisp, meaning Rotom should always be able to safely bring in a check versus the opponent's switch-in. If running Colbur Berry, Rotom can be played much more aggressively by staying in versus Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Absol and burning them with Will-O-Wisp. Unless it's running Iapapa Berry, Rotom's longevity is rather limited. Therefore, be wary of switching Rotom in too frequently, as it will quickly become unable to check Pokemon like Heliolisk and Braviary.
Team Options
========
Rotom can easily slot itself onto balanced or offensive builds due to the great amount of utility it provides between its defensive traits and utility moves. Although Rotom is a functional check to Flying- and Fighting-type Pokemon, its longevity is poor, and it's very reliant on Colbur Berry to check Fighting-types such as Passimian. Therefore, having secondary checks to such Pokemon like Steelix, Rhydon, Slowking, and Comfey is necessary. Rhydon also provides an Incineroar check, while Comfey can help against other Dark-types like Sneasel and Pangoro. Other pivots such as Passimian and Incineroar pair excellently with Rotom. Passimian appreciates Rotom checking Flying-types and can be brought in against Incineroar, while Incineroar enjoys Rotom threatening bulky Water-types and providing entry hazard control. In return, Passimian threatens faster Pokemon like Aerodactyl and Sceptile that pressure Rotom, while Incineroar can check wallbreakers like Sigilyph and Calm Mind Delphox for Rotom. Pokemon weak to entry hazards like Sneasel, Aerodactyl, and Magmortar appreciate Rotom's Defog support as well as its ability to bring them into battle with Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Thunder / Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Electrium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog lets Rotom support its teammates by removing entry hazards and works particularly well on this set given its ability to heavily threaten common hazard setters with great damage. While unreliable on its own, Thunder alongside Electrium Z makes Rotom capable of breaking past Swords Dance Incineroar after Stealth Rock while also threatening Sneasel and Pangoro. If you forgo Electrium Z for Ghostium Z, Thunderbolt should be used instead of Thunder for its reliability against targets such as Slowking and Vaporeon. Shadow Ball is Rotom's most consistent source of damage against Electric-resistant and -immune Pokemon like Dhelmise, Druddigon, and Vikavolt. Volt Switch helps Rotom get certain checks into range of its Z-Move and provides momentum for its team.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature makes Rotom as fast and strong as possible. While Electrium Z improves Rotom's matchup against most Dark-types such as Pangoro, Swords Dance Incineroar, and Sneasel, Ghostium Z helps it get past opposing entry hazard setters like Rhydon, Steelix, Druddigon, and Seismitoad. Levitate is Rotom's only ability and provides it with an immunity to Ground, providing it with more opportunities to switch in.
Usage Tips
========
Timing the usage of Rotom's Z-Move is crucial; without it, Rotom has more difficulty dealing with its checks. If the opponent has an Electric-immune Pokemon, holding back on using Gigavolt Havoc may be preferred; similarly, waiting to use Never-Ending Nightmare until the opponent's switch-in to Ghost-type moves is weakened or removed is ideal. While Rotom's natural bulk isn't fantastic, its defensive typing and ability provide it with solid opportunities to switch in against Pokemon like Passimian, Heliolisk, and Weezing. Use this time to remove entry hazards with Defog or simply fire off attacks to wallbreak. The latter is an especially good choice when looking to get checks like Incineroar and Steelix into range of Rotom's Z-Move. If the opponent has a Pursuit user such as Sneasel or Aerodactyl, they may look to aggressively switch it into Rotom as it uses Defog; take this opportunity to try to remove it with Gigavolt Havoc or pivot out with Volt Switch to the appropriate check.
Team Options
========
Rotom is generally best fit for balanced and offensive teams due to its proficiency at keeping up offensive momentum while providing such teams with vital defensive utility. Depending on which Z-Crystal Rotom opts for, different teammates are ideal. If Electrium Z is chosen, Pokemon such as Delphox and Sneasel that appreciate Incineroar being removed are excellent partners. In contrast, Pokemon such as Magmortar and Braviary enjoy Ghostium Z Rotom weakening Pokemon such as Druddigon and Steelix. All of these Pokemon also appreciate Defog support. Entry hazard setters such as Rhydon, Garbodor, and Steelix are beneficial, helping put Pokemon such as Incineroar and Druddigon in range of Rotom's Z-Move. In return, Rotom can spinblock and heavily pressures Pokemon with other forms of hazard control like Xatu and Decidueye. Other Pokemon with pivoting moves like Incineroar and Passimian can form a VoltTurn core with Rotom. Incineroar appreciates Rotom dealing with Blastoise, while Passimian enjoys being brought in against Pokemon such as Incineroar and Guzzlord. In return, Incineroar can check certain Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Absol and pressures Ferroseed, while Passimian can remove Electric-immune Pokemon such as Rhydon and Steelix.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Trick / Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Rotom's strongest move to hit Incineroar with and threatens bulky Water-types like Slowking and Vaporeon. Shadow Ball targets common switch-ins to Rotom's Electric-type attacks like Rhydon, Steelix, Druddigon, and Alolan Exeggutor. Volt Switch potentially lets Rotom threaten its switch-ins more effectively than it can itself by bringing in the appropriate check to them. Trick enables Rotom to cripple defensive switch-ins like Steelix, Druddigon, and Bulk Up Scrafty. Alternatively, Defog can be used so Rotom can provide further utility to its team, although being locked into it leaves Rotom very vulnerable to setup sweepers and Pursuit trappers.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature and Choice Specs makes Rotom very potent offensively, enabling it to 2HKO Swords Dance Incineroar with Thunderbolt. Levitate gives Rotom more opportunities to switch into battle to wallbreak due to the Ground immunity it provides Rotom with.
Usage Tips
========
Prediction is key to getting the most out of Rotom; although using Volt Switch repeatedly may seem ideal to get chip damage on checks like Incineroar, giving up momentum to Electric-immune Pokemon such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Togedemaru is not desirable. Instead, look to hit such Pokemon with Shadow Ball or cripple them with Trick to enable Rotom to spam Volt Switch late-game. Although Rotom's bulk isn't the greatest, it still has useful defensive utility between its typing and ability; take advantage of its immunities and resistances by switching into Pokemon like Steelix and Braviary to gain wallbreaking opportunities. If running Defog, it's important to be wary of using it haphazardly. Doing so risks having a Pursuit trapper like Sneasel or Aerodactyl switching in and trapping Rotom.
Team Options
========
Spikes from Garbodor is great alongside Rotom, chipping checks such as Incineroar and Druddigon in tandem with Volt Switch very effectively. Garbodor also provides a secondary check to Fighting-type Pokemon. In return, Rotom can spinblock for Garbodor. Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon support Rotom by checking Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel, Aerodactyl, and Absol. Steelix and Rhydon also provide Stealth Rock and enjoy Rotom's ability to deal with Water-types like Slowking and Blastoise and entry hazard removers like Dhelmise and Decidueye. Late-game sweepers like Calm Mind Sigilyph and Comfey appreciate Rotom weakening Pokemon such as Druddigon, Incineroar, and Steelix for them. Passimian pairs great with Rotom; it forms a VoltTurn core alongside Rotom and appreciates Rotom checking Flying-types such as Vivillon for it. In return, Passimian can help remove Rhydon, Steelix, and Seismitoad, opening up the door for Rotom to freely use Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rotom can effectively run a Choice Scarf set that functions as a good revenge killer to Pokemon like Delphox and +1 Vivillon, although such a set lacks the offensive prowess and defensive utility Rotom's other sets provide.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Guzzlord is Rotom's best check, as it takes little from Rotom's attacks and can OHKO it in return. Incineroar is similar, although offensive variants can struggle to switch into Electrium Z and Choice Specs Rotom. Other Dark-types like Sneasel and Absol can threaten to Pursuit trap Rotom, although they cannot reliably switch in.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Druddigon, Mega Audino, and Ferroseed aren't heavily threatened by Rotom, switching into it with relative ease and setting entry hazards or spreading status. Druddigon and Ferroseed are susceptible to being crippled by Trick, however.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although they can't safely switch into Rotom, Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Sceptile, and Sigilyph outspeed it and can revenge kill it with little to no issue.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Rabia, 336073]]
- Quality checked by: [[Earth, 231788], [Eternally, 295647], [Yoshi, 322194]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
Rotom excels as a support Pokemon thanks to its utility movepool and ability to pressure common entry hazard setters such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Seismitoad as well as check wallbreakers like Heliolisk and Braviary. Levitate in particular enables Rotom to be a reliable Defogger, providing it with an immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes. A potent offensive typing also enables Rotom to effectively pressure common defensive cores with the help of Z-Crystals and Choice Specs without being helpless against checks like Incineroar and Bulk Up Scrafty. Unfortunately, Rotom is incredibly vulnerable to faster Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel and Aerodactyl, with the latter also bypassing a potential Colbur Berry thanks to Unnerve. Additionally, Z-Crystal sets are reliant on their Z-Move to get past checks, making it necessary to predict properly with, while Choice Specs variants can be taken advantage of if locked into a poor move. Lastly, while the defensive set makes Rotom a bit bulkier, its only average defenses combined with its lack of recovery outside of a potential pinch Berry harm its longevity, leaving it unable to switch into attacks too frequently.
[SET]
name: Defensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Hex
item: Colbur Berry / Iapapa Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Given Rotom's decent invested bulk alongside the defensive utility its typing and ability provide, Rotom is a capable Defogger due to it finding multiple opportunities per game to switch in and remove entry hazards. Volt Switch lets Rotom pivot out versus checks like Incineroar, Magmortar, and Scrafty and bring in the appropriate answer. Will-O-Wisp punishes potential Volt Switch answers like Steelix, Druddigon, and Togedemaru while also preventing Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Aerodactyl from aggressively switching in as easily. Hex synergizes well with Will-O-Wisp and is Rotom's only way to target certain Electric-resistant and -immune Pokemon like Vikavolt and Seismitoad for passable damage.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature makes Rotom as fast as possible, while 248 HP EVs improve its ability to switch into Pokemon like Heliolisk, Vikavolt, and Accelgor and reduce Stealth Rock damage. Colbur Berry makes Rotom more effective at switching into Passimian and protects it against Pursuit trapping from Sneasel. Alternatively, Iapapa Berry gives Rotom extra longevity, allowing it to function as a more consistent answer to Pokemon such as Heliolisk, Braviary, and Togedemaru. Levitate is Rotom's only ability and helps it better check Pokemon such as Passimian, Rhydon, and Steelix.
Usage Tips
========
Due to Rotom's very usable bulk, it's capable of switching into threats like Heliolisk, Braviary, and Togedemaru multiple times throughout a match. Use these opportunities to remove entry hazards, spread status, or generate momentum with Volt Switch. Volt Switch is generally Rotom's safest move to use; Electric-immune Pokemon are unlikely to switch into Rotom due to the threat of Will-O-Wisp, meaning Rotom should always be able to safely bring in a check versus the opponent's switch-in. If running Colbur Berry, Rotom can be played much more aggressively by staying in versus Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Absol and burning them with Will-O-Wisp. Unless it's running Iapapa Berry, Rotom's longevity is rather limited. Therefore, be wary of switching Rotom in too frequently, as it will quickly become unable to check Pokemon like Heliolisk and Braviary.
Team Options
========
Rotom can easily slot itself onto balanced or offensive builds due to the great amount of utility it provides between its defensive traits and utility moves. Although Rotom is a functional check to Flying- and Fighting-type Pokemon, its longevity is poor, and it's very reliant on Colbur Berry to check Fighting-types such as Passimian. Therefore, having secondary checks to such Pokemon like Steelix, Rhydon, Slowking, and Comfey is necessary. Rhydon also provides an Incineroar check, while Comfey can help against other Dark-types like Sneasel and Pangoro. Other pivots such as Passimian and Incineroar pair excellently with Rotom. Passimian appreciates Rotom checking Flying-types and can be brought in against Incineroar, while Incineroar enjoys Rotom threatening bulky Water-types and providing entry hazard control. In return, Passimian threatens faster Pokemon like Aerodactyl and Sceptile that pressure Rotom, while Incineroar can check wallbreakers like Sigilyph and Calm Mind Delphox for Rotom. Pokemon weak to entry hazards like Sneasel, Aerodactyl, and Magmortar appreciate Rotom's Defog support as well as its ability to bring them into battle with Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Offensive Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Thunder / Thunderbolt
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Electrium Z / Ghostium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog lets Rotom support its teammates by removing entry hazards and works particularly well on this set given its ability to heavily threaten common hazard setters with great damage. While unreliable on its own, Thunder alongside Electrium Z makes Rotom capable of breaking past Swords Dance Incineroar after Stealth Rock while also threatening Sneasel and Pangoro. If you forgo Electrium Z for Ghostium Z, Thunderbolt should be used instead of Thunder for its reliability against targets such as Slowking and Vaporeon. Shadow Ball is Rotom's most consistent source of damage against Electric-resistant and -immune Pokemon like Dhelmise, Druddigon, and Vikavolt. Volt Switch helps Rotom get certain checks into range of its Z-Move and provides momentum for its team.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature makes Rotom as fast and strong as possible. While Electrium Z improves Rotom's matchup against most Dark-types such as Pangoro, Swords Dance Incineroar, and Sneasel, Ghostium Z helps it get past opposing entry hazard setters like Rhydon, Steelix, Druddigon, and Seismitoad. Levitate is Rotom's only ability and provides it with an immunity to Ground, providing it with more opportunities to switch in.
Usage Tips
========
Timing the usage of Rotom's Z-Move is crucial; without it, Rotom has more difficulty dealing with its checks. If the opponent has an Electric-immune Pokemon, holding back on using Gigavolt Havoc may be preferred; similarly, waiting to use Never-Ending Nightmare until the opponent's switch-in to Ghost-type moves is weakened or removed is ideal. While Rotom's natural bulk isn't fantastic, its defensive typing and ability provide it with solid opportunities to switch in against Pokemon like Passimian, Heliolisk, and Weezing. Use this time to remove entry hazards with Defog or simply fire off attacks to wallbreak. The latter is an especially good choice when looking to get checks like Incineroar and Steelix into range of Rotom's Z-Move. If the opponent has a Pursuit user such as Sneasel or Aerodactyl, they may look to aggressively switch it into Rotom as it uses Defog; take this opportunity to try to remove it with Gigavolt Havoc or pivot out with Volt Switch to the appropriate check.
Team Options
========
Rotom is generally best fit for balanced and offensive teams due to its proficiency at keeping up offensive momentum while providing such teams with vital defensive utility. Depending on which Z-Crystal Rotom opts for, different teammates are ideal. If Electrium Z is chosen, Pokemon such as Delphox and Sneasel that appreciate Incineroar being removed are excellent partners. In contrast, Pokemon such as Magmortar and Braviary enjoy Ghostium Z Rotom weakening Pokemon such as Druddigon and Steelix. All of these Pokemon also appreciate Defog support. Entry hazard setters such as Rhydon, Garbodor, and Steelix are beneficial, helping put Pokemon such as Incineroar and Druddigon in range of Rotom's Z-Move. In return, Rotom can spinblock and heavily pressures Pokemon with other forms of hazard control like Xatu and Decidueye. Other Pokemon with pivoting moves like Incineroar and Passimian can form a VoltTurn core with Rotom. Incineroar appreciates Rotom dealing with Blastoise, while Passimian enjoys being brought in against Pokemon such as Incineroar and Guzzlord. In return, Incineroar can check certain Pursuit trappers like Sneasel and Absol and pressures Ferroseed, while Passimian can remove Electric-immune Pokemon such as Rhydon and Steelix.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Shadow Ball
move 3: Volt Switch
move 4: Trick / Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt is Rotom's strongest move to hit Incineroar with and threatens bulky Water-types like Slowking and Vaporeon. Shadow Ball targets common switch-ins to Rotom's Electric-type attacks like Rhydon, Steelix, Druddigon, and Alolan Exeggutor. Volt Switch potentially lets Rotom threaten its switch-ins more effectively than it can itself by bringing in the appropriate check to them. Trick enables Rotom to cripple defensive switch-ins like Steelix, Druddigon, and Bulk Up Scrafty. Alternatively, Defog can be used so Rotom can provide further utility to its team, although being locked into it leaves Rotom very vulnerable to setup sweepers and Pursuit trappers.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature and Choice Specs makes Rotom very potent offensively, enabling it to 2HKO Swords Dance Incineroar with Thunderbolt. Levitate gives Rotom more opportunities to switch into battle to wallbreak due to the Ground immunity it provides Rotom with.
Usage Tips
========
Prediction is key to getting the most out of Rotom; although using Volt Switch repeatedly may seem ideal to get chip damage on checks like Incineroar, giving up momentum to Electric-immune Pokemon such as Rhydon, Steelix, and Togedemaru is not desirable. Instead, look to hit such Pokemon with Shadow Ball or cripple them with Trick to enable Rotom to spam Volt Switch late-game. Although Rotom's bulk isn't the greatest, it still has useful defensive utility between its typing and ability; take advantage of its immunities and resistances by switching into Pokemon like Steelix and Braviary to gain wallbreaking opportunities. If running Defog, it's important to be wary of using it haphazardly. Doing so risks having a Pursuit trapper like Sneasel or Aerodactyl switching in and trapping Rotom.
Team Options
========
Spikes from Garbodor is great alongside Rotom, chipping checks such as Incineroar and Druddigon in tandem with Volt Switch very effectively. Garbodor also provides a secondary check to Fighting-type Pokemon. In return, Rotom can spinblock for Garbodor. Pokemon such as Steelix and Rhydon support Rotom by checking Pursuit trappers such as Sneasel, Aerodactyl, and Absol. Steelix and Rhydon also provide Stealth Rock and enjoy Rotom's ability to deal with Water-types like Slowking and Blastoise and entry hazard removers like Dhelmise and Decidueye. Late-game sweepers like Calm Mind Sigilyph and Comfey appreciate Rotom weakening Pokemon such as Druddigon, Incineroar, and Steelix for them. Passimian pairs great with Rotom; it forms a VoltTurn core alongside Rotom and appreciates Rotom checking Flying-types such as Vivillon for it. In return, Passimian can help remove Rhydon, Steelix, and Seismitoad, opening up the door for Rotom to freely use Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rotom can effectively run a Choice Scarf set that functions as a good revenge killer to Pokemon like Delphox and +1 Vivillon, although such a set lacks the offensive prowess and defensive utility Rotom's other sets provide.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Guzzlord is Rotom's best check, as it takes little from Rotom's attacks and can OHKO it in return. Incineroar is similar, although offensive variants can struggle to switch into Electrium Z and Choice Specs Rotom. Other Dark-types like Sneasel and Absol can threaten to Pursuit trap Rotom, although they cannot reliably switch in.
**Specially Bulky Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Druddigon, Mega Audino, and Ferroseed aren't heavily threatened by Rotom, switching into it with relative ease and setting entry hazards or spreading status. Druddigon and Ferroseed are susceptible to being crippled by Trick, however.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although they can't safely switch into Rotom, Pokemon such as Aerodactyl, Sceptile, and Sigilyph outspeed it and can revenge kill it with little to no issue.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Rabia, 336073]]
- Quality checked by: [[Earth, 231788], [Eternally, 295647], [Yoshi, 322194]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
Last edited:
