Taken over from gday
Q/C: 3/3 sparktrain, cbrevan, sparktrain
GP: 2/2 snobalt, haund
[OVERVIEW]
Skarmory's great defensive typing with eight resistances and two immunities, an immense Defense stat, and a fantastic utility movepool allow it to differentiate itself from other walls such as Cyclohm and Pyroak. Skarmory is able to naturally withstand potent attackers such as Mega Pinsir, and thanks to Sturdy, it is often able to stop many setup sweepers that other walls would fall victim to. Whirlwind, Defog, Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Taunt are all great support options that showcase Skarmory's role as a team player, and reliable recovery via Roost is able to keep Skarmory in top form throughout a match.
However, while Skarmory has the tools to be a great physically defensive wall, its subpar HP and Special Defense do leave some things to be desired. Common special attackers such as Volkraken, Mollux, Heatran, Cyclohm, and even Stratagem all have the power to force Skarmory out or outright defeat it. Even powerful neutral special attacks from the likes of Keldeo and Gengar can wreak havoc on Skarmory. Magnezone not only threatens Skarmory with its STAB moves, but can also trap and eliminate it from the match altogether. Fast Taunt users, such as Thundurus and Sableye, can also stop Skarmory from using its great utility moves, rendering it almost useless. However, Skarmory's Steel typing allows it to get past many Fairy-types, even those that are special attackers.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Brave Bird / Counter
move 2: Roost
move 3: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 4: Whirlwind / Defog / Taunt
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish / Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird deals respectable damage to foes weak to it such as Malaconda, Mega Venusuar, and Mega Pinsir. It also has the benefit of making sure Skarmory isn't forced out if crippled by Taunt. Alternatively, Counter works well with Sturdy and allows Skarmory to deal greater damage to hard-hitting physical attackers such as Colossoil, Cawmodore, and Mega Crucibelle. Roost is Skarmory's source of reliable recovery, and fortunately, it can be used against the faster Ground-types such as Colossoil. The last two moveslots are largely dependent on the needs of Skarmory's team. Spikes is the entry hazard with lower distribution, and Skarmory can use it to great effect to slowly chip away at the foe. Stealth Rock, however, is still a very viable option if Skarmory's team lacks a user of this move in order to weaken opposing Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, or Ice-types. Whirlwind is excellent for phazing setup sweepers such as Cawmodore and Gyarados. Defog can clear opposing entry hazards but runs the risk of making Skarmory have to reset its own. Lastly, Taunt is an option that lets Skarmory stop slower support Pokemon such as Chansey and Sylveon.
Set Details
========
252 HP and Defense EVs and an Impish nature maximize Skarmory's physical bulk. However, if Counter is used over Brave Bird, a Bold nature is preferable, since Counter doesn't deal damage based off of Skarmory's Attack stat and the decreased Attack means Skarmory will take less damage from Foul Play and confusion. Sturdy allows Skarmory to survive any attack from full health and respond with the appropriate move. Sturdy is particularly useful when using Counter or Whirlwind against an opposing Pokemon that has set up. For its item, Skarmory can use Rocky Helmet to discourage opposing physical attacks. Leftovers, however, can help keep Skarmory healthy and allows Sturdy to be intact more often.
Usage Tips
========
Skarmary's main roles are to set up entry hazards to support its team and to act as a physical check to attackers such as Colossoil, Mega Pinsir, and Gyarados. It can reliably set up entry hazards against either opposing physical attackers such as Landorus-T and Arghonaut or supporters such as Chansey. Skarmory should be kept at full health if planning to use Counter or Whirlwind against a foe that has set up so that Sturdy will remain intact. However, note that Mega Gyarados can negate Sturdy with Mold Breaker and KO Skarmory if it accumulates enough boosts. Due to it being slower than many offensive Ground-types, Skarmory is often able to use Roost without worry of being hit by Earthquake or Earth Power. If running Defog, Skarmory usually has the longevity to set up its own entry hazards after clearing the field, but the use of Defog should be determined on a case-by-case basis if it removes Skarmory's own hazards.
Team Options
========
Bulky Dragon-types such as Cyclohm and Latias work very well with Skarmory, as they cover its Fire- and Electric-type weaknesses. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Chansey, Heatran, and Clefable can take the special attacks aimed at Skarmory. Even if running Defog, Skarmory usually appreciates a teammate that can use Rapid Spin or otherwise keep opposing entry hazards off the field; this eases the burden for Skarmory to use Defog and potentially clear the hazards that it set earlier. In this regard, Mega Sableye is an apt partner thanks to Magic Bounce and greatly appreciates Skarmory's resistance to Fairy-types. In general, Skarmory prefers to be used on stall or balanced teams, as it can potentially stop the momentum of teammates if used on offensive builds. However, a few good offensive partners include Mega Charizard X and Mega Altaria, as they can come in against a Fire- or Electric-type move aimed at Skarmory and potentially set up. Skarmory, in turn, can help remove Stealth Rock, which would significantly reduce their potential to set up effectively.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Roost
move 3: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 4: Whirlwind / Taunt / Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Iron Head's main selling point is to deal damage against Fairy-type foes such as Mega Diancie, and it also prevents Skarmory from being shut down by faster Taunt users. Roost allows for instant recovery and gives Skarmory the potential to be used throughout the match. Spikes is generally Skarmory's preferred entry hazard, since Stealth Rock is more common and can be used by a teammate. However, both moves provide entry hazard support and can weaken the opposing team to allow Skarmory's teammates to sweep more easily. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to phaze threats that have set up and rack up entry hazard damage. Taunt can prevent slower foes from using support moves, allowing Skarmory to stop threats such as Ferrothorn and Trick Room Fidgit. Defog has the risk of blowing away Skarmory's own entry hazards, but it can be useful to rid the foe's entry hazards if they prove to be too much for Skarmory's team to handle.
Set Details
========
252 HP and Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature are used to maximize Skarmory's special bulk and allow it to take on powerful Fairies such as Sylveon and Mega Diancie. Sturdy allows Skarmory to take any hit at full health and still be able to get up at least one layer of entry hazards. Leftovers grants Skarmory passive recovery, which can be useful to keep Sturdy intact.
Usage Tips
========
This set allows Skarmory to serve as a counter or check to the various Fairy-types in the metagame, such as Sylveon, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Diancie. Thanks to its invested Special Defense, Skarmory can survive the 2HKO from Mega Gardevoir's or Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. However, Skarmory still should not be expected to tank powerful Electric- or Fire-type moves. Against less offensive threats, Skarmory can reliably set up entry hazards. If running Whirlwind, Skarmory can be used to phaze setup sweepers, but if the opposing Pokemon has already accumulated multiple boosts, it likely needs to have Sturdy intact in order to survive. Due to it being slower than many offensive Ground-types, Skarmory is often able to use Roost without worry of being hit by Earthquake or Earth Power. Even without much Defense investment, Skarmory can still check some prominent physical attackers such as Colossoil, but it will not appreciate switching into multiple powerful hits.
Team Options
========
Skarmory is a great choice on stall and balanced teams, since it can reliably set and remove entry hazard moves. Bulky Dragon-types such as Cyclohm and Latias work very well with Skarmory, since they can help take the powerful Electric- or Fire-type attacks that Skarmory struggles to switch into. Physically defensive Cyclohm can provide extra physical insurance for the team as well, which Skarmory appreciates, since it cannot switch into every physical attack with impunity. However, Fairy-types that use Flamethrower or Fire Blast, such as Clefable, can pose a threat to a Cyclohm + Skarmory core. Mega Venusaur can take Electric-type attacks that might be aimed at Skarmory from Krilowatt and Mega Manectric. Together, Mega Venusaur and Skarmory create a solid defensive core, specifically against Fairy-type threats; Skarmory assists Mega Venusaur with its Mega Gardevoir weakness, while Mega Venusaur can ease Skarmory's burden to take heavy hits from Azumarill. Heatran can be a great partner to take special attacks, particularly Fire-type moves, and Chansey can sponge special attacks. Mega Sableye greatly appreciates Skarmory's resistance to Fairy-types, and together, the two can prevent and set entry hazards quite well. Rapid Spin users such as Colossoil can be helpful as well to aid Skarmory in entry hazard removal without the risk of removing Skarmory's own hazards that might have been set earlier in the match. Offensive partners such as Mega Charizard X and Mega Altaria greatly appreciate Skarmory removing Stealth Rock from the field, and they can take Electric- and Fire-type moves aimed at Skarmory; if played correctly, Skarmory can serve as a lure that lets these offensive partners set up.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Custap Berry is useful for an extra turn of action before Skarmory is KOed, and it pairs well with Sturdy; this set is often used best as a lead. Shed Shell can be used to escape Magnezone; however, Rocky Helmet and Leftovers usually offer more utility. Red Card can be used to force out opposing Pokemon and allow Skarmory to set up more entry hazards. Thanks to Sturdy, Skarmory can even use Red Card as a one-time check to send away opposing setup sweepers even after they have accumulated a hefty amount of boosts. However, Red Card's utility is often covered by Whirlwind instead. Toxic can be effective against slower walls, but finding a slot for it often means that Skarmory will be susceptible to Taunt. Drill Peck can be used as an attacking move without recoil, which in turn helps to keep Sturdy intact more often, but the damage output is noticeably less than that of Brave Bird. Skarmory can run Tailwind if its team really needs a Speed boost. However, Skarmory's lack of a pivot move makes Tailwind usually a more attractive option on other Pokemon, such as Tornadus, Tornadus-T, and Fidgit.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magnezone**: Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory, and there's nothing Skarmory can do to stop it if it gets caught without Shed Shell.
**Fire- and Electric-type moves**: Skarmory can withstand most weaker physical Electric- and Fire-type moves, and the specially defensive set can do likewise for weaker special moves. However, strong STAB moves from threats such as both Mega Charizard formes, Mollux, and Life Orb Krilowatt will do massive damage even with heavy investment in the corresponding defensive stat.
**Faster Taunt Users**: Thundurus, Mandibuzz, and Reflect Tomohawk can all outspeed and Taunt Skarmory before it can use a support move.
**Powerful Special Attackers**: Keldeo, Gengar, and even Kyurem-B all offer neutral special attacking coverage on Skarmory and can often KO it, especially if Sturdy is already broken.
**Rebound Colossoil and Magic Bounce Users**: Most notably, Magic Bounce Mega Sableye can bounce entry hazards back to Skarmory's side of the field, while Rebound Colossoil can only bounce a single layer but can potentially spin away others. That said, if the switch is predicted correctly, Skarmory can hit and score some damage on these threats with Brave Bird or Iron Head. Mega Diancie can fairly effectively use Magic Bounce in a pinch versus physically defensive sets. However, specially defensive Skarmory can handle everything from Mega Diancie if at full health.
Q/C: 3/3 sparktrain, cbrevan, sparktrain
GP: 2/2 snobalt, haund
[OVERVIEW]
Skarmory's great defensive typing with eight resistances and two immunities, an immense Defense stat, and a fantastic utility movepool allow it to differentiate itself from other walls such as Cyclohm and Pyroak. Skarmory is able to naturally withstand potent attackers such as Mega Pinsir, and thanks to Sturdy, it is often able to stop many setup sweepers that other walls would fall victim to. Whirlwind, Defog, Spikes, Stealth Rock, and Taunt are all great support options that showcase Skarmory's role as a team player, and reliable recovery via Roost is able to keep Skarmory in top form throughout a match.
However, while Skarmory has the tools to be a great physically defensive wall, its subpar HP and Special Defense do leave some things to be desired. Common special attackers such as Volkraken, Mollux, Heatran, Cyclohm, and even Stratagem all have the power to force Skarmory out or outright defeat it. Even powerful neutral special attacks from the likes of Keldeo and Gengar can wreak havoc on Skarmory. Magnezone not only threatens Skarmory with its STAB moves, but can also trap and eliminate it from the match altogether. Fast Taunt users, such as Thundurus and Sableye, can also stop Skarmory from using its great utility moves, rendering it almost useless. However, Skarmory's Steel typing allows it to get past many Fairy-types, even those that are special attackers.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Brave Bird / Counter
move 2: Roost
move 3: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 4: Whirlwind / Defog / Taunt
item: Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish / Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Brave Bird deals respectable damage to foes weak to it such as Malaconda, Mega Venusuar, and Mega Pinsir. It also has the benefit of making sure Skarmory isn't forced out if crippled by Taunt. Alternatively, Counter works well with Sturdy and allows Skarmory to deal greater damage to hard-hitting physical attackers such as Colossoil, Cawmodore, and Mega Crucibelle. Roost is Skarmory's source of reliable recovery, and fortunately, it can be used against the faster Ground-types such as Colossoil. The last two moveslots are largely dependent on the needs of Skarmory's team. Spikes is the entry hazard with lower distribution, and Skarmory can use it to great effect to slowly chip away at the foe. Stealth Rock, however, is still a very viable option if Skarmory's team lacks a user of this move in order to weaken opposing Flying-, Fire-, Bug-, or Ice-types. Whirlwind is excellent for phazing setup sweepers such as Cawmodore and Gyarados. Defog can clear opposing entry hazards but runs the risk of making Skarmory have to reset its own. Lastly, Taunt is an option that lets Skarmory stop slower support Pokemon such as Chansey and Sylveon.
Set Details
========
252 HP and Defense EVs and an Impish nature maximize Skarmory's physical bulk. However, if Counter is used over Brave Bird, a Bold nature is preferable, since Counter doesn't deal damage based off of Skarmory's Attack stat and the decreased Attack means Skarmory will take less damage from Foul Play and confusion. Sturdy allows Skarmory to survive any attack from full health and respond with the appropriate move. Sturdy is particularly useful when using Counter or Whirlwind against an opposing Pokemon that has set up. For its item, Skarmory can use Rocky Helmet to discourage opposing physical attacks. Leftovers, however, can help keep Skarmory healthy and allows Sturdy to be intact more often.
Usage Tips
========
Skarmary's main roles are to set up entry hazards to support its team and to act as a physical check to attackers such as Colossoil, Mega Pinsir, and Gyarados. It can reliably set up entry hazards against either opposing physical attackers such as Landorus-T and Arghonaut or supporters such as Chansey. Skarmory should be kept at full health if planning to use Counter or Whirlwind against a foe that has set up so that Sturdy will remain intact. However, note that Mega Gyarados can negate Sturdy with Mold Breaker and KO Skarmory if it accumulates enough boosts. Due to it being slower than many offensive Ground-types, Skarmory is often able to use Roost without worry of being hit by Earthquake or Earth Power. If running Defog, Skarmory usually has the longevity to set up its own entry hazards after clearing the field, but the use of Defog should be determined on a case-by-case basis if it removes Skarmory's own hazards.
Team Options
========
Bulky Dragon-types such as Cyclohm and Latias work very well with Skarmory, as they cover its Fire- and Electric-type weaknesses. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Chansey, Heatran, and Clefable can take the special attacks aimed at Skarmory. Even if running Defog, Skarmory usually appreciates a teammate that can use Rapid Spin or otherwise keep opposing entry hazards off the field; this eases the burden for Skarmory to use Defog and potentially clear the hazards that it set earlier. In this regard, Mega Sableye is an apt partner thanks to Magic Bounce and greatly appreciates Skarmory's resistance to Fairy-types. In general, Skarmory prefers to be used on stall or balanced teams, as it can potentially stop the momentum of teammates if used on offensive builds. However, a few good offensive partners include Mega Charizard X and Mega Altaria, as they can come in against a Fire- or Electric-type move aimed at Skarmory and potentially set up. Skarmory, in turn, can help remove Stealth Rock, which would significantly reduce their potential to set up effectively.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Iron Head
move 2: Roost
move 3: Spikes / Stealth Rock
move 4: Whirlwind / Taunt / Defog
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
nature: Careful
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Iron Head's main selling point is to deal damage against Fairy-type foes such as Mega Diancie, and it also prevents Skarmory from being shut down by faster Taunt users. Roost allows for instant recovery and gives Skarmory the potential to be used throughout the match. Spikes is generally Skarmory's preferred entry hazard, since Stealth Rock is more common and can be used by a teammate. However, both moves provide entry hazard support and can weaken the opposing team to allow Skarmory's teammates to sweep more easily. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to phaze threats that have set up and rack up entry hazard damage. Taunt can prevent slower foes from using support moves, allowing Skarmory to stop threats such as Ferrothorn and Trick Room Fidgit. Defog has the risk of blowing away Skarmory's own entry hazards, but it can be useful to rid the foe's entry hazards if they prove to be too much for Skarmory's team to handle.
Set Details
========
252 HP and Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature are used to maximize Skarmory's special bulk and allow it to take on powerful Fairies such as Sylveon and Mega Diancie. Sturdy allows Skarmory to take any hit at full health and still be able to get up at least one layer of entry hazards. Leftovers grants Skarmory passive recovery, which can be useful to keep Sturdy intact.
Usage Tips
========
This set allows Skarmory to serve as a counter or check to the various Fairy-types in the metagame, such as Sylveon, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Diancie. Thanks to its invested Special Defense, Skarmory can survive the 2HKO from Mega Gardevoir's or Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. However, Skarmory still should not be expected to tank powerful Electric- or Fire-type moves. Against less offensive threats, Skarmory can reliably set up entry hazards. If running Whirlwind, Skarmory can be used to phaze setup sweepers, but if the opposing Pokemon has already accumulated multiple boosts, it likely needs to have Sturdy intact in order to survive. Due to it being slower than many offensive Ground-types, Skarmory is often able to use Roost without worry of being hit by Earthquake or Earth Power. Even without much Defense investment, Skarmory can still check some prominent physical attackers such as Colossoil, but it will not appreciate switching into multiple powerful hits.
Team Options
========
Skarmory is a great choice on stall and balanced teams, since it can reliably set and remove entry hazard moves. Bulky Dragon-types such as Cyclohm and Latias work very well with Skarmory, since they can help take the powerful Electric- or Fire-type attacks that Skarmory struggles to switch into. Physically defensive Cyclohm can provide extra physical insurance for the team as well, which Skarmory appreciates, since it cannot switch into every physical attack with impunity. However, Fairy-types that use Flamethrower or Fire Blast, such as Clefable, can pose a threat to a Cyclohm + Skarmory core. Mega Venusaur can take Electric-type attacks that might be aimed at Skarmory from Krilowatt and Mega Manectric. Together, Mega Venusaur and Skarmory create a solid defensive core, specifically against Fairy-type threats; Skarmory assists Mega Venusaur with its Mega Gardevoir weakness, while Mega Venusaur can ease Skarmory's burden to take heavy hits from Azumarill. Heatran can be a great partner to take special attacks, particularly Fire-type moves, and Chansey can sponge special attacks. Mega Sableye greatly appreciates Skarmory's resistance to Fairy-types, and together, the two can prevent and set entry hazards quite well. Rapid Spin users such as Colossoil can be helpful as well to aid Skarmory in entry hazard removal without the risk of removing Skarmory's own hazards that might have been set earlier in the match. Offensive partners such as Mega Charizard X and Mega Altaria greatly appreciate Skarmory removing Stealth Rock from the field, and they can take Electric- and Fire-type moves aimed at Skarmory; if played correctly, Skarmory can serve as a lure that lets these offensive partners set up.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Custap Berry is useful for an extra turn of action before Skarmory is KOed, and it pairs well with Sturdy; this set is often used best as a lead. Shed Shell can be used to escape Magnezone; however, Rocky Helmet and Leftovers usually offer more utility. Red Card can be used to force out opposing Pokemon and allow Skarmory to set up more entry hazards. Thanks to Sturdy, Skarmory can even use Red Card as a one-time check to send away opposing setup sweepers even after they have accumulated a hefty amount of boosts. However, Red Card's utility is often covered by Whirlwind instead. Toxic can be effective against slower walls, but finding a slot for it often means that Skarmory will be susceptible to Taunt. Drill Peck can be used as an attacking move without recoil, which in turn helps to keep Sturdy intact more often, but the damage output is noticeably less than that of Brave Bird. Skarmory can run Tailwind if its team really needs a Speed boost. However, Skarmory's lack of a pivot move makes Tailwind usually a more attractive option on other Pokemon, such as Tornadus, Tornadus-T, and Fidgit.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magnezone**: Magnezone can trap and KO Skarmory, and there's nothing Skarmory can do to stop it if it gets caught without Shed Shell.
**Fire- and Electric-type moves**: Skarmory can withstand most weaker physical Electric- and Fire-type moves, and the specially defensive set can do likewise for weaker special moves. However, strong STAB moves from threats such as both Mega Charizard formes, Mollux, and Life Orb Krilowatt will do massive damage even with heavy investment in the corresponding defensive stat.
**Faster Taunt Users**: Thundurus, Mandibuzz, and Reflect Tomohawk can all outspeed and Taunt Skarmory before it can use a support move.
**Powerful Special Attackers**: Keldeo, Gengar, and even Kyurem-B all offer neutral special attacking coverage on Skarmory and can often KO it, especially if Sturdy is already broken.
**Rebound Colossoil and Magic Bounce Users**: Most notably, Magic Bounce Mega Sableye can bounce entry hazards back to Skarmory's side of the field, while Rebound Colossoil can only bounce a single layer but can potentially spin away others. That said, if the switch is predicted correctly, Skarmory can hit and score some damage on these threats with Brave Bird or Iron Head. Mega Diancie can fairly effectively use Magic Bounce in a pinch versus physically defensive sets. However, specially defensive Skarmory can handle everything from Mega Diancie if at full health.
Last edited:
