Ubers Skarmory [QC 2/2] [GP 2/2]

[Overview]

<p>Skarmory is among the premier Steel-types of Ubers for a reason. It has a key Dragon resistance that gives it the ability to check many common Pokemon, such as Rayquaza and Groudon that lack Overheat and Groudon (Overheat is listed as a secondary slash on the first Groudon DPP set specifically to beat Skarmory). It's also got a quadruple Grass resistance and a resistance to Flying-type attacks, making Skarmory one of the best Shaymin-S checks around. Additionally, Skarmory is a hard stop to Scizor, as well as Latios and Latias that lack Thunder and Hidden Power Fire. Setting up Spikes is a niche that it competes with Forretress for, but Skarmory is arguably better at it due to its access to Taunt. Speaking of Taunt and Spikes, the combination of the two makes Skarmory a decent lead, and it checks checking Groudon without a Fire-type attacks attack and Deoxys-S to boot. Regardless of these positive attributes, Forretress is used more because of its it also has access to Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin. However, Skarmory is still a great Pokemon by all means, as it has its niches over its competition that make for it a solid choice.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Roost
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Skarmory seems to be a Pokemon built for tanking physical hits, its resistances lend to it being give it the ability to be a decent switch-in to Draco Meteors; thus, its under-par (I don't think there's a dash in under par) Special Defense is invested into so that it can do this. With that in mind, Skarmory is an excellent check to most of the Dragon-types that dominate the Uber tier. Unfortunately, its Speed is mediocre and far below the Ubers standard of 90, limiting its ability to cripple Pokemon with Toxic and set up Spikes, as well as making it much more difficult to stall with Roost. If you look past its low Speed, however, you have yourself a fine defensive Pokemon that can do a plethora of useful things for your team.</p>

<p>The first decision for this set is choice of entry hazard. Spikes is preferred, as its limited distribution means that you're unlikely to have anything else on your team to set it up. Additionally, it gives Skarmory something to do while it's on the field instead of sitting around and screaming: "come in on me and do whatever you want, I don't care". Stealth Rock is also useful, as it wrecks some popular Uber Pokemon, such as Lugia and Ho-Oh, but usually you will have something else that can set it up and not using Spikes is means losing out on one of Skarmory's main draws. Roost inhabits the second moveslot because it provides recovery for Skarmory (add comma) allowing it to take attacks repeatedly. It's also Skarmory's largest biggest advantage over Forretress. Whirlwind spreads entry hazard damage and prevents Skarmory from being setup bait. Whirlwind also allows Skarmory to check Calm Mind Arceus formes that lack a super effective Judgement and most Swords Dance Arceus formes. Finally, Toxic is preferred as the last move of choice to break down walls such as Lugia and Blissey (I guess it helps you do a little chip damage to Blissey when it comes in, but I don't think you're breaking it down since it has Natural Cure), but Taunt is also an option to prevent opposing entry hazards and setup. If you are using Skarmory as a lead, Taunt is the better choice for its utility against common leads, such as Groudon and Deoxys-S.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EV spread brings Skarmory's relatively mediocre special bulk up to acceptable levels while also allowing it to take 2 Outrages from +1 Rayquaza. It might be wise to invest in some Speed EVs in Speed if using Toxic, such as 88 EVs and a Timid Nature to outrun uninvested base 90s. The difference in bulk is noticeable, but it doing so makes Skarmory a much better lead. Alternatively, you can invest maximum EVs into in Special Defense with a Careful nature, but there isn't any large difference in special bulk that makes it doing such desirable.</p>

<p>If using Skarmory, you're going to want a few different things to take the brunt of attacks that would demolish the bird of steel it. Kyogre makes an excellent partner, as it sets up rain, which dampens Skarmory's Fire-type weakness, and is a great switch-in for against most Fire-type attacks itself. Kyogre can also switch into rain-boosted Water-type attacks (add comma) and Skarmory has a quadruple resistance to Kyogre's Grass weakness. Kyogre cam tale also can take / can also take / can take a heavy beating and utilize can take advantage of the Spikes that Skamory sets up to weaken its switch-ins and allow and sweep more easily with its mono-attacking Calm Mind set to sweep more easily. However, the The two do share an Electric-type weakness however, so Dialga is also a great partner. Offensive terrors, such as Mewtwo and Extreme Killer Arceus, are even more threatening when Spikes are in play. Overall, Skarmory isn't difficult to support, as its utilities in setting up Spikes and resisting Dragon-type attacks are qualities that work excellently on their own.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Skarmory's movepool is pretty barren outside of the the moves listed on the set above. You could use Brave Bird to not be total Taunt bait, but this creates four moveslot syndrome and it deals Skarmory will deal little damage to much of anything. Counter could be used to take advantage of Skarmory's Defense, but Skarmory has better things to do with its time, such as setting up Spikes, and its low HP stat means that it won't do a whole lot of damage with the move. Lastly, Torment could be used, as some Pokemon, such as Giratina-O, only carry one move that hits Skarmory hard. However, it's mainly a wasted moveslot when compared to with Roost, Whirlwind, Spikes, et cetera. You might see Skarmory's base 140 Defense and want to use it as a physical wall, but it really needs the Special Defense investment to take Draco Meteors. Basically, stick with the given set, as Skarmory doesn't really have anything else worth using.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While it Skarmory does check a plethora of Pokemon, there's also a plethora of Pokemon that are a hard stop to Skarmory it. Calm Mind Electric, Fire, Ice, Normal, Steel, and Water Arceus all often carry moves that rip Skarmory apart (though Water needs rain to do so) and thus do not have to worry about being phazed. Ghost and Grass Arceus that carry Flamethrower and mixed Rock Arceus that carry Fire Blast work as well. Giratina-O and Groudon with a Fire-type attack can also break Skarmory. Ho-Oh is yet another Fire-type Pokemon that destroys Skarmory. Rain-boosted special Water-type attacks are too much for Skarmory, so Choice Specs Kyogre and Palkia can drown Skarmory it. The rare Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory. If you look at your team and somehow don't have at least one of these types of moves, you might want to rethink your life.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Skarmory is among the premier Steel-types of Ubers for a reason. It has a key Dragon resistance that gives it the ability to check many common Pokemon, such as Rayquaza and Groudon that lack Overheat. It's also got a quadruple Grass resistance and a resistance to Flying-type attacks, making Skarmory one of the best Shaymin-S checks around. Additionally, Skarmory is a hard stop to Scizor, as well as Latios and Latias that lack Thunder and Hidden Power Fire. Setting up Spikes is a niche that it competes with Forretress for, but Skarmory is arguably better at it due to its access to Taunt. Speaking of Taunt and Spikes, the combination of the two makes Skarmory a decent lead, checking Groudon without a Fire-type attack and Deoxys-S to boot. Regardless of these positive attributes, Forretress is used more because it also has access to Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin. However, Skarmory is still a great Pokemon by all means, as it has its niches over its competition that make it a solid choice.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Roost
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Skarmory seems to be a Pokemon built for tanking physical hits, its resistances give it the ability to be a decent switch-in to Draco Meteors; thus, its under par Special Defense is invested into so that it can do this. With that in mind, Skarmory is an excellent check to most of the Dragon-types that dominate the Uber tier. Unfortunately, its Speed is mediocre and far below the Ubers standard of 90, limiting its ability to cripple Pokemon with Toxic and set up Spikes, as well as making it much more difficult to stall with Roost. If you look past its low Speed, however, you have yourself a fine defensive Pokemon that can do a plethora of useful things for your team.</p>

<p>The first decision for this set is choice of entry hazard. Spikes is preferred, as its limited distribution means that you're unlikely to have anything else on your team to set it up. Additionally, it gives Skarmory something to do while it's on the field instead of sitting around and screaming: "come in on me and do whatever you want, I don't care". Stealth Rock is also useful, as it wrecks some popular Uber Pokemon, such as Lugia and Ho-Oh, but usually you will have something else that can set it up and not using Spikes means losing out on one of Skarmory's main draws (since Stealth Rock isn't slashed on the main set, I believe this discussion of how there are situations where it might be better to run it but usually isn't probably fits better in Additional Comments) . Roost inhabits the second moveslot because it provides recovery for Skarmory, allowing it to take attacks repeatedly. It's also Skarmory's biggest advantage over Forretress. Whirlwind spreads entry hazard damage and prevents Skarmory from being setup bait. Whirlwind also allows Skarmory to check Calm Mind Arceus formes that lack a super effective Judgement and most Swords Dance Arceus formes. Finally, Toxic is preferred as the last move to break down walls such as Lugia and force Giratina to use Rest, but Taunt is also an option to prevent opposing entry hazards and setup. If you are using Skarmory as a lead, Taunt is the better choice for its utility against common leads, such as Groudon and Deoxys-S.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EV spread brings Skarmory's relatively mediocre special bulk up to acceptable levels while also allowing it to take 2 Outrages from +1 Rayquaza. It might be wise to invest some EVs in Speed if using Taunt, such as 88 EVs and a Timid Nature to outrun uninvested base 90s. The difference in bulk is noticeable, but doing so makes Skarmory a much better lead. Alternatively, you can invest maximum EVs in Special Defense with a Careful nature, but there isn't any large difference in special bulk that makes doing so desirable.</p>

<p>If using Skarmory, you're going to want a few different things to take the brunt of attacks that would demolish it. Kyogre makes an excellent partner, as it sets up rain, which dampens Skarmory's Fire-type weakness, and is a great switch-in against most Fire-type attacks itself. Kyogre can also switch into rain-boosted Water-type attacks, and Skarmory has a quadruple resistance to Kyogre's Grass weakness. Kyogre can also take a heavy beating and take advantage of the Spikes that Skamory sets up to weaken its switch-ins and sweep more easily with its mono-attacking Calm Mind set. The two do share an Electric weakness however, so Dialga is also a great partner. Offensive terrors, such as Mewtwo and Extreme Killer Arceus, are even more threatening when Spikes are in play. Overall, Skarmory isn't difficult to support, as setting up Spikes and resisting Dragon-type attacks are qualities that work excellently on their own.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Skarmory's movepool is pretty barren outside of the the moves listed on the set above. You could use Brave Bird to not be total Taunt bait, but this creates four moveslot syndrome and Skarmory will deal little damage to much of anything. Counter could be used to take advantage of Skarmory's Defense, but Skarmory has better things to do with its time, such as setting up Spikes, and its low HP stat means that it won't do a whole lot of damage with the move. Lastly, Torment could be used, as some Pokemon, such as Giratina-O, only carry one move that hits Skarmory hard. However, it's mainly a wasted moveslot when compared with Roost, Whirlwind, Spikes, et cetera. You might see Skarmory's base 140 Defense and want to use it as a physical wall, but it really needs the Special Defense investment to take Draco Meteors. Basically, stick with the given set, as Skarmory doesn't really have anything else worth using.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Skarmory does check a plethora of Pokemon, there's also a plethora of Pokemon that are a hard stop to it. Calm Mind Electric, Fire, Ice, Normal, Steel, and Water Arceus all often carry moves that rip Skarmory apart (though Water needs rain to do so) and thus do not have to worry about being phazed. Ghost and Grass Arceus that carry Flamethrower and mixed Rock Arceus that carry Fire Blast work as well. Giratina-O and Groudon with a Fire-type attack can also break Skarmory. Ho-Oh is yet another Fire-type Pokemon that destroys Skarmory. Rain-boosted special Water-type attacks are too much for Skarmory, so Choice Specs Kyogre and Palkia can drown it. The rare Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory. If you look at your team and somehow don't have at least one of these types of moves Pokemon able to beat Skarmory (I'm suggesting this because a lot of what you're talking about is Pokemon that can beat Skarmory (such as Magnezone, Kyogre, Palkia, Giratina, and the Arceus formes), not moves; there are probably other ways to rephrase this if you don't like mine though), you might want to rethink your life.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Skarmory is among the premier Steel-types of Ubers for a reason. It has a key Dragon resistance that gives it the ability to check many common Pokemon, such as Rayquaza and Groudon that lack Overheat. It's also got a quadruple Grass resistance and a resistance to Flying-type attacks, making Skarmory one of the best Shaymin-S checks around. Additionally, Skarmory is a hard stop to Scizor, as well as Latios and Latias that lack Thunder, Surf, and Hidden Power Fire. Setting up Spikes is a niche thatfor which it competes with Forretress for, but Skarmory is arguably better at it duethanks to its access to Taunt. SpeakingThe combination of Taunt and Spikes, the combination of the two makes Skarmory a decent lead, checking Groudon without a Fire-type attack and Deoxys-S to boot. Regardless of these positive attributes, Forretress is used more because it also has access to Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin. However, Skarmory is still a great Pokemon by all means, as it has its niches over its competition that make it a solid choice.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Roost
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Skarmory seems to be a Pokemon built for tanking physical hits, its resistances give it the ability to be a decent switch-in to Draco Meteors; thus, its under sub-par Special Defense is invested into so that it can do this. With that in mind, Skarmory is an excellent check to most of the Dragon-types that dominate the Uber tier. Unfortunately, its Speed is mediocre and far below the Ubers standard of 90, limiting its ability to cripple Pokemon with Toxic and set up Spikes, as well as making it much more difficult to stall with Roost. If you look past its low Speed, however, you have yourself a fine defensive Pokemon that can do a plethora of useful things for your team.</p>

<p>The first decision for this set is choice of entry hazard. Spikes is preferred, as its limited distribution means that you're unlikely to have anything else on your team to set it up. Additionally, it gives Skarmory something to do while it's on the field instead of sitting around and screaming: "come in on me and do whatever you want, I don't care"s setup fodder. Stealth Rock is also useful, as it wreckseverely hurts some popular Uber Pokemon, such as Lugia and Ho-Oh, but usually you will have something else that can set it up and not using Spikes means losing out on one of Skarmory's main draws. Roost inhabits the second moveslot because it provides recovery for Skarmory, allowing it to take attacks repeatedly. It's also Skarmory's biggest advantage over Forretress. Whirlwind spreads entry hazard damage and prevents Skarmory from being setup bait. Whirlwind also allows Skarmory to check Calm Mind Arceus formes that lack a super effective Judgement and most Swords Dance Arceus formes. Finally, Toxic is preferred as the last move to break down walls such as Lugia and force Giratina to use Rest, but Taunt is also an option to prevent opposing entry hazards and setup. If you are using Skarmory as a lead, Taunt is the better choice for its utility against common leads, such asincluding Groudon and Deoxys-S.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EV spread brings Skarmory's relatively mediocre special bulk up to acceptable levels while also allowing it to take 2 Outrages from +1 Rayquaza. It might be wise to invest some EVs in Speed if using Taunt, such as 88 EVs and a Timid Nnature to outrun uninvested base 90s. The difference in bulk is noticeablesignificant, but doing so makes Skarmory a much better lead. Alternatively, you can invest maximum EVs in Special Defense with a Careful nature, but there isn't any large difference in special bulk that makes doing so desirable.</p>

<p>If using Skarmory, you're going to want a few different things to take the brunt of attacks that would demolish it. Kyogre makes an excellent partner, as it sets up rain, which dampens Skarmory's Fire-type weakness, and is a great switch-in against most Fire-type attacks itself. Kyogre can also switch into rain-boosted Water-type attacks, and Skarmory has a quadruple resistance to Kyogre's Grass weakness. Additionally, Kyogre can also take a heavy beating and take advantage of the Spikes that Skamory sets up to weaken its switch-ins and sweep more easily with its mono-attacking Calm Mind set. The two do share an Electric weakness, however, so Dialga is also a great partner. Offensive terrors, such as Mewtwo and Extreme Killer Arceus, are even more threatening when Spikes are in play. Overall, Skarmory isn't difficult to support, as setting up Spikes and resisting Dragon-type attacks are qualities that work excellently on their own.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Skarmory's movepool is pretty barren outside of the the moves listed on the set above. You could use Brave Bird toso as not be total Taunt bait, but this cSkarmory alreatedy has four moveslot syndrome and Skarmory will deal little damage to much of anything. Counter could be used to take advantage of Skarmory's Defense, but Skarmory has better things to do with its time, such as setting up Spikes, and its low HP stat means that it won't do a whole lot of damage with the move. Lastly, Torment could be used, as some Pokemon, such as Giratina-O, only carry one move that hits Skarmory hard. H; however, it's mainly a wasted moveslot when compared with Roost, Whirlwind, and Spikes, et cetera. You might see Skarmory's base 140 Defense and want to use it as a physical wall, but it really needs the Special Defense investment to take Draco Meteors. Basically, stick with the given set, as Skarmory doesn't really have anything else worth using.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Skarmory does check a plethora of Pokemon, there's also a plethoramyriad of Pokemon that are a hard stop to it. Calm Mind Electric, Fire, Ice, Normal, Steel, and Water Arceus all often carry moves that rip Skarmory apart (though Water needs rain to do so) and thus do not have to worry about being phazed. Ghost and Grass Arceus that carry Flamethrower and mixed Rock Arceus that carry Fire Blast work as well. Giratina-O and Groudon with a Fire-type attack can also break Skarmory. Ho-Oh is yet another Fire-type Pokemon that destroys Skarmory. Rain-boosted special Water-type attacks are too much for Skarmory, so Choice Specs Kyogre and Palkia can drown it. The rare Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory. If you look at your team and somehow don't have at least one Pokemon that can beat Skarmory, you might want to rethink your lifeteam.</p>

[Overview]

<p>Skarmory is among the premier Steel-types of Ubers for a reason. It has a key Dragon resistance that gives it the ability to check many common Pokemon, such as Rayquaza and Groudon that lack Overheat. It's also got a quadruple Grass resistance and a resistance to Flying-type attacks, making Skarmory one of the best Shaymin-S checks around. Additionally, Skarmory is a hard stop to Scizor, as well as Latios and Latias that lack Thunder, Surf, and Hidden Power Fire. Setting up Spikes is a niche for which it competes with Forretress, but Skarmory is arguably better at it thanks to its access to Taunt. The combination of Taunt and Spikes makes Skarmory a decent lead, checking Groudon without a Fire-type attack and Deoxys-S to boot. Regardless of these positive attributes, Forretress is used more because it also has access to Toxic Spikes and Rapid Spin. However, Skarmory is still a great Pokemon by all means, as it has its niches over its competition that make it a solid choice.</p>

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 2: Roost
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Toxic / Taunt
item: Leftovers
ability: Keen Eye
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>While Skarmory seems to be a Pokemon built for tanking physical hits, its resistances give it the ability to be a decent switch-in to Draco Meteors; thus, its sub-par Special Defense is invested into so that it can do this. With that in mind, Skarmory is an excellent check to most of the Dragon-types that dominate the Uber tier. Unfortunately, its Speed is mediocre and far below the Ubers standard of 90, limiting its ability to cripple Pokemon with Toxic and set up Spikes, as well as making it much more difficult to stall with Roost.</p>

<p>The first decision for this set is choice of entry hazard. Spikes is preferred, as its limited distribution means that you're unlikely to have anything else on your team to set it up. Additionally, it gives Skarmory something to do while it's on the field instead of sitting around as setup fodder. Stealth Rock is also useful, as it severely hurts some popular Uber Pokemon, such as Lugia and Ho-Oh, but usually you will have something else that can set it up and not using Spikes means losing out on one of Skarmory's main draws. Roost inhabits the second moveslot because it provides recovery for Skarmory, allowing it to take attacks repeatedly. It's also Skarmory's biggest advantage over Forretress. Whirlwind spreads entry hazard damage and prevents Skarmory from being setup bait. Whirlwind also allows Skarmory to check Calm Mind Arceus formes that lack a super effective Judgement and most Swords Dance Arceus formes. Finally, Toxic is preferred as the last move to break down walls such as Lugia and force Giratina to use Rest, but Taunt is also an option to prevent opposing entry hazards and setup. If you are using Skarmory as a lead, Taunt is the better choice for its utility against common leads, including Groudon and Deoxys-S.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The given EV spread brings Skarmory's relatively mediocre special bulk up to acceptable levels while also allowing it to take 2 Outrages from +1 Rayquaza. It might be wise to invest some EVs in Speed if using Taunt, such as 88 EVs and a Timid nature to outrun uninvested base 90s. The difference in bulk is significant, but doing so makes Skarmory a much better lead. Alternatively, you can invest maximum EVs in Special Defense with a Careful nature, but there isn't any large difference in special bulk that makes doing so desirable.</p>

<p>If using Skarmory, you're going to want a few different things to take the brunt of attacks that would demolish it. Kyogre makes an excellent partner, as it sets up rain, which dampens Skarmory's Fire-type weakness, and is a great switch-in against most Fire-type attacks itself. Kyogre can also switch into rain-boosted Water-type attacks, and Skarmory has a quadruple resistance to Kyogre's Grass weakness. Additionally, Kyogre can take advantage of the Spikes that Skamory sets up to weaken its switch-ins and sweep more easily with its mono-attacking Calm Mind set. The two do share an Electric weakness, however, so Dialga is also a great partner. Offensive terrors, such as Mewtwo and Extreme Killer Arceus, are even more threatening when Spikes are in play. Overall, Skarmory isn't difficult to support, as setting up Spikes and resisting Dragon-type attacks are qualities that work excellently on their own.</p>

[Other Options]

<p>Skarmory's movepool is pretty barren outside of the the moves listed on the set above. You could use Brave Bird so as not be total Taunt bait, but Skarmory already has four moveslot syndrome and will deal little damage to anything. Counter could be used to take advantage of Skarmory's Defense, but Skarmory has better things to do with its time, such as setting up Spikes, and its low HP stat means that it won't do a whole lot of damage with the move. Lastly, Torment could be used, as some Pokemon, such as Giratina-O, only carry one move that hits Skarmory hard; however, it's mainly a wasted moveslot when compared with Roost, Whirlwind, and Spikes. You might see Skarmory's base 140 Defense and want to use it as a physical wall, but it really needs the Special Defense investment to take Draco Meteors.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>While Skarmory does check a plethora of Pokemon, there's also a myriad of Pokemon that are a hard stop to it. Calm Mind Electric, Fire, Ice, Normal, Steel, and Water Arceus all often carry moves that rip Skarmory apart (though Water needs rain to do so) and thus do not have to worry about being phazed. Ghost and Grass Arceus that carry Flamethrower and mixed Rock Arceus that carry Fire Blast work as well. Giratina-O and Groudon with a Fire-type attack can also break Skarmory. Ho-Oh is yet another Fire-type Pokemon that destroys Skarmory. Rain-boosted special Water-type attacks are too much for Skarmory, so Choice Specs Kyogre and Palkia can drown it. The rare Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory. If you look at your team and somehow don't have at least one Pokemon that can beat Skarmory, you might want to rethink your team.</p>