Moves

This is the only viable set that Lotad can run. Rain Dance doubles Lotad's Speed. Surf and Giga Drain are the main STAB moves. Energy Ball could be used over Giga Drain for its higher damage output, but Giga Drain's recovery is usually more useful than a chance to OHKO Chinchou after Stealth Rock. Ice Beam is for coverage, hitting Flying-types hard. Scald can be used over Surf for its utility, but Lotad's mediocre Special Attack usually makes it not worth it.

Set Details

A Modest nature allows Lotad to hit 24 Speed under rain, while a Timid nature lets it hit 26 Speed, which allows it to outspeed Timid Choice Scarf Chinchou, Jolly Choice Scarf Drilbur, and Jolly Choice Scarf Mienfoo. With a Modest nature, Lotad Speed ties with Jolly Choice Scarf Bunnelby, Jolly Choice Scarf Cranidos, Modest Choice Scarf Chinchou, Adamant Choice Scarf Drilbur, and Adamant Choice Scarf Mienfoo. It is also important to note that reducing Lotad's HP IVs to 19 allows it to take less damage from Life Orb recoil; the EVs maximize Lotad's both Special Attack and Speed, while slightly boosting its defenses.

Usage Tips

Switch Lotad in after a foe has been KOed or through a slow Volt Switch or U-turn. Set up rain and sweep while predicting correctly. Preserving Lotad until late-game until its main counters, such as Ferroseed, Mantyke, and Munchlax, are KOed is advisable.

Team Options

Lotad is rain-dependent, so it's nice to have other Rain Dance users that can support it. Entry hazards are also beneficial, allowing Lotad to secure some important KOs. Ferroseed can be a good teammate for this reason, while Chinchou can be useful to deal with Mantyke and provide rain support, and Scraggy is a powerful teammate that can deal with Munchlax, supporting Lotad's sweep.