#377 - Regirock
Regirock found its place in RSE battling with its massive defense and decent HP. The problem with this was it was outclassed by skarmory, who had no physical weaknesses. In fact, nothing except Suckle had higher defense, and everyone knows that sucks.
Now, of course, there are new attacks, those which open up the weaknesses in Skarmory's defense. Regirock enjoyed some use in RSE, but now new options have opened up.
See, being a rock type, Regirock gets a sandstorm boost. Now Regirock's special defense of 100 wasn't too far off Snorlax's in RSE, but with a sandstorm boost, its as rediculous as Tyranitar. This is near close to Deoxys-L's 160. With this it surpasses Rhyperior, who's taking on the role of the new Snorlax.
And with 100 attack, Regirock packs quite a punch. Throw in moves like trick room and a choice band and Regirock can do all sorts of damage. That's not how I'd personally do it, but if that's your battling style, go right ahead.
So Regirock is best used in conjunction with Tyranitar or Hippowdon. I think that you'd be mad not to use Tyranitar, who himself matches the special defense of Regirock, and we all know what happened there. Tyranitar's best counters are physical now. Regirock shrugs off those physical attacks in the same was Steelix does. And like any good tank, it can explode in a pinch, so nothing goes to waste.
Other important aspects of Regirock are its ability to counter T-Tar. With 200 defense and benefits from T-Tar's ability, as well as the ever lovely hammer arm Regirock can deal with a T-Tar pretty effectively. It's definately one of the counters I'd suggest for dealing with him.
Regirock definately makes a good addition to any team. It doesn't need a T-Tar to be good and it has Clear Body, which isn't a bad ability in the slightest. There's a bit of versatility here.
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-dp/450.shtml
Suggested Movesets:
Sandstream Tank/Attacker
Regirock @ Leftovers/Smooth Rock/Choice Band
Stone Edge
Earthquake
Hammer Arm
Explosion/Rest
(this is what I use and have experience with).
Trick Room Team/Curserock
Regirock @ Leftovers
Sandstorm
Curse
Hammer Arm
Stone Edge
Suggested EVs: Ah, my enternal weakness, EV spreads. I'm going to avoid giving out numbers, because my numbers are never the best. You may want to pour some into special defense because even with the boost it's nowhere near the defense of Regirock. HP is a given. Some attack would be nice. Don't bother with speed. This area definately needs more testing and suggestions, and contributions would be welcome.
And finally, just as a testiment to how well Regirock shrugs off its weaknesses, I quote the smogon dex entry from RSE: Regirock can survive Adamant CB Medicham Hi Jump Kick, and that's without any Defense EVs.
I don't really have much more to add at the moment, so feel free to discuss.
