Rock and Roll
- By Elbein
Move 1:Headlong Rush
Move 2:Stone Edge / Head Smash
Move 3:Sucker Punch
Move 4:Rapid Spin / Stealth Rock / Explosion / Superpower
Item:
Liechi Berry / Muscle Band / Soft Sand / Life OrbAbility:
Sturdy / Rock HeadEVs:
252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Description
Golem is a simple but pretty effective pokemon, bringing a combination of good power and utility. Headlong Rush is your most spammable stab move and does a good amount of damage. While Head Smash paired with Rock Head is strong and tempting, I find Sturdy to be the more reliable ability overall, making Stone Edge the preferred Rock stab. Sucker Punch is greatly appreciated on a Pokémon as slow as Golem, letting it get that last bit of chip damage on a weakened opponent. Rapid Spin provides hazard removal and makes Golem a very effective lead against bosses with a Sash hazard setter. If they set up Rocks/Spikes turn 1, Golem can Spin to remove them on the following turn while living on Sturdy. If you and the opponent attack each other turn 1, bringing each other to 1hp, Golem can come out on top by using Sucker Punch. If you already have removal on another team member, Golem can act as your own hazard setter with Stealth Rock. If you already have that covered too, Explosion or an additional coverage move such as Superpower are acceptable options. Liechi Berry is a great item for this set if you know for a fact that Golem will be living on Sturdy in a particular fight, providing the power of Choice Band without the downside. If this isn’t guaranteed, Muscle Band or a type boosting item work well. Life Orb should only be considered if running Rock Head + Head Smash, as the item’s self-damage will break your Sturdy.