[OVERVIEW]
* Alolan Golem is a situacional pick for teams that struggle against Steel-types, such as Ferroseed and Aggron.
* Its niche resides in Magnet Pull, making it a good trapper for the aforementioned Pokémon, eliminating them with ease, separating itself from Probopass.
* Considering its resistances and STABs, Alolan Golem can pressure some of the hazard removers of the tier, such as Skuntank and Articuno.
* Unfortunately, Alolan Golem is heavily outclassed as a Steel trapper and Stealth Rock user by Probopass, who can do a similar role.
* It doesn't fit on defensive teams very well, leaving it behind Probopass in that scenario, considering the synergy and defensive utility it brings to that playstyle.
* Because of its Speed stat, Alolan Golem is outsped and dealt with even by Pokemon that it could otherwise handle, such as Abomasnow and Alolan Sandslash with Fire Punch.
* Also, despite its good Defense stat, its poor defensive typing and Special Defense leaves it vulnerable against common coverage moves and reasonably powerful resisted Special attacks.
[SET]
name: Utility Trapper
move 1: Stone Edge/ Rock Slide
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
Item: Shuca Berry
Ability: Magnet Pull
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk/ 4 SpD/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Stone Edge is Alolan Golem's most powerful Rock-type move, allowing it to OHKO Pyroar, Oricorio-G and Jynx, while 2HKO bulky mons such as Clefairy and Eelektross on the switch. Rock Slide can be used for its better accuracy and the ability to OHKO the former three, but doing it you lose the ability to 2HKO the latter two.
* Stealth Rock provides entry hazard support and can pressure some teams, helping Alolan Golem and its team partners achieve some OHKOs or 2HKOs.
* Earthquake is used to trap and revenge kill Aggron and Probopass for a guaranteed OHKO and 3HKO defensive Mawile after Stealth Rock, while serving as a powerful move overall.
* Finally, Fire Punch gives Alolan Golem the ability to 2HKO Ferroseed and to hit Bronzor, beating it in the long run.
Set Details
========
* Full investment in Attack and Speed along with a Jolly nature lets Alolan Golem hit hard and fast as possible.
* Shuca Berry allows Alolan Golem to endure an Earthquake from Aggron and Alolan Sandslash or an Earth Power from Probopass if needed, letting it trap and remove them easily.
* Magnet Pull is what makes this Pokemon valuable on the tier, letting it trap its Steel-type targets.
Usage Tips
========
* Because of its difficult to take hits like Probopass does, Alolan Golem appreciates slow VoltTurn to bring it in the Steel-types that it traps.
* Even with Shuca Berry, Alolan Golem has a high chance to fall to Choice Band Aggron's Earthquake after Stealth Rock, so keep that in mind when trying to hard switch or pivot into it.
* Because of its Steel-less typing, Alolan Golem can trap Probopass and alleviate the job of its Steel-type partners, while Probopass can't do the same and will get OHKOed by it.
* Even though Alolan Golem is able to trap and remove Ferroseed with ease, try to chip it before bringing Alolan Golem on the field. With Leech Seed, Protect and Iron Barbs, Ferroseed could hurt it to the point that it can no longer pivot in front of its targets as safely as before, leaving it unable to resist a hit before attacking if needed.
* When trying to trap Togedemaru, keep in mind that it will outspeed Alolan Golem and can use U-Turn to take advantage in a switch-in. Scout its set and only trap it if it's the Choice Scarf variant and it's not locked in U-Turn.
* After did it job of trapping Steel-types and setting hazards, Alolan Golem can be sacked if needed to gain momentum.
Team Options
========
* Alolan Golem fits better on offensive teams alongside Pokemon that struggle against problematic Steel-types like Ferroseed, Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Aggron. Mesprit, Z-Me First Pinsir and Aggron are good examples of partners that appreciate this role, allowing them to wallbreak or not being walled by Alolan Golem's targets . Also, Ferroseed appreciates opposing Probopass being knocked out, leaving it doing it job without the fear to being trapped.
* By virtue of its defensive typing and Defense stat, Alolan Golem can be useful pivoting into a few physical Flying- and Electric-types moves, supporting Pokemon that struggle against it, such as Pinsir and Kingler.
* To support Alolan Golem, Weezing can be used as a free switch to Ground-types and a resist for Fighting and Grass-types, while Lanturn, even stacking a common weakness in Ground- and Grass-type, can alliviate its horrendous Special Defense and can take Water-type moves for it, while pressuring physical defensive Pokemon that give Alolan Golem some trouble, such as Mesprit and Weezing.
* Slow VoltTurn is a valuable way to bring Alolan Golem in the field without taking a hit that can compromise its job. Lanturn and Eelektross are the premier users of Volt Switch, while Specially Defensive Togedemaru can pivot out using U-Turn.
* Keeping your side of the field without hazards can seen to be very useful for Alolan Golem when trapping Choice Band Aggron, Alolan Sandslash and Probopass, allowing it to survive the Ground-type move without risking being OHKOed after the entry hazard damage. Skuntank and Hitmonchan can achieve that role to support it.
Other Options
========
* Choice Band can be used to achieve a secure OHKO against Ferroseed, but it doesn't have any use outside of it, plus it is largely outclassed by other Choice Band users such as Primeape and Mudsdale, hinder its ability to trap Steel-types and none of its moves are at least passable to be locked into.
* Choice Scarf can be used to outspeed Aurorus, Abomasnow and Zangoose and OHKO the former two and have a good chance to do the same to the latter, but being locked in one move can drain momentum and its speed tier isn't good even considering the item, still leaving it oustped by the majority of the offensive Pokemon of the tier.
* A suicide lead with Galvanize and Focus Sash can be used, using Explosion as a nuke that can at least cripple even the bulkiest wall that doesn't resist it. but that way Alolan Golem loses its primary role as a trapper of Steel-types, besides being outclassed by others suicide leads such as Aurorus and Lycanroc.
* Wild Charge can replace Stone Edge depending on the team's needs, but the lack of Rock-resistances in the tier and the overall power of the Rock-STAB is much more desired.
* If Stealth Rock is being used on another Pokemon, Toxic can be used to cripple some walls or a slow set-up sweeper.
Cheks and Counters
========
**Special Attackers**: By virtue of its poor Special Defense stat, it will fall to any decently Strong Special Attacker on the tier, even if they're not very effective against it. Oricorio-G and Choice Specs Pyroar are some examples that Alolan Golem resists at least one of their STAB and can 1v1, but doesn't serve as a switch-in, while Swanna, Floatzel and Alolan Raichu are inevitable problems if they get a safe switch.
**Ground-types**: Due to Alolan Golem mediocre typing and movepool, almost any Ground-type will cause it problems, at least walling it at some degree and achieving a OHKO with little difficulty. Alolan Dugtrio, Golurk, Claydol and Mudsdale are the main names in this category, although Alolan Dugtrio doesn't appreciate switching in an attack from Alolan Golem and can't OHKO it without some prior damage.
**Faster Attackers**: Taking in consideration its low Speed stat, Pokemon like Kingler, Primeape and Lycanroc-Midday can take down Alolan Golem with a guaranteed OHKO, with the latter two after Stealth Rock damage.
**Physically bulky Pokemon**: Considering Alolan Golem's lack of raw power, it will struggle to break defensive Pokemon such as Mesprit and Weezing, being 2HKO with Psychic by the former and crippled with a burn by the latter.
* Alolan Golem is a situacional pick for teams that struggle against Steel-types, such as Ferroseed and Aggron.
* Its niche resides in Magnet Pull, making it a good trapper for the aforementioned Pokémon, eliminating them with ease, separating itself from Probopass.
* Considering its resistances and STABs, Alolan Golem can pressure some of the hazard removers of the tier, such as Skuntank and Articuno.
* Unfortunately, Alolan Golem is heavily outclassed as a Steel trapper and Stealth Rock user by Probopass, who can do a similar role.
* It doesn't fit on defensive teams very well, leaving it behind Probopass in that scenario, considering the synergy and defensive utility it brings to that playstyle.
* Because of its Speed stat, Alolan Golem is outsped and dealt with even by Pokemon that it could otherwise handle, such as Abomasnow and Alolan Sandslash with Fire Punch.
* Also, despite its good Defense stat, its poor defensive typing and Special Defense leaves it vulnerable against common coverage moves and reasonably powerful resisted Special attacks.
[SET]
name: Utility Trapper
move 1: Stone Edge/ Rock Slide
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
Item: Shuca Berry
Ability: Magnet Pull
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 Atk/ 4 SpD/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Stone Edge is Alolan Golem's most powerful Rock-type move, allowing it to OHKO Pyroar, Oricorio-G and Jynx, while 2HKO bulky mons such as Clefairy and Eelektross on the switch. Rock Slide can be used for its better accuracy and the ability to OHKO the former three, but doing it you lose the ability to 2HKO the latter two.
* Stealth Rock provides entry hazard support and can pressure some teams, helping Alolan Golem and its team partners achieve some OHKOs or 2HKOs.
* Earthquake is used to trap and revenge kill Aggron and Probopass for a guaranteed OHKO and 3HKO defensive Mawile after Stealth Rock, while serving as a powerful move overall.
* Finally, Fire Punch gives Alolan Golem the ability to 2HKO Ferroseed and to hit Bronzor, beating it in the long run.
Set Details
========
* Full investment in Attack and Speed along with a Jolly nature lets Alolan Golem hit hard and fast as possible.
* Shuca Berry allows Alolan Golem to endure an Earthquake from Aggron and Alolan Sandslash or an Earth Power from Probopass if needed, letting it trap and remove them easily.
* Magnet Pull is what makes this Pokemon valuable on the tier, letting it trap its Steel-type targets.
Usage Tips
========
* Because of its difficult to take hits like Probopass does, Alolan Golem appreciates slow VoltTurn to bring it in the Steel-types that it traps.
* Even with Shuca Berry, Alolan Golem has a high chance to fall to Choice Band Aggron's Earthquake after Stealth Rock, so keep that in mind when trying to hard switch or pivot into it.
* Because of its Steel-less typing, Alolan Golem can trap Probopass and alleviate the job of its Steel-type partners, while Probopass can't do the same and will get OHKOed by it.
* Even though Alolan Golem is able to trap and remove Ferroseed with ease, try to chip it before bringing Alolan Golem on the field. With Leech Seed, Protect and Iron Barbs, Ferroseed could hurt it to the point that it can no longer pivot in front of its targets as safely as before, leaving it unable to resist a hit before attacking if needed.
* When trying to trap Togedemaru, keep in mind that it will outspeed Alolan Golem and can use U-Turn to take advantage in a switch-in. Scout its set and only trap it if it's the Choice Scarf variant and it's not locked in U-Turn.
* After did it job of trapping Steel-types and setting hazards, Alolan Golem can be sacked if needed to gain momentum.
Team Options
========
* Alolan Golem fits better on offensive teams alongside Pokemon that struggle against problematic Steel-types like Ferroseed, Choice Scarf Togedemaru and Aggron. Mesprit, Z-Me First Pinsir and Aggron are good examples of partners that appreciate this role, allowing them to wallbreak or not being walled by Alolan Golem's targets . Also, Ferroseed appreciates opposing Probopass being knocked out, leaving it doing it job without the fear to being trapped.
* By virtue of its defensive typing and Defense stat, Alolan Golem can be useful pivoting into a few physical Flying- and Electric-types moves, supporting Pokemon that struggle against it, such as Pinsir and Kingler.
* To support Alolan Golem, Weezing can be used as a free switch to Ground-types and a resist for Fighting and Grass-types, while Lanturn, even stacking a common weakness in Ground- and Grass-type, can alliviate its horrendous Special Defense and can take Water-type moves for it, while pressuring physical defensive Pokemon that give Alolan Golem some trouble, such as Mesprit and Weezing.
* Slow VoltTurn is a valuable way to bring Alolan Golem in the field without taking a hit that can compromise its job. Lanturn and Eelektross are the premier users of Volt Switch, while Specially Defensive Togedemaru can pivot out using U-Turn.
* Keeping your side of the field without hazards can seen to be very useful for Alolan Golem when trapping Choice Band Aggron, Alolan Sandslash and Probopass, allowing it to survive the Ground-type move without risking being OHKOed after the entry hazard damage. Skuntank and Hitmonchan can achieve that role to support it.
Other Options
========
* Choice Band can be used to achieve a secure OHKO against Ferroseed, but it doesn't have any use outside of it, plus it is largely outclassed by other Choice Band users such as Primeape and Mudsdale, hinder its ability to trap Steel-types and none of its moves are at least passable to be locked into.
* Choice Scarf can be used to outspeed Aurorus, Abomasnow and Zangoose and OHKO the former two and have a good chance to do the same to the latter, but being locked in one move can drain momentum and its speed tier isn't good even considering the item, still leaving it oustped by the majority of the offensive Pokemon of the tier.
* A suicide lead with Galvanize and Focus Sash can be used, using Explosion as a nuke that can at least cripple even the bulkiest wall that doesn't resist it. but that way Alolan Golem loses its primary role as a trapper of Steel-types, besides being outclassed by others suicide leads such as Aurorus and Lycanroc.
* Wild Charge can replace Stone Edge depending on the team's needs, but the lack of Rock-resistances in the tier and the overall power of the Rock-STAB is much more desired.
* If Stealth Rock is being used on another Pokemon, Toxic can be used to cripple some walls or a slow set-up sweeper.
Cheks and Counters
========
**Special Attackers**: By virtue of its poor Special Defense stat, it will fall to any decently Strong Special Attacker on the tier, even if they're not very effective against it. Oricorio-G and Choice Specs Pyroar are some examples that Alolan Golem resists at least one of their STAB and can 1v1, but doesn't serve as a switch-in, while Swanna, Floatzel and Alolan Raichu are inevitable problems if they get a safe switch.
**Ground-types**: Due to Alolan Golem mediocre typing and movepool, almost any Ground-type will cause it problems, at least walling it at some degree and achieving a OHKO with little difficulty. Alolan Dugtrio, Golurk, Claydol and Mudsdale are the main names in this category, although Alolan Dugtrio doesn't appreciate switching in an attack from Alolan Golem and can't OHKO it without some prior damage.
**Faster Attackers**: Taking in consideration its low Speed stat, Pokemon like Kingler, Primeape and Lycanroc-Midday can take down Alolan Golem with a guaranteed OHKO, with the latter two after Stealth Rock damage.
**Physically bulky Pokemon**: Considering Alolan Golem's lack of raw power, it will struggle to break defensive Pokemon such as Mesprit and Weezing, being 2HKO with Psychic by the former and crippled with a burn by the latter.
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