Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Entry Hazards

Master Entry Hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Learn how to use them strategically to damage switching opponents.

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Entry Hazards

Entry Hazards are a crucial strategic element in Pokémon battles, particularly in competitive play, but understanding them can give you a significant edge even in the main story and post-game challenges of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. These moves place effects on the opponent's side of the field that damage or inflict status conditions on any Pokémon that switches into battle. Mastering their use and knowing how to counter them can turn the tide of a difficult fight.

Types of Entry Hazards

There are several distinct types of entry hazards, each with unique effects:

  • Stealth Rock: This Rock-type move scatters sharp rocks around the opponent's field. When a Pokémon switches in, it takes damage based on its type effectiveness against Rock. This means Flying-types, Bug-types, Fire-types, and Ice-types will take significantly more damage (up to 50% of their max HP!), while Water, Grass, Fighting, and Ground-types take less. Stealth Rock is a permanent hazard until removed.
  • Spikes: A Ground-type move that lays sharp spikes on the ground. Unlike Stealth Rock, Spikes deal a fixed percentage of damage (1/8, 1/6, or 1/4 of max HP) to grounded Pokémon switching in, depending on how many layers of Spikes are set (up to three layers). Flying-type Pokémon and those with the Levitate ability are immune.
  • Toxic Spikes: A Poison-type move that sets up poisonous spikes. When a grounded Pokémon switches in, it becomes poisoned. If two layers of Toxic Spikes are set, the Pokémon becomes badly poisoned (like from the move Toxic). Poison-type Pokémon are immune and will absorb all Toxic Spikes layers upon switching in, removing them from the field. Flying-type Pokémon and those with Levitate are immune.
  • Sticky Web: A Bug-type move that creates a sticky web. When a grounded Pokémon switches in, its Speed stat is lowered by one stage. Flying-type Pokémon and those with Levitate are immune.

Strategic Use of Entry Hazards

Deploying entry hazards effectively requires careful planning. Here's how to integrate them into your strategy:

  1. Lead with a Hazard Setter: Often, the first Pokémon you send out should be one that can set up hazards quickly. Pokémon like Forretress (learns Spikes and Stealth Rock), Skarmory (learns Spikes and Stealth Rock), and Ferrothorn (learns Stealth Rock) are excellent choices due to their high defensive stats, allowing them to survive hits while setting up.
  2. Chip Damage: Entry hazards are fantastic for wearing down opponents, especially those with high HP or defensive stats. Even a small amount of damage each time they switch can add up, bringing them into range for a knockout.
  3. Punish Switches: Opponents will often switch out Pokémon to avoid unfavorable matchups. Entry hazards turn these switches into opportunities to inflict damage or status, forcing them to reconsider their strategy.
  4. Support for Sweepers: By weakening the opposing team, hazards make it easier for your offensive Pokémon (sweepers) to secure KOs. For example, a powerful Fire-type move might not one-shot a bulky Grass-type, but with Stealth Rock damage, it might.

Countering Entry Hazards

Just as important as setting hazards is knowing how to deal with them when your opponent uses them. Ignoring them can quickly lead to your team being whittled down.

Hazard Removal Moves

These moves are your primary defense against entry hazards:

  • Rapid Spin: A Normal-type move that removes all entry hazards from your side of the field. It also deals damage to the opponent. Pokémon like Starmie, Excadrill, and Donphan are notable users.
  • Defog: A Flying-type move that removes all entry hazards from both sides of the field. It also lowers the opponent's evasion by one stage. This move is learned by many Flying-type Pokémon and those that can learn Hidden Machine (HM) moves like Latias/Latios (via HM02 Fly, then move tutor).

Actionable Step: Consider teaching Defog to a Pokémon that can learn it, especially if you anticipate facing teams that rely heavily on hazards. HM02 Fly is obtained after defeating Norman in Petalburg City, and while Defog isn't an HM in ORAS, many Pokémon that learn Fly can also learn Defog via Move Tutor or breeding.

Abilities and Items

  • Magic Bounce: This ability reflects status moves, including all entry hazards, back to the opponent. Pokémon with Magic Bounce, such as Mega Absol or Espeon, can turn the tables on hazard setters.
  • Heavy-Duty Boots: While not available in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, this item (introduced in later generations) prevents entry hazard damage. For ORAS, there isn't a direct item counter to entry hazard damage.
  • Poison-type Pokémon: As mentioned, a grounded Poison-type Pokémon switching in will absorb all layers of Toxic Spikes, removing them from the field. This is a valuable utility for Pokémon like Crobat or Tentacruel.

Key Pokémon for Hazard Control in ORAS

Hazard Setters:

  • Skarmory: Found on Route 113. Excellent physical defense, learns Spikes and Stealth Rock.
  • Forretress: Evolve Pineco (found via Headbutt trees in various locations, though not easily in ORAS without trading or DexNav chaining for specific trees). Learns Spikes and Stealth Rock.
  • Ferrothorn: Not natively available in ORAS without trading from X/Y or using the Pokémon Bank. If you have access, it's a top-tier Stealth Rock user.
  • Smeargle: Found in the Hidden Grottoes on Route 111 (requires Rock Smash). Can learn any move via Sketch, making it the ultimate custom hazard setter.

Hazard Removers:

  • Starmie: Evolve Staryu (found by fishing with a Super Rod in Lilycove City, Mossdeep City, and Ever Grande City). Learns Rapid Spin.
  • Donphan: Evolve Phanpy (not natively found in ORAS; requires trading from X/Y or Pokémon Bank). Learns Rapid Spin.
  • Latias/Latios: Obtained through the main story. Can learn Defog via Move Tutor in the Battle Resort (requires 8 Battle Points).
  • Crobat: Evolve Golbat (found in various caves like Granite Cave, Victory Road) with high friendship. Can absorb Toxic Spikes.

Understanding and utilizing entry hazards, both offensively and defensively, will significantly improve your battle prowess in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Pay attention to your opponent's team composition and anticipate their hazard strategies to gain the upper hand!