Scolipede (Analysis)

muffinhead

b202 wifi vgc
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
QC Approved: 2/2
GP Approved: 2/2


[Overview]

<p>Scolipede is a Pokemon which has high Speed and access to Swords Dance, while being cursed by a bad typing and poor defenses. This centipede definitely has its uses, though, as it is blessed with one base Speed point higher than the genie Pokemon and access to fantastic spread attacks. All in all, Scolipede is not to be underestimated; if given the chance to set up, this speedy bug can make easily make things very difficult for the opponent.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Megahorn / X-Scissor / Poison Jab
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Swords Dance is what makes Scolipede usable, boosting its Attack greatly while having the Focus Sash protect it from a OHKO. Rock Slide and Earthquake give good coverage, and will be the primary means of attacking common Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and Fire-types such as Chandelure. Megahorn becomes insanely powerful after a Swords Dance and activation of Swarm. It will be the best move option against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna. Poison Jab or X-Scissor can work if accuracy is preferred over the raw power of Megahorn. Protect is listed to survive additional turns and scout the opponent's strategy. Keep in mind, however, that Protect and Swords Dance will be exploited by Encore users, namely Whimsicott.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Scolipede's poor defensive stats force it to only run maximum Speed and Attack. If the opponent sends out Whimsicott, it is not advised to use Swords Dance or Protect. After a Swords Dance, Megahorn can OHKO virtually anything that doesn't resist it, including bulky walls like Musharna.</p>

<p>Megahorn's accuracy is not perfect, and therefore other moves might be more beneficial (especially after a Swords Dance). X-Scissor can be used instead of Megahorn, but grabbing an Attack boost is required for it to really become threatening. Poison Jab is another good choice, getting a STAB boost and dealing super effective damage to Virizion, who resists Earthquake and Rock Slide. The choice between Swarm and Poison Point is quite simple. If Megahorn or X-Scissor is the last move, then Swarm should be used.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set emphasizes Scolipede's high Speed and coverage. Focus Sash usually lets Scolipede use at least two attacks before going down. Megahorn smacks the multitude of bulky Psychic-types littering VGC for super effective damage. Rock Slide complements Megahorn very well, with only a few Pokemon resisting the combination. Earthquake rounds out Scolipede's movepool, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves. Swarm is the better of Scolipede's abilities, as it gives Megahorn even more power once Scolipede has been sufficiently weakened.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Using an Adamant nature is a possibility. This somewhat compensates for Scolipede's mediocre Attack stat, but lets the genie Pokemon outspeed Scolipede. However, this is only problematic against Tornadus, and only if it has Air Slash or Acrobatics. Poison Jab can be used instead of Earthquake. It still provides good coverage, but hits Whimsicott and Cofagrigus harder without risking a miss.</p>

<p>A Flying-type or Levitate user makes for a good partner to let Scolipede spam Earthquake. Pokemon that can handle spread attacks that Scolipede is weak to are also good teammates. Jellicent, Landorus, and Tornadus are probably Scolipede's best teammates. Keep the threat of Amoonguss in mind when building a team with Scolipede, as some of its best teammates are quite susceptible to the mushroom.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Choice Band is a decent item, allowing Scolipede to hit with much more power without a turn of setup needed. However, losing the security of having at least two turns to attack is usually not worth the Attack boost which Choice Band brings to the table. If Focus Sash is already held by another Pokemon on your team, any type-resist berry or Gem could work. An Occa or a Charti Berry works well, while on the other hand, a and Bug or a Rock Gem provides a burst of power that will help grab certain KOs that Scolipede would not otherwise get.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Pokemon that are not weak to Megahorn, such as Cofagrigus, Escavalier, and Golurk, will wall Scolipede all day long. Trick Room also shuts the centipede down completely. Jellicent is a very good counter to Scolipede, as Water Spout will do significant damage to Scolipede's low Special Defense. Faster Pokemon with super effective moves (especially on Tailwind teams) can also easily knock out Scolipede.</p>
 

Alaka

formerly Alakapimp
is a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
You'll want some form of STAB on the Swords Dance set always, so just unslash protect. You mention Swarm a lot as being a postive, so I don't know why you have Poison Point slashed in, just remove it. Other than that it's good. I also think there should be a set that doesn't involve either Band or Swords Dance, but just protect + 3 attacks.
 

Alaka

formerly Alakapimp
is a Tournament Director Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
QC Approved 1/2

Finish the writing when you get a chance.

Also I would mention other item options on the Sash set, since many times teams will have already used their sash.
 
Although this is has been marked DONE, I wanted to chime in:

Baton Pass might be worth a mention in Optional Changes. With 112 base speed, and access to Swords Dance, it pass away from anything it can't stay in on. I find the benefit of being able to pass out with this speed benefit my team more than superior coverage.

And I would personally never use this thing without Megahorn, but that's just my opinion.
 

Huy

INSTANT BALLS
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
I really wouldn't bank on Baton Pass being something you want to rely on. With two Pokemon attacking at once, they are more than likely going to be double targetting Scolipede just to get rid of it.
 

muffinhead

b202 wifi vgc
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
On top of what Huy said, Megahorn is needed to get OHKOs on nearly every Pokemon weak to Bug type attack.
 

Huy

INSTANT BALLS
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnus
Spikes are almost nonexistant in VGC because of the sheer speed of the game. With matches lasting about 5 turns, there is almost never enough time for spikes to be effective. Please familiarize yourself with the metagame before posting.
 
I disagree I've seena variety opponents lay Spikes+SR all the while healing off damage or sacrificing that Pokemon and the matches carried on about 15-20 turns!! I believe their should be a Spiker set especially if the bug is always carrying a Focus Sash it has the speed to do it!!
 

Chou Toshio

Over9000
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+
-



[Overview]

<p>Scolipede is a Pokemon granted high Speed and access to Swords Dance, while at the cost of being cursed by bad typing and poor defenses. This centipede definitely has its uses, such as blessed with one base Speed point higher than the genie Pokemon and access to fantastic multi-target moves.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Megahorn / X-Scissor / Poison Jab
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Swords Dance is what makes Scolipede usable, boosting its Attack greatly while having the Focus Sash protect from a OHKO. Rock Slide and Earthquake give good coverage, and will be the primary means of attacking common Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and many Fire type Pokemon in the tier. Megahorn becomes insanely powerful after a Swords Dance and Swarm activation. This great STAB move will be the best option against very bulky Pokemon like Musharna. Poison Jab or X-Scissor can work if accuracy is preferred over the raw power of Megahorn. Protect is listed to survive one more turn additional turns and scout the opponent's strategy. Keep in mind that Protect and Swords Dance are prone to Encore users, namely Whimsicott.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Scolipede's bad abilities and low defenses mean that it should only run maximum Speed and Attack. If the opponent sends out Whimsicott, it is not advised to use Swords Dance or Protect. After a Swords Dance, Megahorn can OHKO virtually anything that doesn't resist it, including bulky walls like Musharna.</p>

<p>Megahorn's accuracy is not perfect, and therefore other moves might be more beneficial (especially after a Swords Dance). X-Scissor can work instead of Megahorn, but grabbing an Attack boost is required for it to really become a threat. Poison Jab is a great choice, getting STAB and dealing Super-Effective super effective damage to Virizion, who would otherwise resists Earthquake and Rock Slide. The choice between Swarm and Poison Point is quite simple. If Megahorn or X-Scissor is the last move, then Swarm should be used.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set emphasizes Scolipede's Speed and coverage. Focus Sash usually lets Scolipede get off at least two attacks before going down. Megahorn tears holes in the multitude of bulky Psychic-types littering the tier VGC. Rock Slide complements Megahorn very well, with only a few Pokemon resisting the combination. Earthquake rounds out Scolipede's movepool, hitting steel types that resist its other moves. Swarm is the less horrible of Scolipede's abilities, but and it does give Megahorn even more power once the Focus Sash kicks in.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is a possibility. This compromises for the lower power that a Jolly nature has somewhat compensates for Scolipede's mediocre Attack stat, but lets the Genie Pokemon will outspeed Scolipede. However, this is only problematic against Thundurus, and only if it has Air Slash or Acrobatics. Poison Jab can work instead of Earthquake. It still gets good coverage, but hits Whimsicott and Cofagrigus harder without risking a miss.</p>

<p>A Flying-type Pokemon or one that has the ability Levitate user makes for a is a good partner choice to let Scolipede spam Earthquake. Any Pokemon that can handle multi-target attacks that Scolipede is weak to are good teammates. Jellicent, Landorus, and Tornadus are probably Scolipede's best teammates. Keep the threat of Amoonguss in mind when building a team with Scolipede, as some of its best teammates are quite susceptible to the mushroom.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Choice Band is a decent item, hitting with more power and without a turn of setup needed. The loss of security of having at least 2 turns to survive usually is not worth the reward Choice Band brings. If Focus Sash is already on another Pokemon on your team, any type Berry or Gem could work. Occa or Charti Berry works well, and Bug or Rock Gem provides a burst of power that can grab certain KOs that Scolipede would not otherwise get.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Pokemon that are not weak to Megahorn such as Cofagrigus, Escavalier, and Golurk wall Scolipede all day long. Trick Room shuts the centipede down completely. Jellicent is a perfect counter to Scolipede, as Water Spout will do significant damage to the bug's lower Special Defense. Faster Pokemon with Super-Effective super effective moves (especially on Tailwind teams) easily knock out Scolipede.</p>

[Dream World]

<p>Scolipede's Dream World Ability is Quick Feet. This is by far the worst Ability it could receive. Flame Orb will halve Scolipede's Attack, and Toxic Orb will not affect it at all.</p>


1/2
 
Deletions
Additions / Corrections
Comments

[Overview]

<p>Scolipede is a Pokemon granted which has high Speed and access to Swords Dance, while being cursed by a bad typing and poor defenses. This centipede definitely has its uses, though, as it is blessed with one base Speed point higher than the genie Pokemon and access to fantastic multi-target moves spread attacks. All in all, Scolipede is not to be underestimated; if given the chance to set up, this speedy bug can make easily make things very difficult for the opponent.</p>

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Megahorn / X-Scissor / Poison Jab
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Swords Dance is what makes Scolipede usable, boosting its Attack greatly while having the Focus Sash protect it from an OHKO. Rock Slide and Earthquake give good coverage, and will be the primary means of attacking common Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and many Fire-types Pokemon in the tier such as Chandelure. Megahorn becomes insanely powerful after a Swords Dance boost and Swarm activation of Swarm. This great STAB move It will be the best move option against very bulky Pokemon like such as Musharna. Poison Jab or X-Scissor can work if accuracy is preferred over the raw power of Megahorn. Protect is listed to survive additional turns and scout the opponent's strategy. Keep in mind, however, that Protect and Swords Dance are prone to will be exploited by Encore users, namely Whimsicott.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Scolipede's bad abilities and low poor defensive stats mean that force it to should only run maximum Speed and Attack. If the opponent sends out Whimsicott, it is not advised to use Swords Dance or Protect. After a Swords Dance, Megahorn can OHKO virtually anything that doesn't resist it, including bulky walls like Musharna.</p>

<p>Megahorn's accuracy is not perfect, and therefore, other moves might be more beneficial (especially after a Swords Dance). X-Scissor can work be used instead of Megahorn, but grabbing an Attack boost is required for it to really become a threatening. Poison Jab is another good choice, getting a STAB boost and dealing super effective damage to Virizion, who resists Earthquake and Rock Slide. The choice between Swarm and Poison Point is quite simple. If Megahorn or X-Scissor is the last move, then Swarm should be used.</p>

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Protect
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Earthquake
item: Focus Sash
nature: Jolly
ability: Swarm
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This set emphasizes Scolipede's high Speed and coverage. Focus Sash usually lets Scolipede get off use at least two attacks before going down. Megahorn tears holes in smacks the multitude of bulky Psychic-types littering VGC for super effective damage. Rock Slide complements Megahorn very well, with only a few Pokemon resisting the combination. Earthquake rounds out Scolipede's movepool, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves. Swarm is the less horrible better of Scolipede's abilities, and as it does gives Megahorn even more power once the Focus Sash kicks in Scolipede has been sufficiently weakened.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Using an Adamant nature is a possibility. This somewhat compensates for Scolipede's mediocre Attack stat, but lets the genie Pokemon outspeed Scolipede. However, this is only problematic against Thundurus, and only if it has Air Slash or Acrobatics. (Thundurus learns neither) Poison Jab can work be used instead of Earthquake. It still gets provides good coverage, but hits Whimsicott and Cofagrigus harder without risking a miss.</p>

<p>A Flying-type or Levitate user makes for a good choice partner to let Scolipede spam Earthquake. Pokemon that can handle multi-target spread attacks that Scolipede is weak to are also good teammates. Jellicent, Landorus, and Tornadus are probably Scolipede's best teammates. Keep the threat of Amoonguss in mind when building a team with Scolipede, as some of its best teammates are quite susceptible to the mushroom.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Choice Band is a decent item, alowing Scolipede to hit with much more power without a turn of setup needed. However, losing the security of having at least two turns to survive usually attack is usually not worth the reward Attack boost which Choice Band brings to the table. If Focus Sash is already on held by another Pokemon on your team, any type-resist berry or Gem could work. An Occa or a Charti Berry works well, while on the other hand, a Bug or a Rock Gem provides a burst of power that can will help grab certain KOs that Scolipede would not otherwise get.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Pokemon that are not weak to Megahorn, such as Cofagrigus, Escavalier, and Golurk, will wall Scolipede all day long. Trick Room also shuts the centipede down completely. Jellicent is a perfect very good counter to Scolipede, as Water Spout will do significant damage thanks to the bug's Scolipede's lower Special Defense. Faster Pokemon with super effective moves (especially on Tailwind teams) can also easily knock out Scolipede.</p>




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