Choice Band Golem

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion
golem.gif

QC: 3/3
GP: 2/2

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fire Punch / Superpower/ Explosion
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant/ Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Golem is capable of performing as a very strong wallbreaker with its powerful EdgeQuake combination. Earthquake is Golem's STAB move of choice, as it has perfect accuracy and is easy to spam when Ground-resistant or -immune Pokemon are not present or have been eliminated. Stone Edge is Golem's secondary STAB move and hits Pokemon that resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, Solrock, and Leafeon, for good damage. Sucker Punch hits faster Pokemon that Golem would otherwise be unable to touch. Fire Punch is an important coverage move that hits the likes of Bronzor and bulky Grass-types such as Gourgeist and Tangela when you don't want to risk a Stone Edge. Superpower is the preferred final coverage move so that Golem is able to hit Pokemon such as Air Balloon Probopass and Vibrava. Explosion is also an option in the last slot, as it deals an insane amount of damage to typical Golem switch-ins and even OHKOes Vibrava from full HP.

Set Details
========
The EV spread simply maximizes Attack and Speed for Golem. The Speed is necessary to outspeed every foe up to uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon. Adamant is the nature of choice because it allows Golem to hit as hard as possible with a Choice Band. However, a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed foes that Speed creep Adamant Golem such as Pelipper and Mawile. Lastly, Sturdy allows Golem to take any one hit from full health and also ensures that Golem will be able to fire off at least one attack.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Band Golem is best played as a wallbreaker, dealing lots of damage to otherwise safe switch-ins with its powerful STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge. Once Golem has switched in, simply pick the move that's most effective against the likely switch-in in order to 2HKO it most of the time. Both of Golem's STAB moves have some drawbacks to using them; Earthquake is perfectly accurate, but it can leave Golem checked by physically defensive Grass-types and Pokemon immune to Ground, and Stone Edge has imperfect accuracy even though nothing is immune to Rock. Once Flying-types, Levitate users, and bulky Grass-types have been removed from battle, however, it's very easy for Golem to simply spam Earthquake. Only use Fire Punch if attempting to predict a Bronzor switch-in or trying to secure a KO on a Grass-type switch-in. Bringing in Golem on a passive Pokemon that does not threaten it will give you a lot of momentum for Golem to continue wallbreaking. Golem should be supported by some sort of slow U-turn or Volt Switch pivot backbone that allows it to be brought in with minimal wear. Golem can also function as an offensive Normal- and Flying-type check, as well as Electric-type immunity, but without bulk investment, Golem can be worn down more easily by attacks like Choice Band Stoutland's Return.

Team Options
======
Choice Band Golem fits best on offensive and balanced teams. Just like with a number of other wallbreakers, having a late-game sweeper is ideal in order to take advantage of the holes Golem punches, so Floatzel, Bouffalant, and Dragon Dance Altaria are good teammates. Grumpig is a solid pivot to fall back on due to its Fighting- and Ice-type resistances, and it can provide paralysis support to improve Golem's effectiveness against faster teams. Stealth Rock is helpful because it ensures Gourgeist and Tangela are 2HKOed by Stone Edge and Fire Punch, and it also chips down most Earthquake switch-ins very quickly. Prinplup and Clefairy are notable thanks to their decent defensive synergy with Golem. Other good partners for Golem are Lumineon, Politoed, Yache Berry Leafeon, and faster Electric-types such as Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-F, as they check the Water-types that force out Golem and also provide momentum for Golem with Volt Switch, and can wear down Grass-types with Overheat and Blizzard.
 
Last edited:

pancake

movement and location
is a Contributor Alumnus
A few things; I'm not QC

  • Superpower is one word
  • Into is one word
ok now

Moves:

  • cut the fluff on explosion. We don't need to know it does "an insane amount of damage"; we want to know it prevents hazard removal and lures many of Golem's typical checks (Tangela, Vibrava)
  • another grammar issue (sorry these things trigger me): nothing "complements well with" something. Either use "works well with" or "complements Earthquake well."
  • The notion that Golem "can't hit" faster Pokemon is incorrect; Sucker Punch is good because it compensates for Golem's low speed.
Set Details:
  • wallbreaker and outspeed are one word
  • The first and fourth bullets are awkward; the first bullet implies that you should always use an adamant nature whereas the fourth bullet notes jolly is another option. Don't include Adamant in the first bullet especially if you are slashing Jolly, then in another bullet address both Adamant and Jolly in the same sentence so it is clear that both are options.
  • Give examples of Pokemon that Jolly Golem outspeeds
  • Don't be so literal when talking about Sturdy; we know it allows you survive a hit from full health. Give an example of when Sturdy is useful, like when taking on Monferno.
Usage Tips:

  • It's important to emphasize that one of the main uses of CB golem is to "lure" traditional switchins, which I don't feel like is emphasized enough in Usage Tips
  • Note that typically Sucker Punch isn't a great move to lock yourself into because it makes Golem setup bait, only use it to "revenge kill" which probably isn't even the right term but it's close
Team Options:
  • be more specific about entry hazards
  • make an entry for fast cleaners (dodrio, rotom-f I guess)/setup sweepers that appreciate Golem's breaking. Offensive Pokemon is too general.
  • Say which types of teams CB golem fits best on (Offense, Balance)
Biggest thing is that CB Golem is not a sweeper; it's a wallbreaker. You should remove any mention of it "sweeping" (it's in Usage Tips and Team Options) because that's really not what it does; it's way too slow to clean. You should be emphasizing the set's main function, wallbreaking, rather than sweeping.

once again not QC but I am pretty sure this stuff is pretty good, also if a qc member could give me feedback on this that would be :ok_hand:

:)
 
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MZ

And now for something completely different
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View attachment 72619

QC: 0/3
GP: 0/2

SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Explosion / Superpower
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe space things correctly, like you would in an importable. I've fixed this but dont put anything right next to a slash. also put EVs in their proper order, it used to be speed then defense

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Earthquake is Golem's main STAB plowing through everything that doesn't resist it.
  • Stone Edge is Golem's second STAB that complements Earthquake well by hitting Flying and Ice Types.
  • Sucker Punch hits faster Pokémon by compensating for its low speed.
  • Superpower hits Air Balloon Probopass, Vibrava, and Solrock.
  • Explosion prevents foes from removing entry hazards and lures some of Golem's typical checks such as Vibrava and Tangela.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum Attack investment allows Golem to hit as hard as possible.
  • Choice Band turns Golem into an even stronger wall breaker.
  • Maximum Speed investment allows Golem to out speed everything up to uninvested base 70 Speed Pokémon.
  • Jolly nature is used to out speed Pokémon that speed creep Adamant Golem. For example Jolly nature can be used to outspeed 96speed, such as Pelipper and Mawilewhich specifically speed creeps Adamant Golem. this example and the one below it are cute but could be condensed to be less annoyingly long, I gave an example above
  • Sturdy ensures that Golem can never be OHKOed when at full health, and also ensures damage on an opposing foe. An example of Sturdy being useful is when vs Monferno because you can take any one hit and retaliate.

Usage Tips
========

  • Be wary when locking Golem into Earthquake, as giving a free switch in to a Pokémon that checks it such as Vibrava can be costly. The whole point of CB Golem is to lure traditional checks.
  • If you don't visually perceive any Pokemon that are immune to Earthquake on the opposing team, feel free to spam Earthquake, as it is Golem's most reliable and powerful move.
  • It is also important to note this set isn't as bulky as other variants and can get worn down quickly.
  • Choice Band Golem is best played as a wallbreaker, destroying otherwise "safe" switch-ins with its powerful Earthquake/ Stone Edge. Fitting best on offense and balanced play styles.
  • Golem can also sorta avoid slang in analyses act as a revenge killer by using Sucker Punch to finish off weakened opponents. However be wary that Sucker Punch isn't a great move to lock yourself into because it makes Golem setup bait.

Team Options
======
  • Water checks, such as Lumineon, Politoad, an Lapras are good partners, because they pivot into water type attacks.
  • Grass checks such as Gourgiest, Tangela, are good because they check grasses which hinder Golem.
  • Entry Hazard support from teammates such as Clefairy, and Probopass can ensure some 2HKOs which is prominent.
  • Offensive Pokémon such as Cacturne, Zebstrika, Leafeon, Lapras, Dodrio, Rotomm-f make good partners because they can break down many Pokemon, paving the way for Golem to sweep late-game and can also appreciate Golems wall breaking capabilities. golem isn't sweeping late game, golem is a wallbreaker supporting a sweep late game. the second part about appreciating wallbreaking capabilities is true but fix the first part
  • Alternatively, Sticky Web support from Smeargle is also appreciated to help Golem outspeed Pokemon that it cannot normally outspeed after a boost.
  • Ice types such as Lapras and Regice make great partners because they can heavily damage bulky grasses, waters and grounds.
  • Special defensive Clefairy makes a good partner because it provides good role compression being able to T-wave, switchin on special Ice and Water type attacks, and setup Stealth Rocks.
looks good, 1/3 PokemonmasterTj
zDganmZ.gif
 
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Anty

let's drop
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View attachment 72619

QC: 1/3
GP: 0/2

SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Explosion/ Superpower
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant/ Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def/ 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Earthquake is Golem's main STAB plowing through everything that doesn't resist it.
  • Stone Edge is Golem's second STAB that complements Earthquake well by hitting Flying and Ice Types. also mention grasses
  • Sucker Punch hits faster Pokémon by compensating for its low speed.
  • Superpower hits Air Balloon Probopass, Vibrava, and Solrock.
  • Explosion prevents foes from removing entry hazards and lures some of Golem's typical checks such as Vibrava and Tangela.
Set Details
========
  • Maximum Attack investment allows Golem to hit as hard as possible.
  • Choice Band turns Golem into an even stronger wall breaker.
  • Maximum Speed investment allows Golem to out speed everything up to uninvested base 70 Speed Pokémon.
  • Jolly nature is used to out speed Pokémon that speed creep Adamant Golem. Such as Pelipper and Mawile.
  • Sturdy ensures that Golem can never be OHKOed when at full health, and also ensures damage on an opposing foe such as Monferno.

Usage Tips
========

  • Be wary when locking Golem into Earthquake, as giving a free switch in to a Pokémon that checks it such as Vibrava can be costly. The whole point of CB Golem is to lure traditional checks. Well this can be said about any of its moves, and isn't necessary as you can assume players have some basic playing knowledge
  • If you don't visually perceive any Pokemon that are immune to Earthquake on the opposing team, feel free to spam Earthquake, as it is Golem's most reliable and powerful move. This also a very basic statement which doesn't add much, and is incorrect if the opponent has a Grass-type
  • It is also important to note this set isn't as bulky as other variants and can get worn down quickly.
  • Choice Band Golem is best played as a wallbreaker, destroying otherwise "safe" switch-ins with its powerful Earthquake/ Stone Edge. Fitting best on offense and balanced play styles. the last sentence here belongs in TO not here
  • Golem can act as a revenge killer by using Sucker Punch to finish off weakened opponents. However be wary that Sucker Punch isn't a great move to lock yourself into because it makes Golem setup bait.
Also state how to bring it in (weaker mons like clef or volturn), and mention that it should be used early/mid game as a wallbreaker

Team Options
======
  • Water checks, such as Lumineon, Politoad, an Lapras are good partners, because they pivot into water type attacks. Mention some examples which aren't water-type themselves
  • Grass checks such as Gourgiest, Tangela, are good because they check grasses which hinder Golem. Same as what I said above
  • Entry Hazard support from teammates such as Clefairy, and Probopass can ensure some 2HKOs which is prominent. Give an example
  • Offensive Pokémon such as Cacturne, Zebstrika, Leafeon, Lapras, Dodrio, Rotomm-f make good partners because they can break down many Pokemon, paving the way for Golem to wall break late-game. That isn't how wallbreakers work. You use wallbreakers early/mid game to open holes for set up sweepers/cleaners to sweep late game (set up sweepers is also something to mention)
  • Alternatively, Sticky Web support from Smeargle is also appreciated to help Golem outspeed Pokemon that it cannot normally outspeed after a boost.
  • Ice types such as Lapras and Regice make great partners because they can heavily damage bulky grasses, waters and grounds.
  • Special defensive Clefairy makes a good partner because it provides good role compression being able to T-wave, switchin on special Ice and Water type attacks, and setup Stealth Rocks.
PokemonmasterTj tag me when you have implemented this
 

MZ

And now for something completely different
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
so i dont know if any progress is happening here, but at least if someone takes this over I think fire punch is gonna need a slash as per Dundies advice (superpower / fire punch / explosion) for being the only move to hit bronzor well as well as a lot safer in some situations where stone edge is best bc they have leafeon or something but u dont wanna miss
 

TJ

Banned deucer.
is the Smogon Tour Season 34 Championis a Past SPL Championis a Two-Time Past SCL Champion
so i dont know if any progress is happening here, but at least if someone takes this over I think fire punch is gonna need a slash as per Dundies advice (superpower / fire punch / explosion) for being the only move to hit bronzor well as well as a lot safer in some situations where stone edge is best bc they have leafeon or something but u dont wanna miss
I'm gonna finish this soon
 

TONE

I don't have to take this. I'm going for a walk.
is a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Mention that Zebstrika and Rotom-Frost can also provide momentum for Golem with Volt Switch and both can wear down Grass-types with Overheat and Blizzard respectively for Golem. Looks good otherwise. QC 3/3.
 
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SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fire Punch/ Superpower/ Explosion
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant/ Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def/ 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Golem is capable of being a very strong wallbreaker with its powerful EdgeQuake combination. Earthquake is Golem's main STAB move of choice, as it has perfect accuracy and is easy to spam when Ground resists and immunities are no longer present not present or have been eliminated (not sure if this is correct. are bulky grasses/ground immunities a thing on every team in PU? if so ignore this). Stone Edge is Golem's secondary STAB move and hits most Ground resists and immunities, such as Misdreavus, Solrock, (AC) and Leafeon. Fire Punch is an important coverage move which hits the likes of Bronzor and bulky Grass types such as Gourgiest and Tangela when you don't want to risk a Stone Edge. Superpower is the preferred final coverage move so Golem is able to hit Pokemon such as Air Balloon Probopass and Vibrava. Explosion is also an option in the last slot, as it deals an insane amount of damage to typical Golem switch-ins and even OHKOs Vibrava from full HP.

Set Details
========
The EV spread simply maximizes Attack and Speed for Golem. The Speed is necessary to outspeed every foe up to uninvested base 70 speed Pokémon Speed Pokemon. Adamant is the nature of choice because it allows Golem to hit as hard as possible with the a Choice Band. However, a Jolly nature can be another option used to outspeed foes that speed creep Adamant Golem such as Pelipper and Mawile. Lastly, Sturdy allows Golem to take any one hit from full health, and also ensures that Golem will fire off at least one attack damage on an opposing foe.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Band Golem is best played as a wall breaker wallbreaker, dealing lots of damage to otherwise safe switch-ins with its powerful Earthquake and Stone Edge STABs. Once Golem has switched in, simply pick the move that's most effective against the likely switch-in in order to 2HKO it most of the time. Both of Golem's STAB moves have some drawbacks to using them; Earthquake is perfectly accurate, but can be checked by physically defensive Grass types and Levitate Pokemon Pokemon immune to Ground, and Stone Edge has imperfect accuracy even though nothing is immune to Rock. Once Flying-types, Levitate users, and bulky grass-types Grass-types have been removed from battle, however, it's very easy for Golem to simply spam Earthquake. Only use Fire Punch if attempting to predict a Bronzor switch-in or trying to secure a KO on a Grass type Grass-type switch-in. Bringing in Golem on a passive Pokemon that does not threaten it will give you a lot of momentum for Golem to continue wallbreaking. Golem should be supported by some sort of slow U-turn or Volt Switch pivot backbone that allows it to be brought in with minimal wear. Additionally, Zebstrika and Rotom-Frost can also provide momentum for Golem with Volt Switch and both can wear down Grass-types with Overheat and Blizzard respectively for Golem. Golem can also function as an offensive Normal and Flying Normal- and Flying-type resist, as well as Electric an Electric-type immunity, but without bulk investment, Golem can be worn down more easily by attacks like Choice Banded Band Stoutland's Frustration.

Team Options
======
Choice Band Golem fits best on offense offensive (in my opinion it's better to go with either offensive and balanced or offense and balance to be consistent) and balanced playstyles teams. Like with many Just like a number of other wallbreakers, having a late-game sweeper is ideal in order to take advantage of the holes Golem punches, So which is why Floatzel, Bouffalant, (AC) and Dragon Dance Altaria are good options. Grumpig is a solid pivot to fall back on due to its Fighting- and Ice-type resistances, and it can provide paralysis support to improve Golem's effectiveness against faster teams. Stealth Rock is helpful as it ensures Gourgiest and Tangela is are 2HKOed by Stone Edge and Fire Punch, and also chips down most Earthquake switch-ins very quickly. Prinplup and Clefairy are most notable thanks to having their decent defensive synergy with Golem. Good Other good partners with for Golem are Lumineon, Politoed, Yache Berry Leafeon, (AC) and faster electric types such as Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost as they check water-types the Water-types that force out Golem.
 
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Lumari

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GP 1/2
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fire Punch / Superpower / Explosion
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe (fix spacing around slashes)

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Golem is capable of being performing as a very strong wallbreaker with its powerful EdgeQuake combination. Earthquake is Golem's main STAB move of choice, as it has perfect accuracy and is easy to spam when Ground resists and immunities Ground-resistant or -immune Pokemon are not present or have been eliminated. Stone Edge is Golem's secondary STAB move and hits most Ground resists and immunities, Pokemon that resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, Solrock, and Leafeon, (AC) for good damage. (sucker punch description here) Fire Punch is an important coverage move which that hits the likes of Bronzor and bulky Grass-types (AH) such as Gourgiest Gourgeist and Tangela when you don't want to risk a Stone Edge. Superpower is the preferred (this makes it sound like it should be the first slash) final coverage move so Golem is able to hit Pokemon such as Air Balloon Probopass and Vibrava. Explosion is also an option in the last slot, as it deals an insane amount of damage to typical Golem switch-ins and even OHKOs OHKOes Vibrava from full HP.

Set Details
========
The EV spread simply maximizes Attack and Speed for Golem. The Speed is necessary to outspeed every foe up to uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon. Adamant is the nature of choice because it allows Golem to hit as hard as possible with a Choice Band. However, a Jolly nature can be another option used to outspeed foes that Speed creep Adamant Golem such as Pelipper and Mawile. Lastly, Sturdy allows Golem to take any one hit from full health (RC) and also ensures that Golem will be able to fire off at least one attack on an opposing foe.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Band Golem is best played as a wallbreaker, dealing lots of damage to otherwise safe switch-ins with its powerful STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge STABs. Once Golem has switched in, simply pick the move that's most effective against the likely switch-in in order to 2HKO it most of the time. Both of Golem's STAB moves have some drawbacks to using them; Earthquake is perfectly accurate, but it can be leave Golem checked by physically defensive Grass-types (AH) and Pokemon immune to Ground, and Stone Edge has imperfect accuracy even though nothing is immune to Rock. Once Flying-types, Levitate users, and bulky Grass-types have been removed from battle, however, it's very easy for Golem to simply spam Earthquake. Only use Fire Punch if attempting to predict a Bronzor switch-in or trying to secure a KO on a Grass-type switch-in. Bringing in Golem on a passive Pokemon that does not threaten it will give you a lot of momentum for Golem to continue wallbreaking. Golem should be supported by some sort of slow U-turn or Volt Switch pivot backbone that allows it to be brought in with minimal wear. Additionally, Zebstrika and Rotom-Frost can provide momentum for Golem with Volt Switch, (AC) and both they can wear down Grass-types with Overheat and Blizzard respectively. Golem can also function as an offensive Normal- and Flying-type resist, (check / switch-in / any noun but "resist") as well as Electric-type immunity, but without bulk investment, Golem can be worn down more easily by attacks like Choice Band Stoutland's Frustration Return.

Team Options
======
Choice Band Golem fits best on offensive and balanced teams. Just like with a number of other wallbreakers, having a late-game sweeper is ideal in order to take advantage of the holes Golem punches, which is why making Floatzel, Bouffalant, and Dragon Dance Altaria are good options. Grumpig is a solid pivot to fall back on due to its Fighting- and Ice-type resistances, and it can provide paralysis support to improve Golem's effectiveness against faster teams. Stealth Rock is helpful as because it ensures Gourgiest Gourgeist and Tangela are 2HKOed by Stone Edge and Fire Punch (RC) and also chips down most Earthquake switch-ins very quickly. Prinplup and Clefairy are notable thanks to their decent defensive synergy with Golem. Other good partners for Golem are Lumineon, Politoed, Yache Berry Leafeon, and faster Electric-types (AH) such as Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost Rotom-F, (AC) as they check the Water-types that force out Golem.
 
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SET] [SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Earthquake
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fire Punch / Superpower/ Explosion
item: Choice Band
ability: Sturdy
nature: Adamant/ Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def/ Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Golem is capable of performing as a very strong wallbreaker with its powerful EdgeQuake combination. Earthquake is Golem's STAB move of choice, as it has perfect accuracy and is easy to spam when Ground-resistant or -immune Pokemon are not present or have been eliminated. Stone Edge is Golem's secondary STAB move and hits Pokemon that resist or are immune to Earthquake, such as Misdreavus, Solrock, and Leafeon, for good damage. Sucker Punch hits faster Pokemon that Golem would otherwise be unable to touch .Fire touch. Fire Punch is an important coverage move that hits the likes of Bronzor and bulky Grass-types such as Gourgeist and Tangela when you don't want to risk a Stone Edge. Superpower is the preferred final coverage move so that Golem is able to hit Pokemon such as Air Balloon Probopass and Vibrava. Explosion is also an option in the last slot, as it deals an insane amount of damage to typical Golem switch-ins and even OHKOes Vibrava from full HP.

Set Details
========
The EV spread simply maximizes Attack and Speed for Golem. The Speed is necessary to outspeed every foe up to uninvested base 70 Speed Pokemon. Adamant is the nature of choice because it allows Golem to hit as hard as possible with a Choice Band. However, a Jolly nature can be used to outspeed foes that Speed creep Adamant Golem such as Pelipper and Mawile. Lastly, Sturdy allows Golem to take any one hit from full health and also ensures that Golem will be able to fire off at least one attack.

Usage Tips
========

Choice Band Golem is best played as a wallbreaker, dealing lots of damage to otherwise safe switch-ins with its powerful STAB Earthquake and Stone Edge. Once Golem has switched in, simply pick the move that's most effective against the likely switch-in in order to 2HKO it most of the time. Both of Golem's STAB moves have some drawbacks to using them; Earthquake is perfectly accurate, but it can leave Golem checked by physically defensive Grass-types and Pokemon immune to Ground, and Stone Edge has imperfect accuracy even though nothing is immune to Rock. Once Flying-types, Levitate users, and bulky Grass-types have been removed from battle, however, it's very easy for Golem to simply spam Earthquake. Only use Fire Punch if attempting to predict a Bronzor switch-in or trying to secure a KO on a Grass-type switch-in. Bringing in Golem on a passive Pokemon that does not threaten it will give you a lot of momentum for Golem to continue wallbreaking. Golem should be supported by some sort of slow U-turn or Volt Switch pivot backbone that allows it to be brought in with minimal wear. Golem can also function as an offensive Normal- and Flying-type check, as well as Electric-type immunity, but without bulk investment, Golem can be worn down more easily by attacks like Choice Band Stoutland's Return.

Team Options
======
Choice Band Golem fits best on offensive and balanced teams. Just like with a number of other wallbreakers, having a late-game sweeper is ideal in order to take advantage of the holes Golem punches, making so Floatzel, Bouffalant, and Dragon Dance Altaria are good options. teammates. Grumpig is a solid pivot to fall back on due to its Fighting- and Ice-type resistances, and it can provide paralysis support to improve Golem's effectiveness against faster teams. Stealth Rock is helpful because it ensures Gourgeist and Tangela are 2HKOed by Stone Edge and Fire Punch, and it also chips down most Earthquake switch-ins very quickly. Prinplup and Clefairy are notable thanks to their decent defensive synergy with Golem. Other good partners for Golem are Lumineon, Politoed, Yache Berry Leafeon, and faster Electric-types such as Zebstrika and Choice Scarf Rotom-F, as they check the Water-types that force out Golem and also provide momentum for Golem with Volt Switch, and can wear down Grass-types with Overheat and Blizzard.

2/2
 
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