Rotom (Fan) Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Volt Switch is the preferred STAB Electric-type attack, as it enables Rotom-Fan to generate momentum for the team. Will-O-Wisp can be used to burn common physical attackers such as Golurk and Primeape, reducing the damage of their moves and neutralizing them. It can also be used to pressure Rotom-Fan's checks such as Mudsdale. Defog allows Rotom-Fan to remove any hazards. Thus, it expands Rotom-Fan's role as a defensive pivot. Though unreliable, Pain Split can heal Rotom-Fan while damaging the foe simultaneously. Because of Rotom-Fan's naturally low HP stat, this move can be fairly good. It can be used offensively as well, severely denting its counters and possibly even putting them in knockout range. Set Details 48 Speed EVs allow Rotom-Fan to outspeed Jolly Aggron and maximum invested neutral-natured base 60s such as Abomasnow and Pawniard. Iapapa Berry gives Rotom-Fan a one-time heal of 50% of its maximum health, which will activate after Rotom-Fan switches into Stealth Rock three times. Alternatively, Leftovers is a passive form of recovery that lets Rotom-Fan avoid the 2HKO from Primeape's Stone Edge and Hitmonchan's Ice Punch but is otherwise negligible. Usage Tips Rotom-Fan should be brought in early-game, as it can cripple common entry hazard setters such as Regirock with Will-O-Wisp as well as clear any entry hazards with Defog. Its tendency to be worn down easily throughout the match signifies the need to remove entry hazards as soon as possible so it is healthy enough to check Gurdurr, Primeape, and Scyther. Later in the match, Rotom-Fan should be brought in on slower Pokemon such as Audino or on resisted Grass-, Fighting-, or Flying-type moves to eliminate any remaining entry hazards. This may include, but is not limited to, Choice-locked Primeape's Close Combat and Swanna's Hurricane. Being immune to the Toxic Spikes, Rotom-Fan should be brought in directly on Qwilfish to quickly remove the aforementioned hazard before a teammate can be afflicted by poison. Although it has a great Defense stat, Rotom-Fan's appalling HP stat prevents it from taking more powerful physical hits such as Stoutland's Return and Zangoose's Facade. Therefore, be sure to switch it in only on weak to moderate physical attacks. Since Electric-types like Alolan Raichu tend to wall Rotom-Fan's attacking moves, predict this by going for a status move or pivot out, unless the foe has Lightning Rod or Volt Absorb. After it inevitably gets worn down from repeated attacks, Rotom-Fan should go for Pain Split, as it will recover a lot of health, especially against Pokemon with high HP stats such as Skuntank and Audino. When facing faster Taunt users such as Qwilfish or Defiant users such as Primeape, instead of going for Defog, predict and respond with a STAB move. Team Options In general, Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan are valuable teammates to Rotom-Fan because of their good type synergy with it. While Rotom-Fan can easily take a Supersonic Skystrike from Oricorio-G, Gurdurr and Primeape can deal with the common Ice-types that are the bane of Rotom-Fan's existence, with Primeape being able to form a solid VoltTurn core with Rotom-Fan. Other pivots like Silvally-Fairy can coincide with Rotom-Fan to gain momentum for the team. They also help with breaking specially defensive walls such as Lanturn. Clefairy and other specially defensive walls can take on the strong special attackers that would otherwise beat Rotom-Fan, like Drampa. Wish support from clerics such as Audino helps with Rotom-Fan's lackluster recovery. In return, Rotom-Fan can check the Fighting-types that threaten Audino, such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr. Pokemon such as Aurorus, Jynx, and Omastar that can tear apart Rotom-Fan's checks and counters appreciate the removal of entry hazards and benefit greatly from Rotom-Fan's Defog. As such, Rotom-Fan would fit better on more balanced or offensive teams that value Defog support but can moreover harness its pivotal capabilities.

Moves Volt Switch is a decent Electric-type STAB move that keeps up offensive momentum. Thunderbolt is an alternative for a more consistent, powerful STAB option, at the cost of keeping up momentum. Air Slash deals with Grass-types such as Torterra, Vileplume, and Lilligant and hits Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Hitmonchan, as well as having a decent chance to induce flinch. Hidden Power Water damages Pokemon that block Rotom-S's Volt Switch such as Rhydon, Camerupt, and Steelix. Alternatively, Hidden Power Grass can be used to hit Lanturn and Quagsire while maintaining coverage on Rhydon but missing out on Steelix. Will-O-Wisp lets Rotom-S cripple and wear down Pokemon such as Lanturn, Rhydon, and Steelix and is also useful against other physical attackers such as Thick Fat Hariyama and Kangaskhan. Set Details Maximum Speed EVs plus a Timid nature are used to outspeed Jolly Pinsir and below, while maximum Special Attack EVs let Rotom-S hit as hard as possible. Expert Belt is used to let Rotom-S bluff a Choice Scarf, letting it lure Pokemon that think it's locked into Volt Switch or Air Slash, and gives an additional power boost to super effective hits. Usage Tips Use Volt Switch early and often to keep up offensive momentum, though do be careful using the move against Electric-immune Pokemon, especially Lanturn, which can gain back a portion of its HP due to Volt Absorb. If the opponent has an Electric-immune Pokemon such as Lanturn or Rhydon, predict the incoming switch in by using Hidden Power Grass or Will-O-Wisp. In some cases, it's key to play Rotom-S as if it's using Choice Scarf, as it scares off normally faster Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops and can catch the opponent off-guard later in the game. Will-O-Wisp should be used to wear down and cripple Ground-type switch-ins such as Rhydon, making it much easier for a teammate to switch in, as well as other physical attackers such as Thick Fat Hariyama and Kangaskhan. It can also be used to play mind games with Sucker Punch users such as Shiftry, Cacturne, and Mawile, keeping Rotom-S from taking any additional damage before it picks them off with Air Slash. Rotom-S can also be used to pivot into Pokemon such as Scyther, Klinklang, Hariyama, and Archeops due to its slew of resistances; just be aware that Hariyama and Archeops can catch Rotom-S with Stone Edge. Also make sure that Rotom-S is healthy and that Stealth Rock is kept on the field if Rotom-S needs to check Archeops. Team Options Klinklang is an excellent partner, as Rotom-S lures in and weakens many checks to it, such as Lanturn, Rhydon, and Quagsire, and hits other checks including Prinplup, Pelipper, and Hitmonchan, paving the way for Klinklang to sweep. Setup sweepers that appreciate the removal of Quagsire, such as Swords Dance Samurott and Rock Polish Rhydon, pair well with Rotom-S. Normal-types such as Tauros and Kangaskhan are great partners due to Rotom-S's ability to lure and heavily weaken Rhydon and Quagsire. Rhydon is a decent partner, as Rotom-S takes care of common checks to it such as Torterra, Prinplup, and Quagsire, letting Rhydon sweep through teams with ease. Mesprit appreciates Rotom-S's ability to threaten and eliminate Xatu, which lets Mesprit set up Stealth Rock without fear of getting them bounced back, and is also a good check to other Mesprit checks such as Scyther and Shiftry. Because Rotom-S pivots a lot throughout the match, it prefers having Stealth Rock off the field. Hitmonchan is a decent partner, as it can switch in on and threaten some problematic Stealth Rock users such as Regirock and Ferroseed while Rotom-S is able to switch in on Flying-type Pokemon such as Scyther, Vivillon, and Archeops lacking Stone Edge.

Moves Volt Switch is a decently powerful Electric-type STAB move that lets Rotom-S maintain offensive momentum. It is, however, blocked by Pokemon such as Lanturn and Rhydon. Air Slash is Rotom-S's only Flying-type STAB move, coming with decent Base Power and a nice flinch chance, and it targets Grass-types that resist Volt Switch. Will-O-Wisp cripples checks to Rotom-S such as Rhydon and Lanturn while helping against other Pokemon such as Shiftry and Klinklang. Thunderbolt is an alternative for a more powerful Electric-type STAB move that doesn't force Rotom-S to switch out. Trick lets Rotom-S cripple defensive switch-ins, giving Rotom-S a better matchup against slower teams once it Tricks away its Choice Scarf. Set Details Maximum Speed EVs allow Rotom-S to outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, and maximum Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-S to hit as hard as possible. The choice between a Modest and Timid nature depends on the team's needs; because Rotom-S is often used to check Fighting-types, it often has its Choice Scarf removed due to Knock Off as well as using Trick quite frequently, so it's generally the better option to maintain its Speed tier; however, Modest is an alternative to make up for this set's lacking power. Choice Scarf boosts Rotom-S's Speed, allowing it to revenge kill normally faster Pokemon such as Floatzel, Archeops, Scyther, and Tauros. Usage Tips Generally, it's best to use Volt Switch throughout the match to maintain offensive momentum, but you must be mindful of using the move when Lanturn or Rhydon is on the opposing team, as both stop Rotom-S cold, with the former gaining HP back with Volt Absorb and the latter threatening Rotom-S with Stone Edge or getting a free opportunity to set up. To respond to Pokemon immune to Volt Switch, use Will-O-Wisp to cripple and wear them down. Against Lanturn, Rotom-S is better off Tricking its Choice Scarf, as Lanturn can heal off burns with Heal Bell. Additionally, Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple Sucker Punch users such as Pawniard, Mawile, and Shiftry. Though at some points it may be tempting to use Trick to cripple defensive Pokemon, try to keep Rotom-S's Choice Scarf if it's crucial for it to outspeed a fast threat such as Floatzel or Archeops. Though this set acts primarily as a revenge killer, Rotom-S can use its unique set of resistances to switch into Pokemon such as Scyther, Archeops, and Hariyama. Do be careful when switching in on Archeops and Hariyama, as both can swiftly take down Rotom-S by catching it on the switch with Stone Edge. Team Options Grass-types are the best partners, as they eliminate problematic Pokemon such as Lanturn and Rhydon while Rotom-S revenge kills Flying-types such as Archeops and Scyther. Lilligant is notable for its ability to use many of Rotom-S's defensive answers as setup bait and can even temporarily shut down a Pokemon with Sleep Powder. Shiftry appreciates Rotom-S's ability to check Fighting-types and can provide Defog support, allowing Rotom-S to switch in with less repercussions. Torterra is a more defensive partner that checks Lanturn and Rhydon by virtue of its favorable type matchup while also providing support in the form of Stealth Rock; in return, Rotom-S is able to threaten answers to Torterra such as Scyther, Archeops, and Xatu. Fighting-types are also good partners, because they appreciate Flying-types being revenge killed. Primeape is notable, as it breaks down numerous Pokemon with ease, with some of the more notable ones being Rhydon and Regirock, allowing Rotom-S to clean late-game without too many issues. It also forms a VoltTurn core with Rotom-S. Hitmonchan is also a decent partner for similar reasons, with the key difference lying in its ability to provide Rapid Spin support. Freeze-Dry users such as Vanilluxe and Aurorus are good partners, as they break down Lanturn and Rhydon effortlessly while Rotom-S covers their Steel- and Fighting-type weaknesses. Magmortar is an interesting partner for its ability to switch in on Ice-types that trouble Rotom-S as well as lure in Lanturn and KO it with Earthquake, with Rotom-S revenge killing faster threats to Magmortar such as Archeops and Floatzel in return. Just note, however, that pairing either of these Pokemon with Rotom-S requires a reliable form of entry hazard control due to the shared Stealth Rock weakness.

A surprising set for defensive teams, Rotom-S's role is to spread harmful status conditions on many unsuspecting Pokemon. Its Flying typing allows it to switch in on the popular Fighting- and Ground-types of NU and burn them with Will-O-Wisp or hurt them with Air Slash. Discharge is preferred for its paralysis chance, and Rotom-S can create a mean para-flinching scenario with Air Slash. Pain Split is important because it's Rotom-S's most reliable recovery move. Substitute could be used instead of Discharge to ease prediction and handle more switch-ins that would threaten Rotom-S out. The 64 Speed EVs allow Rotom-S to outspeed Timid Gorebyss before it can use Shell Smash, which is an important precaution. The rest of the EVs offer the highest amount of Leftovers recovery and maximize its bulk. It is possible to make Rotom-S specially defensive, but there is less it can wall on that side of the spectrum. It can use the ChestoRest strategy for guaranteed recovery, but the more balanced the team and the longer matches drag on, the more the strategy proves to be underwhelming. Another option is to use Volt Switch, which turns Rotom-S into a bulky pivot. Metang is the best partner for this set because of its synergy with Rotom-S and its bulk, creating a sound defensive core. Defensive teams always appreciate Wish support, which comes best from Audino or Alomomola in this playstyle. Good partners that also fit the defensive playstyle are Taunt Misdreavus and Rapid Spin Wartortle because they help patch up Rotom-S's weakness to Stealth Rock.

Fitting best on balanced and offensive teams, this set acts as a lure, targeting Ground-types that switch in expecting the common Choice Scarf set's Volt Switch. Hidden Power Grass hits all of them for major damage, KOing the 4x weak Seismitoad and Golem. Air Slash and Thunderbolt are the most reliable STABs and are meant to dish out optimal damage. Expert Belt is the key item for this set, because the lack of residual damage when attacking creates the impression that Rotom-S is holding a Choice Scarf. Because it is not locked into any moves, Rotom-S can use much of its large arsenal to exploit the bluff. Will-O-Wisp can be used to cripple almost all of NU's physical attackers, but KOing them with the appropriate coverage move is more beneficial. Also, Rotom-S could use the ChestoRest strategy for good recovery while utilizing the same masquerade, but the lack of immediate power is noticeable. Pain Split could also be used for recovery, but the lack of coverage would hurt it more. Much like the Choice Scarf set, Steel-types such as Metang and Klang are good partners because they cover Rotom-S's weaknesses to Ice- and Rock-type moves. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk are great for disposing of walls that can handle all of Rotom-S's attacks, such as Lickilicky and Regice, and Sawk can possibly keep Stealth Rock off the field as well, aiding in Rotom-S's longevity. Lastly, more balanced teams can afford a Wish passer, such as Lickilicky or Alomomola, which helps keep Rotom-S alive.

This set functions as a revenge killer and late-game sweeper. With Thunderbolt and Air Slash as Rotom-S's most reliable STAB options, it can outspeed and KO common threats such as +2 Timid Gorebyss, +2 Carracosta, and Choice Scarf Sawk. If the opponent lacks a Ground-type, Rotom-S can easily spam Volt Switch early-game for damage and momentum. Trick is used for bulky defensive Pokemon, easily crippling whatever comes in to wall Rotom-S's attack and allowing it to switch up moves. While lacking in power when compared to Primeape and Charizard due to its lower attacking stat and its lower Base Power STABs, Rotom-S does have surprising fortitude, withstanding Aqua Jets from +2 Carracosta and +2 Samurott and KOing them back. Unfortunately, with its weakness to Stealth Rock, its bulk is hindered with each quarter of health lost, so keeping Stealth Rock out of play is highly beneficial, but not required. Great partners to keep Stealth Rock off the field are Choice Band Mold Breaker Sawk and Taunt Samurott, both of which fit into the offensive playstyle nicely. Ground-types are also a problem, as they are immune to Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, severely limiting Rotom-S in the match. Multiple measures can be taken, however, to alleviate this issue. For starters, Rotom-S can use Hidden Power Grass to hit common Ground-types, such as Seismitoad and Golem, for massive damage. Most Water-, Grass-, and Ice-type Pokemon can dispose of Ground-types as well; Ludicolo is a good partner because it has the bulk to switch in and threaten them with Giga Drain, Hydro Pump, or Ice Beam. Good defensive partners for Rotom-S cover its Rock- and Ice-type weaknesses, so Steel-types such as Hone Claws Metang and Shift Gear Klang are good choices for this playstyle.

Moves Rotom-A can maximize its utility options by using Pain Split as its primary recovery option. Despite being unreliable, Rotom-A can easily heal on special walls like Clefable and Blissey due to its immunity to Seismic Toss. Substitute maximizes Pain Split and gives it more reliability. Substitute blocks status, making Clefable without Encore and Blissey complete setup bait. It also gives Rotom-A a free chance to burn Tyranitar and other Pursuit users such as Scizor. As Substitute limits Rotom-A's offensive options, it can instead use a coverage move such as Shadow Ball, Hydro Pump, and Blizzard. Shadow Ball notably allows Rotom-A to damage opposing Rotom-A and Gengar, while Hydro Pump and Blizzard provide additional coverage. Hydro Pump hammers Heatran and Ground-types such as Hippowdon trying to phaze Substitute Rotom-A, while Blizzard OHKOes Taunt Gliscor, Flygon, Breloom, and Dragonite trying to take advantage of it. Will-O-Wisp is perfect alongside Substitute or the coverage moves, as it burns Steel-types that otherwise wall Rotom-A and gives it an option to threaten Tyranitar. Thunderbolt allows it to KO Water-types and is its main offensive option with Substitute. Set Details This specific EV spread aims to make Rotom-A outspeed as many Pokemon as possible so that it can get a Substitute up, burn Gliscor before it can use Taunt, and then maximize its bulk. Rotom-A can minimize its HP and instead invest in Special Attack EVs to get as much health back as possible from Pain Split and power up its coverage moves, but since Rotom-A's HP stat is low, it should otherwise aim to maximize HP to be as bulky as possible. Rotom-A generally tries to have a specific Speed stat and then invest the rest into bulk or Special Attack. Some common examples include 64 Speed EVs to outspeed neutral-natured Tyranitar, Empoleon, and Swampert; 164 Speed EVs to outspeed positive-natured Tyranitar; 220 Speed EVs to outspeed Gyarados, Dragonite, and Breloom; and 188 Speed EVs with a Timid nature to outspeed Heatran, Adamant Lucario, and defensive Latias. As these are crowded Speed tiers, it can be beneficial to invest a few more Speed EVs to outspeed the benchmark. When using not as much Speed EVs, it is recommended to use a Modest nature to maximize Rotom-A's coverage options. Especially if it does not have Substitute, Rotom-A can use a few different items. Leftovers is the most prominent, as it allows Rotom-A to neutralize sand damage and make more Substitutes. A more offensive option is to use Life Orb, as Rotom-A can heal with Pain Split and do a lot of damage, but watch out for foes trying to take advantage of Substitute. Without Substitute, some other options include Colbur Berry to survive Tyranitar's Pursuit and other Dark-type attacks, Custap Berry to get one last attack or Pain Split off, and Expert Belt to take advantage of its type coverage are all options. Usage Tips Rotom-A should be cautious when it comes in and either lead or come in using its resistances or immunities, as while it can mitigate residual damage with Pain Split, it isn't bulky enough to stave off heavy damage. With Substitute, it should try to set up as soon as possible on something it forces out such as Skarmory or Gyarados. Take the opportunity to either heal up or spread burns with Will-O-Wisp. Despite its prowess against special walls, it still can perform defensive roles such as block Rapid Spin from defensive Starmie and burn Steel-types. In the lead position, Rotom-A can use Will-O-Wisp and its coverage to take advantage of physical leads, but watch out for Tyranitar. More offensive versions of utility Rotom-A, especially without recovery or Leftovers, get worn down quickly. Team Options Rotom-A fits on a wide variety of teams due to its unique typing and ability to block Rapid Spin. Utility Rotom-A is commonly featured alongside entry hazards and Pokemon that give it a free switch in with its immunities. A prominent example is Heatran, as Heatran's Fighting- and Ground-type weaknesses give Rotom-A plenty of opportunities to switch in. Common Spikers alongside utility Rotom-A include Roserade and Skarmory. With Roserade and Heatran, Swampert forms a Fire / Water / Grass core while offensively checking Tyranitar. Another common Water-type with Heatran and Roserade is offensive Suicune, which appreciates Rotom-A taking advantage of special walls and spreading burns. Other checks to Tyranitar, such as Trick + Iron Ball Metagross and defensive Jirachi, are appreciated. As these Fire / Water / Grass cores can struggle with multiple Dragon Dance sweepers, Choice Scarf Flygon and Hippowdon can be excellent partners. Alongside Skarmory, Pain Split gives Rotom-A more offensive coverage and Speed than with the defensive set. It spreads burns, staves off Clefable with Pain Split, and switches into Fighting-types. Prominent partners include offensive Calm Mind Jirachi, Choice Specs Latias, and Heatran. Choice Scarf Lucario can absorb Rotom-A's revenge killing responsibilities.

Moves Rotom-A's typing, ability, and bulk make it the best defensive spinblocker in the metagame. Rest and Sleep Talk are Rotom-A's only form of recovery outside of Pain Split and prevent it from succumbing to status and residual damage. It also makes Rotom-A a reliable sleep absorber; however, without Shadow Ball, Rotom-A struggles to damage Breloom while getting 3HKOed by Seed Bomb. Rest also gives Rotom-A a massive stock of PP, making it useful for PP staling. Rotom-A's most prominent attacking move is Thunderbolt, which OHKOes Gyarados. Thunderbolt also hits Steel-types such as Heatran, Metagross, Empoleon, and Scizor and at least 2HKOes Starmie and Skarmory. However, as Thunderbolt is useless against Ground-types and can't hit Breloom well, another option is to use Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball prevents RestTalk Rotom-A from being completely unable to damage Taunt Gliscor while also hitting Ghost-weak targets such as Gengar, opposing Rotom-A, and Starmie hard. For the last slot, Rotom-A can either spread burns effectively with Will-O-Wisp or maintain better coverage with both Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt. Will-O-Wisp is preferred, as being able to burn foes is one of Rotom-A's core niches. It notably is the best response to Tyranitar, as it will not enjoy a burn unless it has a Lum Berry. Will-O-Wisp also limits switch-ins to foes immune to burn damage such as Clefable, Heatran, Camerupt, and Breloom after Toxic Orb activates. Additionally, Natural Cure Pokemon such as Celebi and Blissey can pivot in on Will-O-Wisp. Another option for an Electric-type attack is Discharge, but it suffers from being noticeably weaker than Thunderbolt and potentially giving unwanted paralysis. Set Details Rotom-A generally needs all of the physical bulk it can get to stave off Tyranitar, Metagross, Machamp, and Lucario. Take care that absolute maximum HP investment Rotom-A makes its HP stat divisible by 16, increasing the damage it takes from sand and heals from Leftovers. Rotom-A also is at a crowded Speed tier—many Pokemon such as Empoleon, Tyranitar, Swampert, Machamp, and Breloom aim to outspeed minimum Speed Rotom-A. As such, it can invest 56 EVs to outspeed maximum Speed neutral nature Tyranitar, Empoleon, and Swampert. Additionally, Rotom-A can add some Special Defense EVs to better handle special coverage from Swampert, survive Gengar's Shadow Ball, and help prevent Starmie's Rapid Spin; however, going with a fully specially defensive RestTalk Rotom-A is not advised due to its huge Pursuit weakness. A few Special Attack EVs, such as 20 EVs, also help Thunderbolt break maximum HP Breloom's Substitute guaranteed and give better chances to OHKO Starmie and Skarmory. Usage Tips Rotom-A should generally be used early to spread burns and block Rapid Spin, preferably before Breloom has activated its Toxic Orb. Rotom-A can lead, as it has good matchups against all common physical leads with the exception of Tyranitar and is immune to Explosion. Mastering the timing of when to use Rest with Rotom-A is critical, as it only has a 24.8% chance to burn physical attackers such as Tyranitar while asleep. Rotom-A should generally be careful about trying to block Rapid Spin too much, as offensive Starmie sets can OHKO Rotom-A with Hydro Pump, while defensive Starmie and Forretress can 3HKO it in sand with Surf and Payback, respectively. Other than these, there are nuances with its usage depending on matchup. Against offensive teams, Rotom-A is difficult to handle, as foes typically absorb burns with either Heatran, Refresh Swampert, Lum Berry Tyranitar, or Breloom. These teams also typically lack reliable Rapid Spin users, meaning Rotom-A can lean fully into its defensive roll and more recklessly wall opposing physical attackers and spread burns. As Heatran cannot absorb Rotom-A's Thunderbolts forever, aggressively predicting it as it comes in can wear it down easily. Be careful against Metagross and Bronzong, as they can give Rotom-A an Iron Ball with Trick and ruin its ability to handle physical attackers with Earthquake. Despite being able to handle Gyarados, Rotom-A should not be the primary answer, as boosted Gyarados 2HKOes with Waterfall and can make Rotom-A flinch—in addition, Gyarados survives Thunderbolt with a Wacan Berry even after Stealth Rock, meaning it can break through Rotom-A coming in on Dragon Dance. Rotom-A should be kept away from foes that can set up or otherwise take advantage of it, including sweepers with Lum Berry such as Dragon Dance Dragonite and Tyranitar; mixed attackers such as Dragonite, Flygon, and Swampert; Taunt users such as Gliscor; and faster Substitute users such as Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi and Breloom. Against more defensive teams, Rotom-A's main value are its ability to block Rapid Spin, huge pool of PP, and handling problem Pokemon such as Skarmory, Breloom, physical Jirachi, and Starmie. Since Clefable is commonly the first switch-in to Rotom-A due to being immune to burn damage, absorbing its Knock Off with Rotom-A is one of the better ways to PP stall it, as Clefable cannot threaten it outside of Calm Mind, and Rotom-A will always be able to use Rest if sand is active. Once Rotom-A goes to sleep, not using Sleep Talk greatly increases how much PP Rotom-A has, to 108 if Rotom-A has Thunderbolt and Will-O-Wisp. Team Options RestTalk Rotom-A provides valuable defensive niches and spinblocking. On more defensive teams, it keeps entry hazards up and spreads burns. Spikes setters such as Skarmory and Forretress appreciate this, as neither can prevent Starmie, Donphan, or opposing Forretress from using Rapid Spin. Rotom-A prevents Machamp from spamming Dynamic Punch, meaning prominent Fighting-weak walls such as Tyranitar, Clefable, and Blissey appreciate its presence. Clefable also removes items with Knock Off for adding onto residual damage. Tyranitar provides sand and traps prominent Pokemon that threaten Rotom-A such as Gengar and offensive Starmie. Both Clefable and Blissey can provide cleric support for Rotom-A. All three provide a switch-in to Heatran, which greatly threatens Rotom-A with Flash Fire. Rotom-A is a possible choice on big 5 defensive archetypes over the typical Ground-type alongside Skarmory, Choice Scarf Tyranitar, Clefable, defensive Latias, and Jirachi. Both offensive and defensive Jirachi sets work: offensive sets appreciate the Spikes and residual damage Rotom-A helps to wrack up, while defensive Jirachi helps shore the team against Dragon Dance sweepers such as Dragonite and Tyranitar that Rotom-A struggles with. Defensive Jirachi also enjoys foes worn down due to Will-O-Wisp and appreciates Rotom-A hitting Skarmory hard. Other bulky Steel-types such as Bronzong are great choices, especially for fully Spikes-immune teams. Additionally, Hippowdon, Celebi, and defensive Gyarados can also make solid partners, as they further answer powerful sweepers and are effective with Spikes. Rotom-A's defensive prowess make it a strong partner for more offensive Spikes-based partners as well, as it has more resilience than more frail spinblockers such as Gengar and Choice Scarf Rotom-A. Alongside Swampert and Skarmory, Rotom-A does not have to worry about Tyranitar as much, as entry hazards wear Tyranitar down, while Swampert at least 2HKOes it. Both offensive and defensive Latias sets are fantastic partners for Rotom-A: Choice Specs Latias hammers Tyranitar and weakens it heavily so that it can’t handle Rotom-A effectively, while defensive Latias's resistances and bulk ease some of Rotom-A's defensive responsibilities against attackers such as Gyarados and Breloom. Choice Scarf Lucario takes on a revenge killing duty against attackers that can set up and OHKO Rotom-A, such as Lum Berry Dragon Dance Dragonite and Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Mixed Flygon is an excellent partner, as its offensive prowess is greatly enhanced by Spikes, and it enjoys Rotom-A switching into Steel-types such as Bronzong and offensive Jirachi and burning them. Empoleon is another excellent partner, as it removes items with Knock Off, and Rotom-A is immune to or resists all of its weaknesses. It also helps against specially offensive Water-types such as Kingdra that Rotom-A cannot deal with. Tyranitar can take on a more offensive role, such as Choice Band to remove special walls or Starmie guaranteed or Dragon Dance to take advantage of Spikes wearing down its answers.

Moves Rotom-A's Speed tier and good coverage make it an excellent revenge killer with a Choice Scarf. Thunderbolt is Rotom-A's strongest attack, revenge killing Water-types such as Gyarados, Suicune, and Empoleon. Rotom-A has many different coverage options it can use. Overheat is a prominent one, as despite doing almost nothing to Pursuit Tyranitar, it is fantastic at revenge killing Steel-types that can shrug off a Thunderbolt such as Lucario without a Special Defense drop, Metagross, and especially Scizor. It also nails Grass-types such as Breloom, Roserade, and Shaymin. Another choice is Hydro Pump, which crucially 2HKOes bulkless Tyranitar after Stealth Rock and prevents Rotom-A from being Pursuit trapped if Rotom-A hits it on the switch. It also hits Heatran trying to absorb Will-O-Wisp and Ground-types immune to Thunderbolt such as Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Camerupt. Leaf Storm OHKOes Swampert and Gastrodon while also dissuading Tyranitar from switching in. Shadow Ball completes Rotom-A's coverage, as it prominently hits Latias, Gengar, and other Rotom-A while providing good neutral coverage should Rotom-A not use one of its forme moves. Hidden Power Ice is another excellent option, as it KOes Dragonite after Stealth Rock, OHKOes Flygon, and threatens Gliscor. Hidden Power Ice both is more reliable than Rotom-F's Blizzard and does enough damage to its targets. Rounding out the set is Trick, as it is a fantastic way of crippling a special wall such as Clefable, Latias, or Blissey. Trick can also stop a boosted sweeper by locking them into one attack, although doing this often leads to sacrificing Rotom-A. Another option is Will-O-Wisp, which burns Tyranitar on the switch in to survive a potential Pursuit trap attempt. As the only move Choice Scarf Rotom-A needs is Thunderbolt, it is free to mix and match as needed for its team. Set Details Rotom-A generally should be running maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs, as it has 447 Speed after the Choice Scarf boost and sits at a crowded Speed tier. Maximum Special Attack EVs notably give it the best chance to KO opposing Rotom-A and 2HKO Latias with Shadow Ball, KO Wacan Berry Gyarados without Stealth Rock with Thunderbolt, 2HKO bulkless Tyranitar after Stealth Rock with Hydro Pump, and KO Dragonite with Hidden Power Ice after Stealth Rock. However, Rotom-A can spare some HP EVs to better survive Tyranitar's Pursuit, Scizor, Lucario's boosted Bullet Punch, and Gyarados's +1 Waterfall. The fastest threat it needs to revenge kill besides other Rotom-A is Modest Agility Empoleon, which requires 236 Speed EVs. Another choice is to drop down to 188 Speed EVs to outspeed Adamant Lucario and Heatran without the Choice Scarf. Rotom-A can also use less Special Attack EVs: it achieves the bulkless Dragonite KO after Stealth Rock with Hidden Power Ice with 160 Special Attack EVs. A common choice for bulkier Rotom-A spreads is to minimize sand damage with the desired Speed and put the rest in Special Attack: some example EV spreads would be 56 HP / 216 SpA / 236 Spe, which minimizes sand damage while maximizing the other stats, and 108 HP / 164 SpA / 236 Spe, which KOes Gyarados after Stealth Rock through Wacan Berry, survives +1 Waterfall after Stealth Rock, and still outspeeds +2 Modest Empoleon. Usage Tips Choice Scarf Rotom-A should switch in sparingly or via its immunities, as it is not very bulky, its Choice-locked moves are easy to set up on, and it is vulnerable to Pursuit. It enjoys switching in either when a foe such as Gyarados, Lucario, or Scizor sets up or after a KO to appropriately deal with the threat. This can be dangerous, however, as all of them can hit Rotom-A hard on the switch. Keeping Rotom-A hidden also can allow it to sweep late-game against weakened threats should its checks be removed. This is especially prevalent against frail hyper offensive teams or those without a Ground-type. Rotom-A's Trick is an excellent weapon to cripple walls and setup sweepers alike, but make sure Rotom-A's Speed is no longer needed. Beware of opponents switching in another Choice Scarf Pokemon to nullify it or, worse, a Choice Scarf Tyranitar and Pursuit trapping Rotom-A. Another complication is with Knock Off: in DPP, if either the user or foe is hit with Knock Off, Trick will fail. Be careful with using Trick around Clefable and defensive Empoleon for this reason. Team Options Choice Scarf Rotom-A is a premier revenge killer in DPP OU and features on many team styles. Most midpaced offensive teams carry a Choice Scarf revenge killer to backstop them against set-up sweepers—Rotom-A is one of the best at it with its Speed, coverage, and Trick. As Rotom-A is easily covered by the special walls in the tier, it appreciates teammates that can break though them. Breloom and Heatran are fantastic choices, as Breloom takes advantage of Tyranitar, Blissey, Clefable, and Swampert, while Heatran can trap them with Magma Storm and then burn Tyranitar, use Explosion on Blissey and Clefable, or OHKO Swampert with Hidden Power Grass. Breloom can also use Mach Punch or a bulky EV spread to revenge kill Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Another Tyranitar check, such as Machamp, bulky Metagross, or Jirachi, is appreciated. Rotom-A also enjoys other strong special attackers such as Choice Specs Latias, Zapdos, and offensive Calm Mind Jirachi to weaken Tyranitar to the point it cannot switch into Rotom-A. Rotom-A appreciates threats that can set up on a Choice-locked Pursuit: Lucario is an excellent choice, as is Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Another excellent option is Torment Heatran, as it appreciates Rotom-A's Trick to set up on Choice-locked Pokemon. As powerful Choice item attackers such as Choice Band Gyarados, Choice Specs Heatran, Choice Band Tyranitar, and Choice Specs Zapdos can get set up on if they're locked into the wrong move, Rotom-A can be a good stopgap. Choice Scarf Rotom-A is also fantastic on more frail hyper offenses as speed control and potentially a spinblocker for Spikes. Some prominent offensive partners include Dragon Dance Gyarados, Dragon Dance or mixed Tyranitar, Dragon Dance or mixed Dragonite, Swords Dance or Agility Lucario, offensive Empoleon, offensive Calm Mind Suicune, and Swords Dance Scizor. These Pokemon can set up on a Choice-locked Pursuit as well. Azelf is also an excellent choice to weaken Tyranitar with either paralysis or Explosion. Offensive Spikes Skarmory is also a good choice, as Choice Scarf Rotom-A can provide spinblocking and appreciates entry hazards wearing down its grounded answers.