QC Checks: Eyan / BOUFF / Hilomilo
GP Checks: DeathByWobbuffet / Eyan
[OVERVIEW]
Rotom-W is one of the tier's best pivots and one of the primary staples of VoltTurn offense. Its Speed tier gives it good flexibility for investment to outspeed various slow offensive Pokemon such as Primarina and Scizor while also allowing it to outspeed Pokemon such as Nidoking and Timid Suicune when Rotom-W's Speed is maximized. The set of resistances its typing gives, along with its ability Levitate, allows Rotom-W to check several prevalent threats in the UU metagame such as Scizor, Mega Pidgeot, Gliscor, and Mega Aerodactyl. Its Electric / Water typing is also good offensively, allowing Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mega Steelix, and Gliscor, which block its Volt Switch, with fear of a super effective Hydro Pump. Rotom-W's access to Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Toxic gives it a wide array of options to hinder foes by crippling their Attack stat, undermining their Speed, or harming their longevity. Unfortunately, its typing leaves it mostly useless versus Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latias, Mega Altaria, Celebi, and Amoonguss. Rotom-W has good defenses, but they are somewhat undermined by its poor HP stat, and its lack of reliable recovery also makes keeping Rotom-W healthy throughout a match somewhat difficult.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to generate momentum for its team while doing moderate damage to foes and pressure Water-types like Mantine and Starmie. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's Water-type STAB attack, and it allows Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Gliscor, which would otherwise prevent it from using Volt Switch. Toxic lets Rotom-W hinder switch-ins like Latias, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon with chip damage. Alternatively, Rotom-W can use Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers like Scizor, Cobalion, and Alolan Muk and also get minor chip damage off on other switch-ins to Rotom-W like Mega Sceptile. Pain Split gives Rotom-W a form of recovery, but because it is based on the foe's HP stat, it is not very reliable and is easily exploitable. Thunder Wave is another option for Rotom-W that lets it cripple faster attackers like Hydreigon and Mega Beedrill.
Set Details
========
132 Speed EVs allow Rotom-W to outspeed all Pokemon up to and including Timid Primarina, while 252 HP EVs and 124 Defense EVs with a Bold nature give Rotom-W an impressive amount of physical bulk. An alternative spread of 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 Spe with a Bold nature can be used in order to give Rotom-W some extra bulk while still outspeeding maximum Speed Adamant Scizor and Jolly Crawdaunt. Leftovers gives Rotom-W a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
The combination of Hydro Pump to threaten Ground-types and Volt Switch makes Rotom-W great when used to generate momentum for your team. Bring Rotom-W in on predicted resisted moves such as Scizor's Bullet Punch and Mega Pidgeot's attacks or on free switches from other team members' U-turn or Volt Switch. However, Rotom-W is not as bulky as it seems at first glance, and its unreliable recovery leaves it prone to being worn down very quickly by unresisted attacks like Choice Band Scizor's U-turn and Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge, so think carefully when switching Rotom-W directly into attacks. Use your status move of choice as a generally safe middle-ground play for when you are unsure whether your opponent will stay in or switch to a Ground-type.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W is one of the primary components of the VoltTurn playstyle, and it also functions on bulky offense teams in general. As a byproduct of this, other users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, Hydreigon, and Infernape make excellent partners for Rotom-W, as they can maintain the momentum that Rotom-W provides and provide more opportunities for Rotom-W to switch in. Rotom-W pairs well with Pursuit trappers such as Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Alolan Muk, as Rotom-W can bait in Pokemon like Latias and Celebi then switch out with Volt Switch into the Pursuit user to trap them. Wallbreakers like Nidoking and Mamoswine enjoy the free switches provided by Rotom-W's slow Volt Switch. Strong physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl and Terrakion can break through the special walls that Rotom-W struggles with like Blissey and Alolan Muk. Setup sweepers like Scizor, Cobalion, Gliscor, and Mega Altaria enjoy the overall residual damage that Rotom-W inflicts on the opposing team with its status options and Volt Switch, as it gives them an easier time attempting to sweep. Hazard removal from Pokemon like Latias, Scizor, Starmie, and Tentacruel is appreciated by Rotom-W because the chip damage Stealth Rock provides can easily wear it down with repeated switching. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Klefki, Tentacruel, and Nidoking makes it easier for Rotom-W to wear down the opposing team. Klefki also has good overall synergy with Rotom-W due to its ability to check opposing Grass- and Dragon-types for Rotom-W, and Rotom-W checks Fire- and Ground-types for Klefki.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Fire
item: Waterium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to generate momentum for the team while dealing good damage to foes. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's Water-type STAB move and strongest regular attack, and it allows Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Gliscor, which would otherwise prevent it from using Volt Switch. The 185-Base Power Hydro Vortex that Waterium Z provides lets Rotom-W OHKO Pokemon that it normally could not like Scizor and Cobalion, and it can 2HKO Pokemon like Swampert. It also allows Rotom-W to have a one-time perfectly accurate Water-type STAB attack. Thunderbolt is Rotom-W's stronger Electric-type STAB move, and it allows Rotom-W to 2HKO Empoleon and other threats that resist Water-type attacks without causing it to switch out in the process. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-W's most reliable STAB move, as it doesn't have the chance to miss that Hydro Pump does. Thunder Wave allows Rotom-W to paralyze faster threats such as Latias, Hydreigon, and Haxorus. Hidden Power Fire is an option to give Rotom-W a secure way to 2HKO bulky Scizor, OHKO offensive Scizor, and deal super effective damage to Grass-types.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature let Rotom-W outspeed Nidoking, Suicune, and base 80s like Mamoswine and Chandelure, and 252 EVs in Special Attack give it as much offensive presence as possible. This is supplemented by Waterium Z, which allows Rotom-W to use Hydro Vortex. It also reduces the damage Rotom-W takes from Knock Off, which assists in its matchup against Dark-types such as Krookodile. If another member of the team is already using a Z-Move, Rotom-W can opt to use Leftovers in order to give it a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
If not actively attempting to KO Pokemon, Rotom-W should be using Volt Switch to gain momentum for your team, as this is its primary job. Bring Rotom-W in primarily on free switches from other U-turn or Volt Switch users to prevent it from taking chip damage, but it can also be brought in on Pokemon that cannot damage it much, such as Choice Scarf Krookodile and non-Facade Gliscor. Rotom-W should use Thunderbolt and Hydro Pump to KO or heavily damage weakened Pokemon or Pokemon weak to Electric- and Water-type attacks without switching out. If it has it, Rotom-W should save its Z-Move for when it would be most opportune for breaking an opposing Pokemon that is unlikely to switch out, such as Klefki, Nihilego, or Scizor. It can also save its Z-Move for when it would be important to bypass an accuracy check from Hydro Pump, such as versus Gliscor or Hippowdon.
Team Options
========
Bulky offense and hyper offense teams both appreciate having Rotom-W, and it fits especially well on VoltTurn teams lacking Mega Manectric. Rotom-W heavily appreciates other Volt Switch and U-turn users like Scizor, Mega Beedrill, Infernape, and Hydreigon, as they give it more opportunities to switch in and deal damage to a foe. Pursuit users like Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Alolan Muk appreciate the free switches Rotom-W provides in order to trap Pokemon like Latias and Celebi more easily. Rotom-W enjoys entry hazard support from Pokemon like Klefki, Cobalion, and Tentacruel, as they assist in Rotom-W's ability to get KOs versus opposing Pokemon. Rotom-W also likes hazard removal from Pokemon like Starmie, Scizor, Mega Blastoise, and Latias to prevent it from taking chip damage due to repeatedly switching into Stealth Rock.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rotom-W can use Choice items like Choice Specs and Choice Scarf with Trick, but these are usually inferior to what the pivot sets have to offer outside of the ability to permanently hinder defensive switch-ins with Trick. If its team struggles heavily with Seismitoad and Gastrodon, Rotom-W can consider using Hidden Power Grass, but it struggles to fit this on its moveset without removing something important like Pain Split or Will-O-Wisp. Offensive Rotom-W can also viably use other Z-Crystals such as Psychium Z in tandem with Dream Eater in order to KO Amoonguss and Buginium Z with Signal Beam to KO Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Sceptile, but these are largely team dependent due to their inconsistency if the opponent lacks one of these Pokemon. This also makes Rotom-W give up the power and utility provided by Waterium Z, and it forces Rotom-W to not run either Thunderbolt or its other fourth move options, which cuts down on its overall reliability.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Seismitoad and Gastrodon**: Seismitoad and Gastrodon are immune to both of Rotom-W's STAB attacks, so they completely counter Rotom-W lacking Toxic or Hidden Power Grass.
**Grass-types**: Rotom-W is weak to Grass-type attacks, and it cannot do much to Pokemon like Amoonguss, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile with its STAB attacks. Amoonguss is also immune to Toxic, Celebi can shrug off status with Natural Cure, and Mega Sceptile is immune to Rotom-W's Electric-type attacks while being 4x resistant to its Water-type STAB moves.
**Dragon-types**: Rotom-W struggles to deal significant damage to Dragon-types like Latias, Hydreigon, Haxorus, and Mega Altaria, which resist its STAB attacks. All of these Dragon-types except for Facade Mega Altaria are very vulnerable to Will-O-Wisp or Toxic, however.
**Residual Damage**: Chip damage from sources such as Toxic, Stealth Rock, and weak U-turns can quickly wear down Rotom-W and make it difficult for Rotom-W to check the threats it wishes to check.
**Knock Off**: Rotom-W doesn't have access to reliable recovery, so if it's carrying Leftovers, it does not appreciate getting hit by Knock Off from Pokemon like Krookodile and Alolan Muk, which would greatly diminish its longevity. However, Krookodile cannot reliably switch into Rotom-W due to the threat of a Hydro Pump.
GP Checks: DeathByWobbuffet / Eyan
[OVERVIEW]
Rotom-W is one of the tier's best pivots and one of the primary staples of VoltTurn offense. Its Speed tier gives it good flexibility for investment to outspeed various slow offensive Pokemon such as Primarina and Scizor while also allowing it to outspeed Pokemon such as Nidoking and Timid Suicune when Rotom-W's Speed is maximized. The set of resistances its typing gives, along with its ability Levitate, allows Rotom-W to check several prevalent threats in the UU metagame such as Scizor, Mega Pidgeot, Gliscor, and Mega Aerodactyl. Its Electric / Water typing is also good offensively, allowing Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mega Steelix, and Gliscor, which block its Volt Switch, with fear of a super effective Hydro Pump. Rotom-W's access to Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and Toxic gives it a wide array of options to hinder foes by crippling their Attack stat, undermining their Speed, or harming their longevity. Unfortunately, its typing leaves it mostly useless versus Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as Latias, Mega Altaria, Celebi, and Amoonguss. Rotom-W has good defenses, but they are somewhat undermined by its poor HP stat, and its lack of reliable recovery also makes keeping Rotom-W healthy throughout a match somewhat difficult.
[SET]
name: Bulky Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to generate momentum for its team while doing moderate damage to foes and pressure Water-types like Mantine and Starmie. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's Water-type STAB attack, and it allows Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Gliscor, which would otherwise prevent it from using Volt Switch. Toxic lets Rotom-W hinder switch-ins like Latias, Seismitoad, and Gastrodon with chip damage. Alternatively, Rotom-W can use Will-O-Wisp to cripple physical attackers like Scizor, Cobalion, and Alolan Muk and also get minor chip damage off on other switch-ins to Rotom-W like Mega Sceptile. Pain Split gives Rotom-W a form of recovery, but because it is based on the foe's HP stat, it is not very reliable and is easily exploitable. Thunder Wave is another option for Rotom-W that lets it cripple faster attackers like Hydreigon and Mega Beedrill.
Set Details
========
132 Speed EVs allow Rotom-W to outspeed all Pokemon up to and including Timid Primarina, while 252 HP EVs and 124 Defense EVs with a Bold nature give Rotom-W an impressive amount of physical bulk. An alternative spread of 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 Spe with a Bold nature can be used in order to give Rotom-W some extra bulk while still outspeeding maximum Speed Adamant Scizor and Jolly Crawdaunt. Leftovers gives Rotom-W a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
The combination of Hydro Pump to threaten Ground-types and Volt Switch makes Rotom-W great when used to generate momentum for your team. Bring Rotom-W in on predicted resisted moves such as Scizor's Bullet Punch and Mega Pidgeot's attacks or on free switches from other team members' U-turn or Volt Switch. However, Rotom-W is not as bulky as it seems at first glance, and its unreliable recovery leaves it prone to being worn down very quickly by unresisted attacks like Choice Band Scizor's U-turn and Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge, so think carefully when switching Rotom-W directly into attacks. Use your status move of choice as a generally safe middle-ground play for when you are unsure whether your opponent will stay in or switch to a Ground-type.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W is one of the primary components of the VoltTurn playstyle, and it also functions on bulky offense teams in general. As a byproduct of this, other users of U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, Hydreigon, and Infernape make excellent partners for Rotom-W, as they can maintain the momentum that Rotom-W provides and provide more opportunities for Rotom-W to switch in. Rotom-W pairs well with Pursuit trappers such as Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Alolan Muk, as Rotom-W can bait in Pokemon like Latias and Celebi then switch out with Volt Switch into the Pursuit user to trap them. Wallbreakers like Nidoking and Mamoswine enjoy the free switches provided by Rotom-W's slow Volt Switch. Strong physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl and Terrakion can break through the special walls that Rotom-W struggles with like Blissey and Alolan Muk. Setup sweepers like Scizor, Cobalion, Gliscor, and Mega Altaria enjoy the overall residual damage that Rotom-W inflicts on the opposing team with its status options and Volt Switch, as it gives them an easier time attempting to sweep. Hazard removal from Pokemon like Latias, Scizor, Starmie, and Tentacruel is appreciated by Rotom-W because the chip damage Stealth Rock provides can easily wear it down with repeated switching. Entry hazard support from Pokemon like Klefki, Tentacruel, and Nidoking makes it easier for Rotom-W to wear down the opposing team. Klefki also has good overall synergy with Rotom-W due to its ability to check opposing Grass- and Dragon-types for Rotom-W, and Rotom-W checks Fire- and Ground-types for Klefki.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Thunderbolt
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Fire
item: Waterium Z
ability: Levitate
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to generate momentum for the team while dealing good damage to foes. Hydro Pump is Rotom-W's Water-type STAB move and strongest regular attack, and it allows Rotom-W to pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Mamoswine, and Gliscor, which would otherwise prevent it from using Volt Switch. The 185-Base Power Hydro Vortex that Waterium Z provides lets Rotom-W OHKO Pokemon that it normally could not like Scizor and Cobalion, and it can 2HKO Pokemon like Swampert. It also allows Rotom-W to have a one-time perfectly accurate Water-type STAB attack. Thunderbolt is Rotom-W's stronger Electric-type STAB move, and it allows Rotom-W to 2HKO Empoleon and other threats that resist Water-type attacks without causing it to switch out in the process. Thunderbolt is also Rotom-W's most reliable STAB move, as it doesn't have the chance to miss that Hydro Pump does. Thunder Wave allows Rotom-W to paralyze faster threats such as Latias, Hydreigon, and Haxorus. Hidden Power Fire is an option to give Rotom-W a secure way to 2HKO bulky Scizor, OHKO offensive Scizor, and deal super effective damage to Grass-types.
Set Details
========
252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature let Rotom-W outspeed Nidoking, Suicune, and base 80s like Mamoswine and Chandelure, and 252 EVs in Special Attack give it as much offensive presence as possible. This is supplemented by Waterium Z, which allows Rotom-W to use Hydro Vortex. It also reduces the damage Rotom-W takes from Knock Off, which assists in its matchup against Dark-types such as Krookodile. If another member of the team is already using a Z-Move, Rotom-W can opt to use Leftovers in order to give it a form of passive recovery.
Usage Tips
========
If not actively attempting to KO Pokemon, Rotom-W should be using Volt Switch to gain momentum for your team, as this is its primary job. Bring Rotom-W in primarily on free switches from other U-turn or Volt Switch users to prevent it from taking chip damage, but it can also be brought in on Pokemon that cannot damage it much, such as Choice Scarf Krookodile and non-Facade Gliscor. Rotom-W should use Thunderbolt and Hydro Pump to KO or heavily damage weakened Pokemon or Pokemon weak to Electric- and Water-type attacks without switching out. If it has it, Rotom-W should save its Z-Move for when it would be most opportune for breaking an opposing Pokemon that is unlikely to switch out, such as Klefki, Nihilego, or Scizor. It can also save its Z-Move for when it would be important to bypass an accuracy check from Hydro Pump, such as versus Gliscor or Hippowdon.
Team Options
========
Bulky offense and hyper offense teams both appreciate having Rotom-W, and it fits especially well on VoltTurn teams lacking Mega Manectric. Rotom-W heavily appreciates other Volt Switch and U-turn users like Scizor, Mega Beedrill, Infernape, and Hydreigon, as they give it more opportunities to switch in and deal damage to a foe. Pursuit users like Mega Absol, Krookodile, and Alolan Muk appreciate the free switches Rotom-W provides in order to trap Pokemon like Latias and Celebi more easily. Rotom-W enjoys entry hazard support from Pokemon like Klefki, Cobalion, and Tentacruel, as they assist in Rotom-W's ability to get KOs versus opposing Pokemon. Rotom-W also likes hazard removal from Pokemon like Starmie, Scizor, Mega Blastoise, and Latias to prevent it from taking chip damage due to repeatedly switching into Stealth Rock.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Rotom-W can use Choice items like Choice Specs and Choice Scarf with Trick, but these are usually inferior to what the pivot sets have to offer outside of the ability to permanently hinder defensive switch-ins with Trick. If its team struggles heavily with Seismitoad and Gastrodon, Rotom-W can consider using Hidden Power Grass, but it struggles to fit this on its moveset without removing something important like Pain Split or Will-O-Wisp. Offensive Rotom-W can also viably use other Z-Crystals such as Psychium Z in tandem with Dream Eater in order to KO Amoonguss and Buginium Z with Signal Beam to KO Latias, Hydreigon, and Mega Sceptile, but these are largely team dependent due to their inconsistency if the opponent lacks one of these Pokemon. This also makes Rotom-W give up the power and utility provided by Waterium Z, and it forces Rotom-W to not run either Thunderbolt or its other fourth move options, which cuts down on its overall reliability.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Seismitoad and Gastrodon**: Seismitoad and Gastrodon are immune to both of Rotom-W's STAB attacks, so they completely counter Rotom-W lacking Toxic or Hidden Power Grass.
**Grass-types**: Rotom-W is weak to Grass-type attacks, and it cannot do much to Pokemon like Amoonguss, Celebi, and Mega Sceptile with its STAB attacks. Amoonguss is also immune to Toxic, Celebi can shrug off status with Natural Cure, and Mega Sceptile is immune to Rotom-W's Electric-type attacks while being 4x resistant to its Water-type STAB moves.
**Dragon-types**: Rotom-W struggles to deal significant damage to Dragon-types like Latias, Hydreigon, Haxorus, and Mega Altaria, which resist its STAB attacks. All of these Dragon-types except for Facade Mega Altaria are very vulnerable to Will-O-Wisp or Toxic, however.
**Residual Damage**: Chip damage from sources such as Toxic, Stealth Rock, and weak U-turns can quickly wear down Rotom-W and make it difficult for Rotom-W to check the threats it wishes to check.
**Knock Off**: Rotom-W doesn't have access to reliable recovery, so if it's carrying Leftovers, it does not appreciate getting hit by Knock Off from Pokemon like Krookodile and Alolan Muk, which would greatly diminish its longevity. However, Krookodile cannot reliably switch into Rotom-W due to the threat of a Hydro Pump.
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