Rotom (Heat) Movesets & Competitive Sets

Overheat and Volt Switch have good synergy, letting Rotom-H hit hard and then pivot. Toxic cripples most defensive answers to Rotom-H, such as Swampert, Hydreigon, and Hippowdon. Pain Split serves as Rotom-H's only recovery tool, taking advantage of checks that can consistently recover their HP such as Salamence and Chansey. Heavy-Duty Boots lets Rotom-H get onto the field safely and pivot more frequently. 152 Speed EVs let Rotom-H outspeed Modest Nidoking and nail it with a powerful Overheat, with the remaining EVs in HP and Defense to better check Scizor. Rotom-H fits on bulky offense, VoltTurn, and balance teams that appreciate its ability to form a VoltTurn cores with Pokemon like Scizor and break through common foes like Amoonguss and Scizor. Additional pivots are essential teammates for Rotom-H; Scizor covers Rotom-H's weakness to Rock-types like Nihilego and Lycanroc-D, brings Rotom-H in against Skarmory and Celesteela with U-turn, and counters Hippowdon and Chansey. Slowking is a slow pivot that can switch into offensive checks like Keldeo and Nihilego for Rotom-H. Additionally, Amoonguss, Tangrowth and Zarude make for great partners, destroying Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types like Keldeo, Lycanroc-D, Zygarde-10%, and Hippowdon that trouble Rotom-H. In return, Rotom-H takes care of Steel- and Flying-types like Celesteela, Scizor, and Moltres. Krookodile is another useful teammate, as Rotom-H brings it in safely against foes like Nihilego and Chansey. Rotom-H also pressures Skarmory for Krookodile, and together they deal with Thundurus-T. Togekiss counters Hydreigon and Salamence for Rotom-H and can remove status with Heal Bell. Wallbreakers that are frail or slow, like Thundurus-T, Zygarde-10%, and Primarina, appreciate Rotom-H bringing them in safely against Pokemon such as Rotom-W and Salamence.

Rotom-H's strong matchups into sun threats like Venusaur and Charizard, as well as Zacian-C, give it a strong niche. Overheat is Rotom-H's strongest STAB move and, when Dynamaxed, becomes Max Flare, which sets sun, powering up Overheat and reducing the power of opposing Water-types like Kyogre and Tapu Fini. Nasty Plot allows Rotom-H to OHKO Pokemon like Landorus-T, Groudon, and Thundurus with boosted Max Flare, and it also compensates for Overheat's Special Attack drop. Ally Switch allows Rotom-H to redirect attacks like Zacian's Behemoth Blade or Venusaur's Sleep Powder to itself. Safety Goggles gives Rotom-H protection against Venusaur's and Amoonguss's powder moves, while Sitrus Berry provides some recovery; however, protection against Venusaur's Sleep Powder is usually preferred . Rotom-H fits best on Zacian-C teams that appreciate its ability to check sun threats like Venusaur and Charizard, as well as opposing Zacian-C. Landorus-T checks Coalossal for Rotom-H while Rotom-H checks opposing Ice-types like Calyrex-I. Both Landorus-T and Rotom check many of the same things like Venusaur, Charizard, and Zacian, giving it them flexibility and insurance against these threats. Rillaboom checks Water-types like Kyogre and appreciates Rotom-H's ability to check Zacian-C, Charizard, and Calyrex-I. Prankster Pokemon like Grimmsnarl and Thundurus reduce the damage Rotom-H takes from opponents with dual screens support and Eerie Impulse, and can provide it with speed control in the form of Scary Face and Thunder Wave. Gastrodon can protect Rotom-H from opposing Water-types such as Blastoise and Lapras with Storm Drain and check Landorus-T while Rotom-H checks common Grass-types like Venusaur and Rillaboom for it.

Rotom-H is a good option on Electric teams because of its ability to hit Grass- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Celebi, Vileplume, and Ferrothorn for super effective damage with Overheat. Being able to take down Steel-type Pokemon is especially important, as Overheat in the Steel matchup can be otherwise hard due to its defensive core as well as revenge killers in Excadrill. Nasty Plot and Substitute in conjunction with its good Special Attack and decent Speed allows Rotom-H to serve as a setup sweeper and wallbreaker, being great against Steel teams as well as other types like Grass, Ice, and Psychic. Nasty Plot helps Rotom-H break past bulkier Pokemon such as Mew, Galarian Corsola, and Celebi as well as OHKO offensive Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Hatterene, and Kyurem-B with a boosted Overheat. Substitute allows Rotom-H to set up on more passive defensive Pokemon, mainly Ferrothorn, Celebi and Appletun, or forced switches. Against Steel, Rotom-H should look to set up Substitute against Ferrothorn in order to beat more Pokemon with Overheat. Substitute is also good because it enables Rotom-H to set up in front of Bisharp's Sucker Punch and force Aegislash to change to Blade forme to take it on, allowing Rotom-H to deal with these Pokemon more consistently especially against Steel teams. Thunderbolt hits Pokemon such as Toxapex and Corviknight for super effective damage while OHKOing Pokemon such as Indeedee and Gengar after a Nasty Plot boost without having to rely on Overheat along with its Special Attack drops. Maximum Speed combined with a Timid nature allows Rotom-H to outspeed Pokemon like Indeedee-F, Mamoswine, and Diggersby as well as other Pokemon like Choice Scarf Duraludon if Sticky Web is set. The entirety of Electric teams appreciates Rotom-H's ability to beat Steel teams effectively. Galvantula and Vikavolt set Sticky Web for Rotom-H, allowing it to outspeed Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Duraludon, Choice Scarf Gardevoir, and Salazzle. Alolan Raichu is a good revenge killer under Electric Terrain, being able to take on Pokemon such as Seismitoad, Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Excadrill, which check Rotom-H. The latter is extremely important, as it can beat Rotom-H with Earthquake if it is not behind a Substitute. Pincurchin sets Spikes and Toxic Spikes, wearing down the opposing team for Rotom-H, and can slow down Pokemon like Gengar with Thunder Wave and give Rotom-H setup opportunities with Memento. Zeraora is a great physical wallbreaker, being able to take on special walls like Snorlax and Tyranitar with its high Attack paired with Choice Band as well as Dragon-type Pokemon like Dragapult, Hydreigon, and Dracovish with Play Rough. In return, Rotom-H can break past a lot of the Pokemon Zeraora struggles with such as Galarian Corsola, Torkoal, and Vileplume with Nasty Plot. Toxtricity is another special sweeper with Shift Gear that works together with Rotom-H to take on types like Psychic, Grass, Fairy, Ice, and Poison. Morpeko can break dual screens using Psychic Fangs to help Rotom-H wallbreak and bring Rotom-H in safely using Parting Shot. It can also beat Pokemon like Gastrodon and Seismitoad with Seed Bomb for Rotom-H.

Rotom-H's unique set of resistances and good bulk make it a potent specially defensive pivot, as it can switch into top special attackers like Tapu Koko and Heatran. Rotom-H excels at bringing teammates such as Tapu Lele and Zygarde-10% in safely with Volt Switch, as it threatens common Ground-types such as Landorus-T with Will-O-Wisp. Overheat, in addition to being Rotom-H's strongest attack, provides coverage against the numerous Grass- and Steel-types in the metagame like Tangrowth and Necrozma-DM. Will-O-Wisp also helps check Rayquaza and Rillaboom, which its excellent typing allows it to check without significant Defense investment. Pain Split allows Rotom-H to stay healthy, which is useful in longer games. It can also opt for Defog, since it matches up well into common entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Necrozma-DM. Rotom-H fits best on bulky offense teams that have high HP gods, such as Yveltal, Mewtwo, and Kyurem-W. Yveltal is an especially good partner since it appreciates Rotom-H checking Tapu Koko. Other pivoting teammates like Tapu Koko, Landorus-T, and the aforementioned Yveltal form potent VoltTurn cores with Rotom-H. Strong wallbreakers such as Weavile, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde-10% appreciate Rotom-H bringing them onto the field safely. Grass-types such as Dhelmise and Rillaboom make excellent partners, as they threaten Rotom-H's number one enemy, Gastrodon. Knock Off severely threatens Rotom-H because of its reliance on Heavy-Duty Boots to not get worn down by Stealth Rock, so Knock Off switch-ins such as Buzzwole and Clefable make for great teammates. Finally, other special walls such as Tangrowth and Slowbro help cover special attackers that don't fear Rotom-H, like Kyurem-W and Volcanion.

Rotom-H sports a fantastic defensive typing, and serves as a premier offensive pivot with good defensive upside. Rotom-H often choses Trick and Will-O-Wisp as defensive move options to cripple defensive walls or physical Dynamax sweepers at the expensive of offensive coverage Alternatively, Rotom-H can also opt between Thunderbolt or Dark Pulse as offensive move selections over Will-O-Wisp, which can be somewhat awkward with choice lock. Thunderbolt gives Rotom-H a repeatable Electric-type STAB that doesn't force it to switch, and Dark Pulse helps it get important coverage against various Pokemon that resist both of its STAB types, such as Dragapult. Items Choice Scarf allows Rotom-H to outspeed major threats, such as Dragapult and Choice Scarf Dracovish. It also punishes defensive Pokemon more with Trick. Choice Specs gives Rotom-H much more power. EV spreads 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe Timid: This spread maximizes speed and power for Choice Scarf. 68 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 172 Spe Modest: This spread gives Rotom-H some bulk while maximizing Special Attack and outspeeding Adamant Choice Band Dracovish and slower variants of Zapdos.

Rotom-H without a choice item can seamlessly play both a potent Dynamax role and a useful supporting role in one set. Nasty Plot in combination with Electric STAB options allow it to check all variants of Zapdos, but can be replaced by Volt Switch if equipping an Assault Vest. For the last slot, Rotom-H can use Dark Pulse to hit many targets that resist its dual STAB, and can also gain access to Max Darkness, dropping foes' Special Defense. It can also opt for running Will-O-Wisp to gain the upper hand against physical attackers. Items Sitrus Berry gives Rotom-H a quick burst of recovery that can turn potential 2HKOs into 3HKOs, with th most notable one being turning Zapdos's Life Orb Max Lightning into a 3HKO after Stealth Rock against maximum HP Rotom-H. Assault Vest gives Rotom-H plenty of special bulk to better check special threats, and it works particulary well with Dynamax. EV Spreads 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD Modest: This spread forgoes Speed investment to maximize Rotom-H's HP. 68 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 12 SpD / 172 Spe Modest: This spread gives Rotom-H bulk, maximizes Special Attack, and outspeeds Adamant Choice Band Dracovish and slower variants of Zapdos.

Moves Thunder, when utilized with Electrium Z, becomes a potent attack that allows Rotom-Heat to break past Water-types such as Adamant Mega Gyarados and non-Choice Scarf Volcanion as well as Heatran. It can also be used to break through other Pokemon that are either slower than Rotom-Heat or are unable to OHKO it such as Mega Charizard Y and Togekiss. Overheat is a staple move on any Rotom-Heat set, nailing many prominent Grass- and Steel-types such as Mega Mawile and Ferrothorn. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-Heat to deal with some physical attackers such as Zeraora as well as breaking Sturdy on Pokemon like Magnezone and Choice Band Avalugg. Charge is used in combination with Thunder to boost Gigavolt Havoc's firepower further and to give Rotom-Heat a +1 in its Special Defense boost, notably allowing it to beat one of the best Pokemon in the metagame in Magearna. Electroweb is an alternative to Charge to beat Sawk more reliably and give Rotom-Heat a chance to defeat Choice Scarf Victini. Set Details 100 HP EVs in tandem with 4 Defense EVs allow Rotom-Heat to take Mega Pinsir's Flail and burned Aggron's Head Smash from full HP. 184 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature are needed to guarantee an KO on Head Smash Groundium Z Donphan with Overheat after Head Smash recoil and chip damage from Will-O-Wisp. 220 Speed EVs are used to maximize Rotom-Heat's Speed with the given bulk and offense investments, allowing it to outspeed many bulky Pokemon such as Adamant Mega Gyarados, non-Choice Scarf Volcanion, and Magneton. An alternative EV spread of 32 HP / 220 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Timid nature can also be used if Rotom-Heat carries Electroweb, allowing it to defeat Choice Scarf Sawk and Choice Band Victini reliably, as well as outspeed Jolly Mega Gyarados and Smeargle, and improve its offensive presence. You can also opt to run an EV spread of 160 HP / 128 SpA / 220 Spe to defeat Choice Band Donphan more reliably while retaining the ability to OHKO Mega Gyarados, at the cost of losing some reliability against Groundium Z Donphan. Usage Tips In Magearna's case, Rotom-Heat should use Charge to boost Gigavolt Havoc's firepower and cancel out the effect of Magearna using Calm Mind. Afterward, you should use its Z-Move to weaken Magearna to the point where Overheat can KO it after it uses Pain Split. Other than Magearna, there are still other Pokemon that Charge is useful against, such as Dragon Dance Mega Altaria and Heatran. The Special Defense boost can prove crucial against special attackers, and the power boost can help Rotom-Heat KO them once they've gotten chipped down with the preferred move. When facing Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Sawk and Choice Scarf Victini, Electroweb, if chosen, should be used in conjunction with Gigavolt Havoc to slow them down and KO them after. Team Options A Fire / Water / Grass core team can be utilized, as such a core has excellent type synergy. Water-types such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, and Mega Slowbro help deal with many of the prominent bulky Fire-types like Mega Charizard X, Victini, and Incineroar, as Rotom-Heat has no tools at its disposal capable of defeating them. Water-types also benefit from Rotom-Heat defeating many bulky Water-types such as Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise. Greninja gets a special mention, as it deals with some of the faster Pokemon in the tier such as Z-Conversion Porygon-Z, Garchomp, and Choice Band Durant. Grass-types like Mega Venusaur, Serperior, and Tapu Bulu are necessary for Rotom-Heat, as they can safely deal with many of the fast Water-types within the tier, such as Greninja, Manaphy, and Keldeo. Rotom-Heat, in return, can defeat the myriad of Flying- and Steel-types in the tier such as Mega Charizard Y, Togekiss, Heatran, Celesteela, and Mega Pinsir. Speedy Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Pheromosa, and Naganadel are very helpful for taking on Serperior, which Rotom-Heat cannot defeat one-on-one, as well as many other Pokemon like Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Tapu Lele that all threaten Rotom-Heat; in return, Rotom-Heat can deal with some of the bulkier physical Pokemon in the tier such as Mega Metagross, Donphan, and Mega Aggron. Finally, wallbreakers like Hoopa-U, Kartana, and Garchomp are a must, as they are able to deal with PP stalling Pokemon and special walls such as Clefable, Mega Venusaur, and Blissey while Rotom-Heat can deal with some bulkier foes that they cannot beat such as Flyinium Z Dragonite, Celesteela, and Genesect.

Overheat is an essential STAB move for Rotom-Heat, as it does not have any other Fire-type moves to choose from. Thunderbolt is the most reliable of Rotom-Heat's Electric-type STAB moves, as it has 100% accuracy and a decent Base Power. Hidden Power Ice is necessary to check Landorus-T and Mega Salamence. Will-O-Wisp is great to cripple physical attackers like Mega Kangaskhan. Protect is always useful in VGC, as it allows stalling through Trick Room and weather and making predictions. Wiki Berry provides a one-time 50% boost in health. Alternatively, Electrium Z lets Rotom-Heat OHKO 180 HP / 148+ SpD Celesteela and chunk many Pokemon of a significant portion of their health. With 108 Special Attack EVs, Rotom-Heat OHKOes 252 HP Amoonguss and knocks Azumarill into a health range where it can't use Belly Drum after Sitrus Berry recovery. 12 Speed EVs lets Rotom-Heat outrun uninvested Rotom-Wash, and Landorus-T in Tailwind. The bulk EVs let Rotom-Heat survive +1 Tyranitar's Rock Slide or Tapu Fini’s Muddy Water, along with preventing a 2HKO from Landorus-T's Rock Slide. Rotom-Heat is very flexible in regards to Speed EVs. Modify this spread to suit your team. Rotom-Heat should be used as a "pivot". Switch it in on resisted attacks and force the opponent to switch through Rotom-Heat's excellent typing. Grass-types such as Ferrothorn form a sturdy core with Rotom-Heat, as they deal with Rotom-H's only two weaknesses. In return, Rotom-Heat either walls or destroys many popular Fire-types that threaten Grass-types. Water-types such as Gyarados and Milotic are also great partners for Rotom-Heat, for they remove the two largest users of Rock Slide in the game, Landorus-T and Tyranitar, while Rotom-Heat can nuke Grass-types and remove Mega Charizard Y. If you are running Will-O-Wisp, you should not use Tapu Fini on your team, as it prevents burns. If you need a Tapu to override opposing Terrains, Tapu Lele would be your best choice, as Rotom-Heat can't make use of Tapu Koko's Electric Terrain well due to its low Speed.

Moves Reflect gives setup sweepers such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard X better setup opportunities against Pokemon such as Dragonite and Swampert lacking Roar and allows the team to better check threats such as Belly Drum Azumarill. Light Screen bolsters the team's special bulk, allowing the aforementioned setup sweepers to set up against special attackers such as Latios, Porygon-Z, and Hydreigon. Defog allows Rotom-Heat to clear entry hazards from the field and remove opposing screens, allowing the team to more easily switch around and take advantage of its own screens. Rotom-Heat's slow Volt Switch allows it to pivot into a teammate in order to gain momentum and take advantage of the screens Rotom-Heat is able to set. Set Details 248 HP EVs maximize Rotom-Heat's HP stat while allowing it to switch into Stealth Rock five times. 252 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature allow Rotom-Heat to tank special attacks such as Life Orb Latios's Draco Meteor, Choice Scarf Nihilego's Power Gem after Stealth Rock damage, and Choice Specs Seismitoad's Scald. The rest of the EVs are invested into Defense to help it take physical attacks better. Light Clay allows its screens to stay up for eight turns rather than five. Usage Tips Rotom-Heat should switch in on predicted Ground-type attacks for its teammates, but it should be careful of Pokemon with other powerful STAB attacks that could severely weaken it such as Garchomp's Devastating Drake. It should also watch out for Pokemon whose abilities or moves ignore Levitate such as Mold Breaker Excadrill with Earthquake, Kyurem-B with Earth Power, and Landorus with Gravity. Rotom-Heat should try to switch in when Stealth Rock is being set up to be able to clear away entry hazards without taking the chip damage unless it is up against certain Stealth Rock setters such as Tyranitar that threaten it. As soon as all of the checks to Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Z-Celebrate Victini have been weakened, Rotom-Heat should set up screens and bring them in with Volt Switch so they can easily set up and proceed to clean. Due to Fire-types being weak to Stealth Rock, it is extremely important to keep Rotom-Heat healthy throughout the battle so that it can consistently remove hazards. Do not allow setup sweepers such as Mega Gallade to take advantage of Rotom-Heat's passive nature by pivoting into a check such as Choice Scarf Blacephalon. Instead of switching into a wallbreaker directly, use Rotom-Heat as a slow pivot with Volt Switch once hazards are cleared to keep your wallbreakers, setup sweepers, and cleaners such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard X healthy. Due to Rotom-Heat's only attacking move being Volt Switch, Taunt users such as Gliscor can easily shut it down and prevent it from clearing hazards or setting up screens. Since Rotom-Heat is not intrinsically slow, it should be careful of pivoting out of wallbreakers or slower threats such as Tyranitar, which can OHKO or heavily damage a majority of the team with Stone Edge. Rotom-Heat should hard switch out to another Pokemon rather than Volt Switching when faced with Pokemon that can set up hazards while also threatening it, such as Armaldo. Team Options Wallbreakers such as Infernape and Blacephalon appreciate Rotom-Heat's ability to safely bring them in. Choice Band Infernape can take on Pokemon such as Chansey and can 2HKO Staraptor with Close Combat while also being able to revenge kill key threats with Mach Punch such as Choice Scarf Greninja and Excadrill in sand with minimal prior chip damage. Choice Specs Blacephalon in return can take care of annoying Pokemon for Rotom-Heat such as Mew, which can prevent Rotom-Heat from setting screens with Taunt and clear them away with Defog. Revenge killers such as Choice Scarf Infernape and Blacephalon appreciate Rotom-Heat's ability to clear away hazards from the field, allowing them to take care of Choice Scarf Nihilego and Life Orb Latios, respectively. Setup sweepers such as Mega Charizard X and Volcarona appreciate Rotom-Heat's ability to set screens, clear hazards, and safely pivot them in with Volt Switch, allowing them to set up and sweep with more ease. Rotom-Heat appreciates Mega Charizard X's ability to take care of annoying Pokemon such as Dragonite and sweep through Water-type teams at +2 with Dragon Claw and Earthquake, while Volcarona can take care of Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types such as Seismitoad, which can not only set up Stealth Rock and remove Rotom-Heat's Light Clay with Knock Off but also prevent Rotom-Heat from safely bringing out a teammate with Volt Switch. Heatran is a nice specially defensive tank that is able to take on key threats such as Nihilego and Mega Diancie that do not have Earth Power. Heatran can also set up Stealth Rock to chip opposing Defoggers, limiting their ability to remove screens set by Rotom-Heat. Victini is a fantastic wallbreaker with virtually no switch-ins to sun-boosted V-create bar walls like Hippowdon and Toxapex. Victini also can cripple Pokemon holding Eviolite such as Chansey and Porygon2 with Trick. In return, Victini benefits from Rotom-Heat's ability to pivot it in safely with Volt Switch and its immunity to Ground-type attacks. Victini can also use Z-Celebrate, which allows it to take out some problematic Pokemon such as Heatran on Steel-type teams with +1 Focus Blast. Mega Charizard Y is also a fantastic wallbreaker and appreciates Rotom-Heat's ability to clear Stealth Rock, and in return, it can threaten Rock-, Ground-, and Water-type Pokemon such as Swampert and Keldeo with Solar Beam. Volcanion is immune to Water-type attacks, allowing it to easily come in on threats such as Belly Drum Azumarill and OHKO it with Choice Specs-boosted Sludge Wave or Bloom Doom. Volcanion also appreciates Rotom-Heat's ability to remove hazards from the field, as it can switch into more Water-type attacks with hazards removed. Torkoal can also be used as a secondary hazard remover with Rotom-Heat and is able to set up harsh sunlight, allowing setup sweepers such as Z-Celebrate Victini and Mega Charizard X to even further take advantage of Rotom-Heat's screens.

Volt Switch works well with Choice Scarf, allowing Rotom-Heat to attack and switch before it's usually hit. Overheat is important for taking out Steel-types and dealing a lot of damage to Tapu Koko. Hidden Power Ice is Rotom-Heat's best shot against Garchomp, Mega Salamence, and Hydreigon. Trick allows Rotom-Heat to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Cresselia. Thunderbolt is Rotom-Heat's only way of 2HKOing Tapu Fini, and it also lets Rotom-Heat deal serious damage to Mega Charizard Y without switching out. A Timid nature is usually best for Rotom-Heat, since it ensures that Rotom-Heat outspeeds boosted Mega Gyarados and all Pheromosa. This Rotom-Heat set is much more frail than others, so switching it into attacks such as Life Orb Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt will get it 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage. Rock-type resistances are more important than ever, since this Rotom-Heat does not have the bulk to take them well. Consider Water-type checks as well, since if Rotom-Heat is not locked into an Electric-type attack, it can be set up on by the likes of Suicune, Tapu Fini, and Mega Gyarados. Mega Venusaur is also a big issue, since it can't even be Tricked.

Choice Specs-boosted Overheat deals massive damage, OHKOing Tapu Koko and Aegislash, while 2HKOing offensive Mega Venusaur. Volt Switch is very useful for scouting threats, while still almost always OHKOing Mega Charizard Y. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes Garchomp and Mega Salamence, and 2HKOes Hydreigon and Latios. Trick allows Rotom-Heat to cripple defensive threats such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, while Thunderbolt 2HKOes Heatran and OHKOes Tapu Fini. The given EV spread and nature allow Rotom-Heat to be a decent bulky attacker. However, you can run 132 Speed EVs to outspeed Breloom and many Tapu Fini, and a Timid nature with 220 Speed EVs to outspeed Jolly Mega Gyarados, Dragonite, Mamoswine, and Adamant Excadrill. Rock-type resistances are essential teammates for Rotom-Heat, especially against Tyranitar, which is a serious problem for this Rotom-Heat. Water-type checks are also a good idea, since Tapu Fini, Suicune, and Mega Gyarados can set up on Rotom-Heat that are not locked into an Electric-type attack.

Volt Switch is great for taking advantage of the switches that Rotom-Heat forces when facing foes such as Ferrothorn, Tapu Koko, and Celesteela. Overheat is Rotom-Heat's most powerful STAB attack, which roasts Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical threats such as Garchomp, Tyranitar, and Mega Salamence. Hidden Power Ice deals massive damage to Dragon-types, while Thunderbolt is a reliable Electric-type attack for when Rotom-Heat needs to stay in, making it a better Mega Charizard Y check. Unlike Volt Switch, Thunderbolt can also 2HKO Tapu Fini. A Calm nature with the above EV spread and a Sitrus Berry makes Rotom-Heat a good check against Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Koko. Although riskier, Rotom-Heat can use a Wiki Berry to restore more health when it reaches 25% of its health. Alternatively, a Modest nature with maximum HP and Special Attack allows Rotom-Heat to deal much more damage, especially when using an Expert Belt, which makes Hidden Power Ice almost always OHKO Garchomp and Mega Salamence. Firium Z allows Rotom-Heat to use its Fire STAB once without lowering its Special Attack, and it also OHKOes Tapu Koko with Inferno Overdrive. If you wish, you can invest more Speed to attempt to outspeed Tapu Fini. 12 Speed EVs will outspeed Tapu Fini that are designed to outspeed Alolan Marowak, but 132 Speed EVs will outspeed most Breloom and Tapu Fini. You'll need some Rock-type resists to help Rotom-Heat deal with the many Ground-types that run Rock-type attacks. Despite hitting Water-types hard with Electric-type attacks, having Water resists is a good idea as well. Watch out for Mega Venusaur as well, which is one of the few Grass-types to check Rotom-Heat due to Thick Fat.

Moves Overheat is a great nuke, nailing the Grass- and Steel-types that are weak to it and Ground-types which are immune to Volt Switch. Volt Switch is used as the obligatory momentum move, allowing Rotom-H to not be setup bait, although it doesn't hit as hard as the offensive sets. Will-O-Wisp is a great status move, crippling physical attackers that Rotom-H tends to switch into. Thunder Wave is another option, stopping cold a lot of faster offensive Pokemon that you may struggle with. Pain Split is Rotom-H's only recovery move and while it isn't the best, it allows Rotom-H to outstall the Pokemon that may try to wear it down or spam a neutral STAB move. Set Details This set utilizes Rotom-H's useful resistances, bulk, and ability to check a plethora of Pokemon in the UU metagame. 208 Speed EVs with a Timid nature are important to outspeed Jolly Mamoswine and Feraligatr and burn them before they can attack. 248 HP EVs are used to maximize bulk and allow Rotom-H to switch into Stealth Rock four times. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Defense, allowing Rotom-H to check common physical attackers such as Entei, Darmanitan, and Crobat. Alternatively, an EV spread of 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to outspeed Adamant Honchkrow, while packing more physical bulk in order to more effectively sponge hits from physical attackers. Usage Tips This set is aimed at taking advantage of Rotom-H's great typing and bulk to either burn physical attackers or paralyze faster Pokemon. It also forces out a lot of Pokemon, which pairs up greatly with Rotom-H's access to Volt Switch. If the foe has a lot of HP, Pain Split can wear it down while subsequently healing Rotom-H up to allow it to continue to do its job. This set also checks a lot of physical attackers in UU such as Entei, Darmanitan, Mega Beedrill, and Infernape, thanks to its typing, bulk, and access to great status moves in Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave. Rotom-H can also grab easy momentum off of Fire-types that try to switch in and absorb Will-O-Wisp, thanks to Volt Switch. Team Options This set appreciates special walls to complement Rotom-H's physical EV investment. Blissey and Florges are great partners, as they can provide Wish support for Rotom-H. Defog Empoleon is an exceptionally good special wall to pair with Rotom-H, as Empoleon can take the Rock- and Water-type moves aimed at Rotom-H while Rotom-H can take on the Electric- and Ground-type attacks aimed at Empoleon. Empoleon can also get rid of Stealth Rock, which allows Rotom-H to switch in more often and stay around for the majority of the game. This set can also be a great supporter to a lot of setup sweepers in UU such as Swords Dance Heracross, Swords Dance Haxorus, and Calm Mind Florges, all of which appreciate Rotom-H's ability to cripple faster Pokemon and physical attackers.

Moves Rotom-H's great STAB coverage backed by a decent base 86 Speed stat allows it to be a great contender for a revenge killer. Volt Switch is an amazing STAB move that can grant the team some momentum while wearing down the opponent's team and forcing switches. Overheat is another STAB move, allowing Rotom-H to nuke Ground- and Grass-types that may try to switch into Volt Switch. Unfortunately, it isn't as spammable as Volt Switch due to it lowering Rotom-H's Special Attack by two stages. Hidden Power Ice is used for Dragon-types that resist Rotom-H's STAB moves. Will-O-Wisp can be used if you are worried about physical attackers or are not in need of the coverage Hidden Power Ice provides. Thunderbolt can also be used as it offers a more powerful and reliable STAB attack than Volt Switch or Overheat. Trick is mandatory, allowing Rotom-H to cripple walls that can switch into Rotom-H's moves and proceed to recover or wear it down. Set Details Maximum Speed EVs and a Choice Scarf, thanks to Rotom-H's base 86 Speed, allow Rotom-H to outspeed Choice Scarf Heracross and Choice Scarf Chandelure if running a Timid nature. Alternatively, a Modest nature may be used to increase Rotom-H's output, but it sacrifices Rotom-H's ability to outspeed Jolly Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill. Usage Tips This set functions as a great momentum grabber early-game. With a fast Volt Switch, it can chip at the foe's health and whittle the opponent's team down, allowing your team to clean up later in the game. However, Rotom-H should be wary of being locked into Overheat, as many UU Pokemon, such as Flash Fire Chandelure and Mega Blastoise can take advantage of it and proceed to suck the momentum that Rotom-H may have gathered earlier in the game. Rotom-H should also save Trick until mid- to late-game, as Tricking Choice Scarf early-game severely hinders Rotom-H's ability to revenge kill; furthermore, if the Choice Scarf is Tricked onto the wrong Pokemon, it can be detrimental to Rotom-H and its team. Team Options This set appreciates entry hazard support as well as Rapid Spin or Defog support. Forretress is a great partner, as its only weakness is resisted by Rotom-H and it can provide Stealth Rock and Spikes support while spinning away Stealth Rock, which hinders Rotom-H's existence. This set appreciates wallbreakers, such as Choice Band Goodra, to break the walls it has worn down via Volt Switch and forced switches.

Moves Volt Switch allows Rotom-H to hit hard and grab easy momentum for the team. Overheat is an amazing nuke, allowing Rotom-H to hit Ground-types which are immune to its other STAB move, while roasting Grass- and Steel-types. The next slot is up to preference; Thunderbolt offers a more powerful and reliable STAB attack than Volt Switch or Overheat, while Hidden Power Grass hits Swampert, Quagsire, and Gastrodon, all of which resist Overheat and are immune to Volt Switch. Hidden Power Ice can be used instead to hit Dragon-types that resist Rotom-H's STAB moves, such as Hydreigon. Trick allows Rotom-H to cripple special walls, such as Blissey or Florges, which tend to switch in and tank Rotom-H's attacks. Set Details Choice Specs, along with maximum Special Attack EVs and Speed EVs, allow Rotom-H to hit as hard and as fast as it can. Timid is preferred to outspeed base 85 Speed Pokemon such as Heracross, Toxicroak, and Nidoking. However, Modest can be used for more firepower to nab some OHKOs and 2HKOs more easily. This set acts as a wallbreaker that can gain some easy momentum through Volt Switch or Trick. A bulkier spread of 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe can be used to outpace Honchkrow while also being able to tank weaker hits such as Florges's Moonblast more easily. Usage Tips Rotom-H can break walls a lot easier with this set than its other sets while still gaining momentum via Volt Switch, allowing Rotom-H to hit hard and wear down the opponent's team at the same time. This set partners well with VoltTurn cores, as most of them can bring Rotom-H in safely and allow it to wreak havoc on the opponent's team. This set, however, isn't as fast as the Choice Scarf set, which means it may have to take a hit before attacking or rely on forced switches to stay alive. Avoid bringing Rotom-H in while Stealth Rock is up, as it wears Rotom-H down very quickly and the opponent can proceed to overpower it. Try to use Volt Switch early-game as once the opponent knows your set, they will try to bring a Ground-type into Volt Switch, sucking away all the momentum you may have gained. Team Options This set appreciates setup sweepers that can benefit from walls being crippled or broken down. Pokemon such as Swords Dance Heracross and Bulk Up Conkeldurr appreciate Rotom-H's ease in wearing down their checks and counters while also nuking Steel-types that tend to wall Pokemon like Florges. This set appreciates entry hazard support as well, as Rotom-H can easily force switches thanks to a great STAB type combination. Pokemon such as Nidoqueen and Forretress can easily set up Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, and even Spikes in Forretress's case, allowing Rotom-H to take advantage of the entry hazards.

Moves Blue Flare is Rotom-H's primary Fire-type STAB move that hits hard but has below-average accuracy. Volt Switch allows Rotom-H to hit the foe and then switch out to maintain momentum. Thunderbolt is an option for a secondary STAB move that hits harder than Volt Switch and doesn't force Rotom-H to switch out. Eruption hits incredibly hard because this set normally goes first; however, it doesn't always deal massive damage due to the amount of Fake Out + Extreme Speed users in the metagame. Trick serves as a way to cripple foes on stall teams by locking them into one move for the rest of the match. Searing Shot is an alternative STAB move that has 100% accuracy, has a 30% chance to burn the foe, and hits hard, but it has fewer Base Power than Blue Flare. Hidden Power Ice is a good option to hit Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Garchomp hard when they switch in on a predicted Volt Switch. Set Details Levitate removes the weakness Rotom-H would have to Ground-type moves, allowing it to freely switch into those moves. Choice Scarf allows Rotom-H to outspeed many threats in the metagame. A Timid nature and maximum EVs in Speed and Special Attack serve to make Rotom-H as fast and strong as possible. Usage Tips With Heatran being extremely popular and immune to Fire-type moves, and with Ground-type foes being immune to Electric-type attacks, Rotom-H's STAB combination is a risky one to be Choice-locked into, so prediction is key. This will also give Rotom-H a lot of problems breaking down bulky foes. Many times, when facing a bulky foe such as Chansey, it is better to either Trick Rotom-H's Choice Scarf onto them or pivot out with Volt Switch into a teammate that can handle them better. Don't lock Rotom-H into Trick when your opponent has their Mega Pokemon on the field or you suspect they will switch to it. This gives the foe a free setup opportunity and can also lead to it inflicting a lot of damage on your team. Beware of all the Fake Out + Extreme Speed users and other priority users, as they obviously make Rotom-H's Choice Scarf useless. This set also has the added bonus of surprise factor, which allows it to revenge kill many unsuspecting foes particularly when the opponent leaves their Pokemon in, expecting it to outspeed Rotom-H. Team Options Wallbreakers such as Keldeo, Mega Scizor, Thundurus, and Ursaring are able to take care of bulky foes that give Rotom-H trouble. Counters to priority users, such as Will-O-Wisp Sableye, Tyranitar, and Ferrothorn, can stop them from damaging Rotom-H before it can move. Entry hazard setters such as Garchomp, Heatran, and Ferrothorn are able to damage the foe over the course of the battle, which can help Rotom-H have an easier time KOing them. Entry hazard removers such as Landorus-T, Rapid Spin Porygon2, and Skarmory are also good partners, as they let Rotom-H switch in freely multiple times. VoltTurn staples such as Landorus-T, Parting Shot Sableye, and Thundurus are able to keep up momentum by switching to keep the foe on their toes and maintain offensive pressure.

Moves Volt Switch allows Rotom-H to maintain momentum and switch to a teammate with a better matchup against the foe. Lava Plume has a 30% chance to burn the foe, which can be important to cripple physical attackers. Nuzzle has a 100% chance to paralyze the foe, which is very useful to slow it down and cripple it for the duration of the battle. Pain Split is Rotom-H's only real form of recovery, and because of its low base HP, it can often use the move to regain health while damaging the foe. Searing Shot also has a 30% chance to burn the foe; however, it hits harder than Lava Plume at the cost of having much lower PP. Blue Flare is another option for a Fire-type STAB move that hits harder but has low PP, below-average accuracy, and a lower burn chance. Will-O-Wisp is an option to inflict a guaranteed burn on the foe. Set Details Levitate makes Rotom-H immune to Ground-type moves, turning what would be a 4x weakness into an immunity. Leftovers allows Rotom-H to passively recover HP each turn. Because Nuzzle isn't meant to deal significant damage, a Calm nature is run to make Rotom-H as bulky as possible, and Attack is the only stat it doesn't mind the drop in. Maximum EVs in HP and Special Defense help to make Rotom-H as bulky as possible, especially in conjunction with the Attack drop from a possible burn. Rotom-H can also run maximum Defense EVs and a Bold nature to tank hits better from stronger physically attacking foes. Usage Tips Pick which status move to use on the foe. If Rotom-H is facing a fast foe that gives your team a Speed disadvantage, try Nuzzle. If facing a physical attacker, try Lava Plume for the burn chance. Pain Split works based on Rotom-W's raw HP number, not its percentage, so don't accidentally weaken Rotom-W and heal a foe that may have a higher HP percentage and a lower overall HP stat than it. Use Volt Switch to pivot into something that will force a switch and either let a teammate set up on the foe or simply beat the foe one-on-one. If using Searing Shot or Blue Flare, be careful with PP and try to save them. Because Rotom-H's Speed stat isn't great, don't be afraid to switch out manually if the opponent brings in a Water- or Rock-type that is faster than it. Team Options Water-types such as Mega Blastoise, Azumarill, and Gyarados make for good switch-ins to other Water-types and hit Fire- and Rock-types hard with super effective STAB moves. In return, Rotom-H is able to take the Grass- and Electric-type moves that they don't like. Keldeo resists Water- and Rock-type attacks, and Rotom-H is able to take the Flying-type moves it doesn't like. Grass-types are also able to hit Rock-types as well as Water-types with super effective STAB moves. Other VoltTurn staples such as Landorus-T, Tornadus-T, Scizor, Thundurus, and Parting Shot Sableye work well to keep up momentum and continually switch out of the foe. Entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T, Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Garchomp work well due to their ability to help wear the foe down over the course of the battle along with any possible burns that Rotom-H inflicts. Entry hazard removers such as Landorus-T, Gyarados, Porygon2, and Skarmory are able to keep the field clear of hazards, which Rotom-H appreciates because it switches in and out often.

Moves Overheat is needed to beat the Pokemon that Rotom-H should switch in on such as Venusaur. However, you should be careful when using it because the Special Attack drops usually force Rotom-H to switch out. Thunderbolt should be used most of the time because, unlike Overheat, Rotom-H can use it multiple times without lowering its Special Attack. It allows Rotom-H to check most Flying-types such as Mega Charizard Y and Talonflame and can also be used to hit Water-types that threaten Rotom-H such as Keldeo and Suicune on the predicted switch. Will-O-Wisp lets Rotom-H cripple physical attackers, greatly adding to its utility and durability. However, Thunder Wave is a solid alternative if your team requires speed control and is well prepared for physical attackers. Protect lets Rotom-H scout its foe's moves and can help its partner safely switch or deal with another Pokemon that threatens Rotom-H. Set Details Safety Goggles lets Rotom-H absorb Spore and Sleep Powder, allowing it to safely switch into common sleep inducers such as Amoonguss and Venusaur. If your team can easily deal with them already, Sitrus Berry is an option in order to give Rotom-H more longevity. Levitate removes Rotom-H's weakness to Ground-type moves. Be wary of Kyurem-B though, as it carries Teravolt to negate Levitate's effect, allowing it to easily OHKO Rotom-H with Earth Power. 252 HP EVs give Rotom-H as much bulk as possible both physically and specially. 156 Defense EVs guarantee that Rotom-H will always survive Adamant Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge and Mega Diancie's Diamond Storm. Choice Scarf Landorus-T's Rock Slide will also never 2HKO Rotom-H, so it gets an easy opportunity to burn Landorus-T with Will-O-Wisp. 76 Special Defense EVs guarantee that Rotom-H will not be OHKOed by Rotom-W's Hydro Pump and will not be 2HKOed by Aegislash's Shadow Ball. The remaining 24 EVs are dropped into Special Attack for a bit of power; however, if your team has Tailwind support, it is recommended to put 12 of the 24 EVs into Speed to outspeed Adamant Choice Scarf Landorus-T and burn it with Will-O-Wisp before it gets a chance to use a move. Usage Tips Rotom-H's is best used as a pivot that can switch in on attacks that don't threaten it and scare out the Pokemon it checks or counters. Be careful about switching in, though, as Rotom-H has no reliable recovery, so it can be worn down pretty quickly. Use Overheat very sparingly because once Rotom-H's Special Attack is dropped, it has no offensive presence whatsoever and is forced to switch or spread status ailments. Rotom-H isn't that great of a Pokemon, as its only niche is being able to hard counter sun teams, particularly Mega Charizard Y and Venusaur. Team Options Wide Guard support from Pokemon such as Aegislash is very useful to avoid Rock Slide. Grass-types such as Amoonguss can beat the Rock- and Water-types that threaten Rotom-H and can also help a lot against rain teams, which Rotom-H is dead weight against. Fighting-types such as Keldeo and Terrakion complement Rotom-H very well because they can deal with Kyurem-B, Hydreigon, and various Rock-types while Rotom-H can deal with Talonflame and other Flying-types that check them. Dragon-types such as Latios help a lot against rain teams and appreciate Rotom-H's ability to handle Steel-types. Rotom-H easily fits into a Fire / Water / Grass core with other bulky Pokemon such as Gyarados and Ferrothorn.

Moves Overheat is a nuke that's amazing for KOing bulky Steel-types like Mega Mawile, Mega Metagross, and Aegislash, as well as the less bulky Bisharp. Thunderbolt acts as a consistent and still relatively powerful Electric-type STAB move, and Hidden Power Ice allows Rotom-H to OHKO 4 HP Mega Salamence and the standard Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Protect is a VGC staple, and it can do wonders for Rotom-H's staying power on the field when it's using an Expert Belt. On the other hand, Choice Scarf sets can opt for Volt Switch to gain momentum and escape Shadow Tag teams. Set Details The Speed EVs let Rotom-H outspeed Adamant Bisharp and some Heatran and Arcanine. With Expert Belt, the Special Attack EVs allow Rotom-H to net OHKOs on pretty much everything weak to its STAB moves; however, it can still struggle to deal damage to neutral targets. When using Choice Scarf, you sacrifice a decent chunk of power and thus some OHKOs; save Bisharp, you lose out on the KO against every notable Steel-type with Overheat. Hidden Power Ice still has a chance to OHKO uninvested Landorus-T, but Rotom-H will underspeed it unless running Timid, in which case it has no chance to KO. On the bright side, Rotom-H's Electric typing does prevent it from being paralyzed and losing the Choice Scarf Speed boost. The remaining EVs are dumped into HP to generally maximize bulk. Usage Tips Offensive Rotom-H appreciates speed control so it can move before threats like Landorus-T and OHKO them, assuming it has Hidden Power Ice. Rotom-H also appreciates having good switching partners, as Overheat leaves it spent on the field and, with a fully offensive moveset, leaving it out will result in it being KOed or a severe loss of momentum. Remember, switch-ins will need to be bulky enough to take a hit to be effective. In terms of using Rotom-H itself, it is often a good Pokemon to conserve, as opponents will sometimes try to keep Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Aegislash alive on their side of the field as wincons; when facing either of those Pokemon be sure to keep your Rotom-H alive. Team Options Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Ludicolo make for great partners, as they can beat both Rock- and Water-types, which threaten Rotom-H. Ground-types such as Landorus-T and Garchomp also make for good partners, as they can equally eliminate Rock-types. Furthermore, they are able to use Earthquake freely alongside Rotom-H as a result of its Levitate ability. Gastrodon, as both a Water- and Ground-type, is able to eliminate Rock-types with ease, and its Storm Drain ability can Protect Rotom-H from single-target Water-type moves. Swampert is another Water / Ground type, but has access to Wide Guard, which allows it to shield Rotom-H from Rock Slide. Other Water-types such as Gyarados and Azumarill equally do a great job at eliminating common users of Rock-type attacks such as Landorus-T and Tyranitar. Pokemon with low Defense stats such as Gardevoir and Sylveon enjoy Rotom-H's ability to burn foes and thereby reduce their Attack.

Moves While not as powerful as that of the offensive Rotom-H set, Overheat still deals massive super effective damage to targets even if it misses KOs from full HP. Thunderbolt is a reliable secondary STAB move, and Will-O-Wisp is pretty much mandatory to neuter the physical attackers of the metagame and prolong Rotom-H's lifespan. Protect can increase Rotom's longevity further, while Thunder Wave can allow it to support your team even more with speed control. Set Details This Rotom-H can survive a Double-Edge from Jolly Kangaskhan without a Sitrus Berry and one from Adamant Kangaskhan with Sitrus Berry. It has a 15/16 chance to take a Draco Meteor from Choice Specs Modest Hydreigon running maximum Special Attack, and Rock Slide from 252 Atk Adamant Landorus-T is always a 3HKO, not counting Sitrus Berry recovery. The remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack for slightly more Overheat damage, with the scraps thrown into Speed. Usage Tips Supportive Rotom-H should mainly be used to disrupt the opponent and burn switch-ins. It can chip foes with Thunderbolt, though the only KOs you should really be trying to get from it are on Pokemon weak to its STAB moves. It can make for a good switch-in, especially by making use of Levitate and its several resistances, but it suffers from lack of offensive power after firing off an Overheat. Even at -2 Special Attack, though, it can remain on the field and continue to spread status and support the team. Team Options Both Gastrodon and Swampert make for good partners for Rotom-H, as they provide complementary defensive and offensive synergy. Additionally, they can mitigate Rotom-H's weaknesses to Water-type moves and Rock Slide with Storm Drain and Wide Guard, respectively. Terrakion makes for a good partner for Rotom-H, as it can remove threats like Kangaskhan and opposing Terrakion while receiving support from Rotom-H, which can deal with Pokemon like Amoonguss that would threaten it otherwise. Landorus-T is another good partner, as it can Intimidate threats to Rotom-H and is able to use Earthquake freely next to the floating oven. Together they have good offensive and defensive synergy, aside from bulky Water-types, which destroy both.

Moves Volt Switch is an excellent scouting move on Rotom-H, allowing you to peer into what Pokemon your opponent has chosen and gain an edge with a better matchup. Overheat is Rotom-H's strongest STAB move, letting Rotom-H roast Ferrothorn and Mega Mawile. It even OHKOes Aegislash if Rotom-H is carrying an Expert Belt and is using a Modest nature. Will-O-Wisp is great for crippling Tyranitar, Azumarill, and Garchomp switch-ins and helps against Mega Mawile that might attempt to Sucker Punch Rotom-H. Thunder Wave is a reasonable alternative, punishing Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Blaziken for attempting to use Rotom-H as setup bait and dealing with Hydreigon switch-ins as well. In general, Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave allow Rotom-H to punish Pokemon that attempt to set up on it after Overheat. Thunderbolt is a good, reliable STAB attack to consider, 2HKOing Mega Charizard Y and Azumarill without forcing Rotom-H to switch out. If you prefer a higher paralysis chance, Discharge is also a reasonable option. Finally, Hidden Power Ice 2HKOes Garchomp and Mega Salamence, which is especially important if Rotom-H lacks Will-O-Wisp. If Rotom-H is carrying an Expert Belt and a Modest nature, it can actually OHKO these two, as well as 2HKO Hydreigon switch-ins. Set Details The most difficult choice for Rotom-H is which build to use. With a Calm nature and maximum HP and Special Defense investment, Rotom-H becomes a good Mega Charizard Y check and is able to take on Thundurus more reliably; it also allows Rotom-H to defeat Focus Sash Serperior when at full health and tank Sylveon's Hyper Voice. This also pairs nicely with Rotom-H's ability to burn physical attackers. However, if you'd prefer to take on Mega Mawile more reliably, a Bold nature with maximum HP and Defense investment is still a reasonable option. While Rotom-H won't check Mega Charizard Y as reliably, it will now take on Mega Salamence's Double-Edge better and take less damage from Pokemon with Rock-type attacks such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. When you're using a defensive nature, Sitrus Berry makes the most sense, since it can turn 2HKOs into 3HKOs, but Leftovers is a fine option if Sitrus Berry is already held by another teammate. If you prefer to focus more on offense, consider running a Modest nature with Expert Belt. While Rotom-H isn't able to check Pokemon as reliably, this does allow it to OHKO Aegislash with Overheat. This also means that certain Rotom-H switch-ins are far less safe than usual. For example, Garchomp and Mega Salamence are now usually OHKOed by Hidden Power Ice, and Hydreigon is 2HKOed. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt now 2HKOes Assault Vest Azumarill. With a Modest nature, it's best to put the remaining 4 EVs in Special Defense to prevent Porygon2 from getting a Special Attack boost from Download. Usage Tips Usually, its best to switch Rotom-H into Pokemon it checks, such as Talonflame, Ferrothorn, Serperior (when using a Calm nature), and Thundurus. While Overheat fries Mega Mawile, note that Mega Mawile's Knock Off deals a huge amount of damage to Rotom-H that are Calm or Modest, so be careful about making Rotom-H your primary check to that Pokemon. Additionally, while Rotom-H checks Mega Charizard Y well, Mega Charizard X can set up on it, so switching into Charizard before it has Mega Evolved is extremely risky. While Rotom-H's Will-O-Wisp cripples Mega Kangaskhan, you should only force Rotom-H to handle that in emergencies, as Mega Kangaskhan is so strong that it'll 2HKO Rotom-H regardless of whether Will-O-Wisp connects or not. Finally, Modest Rotom-H is best sent in after a KO, as it is a bit frail compared to the defensive ones. Using Volt Switch as much as possible is great for scouting your opponent's Pokemon choices, especially if Stealth Rock hasn't been set up on your side of the field. It's usually a good idea to use Volt Switch on non-threatening Pokemon that rarely stay in on Rotom-H, such as Talonflame, Ferrothorn, and Scizor. If you see physical Pokemon that use Rock-type moves such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Tyranitar in Team Preview, using Will-O-Wisp on Pokemon Rotom-H often forces out isn't a bad idea to nail these Pokemon on the switch. Note that while Overheat is Rotom-H's most powerful attack, it also makes Rotom-H very easy to set up on, so make sure that any setup sweeper that can take advantage of Overheat's Special Attack drop is manageable with the Pokemon you have chosen before using it. Team Options Pokemon with a Rock-type resistance are fairly important for Rotom-H, as such moves are a common way for physical attackers such as Tyranitar, Garchomp, and Landorus-T to hit Rotom-H hard. Water-type switch-ins are also important, because while Rotom-H hits most of them hard with Thunderbolt, special attacking Swampert, faster Water-types such as Greninja and Mega Gyarados, and Azumarill's Aqua Jet severely damage Rotom-H. Finally, watch out for special attacking Dragon-types such as Hydreigon or Latios, as they only fear Thunder Wave and Expert Belt-boosted Hidden Power Ice. Because of these threats, Ferrothorn makes an excellent teammate for Rotom-H. Ferrothorn resists Rock-type attacks, is able to handle Choice-locked Dragon-type attacks, and handles most Water-type Pokemon fairly well. In return, Rotom-H can defeat Mega Charizard Y and Talonflame. Mega Venusaur makes a good teammate as well for similar reasons, and as a bonus, it is a more reliable check to Azumarill because of the Superpower resistance. Mega Mawile stands out as a Pokemon that greatly appreciates Rotom-H's support moves, with Thunder Wave allowing it to OHKO faster threats and Will-O-Wisp saving it from KOs from most offensive Ground-types. In return, Mega Mawile defeats most Tyranitar variants and takes on Dragon- and Rock-type attacks. Azumarill also works well, hitting Tyranitar hard (though it takes heavy damage from Stone Edge), being immune to Dragon-type attacks, defeating Mega Gyarados, and being able to set up on burned threats with Belly Drum. Rotom-H's Volt Switch is also great for switching Azumarill in to get a free Belly Drum. Conkeldurr tanks Rock-type moves and smashes Tyranitar fairly well, while Breloom works as a Focus Sash fighter that crushes Tyranitar and Azumarill. As a bonus, both of these Fighting-types appreciate Rotom-H zapping Talonflame. Mega Kangaskhan greatly benefits from Rotom-H's ability to deal with Ferrothorn and Talonflame and can set up on Pokemon Rotom-H has burned. Finally, Mega Salamence provides a Water-type resistance, checks Mega Venusaur, revenge kills slower Dragon Pokemon, and easily sets up on burned Pokemon thanks to its great physical bulk, while Rotom-H helps deal with Thundurus.

Moves Substitute is great for allowing Rotom-H to avoid Toxic and Breloom's deadly Spores. It also scouts your opponent's Pokemon if Rotom-H can force them out and saves Rotom-H from getting revenge killed by Mega Mawile's Sucker Punch without relying on Will-O-Wisp. Overheat might have poor synergy with Substitute, but being able to smash Mega Mawile, Ferrothorn, and Scizor is far too valuable to give up. Will-O-Wisp lets Rotom-H burn physical Pokemon, which is especially valuable after a use of Overheat. If you're more interested in dealing with walls, Toxic does a good job of wearing them down and ironically makes Rotom-H a great check to most opposing Rotom-H. Discharge works great as Rotom-H's Electric-type attack, as the 30% paralysis rate gives Rotom-H more chances to use Substitute. Thunderbolt does have more power, however, giving Rotom-H a reasonable chance of OHKOing Greninja while it's a Water-type and a reasonable chance to 2HKO Blaziken, stunts that are much safer to attempt when behind a Substitute. Set Details Leftovers should always be run, as it will usually increase the number of Substitutes Rotom-H can make. The HP EVs allow Rotom-H to restore the most health possible from Leftovers while avoiding a 2HKO from Focus Sash Garchomp's Rock Tomb 98% of the time. The Speed EVs let Rotom-H outspeed Adamant Breloom, and the Calm nature and Special Defense EVs allow Rotom-H to take on Mega Charizard Y and take as little damage from the sound attacks that Rotom-H resists as possible. A Timid nature is also viable with an EV spread of 156 HP / 132 SpD / 220 Spe, which is designed to outspeed Jolly Gyarados, Dragonite, and Mamoswine and lets Rotom-W survive two Sludge Bombs from offensive Mega Gengar most of the time. Usage Tips Be careful about switching Rotom-H in, because while this set focus on bulk, any heavy damage Rotom-H takes is going to reduce the number of Substitutes it can make. Try to switch Rotom-H on Pokemon it safely checks such as Ferrothorn and Scizor or after one of your Pokemon gets KOed against a foe that will likely switch out, such as Mega Mawile or Talonflame. You don't have to constantly use Substitute if it doesn't fit the flow of the match, either; sometimes it's best to just burn switch-ins with Will-O-Wisp and keep Rotom-H's health up. Team Options Make sure to pack Pokemon with a Rock-type resistance, as most users of such moves tend to be faster than Rotom-H. Mega Heracross in particular can smash through Rotom-H's Substitutes with Rock Blast. Specially attacking Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Latios can take anything that isn't Toxic and threaten to deal some serious damage, while Mega Charizard X sets up on Rotom-H. While Water-types are an extremely risky switch-in due to Substitute and Electric STAB type, they can switch in on Overheat and wreak havoc. Calm Mind Suicune and Raikou are especially problematic in this case, as this Rotom-H is too weak to defeat them once they start setting up. These problems make Ferrothorn an incredible partner. Ferrothorn resists Rock- and Water-type attacks, can take on Choice-locked Dragon-types, and, most of all, can use Leech Seed to restore some of Rotom-H's health. Mega Venusaur also works, being one of the best counters to Azumarill in the game. Serperior outpaces Calm Mind Suicune and can use a Focus Sash set to hit Dragon-types hard with a boosted Dragon Pulse. Breloom smashes through Azumarill and Tyranitar and can snipe weakened Hydreigon and hit Mega Charizard X hard with Rock Tomb if it has its Focus Sash intact. In return, Rotom-H helps these four Grass-types deal with Talonflame and Mega Salamence. A Calm Mind Raikou of your own is also helpful against Calm Mind Suicune and is hard for the special attacking Dragon-types to stop. Choice Scarf Garchomp does a great job against Mega Charizard X, Raikou, Dragonite, and Tyranitar in particular. Consider using some setup sweepers to take advantage of Rotom-H's burning capabilities. Belly Drum Azumarill is an excellent choice, since it's so hard to stop its setup once physical attackers are burned. Mega Salamence and Mega Gyarados also synergize well with Rotom-H. Toxic support Pokemon allow Rotom-H to effectively outstall most walls. Porygon2 and Cresselia are reliable users of Toxic, but Aegislash and Mega Salamence are also great choices, since they lure in defensive Pokemon to handle them. You can even use Toxic Spikes Greninja to threaten Toxic damage for entire teams.

Moves Volt Switch is an excellent move on Choice Scarf Rotom-H, allowing it to escape before it's hit by an attack and scout what Pokemon your opponent has chosen to switch to. Overheat is Rotom-H's most powerful attack, destroying Ferrothorn, Mega Mawile, and Scizor and OHKOing Greninja that have turned into an Ice-type. Hidden Power Ice is rather weak, but it does 2HKO Garchomp and Mega Salamence while also 3HKOing Hydreigon. Trick is great for crippling walls such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, while Thunderbolt is a reliable Electric-type attack that doesn't force Rotom-H to switch out. Set Details The listed EV spread and Timid nature allow Rotom-H to outspeed Gyarados and Dragonite after they have used Dragon Dance, while surviving two hits of Choice Band Talonflame's Brave Bird as long as Stealth Rock isn't set up. You can use a Modest nature with the same spread to have more power and still outspeed Mega Gengar, but this removes Rotom-H's ability to pick off weakened Mega Gyarados. Usage Tips Near the early parts of the game, Rotom-H will like to use Volt Switch as much as possible to scout the opponent's Pokemon and soften them up for its teammates. However, this can be punished harshly by Ground-type Pokemon, so using Hidden Power Ice on predicted Garchomp switch-ins and using Overheat on Ground-type switch-ins can work in your favor. Just note that Overheat and Hidden Power Ice make Rotom-H extremely vulnerable against setup sweepers. If you're team can't handle a large number of Volt Switch-immune foes or Rotom-H getting set up on by a certain threat in your opponent's team, it might be best to bench Rotom-H. Try to be sly about Choice Scarf Rotom-H's true nature, as Choice Scarf can be a nasty surprise to many Pokemon. Try to avoid obvious plays such as switching Rotom-H into Garchomp to use Hidden Power Ice, and instead switch Rotom-H into Pokemon it usually checks such as Ferrothorn. This lets Rotom-H get surprise revenge kills on threats it normally can't deal with well, such as Greninja and Mega Lucario. This also makes walls more comfortable with switching into Rotom-H, allowing you to cripple them with Trick. Team Options It's best to prepare for the large number of sweepers that can set up once Rotom-H has used Overheat. Major examples include Azumarill, Volcarona, Dragonite, Garchomp, Mega Charizard X, and Mega Salamence. Tyranitar is also a massive problem for Rotom-H, as it completely walls Rotom-H. Specially attacking Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Latios also tend to wall Rotom-H. Azumarill is great teammate here, taking on Dragon Dance Mega Charizard X and Tyranitar and revenge killing weakened Volcarona with Aqua Jet. Mega Altaria helps against Mega Charizard X, Tyranitar, Volcarona, and Hydreigon. Zapdos does a good job dealing with Azumarill and can use Thunder Wave to surprise Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Hydreigon switch-ins. While it has poor typing synergy with Rotom-H, Choice Band Talonflame smashes Volcarona and KOes Azumarill after it has used Belly Drum. Conkeldurr hits Tyranitar with Drain Punch and can revenge kill weakened Hydreigon with Mach Punch, while Breloom trades bulk for being an excellent Focus Sash user that defeats Tyranitar and Azumarill and can even badly hurt Mega Charizard X with Rock Tomb + Mach Punch if it has a Focus Sash intact. Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Mamoswine check Tyranitar, and all 3 can run Focus Sashes to solve Rotom-H's setup bait woes. Finally, Mega Venusaur does a great job against Water-types and is one of the best Azumarill counters in the game. Since Choice Scarf Rotom-H has a habit of crippling walls with Trick, consider Pokemon that benefit from Cresselia, Porygon2, Suicune, and other bulky Pokemon being far less effective at checking threats. Great offensive Pokemon to consider here include Garchomp, Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, Dragonite, and Mega Gyarados.

Moves Overheat's power is mouth watering when boosted by Choice Specs, being able to deep fry Aegislash in its Shield forme and deal massive damage to threats Rotom-H usually fails to, such as 2HKOing Mega Venusaur, and having a reasonable shot at OHKOing Hippowdon and Raikou with a Modest nature. It even deals over 50% to many Pokemon that resist it, such as Rotom-W, Hydreigon, and Garchomp. Volt Switch is a great and powerful scouting move with Choice Specs, having a great chance to OHKO Azumarill, almost always OHKOing Mega Charizard Y, and 2HKOing Rotom-W. Hidden Power Ice is Rotom-H's weapon against Dragon-types, OHKOing Garchomp and Mega Salamence and 2HKOing Hydreigon and Latios switch-ins. Trick is a great way to cripple defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, while Thunderbolt doesn't force Rotom-H to switch out, 2HKOes Heatran, and has a decent chance of OHKOing Suicune. Set Details All Choice Specs Rotom-H should run as many Special Attack EVs as possible, as getting OHKOs on Pokemon such as Aegislash is extremely important. The nature and the HP and Speed EVs are far more malleable. Maximum HP and 4 SpD EVs give Rotom-H good bulk while avoiding a Special Attack boost from Porygon2's Download. If you want more Speed, a Modest spread of 76 HP / 24 Def / 252 SpA / 24 SpD / 132 Spe allows Rotom-H to outspeed Adamant Breloom. For outspeeding Jolly Breloom, run an EV spread of 76 HP / 24 Def / 180 SpA / 228 Spe. Finally, if you want to outspeed Jolly Gyarados, Mamoswine, and Dragonite, use a Timid nature and 76 HP / 24 Def / 188 SpA / 220 Spe. Note that all of these faster spreads are designed to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Talonflame while Stealth Rock is off the field, but these Rotom-H in general are more frail than usual. Usage Tips Using Volt Switch as much as possible is usually a great way to soften up Pokemon and scout your opponent's Pokemon choices, but if you see Ground-types in Team Preview, consider throwing out Hidden Power Ice to OHKO Garchomp and Landorus-T switch-ins and Overheat to smash Mamoswine, Landorus-T, and Excadrill switch-ins. Note that while Overheat deals tremendous damage, it also makes Rotom-H fairly easy to set up on after a KO. Similarly, Hidden Power Ice is extremely easy to set up on by Pokemon that aren't weak to it. Rotom-H is somewhat frail even with maximum HP investment, so its usually best to switch it into defensive Pokemon such as Ferrothorn or after one of your Pokemon has been KOed. Rotom-H also makes a good lead because of this, being able to scout the opponent's choices early in the game. Double switching can also surprise Ground-types that were expecting a Volt Switch, putting momentum in your favor. If you see a team full of defensive Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, Tricking them is a great way to pave the way for your more offensive Pokemon as long as you take into account the boost in power Choice Specs provides them (especially against offensive Porygon2). Team Options If possible, consider paralysis support to patch up Rotom-H's mediocre Speed, as this makes Rotom-H much more difficult to check. Porygon2 and Cresselia are among the most reliable users of Thunder Wave and can help check Ground-types. Serperior is a more offensive option that can paralyze Ground-types with Glare deal with Water-types with Leaf Storm. Conkeldurr is a huge help against the dreaded Tyranitar, and it appreciates Rotom-H's ability to OHKO Aegislash and Talonflame. Meanwhile, Azumarill can defeat Tyranitar and switch freely into Dragon-type attacks. Aegislash also has good synergy with Rotom-H, luring in Ground- and Fire-type moves to switch Rotom-H into, while Rotom-H severely hurts Gengar leads and OHKOes opposing Aegislash. Mega Mawile provides similar luring powers and benefits greatly from Rotom-H's immunity to Will-O-Wisp. Ground-types such as Garchomp, Mamoswine, and Excadrill can maim Tyranitar switch-ins and generally handle its Rock-type attacks. Consider Pokemon that can take advantage of the free switches Volt Switch offers. Greninja is a fantastic example, often being able to KO Pokemon Rotom-H has softened up. Landorus-T and Scizor are notable for being able to use U-turn to further the switching antics. Focus Sash Pokemon such as Breloom and Garchomp become far more deadly when they get a free switch, while Dragonite can retain its Multiscale if Stealth Rock isn't up.

With Rotom-H's great offensive typing, it is a wonderful Choice item user. With a Choice Scarf, Rotom-H hits 227 Speed, and 258 Special Attack with Choice Specs, meaning that Rotom-H can either outspeed or overpower its usual checks. Overheat wrecks Steel- and Grass-type Pokemon, such as Metagross, Abomasnow, and Chlorophyll users such as Jumpluff and Venusaur. With Choice Specs, Thunderbolt wrecks 252 HP Jellicent, 252 / 252 Togekiss, 4 HP Kingdra, and Politoed sans Wacan Berry. Hidden Power Ice nails Dragon-type Pokemon that would be safe from Rotom-H's STAB moves, such as Latios and Haxorus. On the other hand, Hidden Power Grass nails Gastrodon and Rhyperior, who can cause problems for Rotom-H. Finally, every Choice item user that has access to Trick should use it, as Trick deters defensive Pokemon, such as Cresselia and Musharna. The EVs are again straightforward: maximum Special Attack and Speed are used so Rotom-H can make the most of its Choice item. While Rotom-H is a great Choice item user, one must keep in mind that Rotom-H cannot use Protect, and therefore major support is needed. Follow Me and Rage Powder users such as Amoonguss and Lucario work great, as Amoonguss beats Rock- and Water-type Pokemon, while Lucario beats Tyranitar. Toxicroak also helps, as it beats Rock-type Pokemon as well as gaining health back when hit by a Water-type attack, and can use Fake Out to buy Rotom-H time to attack. Ninetales works as well, as a sun-boosted Overheat is very powerful; few Pokemon can take it. Gastrodon is another great partner, since it can beat Rock-type Pokemon thanks to its dual Water / Ground typing, and has Storm Drain to keep Rotom-H safe from Water-type attacks. Torterra makes a great partner as it can use its powerful Grass-type moves to deal with Water-types, and decimate Rock-types with Earthquake, while Rotom-H deals with Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon. Rotom-H appreciates teammates that can handle Dragon-type Pokemon, so Mamoswine is a solid partner.

This is Rotom-H's bread and butter set, as it provides both bulk and power. Overheat is the main move on any Rotom-H set, as it is the reason to be using it over other Rotom formes. Thunderbolt is STAB, and it also hits very hard. However, Discharge can be used for a great STAB spread move, and works great with a Ground-type partner to form "DisQuake". The choice for the third moveslot depends on what Rotom-H needs to accomplish. Hidden Power Ice nails Dragon-type foes that are resistant to Rotom-H's STAB moves, such as Latios, Garchomp, and Haxorus. Hidden Power Grass hits Ground-type Pokemon that are again resistant to Rotom-H's STAB moves, such as Gastrodon and Rhyperior. Finally, Thunder Wave can be used to slow down faster Pokemon such as Infernape and Weavile. Protect is used to keep Rotom-H from taking unnecessary damage from moves such as Fake Out. The EVs for this set are very straightforward: maximum Special Attack provides the power for this set, while maximum HP provides bulk and survivability. However, an EV spread of 124 HP / 252 SpA / 132 Spe can be used to outspeed 252 Speed Politoed, Metagross, and Cloyster, which is crucial as Cloyster and Politoed have STAB Water-type attacks that can KO Rotom-H, and KOing Metagross before it can attack is nice as well. A Sitrus Berry gives Rotom-H more survivability, which is useful considering that it has two common weaknesses. Alternatively, an Electric Gem gives Rotom-H a single-use powerful Electric-type attack, which is very useful in getting the extra power to grab a KO. Rotom-H partners should be able to rid the field of Rock- and Water-type Pokemon. As such, Ground-type Pokemon work well, as their STAB attacks can get rid of Pokemon such as Tyranitar and Terrakion. Gastrodon is a perfect partner, since it can beat Rock-type Pokemon thanks to its Water / Ground typing, while drawing Water-type attacks away from Rotom-H thanks to Storm Drain. Meanwhile, Rotom-H helps out by KOing Grass-types. Torterra is another decent partner, as it can use its Grass-type STAB moves to clear Water-types and Ground-type STAB moves to clear Rock-types, while Rotom-H deals with Ice- and Flying-type Pokemon. Other great partners include Mamoswine and Garchomp; the former can put pressure on opposing Latios and Garchomp with its priority Ice Shard, while Rotom-H KOes Scizor and Metagross; the latter can get rid of Rock-type Pokemon, especially Tyranitar.

Choice Scarf Rotom-A is a powerful revenge killer that outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame. Rotom-Cut's Leaf Storm matches up better against Swampert and Tyranitar, but one can change formes and use different coverage options for better matchups against different threats, such as Metagross or Bronzong. Alternatively, Choice Scarf Rotom-A can drop a coverage move for a support move such as Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp and play more of a supportive role, especially after it drops its Choice Scarf with Trick. Choice Scarf Rotom-A is less focused on wallbreaking compared to Choice Specs sets, mostly a more support-oriented Pokemon early- and mid-game or a late-game cleaner. As a cleaner, Rotom-A prefers to lock into either of its STAB moves if possible, as its coverage options are less reliable and harder to spam. Overheat's and Leaf Storm's Special Attack drops greatly reduce Rotom-A's offensive pressure, while Hydro Pump's lower accuracy makes it risky to rely on for consistent damage. If Rotom-A uses a status move instead of a coverage move, then its priority is to lose its Choice Scarf with Trick and follow up with status moves to disrupt the opponent's game plan. As a lead, Choice Scarf Rotom-A can leverage its great Speed tier to get the jump on Pokemon that would normally be faster, such as Latias or Mew. In general, Rotom-A matches up well against common leads such as Metagross and Mew, threatening them with super effective damage. Additionally, more passive lead options such as Bronzong or Hitmontop hate getting a Choice Scarf from Trick. Choice Scarf Rotom-A appreciates partners that threaten Tyranitar such as Gyarados, Metagross, and Heracross, but it is less reliant on them than other Rotom-A sets to create value, as the Choice Scarf set doesn't need to spread consistent damage. Hitmontop's Fake Out gives Rotom-A free turns to use Trick or hit foes with its status moves, if it runs them.

With Choice Specs, Rotom-A becomes one of the tier's most threatening special attackers. With its nigh-unwallable coverage and solid Speed tier, Rotom-A can pressure nearly the entire tier and force opponents into unfavorable damage trades. Thunderbolt and Shadow Ball are powerful STAB attacks that combine to hit the entire tier for at least neutral damage, while a coverage move of choice can better threaten specific foes. Leaf Storm OHKOes Swampert, Overheat OHKOes Steel-types such as Metagross and Bronzong, and Hydro Pump 2HKOes Heatran andall but the bulkiest Tyranitar. Trick can be used to cripple support Pokemon such as Togekiss or Bronzong, which frees up Rotom-A to make use of its coverage options. Rotom-A's unique set of immunities and resistances allow for solid longevity even on this very offensive set, allowing it to use its powerful attacks without worrying about Fake Out or strong Fighting- and Ground-type moves, such as Heracross's Close Combat or Metagross's Earthquake. Choice Specs Rotom-A acts mostly as a wallbreaker, and it is particularly effective as a lead. Lead Rotom-A leverages its good defensive typing and ability to immediately pressure either of the opposing Pokemon, with Trick giving the additional option to cripple support Pokemon. As a lead, its Ghost typing gives Rotom-A a crucial immunity to Fake Out from Hitmontop and Mew, allowing Rotom-A to throw out strong attacks without the threat of being flinched. Mew in particular doesn't want to stay in on a Shadow Ball. Rotom-A appreciates teammates that can deal with Tyranitar, as it can take most of Rotom-A's attacks well while threatening super effective damage or setting up a Dragon Dance. Metagross and Heracross are good partners that threaten Tyranitar, while Rotom-A checks their counters, such as Gyarados, in return. Rotom-A doesn't appreciate trading with Sucker Punch Hitmontop or Mew, so Intimidate users such as Gyarados and your own Hitmontop make for good teammates.

Rotom-A can opt for a full-on defensive set to focus on sponging hits and providing speed control or damage reduction with status. Bulky Rotom-A can drop a status move for Protect to allow for better longevity and easier positioning. Thunder Wave is often more valuable than Will-O-Wisp, as it can take fast threats such as Latias out of the game almost entirely, while the damage reduction and chip damage from Will-O-Wisp may not provide enough value in fast-paced games. Special Defense investment is required to be able to take on Latias's Draco Meteor and opposing Rotom-A's Shadow Ball, letting Rotom-A threaten super effective damage with its own Shadow Ball—physical damage reduction is more readily available through Intimidate and your own Will-O-Wisp. Sitrus Berry is standard, as the burst healing allows Rotom-A to match up better against the tier's strong attackers, although Leftovers can be used to offset sand chip damage and synergize better with Protect. While Rotom-A is able to withstand the strongest attacks in the tier, it doesn't like to take unnecessary damage because it is often a team's defensive glue, so safely bringing Rotom-A onto the field is important. Bulky Rotom-A can be used as a lead, but once the opponent realizes it is a less aggressive set, they can take advantage of Rotom-A's low unboosted damage output. Bulky Rotom-A often trades health for the chance to status a major threat, such as Choice Specs Latias, Choice Scarf Heracross, or Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Rotom-A's low base HP makes it a great user of Pain Split, allowing for another avenue to whittle down foes while increasing longevity. Both mid-tier Speed and fast offensive Pokemon appreciate the speed control Rotom-A can provide. Pokemon such as Gyarados, Heatran, and Metagross love outspeeding threats such as Latias or opposing Rotom-A, which would otherwise apply a lot of offensive pressure. Similarly, as teammates, these same fast threats appreciate Thunder Wave slowing down common Choice Scarf users such as Heracross, as well as allowing them to win potential mirror matches.