Moves

Confide enables Gothitelle to trap weaker special attackers such as support Arceus variants barring Arceus-Dark as well as Choice Scarf Yveltal. Charm lets Gothitelle trap passive physical attackers such as Celesteela, Ferrothorn, defensive Ho-Oh, and specially defensive variants of Necrozma-DM. Taunt stops Gothitelle from being inflicted with Leech Seed by the likes of Celesteela and Ferrothorn and phazed by Arceus formes and Ho-Oh and forces the trapped foe to use attacking moves to speed up the trapping process. Rest helps Gothitelle PP stall threats better due to giving it two whole turns of no PP usage, and it brings Gothitelle back to full HP and heals it from status.

Set Details

Shadow Tag is what enables Gothitelle to trap and PP stall several notable threats in Anything Goes. Leftovers helps Gothitelle's longevity while also making it less vulnerable to critical hits and Leech Seed. Maximum HP and Special Defense investment with a Calm nature gives Gothitelle more bulk to trap support Arceus and potentially allows it trap Choice Scarf Xerneas.

Usage Tips

Once you stall a foe out of its PP, send in a Pokemon on your team that can take advantage of the situation, which is especially useful for removing or setting up entry hazards or setting up with a sweeper. Patience is important when using Gothitelle. Figure out your opponent's sets before trying to PP stall so you can form a game plan. Also, be aware of the possibility of getting critical hits and getting frozen during a PP stall, so try to use Rest with Gothitelle to stay out of range of a critical hit from the Pokemon you are trapping. Try to force Gothitelle's trapping targets in with its teammates and proceed to catch the target with Gothitelle by conditioning your opponent into switching the target in. Be wary of the possibility of Z-Crystals on support Arceus, as these sets attempt to avoid getting trapped by Gothitelle. If facing a team with a Pursuit trapper, namely Marshadow, Tyranitar, or Alolan Muk, aim to play conservatively with your Gothitelle to avoid getting trapped. After trapping and removing a foe, Gothitelle can easily be taken advantage of, so try to switch into something that can handle the opposing team better on the last Struggle of the trapped Pokemon. To avoid Roar or Whirlwind being an issue on passive threats such as support Arceus formes, non-Shed Shell Skarmory, and Lugia, it's important to Rest immediately following a Taunt when low on health, as this prevents the Pokemon from phazing while Gothitelle is asleep.

Team Options

Setup sweepers that like to see support Arceus gone such as Bulk Up Marshadow, Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma, Dragon Dance Zygarde-C, and Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza all benefit from having Gothitelle alongside them to free them up offensively. Gothitelle enjoys a defensive core around it to make up for its vulnerability to powerful physical attackers. Zygarde-C, Skarmory, and Celesteela do that well. Reliable entry hazard setters can take advantage of Gothitelle's ability to trap a lot of viable Defoggers, so Stealth Rock Arceus variants and Ferrothorn fit that role. Pivoting in the form of Yveltal or Magearna can also be helpful for Gothitelle's trapping.