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Move-of-the-Week Discussion #92: Stealth Rock

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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Stealth Rock is chosen by @cityvillain;.

The concept of entry hazards is expanded upon in Generation 4, where we are introduced to one of two of them. Stealth Rock is unique among them for two qualities: one, it hits Flying-types, so no more being immune to entry hazards for them; two, it is affected by the type that switches in, so a Ground-type will take less damage, but a Bug-type will suffer more damage. It stacks on types, so something with Bug/Fire will take lots of damage, but something with Ground/Steel will take pittance from it. Unlike other hazards, it is learned by a lot more Pokémon, and it only needs one turn of use for full effect.

Here's the in-game description for this move:

Stealth Rock (XY) said:
Type: Rock (Other)
Base Power: --
Accuracy: --%
PP: 20

The user lays a trap of levitating stones around the opposing team. The trap hurts opposing Pokémon that switch into battle.

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • Why are the rock levitating?
  • Given that Stealth Rock is learned mainly by Rock-, Ground- and Steel-types, why do other types of Pokémon learn them?

Here are the current users for this move:
(Level-up)
  • Geodude, Graveler & Golem
  • Onix & Steelix
  • Roggenrola, Boldore & Gigalith
  • Dwebble & Crustle
  • Tyrunt & Tyrantrum
  • Carbink
  • Diancie

    (Move Tutor) [B2W2]
  • Sandshrew & Sandslash
  • Nidoqueen & Nidoking
  • Clefairy & Clefable
  • Jigglypuff & Wigglytuff
  • Diglett & Dugtrio
  • Cubone & Marowak
  • Rhyhorn, Rhydon & Rhyperior
  • Chansey & Blissey
  • Pinsir
  • Omanyte & Omastar
  • Kabuto & Kabutops
  • Aerodactyl
  • Mew
  • Bonsly & Sudowoodo
  • Pineco & Forretress
  • Dunsparce
  • Gligar & Gliscor
  • Shuckle
  • Magcargo
  • Swinub, Piloswine & Mamoswine
  • Corsola
  • Skarmory
  • Phanpy & Donphan
  • Miltank
  • Larvitar, Pupitar & Tyranitar
  • Celebi
  • Marshtomp & Swampert
  • Nosepass & Probopass
  • Mawile
  • Aron & Lairon & Aggron
  • Numel & Camerupt
  • Torkoal
  • Lunatone & Solrock
  • Baltoy & Claydol
  • Lileep & Cradily
  • Anorith & Armaldo
  • Kecleon
  • Relicanth
  • Metang & Metagross
  • Regirock & Registeel
  • Groudon
  • Jirachi
  • Deoxys
  • Turtwig, Grotle & Torterra
  • Chimchar, Monferno & Infernape
  • Piplup, Prinplup & Empoleon
  • Bidoof & Bibarel
  • Cranidos & Rampardos
  • Shieldon & Bastiodon
  • Wormadam (Sandy & Trash)
  • Bronzor & Bronzong
  • Gible, Gabite & Garchomp
  • Hippopotas & Hippowdon
  • Uxie, Mesprit & Azelf
  • Dialga
  • Heatran
  • Arceus
  • Drilbur & Excadrill
  • Palpitoad & Seismitoad
  • Sandile, Krokorok & Krookodile
  • Tirtouga & Carracosta
  • Archen & Archeops
  • Ferroseed & Ferrothorn
  • Stunfisk
  • Druddigon
  • Golett & Golurk
  • Pawniard & Bisharp
  • Cobalion & Terrakion
  • Landorus

    (Breeding)
  • Bonsly & Sudowoodo
  • Pineco & Forretress
  • Swinub, Piloswine & Mamoswine
  • Skarmory
  • Larvitar, Pupitar & Tyranitar
  • Nosepass & Probopass
  • Aron & Lairon & Aggron
  • Lileep & Cradily
  • Shieldon & Bastiodon
  • Ferroseed & Ferrothorn
  • Pawniard & Bisharp

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The General Pokémon Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:


The user with the best post will receive the right to vote for next week's move on a Friday, as chosen by the mods of this section. The next move is based on criteria, as listed below.

Next Move Criteria: Flinching Move

Moves: Air Slash, Bite, Bone Club, Dark Pulse, Dragon Rush, Extrasensory, Fake Out, Fire Fang, Fling, Headbutt, Heart Stamp, Hyper Fang, Ice Fang, Icicle Crash, Iron Head, Needle Arm, Rock Slide, Rolling Kick, Secret Power, Sky Attack, Snore, Steamroller, Stomp, Thunder Fang, Twister, Zen Headbutt
 
How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
I figure that in the wild, Stealth Rock would be used for catching prey, wounding them so they wouldn't be at their best should a confrontation occur.

How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
Hunters, I figure, could have a Pokémon on hand to lay traps for their quarries using this move, functioning much the same way as I figure this move works in the wild.

Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
I'd say any Pokémon of average intelligence could think to scatter pointed rocks to trip up an enemy, whether its the hunter or the hunted, although it makes sense that such stones would be more available to rock types.
 
Stealth Rock is one of the cheapest moves that exist, as at least with Spikes, you need to use the move three times to deal considerable damage. Even with the buffed Defog, I still really dislike the move, as the types weak to Rock,such as Fire and Ice, already have enough weaknesses. I think it should be nerfed so that Rock-types absorb Stealth Rock upon switching in, much like how Poison-types absorb Toxic Spikes when they switch in.
 
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Stealth Rock is one of the cheapest moves that exist, as at least with Spikes, you need to use the move three times to deal considerable damage. Even with the buffed Defog, I still really dislike the move, as Fire, as the types weak to Rock already have enough weaknesses. I think it should be nerfed so that Rock-types absorb Stealth Rock upon switching in, much like how Poison-types absorb Toxic Spikes when they switch in.
It's an important move, as it's the only thing that prevents switching from being a free action for flying and levitating Pokémon. Heavy-duty Boots were a mistake.
 
Please note: The thread is from 2 years ago.
Please take the age of this thread into consideration in writing your reply. Depending on what exactly you wanted to say, you may want to consider if it would be better to post a new thread instead.
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