Monotype Alolan Golem (Electric)

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[OVERVIEW]

Electric
========

Alolan Golem is the best Stealth Rock user Electric-type teams have to offer. It also has a decent Attack stat and powerful Normal-type attacks to use with Galvanize, most notably Return and Explosion. Alolan Golem has other good offensive moves in Earthquake and Stone Edge, which make it a potent offensive threat. It also has a great Defense stat, which allows it to take most physical attacks with ease. However, Alolan Golem is extremely slow, leaving it susceptible to revenge killers such as Latios and Tapu Bulu. Its abysmal Special Defense means it often needs to rely on Sturdy or Focus Sash to set up Stealth Rock. Its typing leaves it 4x weak to Ground-type attacks and vulnerable to common Water-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. Due to its rather shallow movepool, Alolan Golem is also extremely predictable.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Galvanize
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is used to pressure Flying-, Bug-, and Fire-types such as Mantine, Armaldo, and Mega Charizard Y. Return is Alolan Golem's reliable Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Water- and Flying-types such as Tapu Fini and Skarmory. Stone Edge allows Alolan Golem to hit Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types such as Alolan Marowak, Zapdos, and Volcarona. Explosion is a powerful Electric-type move that deals massive damage and enables Alolan Golem to keep Stealth Rock up against slow Rapid Spin and Defog users. Earthquake can be used over Explosion to hit Electric-types such as Lanturn and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment along with a Adamant nature allows Alolan Golem to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment is used to outspeed threats such as Clefable, Armaldo, and Alomomola. Galvanize turns Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and slightly boosts their power. Focus Sash allows Alolan Golem to take any hit at full health, meaning it can almost always set up Stealth Rock safely.

Usage Tips
========

Use Alolan Golem as a lead because it can always safely set up Stealth Rock thanks to Focus Sash. After setting up Stealth Rock, it's usually best to use Explosion, as it grants one of Alolan Golem's teammates a free switch and causes entry hazard-removing moves from slower Pokemon to fail, but be careful not to use it on Ground-types. Remove hazards before switching Alolan Golem in, as it is extremely difficult to set up Stealth Rock without Focus Sash. Use Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon such as Magnezone and Tapu Koko to bring Alolan Golem in safely. Avoid status, especially burn, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat while also breaking its Focus Sash. Don't switch Alolan Golem in on any unnecessary hits because it needs its Focus Sash to reliably set up Stealth Rock.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can remove hazards with Defog and beat Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks. Rotom-W can deal with Ground-types that counter Alolan Golem such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine. Tapu Koko can set up Electric Terrain, boosting the power of Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks and allowing it to break through Chansey and Porygon2. It also has U-turn and Volt Switch so that Alolan Golem can be brought in safely. Alolan Golem in return sets up Stealth Rock, which Tapu Koko can take advantage of because it forces many switches. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem helping it KO Pokemon such as Dragonite and Salamence, allowing it to sweep late-game. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock because it helps it KO certain threats such as Scizor. Magnezone can trap and KO certain Steel-types that give Alolan Golem trouble such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
ability: Galvanize
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpD / 204 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Alolan Golem to pressure Bug-, Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-types such as Armaldo, Mega Charizard Y, and Kyurem-B, while also helping its teammates net certain KOs and is useful chip damage for its teammates. Return is Alolan Golem's STAB Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory and Tapu Fini. Stone Edge hits Bug-, Fire-, and Ice-types such as Armaldo, Volcarona, and Kyurem-B. Earthquake hits Electric-types such as Magnezone and Lanturn.

Set Details
========

56 Special Defense EVs along with a Careful nature bolster Alolan Golem's Special Defense. 248 HP EVs allow Alolan Golem to be as bulky as possible and take a bit less damage from Stealth Rock. 204 EVs are put into Speed to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed Skarmory. Galvanize changes Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and gives them a slight power boost. Leftovers allows Alolan Golem to regain a bit of its health each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid status, especially burns and poison, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while poison decreases its longevity. Although Alolan Golem can take some hits, it is usually best to preserve its health because it typically needs to be at almost full health to reliably set up Stealth Rock. Avoid switching Alolan Golem in on strong special attacks, as it doesn't take several of them very well even with investment. However, switching Alolan Golem in on resisted special attacks is usually a great idea, as it has enough special bulk to then set up Stealth Rock with ease. Stealth Rock should be set up as early as possible because it wears down major threats to Electric-type teams such as Kyurem-B, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard Y. It is usually best to switch out against bulky setup sweepers such as Landorus-T, Mega Scizor, and Garchomp, as Alolan Golem is extremely weak without Attack investment. Use pivots such as U-turn Tapu Koko and Volt Switch Rotom-W to switch Alolan Golem in safely.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can deal with certain Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks and appreciates having another Pokemon to take some special attacks. Rotom-W can cripple setup sweepers such as Landorus-T and Garchomp with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-W also is immune to Ground-type attacks, 2HKOes most Ground-types with Hydro Pump, and can remove hazards with Defog. In return, Alolan Golem can take Normal-type attacks from the likes of Meloetta and Diggersby for Zapdos and Rotom-W. Magenzone can trap and KO Steel-types, most notably Skarmory, which would otherwise remove Stealth Rock with Defog. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem, as it makes late-game cleaning much easier. Similarly, Stealth Rock aids Xurkitree in wearing down special walls, most notably Zapdos. Tapu Koko has access to both U-turn and Volt Switch, which allows Alolan Golem to be brought in safely, and provides Electric Terrain, which boosts Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks. In return, Alolan Golem can switch into Poison-type attacks that threaten Tapu Koko.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sturdy can be used to allow Alolan Golem to take one hit at full health without a Focus Sash, but Alolan Golem lacks reliable physical Electric-type attacks without Galvanize. Life Orb along with a Jolly nature can be used to break through Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu, but the luxury of always getting up Stealth Rock with Focus Sash is usually a better option.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Garchomp can switch in on Alolan Golem and OHKO with their Ground-type attacks.

**Grass-types**: Alolan Golem doesn't have much coverage, so Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu take multiple hits from Alolan Golem and KO it with their Grass-type attacks. However, Grass-types need to wary of Life Orb Alolan Golem with Explosion.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls such as Porygon2, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T can take multiple hits from Alolan Golem.

**Dragon-types**: Pokemon such as Garchomp, Hydregion, and Latios can switch in on Alolan Golem and threaten it with their powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor and Mew can prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt and either KO or burn Alolan Golem.

**Chip Damage**: Chip damage, most notably from burn and hazards, cripples Alolan Golem. Burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while Stealth Rock breaks its Focus Sash.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as Landorus, Greninja, and Hydregion deal massive damage to Alolan Golem because of its poor Special Defense stat.

**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Tapu Bulu, Latios, and Landorus-T can outspeed and KO Alolan Golem.
 
Last edited:
After going through this several times, I don't think there's really any notable changes at all with USUM except adding Rotom-W as another reliable entry hazard remover and should be an explanation of what the special defensive set is for.

QC 3/3

 
Last edited:
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Overview

Electric
========

Alolan Golem is the best Stealth Rock user setter that Electric-type teams have to offer. It also has a decent Attack stat and powerful Normal-type attacks to use with Galvanize, most notably Return and Explosion. Alolan Golem has other good offensive moves in Earthquake and Stone Edge, which makes it a potent offensive threat. It also has a great Defense stat, which allows it to take most physical attacks with ease. However, Alolan Golem is extremely slow, which leaves it susceptible to revenge killers such as Latios and Tapu Bulu. Alolan Golem's Special Defense is extremely poor, which means it often needs to rely on Sturdy or Focus Sash to set up Stealth Rock. Its typing leaves it 4x weak to Ground-type attacks and vulnerable to common Water-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. Due to its rather shallow movepool, Alolan Golem is extremely predictable.

[SET]
name: Sucide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Galvanize
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is used to pressure Flying-, Bug-, and Fire-types such as Mantine, Armaldo, and Mega Charizard Y. Return is Alolan Golem's reliable Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Water- and Flying-types such as Tapu Fini and Skarmory. Stone Edge allows Alolan Golem to hit Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types such as Alolan Marowak, Zapdos, and Volcarona. Explosion is a powerful Electric-type move that deals massive damage while causing Alolan Golem to faint. It enables Alolan Golem to maintain Stealth Rock against slow Rapid Spin and Defog users. Earthquake can be used over Explosion to hit Electric-types such as Lanturn and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment along with an Adamant nature allows Alolan Golem to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment is used to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed threats such as Clefable, Armaldo, and Alomomola. Galvanize is used to turns Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and slightly boosts their power. Focus Sash allows Alolan Golem to take any hit at full health, which allows it to almost always set up Stealth Rock safely.

Usage Tips
========

Use Alolan Golem as a lead because it can always safely set up Stealth Rock thanks to Focus Sash. After setting up Stealth Rock, it's usually best to use Explosion, as it grants one of Alolan Golem's teammates a free switch and causes entry hazard-removing moves from slower Pokemon to fail. However, using Explosion on Ground-types is usually not a great idea because they are immune to Electric-type attacks. Remove entry hazards before switching Alolan Golem in, as it is extremely difficult to set up Stealth Rock without Focus Sash. Use Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon such as Magnezone and Tapu Koko to bring Alolan Golem in safely. Avoid status, especially burn, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat while also breaking its Focus Sash. Don't switch Alolan Golem in on any unnecessary hits because it needs its Focus Sash to reliably set up Stealth Rock.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can remove entry hazards with Defog and deal with Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks,(AC) that which Alolan Golem is 4x weak to. Rotom-W can deal with Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine,(AC) that which counter Alolan Golem such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine. (isnt it worth mentioning that Rotom-W can remove hazards too?) Tapu Koko can set up Electric Terrain, boosting Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks and allowing it to break through Chansey and Porygon2. It also has access to U-turn and Volt Switch so that Alolan Golem can be brought in safely. Alolan Golem in return sets up Stealth Rock, which Tapu Koko can take advantage of because it forces lots of switches. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock support from Alolan Golem, as it helps Alolan Raichu pick up crucial KOs on Pokemon such as Dragonite and Salamence, allowing it to sweep late-game. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock because it helps it KO certain threats such as Scizor. Magnezone can trap and KO certain Steel-types that give Alolan Golem trouble such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
ability: Galvanize
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpD / 204 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Alolan Golem to pressure Bug-, Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-types such as Armaldo, Mega Charizard Y, and Kyurem-B. Return is Alolan Golem's STAB Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory and Tapu Fini. Stone Edge hits Bug-, Fire-, and Ice-types such as Armaldo, Volcarona, and Kyurem-B. Earthquake hits Electric-types such as Magnezone and Lanturn.

Set Details
========

56 Special Defense EVs along with a Careful nature bolsters Alolan Golem's Special Defense. 248 HP EVs allow Alolan Golem to be as bulky as possible and take a bit less from Stealth Rock. 204 EVs are put into Speed to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed Skarmory. Galvanize changes Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and gives them a slight power boost. Leftovers allows Alolan Golem to regain a bit of its health each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid status, especially burns and poison, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while poison decreases its longevity. Although Alolan Golem can take some hits, it is usually best to preserve its health because it typically needs to be at almost full health to reliably set up Stealth Rock. Avoid switching Alolan Golem in on strong special attacks, as even with investment it doesn't take several of them very well. However, switching Alolan Golem in on resisted special attacks is usually a great idea, as with the Special Defense investment, Alolan Golem can set up Stealth Rock with ease. Stealth Rock should be set up as early as possible because it wears down major threats to Electric-type teams such as Kyurem-B, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard Y. It is usually best to switch out against bulky set up sweepers such as Landorus-T, Mega Scizor, and Garchomp, as Alolan Golem is extremely weak without Attack investment. Use pivots such as U-turn Tapu Koko and Volt Switch Rotom-W to switch Alolan Golem in safely.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can deal with certain Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks and appreciates another Pokemon to take some special attacks. Rotom-W can cripple set up sweepers such as Landorus-T and Garchomp with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-W also is immune to Ground-type attacks and can 2HKO most Ground-types with Hydro Pump along with the ability to remove hazards with Defog. In return, Alolan Golem can take Normal-type attacks from the likes of Meloetta and Diggersby for Zapdos and Rotom-W. Magenzone Magnezone can trap and KO Steel-types, most notably Skarmory, which would otherwise remove Stealth Rock with Defog. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem, as it makes late-game cleaning much easier. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Raichu, as it aids in wearing down special walls, most notably Zapdos. Tapu Koko has access to both U-turn and Volt Switch, which allows Alolan Golem to be brought in safely. It also provides Electric Terrain, which boosts Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks. In return, Alolan Golem can switch into Poison-type attacks that threaten Tapu Koko.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sturdy can be used to allow Alolan Golem to take one hit at full health without a Focus Sash, but Alolan Golem lacks reliable physical Electric-type attacks without Galvanize. Life Orb along with a Jolly nature can be used to break Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu, but the luxury of always getting up Stealth Rock with Focus Sash is usually a better option.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Garchomp can all switch in on and OHKO Alolan Golem with their Ground-type attacks.

**Grass-types**: Alolan Golem doesn't have much coverage, so Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu can all take multiple hits from Alolan Golem and KO it with their Grass-type attacks. However, Grass-types need to wary of Life Orb Alolan Golem with Explosion.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls such as Porygon2, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T can take multiple hits from Alolan Golem. (and do what?)

**Dragon-types**: Pokemon such as Garchomp, Hydregion Hydreigon, and Latios can switch in on into Alolan Golem and threaten it with their powerful Dragon-type STAB attacks.

**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor and Mew can prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt and either KO or burn Alolan Golem.

**Chip Damage**: Chip damage, most notably from burn and entry hazards, cripples Alolan Golem. Burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while Stealth Rock breaks its Focus Sash. (doesnt burn also do that after 1 turn)

**Special Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as Landorus, Greninja, and Hydregion Hydreigon all deal massive damage to Alolan Golem because of its poor Special Defense stat.

**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Tapu Bulu, Latios, and Landorus-T can outspeed and KO Alolan Golem.
 

GP 1/2
remove add

[OVERVIEW]

Electric
========

Alolan Golem is the best Stealth Rock user Electric-type teams have to offer. It also has a decent Attack stat and powerful Normal-type attacks to use with Galvanize, most notably Return and Explosion. Alolan Golem has other good offensive moves in Earthquake and Stone Edge, which makes it a potent offensive threat. It also has a great Defense stat, which allows it to take most physical attacks with ease. However, Alolan Golem is extremely slow, which leaves it susceptible to revenge killers such as Latios and Tapu Bulu. Alolan Golem's Its Special Defense is extremely poor abysmal, which means it often needs to rely on Sturdy or Focus Sash to set up Stealth Rock. Its typing leaves it 4x weak to Ground-type attacks and vulnerable to common Water-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. Due to its rather shallow movepool, Alolan Golem is also extremely predictable.

[SET]
name: Sucide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Galvanize
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is used to pressure Flying-, Bug-, and Fire-types such as Mantine, Armaldo, and Mega Charizard Y. Return is Alolan Golem's reliable Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Water- and Flying-types such as Tapu Fini and Skarmory. Stone Edge allows Alolan Golem to hit Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types such as Alolan Marowak, Zapdos, and Volcarona. Explosion is a powerful Electric-type move that deals massive damage while causing Alolan Golem to faint. It and enables Alolan Golem to maintain Stealth Rock against slow Rapid Spin and Defog users. Earthquake can be used over Explosion to hit Electric-types such as Lanturn and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment along with a Adamant nature allows Alolan Golem to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment is used to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed threats such as Clefable, Armaldo, and Alomomola. Galvanize is used to turns Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and slightly boosts their power. Focus Sash allows Alolan Golem to take any hit at full health, which allows it to meaning it can almost always set up Stealth Rock safely.

Usage Tips
========

Use Alolan Golem as a lead because it can always safely set up Stealth Rock thanks to Focus Sash. After setting up Stealth Rock, it's usually best to use Explosion, as it grants one of Alolan Golem's teammates a free switch and causes entry hazard-removing moves from slower Pokemon to fail. However, using Explosion on Ground-types is usually not a great idea because they are immune to Electric-type attacks it. Remove hazards before switching Alolan Golem in, as it is extremely difficult to set up Stealth Rock without Focus Sash. Use Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon such as Magnezone and Tapu Koko to bring Alolan Golem in safely. Avoid status, especially burn, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat while also breaking its Focus Sash. Don't switch Alolan Golem in on any unnecessary hits because it needs its Focus Sash to reliably set up Stealth Rock.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can remove hazards with Defog and beat Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks that . Rotom-W can deal with Ground-types that counter Alolan Golem such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine. Tapu Koko can set up Electric Terrain, boosting Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks and allowing it to break through Chansey and Porygon2. It also has U-turn and Volt Switch so that Alolan Golem can be brought in safely. Alolan Golem in return sets up Stealth Rock, which Tapu Koko can take advantage of because it forces lots of many switches. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem, as it helps Alolan Raichu pick up crucial KOs on helping it KO Pokemon such as Dragonite and Salamence, allowing it to sweep late-game. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock because it helps it KO certain threats such as Scizor. Magnezone can trap and KO certain Steel-types that give Alolan Golem trouble such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
ability: Galvanize
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpD / 204 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Alolan Golem to pressure Bug-, Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-types such as Armaldo, Mega Charizard Y, and Kyurem-B. Return is Alolan Golem's STAB Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory and Tapu Fini. Stone Edge hits Bug-, Fire-, and Ice-types such as Armaldo, Volcarona, and Kyurem-B. Earthquake hits Electric-types such as Magnezone and Lanturn.

Set Details
========

56 Special Defense EVs along with a Careful nature bolsters Alolan Golem's Special Defense. 248 HP EVs allow Alolan Golem to be as bulky as possible and take a bit less damage from Stealth Rock. 204 EVs are put into Speed to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed Skarmory. Galvanize changes Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and gives them a slight power boost. Leftovers allows Alolan Golem to regain a bit of its health each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid status, especially burns and poison, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while poison decreases its longevity. Although Alolan Golem can take some hits, it is usually best to preserve its health because it typically needs to be at almost full health to reliably set up Stealth Rock. Avoid switching Alolan Golem in on strong special attacks, as even with investment it doesn't take several of them very well even with investment. However, switching Alolan Golem in on resisted special attacks is usually a great idea, as with the Special Defense investment, Alolan Golem can it has enough special bulk to then set up Stealth Rock with ease. Stealth Rock should be set up as early as possible because it wears down major threats to Electric-type teams such as Kyurem-B, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard Y. It is usually best to switch out against bulky set(space)up sweepers such as Landorus-T, Mega Scizor, and Garchomp, as Alolan Golem is extremely weak without Attack investment. Use pivots such as U-turn Tapu Koko and Volt Switch Rotom-W to switch Alolan Golem in safely.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can deal with certain Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks and appreciates having another Pokemon to take some special attacks. Rotom-W can cripple set(space)up sweepers such as Landorus-T and Garchomp with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-W also is immune to Ground-type attacks, (comma) and can 2HKOes most Ground-types with Hydro Pump, (comma) and can along with the ability to remove hazards with Defog. In return, Alolan Golem can take Normal-type attacks from the likes of Meloetta and Diggersby for Zapdos and Rotom-W. Magenzone can trap and KO Steel-types, most notably Skarmory, which would otherwise remove Stealth Rock with Defog. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem, as it makes late-game cleaning much easier. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Raichu, as it aids Xurkitree in wearing down special walls, most notably Zapdos. Tapu Koko has access to both U-turn and Volt Switch, which allows Alolan Golem to be brought in safely. It also provides Electric Terrain, which boosts Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks. In return, Alolan Golem can switch into Poison-type attacks that threaten Tapu Koko.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sturdy can be used to allow Alolan Golem to take one hit at full health without a Focus Sash, but Alolan Golem lacks reliable physical Electric-type attacks without Galvanize. Life Orb along with a Jolly nature can be used to break through Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu, but the luxury of always getting up Stealth Rock with Focus Sash is usually a better option.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Garchomp can all switch in on and OHKO Alolan Golem and OHKO with their Ground-type attacks.

**Grass-types**: Alolan Golem doesn't have much coverage, so Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu all take multiple hits from Alolan Golem and KO it with their Grass-type attacks. However, Grass-types need to wary of Life Orb Alolan Golem with Explosion.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls such as Porygon2, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T can take multiple hits from Alolan Golem.

**Dragon-types**: Pokemon such as Garchomp, Hydregion, and Latios can switch in on Alolan Golem and threaten it with their powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor and Mew can prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt and either KO or burn Alolan Golem.

**Chip Damage**: Chip damage, most notably from burn and hazards, cripples Alolan Golem. Burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while Stealth Rock breaks its Focus Sash.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as Landorus, Greninja, and Hydregion all deal massive damage to Alolan Golem because of its poor Special Defense stat.

**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Tapu Bulu, Latios, and Landorus-T can outspeed and KO Alolan Golem.
 
Last edited:

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

Electric
========

Alolan Golem is the best Stealth Rock user Electric-type teams have to offer. It also has a decent Attack stat and powerful Normal-type attacks to use with Galvanize, most notably Return and Explosion. Alolan Golem has other good offensive moves in Earthquake and Stone Edge, which makes it a potent offensive threat. It also has a great Defense stat, which allows it to take most physical attacks with ease. However, Alolan Golem is extremely slow, which leavesleaving it susceptible to revenge killers such as Latios and Tapu Bulu. Its abysmal Special Defense is abysmal, which means it often needs to rely on Sturdy or Focus Sash to set up Stealth Rock. Its typing leaves it 4x weak to Ground-type attacks and vulnerable to common Water-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. Due to its rather shallow movepool, Alolan Golem is also extremely predictable.

subjective changes, but i changed them because the sentence structure was getting reallllly repetitive. "alolan golem has this, which does this" if u understand

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Explosion
item: Focus Sash
ability: Galvanize
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock is used to pressure Flying-, Bug-, and Fire-types such as Mantine, Armaldo, and Mega Charizard Y. Return is Alolan Golem's reliable Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Water- and Flying-types such as Tapu Fini and Skarmory. Stone Edge allows Alolan Golem to hit Fire-, Flying-, and Bug-types such as Alolan Marowak, Zapdos, and Volcarona. Explosion is a powerful Electric-type move that deals massive damage and enables Alolan Golem to maintainkeep Stealth Rock up against slow Rapid Spin and Defog users. Earthquake can be used over Explosion to hit Electric-types such as Lanturn and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum Attack investment along with a Adamant nature allows Alolan Golem to hit as hard as possible. Maximum Speed investment is used to outspeed threats such as Clefable, Armaldo, and Alomomola. Galvanize turns Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and slightly boosts their power. Focus Sash allows Alolan Golem to take any hit at full health, meaning it can almost always set up Stealth Rock safely.

Usage Tips
========

Use Alolan Golem as a lead because it can always safely set up Stealth Rock thanks to Focus Sash. After setting up Stealth Rock, it's usually best to use Explosion, as it grants one of Alolan Golem's teammates a free switch and causes entry hazard-removing moves from slower Pokemon to fail. However, using Explosion on Ground-types is usually not a great idea because they are immune to it, but be careful not to use it on Ground-types. (this kinda just sounds really off and obvious) Remove hazards before switching Alolan Golem in, as it is extremely difficult to set up Stealth Rock without Focus Sash. Use Volt Switch and U-turn from Pokemon such as Magnezone and Tapu Koko to bring Alolan Golem in safely. Avoid status, especially burn, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat while also breaking its Focus Sash. Don't switch Alolan Golem in on any unnecessary hits because it needs its Focus Sash to reliably set up Stealth Rock.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can remove hazards with Defog and beat Grass-types such as Ferrothorn and Tapu Bulu with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks. Rotom-W can deal with Ground-types that counter Alolan Golem such as Hippowdon and Mamoswine. Tapu Koko can set up Electric Terrain, boosting the power of Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks and allowing it to break through Chansey and Porygon2. It also has U-turn and Volt Switch so that Alolan Golem can be brought in safely. Alolan Golem in return sets up Stealth Rock, which Tapu Koko can take advantage of because it forces many switches. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem helping it KO Pokemon such as Dragonite and Salamence, allowing it to sweep late-game. Similarly, Xurkitree appreciates Stealth Rock because it helps it KO certain threats such as Scizor. Magnezone can trap and KO certain Steel-types that give Alolan Golem trouble such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Leftovers
ability: Galvanize
nature: Careful
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpD / 204 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Stealth Rock allows Alolan Golem to pressure Bug-, Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-types such as Armaldo, Mega Charizard Y, and Kyurem-B. Return is Alolan Golem's STAB Electric-type attack, which allows it to hit Flying- and Water-types such as Skarmory and Tapu Fini. Stone Edge hits Bug-, Fire-, and Ice-types such as Armaldo, Volcarona, and Kyurem-B. Earthquake hits Electric-types such as Magnezone and Lanturn.

i think this is the section where the repetitive sentence structure really stands out. every sentence sounds exactly the same, so if u could make some sort of changes to make it sound less repetitive that would be cool. like maybe say something about how sr helps teammates and chips foes other than the types mentioned

Set Details
========

56 Special Defense EVs along with a Careful nature bolsters Alolan Golem's Special Defense. 248 HP EVs allow Alolan Golem to be as bulky as possible and take a bit less damage from Stealth Rock. 204 EVs are put into Speed to allow Alolan Golem to outspeed Skarmory. Galvanize changes Alolan Golem's Normal-type attacks into Electric-type attacks and gives them a slight power boost. Leftovers allows Alolan Golem to regain a bit of its health each turn.

Usage Tips
========

Avoid status, especially burns and poison, as burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while poison decreases its longevity. Although Alolan Golem can take some hits, it is usually best to preserve its health because it typically needs to be at almost full health to reliably set up Stealth Rock. Avoid switching Alolan Golem in on strong special attacks, as it doesn't take several of them very well even with investment. However, switching Alolan Golem in on resisted special attacks is usually a great idea, as it has enough special bulk to then set up Stealth Rock with ease. Stealth Rock should be set up as early as possible because it wears down major threats to Electric-type teams such as Kyurem-B, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard Y. It is usually best to switch out against bulky setup sweepers such as Landorus-T, Mega Scizor, and Garchomp, as Alolan Golem is extremely weak without Attack investment. Use pivots such as U-turn Tapu Koko and Volt Switch Rotom-W to switch Alolan Golem in safely.

Team Options
========

Zapdos can deal with certain Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor with Heat Wave. Zapdos is also immune to Ground-type attacks and appreciates having another Pokemon to take some special attacks. Rotom-W can cripple setup sweepers such as Landorus-T and Garchomp with Will-O-Wisp. Rotom-W also is immune to Ground-type attacks, 2HKOes most Ground-types with Hydro Pump, and can remove hazards with Defog. In return, Alolan Golem can take Normal-type attacks from the likes of Meloetta and Diggersby for Zapdos and Rotom-W. Magenzone can trap and KO Steel-types, most notably Skarmory, which would otherwise remove Stealth Rock with Defog. Alolan Raichu appreciates Stealth Rock from Alolan Golem, as it makes late-game cleaning much easier. Similarly, Stealth Rock aids Xurkitree in wearing down special walls, most notably Zapdos. Tapu Koko has access to both U-turn and Volt Switch, which allows Alolan Golem to be brought in safely. It also, and provides Electric Terrain, which boosts Alolan Golem's Electric-type attacks. In return, Alolan Golem can switch into Poison-type attacks that threaten Tapu Koko.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sturdy can be used to allow Alolan Golem to take one hit at full health without a Focus Sash, but Alolan Golem lacks reliable physical Electric-type attacks without Galvanize. Life Orb along with a Jolly nature can be used to break through Grass-types, most notably Mega Venusaur and Tapu Bulu, but the luxury of always getting up Stealth Rock with Focus Sash is usually a better option.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Gastrodon, and Garchomp can switch in on Alolan Golem and OHKO with their Ground-type attacks.

**Grass-types**: Alolan Golem doesn't have much coverage, so Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tapu Bulu take multiple hits from Alolan Golem and KO it with their Grass-type attacks. However, Grass-types need to wary of Life Orb Alolan Golem with Explosion.

**Physical Walls**: Physical walls such as Porygon2, Ferrothorn, and Landorus-T can take multiple hits from Alolan Golem.

**Dragon-types**: Pokemon such as Garchomp, Hydregion, and Latios can switch in on Alolan Golem and threaten it with their powerful Dragon-type attacks.

**Stallbreakers**: Stallbreakers such as Gliscor and Mew can prevent Stealth Rock with Taunt and either KO or burn Alolan Golem.

**Chip Damage**: Chip damage, most notably from burn and hazards, cripples Alolan Golem. Burn halves Alolan Golem's Attack stat, while Stealth Rock breaks its Focus Sash.

**Special Attackers**: Powerful special attackers such as Landorus, Greninja, and Hydregion deal massive damage to Alolan Golem because of its poor Special Defense stat.

**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Tapu Bulu, Latios, and Landorus-T can outspeed and KO Alolan Golem.

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