[OVERVIEW]
Alolan Geodude has an useful niche thanks to Galvanize, which allows it to beat Defog users and a prominent Rapid Spin user in Staryu while setting up Stealth Rock. A good base 80 Attack alongside a base 100 Defense allows it to put some pressure on the opposing team. This, coupled with access to a strong Galvanize-boosted Explosion, makes Alolan Geodude a good Stealth Rock setter. However, Alolan Geodude is outclassed in certain aspects by other Stealth Rock users, such as Onix and Dwebble, which have a higher Speed stat and more entry hazard options, respectively. Alolan Geodude's 4x weakness to Ground, as well as its weaknesses to Water and Fighting, also make it hard for it to get up Stealth Rock. Its low Speed makes it even more difficult for Alolan Geodude to get up Stealth Rock, leaving it outsped by Pokemon such as Onix and Mienfoo, both of which can severely threaten it with their powerful STAB moves.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Return
move 3: Fire Blast / Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Eviolite
ability: Galvanize
nature: Adamant
evs: 196 HP / 36 Atk / 116 Def / 36 SpA / 36 SpD / 36 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock deals damage to opposing Pokemon when they switch in, which helps to break Sturdy and Focus Sash and paves the way for sweepers so that they can OHKO or 2HKO certain threats. Return becomes a reliable 122-Base Power STAB move after the Galvanize boost, hitting Flying- and Water-types hard. Fire Blast is used to score the 2HKO on Ferroseed, and it can also 2HKO Pawniard and Magnemite, as well as some Grass-types after prior damage. However, Earthquake can be used in this slot, as it hits Rock-types and OHKOes Magnemite while still hitting Pawniard. Finally, Explosion becomes an extremely powerful 300-Base Power STAB move, and it can be used as a finishing move once Alolan Geodude's job is done. It can also be used to lure out Fighting-types and OHKO most of them. Rock Blast can be used to break Substitute and Sturdy from the likes of Pokemon such as Dwebble. Volt Switch can also be used to slowly pivot to other Pokemon and gain momentum for your team.
Set Details
========
36 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature allow Alolan Geodude to reach a respectable 16 Attack, which is enough to almost always 2HKO Timburr with Return. The defensive EVs coupled with Eviolite allow Alolan Geodude to avoid the OHKO from +2 Nasty Plot Vullaby and Jolly Regenerator Mienfoo's High Jump Kick after Stealth Rock. 36 Special Attack is used to maximize Fire Blast's damage output. 36 Speed is used to outspeed standard Ferroseed. Galvanize is what sets Alolan Geodude apart from other Stealth Rock setters as it helps it get past Defog and Rapid Spin users, and it is therefore chosen as the main ability.
Usage Tips
========
Due to Alolan Geodude's low Speed, setting up Stealth Rock should usually be the first thing to do, as you might not get the chance later in the game. Alolan Geodude's ability to take a couple of hits allows it to potentially make an impact mid-game. Alolan Geodude can be switched into attacks it resists, such as Flying-type attacks, and threaten the foe out, allowing Stealth Rock to be set up more easily. Alolan Geodude should be wary of Ground-types switching in on a predicted Explosion, as this gives them a free opportunity to switch in. Alolan Geodude should aim to hit predicted Staryu switch-ins with Return, as they can OHKO Alolan Geodude with Hydro Pump. However, it can survive a Scald if facing a more defensive Staryu variant. Keep in mind that if a Ground-type switches in on Explosion, Alolan Geodude will faint without the foe getting damaged, so it should be used with caution. If your team really relies on Stealth Rock, you should avoid letting Alolan Geodude get worn down by letting it take super effective attacks. Diglett should be avoided, as not only can it absorb an Explosion, but it also can trap Geodude and KO it with Earthquake.
Team Options
========
Alolan Geodude fits on teams that need Stealth Rock immediately and can't afford a lead that gets beaten by Staryu. Alolan Geodude's teammates should be able to switch in safely into Ground-types such as Onix and Mudbray due to Alolan Geodude's crippling 4x weakness to Ground. Snivy in particular can force out Ground-types and also appreciates Alolan Geodude's Stealth Rock to help it pick up KOs. Sweepers such as Nasty Plot Vullaby and Corphish appreciate Stealth Rock, as it can help them get certain KOs on Pokemon that might otherwise be able to take a hit. Bulky Grass-types such as Pumpkaboo-XL can threaten out Water- and Ground-types with their Grass-type STAB moves, as well as being able to switch in safely most of the time due to their resistance to Water- and Ground-type attacks. Pumpkaboo-XL in particular is an amazing teammate for Alolan Geodude, as it also is able to block Rapid Spin. In return, Alolan Geodude can check Flying-types for it. Ghost-types, such as Gastly, in general pair well with Alolan Geodude to keep Stealth Rock on the opponent's side of the field. Rapid Spin users such as Staryu and Kabuto get rid of hazards on your side of the field while still keeping Alolan Geodude's Stealth Rock intact. Finally, Pokemon that deter Defog such as Pawniard also are useful for keeping Alolan Geodude's hazards on the field.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Rock Polish set can work as a sweeper, as Alolan Geodude can reach a respectable 11 Speed, enough to outspeed the unboosted metagame at +2, but it's hard to set up and gets beaten by Choice Scarf users. Sturdy + Berry Juice is an option, but Alolan Geodude is outclassed in this role by other Pokemon such as Onix. If you opt for this, Counter is an option to KO physical sweepers such as Mienfoo and Drilbur. A Magnet Pull set can work, but Magnemite is better overall in this role. Magnet Rise can be used to migate Alolan Geodude's weakness to Ground-types, but Alolan Geodude tends to lose to Ground-types even with Magnet Rise. Hidden Power Grass is Alolan Geodude's only option against Onix, but it requires some prior damage to OHKO it, and it doesn't help with much else.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Due to Alolan Geodude's 4x weakness to Ground, Ground-type Pokemon such as Diglett and Onix are immune to its Electric-type attacks and can usually OHKO it with Earthquake. Diglett in particular can easily eliminate Alolan Geodude while preventing it from switching out thanks to Arena Trap.
**Grass-types**: Grass-types such as Foongus and Snivy resist all of Alolan Geodude's attacks and can hit it hard with their super effective STAB attacks.
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-types like Mienfoo and Timburr can easily take care of Alolan Geodude thanks to their super effective STAB moves. However, Fighting-types are still hit hard by Galvanize-boosted attacks.
**Chinchou**: Chinchou's ability Volt Absorb makes it immune to Alolan Geodude's Electric-type attacks, and it can OHKO Alolan Geodude with Hydro Pump. However, it has to be wary of Earthquake.
Last edited: