Pokémon Stealth Rock: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Strategic Dominance

In the fiercely competitive realm of Pokémon battles, Stealth Rock emerges as a potent move that has significantly shaped the metagame. With its ability to inflict residual damage on opposing Pokémon upon entry, Stealth Rock has become a staple strategy for both offensive and defensive teams. This article delves into the intricacies of Stealth Rock, exploring its strategic applications, damage calculations, and the Pokémon that excel in utilizing it.

Understanding Stealth Rock

Stealth Rock is a Rock-type move that creates a field effect, damaging Pokémon that enter the battlefield. The damage dealt by Stealth Rock is calculated based on the following formula:

Damage = Base Power x (100 / Resistance) x (100 / HP)

• Base Power: Stealth Rock has a base power of 120.
• Resistance: The damage is reduced by the target's resistance to Rock-type moves.
• HP: The damage is further reduced based on the target's maximum HP.

This damage formula highlights the versatility of Stealth Rock, as it can effectively chip away at both bulky and frail Pokémon. Against Pokémon with a resistance to Rock-type moves, the damage is mitigated, but it still remains significant. Conversely, against Pokémon with a weakness to Rock-type moves, Stealth Rock becomes a devastating threat.

Strategic Applications of Stealth Rock

Stealth Rock excels in various strategic roles, including:

Weakening Entry Hazards

Stealth Rock is a potent counter to entry hazard-setting Pokémon, such as Spikes or Toxic Spikes. By chipping away at the opposing Pokémon's HP, Stealth Rock reduces the effectiveness of these hazards, preventing them from heavily crippling the opposing team.

Protecting Against Setup Sweepers

Stealth Rock disrupts the strategies of setup sweepers, which rely on boosting their stats or setting up hazards to dominate battles. By damaging them upon entry, Stealth Rock forces these sweepers to expend more resources on recovery or switching, hindering their ability to sweep the opposing team.

Countering Dragon-Types

Dragon-types are among the most prominent Pokémon in competitive battles due to their offensive prowess and type advantage over many threats. Stealth Rock is a way to exploit the Dragon-type's vulnerability to Rock-type moves, effectively countering their power.

Pokémon that Excel with Stealth Rock

Several Pokémon have emerged as prime candidates for using Stealth Rock effectively:

Tyranitar

Tyranitar is a formidable Pokémon known for its defensive prowess and offensive capabilities. Its Rock/Dark typing grants it immunity to Psychic-type moves, making it an excellent Stealth Rock user. Tyranitar's high HP and ability to learn Sand Stream further enhance its ability to control the battlefield.

Aerodactyl

Aerodactyl's high Speed and Rock/Flying typing make it an ideal Stealth Rock setter. Its ability to outspeed many Pokémon and gain entry hazards before the opponent can respond is a major advantage. Aerodactyl's access to moves like Earthquake and Rock Slide also provides offensive coverage.

Starmie

Starmie is a versatile Pokémon that can set up Stealth Rock while providing support to its team. Its Water/Psychic typing grants it resistances to many common entry hazards and offensive threats. Starmie's ability to learn Rapid Spin allows it to remove entry hazards from its own side of the battlefield.

Damage Calculations and Simulation

To illustrate the potential impact of Stealth Rock, consider the following examples:

• Garchomp, a popular Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon, has a maximum HP of 450 and a resistance of 1/4 to Rock-type moves. When it enters a battle with Stealth Rock active, it takes:

120 x (100 / (1/4)) x (100 / 450) = 32 damage

• Talonflame, a swift Fire/Flying-type Pokémon, has a maximum HP of 270 and a neutral resistance to Rock-type moves. Upon entering a battle with Stealth Rock active, it takes:

120 x (100 / 1) x (100 / 270) = 55.56 damage

These calculations demonstrate the significant damage Stealth Rock can inflict on both bulky and frail Pokémon.

Conclusion

Stealth Rock's strategic value lies in its versatility and ability to disrupt opposing teams. Its damage output, ease of use, and wide distribution make it a highly effective move in both offensive and defensive team compositions. By understanding its mechanics, applications, and the Pokémon that excel with it, players can harness the power of Stealth Rock to gain a competitive edge in Pokémon battles.