[OVERVIEW]
Scizor makes a splash in the STABmons metagame thanks to its wide movepool, excellent versatility, and ability to force switches easily, all of which make it difficult to check. Mega Scizor is the best user of Shift Gear in the metagame by virtue of heaps of bulk, a high Attack stat, and the ability Technician, which amplifies Gear Grind to insanely high power. Bug / Steel typing is a blessing for Scizor because it leaves it with just one weakness, multiple resistances to types such as Normal, Ice, and Dragon, and a neutrality to Stealth Rock, granting it ample opportunities to switch in. One key trait Mega Scizor has over other Mega Evolutions in the metagame is that it lacks true competition. It's arguably the best Mega Evolution in the metagame thanks to all of its wonderful attributes leaving it nearly unmatched as a setup sweeper. However, Scizor has one noticeable flaw in its weakness to the prevalent Fire-type. Pokemon such as Charizard, Heatran, and Talonflame are top-tier threats that can all pressure Scizor and easily OHKO it with their STAB moves. While Scizor does have great coverage between just a few moves, it's always left with certain Pokemon that can check it due to a lack of a certain move. For example, Mega Scizor gets beaten by Heatran should it forgo Superpower for Knock Off. Priority status moves from Thundurus and Sableye put a damper on Mega Scizor's sweep with Thunder Wave and Dark Void, respectively.
[SET]
name: Defensive Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Gear Grind
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant / Impish
evs: 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shift Gear raises Mega Scizor's Attack and Speed stats to very scary levels, allowing it to hit hard and outspeed fast Pokemon such as Aerodactyl and Darkrai. After a boost, Mega Scizor is even able to outspeed certain Choice Scarf users such as Landorus-T. Gear Grind is a multi-hit move boosted by Technician, hitting an effective Base Power of 150. This is Mega Scizor's primary STAB move, blasting through anything that does not resist it. Roost maintains Mega Scizor's longevity and lets it set up on certain Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T locked into Earthquake because Earthquake is unable to achieve a 2HKO on Mega Scizor. Knock Off is a useful utility move to break down defensively oriented teams in the early-game, paving the way for an easier sweep later in the match. Superpower hits Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and, most notably, Heatran. Baton Pass is a very useful move to pivot out of counters while passing along stat boosts to a teammate. Pin Missile is an alternative move that able to hit a shocking 187 Base Power on a five-hit roll and grants Mega Scizor the ability to muscle past Quagsire. However, the move's coverage is poor and it can fall short with just two hits. Bullet Punch finds a niche in hitting Sableye before it cripples Mega Scizor with Will-O-Wisp, Dark Void, or Topsy-Turvy.
Set Details
========
Scizorite is preferred over Leftovers in nearly all situations thanks to the increased bulk, Speed, and power that come with Mega Evolution. Light Metal is chosen because it means that Scizor takes less damage from Low Kick and Grass Knot before Mega Evolving. While this is incredibly situational, it still has that one specific niche, and Technician and Swarm aren't very useful anyways. However, Technician could potentially be used if you want to wait for Scizor to Mega Evolve to bluff it not holding Scizorite, but you're typically going to Mega Evolve Scizor as soon as you can, so it's unwise. Running 184 Speed EVs allows Mega Scizor to outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T after one Shift Gear, and the remaining EVs are placed into HP and Defense. Both an Adamant nature and an Impish nature have their perks. An Adamant nature lets Mega Scizor 2HKO physically defensive Landorus-T after one Shift Gear, while an Impish nature lets Mega Scizor survive two hits from Jolly Mega Tyranitar and Azumarill.
Usage Tips
========
Bring Mega Scizor in on resisted hits from the likes of Mega Diancie or Kangaskhan and figure out whether to set up or not. A few situations to avoid setting up with Mega Scizor include when the opponent has Quagsire, Sableye, or Heatran. If the opponent also carries Pokemon that Mega Scizor is unable to hit for super effective damage, it's best to avoid setting up until they are weakened. However, do take advantage of Mega Scizor's great bulk and try to set up on neutral hits that fail to 2HKO Mega Scizor, such as Kangaskhan's Extreme Speed, Gliscor's Earthquake, and Landorus-T's Earthquake. Roost is essential on Mega Scizor to increase its longevity and allow it to set up multiple times rather than just once, so don't be afraid to use it!
Team Options
========
Landorus-T makes for a good partner because it can beat Steel-types and can pivot into Mega Scizor with ease, giving it more freedom to set up. In a similar vein, Garchomp is a solid partner, but, unlike Landorus-T, it can beat Skarmory with Fire Blast in exchange for not being able to pivot. Running a Ground-type to take care of Steel-type Pokemon gives Mega Scizor much more freedom to run Knock Off. Magnezone and Rotom-W are good partners due to their synergy with Mega Scizor, ability to pivot via Volt Switch, and ability to soften foes gradually. Magnezone stands out in particular because it is able to take on Steel-types. Sableye is a valuable partner because it can spread status in the form of Will-O-Wisp or Dark Void and pivot into Mega Scizor with Parting Shot, which also eases setup for Mega Scizor. Kangaskhan forms a solid core with Mega Scizor that focuses on breaking down the opponent's team with their powerful physical onslaught and punching holes for the other. Once the opposing team has been weakened, one or the other has the opportunity to sweep. Water-types such as Azumarill and Suicune can take on Fire-types while Mega Scizor takes on Grass-type attacks. Similarly, Grass-types such as Serperior are good partners for Mega Scizor because they beat Quagsire, letting Mega Scizor sweep without fear of Quagsire walling it. This is unnecessary, however, if Mega Scizor runs Pin Missile because it usually 2HKOes Quagsire anyway.
[SET]
name: Offensive Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Gear Grind
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Roost / Knock Off
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shift Gear makes Mega Scizor one of the fastest and most powerful Pokemon in the metagame after just one boost. Gear Grind hits at 150 Base Power due to Technician. This is coming off of a matching base 150 Attack stat that allows Mega Scizor to make its way through even some Pokemon that resist Steel. Superpower is used specifically to hit Heatran and Ferrothorn. It's preferred over Knock Off as a main coverage move because it hits Steel-types for super effective damage, which is more useful than Knock Off's coverage or utility in most situations. Knock Off can still be used, however, if your team appreciates the removal of Leftovers and overall utility that it provides. Roost maintains Mega Scizor's longevity and works well because of Mega Scizor's great bulk and typing. It allows Mega Scizor to have a second chance later in the match should it be worn down early on in the match. Pin Missile lets Mega Scizor break through Quagsire, but it has poor coverage otherwise and it's hard to justify running it and giving up a coverage move. Baton Pass can be used to pass along boosts and get out of a tricky situation, while U-turn can be run to a similar effect while allowing Mega Scizor to hit the foe with a boosted U-turn in exchange for not passing the boosts. Bullet Punch has a niche in being able to smack Sableye before it hits Mega Scizor with Will-O-Wisp or Topsy-Turvy.
Set Details
========
Light Metal is the preferred ability over Swarm and Technician because it means that Scizor takes less damage from Low Kick and Grass Knot before Mega Evolving. Scizorite is always preferred over a Life Orb because of the increased power, bulk, and Speed. This comes in handy much more often than being able to select another Mega Evolution. Both a Jolly and an Adamant nature have their perks. A Jolly nature allows Mega Scizor to outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion, Deoxys-S, and a +2 Braviary after Shift Gear, while an Adamant nature provides a larger boost in power at the expense of only letting Mega Scizor outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Jirachi, and Choice Scarf Hydreigon after Shift Gear. Running maximum investment in Attack and Speed gives Mega Scizor full offensive potential, whereas running more defensive investment is frowned upon due to the nature of this set.
Usage Tips
========
This variant of Shift Gear Mega Scizor plays offensively, aiming to set up on Pokemon that it forces out and break down the opposing team. The plan on setting up is to come in on resisted attacks, such as Giga Drain and Moonblast, and then set up a Shift Gear. Pokemon such as Aerodactyl are afraid of a Gear Grind, so you're able to set up Shift Gear as they switch. If Mega Scizor runs Roost, it should be saved for later in the match. Due to this set not running defensive investment, it can't afford to take many powerful hits, so a turn for Roost can leave Mega Scizor vulnerable. Instead, it's better off used later in the match when Mega Scizor has taken prior damage so that Mega Scizor has an easier time setting up and sweeping. Capitalize on the opponent's fear of Shift Gear; use it as they switch, or even go directly for Gear Grind to gain chip damage. Be careful as to when Mega Scizor uses Superpower. Revealing it too early gives it away that Mega Scizor is running Superpower instead of Knock Off, dissuading the main targets, Ferrothorn and Heatran, from switching directly into Mega Scizor. Although this set aims to set up frequently, be careful not to set up Mega Scizor too much. Typically, one or two boosts are all it needs to be effective.
Team Options
========
Pivoting into Scizor through Volt Switch or U-turn provided by Rotom-W and Landorus-T is helpful to ease Mega Evolution. The two Pokemon mentioned are good in particular because Scizor can take on Grass-type attacks for Rotom-W and Ice-type attacks for Landorus-T; in return, Rotom-W and Landorus-T are both able to take on Fire-type Pokemon. Magnezone can also pivot into Scizor, and it has the added benefit of being able to trap and beat Steel-type Pokemon. Azumarill is a good partner for Mega Scizor because it is able to break down Mega Scizor's checks as Mega Scizor weakens Azumarill's checks as well. The synergy between them is excellent as well, with Azumarill sponging Fire-type attacks and Mega Scizor sponging Grass-type attacks. Garchomp works well alongside Mega Scizor because it's able to take on Fire-type attacks, set Stealth Rock, and weaken Skarmory with Fire Blast. Heatran shares fantastic defensive synergy with Mega Scizor and is able to set up Stealth Rock to gradually wear down the opponent's team. Finally, Thundurus weakens Water-types, which are typically used to halt Mega Scizor.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Gear Grind
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice Band-boosted Bullet Punch is an incredibly useful priority move for offensive teams because it packs enough raw power to pick off boosted sweepers such as Togekiss and Mega Diancie. U-turn hits Water-types predicting a Bullet Punch such as Mega Gyarados and Quagsire and hits reasonably hard even without a boost from Technician, grabbing momentum for the team. Gear Grind is insanely powerful after both Technician and Choice Band are applied, making Scizor able to effectively 2HKO nearly the entire metagame with just one move. Superpower hits Steel-type Pokemon such as Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory. The stat drops it brings along aren't detrimental because Scizor is usually going to switch out afterwards. Knock Off removes items, such as Leftovers and Eviolite, bringing excellent utility to the team and being incredibly useful in general. In a similar vein to Gear Grind, Pin Missile can be used to blast through Water-types and does not force Scizor out like U-turn does; however, it doesn't provide good coverage and clashes with U-turn too much to be considered viable. Pursuit is also viable to catch a foe off-guard as they switch, but it does leave Scizor in a vulnerable state if the opponent does not switch Pokemon.
Set Details
========
Choice Band increases Scizor's damage output more than Life Orb without dealing recoil damage; moreover, Scizor is typically switching often and getting worn down from Life Orb is not appealing. Scizorite isn't a recommended item for this set because Choice Band offers more immediate power, and Mega Scizor's niche lies within Shift Gear, which this set is not using. An Adamant nature and full offensive investment increase Scizor's attacking prowess to very frightening levels. Investing 252 Speed EVs doesn't let Scizor outspeed anything in particular, but it's nice to get the jump on slower Pokemon or uninvested Pokemon. However, a bulkier spread is plausible if Scizor's bulk and resistances are more useful to your team than pure offense. While investing the leftover four EVs into Defense does not allow Scizor to take any hit better, it does mean that Scizor isn't taking as much residual damage from entry hazards. Technician is the only ability Scizor can viably run, as otherwise it's very weak, and the other options it has are very mediocre.
Usage Tips
========
Scizor's main role is to click U-turn and keep momentum going, so if you're unsure of which move to use, U-turn is typically your safest bet. Going for Bullet Punch too early leaves Scizor in a bad position because it's typically too weak to 2HKO most Pokemon, which gives the foe opportunities to set up. Instead, save Bullet Punch for later in the match when it's able to clean up the opposing team or pick off boosted sweepers at lowered health. Only use Superpower on Heatran because the Attack and Defense drop leaves Scizor in a poor position where it's easily taken advantage of. However, do note that Scizor is outsped by both Choice Scarf Heatran and FastTran, so it's very risky in general to keep Scizor in on Heatran, even with Superpower. Knock Off is best used early in the match to remove Rocky Helmet so that U-turn is easier to use later in the match.
Team Options
========
Scizor fits well on VoltTurn cores thanks to its brute force and nice resistances. Electric-types such as Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W are all good partners because of their synergy and ability to complement this core. Magnezone stands out in particular because it traps Steel-types and is able to use Volt Switch with ease. Rotom-W is also notable because it wears down Ground-types with Scald and keeps a solid momentum core with Scizor. Tyranitar is able to set Stealth Rock, takes on Fire-type Pokemon, and can also keep up momentum in the form of Parting Shot. Knock Off is also a solid utility move Tyranitar can pack so that Scizor itself does not have to run it. Togekiss appreciates the semi-slow U-turn that Scizor provides so that it can be brought in safely and possibly set up a Geomancy to sweep. Other Pokemon, such as Kangaskhan and Aegislash, appreciate the utility that Scizor provides as well. Frailer Pokemon such as Charizard and Darkrai appreciate the U-turn momentum to bring them in safely as well.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Roost
move 3: Defog
move 4: Knock Off
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn allows Mega Scizor to pivot in and out of the match, dealing chip damage and gaining momentum in the process. Despite no Attack investment, U-turn still hits reasonably hard when coming off of Mega Scizor's base 150 Attack stat. Roost supports Mega Scizor's longevity throughout the match and works well in tandem with Defog because it allows Mega Scizor to remove entry hazards while staying healthy, something that few other Defog users have the luxury of doing due to a weakness to Stealth Rock or a lack of bulk. Defog itself offers great team support, removing entry hazards for Pokemon weak to them such as Thundurus and Togekiss. It's also nice for Pokemon on VoltTurn cores because switching a lot when there are entry hazards on the field will wear the Pokemon down throughout the match. Mega Scizor is neutral to Stealth Rock and doesn't mind Toxic Spikes, making it a prime Defogger. Knock Off is a generally useful utility move, removing Eviolite and Leftovers while providing even more chip damage on the opponent's team. Sticky Web has merits as well because it can fit as a sort of "glue" to hold offensive teams together. With it, slower Pokemon no longer have to fear the faster Pokemon that can run over your team. However, Flying-types are incredibly prevalent, and it's a bit counterintuitive alongside Defog, so it's somewhat subpar. Considering how common priority is, Sticky Web doesn't really shine in the metagame.
Set Details
========
Running 144 Speed EVs allows Mega Scizor to outpace Tyranitar and Aegislash, pivoting with U-turn before they can strike with a powerful Diamond Storm or Shadow Ball, respectively. The rest of the EVs are placed into HP and Defense to maximize bulk. Running 248 HP EVs gives Mega Scizor an odd HP number, allowing it to come in on entry hazards more frequently than if it were to run 252 HP EVs. An Impish nature is more useful than an Adamant nature because this set doesn't need or require the power boost. While Leftovers is useful, Scizorite is ultimately more useful because of the bulk, Speed, and additional power it provides, along with a pseudo-resistance to Knock Off. Light Metal is useful pre-Mega Evolution to pivot in on Low Kick or Grass Knot and take less damage. Technician is not useful in this situation.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Scizor should be used as a pivot; bring it in on an attack, use U-turn to cause chip damage, and switch in the foe's counter. Use Defog when entry hazards are up so that Mega Scizor can more easily use U-turn to pivot around without taking damage just for coming in. Mega Scizor should use Roost sparingly due to its somewhat low PP. In a situation where it comes down to a stall war, Mega Scizor needs all the PP from Roost it can get. With an immunity to Toxic, Mega Scizor can be used as a status absorber for the team. While Thunder Wave is irritating, it does not completely cripple Mega Scizor like it does to faster Pokemon such as Darkrai, which is indefinitely crippled by Thunder Wave. However, Will-O-Wisp and Spore are incredibly annoying and are best kept away from Mega Scizor. Mega Evolve as soon as you're given an opportunity, as the increased bulk, Speed, and power are needed as quickly as possible. Capitalize on Mega Scizor's resistances to take hits for the team; don't be shy to switch Mega Scizor in on a Dragon-type attack.
Team Options
========
Zapdos is an excellent partner for Mega Scizor because it takes on Water-types, and it appreciates Mega Scizor's ability to remove Stealth Rock. Other Volt Switch, U-turn, Baton Pass, and Parting Shot Pokemon work well alongside Mega Scizor to form momentum cores. Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Landorus-T, Chansey, and Tyranitar are all perfect examples of this. Heatran is a solid partner for Mega Scizor because the two share good synergy and Heatran can set Stealth Rock, appreciates slow pivot support, and appreciates the shuffling Mega Scizor is able to cause. Because Mega Scizor acts as a pivot that is not weak to entry hazards and is able to remove them from the field, it pairs well with Pokemon that are weak to Stealth Rock such as Togekiss and Braviary. Clefable is a good partner as a safety precaution for setup sweepers that might take advantage of Mega Scizor's passiveness thanks to Unaware. The defensive synergy the two share is solid as well.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Baton Pass sets are viable with Scizor's unique access to Shift Gear; however, it receives stiff competition in this role from Scolipede thanks to Speed Boost. Tailwind is an interesting option for Mega Scizor because, alongside U-turn, it allows Mega Scizor to pivot into a slower teammate to take advantage of the Speed boost; however, it's not a good option for just supporting Mega Scizor because Shift Gear outclasses it in every way. Megahorn has its merits over Pin Missile, such as being more consistent, but it's typically outclassed and subpar because Pin Missile, on average, will hit for slightly less damage and sometimes even more. Powder is an interesting move for Scizor, as it allows Scizor to punish Fire-types and cause them to damage themselves. King's Shield is an alright option that can catch unsuspecting physical attackers off-guard and works well because of Mega Scizor's already stellar bulk and typing.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Heatran, Charizard, Talonflame, and every other Fire-type in the tier will likely OHKO Mega Scizor because of its crippling 4x weakness to their STAB moves. These Pokemon are able to take an unboosted Gear Grind; however, if they've been weakened early-game, they will be OHKOed by a boosted Gear Grind.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Suicune, Quagsire, and Gyarados all resist Gear Grind and aren't hit hard by any other moves. They threaten Scizor back with Scald burns or, in Gyarados's case, Thunder Wave.
**Steel-types**: If Mega Scizor lacks Superpower, Pokemon such as Heatran, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory are all very sturdy stops to Scizor. Steel-types also have access to King's Shield, which punishes Superpower because it is a contact move.
**Residual Damage**: Burns and entry hazards rack up damage over time. With a lack of Leftovers, Mega Scizor is able to be worn down quickly. Rough Skin, Iron Barbs, and Rocky Helmet are also extremely annoying.
**Thundurus**: While Thundurus is unable to directly switch in, it cripples Mega Scizor via priority Thunder Wave, putting Mega Scizor out of commission. It also resists all of Mega Scizor's moves bar Knock Off.
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