Rotom (Frost) Movesets & Competitive Sets

Rotom-F is not viable in PU, but this is considered its most effective moveset.

Moves Trick is able to cripple specially defensive Pokemon such as Audino, Lanturn, and Type: Null that might switch in on Rotom-Frost when it doesn't require the added Speed provided by the item. Defog can let Rotom-Frost remove entry hazards in an emergency, though the option isn't very reliable, since Rotom-Frost is weak to Stealth Rock and would rather not be locked in a status move most of the time. Set Details Choice Scarf allows Rotom-Frost to outspeed Pokemon like Oricorio-E, non-Choice Scarf Dodrio, and Silvally-Fairy, granting it its ability to check a big portion of the tier and function as a reliable revenge killer. A Timid nature allows Rotom-Frost to outspeed +2 Modest Omastar as well as other Choice Scarf users like Skuntank and Kabutops. Usage Tips Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost should try to function as a revenge killer and check to many Pokemon such as Oricorio-G, Kabutops, and Alolan Persian thanks to its unresisted coverage and formidable Speed. If the opposing team lacks a solid counter such as Lanturn or Audino, this set can be utilized early-game to soften up foes for a late-game cleaner. Rotom-Frost is even able to break through some less bulky specially defensive Pokemon such as Eelektross thanks to its high Special Attack and BoltBeam coverage. Since Rotom-Frost is able to threaten Ground-types such as Mudsdale and Golurk, predict well on when to use Blizzard and when to use Volt Switch; once you successfully predict a Ground-type switch-in by using Blizzard or those Pokemon have been removed by other teammates, Rotom-Frost will be able to use its Electric-type STAB moves freely. Bluffing a non-Choice Scarf set can turn Rotom-Frost into an even more threatening revenge killer late-game if the opposing team doesn't have a faster Choice Scarf user like Primeape or a priority user such as Gurdurr. Utilizing Trick wh​en Rotom-Frost doesn't re​quire the added Speed is a valuable way of crippling expected switch-ins such as Lanturn, Assault Vest Crabominable, and Cryogonal. Team Options Fighting-type answers such as Oricorio-E, Victreebel, and Tangela are able to check or counter Pokemon such as Gurdurr and Choice Scarf Primeape, effectively threatening some of the most common revenge killers for Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost. In return, Rotom-Frost cripples their checks like Cryogonal and Lanturn with Trick. Other pivots such as Alolan Persian, Eelektross, and Primeape can form a VoltTurn core with Rotom-Frost to help maintain momentum and bring in offensive threats. Pokemon such as Stoutland, Lycanroc, and Kangaskhan are able to threaten slower special walls such as Audino and Lanturn, even being able to Pursuit trap them in the case of Stoutland. In return, Rotom-Frost is able to threaten physical walls such as Mudsdale and Tangela, as well as being able to bring these Pokemon in safely through Volt Switch. Entry hazard setters like Mudsdale and Qwilfish are able to support Rotom-Frost by effectively wearing down Pokemon such as Eelektross and Crabominable with Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic. They're also able to counter or threaten Choice Scarf Primeape, while Rotom-Frost checks Pokemon such as Victreebel and Jellicent. Due to its Stealth Rock weakness, more reliable hazard removes such as Skuntank, Alolan Sandslash, and Silvally-Fairy are valuable partners for Rotom-Frost. Skuntank and Alolan Sandslash appreciate Rotom-Frost's ability to check Ground-types, while Silvally-Fairy is also able to create a VoltTurn core with Parting Shot and check Fighting-types such as Primeape and Gurdurr.​

Moves Thunderbolt works as an alternative Electric-type STAB move that doesn't force Rotom-Frost to switch out and has increased damage output against the likes of Jellicent and Articuno. Will-O-Wisp cripples switch-ins to Rotom-Frost such as Assault Vest Crabominable and Hitmonchan by causing residual damage and severely weakening their attacks. Pain Split compensates for Rotom-Frost's lack of reliable recovery by healing off damage against switch-ins with high HP stats like Audino and Lanturn. Set Details Icium Z converts Blizzard into Subzero Slammer, dealing high damage to targets like Stoutland and Gurdurr while boasting perfect accuracy. Alternatively, Iapapa Berry acts as one-time health recovery outside of Pain Split when at low health and can be activated through Stealth Rock and residual damage. Note that sets using Iapapa Berry should run the 4 remaining EVs in HP to activate the item after three rounds of Stealth Rock damage. Usage Tips Rotom-Frost finds ample opportunities to revenge kill Pokemon like Jellicent and Oricorio-G or remove entry hazards throughout most of a match. Rotom-Frost can pivot into moves like Mudsdale's Earthquake, as well as into weaker entry hazard setters such as Qwilfish, in order to fire off a powerful attack or remove entry hazards upon a forced switch. Avoid reckless switching if Stealth Rock is on the field, as Rotom-Frost can easily by worn down by it despite its role as a Defogger. However, Iapapa Berry variants of Rotom-Frost can periodically switch into Stealth Rock in order to activate their item and heal themselves. Volt Switch should be used generously to pivot out of Pokemon that check Rotom-Frost like Audino and Clefairy, dealing a slight amount of damage and providing momentum, which gives Rotom-Frost's team the upper hand. Rotom-Frost's utility moves can be used effectively against Pokemon that may attempt to pivot into it; Assault Vest Crabominable and Hitmonchan are greatly crippled by Will-O-Wisp, whereas Rotom-Frost can gain health off of Pokemon like Lanturn and Audino through Pain Split. Icium Z is best utilized to severely weaken or even OHKO bulkier Pokemon that Blizzard misses out on, like Eelektross and Stoutland. It's also helpful in situations where Blizzard's poor accuracy can potentially jeopardize Rotom-Frost's ability to take out foes such as Golurk and Drampa. Team Options Rotom-Frost can form an excellent offensive core with physical wallbreakers and setup sweepers such as Stoutland, Choice Band Skuntank, and Lycanroc, as it highly appreciates their ability to break past Clefairy and Audino and can dispatch the likes of Mudsdale and Tangela in return. Stoutland and Skuntank are notably able to chip Lanturn with Pursuit. Gurdurr can also remove the items of Pokemon like Clefairy and Lanturn with Knock Off while being a reliable switch-in to threats to Rotom-Frost such as Lycanroc and Hitmonchan. Pokemon like Primeape and Scyther can be paired with Rotom-Frost to create a VoltTurn core, increasing the amount of momentum its team has, and they can be brought in more often due to Rotom-Frost's ability to remove entry hazards. Rotom-Frost can also break down Jellicent and Oricorio-E to support these Pokemon. Other Pokemon like Alolan Persian and Type: Null similarly operate as pivots, but they can more safely bring Rotom-Frost into play due to the former's stat reductions and the latter's low Speed. Alolan Persian's Z-Parting Shot can also bring Rotom-Frost up to full health, while Type: Null can lure in Pokemon for Rotom-Frost to take advantage of such as Carracosta and Oricorio-G. Although somewhat counterintuitive with Defog, entry hazard setters such as Qwilfish and Omastar are capable of wearing down bulky switch-ins to Rotom-Frost like Audino and Lanturn while putting Pokemon like Stoutland and Abomasnow in range of Subzero Slammer. Secondary entry hazard removers such as Hitmonchan and Kabutops appreciate Rotom-Frost's ability to break down Pokemon like Jellicent and Tangela while compensating for its inability to use Defog in the face of threats like Simisear and Lycanroc.

Moves Substitute allows Rotom-F to scout for the opponent's tactics and to use the correct attacking move the next turn without risking misprediction, making the most of its excellent coverage. It also lets Rotom-F lower its own HP to make Pain Split more effective if required. Pain Split capitalizes on Rotom-F's low base HP stat and vulnerability to residual damage, letting it recover a significant amount of health while still inflicting heavy damage to targets with high base HP, allowing teammates to secure the KO against them more easily later in the match. A notable example of this would be Lanturn, one of the most common answers to Rotom-F. Thunderbolt provides a consistent STAB attack that hits many targets for good damage, while Blizzard provides excellent coverage with Thunderbolt and hits very hard with a Life Orb boost. Set Details Life Orb maximizes Rotom-F's power and makes it more difficult for checks that lack recovery to deal with it, as they will continually be worn down by powerful attacks. Furthermore, Rotom-F doesn't mind the extra recoil damage, as it lets Rotom-F make better use of Pain Split later in the match and, as it will be behind a Substitute whenever possible, the loss of health doesn't matter as much. A Timid nature is highly recommended in order to let Rotom-F outspeed threats such as Timid Mesprit and to let Rotom-F use Substitute more easily against offensive teams. A Modest nature can also be used for extra power, but this doesn't really help Rotom-F get past its usual counters. Maximum Special Attack EVs are used to maximize its offensive presence, while Rotom-F's lack of bulk is mitigated by Substitute and Pain Split. Never-Melt Ice, Magnet, or Expert Belt can be used with this set to bluff the Choice Scarf more effectively, but the lack of general power and synergy with Pain Split make these niche options. Usage Tips Rotom-F can force a lot of switches thanks to its offensive coverage and power, giving it opportunities to set up a Substitute and hit the opponent's response with the correct attack the next turn. This extra flexibility makes Life Orb Rotom-F more effective against defensive teams that rely on pivoting around threats with Choice items. Substitute should not be used recklessly because if the opponent intends to sacrifice a slower Pokemon that can break the Substitute, this just results in Rotom-F losing HP unnecessarily, making it easier to revenge kill afterwards. Substitute is best used against targets that are forced out by the Choice Scarf set or slower threats that are likely to use status moves. Early in the match, if a defensive threat with high HP like Lanturn or Thick Fat Hariyama switches in, Rotom-F can spam Substitute until at low HP and then use Pain Split to recover almost all of its HP while inflicting around 50% damage to a healthy foe. Team Options Choice Scarf Snow Warning Aurorus provides hail support and complements this set well, as it can deal with faster attackers such as Eviolite Scyther that can force Rotom-F out if it lacks a Substitute. Teammates that can deal with faster offensive threats are important, as without a Choice Scarf, Rotom-F is outsped by key threats such as Archeops and Swellow. Musharna and Mesprit are bulky pivots that can either switch into Fighting-types and hit them with Psychic or switch into other attackers and use Thunder Wave so that Rotom-F can deal with them later. Pokemon with priority attacks such as Sucker Punch Shiftry and Skuntank can prevent faster threats from securing a sweep after KOing Rotom-F. Finally, while anti-hazard support is always appreciated, Rotom-F can capitalize on the large amounts of residual damage it takes with Pain Split, so if it runs this move, a spinner or Defog user is not necessarily required as a teammate. Likewise, entry hazards of your own reduce potential healing from Pain Split against bulky targets but can be nice to let Rotom-F secure KOs; Garbodor and Rhydon are good choices in this regard.

Moves Volt Switch lets Rotom-F grab momentum if the opponent switches out, and it deals enough damage to KO weakened foes. It also breaks Focus Sashes on threats such as Jynx as it switches to a better response. Blizzard has excellent neutral coverage with Rotom-F's Electric-type attacks and provides its main niche as a Choice Scarf user, punishing common responses to Volt Switch such as Rhydon, Claydol, and Vileplume. Thunderbolt provides a perfectly accurate Electric-type attack that lets Rotom-F stay in against the opposing Pokemon and deal damage with certainty, unlike Volt Switch or Blizzard. Trick is a good way to deal with defensive responses such as Piloswine and Ferroseed, which don't enjoy being locked into their attacks. It also allows Rotom-F to switch moves freely after use and lets it capitalize on its excellent type coverage when the extra Speed is no longer required. Hidden Power Ice can be used in the last slot as a reliable Ice-type attack, although it sorely lacks power and fails to OHKO Pokemon such as Lilligant and Rotom-S even after Stealth Rock. Set Details Using a Choice Scarf with a Timid nature allows Rotom-F to outspeed many Speed-boosting sweepers such as Rock Polish Torterra, Golurk, and Rhydon, as well as all unboosted Pokemon. Even after its Choice Scarf is removed by Trick or Knock Off, it can still outpace threats such as Timid Mesprit and Timid Magmortar and KO them without taking an attack. Maximum Special Attack and Speed EVs are required to secure as many revenge killing opportunities as possible. Usage Tips This is Rotom-F's most consistently effective set and capitalizes on its immunities to paralysis and Ground-type attacks, which provide many opportunities to switch in. Between Blizzard and Thunderbolt, it can hit almost any offensive foe for good neutral damage if it uses the right move. Early in the match, Volt Switch should be used to scout the opponent's responses to your team, unless they have obviously Electric-immune Pokemon such as Lanturn and Piloswine, in which case Rotom-F should be saved until these threats are removed. Rotom-F's mediocre bulk and few resistances mean it should not be switched directly into attackers unless they are obviously walled, such as Articuno, or locked into a resisted move. Against teams that pack multiple bulky threats, Rotom-F should use Trick early on to cripple a defensive Pokemon and give itself the flexibility to alternate its STAB attacks as required. Team Options While Rotom-F can be run without hail support, doing so gives it significantly more competition from other Ice-type Pokemon with access to Ice Beam. Snow Warning Aurorus provides this hail support and can damage Lanturn with Choice Specs-boosted Freeze Dry or Earth Power, while Rotom-F can switch into Ground-type attacks aimed at Aurorus. They can also wear down each other's checks with repeated Blizzard spam, making them an effective offensive core. Entry hazards can wear down common responses to Rotom-F and make it easier for it to secure KOs. Garbodor and Mesprit are good candidates for hazard setters that can deal with Fighting-types, while Rhydon and Prinplup can deal with Fire- and Rock-types that lack the coverage to beat them. Hazard removal ensures that Rotom-F can switch in and revenge kill effectively throughout the match. Spinners such as Hitmonchan and Claydol, Defog users such as Mantine and Pelipper, and Magic Bounce Xatu have particularly good synergy with Rotom-F. Slow U-turn or Volt Switch users such as Pelipper and Lanturn allow Rotom-F to enter the battle without taking a hit and can be used to form momentum cores that continually keep the opponent on the back foot.

Moves Substitute capitalizes on the switches Rotom-F forces. Pain Split gives Rotom-F more longevity, which punishes Pokemon with large HP stats like Seismitoad and Piloswine. Will-O-Wisp cripples walls like Piloswine and Regirock, and Volt Switch allows Rotom-F to pivot out of bad matchups, such as against bulky setup sweepers like Duosion or against tanks like Miltank and Regice. Set Details Leftovers gives Rotom-F additional longevity, allowing it to switch into Stealth Rock more times throughout a game. Team Options Rotom-F appreciates speed control, as it is vulnerable to Choice Scarf users and naturally fast Pokemon like Sawk and Serperior. Pokemon like Musharna and other faster Choice Scarf Pokemon like Primeape can alleviate Rotom-F's susceptibility to being revenge killed. Teammates such as Sawk and Charizard can pressure specially bulky Pokemon like Piloswine, Miltank, and Regice.

Moves Volt Switch gains momentum on foes Rotom-F otherwise has trouble beating, such as Miltank and Regice. If Rotom-F’s Speed is no longer needed, Trick can be used to cripple Ground-types and bulky setup sweepers like Piloswine, Duosion, and Musharna. Set Details A Timid nature alongside a Choice Scarf allows Rotom-F to outspeed fast wallbreakers and slower Choice Scarf users like Kangaskhan, Serperior, and Choice Scarf Sawk. Levitate allows Rotom-F to situationally switch in against Ground-types like Golem, Golurk, and Torterra. Team Options Pokemon like Golurk, Seismitoad, Camerupt and Regice create mind games for Rotom-F, as the former three can block Volt Switch while the latter easily tanks Blizzard. Respective checks that can switch into them, like Torterra, Alolomola, and Mandibuzz can ease up the pressure. Special walls like Miltank and Piloswine can also be irritating to deal with; physical wallbreakers like Sawk, Samurott, and Tauros appreciate Rotom-F providing speed control. In return, Rotom-F appreciates them breaking down walls that switch into it.

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 a result, 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.