Overview
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Rotom-W is one the best bulky pivots in the tier, thanks to its typing, decent stats, and movepool. Its Electric / Water typing is very useful for taking on powerful and common threats in the tier such as Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Azumarill. Levitate in conjunction with its Water typing allows it to check common Ground-types as well, such as Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and even non-Substitute Garchomp. Furthermore, it has the perfect support moves to fit its role, with STAB Volt Switch providing valuable momentum, Pain Split healing it while damaging the opponent, Trick to cripple walls; (most notably Chansey, a common switch-in to Rotom-W, and Will-O-Wisp to threaten physical attackers.
Unfortunately, it is Rotom-W's strengths that have made the metagame adapt around it. While Rotom-W has an amazing typing, its low HP means its bulk isn't as naturally high as it might like. Teams that use Rotom-W to check the previously mentioned Pokemon will often find that it's hard-pressed to cover them all, considering its only recovery move is Pain Split or the unreliable Rest. However, with even the slightest amount of support, Rotom-W can truly shine in this metagame.
Defensive
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move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Pain Split / Rest
ability: Levitate
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe
Moves
========
This set is the perfect combination of defensive and offensive presence, making it a perfect Pokemon for balanced teams. Rotom-W has access to STAB Volt Switch, which allows it to assume the role of a defensive pivot against Pokemon like Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Azumarill. This means that even if the opponent has a Latias, Mega Venusaur, or another counter in the wings, Rotom-W can simply Volt Switch into another Pokemon that has a better match-up against said counter. Hydro Pump is useful for hitting the Ground-types that Rotom-W can usually switch into with ease, namely Hippowdon and Landorus-T. Neither of these Pokemon can take a Hydro Pump well, nor will they appreciate a burn courtesy of Will-O-Wisp. The threat of Will-O-Wisp can also force certain physical attackers to switch. This includes Bisharp, Garchomp, Azumarill, and many others. The last move is dedicated to healing Rotom-W as best as it can. Pain Split is useful because it allows Rotom-W to also run Leftovers, gradually recovering its HP throughout the match. It also damages the opponent if they switch in something like Chansey or Mega Venusaur and Rotom-W is at mid or low health. However, Rest has its merits as well. If Rotom-W gets hit with a status move, Rest is useful for healing it. Rest also completely heals Rotom-W, while Pain Split is dependent on the opponent's health. However, Rest is unreliable, as it can only be used once with a Chesto Berry without putting Rotom-W to sleep. Thunder Wave can be used over Will-O-Wisp, but it is usually an inferior option, as common switch-ins to Rotom-W, such as Latias, Quagsire, Chansey, and Mega Venusaur, dislike burns more than paralysis.
Set Details
========
The 44 Speed EVs allow Rotom-W to outspeed Jolly max Speed Belly Drum Azumarill. A physically defensive set is best suited to the metagame, and makes it easier for Rotom-W to counter powerful Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir and Talonflame. A specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe is also perfectly viable, allowing Rotom-W to check common specially offensive threats such as Greninja, Landorus-I, and Keldeo a bit better.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom-W has a great typing and ability that gives it many useful resistances. Because of this, it is one of the best defensive pivots in the game. However, there tends to be a lot of defensive pressure on Rotom-W, as many people expect it to check Talonflame, Mega Pinsir, Azumarill, Garchomp, Mamoswine, and other Pokemon all at once. For this reason, it's important to realize that it is simply not possible to do all these things, so the rest of the team should try and help it do its job. Rotom-W forces a lot of switches, so the option to either Volt Switch or Will-O-Wisp can be tricky. Don't be afraid to use Will-O-Wisp instead of Volt Switch, as only Pokemon like Charizard-X can safely switch into a Rotom-W that might Volt Switch or Will-O-Wisp. Sometimes people will even switch in their Ground-type in on a predicted Volt Switch, but none of these appreciate being burned.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W is one of the best users of Volt Switch in the tier, so common users of U-turn also tend to work well with it. Scizor and Landorus-T are among the best partners for Rotom-W. Scizor in particular covers Rotom-W's weaknesses well, and Mega Scizor loves to set up on common switch-ins to Rotom-W, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Venusaur (beware of Hidden Power Fire and Sleep Powder). Pokemon weak to Mamoswine, such as Dragonite and Garchomp, really appreciate having Rotom-W, as it is nearly a perfect counter to Mamoswine, unless it carries Freeze Dry. Also, Pokemon that don't appreciate Mega Pinsir love having Rotom-W as a partner. Offensive Pokemon such as Keldeo and defensive Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur are both good options. Ferrothorn can somewhat handle Pokemon like Greninja and Manaphy, and can set up entry hazards for VoltTurn teams.
Choice Scarf
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move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Thunderbolt / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
========
While holding a Choice Scarf, Rotom-W takes a more offensive approach to its utility. It still makes for one of the best pivots in the game, sporting great resistances and bulk, but with much more offensive presence. Volt Switch is the main STAB move, hitting many of the Pokemon it likes to switch into such as Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. However, the main reason for using the move is the momentum that it brings, being able to give free switches to frailer members of the team, as well as allowing for a favorable match-up against whatever the opponent sends in. Hydro Pump is a powerful option to hit Ground-types and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a more reliable STAB option that doesn't force Rotom-W to switch out and is better suited for hitting Pokemon such as Gyarados and Keldeo. However, Will-O-Wisp can also be useful for either getting a fast burn on something that might not expect it, such as Substitute Garchomp, or as a utility move after Rotom-W has removed its Choice Scarf through Trick. This can be used against more defensive switch-ins to Rotom-W such as Chansey. Hidden Power Ice or Fire can be used depending on what the team needs removed, including Landorus, Garchomp, and Scizor.
Set Details
========
The choice between Modest and Timid is entirely dependent on what the rest of the team can cover. Modest is good for guaranteeing a 2HKO on Mega Gyarados with Volt Switch and just having more power in general. Timid is really only useful to hit Jolly Mega Gyarados at +1 before it can hit back with Earthquake, although on occasion it can also pick off +1 bulky Charizard-X.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Rotom-W's utility depends on when it is best for it to Trick its Choice Scarf away. Against offensive teams, keeping the Choice Scarf is generally advisable, and Rotom-W can make for a good check to Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar because it can burn both of them at +1 with Will-O-Wisp or KO weakened ones with its STAB moves. However, against defensive teams, Tricking the Choice Scarf onto a common switch-in to Rotom-W such as Chansey is a great way to cripple it for another special attacker to sweep later in the game. Volt Switch is a really useful move, and should be used as much as possible in order to get other, frailer Pokemon in for free. However, Ground-types will love switching into predicted Volt Switches, so Will-O-Wisp is often also a good move on a predicted switch. Mega Venusaur is a common answer to Rotom-W, and if the opponent has one (or any other Mega Pokemon for that matter), it is unadvised to use Trick. It is a fantastic switch-in to Rotom-W, is immune to Trick, and forces Rotom-W to switch out immediately when it could have burned it or grabbed momentum with Volt Switch.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Rotom-W works best on VoltTurn teams as an offensive pivot, so pairing it with other pivots works very well. Landorus-T and Scizor are among the best partners to Rotom-W for this reason. They cover each other's weaknesses well and the combo forces switches often. Because of this, reliable entry hazard setters work well with Rotom-W. Landorus-T and Skarmory fit this role nicely. Any Pokemon that appreciates Chansey being crippled will love Rotom-W's Trick support. This includes Landorus, Thundurus, and Manaphy, which can all break through Chansey more easily without its Eviolite. Keldeo in particular likes Rotom-W as a partner due to its ability to switch into Talonflame and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack.
Other Options
########
A Choice Specs set can be used for extra power, but usually Rotom-W has better things to be doing and this role conflicts with Manaphy and Keldeo. On a similar note, a Life Orb or Expert Belt set that relies on Pain Split for recovery can be used similar to Gengar, but it runs into the same issue that Choice Specs set does; it's simply outshined as a special attacker. Dual Screens can work, as Rotom-W can also provide valuable momentum, but both Deoxys formes and Latios tend to be more universally useful aside from their crippling Psychic typing. Rotom-W can run Hidden Power Grass to hit Quagsire, but Quagsire is mostly used on stall teams, and those will usually have a better switch-in to Rotom-W than Quagsire.
Checks & Counters
########
**Bulky Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn are all decent choices to counter Rotom-W. They take very little from either Rotom-W's STAB moves or its rare coverage moves. However, with the exception of Celebi, they don't appreciate being burned by Will-O-Wisp. Ferrothorn can also wear down Rotom-W with Leech Seed and Power Whip. Leech Seed will even mitigate burn damage. Poison Heal Breloom is immune to status, so it also makes for a great switch-in to Rotom-W, and can even use it as setup fodder.
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Neither Latios nor Latias care about being hit by Hydro Pump, and usually don't care much about burns either. They can also 2HKO defensive Rotom-W with a Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteor. Bulky Charizard X doesn't mind taking Hydro Pump, Thunderbolt, or Volt Switch, and also cannot be burned or Tricked, making it an excellent switch-in to Rotom-W. Kyurem-B can switch in on any move besides Will-O-Wisp and hit Rotom-W through Levitate with Earth Power thanks to Teravolt.
**Chansey**: Chansey has huge special bulk to tank Volt Switches and Hydro Pumps and Natural Cure to heal itself of burn if it switches into a Will-O-Wisp. It can also Toxic Rotom-W to wear it down and negate its Leftovers recovery. However, Chansey is probably Rotom-W's biggest target for Trick, so Chansey must be somewhat cautious around it.
**Assault Vest Conkeldurr**: Conkeldurr takes relatively little damage from Hydro Pump and Volt Switch and actually enjoys being burned thanks to Guts. Conkeldurr can also Knock Off Rotom-W's item, which it heavily depends on for recovery and utility. With a Guts boost, Drain Punch can score a 2HKO on even physically defensive Rotom-W while recovering Conkeldurr's own health. It does have to watch out for Trick from Choice Scarf Rotom-W, however.
########
Rotom-W is one the best bulky pivots in the tier, thanks to its typing, decent stats, and movepool. Its Electric / Water typing is very useful for taking on powerful and common threats in the tier such as Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Azumarill. Levitate in conjunction with its Water typing allows it to check common Ground-types as well, such as Landorus-T, Hippowdon, and even non-Substitute Garchomp. Furthermore, it has the perfect support moves to fit its role, with STAB Volt Switch providing valuable momentum, Pain Split healing it while damaging the opponent, Trick to cripple walls; (most notably Chansey, a common switch-in to Rotom-W, and Will-O-Wisp to threaten physical attackers.
Unfortunately, it is Rotom-W's strengths that have made the metagame adapt around it. While Rotom-W has an amazing typing, its low HP means its bulk isn't as naturally high as it might like. Teams that use Rotom-W to check the previously mentioned Pokemon will often find that it's hard-pressed to cover them all, considering its only recovery move is Pain Split or the unreliable Rest. However, with even the slightest amount of support, Rotom-W can truly shine in this metagame.
Defensive
########
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Pain Split / Rest
ability: Levitate
item: Leftovers / Chesto Berry
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe
Moves
========
This set is the perfect combination of defensive and offensive presence, making it a perfect Pokemon for balanced teams. Rotom-W has access to STAB Volt Switch, which allows it to assume the role of a defensive pivot against Pokemon like Mega Pinsir, Talonflame, and Azumarill. This means that even if the opponent has a Latias, Mega Venusaur, or another counter in the wings, Rotom-W can simply Volt Switch into another Pokemon that has a better match-up against said counter. Hydro Pump is useful for hitting the Ground-types that Rotom-W can usually switch into with ease, namely Hippowdon and Landorus-T. Neither of these Pokemon can take a Hydro Pump well, nor will they appreciate a burn courtesy of Will-O-Wisp. The threat of Will-O-Wisp can also force certain physical attackers to switch. This includes Bisharp, Garchomp, Azumarill, and many others. The last move is dedicated to healing Rotom-W as best as it can. Pain Split is useful because it allows Rotom-W to also run Leftovers, gradually recovering its HP throughout the match. It also damages the opponent if they switch in something like Chansey or Mega Venusaur and Rotom-W is at mid or low health. However, Rest has its merits as well. If Rotom-W gets hit with a status move, Rest is useful for healing it. Rest also completely heals Rotom-W, while Pain Split is dependent on the opponent's health. However, Rest is unreliable, as it can only be used once with a Chesto Berry without putting Rotom-W to sleep. Thunder Wave can be used over Will-O-Wisp, but it is usually an inferior option, as common switch-ins to Rotom-W, such as Latias, Quagsire, Chansey, and Mega Venusaur, dislike burns more than paralysis.
Set Details
========
The 44 Speed EVs allow Rotom-W to outspeed Jolly max Speed Belly Drum Azumarill. A physically defensive set is best suited to the metagame, and makes it easier for Rotom-W to counter powerful Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir and Talonflame. A specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe is also perfectly viable, allowing Rotom-W to check common specially offensive threats such as Greninja, Landorus-I, and Keldeo a bit better.
Usage Tips
========
Rotom-W has a great typing and ability that gives it many useful resistances. Because of this, it is one of the best defensive pivots in the game. However, there tends to be a lot of defensive pressure on Rotom-W, as many people expect it to check Talonflame, Mega Pinsir, Azumarill, Garchomp, Mamoswine, and other Pokemon all at once. For this reason, it's important to realize that it is simply not possible to do all these things, so the rest of the team should try and help it do its job. Rotom-W forces a lot of switches, so the option to either Volt Switch or Will-O-Wisp can be tricky. Don't be afraid to use Will-O-Wisp instead of Volt Switch, as only Pokemon like Charizard-X can safely switch into a Rotom-W that might Volt Switch or Will-O-Wisp. Sometimes people will even switch in their Ground-type in on a predicted Volt Switch, but none of these appreciate being burned.
Team Options
========
Rotom-W is one of the best users of Volt Switch in the tier, so common users of U-turn also tend to work well with it. Scizor and Landorus-T are among the best partners for Rotom-W. Scizor in particular covers Rotom-W's weaknesses well, and Mega Scizor loves to set up on common switch-ins to Rotom-W, such as Latios, Latias, and Mega Venusaur (beware of Hidden Power Fire and Sleep Powder). Pokemon weak to Mamoswine, such as Dragonite and Garchomp, really appreciate having Rotom-W, as it is nearly a perfect counter to Mamoswine, unless it carries Freeze Dry. Also, Pokemon that don't appreciate Mega Pinsir love having Rotom-W as a partner. Offensive Pokemon such as Keldeo and defensive Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur are both good options. Ferrothorn can somewhat handle Pokemon like Greninja and Manaphy, and can set up entry hazards for VoltTurn teams.
Choice Scarf
########
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Thunderbolt / Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Trick
ability: Levitate
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
========
While holding a Choice Scarf, Rotom-W takes a more offensive approach to its utility. It still makes for one of the best pivots in the game, sporting great resistances and bulk, but with much more offensive presence. Volt Switch is the main STAB move, hitting many of the Pokemon it likes to switch into such as Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. However, the main reason for using the move is the momentum that it brings, being able to give free switches to frailer members of the team, as well as allowing for a favorable match-up against whatever the opponent sends in. Hydro Pump is a powerful option to hit Ground-types and Garchomp. Thunderbolt is a more reliable STAB option that doesn't force Rotom-W to switch out and is better suited for hitting Pokemon such as Gyarados and Keldeo. However, Will-O-Wisp can also be useful for either getting a fast burn on something that might not expect it, such as Substitute Garchomp, or as a utility move after Rotom-W has removed its Choice Scarf through Trick. This can be used against more defensive switch-ins to Rotom-W such as Chansey. Hidden Power Ice or Fire can be used depending on what the team needs removed, including Landorus, Garchomp, and Scizor.
Set Details
========
The choice between Modest and Timid is entirely dependent on what the rest of the team can cover. Modest is good for guaranteeing a 2HKO on Mega Gyarados with Volt Switch and just having more power in general. Timid is really only useful to hit Jolly Mega Gyarados at +1 before it can hit back with Earthquake, although on occasion it can also pick off +1 bulky Charizard-X.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Rotom-W's utility depends on when it is best for it to Trick its Choice Scarf away. Against offensive teams, keeping the Choice Scarf is generally advisable, and Rotom-W can make for a good check to Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar because it can burn both of them at +1 with Will-O-Wisp or KO weakened ones with its STAB moves. However, against defensive teams, Tricking the Choice Scarf onto a common switch-in to Rotom-W such as Chansey is a great way to cripple it for another special attacker to sweep later in the game. Volt Switch is a really useful move, and should be used as much as possible in order to get other, frailer Pokemon in for free. However, Ground-types will love switching into predicted Volt Switches, so Will-O-Wisp is often also a good move on a predicted switch. Mega Venusaur is a common answer to Rotom-W, and if the opponent has one (or any other Mega Pokemon for that matter), it is unadvised to use Trick. It is a fantastic switch-in to Rotom-W, is immune to Trick, and forces Rotom-W to switch out immediately when it could have burned it or grabbed momentum with Volt Switch.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Rotom-W works best on VoltTurn teams as an offensive pivot, so pairing it with other pivots works very well. Landorus-T and Scizor are among the best partners to Rotom-W for this reason. They cover each other's weaknesses well and the combo forces switches often. Because of this, reliable entry hazard setters work well with Rotom-W. Landorus-T and Skarmory fit this role nicely. Any Pokemon that appreciates Chansey being crippled will love Rotom-W's Trick support. This includes Landorus, Thundurus, and Manaphy, which can all break through Chansey more easily without its Eviolite. Keldeo in particular likes Rotom-W as a partner due to its ability to switch into Talonflame and Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack.
Other Options
########
A Choice Specs set can be used for extra power, but usually Rotom-W has better things to be doing and this role conflicts with Manaphy and Keldeo. On a similar note, a Life Orb or Expert Belt set that relies on Pain Split for recovery can be used similar to Gengar, but it runs into the same issue that Choice Specs set does; it's simply outshined as a special attacker. Dual Screens can work, as Rotom-W can also provide valuable momentum, but both Deoxys formes and Latios tend to be more universally useful aside from their crippling Psychic typing. Rotom-W can run Hidden Power Grass to hit Quagsire, but Quagsire is mostly used on stall teams, and those will usually have a better switch-in to Rotom-W than Quagsire.
Checks & Counters
########
**Bulky Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn are all decent choices to counter Rotom-W. They take very little from either Rotom-W's STAB moves or its rare coverage moves. However, with the exception of Celebi, they don't appreciate being burned by Will-O-Wisp. Ferrothorn can also wear down Rotom-W with Leech Seed and Power Whip. Leech Seed will even mitigate burn damage. Poison Heal Breloom is immune to status, so it also makes for a great switch-in to Rotom-W, and can even use it as setup fodder.
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Neither Latios nor Latias care about being hit by Hydro Pump, and usually don't care much about burns either. They can also 2HKO defensive Rotom-W with a Life Orb-boosted Draco Meteor. Bulky Charizard X doesn't mind taking Hydro Pump, Thunderbolt, or Volt Switch, and also cannot be burned or Tricked, making it an excellent switch-in to Rotom-W. Kyurem-B can switch in on any move besides Will-O-Wisp and hit Rotom-W through Levitate with Earth Power thanks to Teravolt.
**Chansey**: Chansey has huge special bulk to tank Volt Switches and Hydro Pumps and Natural Cure to heal itself of burn if it switches into a Will-O-Wisp. It can also Toxic Rotom-W to wear it down and negate its Leftovers recovery. However, Chansey is probably Rotom-W's biggest target for Trick, so Chansey must be somewhat cautious around it.
**Assault Vest Conkeldurr**: Conkeldurr takes relatively little damage from Hydro Pump and Volt Switch and actually enjoys being burned thanks to Guts. Conkeldurr can also Knock Off Rotom-W's item, which it heavily depends on for recovery and utility. With a Guts boost, Drain Punch can score a 2HKO on even physically defensive Rotom-W while recovering Conkeldurr's own health. It does have to watch out for Trick from Choice Scarf Rotom-W, however.
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