Rock (type): Difference between revisions

The Rock type is rather risky defensively. Tied with {{t|Grass}}, Rock types have the most weaknesses of any type, with five. The fact that Rock-types on average have mediocre {{stat|Special Defense}} makes it harder to survive against its weakness to Grass- and {{type|Water}} moves, which are typically Special in nature. Double weaknesses among Rock types are very common, particularly to the {{t|Fighting}} type. Their typically low {{stat|Speed}} stat also makes it harder for them to outspeed sweepers.

Since [[Generation IV]], the Special Defense of a Rock-type Pokémon is increased by 50% during a {{weather|sandstorm}}, in addition to being immune to the damage caused by it. Furthermore, the Ability {{a|Sand Stream}} is used due to its previously common Ability that changes weather. Moreover, most Rock types can learn {{m|Stealth Rock}}, an [[List of moves that cause entry hazards|entry hazard]] moves that damage opposing switch-in Pokémon based on the type effectiveness against Rock.

Rock is one of the best types offensively. Rock types can deal {{DL|Damage modification|super effective|super-effective}} damage to several common offensive types: {{t|Fire}}, {{t|Ice}}, and {{t|Flying}}, as well as {{t|Bug}}. Being resisted by only three of the eighteen types ({{t|Fighting}}, {{t|Ground}}, and {{t|Steel}}), and the fact that only a few Pokémon have a double resistance to Rock, keeps its moves relatively effective. As Pokémon of the three types that resist Rock typically can learn Rock-type moves, this proves a quite versatile combination. Double weaknesses to Rock are relatively common, mostly due to many Pokémon which have Flying as a secondary type.  

The biggest drawback of Rock-type moves is the large percentage of moves which have less than 100% [[accuracy]]; in particular, the commonly used {{m|Rock Slide}} and {{m|Stone Edge}}. Most Rock-types are physical attackers, but the few special attackers among them must contend with the extreme scarcity of special Rock-type attacks, as there are only two such moves, {{m|AncientPower}} and {{m|Power Gem}}. As Rock types typically have low {{stat|Speed}}, they may deal a significant amount of damage with acceptable drawbacks due to the learning of {{m|Head Smash}}, while fast Rock types lack of this devastating move. Overall, Rock is a powerful offensive type when paired with moves of other types for coverage and accuracy.