Battle Spot Skarmory

[Hulavuta]

QC: Theorymon / DragonWhale / cant say
GP: GatoDelFuego / Winry
​

Overview
########

Skarmory's very useful resistances granted by its Steel / Flying typing, its high defense, and its reliable recovery make it a great check to many physically attacking Pokemon, and its support options make it a great addition to a bulkier stall team. However, Skarmory can easily be broken by almost any sort of special attacker, and physical Fire-types will be able to eventually muscle their way through its defenses. It's also quite slow and passive, meaning it greatly damages momentum when used on a non-stall team. However, it is still a great addition to most stall teams.

Defensive
########

name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Toxic / Stealth Rock
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Drill Peck / Iron Head / Brave Bird
ability: Sturdy
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
nature: Impish

Moves
========

Roost keeps Skarmory healthy throughout the match and prevents Skarmory from being worn down. It also removes Skarmory's Flying type for the turn, giving Skarmory resistances to Rock and Ice while also giving weaknesses to Ground and Fighting. Toxic is Skarmory's main way of dealing damage, allowing it to simply use Roost and stall until the foe faints. Stealth Rock is another option, helping to wear down opposing switch-ins; however, Toxic is better to take down an individual target. Whirlwind combos well with Stealth Rock, as it forces the foe out. It is also useful for removing boosting Pokemon, especially Minimize users, as it ignores evasion boosts, Substitutes, and Protect. Drill Peck is the main STAB attack, and Iron Head is an alternate option that hurts Rock- and Fairy-types more and has a chance to flinch slower attackers. Brave Bird can also be used, as it is more powerful. However, it gives recoil, which can put Skarmory into 2HKO range against certain attackers, and forces Skarmory to use Roost more often. It also prevents Skarmory from keeping Sturdy active.

Set Details
========

The EVs are straightforward: maximum HP and maximum Defense help to make Skarmory as bulky as possible. Rocky Helmet is to deal passive damage; as Skarmory is used to check physical attackers, it will be hit with contact moves very often. Leftovers is an alternate option if another Pokemon is already using the team's Rocky Helmet. Sturdy is the best ability, as it makes Skarmory immune to OHKO moves and allows Skarmory to survive any hit from full health and use at least one move.

Usage Tips
========

Skarmory is rather straightforward: just bring it in against unboosted physical attackers that are not Fire-types, such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, or against passive stall Pokemon such as Cresselia or Hippowdon. Toxic is the main move you will want to use most of the time to assure that the opposing Pokemon is taking damage each turn. Once the foe is poisoned, Roost to heal the damage until the opposing Pokemon switches out or faints. If it tries to boost, use Whirlwind to remove it. If you opt to use Stealth Rock over Toxic, use Whirlwind whenever possible to force switches and cause your opponent's Pokemon to take entry hazard damage. Use an attack to finish off a low-HP foe, or if the foe is already poisoned and you do not yet need to Roost.

Although Roost is an all-around a good move, in some cases it can make Skarmory more vulnerable. Roost removes Skarmory's Flying type for the remainder of the turn, which gives it resistances to Rock and Ice, but also makes it weak to Ground and Fighting. This means that slower Ground and Fighting attackers such as Rhyperior or Conkeldurr will be able to hit Skarmory with a more powerful attack on the turn it uses Roost. In these cases, using Roost will require some predictions to minimize the damage Skarmory takes.

Team Options
========

Skarmory greatly appreciates bulky partner Pokemon that can help it form a stall core. Its most common partner is Chansey, which can take any special attack for Skarmory. Slowbro, Gliscor, and Venusaur are other common stall Pokemon that have good synergy with Skarmory. For more bulky offensive partners, Latias likes having opposing strong physical attackers removed and can also take some special hits for Skarmory. It also greatly appreciates having Tyranitar and Cresselia removed by Skarmory. Tyranitar itself is a good partner as well, as it can also take special hits and has good type synergy with Skarmory. More offensive Pokemon, such as Salamence, Volcarona, or Greninja, benefit from having the opposing team worn down by Toxic or Stealth Rock. However, as Skarmory is a more defensive Pokemon, it can often be a liability to an offensive team's momentum.

Other Options
========

Swords Dance is an option to make Skarmory more offensive so it can use its STAB moves such as Iron Head or Brave Bird. Keen Eye might seem like a good option at first to counter evasion strategies, but it is inferior to Sturdy, as Whirlwind already ignores evasion boosts. Spikes is generally inferior to Stealth Rock, as it takes several turns to set up. However, on a full stall team it can sometimes be worth it. Taunt is another option to use against opposing stall teams, along with 132 Speed EVs for Skarmory to outspeed and Taunt Cresselia. Iron Defense is also an option to double Skarmory's Defense, making it even harder to wear down. However, this strategy is susceptible to critical hits and it can be hard to find a moveslot to use for it.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Heatran or Charizard can stop Skarmory easily with their powerful Fire attacks. Even physical Fire-types, such as Talonflame or Blaziken, will be able to muscle through Skarmory with a boost.

**Electric-types**: Rotom, Manectric, and Zapdos can all take out Skarmory with a powerful Electric attack. They can also gain momentum against Skarmory's team with Volt Switch.

**Special Attackers**: Although they might not hit Skarmory super effectively, any kind of strong special attacker, such as Hydreigon, Aegislash, Greninja, or Gengar, will deal a load of damage to it. Gengar especially can Mega Evolve and trap Skarmory or one of its partners, putting a big hole in Skarmory's stall core.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Sableye and Talonflame can disable Skarmory and then use it as an opportunity to set up.

**Lures**: Physical attackers that Skarmory normally counters, such as Garchomp, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, can lure it in and then use a surprise special attack. However, this is quite rare.

 

[Ares]

Other Options
========
are there any? .___.

SD Skarmory
Custap + sturdy
spikes

 

[Theorymon]

Alright, just got some general nitpicks for ya!

-For the overview (and maybe the set too), I'd mention that Skarmory usually finds its place on more stallish teams because of how well it can cover physical threats.

-I'd give Spikes a mention on other options as more of a warning of sorts. Spikes seems awesome till you realize that 3v3 can be pretty hostile towards Spikes stacking.

-Maybe mention Taunt on the set's comments or other options. Taunt is really nice when you come across an opposing stall team. It can be sorta hard to fit in though, you pretty much gotta replace wither an Attacking move or Toxic.

-I'd move the Keen Eye mention to other options, since that's sort of a "warning" of sorts too.

-Maybe mention Leftovers there. Leftovers isn't bad per say, its just that 3v3, Skarmory usually appreciates the damage dealing power of rocky helmet more. Leftovers can be a good fit if another mon is carrying Rocky Helmet though!

-Mention the unexpected Special Attackers. It's mainly Garchomp and Mega Kangaskhan

Otherwise, Skarmory is pretty simple. QC Approved 1/3

Jibaku you're a master of efficient EV spreads, got any for Skarmory?

 

[DragonWhale]

If you run taunt, 132 speed is an option to outrun 4 speed Cress so that it prevents it from Lunar Dancing Khan back to full HP.

Chansey as a teammate. It's one of (if not the) strongest defensive cores in the game.

 

[Jibaku]

Theorymon Skarmory doesn't really need anything fancy EV spread wise. You can run a SpDef spread or a fast spread but that's really it.

Brave Bird should be mentioned and probably slashed alongside Drill Peck/Iron Head

Skarmory's Teammates should IMO focus on stallish Pokemon, since that's where it fits best. Pokemon such as Chansey, Slowbro, Gliscor, and Venusaur are common partners, and are typically the standard core for stall teams (or at least, from what I've seen in blogs). Skarmory is usually not thrown into a squishy team to patch weaknesses because slows the team's momentum and it can easily backfire from team preview since there are so many things that can counter it (like virtually every special attacker). Skarmory's ability to counter a wide range of physical attackers needs to be supported by something that can strongly cover its weaknesses.

IMO, the best counters to Skarmory are those that can attack the defensive cores it's thrown into. Mega Gengar can trap and kill Skarmory, as well as other stall Pokemon, breaking apart the core. Taunt/Wisp/Roost/BB Talonflame, for example, can beat up Skarmory/Chansey/Venusaur/Gliscor, losing out to only Slowbro.

 

[Hulavuta]

Jibaku and DragonWhale, I've made the changes you posted. Please give the check if it looks good now.

 

[DragonWhale]

Iron Defense in OO. Although this was on PS, Haban completely dominated the ladder using ID Skarm. I watched him use it and it was really good.

But otherwise looks good to me. QC Approved 2/3

 

[Hulavuta]

Okay, this is written up (I think). cant say give me that check now please

 

[cant say]

I would add a closing statement to the overview stating how Skarm can form a nice defensive backbone on a physically weak team or whatever (just anything positive) since it's not meant to end on a negative note.

Explain why removing your flying type with roost can be beneficial (or bad in some cases).

This sentence doesn't make sense to me:

Toxic is Skarmory's main way of dealing damage, allowing it to heal from the opponent's attacks and stall until it has fainted

Is this a CP error? The part about healing sounds like it's from the part about Roost. Fix it up to explain what Toxic does (deal passive damage while you heal with roost)

The first part of set details where you talk about how skarms steel/flying typing walls stuff isn't needed, as it has nothing to do with set details. You only haha to explain the EVs, nature, ability and item here (it can instead go in usage tips where you explain how you actually use skarm).

Usage tips could be expanded on quite a bit. Remember, we have to assume the reader is a newbie, not an already competent battler. It's just way too brief at the moment, you're a good writer, I'm sure you'll be able to elaborate well enough. Just explain which physical attackers you should try to check, which boosters Skarm can phase out, which Pokemon hate stealth rock, and which Pokemon should be attacked instead of statused / phased.

Team Options looks fine, maybe expand on the part where you say that teammates who appreciate Toxic / Stealth Rock support; who are these teammates? I would say sweepers like Salamence who need Focus Sashes removed.

The rest looks fine to me. Once you've made these changes then consider it stamped!

 

[Hulavuta]

I would add a closing statement to the overview stating how Skarm can form a nice defensive backbone on a physically weak team or whatever (just anything positive) since it's not meant to end on a negative note.

I personally ended it on a negative note 'cause I think it's not that great but I can make it positive if I should.

Is this a CP error? The part about healing sounds like it's from the part about Roost. Fix it up to explain what Toxic does (deal passive damage while you heal with roost)

No, it's meant to say that you can heal up and the damage will take care of itself. I'll make it more clear.

Everything else is fine, I'll take care of those.

 

[Theorymon]

I'd personally end on a positive note just because Skarmory is a staple on stall teams, which has been a playstyle that has gotten some very high rankings on the ladder (Don't mention the ladder part in the analysis though. I'd rather talk about that kind of stuff in a more general battle spot article thats brewing in my head atm ;D)

 

[Hulavuta]

Okay cant say and Theorymon I think I made all of those changes.

 

[cant say]

(brb - turning that into a stamp)

 

[Hulavuta]

Alrighty then, moving this to GP. GatoDelFuego do this

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Hulavuta

REMOVE CHANGE COMMENTS

Hide

Overview
########

Skarmory is a decent wall with lots of tools to give it a definite niche in the metagame. Its Skarmory's very useful resistances granted by its Steel / Flying typing, (AC) type and its high Defense, (AC) and its reliable recovery make it a great check to the many physically attacking Pokemon, and its support options make it a great addition to a bulkier stall team.
remove enter
However, Skarmory does have many notable issues. It can easily be broken by almost any sort of special attacker, and physical Fire-types will be able to eventually muscle their way through its defenses. It's also quite slow and passive, meaning it greatly damages momentum when used on a non-stall team. However, it is still a great addition to most stall teams, helping them with its invaluable support.

Defensive
########

name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Toxic / Stealth Rock
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Drill Peck / Iron Head / Brave Bird
ability: Sturdy
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
nature: Impish

Moves
========

Roost is the most important move, as it keeps Skarmory healthy throughout the match and prevents it Skarmory from being worn down. It also removes its Skarmory's Flying type for the turn, giving it Skarmory resistances to Rock and Ice while also giving weaknesses to Ground and Fighting. Toxic is Skarmory's main way of dealing damage, allowing it to simply use Roost and stall until the opponent faints. Stealth Rock is another option, helping to wear down opposing Pokemon switch-ins; (SC) however, Toxic is better to take down an individual target. Whirlwind combos well with Stealth Rock as it forces the foe out switch. It is also useful for removing boosting Pokemon, especially Minimize users, as it ignores evasion boosts, Substitutes, and Protect. Drill Peck is the main STAB attack, and Iron Head is an alternate option that hurts Rock- and Fairy-types more and has a chance to flinch on slower attackers. Brave Bird can also be used, as it is more powerful. However, it gives recoil, which can put Skarmory into 2HKO range against certain attackers, and forces it Skarmory to use Roost more often. It also prevents it Skarmory from keeping its Sturdy active.

Set Details
========

The EVs are straightforward, maximum HP and maximum Defense help to make it Skarmory as bulky as possible. Rocky Helmet is the main option to deal passive damage; as Skarmory is used to check physical attackers, it will be hit with contact moves very often. Leftovers is an alternate second best option if another Pokemon is already using the team's Rocky Helmet. Sturdy is the best ability, as it makes Skarmory immune to OHKO moves, (RC) and it allows Skarmory to survive any hit from full health, allowing it Skarmory to get off at least one move.

Usage Tips
========

Skarmory is rather straightforward: (colon) just bring it in against unboosted physical attackers that are not Fire-types, (AC) like such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, or on against passive stall Pokemon such as Cresselia or Hippowdon. Toxic is the main move you will want to use most of the time to assure that the opposing Pokemon is taking damage each turn. Once the opponent foe is poisoned, Roost to heal the damage until the opposing Pokemon switches out or faints. If it tries to boost, use Whirlwind to remove it. If you opt to use Stealth Rock over Toxic, use Whirlwind whenever possible to force switches and cause your opponent's Pokemon to take entry hazard damage. Use an attack to finish off a low-HP foe opponent, or if the opponent foe is already poisoned and you do not yet need to Roost.

Although Roost is all around an all-around good move, in some cases it can make Skarmory more vulnerable. Roost removes Skarmory's Flying type for the remainder of the turn, which gives it resistances to Rock and Ice, but also makes it weak to Ground and Fighting. This means that slower Ground and Fighting attackers such as Rhyperior or Conkeldurr will be able to hit Skarmory with a more powerful attack on the turn it uses Roost. In these cases, using Roost will require some predictions to minimize the damage Skarmory takes.

Team Options
========

Skarmory greatly appreciates bulky partner Pokemon that can help it form a stall core. Its most common partner is Chansey, which can take any special attack for Skarmory. Slowbro, Gliscor, and Venusaur are other common stall Pokemon that have good synergy with Skarmory. For more bulky offensive partners, Latias likes having opposing strong physical attackers removed and can also take some special hits for Skarmory. It also greatly appreciates having Tyranitar and Cresselia removed by Skarmory. Tyranitar itself is a good partner as well, as it can also take special hits and has good type synergy with Skarmory. More offensive Pokemon, like such as Salamence, Volcarona, or Greninja, benefit from having the opposing team worn down by Toxic or Stealth Rock. However, as Skarmory is a more defensive Pokemon, it can often be a liability to an offensive team's momentum.

Other Options
========

Swords Dance is an option to make Skarmory more offensive using its STAB moves such as Iron Head or Brave Bird. Keen Eye might seem like a good option at first to counter evasion strategies, but it is inferior to Sturdy as Whirlwind already ignores evasion boosts. Spikes is generally inferior to Stealth Rock, as it takes several turns to set up. However, on a full stall team it can sometimes be worth it. Taunt is another option to use against opposing stall teams, along with 132 Speed EVs for Skarmory to outspeed and Taunt Cresselia. Iron Defense is also an option to double Skarmory's Defense, making it even harder to wear down. However, this strategy is susceptible to critical hits and it can be hard to find a moveslot to use for it.

Checks & Counters
########

Fire-types like Heatran or Charizard can stop Skarmory easily with their powerful fire attacks. The same is true of Electric-types such as Rotom, Manectric, and Zapdos, which can also gain momentum against you with Volt Switch. Aside from hitting it super effectively, any kind of strong special attacker, such as Hydreigon, Aegislash, Greninja, or Gengar will deal a load of damage to it. Gengar especially can Mega Evolve and trap Skarmory or one of its partners, putting a big hole in your stall core. Taunt users such as Sableye and Talonflame can disable Skarmory and set up on it. Finally, physical attackers that Skarmory normally counters, such as Garchomp, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, can lure it in and then use a surprise special attack. However, this is quite rare.

These are all wrong lol hula what are u doin

1/2

tag me on those checks + counters tho

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Checks & Counters
########

**Fire-types**: Fire-types like such as Heatran or Charizard can stop Skarmory easily with their powerful Fire attacks. Even physical Fire-types, such as Talonflame or Blaziken, will be able to muscle through Skarmory with a boost.

**Electric-types**: Rotom, Manectric, and Zapdos can all take out Skarmory with a powerful Electric attack. They can also gain momentum against your Skarmory's team with Volt Switch.

**Special Attackers**: Although they might not hit it Skarmory super effectively, any kind of strong special attacker, such as Hydreigon, Aegislash, Greninja, or Gengar, (AC) will deal a load of damage to it. Gengar especially can Mega Evolve and trap Skarmory or one of its partners, putting a big hole in your Skarmory's stall core.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Sableye and Talonflame can disable Skarmory and then use it as an opportunity to set up.

**Lures**: Physical attackers that Skarmory normally counters, such as Garchomp, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, can lure it in and then use a surprise special attack. However, this is quite rare.

 

[Hulavuta]

Implemented the changes, I talked to Gato about leaving in the last line because I feel like it has an important impact on how Skarmory is played.

This is now ready for check #2.

 

[Winry]

add/correct remove comments

Hide

Overview
########

Skarmory's very useful resistances granted by its Steel / Flying typing, its high defense, and its reliable recovery make it a great check to many physically attacking Pokemon, and its support options make it a great addition to a bulkier stall team. [no need for new paragraph] However, Skarmory can easily be broken by almost any sort of special attacker, and physical Fire-types will be able to eventually muscle their way through its defenses. It's also quite slow and passive, meaning it greatly damages momentum when used on a non-stall team. However, it is still a great addition to most stall teams.

Defensive
########

name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Toxic / Stealth Rock
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Drill Peck / Iron Head / Brave Bird
ability: Sturdy
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
nature: Impish

Moves
========

Roost keeps Skarmory healthy throughout the match and prevents Skarmory from being worn down. It also removes Skarmory's Flying type for the turn, giving Skarmory resistances to Rock and Ice while also giving weaknesses to Ground and Fighting. Toxic is Skarmory's main way of dealing damage, allowing it to simply use Roost and stall until the foe opponent faints. Stealth Rock is another option, helping to wear down opposing switch-ins; however, Toxic is better to take down an individual target. Whirlwind combos well with Stealth Rock, [ac] as it forces the foe out. It is also useful for removing boosting Pokemon, especially Minimize users, as it ignores evasion boosts, Substitutes, and Protect. Drill Peck is the main STAB attack, and Iron Head is an alternate option that hurts Rock- and Fairy-types more and has a chance to flinch slower attackers. Brave Bird can also be used, as it is more powerful. However, it gives recoil, which can put Skarmory into 2HKO range against certain attackers, and forces Skarmory to use Roost more often. It also prevents Skarmory from keeping Sturdy active.

Set Details
========

The EVs are straightforward: [colon > comma] maximum HP and maximum Defense help to make Skarmory as bulky as possible. Rocky Helmet is to deal passive damage; as Skarmory is used to check physical attackers, it will be hit with contact moves very often. Leftovers is an alternate option if another Pokemon is already using the team's Rocky Helmet. Sturdy is the best ability, as it makes Skarmory immune to OHKO moves and allows Skarmory to survive any hit from full health and use, [rc] allowing Skarmory to get off at least one move.

Usage Tips
========

Skarmory is rather straightforward: just bring it in against unboosted physical attackers that are not Fire-types, such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, or against passive stall Pokemon such as Cresselia or Hippowdon. Toxic is the main move you will want to use most of the time to assure that the opposing Pokemon is taking damage each turn. Once the foe is poisoned, Roost to heal the damage until the opposing Pokemon switches out or faints. If it tries to boost, use Whirlwind to remove it. If you opt to use Stealth Rock over Toxic, use Whirlwind whenever possible to force switches and cause your opponent's Pokemon to take entry hazard damage. Use an attack to finish off a low-HP foe, or if the foe is already poisoned and you do not yet need to Roost.

Although Roost is an all-around a good move, in some cases it can make Skarmory more vulnerable. Roost removes Skarmory's Flying type for the remainder of the turn, which gives it resistances to Rock and Ice, but also makes it weak to Ground and Fighting. This means that slower Ground and Fighting attackers such as Rhyperior or Conkeldurr will be able to hit Skarmory with a more powerful attack on the turn it uses Roost. In these cases, using Roost will require some predictions to minimize the damage Skarmory takes.

Team Options
========

Skarmory greatly appreciates bulky partner Pokemon that can help it form a stall core. Its most common partner is Chansey, which can take any special attack for Skarmory. Slowbro, Gliscor, and Venusaur are other common stall Pokemon that have good synergy with Skarmory. For more bulky offensive partners, Latias likes having opposing strong physical attackers removed and can also take some special hits for Skarmory. It also greatly appreciates having Tyranitar and Cresselia removed by Skarmory. Tyranitar itself is a good partner as well, as it can also take special hits and has good type synergy with Skarmory. More offensive Pokemon, such as Salamence, Volcarona, or Greninja, benefit from having the opposing team worn down by Toxic or Stealth Rock. However, as Skarmory is a more defensive Pokemon, it can often be a liability to an offensive team's momentum.

Other Options
========

Swords Dance is an option to make Skarmory more offensive so it can use using its STAB moves such as Iron Head or Brave Bird. Keen Eye might seem like a good option at first to counter evasion strategies, but it is inferior to Sturdy, [ac] as Whirlwind already ignores evasion boosts. Spikes is generally inferior to Stealth Rock, as it takes several turns to set up. However, on a full stall team it can sometimes be worth it. Taunt is another option to use against opposing stall teams, along with 132 Speed EVs for Skarmory to outspeed and Taunt Cresselia. Iron Defense is also an option to double Skarmory's Defense, making it even harder to wear down. However, this strategy is susceptible to critical hits and it can be hard to find a moveslot to use for it.

Checks & Counters
########

**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Heatran or Charizard can stop Skarmory easily with their powerful Fire attacks. Even physical Fire-types, such as Talonflame or Blaziken, will be able to muscle through Skarmory with a boost.

**Electric-types**: Rotom, Manectric, and Zapdos can all take out Skarmory with a powerful Electric attack. They can also gain momentum against Skarmory's team with Volt Switch.

**Special Attackers**: Although they might not hit Skarmory super effectively, any kind of strong special attacker, such as Hydreigon, Aegislash, Greninja, or Gengar, [ac] will deal a load of damage to it. Gengar especially can Mega Evolve and trap Skarmory or one of its partners, putting a big hole in Skarmory's stall core.

**Taunt**: Taunt users such as Sableye and Talonflame can disable Skarmory and then use it as an opportunity to set up.

**Lures**: Physical attackers that Skarmory normally counters, such as Garchomp, Kangaskhan, or Tyranitar, can lure it in and then use a surprise special attack. However, this is quite rare.

2/2

 

[Hulavuta]

Gonna upload this now.