Rock Slide is a Rock-type physical spread move with 75 base power and a 30% flinch chance on each target. It hits both opposing Pokémon simultaneously, and each target independently has a 30% chance to flinch.
Why it’s everywhere
Rock Slide appears on almost every physical attacker that can learn it for one simple reason: spread + flinch at 75 base power is extremely efficient. Each of the three stats (coverage, spread, flinch chance) is a meaningful benefit, and having all three on a single move makes it one of the best slot-fillers in doubles.
The double-flinch potential — both opposing Pokémon flinching simultaneously — doesn’t happen often at 30% each, but when it does, the opponent effectively loses both their turns. Any turn where neither opponent can act is a free turn for your team to sweep, set up, or damage with zero counterplay.
Common users in Reg M-A
- Tyranitar — Rock-type STABSTABmechanicSame-Type Attack Bonus: a move deals ×1.5 damage when its type matches one of the user's types.Click to read more →, rock-solid power
- GarchompGarchomppokemonThe premier spread attacker under Tailwind. Earthquake hits both opponents, Scale Shot chains Speed boosts, and Dragon Claw threatens opposing dragons.Click to read more → — coverage alongside Earthquake and Scale ShotScale ShotmoveA Dragon-type move that hits 2–5 times, then lowers the user's Defense and raises Speed — used to build Speed mid-battle.Click to read more →
- Landorus-Therian — after Scale Shot or as physical coverage
- Rhydon / Rhyperior variants — Rock/Ground core
Tyranitar’s Rock Slide is particularly threatening because it has very high Attack, STAB, and a 30% flinch chance — making the Rock Slide flinch more dangerous than average.
Accuracy note
Rock Slide has 90% accuracy, not 100%. It will occasionally miss, making it slightly less reliable than Earthquake. This is the trade-off for the flinch chance.