OU Sceptile

Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnus
It's OK to not mention dual grass coverage on the Substitute set, but it should be mentioned on the All-Out Attacker set.
Ok. I'll just add a sentence in and if anyone wants me to kill it I will.
I hate to be a nitpicker, but how is a base 145 special attack mediocre? Sure it's not god like or anything but medicore is a huge understatement.
I changed mediocre to average and decent to usable. Basically 145 is godlike if you have a life orb, but when you're unboosted it's very average. It has basically the same special attack as a life orb mew, and I'd only consider Mew's special attack to be average.
mega sceptile is a fantastic status abosrber. Immune to thunder wave, spore, those other powder moves, and getting burned, except on a physical or, to a lesser extent, mixed set, doesn't bother getting burned all that much.
Well, I mention that it's a good Thunder Wave absorber. The problem with mentioning the others is that for sleep, Mega Sceptile isn't a big fan of facing Breloom, and it's outright countered by Amoonguss, and for burn, it's not going to be switching in on most will-o-wisp users. Yeah, it'll switch in on most scald users, but I already have that covered under "checking water types."
 
Checks:

QC: alexwolf | TheEnder | ---
GP: --- | ---

Overview
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At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem that impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users, including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its Special Attack is only 145; combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams barely struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. With its base 145 Speed, it is the fastest Dragon-type available. This is immensely useful in OU, a tier with numerous extremely threatening Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite its relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high base power, allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Also, its Grass STAB move of choice, along with its four times Water resistance, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky waters in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod, Mega Sceptile is also able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile, again thanks to Lightning Rod.

You contradict yourself saying it doesn't have a powerful STAB yet has a high base power Leaf Storm. Yes, I know you meant Leaf Storm isn't powerful and reliable at once, but it still sounds confusing. I think it would also sound better to say 145 is technically a great SpA stat, but may feel lacking in practice without a boosting item or Calm Mind/Nasty Plot.

All-out Attacker
########
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very strong move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass STAB move choices cannot. Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Scarf Landorus-T, Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, Leaf Storm does tend to force Mega Sceptile out after using it because of the Special Attack drop it induces. Energy Ball can be used over Leaf Storm if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; it, unlike Leaf Storm, does not allow for Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed, such as Mega Slowbro, from switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move. It's only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it, and it hits Dragon-types super effectively, and allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. There are three main roads you can go with the remaining two moveslots. The first of these routes involves you using two different moves to handle the Steel-types that handle Grass / Dragon coverage. Earthquake is used to handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, and Magnezone, with the added bonus of hitting Tentacruel, and Hidden Power Fire is used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. Another route you can take with Mega Sceptile's last two moveslots involves using Protect. Protect is a nice move that allows Mega Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, and thus gain a better speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If using Protect you only have one slot with which to cover Steel-types; in this scenario, you should use Focus Blast, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally. The last possible route you could go is by using Focus Blast and Dragon Pulse as well as two Grass STAB moves: Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. For example, when facing a Keldeo at half its health, you have a chance to lose if using Leaf Storm, but no chance if using Giga Drain. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types, the utility provided by Protect, and the utility provided by Substitute, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary.

120 speed is actually fantastic as is for even a mega to have. Sceptile's need for Protect is not very great, as its based speed is so crazy high compared even before megavolving that outside of priority or choice scarf from the enemy they are essentially facing Mega Sceptile itself because Sceptile will likely move first that turn. It can actually megavolve in front of numerous offensive threats like Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, Garchomp, etc. So this is actually in Sceptile's favor as opposed to, say, Metagross or Beedrill. Speaking of mention that running HP Fire means you don't speed tie Mega Beedrill.

Set Details
========

145 Base Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon STAB are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed boosting nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; in using a Special Attack boosting nature, for example, you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire lowers Mega Sceptile's Speed IVs to 30, maximum Speed should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're only using Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, you should use a Timid nature to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to your Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits with its STAB moves as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is decent, but not fantastic, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's thus very important to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. After Mega Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod, you can pivot in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently fire off extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and destroy them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again beware that some of these may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wild, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. A perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other sweepers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, as Mega Sceptile's sweep cannot be stopped by Thunder Wave.

Sceptile's 120 speed IS fantastic. It's tied for second with Alakazam for fastest pokemon before megavolving after Aerodactyl. At the beginning of a game, Sceptile is still faster than Lopunny or Manectric before they megavolve. Obviously the Greninja part will be omitted when Greninja is gone. It's really better than you are making it out to be, as Sceptile can actually megavolve in front of numerous offensive threats because of its speed and STABs, so it has more opportunity than most megas before megavolving.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types, such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also beating the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates. Rotom-W also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes a good partner with Talonflame, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and in switching in on a Volt Switch, can even get a Special Attack boost. In turn, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain / Leaf Storm
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute also allows Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain goes extremely well with Substitute, as it heals Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It hits super effective targets hardly (hard), and thus allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. If a stronger Grass STAB move is desired, Mega Sceptile has two options. Leaf Storm is an exceptionally powerful move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that Giga Drain cannot. Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Scarf Landorus-T, Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, Leaf Storm will often force Mega Sceptile out after using it thanks to the Special Attack drop it induces. Energy Ball can be used over Leaf Storm if you want more power than Giga Drain but aren't willing to settle for Leaf Storm's unreliability. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move. It's only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it, and it hits Dragon-types super effectively. It thus and allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite. Focus Blast is used as the final move as it gives Mega Sceptile the best coverage against Steel-types possible with only one moveslot; it hits both Heatran and Ferrothorn super effectively. However, if you're willing to forgo hitting Heatran and the OHKO on Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable for its increased accuracy over Focus Blast and its hitting of Scizor super effectively.

Double Grass STAB needs a big mention here. It's not just that Leaf Storm can miss, but if you're behind a Substitute and use Leaf Storm you immediately become non-threatening and essentially wasted a turn making a Sub that you'll likely have to switch out. Leaf Storm and Energy Ball aren't meant to replace Giga Drain, they're meant to replace Substitute. Leaf Storm and Substitute should never be run together.

Set Details
========

145 Base Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon STAB are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; in using a Modest nature, for example, you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Mega Sceptile is a special sweeper, so 252 of its remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is decent, but not fantastic, as it can't revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's thus very important to Mega Evolve very early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring it in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. After you Mega Evolve and acquire Lightning Rod, you can pivot in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either fire off an extremely powerful attack or set up a Substitute. Use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is Mega Sceptile wasting 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Mega Sceptile such as Weavile do not work when it is behind a Substitute, as its Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute as Mega Mega Sceptile swiftly faints Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types, such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also beating the bulky grasses, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates. Rotom-W also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes a good partner with Talonflame, as it beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and in switching in on a Volt Switch, can get a Special Attack boost. In turn, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break the walls it can't. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, Swords Dance Crawdaunt, and more can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Other Options
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Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable 145 base Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem.

Checks & Counters
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**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass STAB move of choice, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; is immune to Dragon Pulse; and takes little to nothing from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon sets easily can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types:** Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must however be wary of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi spreads wall Mega Sceptile sets lacking Earthquake. Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame revenge kills with Brave Bird, Mamoswine and Weavile revenge kill with Ice Shard, and Mega Aerodactyl revenge kills with Aerial Ace or Ice Fang. Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill with Bullet Punch easily, and can even check it thanks to its typing that resists Dragon and Grass.
Suggestions in bold. I mainly argued for Sceptile conceptually.
 

Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
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Jaroda

You contradict yourself saying it doesn't have a powerful STAB yet has a high base power Leaf Storm. Yes, I know you meant Leaf Storm isn't powerful and reliable at once, but it still sounds confusing.
*I meant to say that it has to choose between power and reliability (Leaf Storm is powerful but unreliable, Giga Drain is the opposite). I see how it's a bit unclear, so I'll change it a bit.
I think it would also sound better to say 145 is technically a great SpA stat, but may feel lacking in practice without a boosting item or Calm Mind/Nasty Plot.
Will change.
120 speed is actually fantastic as is for even a mega to have. Sceptile's need for Protect is not very great, as its based speed is so crazy high compared even before megavolving that outside of priority or choice scarf from the enemy they are essentially facing Mega Sceptile itself because Sceptile will likely move first that turn. It can actually megavolve in front of numerous offensive threats like Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, Garchomp, etc. So this is actually in Sceptile's favor as opposed to, say, Metagross or Beedrill.
The line is just meant to stress how much Sceptile NEEDS Sceptilite to function. I understand 120 is good, but it's not great, as it doesn't allow it to rk lop, ninja, or mane. That's why Protect is a good move choice. If you don't have trouble with lop, mane, or ninja, then yeah, don't bother, but 120 isn't always good enough. Keep in mind that Protect is only the secondary slash atm. I'll add in the threats that it rks with 120.
Speaking of mention that running HP Fire means you don't speed tie Mega Beedrill.
Will Do.
Sceptile's 120 speed IS fantastic. It's tied for second with Alakazam for fastest pokemon before megavolving after Aerodactyl. At the beginning of a game, Sceptile is still faster than Lopunny or Manectric before they megavolve. Obviously the Greninja part will be omitted when Greninja is gone. It's really better than you are making it out to be, as Sceptile can actually megavolve in front of numerous offensive threats because of its speed and STABs, so it has more opportunity than most megas before megavolving.
I can emphasize the need for mega evolving early on a bit less, but I think you underestimating how bad it could be if you don't mega evolve quickly against offensive teams with faster megas (which is the point of the line). If you don't prioritize mega evolving sceptile ASAP, you could end up letting the opponent's lopunny mega evolve before you let your sceptile mega evolve. Sceptile is often used as a team's go to revenge killer for lop, ninja, and mane (two of which are S-ranked mons), and 120 speed just doesn't cut it for them. 120 is good enough for, like you said, Keldeo, Terrakion, Latios, Chomp, etc, but I'd argue none of those, barring maybe Latios, are as influential as Lopunny.
Double Grass STAB needs a big mention here. It's not just that Leaf Storm can miss, but if you're behind a Substitute and use Leaf Storm you immediately become non-threatening and essentially wasted a turn making a Sub that you'll likely have to switch out. Leaf Storm and Energy Ball aren't meant to replace Giga Drain, they're meant to replace Substitute. Leaf Storm and Substitute should never be run together.
Not sure if you noticed or not, but we (QC, me, shurtugal) agreed to move the dual grass-STAB mention to the AAA set, as slashing Substitute on the Substitute set would just be weird. Check out the last sentences of Moves in the first set.

*
Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move,
Idk, this seems pretty clear, at least to me. It has no STAB move that is both powerful and reliable.
 
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Shurtugal

The Enterpriser.
is a Tiering Contributor
Don't mean to be a nitpick, but Leaf Storm should be removed from the Sub set. It's just counterproductive.

EDIT: Agree with Jaroda. Substitute is such a mediocre option on Sceptile anyway. I'd love to hear someone who's used it argue otherwise, please.
 
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You misunderstand me when I say 120 speed is a great speed tier, I'm not implying you should stave off megavolving. Sceptile has no businesses being in its base form. But that doesn't change the fact that 120 speed in and of itself is one of the highest in OU, mega or no, and has an easier time megavolving because of its speed, not that you should hold off on doing it. That's why I say Protect is less required than on say Beedrill, whose base speed is only what, 75?

Double Grass STAB is arguably as good as, if not better, on the special set than AAA set. Dragon Pulse, Focus Blast, and a combination of Leaf Storm/Giga Drain, Substitute/Giga Drain, or Substitute/Energy Ball are all good sets. It's tricky, but it should probably be changed to mixed attacker set for the first, and special set for the second. I'd argue it should look like this.


Special Attacker
########
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute / Leaf Storm
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

With Energy Ball in the descriptions.
 

Jukain

!_!
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dual stab is a waste of valuable moveslots because you could be running dual coverage or protect, which are overall significantly more effective options. giga drain is weak anyways and only situationally effective. leaf storm sub is kinda bad because it's so counterproductive to have sub, which makes you want to stay in, and a main stab that drops your satk on the same set.

basically deslash leaf storm on sub and please don't include dual stab. looks good qc 3/3
 
The Substitute set's set details mentions that Mega Sceptile is a special sweeper. However, it is more of a special attacker, because it is way too weak to sweep. Sweepers need to be able to have enough power to bust through at least offensive teams, and while Mega Sceptile has the speed to sweep, Mega Sceptile does not have the power to even OHKO Thundurus, a Pokemon with mediocre defenses, with a STAB Dragon Pulse after Stealth Rock. Instead of saying it is a special sweeper, say it is a special attacker.

For the line I am referring to:
Mega Sceptile is a special sweeper, so 252 of its remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack.
 

Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
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The Substitute set's set details mentions that Mega Sceptile is a special sweeper. However, it is more of a special attacker, because it is way too weak to sweep. Sweepers need to be able to have enough power to bust through at least offensive teams, and while Mega Sceptile has the speed to sweep, Mega Sceptile does not have the power to even OHKO Thundurus, a Pokemon with mediocre defenses, with a STAB Dragon Pulse after Stealth Rock. Instead of saying it is a special sweeper, say it is a special attacker.

For the line I am referring to:
Good point. I found some other mentions of the word, which I've gotten rid of.

Anyway I think at this point this is ready for GP! :)
 

Winry

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Add or Corrections / Remove / Comments
Overview
########

At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem that impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users, including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its base 145 Special Attack is only 145, (RC) which, when Sceptile is without a boosting item, is relatively average. Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams don't barely struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. With its base 145 Speed, it is the fastest Dragon-type available. This is immensely useful in OU, a tier with numerous extremely threatening Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite its relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high Base Power, allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Also, (RC) Its Grass-type STAB move of choice, along with its four times Water resistance, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky Water-types in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod, Mega Sceptile is also able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile, again thanks to Lightning Rod.

All-out Attacker
########
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very strong move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass-type STAB move choices cannot. For example, (AC) Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Scarf Landorus-T, Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, because Leaf Storm does tends to force Mega Sceptile out after using it because of the Special Attack drop it induces, (period -> comma) Energy Ball can be used instead over Leaf Storm if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; in addition, (AC) it, (RC) unlike Leaf Storm, (RC) does not allow for Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed by Leaf Storm, such as Mega Slowbro, from switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move. (remove period) It's that is only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it; (comma -> semi) and it hits Dragon-types super effectively, (RC) and this allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. There are two main roads you can go with the remaining two moveslots. The first of these routes involves you using two different moves to handle the Steel-types that handle Grass / Dragon coverage. Earthquake is can be used to handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, and Magnezone, and with the added bonus of hitting Tentacruel, and Hidden Power Fire is used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. One small problem with Hidden Power Fire is that it forces you to go with a Speed IV of 30, which prohibits you from Speed tying with Mega Beedrill. If this troubles you, or if you find it too hard to safely Mega Evolve Sceptile, you can try the other route with its last two moves. Protect is a nice move that allows Mega Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, and thus gain a better Speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If you are running using Protect, (AC) you only have one slot with which to cover Steel-types; in this scenario, you should use Focus Blast in the last slot, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally.

Set Details
========

145 Its base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon-type STAB moves (or "Dragon typing" if you are talking about the type) are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed-boosting (hyphen) nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; if you use in using a Special Attack-boosting nature, for example, (RC) you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire lowers Mega Sceptile's Speed IV to 30, maximum Speed investment should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're only using Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, you should use a Timid nature to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to your Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits with its STAB moves as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but not always enough, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's thus very important to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. Less support is needed if Mega Sceptile carries Protect, as it will never have to deal with its base 120 Speed, and it therefore can Mega Evolve after the opponent's Lopunny without an issue. After Mega Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently begin to use fire off extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case, (AC) Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and destroy them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again, (AC) beware that some of these may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wild, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. A perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other fast attackers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, as Mega Sceptile cannot be stopped by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types, (RC) such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, (RC) and Poison-types, (RC) such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, (RC) can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also being able to beat beating the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates. Rotom-W can also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes for a good partner with Talonflame, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if it switches in switching in on a Volt Switch, can even get a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute also allows Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain goes extremely well with Substitute, as it heals Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It also hits Water-types for hits super effective damage targets hardly, which and thus allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. Dragon Pulse allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite; (semi) however, is a great secondary STAB move. It's only resisted by Steel-types resist it and only Fairies are immune to it. (period) and it hits Dragon-types super effectively. It thus and allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite. (Please don't c/p sentences in the future) Focus Blast is used as the final move, (AC) as it gives Mega Sceptile the best coverage against Steel-types possible with only one moveslot; it hits both Heatran and Ferrothorn super effectively. However, if you're willing to forgo hitting Heatran and the OHKO on Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable for its increased accuracy over Focus Blast and for having the ability to hit its hitting of Scizor super effectively.

Set Details
========

Sceptile needs to be used with Sceptilite, (AC) as its success in OU depends on its base 145 Base Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon-type STAB move (same notes as before - c/p'd sentence and use "Dragon typing" if you mean the type) are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; in using a Modest nature, (RC) for example, (RC) will cause you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Mega Sceptile is a special attacker, so 252 of its remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Although Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but not always enough, (RC) as it doesn't let Sceptile can't revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and or Mega Manectric. When playing against offensive teams, it's thus very important to Mega Evolve very early on when playing against offensive teams. To ensure Mega Sceptile switches in unscathed, (AC) One method by which you could bring it in is with through a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. After you Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquire Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either use fire off an extremely powerful attack or set up a Substitute. Use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch their Pokemon out, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is that Mega Sceptile wastes wasting 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and/or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Mega Sceptile such as Weavile do not work when it is behind a Substitute, as its Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute and as Mega Mega Sceptile can KO swiftly faints Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel- and Poison-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types, such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, such as including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. In particular, (AC) checks to Togekiss, (AC) such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, (AC) especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Rotom-W, (AC) in addition to Rhypherior and Heatran, (AC) can also act as a Talonflame switch-in, which is helpful because Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran and Rotom-W deserve a special mentions for also beating the bulky grasses, (RC) Grass-types such as Amoonguss, (RC) that Mega Sceptile hates and. (remove period) Rotom-W also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely, (AC) respectively.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile pairs well makes a good partner with Talonflame, as it beats many Talonflame counters such as Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and it gets a Special Attack boost upon in switching in on a Volt Switch, can get a Special Attack boost. In turn, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Because Mega Sceptile, (RC) which struggles greatly against stall, it appreciates powerful wallbreakers as teammates that can to break the walls it can't. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, Swords Dance Crawdaunt, and more can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Other Options
########

Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable 145 base 145 Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem. On the All-out Attacker set, you could potentially use both Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types and the utility provided by Protect, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary. If you desire a stronger Grass-type STAB move on the Substitute set, you can use Leaf Storm. It gains many OHKOs and 2HKOs that Giga Drain cannot, such as on Landorus, Azumarill, and Manectric. However, it's counterproductive with Substitute, as it can't recover gain back HP and forces Mega Sceptile out after use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass-type STAB moves of choice, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; it is also immune to Dragon Pulse; and takes little damage to nothing from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon sets easily can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types:** Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must, (AC) however, (AC) be wary of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi spreads walls Mega Sceptile that lack sets lacking Earthquake, (period -> comma) and Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame revenge kills with Brave Bird, Mamoswine and Weavile revenge kill with Ice Shard, and Mega Aerodactyl revenge kills with Aerial Ace or Ice Fang. (those two last moves don't have priority?) Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill with Bullet Punch easily, and it can even check it Mega Sceptile that lack Hidden Power Fire, (AC) as it thanks to its typing that resists Dragon and Grass.
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A swords dance set should be considered in other options: I've had some success in ou with it due to surprise factor, and mega sceptile has the speed and the movepool to do it. with one swords dance, an adamant mega sceptile reaches 700 attack, letting it hit very hard and fast with leaf blade, dragon claw, and a coverage move of your choice (rock slide and thunderpunch are both useful for hitting skarmory and togekiss). If a special attacking set can get serious mention for Gyarados in Gen 3, a Swords Dancer set for a pokemon with some nice physical attacks, base 145 speed, and base 110 attack should too.
Nevermind, already given mention.
 

boltsandbombers

i'm sorry mr. man
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A swords dance set should be considered in other options: I've had some success in ou with it due to surprise factor, and mega sceptile has the speed and the movepool to do it. with one swords dance, an adamant mega sceptile reaches 700 attack, letting it hit very hard and fast with leaf blade, dragon claw, and a coverage move of your choice (rock slide and thunderpunch are both useful for hitting skarmory and togekiss). If a special attacking set can get serious mention for Gyarados in Gen 3, a Swords Dancer set for a pokemon with some nice physical attacks, base 145 speed, and base 110 attack should too.
Swords Dance is already mentioned in other options.
 
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I'm no quality control guy; but I'm kinda doubtful of the SD set in OO -- it's been iterated many times on the Viability Thread and Sceptile Thread on the OU forum that a physical sweeping Mega Sceptile is generally inferior to other Physical Set-up Megas like Charizard and Altaria. I do understand where it's coming from with the surprise factor; but at the very least make it clear that it's generally outclassed and works best as a lure.
 

Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
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Add or Corrections / Remove / Comments
Overview
########

At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem that impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users, including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its base 145 Special Attack is only 145, (RC) which, when Sceptile is without a boosting item, is relatively average. Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams don't barely struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. With its base 145 Speed, it is the fastest Dragon-type available. This is immensely useful in OU, a tier with numerous extremely threatening Dragon-types, such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite its relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high Base Power, allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Also, (RC) Its Grass-type STAB move of choice, along with its four times Water resistance, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky Water-types in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod, Mega Sceptile is also able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile, again thanks to Lightning Rod.

All-out Attacker
########
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very strong move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass-type STAB move choices cannot. For example, (AC) Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Scarf Landorus-T, Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, because Leaf Storm does tends to force Mega Sceptile out after using it because of the Special Attack drop it induces, (period -> comma) Energy Ball can be used instead over Leaf Storm if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; in addition, (AC) it, (RC) unlike Leaf Storm, (RC) does not allow for Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed by Leaf Storm, such as Mega Slowbro, from switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move. (remove period) It's that is only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it; (comma -> semi) and it hits Dragon-types super effectively, (RC) and this allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. There are two main roads you can go with the remaining two moveslots. The first of these routes involves you using two different moves to handle the Steel-types that handle Grass / Dragon coverage. Earthquake is can be used to handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, and Magnezone, and with the added bonus of hitting Tentacruel, and Hidden Power Fire is used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. One small problem with Hidden Power Fire is that it forces you to go with a Speed IV of 30, which prohibits you from Speed tying with Mega Beedrill. If this troubles you, or if you find it too hard to safely Mega Evolve Sceptile, you can try the other route with its last two moves. Protect is a nice move that allows Mega Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, and thus gain a better Speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If you are running using Protect, (AC) you only have one slot with which to cover Steel-types; in this scenario, you should use Focus Blast in the last slot, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally.

Set Details
========

145 Its base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon-type STAB moves (or "Dragon typing" if you are talking about the type) are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed-boosting (hyphen) nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; if you use in using a Special Attack-boosting nature, for example, (RC) you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire lowers Mega Sceptile's Speed IV to 30, maximum Speed investment should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're only using Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, you should use a Timid nature to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to your Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits with its STAB moves as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but not always enough, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's thus very important to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. Less support is needed if Mega Sceptile carries Protect, as it will never have to deal with its base 120 Speed, and it therefore can Mega Evolve after the opponent's Lopunny without an issue. After Mega Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently begin to use fire off extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case, (AC) Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and destroy them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again, (AC) beware that some of these may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wild, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. A perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other fast attackers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, as Mega Sceptile cannot be stopped by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types, (RC) such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, (RC) and Poison-types, (RC) such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, (RC) can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also being able to beat beating the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates. Rotom-W can also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes for a good partner with Talonflame, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if it switches in switching in on a Volt Switch, can even get a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute also allows Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain goes extremely well with Substitute, as it heals Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It also hits Water-types for hits super effective damage targets hardly, which and thus allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. Dragon Pulse allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite; (semi) however, is a great secondary STAB move. It's only resisted by Steel-types resist it and only Fairies are immune to it. (period) and it hits Dragon-types super effectively. It thus and allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latios and Dragonite. (Please don't c/p sentences in the future) Focus Blast is used as the final move, (AC) as it gives Mega Sceptile the best coverage against Steel-types possible with only one moveslot; it hits both Heatran and Ferrothorn super effectively. However, if you're willing to forgo hitting Heatran and the OHKO on Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable for its increased accuracy over Focus Blast and for having the ability to hit its hitting of Scizor super effectively.

Set Details
========

Sceptile needs to be used with Sceptilite, (AC) as its success in OU depends on its base 145 Base Speed, Lightning Rod, and Dragon-type STAB move (same notes as before - c/p'd sentence and use "Dragon typing" if you mean the type) are all integral to Sceptile's success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used in order to get the best of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; in using a Modest nature, (RC) for example, (RC) will cause you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Mega Sceptile is a special attacker, so 252 of its remaining EVs are placed into Special Attack.

Usage Tips
========

Although Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but not always enough, (RC) as it doesn't let Sceptile can't revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and or Mega Manectric. When playing against offensive teams, it's thus very important to Mega Evolve very early on when playing against offensive teams. To ensure Mega Sceptile switches in unscathed, (AC) One method by which you could bring it in is with through a slow Volt Switch or U-Turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. After you Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquire Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either use fire off an extremely powerful attack or set up a Substitute. Use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch their Pokemon out, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is that Mega Sceptile wastes wasting 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and/or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Mega Sceptile such as Weavile do not work when it is behind a Substitute, as its Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute and as Mega Mega Sceptile can KO swiftly faints Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel- and Poison-types, such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types, such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar, can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, such as including Clefable, Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. In particular, (AC) checks to Togekiss, (AC) such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, (AC) especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates to Mega Sceptile. Rotom-W, (AC) in addition to Rhypherior and Heatran, (AC) can also act as a Talonflame switch-in, which is helpful because Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran and Rotom-W deserve a special mentions for also beating the bulky grasses, (RC) Grass-types such as Amoonguss, (RC) that Mega Sceptile hates and. (remove period) Rotom-W also deserves a special mention for being able to provide a slow Volt Switch to get Mega Sceptile in safely, (AC) respectively.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile pairs well makes a good partner with Talonflame, as it beats many Talonflame counters such as Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall it and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and it gets a Special Attack boost upon in switching in on a Volt Switch, can get a Special Attack boost. In turn, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Because Mega Sceptile, (RC) which struggles greatly against stall, it appreciates powerful wallbreakers as teammates that can to break the walls it can't. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, Swords Dance Crawdaunt, and more can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Other Options
########

Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable 145 base 145 Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem. On the All-out Attacker set, you could potentially use both Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types and the utility provided by Protect, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary. If you desire a stronger Grass-type STAB move on the Substitute set, you can use Leaf Storm. It gains many OHKOs and 2HKOs that Giga Drain cannot, such as on Landorus, Azumarill, and Manectric. However, it's counterproductive with Substitute, as it can't recover gain back HP and forces Mega Sceptile out after use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass-type STAB moves of choice, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; it is also immune to Dragon Pulse; and takes little damage to nothing from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon sets easily can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types:** Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must, (AC) however, (AC) be wary of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi spreads walls Mega Sceptile that lack sets lacking Earthquake, (period -> comma) and Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame revenge kills with Brave Bird, Mamoswine and Weavile revenge kill with Ice Shard, and Mega Aerodactyl revenge kills with Aerial Ace or Ice Fang. (those two last moves don't have priority?) Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill with Bullet Punch easily, and it can even check it Mega Sceptile that lack Hidden Power Fire, (AC) as it thanks to its typing that resists Dragon and Grass.
1/2
Thanks! I implemented this, and changed all of the stuff I c/p'ed, since i felt a little bad about it.

I also expanded on the SD set, saying that you should really only use it for the surprise value.

Ready for check 2/2 :)
 

SM979

dank memes
is a Contributor Alumnus
amcheck

Additions / Changes / Remove / Comments

Overview
########

At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem that very impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users, (remove comma) including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its base 145 Special Attack, when Mega Sceptile is goes without a boosting item, is relatively average. Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams don't struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. With Its base 145 Speed, it is the makes it the fastest Dragon-type available,. This which is immensely useful in OU, a tier with numerous extremely threatening Dragon-types, (remove comma) such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite its Mega Sceptile's relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high Base Power, allows Mega Sceptile it to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Its Grass STAB move of choice, along with its four times resistance to Water resistance, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky Water-types Pokemon in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod, Mega Sceptile is also able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile, again thanks to Lightning Rod.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very strong powerful STAB move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass-type STAB moves choices cannot. For example, Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Manectric and Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, because Leaf Storm tends to force out Mega Sceptile out after using it because of the Special Attack drop it induces, Energy Ball can be used instead if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; in addition, it does not allow for Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed by Leaf Storm, such as Mega Slowbro, from switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types that it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that is only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it; this it allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. Earthquake can be used to effectively handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, Magnezone, and Tentacruel, and while Hidden Power Fire can be used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. One small problem with Hidden Power Fire is that it forces you to go with Mega Sceptile to use a Speed IV of 30, which prohibits you it from Speed tying with Mega Beedrill. If this troubles you, or if you find it too hard to safely Mega Evolve Sceptile, you can try another route with its last two moves. Protect allows Mega Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, and thus gaining a better Speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If you are running Protect, you should use Focus Blast in the last slot, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally.

Set Details
========

Its Mega Sceptile's base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod ability, and Dragon typing are all integral to Sceptile's its success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed-boosting nature are used in order to get the best most of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing abilityies; if you are Mega Sceptile is using a Special Attack-boosting nature you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire lowers drops Mega Sceptile's Speed IV to 30, maximum Speed investment should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're only using Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, you should use a Timid nature should be used to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to your Mega Sceptile's Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but is not always enough, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's Thus, it's very important to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring in Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. Less support is needed if Mega Sceptile carries Protect, as it will never have to deal with its base 120 Speed, and it therefore can Mega Evolve after the opponent's Lopunny without an issue. After Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, get receive a Special Attack boost, and subsequently begin to use extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case, Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and destroy annihilate (it sounds cooler) them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again, beware aware that some of these Pokemon may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wind, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. A One perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other fast attackers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, as because Mega Sceptile cannot be stopped by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches a hard time, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also being able to beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes for a good partner with Talonflame, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if it switches in on a Volt Switch, it can even will get a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break handle the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute while also allowsing Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain goes works extremely well with alongside Substitute, as it heals Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It also hits Water-types Pokemon super effectively, which allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that hits most targets neutrally. It while also hitsting Dragon-types super effectively, which furthermore allows Mega Sceptile to revenge all most Dragon-types without a Speed boost, barring Mega Altaria. Latios and Choice Band Dragonite are two of the many Dragon-types either forced out or revenge killed by Mega Sceptile. On the fourth and final slot you should use Focus Blast, as it hits all Steel-types at except for Doublade at least neutrally, unlike Earthquake, to which Skarmory is immune, and Hidden Power Fire, to which Heatran is immune. However, if you're willing to give up hitting Heatran and OHKOing Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable as because it is more accurate than Focus Blast and hits Scizor super effectively.

Set Details
========

Sceptile needs base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod, and its Dragon typing in order to be viable in OU, so it needs to should be used with Sceptilite. You should use Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs investment with a Timid nature should be used in order to hit as hard as possible without sacrificing any Speed. If you Mega Sceptile were to use a Modest nature, for example, you it wouldn't be able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny or and Mega Manectric.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile is a fast Pokemon; even without having already gained the Speed boost that comes from Mega Evolving, Sceptile it can revenge kill many Pokemon, such as Keldeo, Terrakion, and Latios. However, this Speed is not always sufficient, as it doesn't allow for Mega Sceptile on the turn it Mega Evolves to outspeed Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. Against teams with these Pokemon, or any Pokemon with a base Speed of 120 or higher, it's is very important to Mega Evolve quickly during the game. For example, it would be catastrophic if you allow your opponent's Lopunny to Mega Evolve before your Sceptile; Sceptile because is likely that it is your best revenge killer to Mega Lopunny, and not prioritizing Mega Evolving Sceptile could lead to Mega Lopunny demolishing your team. One method you can use to bring Sceptile in early and safely is by using a slow Volt Switch or U-turn. After Sceptile Mega Evolvesing and acquiresing Lightning Rod, it Mega Sceptile can switch in on Electric-types attacks from the various Electric-types Pokemon in OU, including, Thundurus, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either attack with a very powerful move or set up a Substitute. You should only use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch his or her their Pokemon out, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is that Mega Sceptile wastes 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and/or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Mega Sceptile, such as Weavile, do not work when Mega Sceptile it is behind a Substitute, as Weavile's Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute and Mega Sceptile swiftly can OHKO Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Fairies such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon all give Mega Sceptile trouble. Thus As a result, it appreciates teammates that make quick work of Fairies, namely Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi and Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar. Togekiss is especially notable as a nuisance for Sceptile, as it takes pitiful damage from all of Sceptile's moves. Rotom-W and Thundurus both check Togekiss, so they can make for good teammates for Mega Sceptile. Talonflame's priority Brave Bird can stop any Mega Sceptile not behind a Substitute, so Mega Sceptile appreciates the support of Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W. Heatran is especially notable because it can beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that give Mega Sceptile headaches.

Talonflame is an incredibly threatening Pokemon in OU, but it is stopped cold by various Pokemon, such as Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran. Mega Sceptile beats all four of these Talonflame counters for Talonflame, and in return, Talonflame can break down the bulky Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, that Mega Sceptile hates dealing with. Gyarados also hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile OHKOes Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if Mega Sceptile switches in on a Volt Switch, it can even gets a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados beats the bulky Grass-types, such as Celebi, that Mega Sceptile cannot with by using Bounce. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, enjoys having powerful wallbreakers as teammates to break the walls that it cannot as teammates. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Other Options
########

Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable base 145 Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. However, it is much less effective than other Dragon-types sweepers, such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Haxorus, and should only be used for its surprise value. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem. On the All-Out Attacker set, you Mega Sceptile could potentially use both Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types and the utility provided by Protect, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary. If you desire a stronger Grass-type STAB move on the Substitute set, you can use Leaf Storm. It gains many OHKOs and 2HKOs that Giga Drain cannot, such as on Landorus, Azumarill, and Mega Manectric. However, it's is counterproductive with alongside Substitute, as it can't recover HP and forces Mega Sceptile out after use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass STAB moves, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; is is also immune to Dragon Pulse and takes very little damage from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types:** Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must, however, be wary aware of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi walls Mega Sceptile that lack Earthquake, and Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame can revenge kill with Brave Bird and while Mamoswine and Weavile can both revenge kill it with Ice Shard. Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill it with Bullet Punch easily, and it can even check Mega Sceptile that lack Hidden Power Fire, as it resists Dragon and Grass. Mega Aerodactyl doesn't have priority, but it outspeeds Mega Sceptile and can revenge kill with Aerial Ace, Ice Fang, or Stone Edge.
 

Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnus
amcheck

Additions / Changes / Remove / Comments

Overview
########

At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem that very impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users, (remove comma) including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its base 145 Special Attack, when Mega Sceptile is goes without a boosting item, is relatively average. Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams don't struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. With Its base 145 Speed, it is the makes it the fastest Dragon-type available,. This which is immensely useful in OU, a tier with numerous extremely threatening Dragon-types, (remove comma) such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite its Mega Sceptile's relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high Base Power, allows Mega Sceptile it to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Its Grass STAB move of choice, along with its four times resistance to Water resistance, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky Water-types Pokemon in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod, Mega Sceptile is also able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile, again thanks to Lightning Rod.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very strong powerful STAB move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass-type STAB moves choices cannot. For example, Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Manectric and Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock, and Mega Manectric. However, because Leaf Storm tends to force out Mega Sceptile out after using it because of the Special Attack drop it induces, Energy Ball can be used instead if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; in addition, it does not allow for Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed by Leaf Storm, such as Mega Slowbro, from switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types that it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that is only resisted by Steel-types and only Fairies are immune to it; this it allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. Earthquake can be used to effectively handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, Magnezone, and Tentacruel, and while Hidden Power Fire can be used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. One small problem with Hidden Power Fire is that it forces you to go with Mega Sceptile to use a Speed IV of 30, which prohibits you it from Speed tying with Mega Beedrill. If this troubles you, or if you find it too hard to safely Mega Evolve Sceptile, you can try another route with its last two moves. Protect allows Mega Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, and thus gaining a better Speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If you are running Protect, you should use Focus Blast in the last slot, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally.

Set Details
========

Its Mega Sceptile's base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod ability, and Dragon typing are all integral to Sceptile's its success in OU, so it needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed-boosting nature are used in order to get the best most of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing abilityies; if you are Mega Sceptile is using a Special Attack-boosting nature you lose out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire lowers drops Mega Sceptile's Speed IV to 30, maximum Speed investment should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're only using Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, you should use a Timid nature should be used to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to your Mega Sceptile's Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but is not always enough, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. It's Thus, it's very important to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring in Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. Less support is needed if Mega Sceptile carries Protect, as it will never have to deal with its base 120 Speed, and it therefore can Mega Evolve after the opponent's Lopunny without an issue. After Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod, you can pivot it in on Electric-types attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, get receive a Special Attack boost, and subsequently begin to use extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case, Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and destroy annihilate (it sounds cooler) them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again, beware aware that some of these Pokemon may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wind, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. A One perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other fast attackers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, as because Mega Sceptile cannot be stopped by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Defensively, Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi, and Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, including such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile headaches a hard time, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates. Mega Sceptile also hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also being able to beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes for a good partner with Talonflame, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if it switches in on a Volt Switch, it can even will get a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break handle the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========

Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute while also allowsing Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain goes works extremely well with alongside Substitute, as it heals Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It also hits Water-types Pokemon super effectively, which allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that hits most targets neutrally. It while also hitsting Dragon-types super effectively, which furthermore allows Mega Sceptile to revenge all most Dragon-types without a Speed boost, barring Mega Altaria. Latios and Choice Band Dragonite are two of the many Dragon-types either forced out or revenge killed by Mega Sceptile. On the fourth and final slot you should use Focus Blast, as it hits all Steel-types at except for Doublade at least neutrally, unlike Earthquake, to which Skarmory is immune, and Hidden Power Fire, to which Heatran is immune. However, if you're willing to give up hitting Heatran and OHKOing Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable as because it is more accurate than Focus Blast and hits Scizor super effectively.

Set Details
========

Sceptile needs base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod, and its Dragon typing in order to be viable in OU, so it needs to should be used with Sceptilite. You should use Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs investment with a Timid nature should be used in order to hit as hard as possible without sacrificing any Speed. If you Mega Sceptile were to use a Modest nature, for example, you it wouldn't be able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny or and Mega Manectric.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile is a fast Pokemon; even without having already gained the Speed boost that comes from Mega Evolving, Sceptile it can revenge kill many Pokemon, such as Keldeo, Terrakion, and Latios. However, this Speed is not always sufficient, as it doesn't allow for Mega Sceptile on the turn it Mega Evolves to outspeed Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. Against teams with these Pokemon, or any Pokemon with a base Speed of 120 or higher, it's is very important to Mega Evolve quickly during the game. For example, it would be catastrophic if you allow your opponent's Lopunny to Mega Evolve before your Sceptile; Sceptile because is likely that it is your best revenge killer to Mega Lopunny, and not prioritizing Mega Evolving Sceptile could lead to Mega Lopunny demolishing your team. One method you can use to bring Sceptile in early and safely is by using a slow Volt Switch or U-turn. After Sceptile Mega Evolvesing and acquiresing Lightning Rod, it Mega Sceptile can switch in on Electric-types attacks from the various Electric-types Pokemon in OU, including, Thundurus, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either attack with a very powerful move or set up a Substitute. You should only use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch his or her their Pokemon out, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is that Mega Sceptile wastes 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and/or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Mega Sceptile, such as Weavile, do not work when Mega Sceptile it is behind a Substitute, as Weavile's Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute and Mega Sceptile swiftly can OHKO Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========

Fairies such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon all give Mega Sceptile trouble. Thus As a result, it appreciates teammates that make quick work of Fairies, namely Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi and Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar. Togekiss is especially notable as a nuisance for Sceptile, as it takes pitiful damage from all of Sceptile's moves. Rotom-W and Thundurus both check Togekiss, so they can make for good teammates for Mega Sceptile. Talonflame's priority Brave Bird can stop any Mega Sceptile not behind a Substitute, so Mega Sceptile appreciates the support of Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W. Heatran is especially notable because it can beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that give Mega Sceptile headaches.

Talonflame is an incredibly threatening Pokemon in OU, but it is stopped cold by various Pokemon, such as Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran. Mega Sceptile beats all four of these Talonflame counters for Talonflame, and in return, Talonflame can break down the bulky Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, that Mega Sceptile hates dealing with. Gyarados also hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile OHKOes Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if Mega Sceptile switches in on a Volt Switch, it can even gets a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados beats the bulky Grass-types, such as Celebi, that Mega Sceptile cannot with by using Bounce. Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, enjoys having powerful wallbreakers as teammates to break the walls that it cannot as teammates. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Other Options
########

Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable base 145 Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. However, it is much less effective than other Dragon-types sweepers, such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Haxorus, and should only be used for its surprise value. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem. On the All-Out Attacker set, you Mega Sceptile could potentially use both Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types and the utility provided by Protect, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary. If you desire a stronger Grass-type STAB move on the Substitute set, you can use Leaf Storm. It gains many OHKOs and 2HKOs that Giga Drain cannot, such as on Landorus, Azumarill, and Mega Manectric. However, it's is counterproductive with alongside Substitute, as it can't recover HP and forces Mega Sceptile out after use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass STAB moves, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; is is also immune to Dragon Pulse and takes very little damage from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types:** Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must, however, be wary aware of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi walls Mega Sceptile that lack Earthquake, and Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Both Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame can revenge kill with Brave Bird and while Mamoswine and Weavile can both revenge kill it with Ice Shard. Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill it with Bullet Punch easily, and it can even check Mega Sceptile that lack Hidden Power Fire, as it resists Dragon and Grass. Mega Aerodactyl doesn't have priority, but it outspeeds Mega Sceptile and can revenge kill with Aerial Ace, Ice Fang, or Stone Edge.
Thanks a lot! I implemented a lot of that check, and I definitely think it sounds even better now.

Ready for 2/2 [or another amcheck :)]
 

Lumari

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Overview
########

At first glance, Mega Sceptile may not seem very impressive. For starters, it has bad bulk and a typing that leaves it vulnerable to various priority users including Talonflame, Mamoswine, Weavile, Bisharp, and Mega Scizor. Furthermore, its base 145 Special Attack, (RC) is relatively average when considering Mega Sceptile goes without a boosting item, is relatively average. Combine this with its lack of a powerful and reliable STAB move, and it's easy to see how most defensive teams don't struggle to handle it. However, Mega Sceptile's niche in OU comes from its ability to handle offensive teams. Its base 145 Speed makes it the fastest Dragon-type available, which is immensely useful in OU: (or do colon -> comma i guess, but then the sentence becomes a bit of a run-on) a tier with numerous threatening Dragon-types such as Latios, Latias, Garchomp, and Mega Charizard X, as Mega Sceptile is able to revenge kill all of them, barring Mega Altaria. Additionally, despite Mega Sceptile's relatively average Special Attack, it has access to Leaf Storm, which, thanks to its high Base Power, allows Mega Sceptile to revenge kill frailer threats such as Mega Lopunny. Its Grass STAB move of choice, along with its four times resistance to Water, allows Mega Sceptile to check all of the various bulky Water-type Pokemon in OU, including Slowbro, Manaphy, and Rotom-W. Finally, thanks to its access to Lightning Rod Lightningrod, (old spelling for this one, idk why either) Mega Sceptile is also (redundant with 'finally') able to check most of the various Electric-types in OU, including Rotom-W, Mega Manectric, and Thundurus, the latter of which cannot even paralyze Mega Sceptile.

All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Earthquake / Protect
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Naive / Timid

Moves
========

Leaf Storm is a very powerful STAB move that lets Mega Sceptile OHKO and 2HKO many Pokemon that its other Grass-type moves cannot. For example, Leaf Storm has a decent chance to 2HKO physically defensive Magic Guard Clefable and OHKO Landorus, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Manectric, and Assault Vest Azumarill after Stealth Rock. However, because Leaf Storm tends to force out Mega Sceptile after use because of the Special Attack drop it induces, Energy Ball can be used instead if you want a more consistent STAB move. Energy Ball's main utility comes from the lack of a Special Attack Drop; (already mentioned/implied) In addition, it Energy Ball does not allow for (afaik and according to my dictionaries 'allow for' can only mean 'give consideration to', which isn't really appropriate here imo) Pokemon, namely ones that would otherwise be OHKOed by Leaf Storm, such as Mega Slowbro, from to switching in on a Mega Sceptile at -2 Special Attack and abusing abuse the situation. Both moves allow Mega Sceptile to check the bulky Water-types that it's supposed to, such as Rotom-W and Keldeo. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that is only resisted by Steel-types; (SC) only Fairies are immune to it. Additionally, it hits Dragon-type Pokemon super effectively, which allows Mega Sceptile to effectively revenge kill Dragon-types such as Latias and Garchomp. Earthquake can be used to effectively handle Heatran, Klefki, Jirachi, Magnezone, and Tentacruel, and Hidden Power Fire can be used to cover Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. One small problem with Hidden Power Fire is that it forces Mega Sceptile to use a Speed IV of 30, which prohibits prevents (or simply 'prohibits Speed tying', but 'prohibit from' is incorrect) it from Speed tying with Mega Beedrill. If this troubles you, or if you find it too hard to safely Mega Evolve Sceptile, you can try another route with its last two moves. Protect allows Sceptile to safely Mega Evolve, thus gaining a better Speed tier so that it can revenge kill Mega Manectric, Greninja, and Lopunny without having to deal with having only base 120 Speed for one turn. Additionally, it lets Mega Sceptile avoid Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. If you are running Protect, you should use Focus Blast in the last slot, as it hits all Steel-types except for Doublade neutrally.

Set Details
========

Mega Sceptile's base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod Lightningrod ability, and Dragon typing are all integral to its success in OU, so Sceptile needs to be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed EVs with a Speed-boosting nature are used in order to get the most of Mega Sceptile's revenge killing ability; if Mega Sceptile is using a Special Attack-boosting nature you lose it loses out on being able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric. Even though Hidden Power Fire drops Mega Sceptile's Speed IV to 30, maximum Speed investment should still be used so that you can at least Speed tie other Mega Sceptile with Hidden Power Fire. A Naive nature is chosen on sets with Earthquake so that you don't drop either of Mega Sceptile's offensive stats. If you're using only Focus Blast for coverage against Steel-types, a Timid nature should be used to prevent any unnecessary hindrance to Mega Sceptile's Special Defense. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure it hits as hard as possible.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Sceptile's base 120 Speed before Mega Evolving is great, but it is not always enough, as it doesn't allow Mega Sceptile to revenge kill Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric. Thus, it's very important for Mega Sceptile to Mega Evolve early on when playing against offensive teams. One method by which you could bring Mega Sceptile in is with a slow Volt Switch or U-turn; this ensures Mega Sceptile gets in unscathed. Less support is needed if Mega Sceptile carries Protect, as it will never have to deal with its base 120 Speed, and it therefore can Mega Evolve after the opponent's Lopunny or Manectric (eh, if these two are the reason for Protect they should both be mentioned, otherwise it kinda reads as though literally every single team uses Lopunny) without an issue. After Sceptile Mega Evolves and acquires Lightning Rod Lightningrod, you can have it pivot it in on Electric-types Electric-type attacks from the likes of Thundurus, Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Rotom-W, receive a Special Attack boost, and subsequently begin to use extremely powerful attacks. Do beware that some of these Electric-types may carry Hidden Power Ice, or in Thundurus's case, Hidden Power Flying, which does severe damage to Mega Sceptile. Thanks to its 4x Water resistance, Mega Sceptile can also pivot in on various Water-types, such as Slowbro, Quagsire, Keldeo, and Alomomola, and annihilate them with a STAB Leaf Storm. Again, be aware that some of these Pokemon may carry Ice Beam or Icy Wind, both of which demolish Mega Sceptile. One perk of Mega Sceptile is that, unlike with other fast attackers, you don't have to be cautious when playing against a team with Thundurus, because Mega Sceptile cannot be stopped by Prankster Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Defensively Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi and as well as (readability) Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar can handle the Fairy-types that Mega Sceptile has trouble with, such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon. Togekiss especially gives Mega Sceptile a hard time, so checks to it, such as Rotom-W and Thundurus, make for good teammates. Mega Sceptile hates Talonflame's priority Brave Bird, so Talonflame switch-ins such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W are helpful. Heatran deserves a special mention for also being able to beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that Mega Sceptile hates.

Offensively, Mega Sceptile makes for a good partner with Talonflame as well, as Mega Sceptile beats Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, all Pokemon that counter Talonflame. Gyarados hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch; (SC) Mega Sceptile can OHKO Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if it switches in on a Volt Switch, it will get a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados with Bounce beats the bulky Grass-types that Mega Sceptile cannot, such as Amoonguss. As Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, it appreciates powerful wallbreakers to break the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.

Substitute
########
name: Substitute
move 1: Dragon Pulse
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Substitute
ability: Overgrow
item: Sceptilite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
nature: Timid

Moves
========
Substitute is a great move for using on a predicted switch to a potential check; it greatly eases prediction throughout the match. Substitute also allows Mega Sceptile to evade Bisharp and Mega Absol's Sucker Punch. Giga Drain works extremely well alongside Substitute, as it heals recovers (less repetitive) Mega Sceptile's health and therefore allows it to make more Substitutes. It also hits Water-type Pokemon super effectively, which allows Mega Sceptile to check various Water-types such as Rotom-W. However, it is relatively weak against neutral targets. Dragon Pulse is a great secondary STAB move that hits most targets neutrally while also hitting Dragon-types super effectively, which furthermore allows Mega Sceptile to revenge all Dragon-types without a Speed boost bar Mega Altaria, such as Latios and Choice Band Dragonite. Latios and Choice Band Dragonite are two of the many Dragon-types either forced out or revenge killed by Mega Sceptile. On the fourth and final slot you should use Focus Blast, as it hits all Steel-types at except for Doublade at least neutrally, unlike Earthquake, to which Skarmory is immune, and Hidden Power Fire, to which Heatran is immune. However, if you're willing to give up hitting Heatran and OHKOing Bisharp, Hidden Power Fire is viable because it is more accurate than Focus Blast and hits Scizor super effectively.
_ (remove underscore i guess?)
Set Details
========
Sceptile needs base 145 Speed, Lightning Rod Lightningrod, and its Dragon typing in order to be viable in OU, so it should be used with Sceptilite. Maximum Speed and Special Attack investment with a Timid nature should be used to hit as hard as possible without sacrificing any Speed. If Mega Sceptile were to use a Modest nature, for example, it wouldn't be able to revenge kill Mega Lopunny or Mega Manectric.

Usage Tips
========
Mega Sceptile is a fast Pokemon; even without having already gained the Speed boost that comes from Mega Evolving, it can revenge kill many Pokemon such as Keldeo, Terrakion, and Latios. However, this Speed is not always sufficient, as it doesn't allow for Mega Sceptile on the turn it Mega Evolves to outspeed Greninja, Mega Lopunny, or Mega Manectric on the turn it Mega Evolves. Against teams with these Pokemon, or any Pokemon with a base Speed of 120 or higher, it is very important to Mega Evolve quickly during the game, (comma) For example, it would be catastrophic if you allow your opponent's Lopunny to Mega Evolve before your Sceptile because it is likely that it is your best revenge killer to Mega Lopunny, and (most of this train of thought is self-explanatory and as such unfortunately only serves to delay new information) as not prioritizing Mega Evolving Sceptile could lead to, for example, Mega Lopunny demolishing your team. One method you can use to bring Sceptile in early and safely is by using a slow Volt Switch or U-turn. After Mega Evolving and acquiring Lightning Rod Lightningrod, Mega Sceptile can switch in on Electric-types attacks from the various Electric-type Pokemon in OU, including Thundurus, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W, get a Special Attack boost, and subsequently either attack with a very powerful move or set up a Substitute. You should use Substitute whenever the situation calls for it; instead of having to predict whether or not the opponent will switch his or her Pokemon out, and thus possibly costing a game, just use Substitute. The worst that could happen is that Mega Sceptile wastes 25% of its HP; the potential benefit of being protected by a Substitute against a Pokemon that Mega Sceptile can 2HKO far outweighs this risk. When behind a Substitute, Mega Sceptile becomes very hard to deal with for offensive teams, as few Pokemon used on offensive teams can outspeed and/or avoid the 2HKO from Mega Sceptile. Emergency checks to Mega Sceptile, such as Weavile, do not work when Mega Sceptile is behind a Substitute, as Weavile's Ice Shard simply breaks the Substitute and Mega Sceptile can OHKO Weavile with Focus Blast.

Team Options
========
Fairies such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Sylveon all give Mega Sceptile trouble. As a result, it appreciates teammates that make quick work of Fairies, namely Steel-types such as Klefki, Bronzong, and Jirachi and Poison-types such as Amoonguss, Dragalge, and Gengar. Togekiss is especially notable as a nuisance for Sceptile, as it takes pitiful damage from all of Sceptile's moves. Rotom-W and Thundurus both check Togekiss, so they can make for good teammates for Mega Sceptile. Talonflame's priority Brave Bird can stop any Mega Sceptile not behind a Substitute, so Mega Sceptile appreciates the support of Talonflame switch-ins, such as Heatran, Rhyperior, and Rotom-W. Heatran is especially notable because it can beat the bulky Grass-types, such as Amoonguss, that give Mega Sceptile headaches.

Talonflame is a great teammate for Mega Sceptile as well: an incredibly threatening Pokemon in OU, but (clarification, was initially really unclear what you were getting at; deleted sentence was good at first but was made fluff by the new transitional sentence) it is stopped cold by various Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Rhyperior, Tyranitar, and Heatran, (comma) Mega Sceptile beats all four of these Talonflame counters which Mega Sceptile beats for Talonflame, and while in return, Talonflame can break down the bulky Grass-types, such as Mega Venusaur, that Mega Sceptile hates dealing with. Gyarados also hates Rotom-W for its ability to wall and OHKO it with Volt Switch. Mega Sceptile OHKOes Rotom-W for Gyarados, and if Mega Sceptile switches in on a Volt Switch, it gets a Special Attack boost. In return, Gyarados beats the bulky Grass-types, such as Celebi, that Mega Sceptile cannot by using Bounce. As Mega Sceptile, which struggles greatly against stall, it enjoys having powerful wallbreakers as teammates to break the walls that it cannot. Choice Specs Sylveon, Choice Specs Dragalge, Swords Dance Diggersby, and Swords Dance Crawdaunt can all help break defensive teams for Mega Sceptile.
S
Other Options
########

Mega Sceptile boasts a Thunder Wave immunity, an impeccable base 145 Speed, a usable 110 base Attack, and a solid physical movepool. A Swords Dance set set with Leaf Blade, Low Kick / Earthquake, and Outrage / Dragon Claw is therefore plausible. However, it is much less effective than other Dragon-types sweepers, such as Mega Altaria, Mega Charizard X, and Haxorus, and should only be used for its surprise value. Any standard set Mega Sceptile can run leaves it walled by Fairies; Iron Tail can be a good solution. Likewise, almost all bulky Flying-types wall Mega Sceptile; Rock Slide can be used to remedy this problem. On the All-Out Attacker set, Mega Sceptile could potentially use both Leaf Storm and Giga Drain. Leaf Storm is used in scenarios when the power is needed, and Giga Drain is used whenever a consistent STAB move is needed. Going this route forgoes having exceptional coverage against Steel-types and the utility provided by Protect, so it's only recommended if team support renders all of those unnecessary. If you desire a stronger Grass-type STAB move on the Substitute set, you can use Leaf Storm. It gains many OHKOs and 2HKOs that Giga Drain cannot achieve, such as on Landorus, Azumarill, and Mega Manectric. However, it is counterproductive alongside Substitute, as it can't recover HP and forces Mega Sceptile out after use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fairies**: Mega Altaria is one of the best counters to Mega Sceptile, as it resists its Grass STAB moves, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power Fire; is is also immune to Dragon Pulse and takes very little damage from Earthquake. It can use Mega Sceptile as setup bait or just go for the OHKO with Return or Hyper Voice. Sylveon can tank a hit and subsequently OHKO with Hyper Voice, potentially through Mega Sceptile's Substitute. Mega Gardevoir can switch into any move bar Leaf Storm and OHKO with Hyper Voice even through a Substitute. Clefable with mixed bulk and a Calm nature avoids the 2HKO from all moves, can use Mega Sceptile as Stealth Rock fodder, and can recover constantly with Wish.

**Flying-types**: (move colon to appropriate place) Mandibuzz avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse, can Roost off any damage taken, and can threaten Mega Sceptile with Foul Play and use it as Defog fodder. Specially defensive Talonflame avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Brave Bird. Assault Vest Tornadus-T easily avoids the 2HKO from Dragon Pulse and can OHKO with Hurricane. All Togekiss sets counter Mega Sceptile, but offensive sets are especially good for being able to use Mega Sceptile as Nasty Plot setup bait.

**Select Bulky Steel Types**: Klefki can easily switch in on Grass- and Dragon-type moves, take a Hidden Power Fire well, use Mega Sceptile as Spikes fodder, and 2HKO Mega Sceptile with Play Rough. It must, however, be wary of Earthquake. Bronzong takes very little from all of Mega Sceptile's attacks and can do decent damage with Gyro Ball. Specially defensive Jirachi walls Mega Sceptile that lack Earthquake, and Mega Scizor beats all sets lacking Hidden Power Fire. Specially defensive Doublade avoids the 2HKO from all of Mega Sceptile's moves. Mega Metagross can switch in on either of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and KO in return with Meteor Mash.

**Bulky Grass-types**: Bulky Grass-types such as Mega Venusaur, Amoonguss, and Celebi can all switch on any move Mega Sceptile has repeatedly throughout a match and force it out.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey easily switch in on any move Mega Sceptile may possess.

**Revenge Killers**: Mega Sceptile's typing and bad bulk leave it vulnerable to priority. Talonflame can revenge kill with Brave Bird while Mamoswine and Weavile can both revenge kill it with Ice Shard. Choice Band Scizor can revenge kill it with Bullet Punch easily, and it can even check Mega Sceptile that lack Hidden Power Fire, as it resists Dragon and Grass. Mega Aerodactyl doesn't have priority, but it outspeeds Mega Sceptile and can revenge kill it with Aerial Ace, Ice Fang, or Stone Edge.



GP 2/2
 
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