Golem
Its boulder-like body is extremely hard. It can easily withstand dynamite blasts without damage.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Earthquake is the STAB anchor of this set. The Ground-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Golem's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Ground weaknesses.
Stone Edge is the STAB anchor of this set. The Rock-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Golem's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Rock weaknesses.
Stealth Rock provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Golem's otherwise Rock-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Explosion adds Normal coverage to Golem's arsenal. This move catches opponents off guard who switch in expecting only Rock damage, providing neutral coverage.
Strengths
- ▸Golem capitalizes on its Rock/Ground STAB moves—particularly Earthquake and Stone Edge—to threaten opponents who share type weaknesses
- ▸Golem's Rock/Ground typing naturally reduces incoming Fire, Flying, Normal damage, extending its survivability on the field
- ▸Golem takes zero damage from Electric type moves, creating free switch-in opportunities
- ▸With 130 defense, Golem stands out as a durable tank
Weaknesses
- ▸The 4x vulnerability to Grass is Golem's most critical flaw—any Grass-type move poses an immediate KO threat
- ▸An below-average speed (45) means Golem is vulnerable when facing attacks targeting this stat
- ▸Slow speed (45) forces Golem to rely on bulk or priority moves to compete
Pro Tips
Build Golem as a physical attacker with Attack VP investment and a beneficial nature like Adamant. Sitrus Berry or Recovery items help Golem sustain through extended battles. Predict Fighting moves and double-switch to preserve Golem for later. Coordinate Golem with teammates that can set up hazards or provide speed control.
Competitive Role
In competitive play, Golem functions primarily as a physical attacker. Stat-wise, Golem brings 495 total points with defense as its standout stat at 130. Its Rock/Ground typing creates vulnerabilities to Fighting, Grass, Ground types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Golem depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 495 BST, Golem sits in the mid-range of competitive viability. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Earthquake, Stone Edge) with coverage moves (Stealth Rock, Explosion), giving Golem answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Fighting, Grass, Ground mean Golem must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fire, Flying, Normal provide safe switch-in opportunities. Immunity to Electric gives Golem a unique defensive advantage. The Tier B rating indicates Golem is a viable mid-tier pick that needs the right team to shine. For optimal performance, build Golem with physical Attack investment, pairing it with a nature that boosts Attack or Speed.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Fighting-type opponents: Golem is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Golem in against Fighting types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Fighting. If forced to fight, use Earthquake and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fire-type opponents: Golem has the advantage here. Its Rock typing reduces incoming Fire damage, allowing Golem to tank hits and retaliate with Earthquake. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Against Electric-type moves: Golem is completely immune, making it a perfect switch-in. Predict Electric attacks and bring Golem in for free, then capitalize on the tempo swing. Speed matchups: Golem's 45 Speed means it will move second against most offensive Pokemon. Plan around this by using priority moves, switching predictions, or pairing with Trick Room support to reverse the speed order. Against Water-type opponents: Golem has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Rock moves deal super-effective damage to Water types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Golem when you expect Water types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Use Golem when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Golem can threaten with its Rock/Ground STAB moves.
With a defense stat of 130, Golem functions best as a supportive role player.
The key is to identify matchups where Golem can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Fighting types, as they can punish Golem heavily.
Mid-game is where Golem needs to make its biggest impact.
With moves like Stone Edge and Stealth Rock, Golem can adapt to different threats.
If the opponent brings out a Fighting type, immediately switch to a teammate that resists it.
Remember that Golem's defense of 130 is its greatest asset—play to that strength.
By the endgame, Golem should be used as a support piece rather than a primary finisher.
With 495 total stats, it's best deployed to weaken the last opponent Pokemon for a teammate to finish.
Use Earthquake to chip damage, then switch to your win condition.
The tier B rating indicates Golem needs team support to succeed.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸Pair Golem with a Poison-type partner to absorb Fighting attacks that Golem is weak to
- ▸Pair with a Pokemon that can set up screens (Reflect, Light Screen) to extend Golem's survivability
- ▸Combine with a pivot (Volt Switch, U-turn) user to bring Golem in safely on favorable matchups
- ▸Add a Fairy type to your team—Golem's Rock/Ground typing complements Fairy's defensive profile nicely
How to Counter
- ▸Send in a Fighting-type Pokemon with STAB Fighting moves to exploit Golem's type weakness for super-effective damage
- ▸Faster attackers can freely hit Golem before it gets a chance to act
- ▸Special attackers target Golem's weak Special Defense (65) for guaranteed damage
- ▸Sleep renders Golem completely inactive for several turns, effectively removing it from the battle
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Golem with a Poison-type Pokemon that can switch into Fighting attacks. This defensive core covers Golem's primary weakness while Golem handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Golem with a setup sweeper that benefits from Golem's ability to weaken walls. Use Earthquake to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Stall Core: Golem can function in a stall-oriented team by using its resistances to Fire, Flying to wall specific attackers. Add entry hazard setters and other defensive Pokemon to gradually wear down the opponent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Golem good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Golem is a mid-tier option in Pokemon Champions (Tier B). Its 495 base stat total and Rock/Ground typing give it a niche, but it requires careful team building to succeed. Consider Golem if you need its specific typing coverage or if you enjoy using unconventional picks.
Q:What's the best item for Golem?
A:Golem benefits from Focus Sash (to survive a hit), Expert Belt (for coverage damage), or Life Orb (for a general power boost). Since Golem has balanced stats, the item should fill whatever gap your team needs—damage, survivability, or utility.
Q:What nature should I use for Golem?
A:Adamant (+Attack, -Special Attack) is the best nature for Golem, maximizing its physical damage output. Alternatively, Jolly (+Speed, -Special Attack) works if you need Golem to outspeed specific threats. Since Golem's Attack (120) exceeds its Special Attack (55), always favor physical builds.
Q:How do I counter Golem?
A:Golem's biggest counters are Fighting-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Golem before it acts, especially given its 45 Speed. To beat Golem, use Fighting STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.