http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/sceptile
status: done, ready for uploading (all references to shaymin and crobat removed; this is the oldest revamp in the forum, I would appreciate it if a badgeholder uploaded this to the site)
update 8/5: added SubLiechi set written by Haunter
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[SET]
name: Choice (Special)
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Energy Ball
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Dragon Pulse
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Three things make Sceptile a brilliant candidate for a Choice Specs set: its high 105 base Special Attack, its stunning base 120 Speed, and its great special movepool. This set makes full use of those potent characteristics and is undoubtedly one of the most lethal sets Sceptile can run. A STAB Choice Specs Leaf Storm from Sceptile is downright scary and will blast its way through almost anything that doesn't resist it. Unfortunately, Grass isn't the best offensive type, so this is where the other moves come to the rescue. Energy Ball is there to provide a consistent STAB move when Leaf Storm isn't needed, while Focus Blast provides an excellent tool for severely maiming Steel-types. Hidden Power Ice destroys Altaria and other Flying-types who are keen to switch in on Sceptile, but Dragon Pulse is there as an alternative for better neutral coverage (although it loses the coverage on Flying-types. So, unless one is planning to use Sceptile in OU, HP Ice should be used).</p>
<p>Specs Sceptile is a top-tier revenge-killer, netting many OHKOs with Leaf Storm alone. To demonstrate how powerful Leaf Storm is, here are some calculations:</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations w/ Timid nature</h3>
<pre>
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / min SpD Porygon2 - 83.16% - 97.86%
Leaf Storm vs. min HP / min SpD Swellow - 98.47% - 116.09%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / 136 SpD Steelix - 90.40% - 106.21%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / max SpD Regirock in Sandstorm - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / max SpD Milotic - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 4 HP / min SpD Torterra - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 48 HP / min SpD Mismagius - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 96 HP / max SpD Lapras - 100%
</pre>
<p>SpecsTile will be switching out very often, due to its primary move being Leaf Storm. Thus, Rapid Spin support is desirable to keep Sceptile healthy in the long run and not have it worn down by entry hazards. Good candidates for this job are Blastoise, who can scare away the Fire-types Sceptile despises, and Claydol, who takes care of both Fire and Steel-types simultaneously with its STAB Earth Power. Claydol especially serves as a great partner to Sceptile, because it can not only spin away entry hazards, but lay down hazards of its own to aid Sceptile. Blaziken is also an excellent partner to this Sceptile, as it has tremendous wall-breaking potential and can easily eliminate special walls such as Chansey (as well as the quintessential Grass-type wall, Tangrowth) that try to block Sceptile’s rampage. Blaziken also has great synergy with Sceptile, as it resists many of Sceptile’s weaknesses (such as Bug, Fire, and Ice); whereas Sceptile itself defensively complements Blaziken (resisting Water and Ground). It should be noted that while any Choice set can replace the Band / Specs for a Scarf, it adds a whole new dimension to this Sceptile, because a fast, strong Leaf Storm allows it to be a much faster and very effective revenge killer. If doing so, switch the nature to Modest, as Sceptile needs all the power it can get - when Scarfed, it reaches a stunning 508 Speed, comfortably outpacing the entire UU metagame.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are self-explanatory - maximize Speed and Special Attack to fully utilize Sceptile's potential.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Energy Ball / Leaf Blade
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 216 HP / 252 Spe / 40 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With the advent of DPP, Sceptile's ADV title of the fastest SubSeed user in the game was usurped by Shaymin-S. Now, however, with Shaymin-S banished to the Uber tier, Sceptile finally has time to shine. Sceptile boasts numerous advantages over other common UU SubSeeders, such as Torterra and the omnipresent Roserade. Most notably, Sceptile possesses a magnificent base 120 Speed, which outpaces the entire UU metagame (save Swellow and Electrode). Sceptile's Speed allows it to set up much faster than other SubSeeders. It also has the liberty of having very respectable attacking stats on both sides of the spectrum, seasoned with just enough moves to attack with viable force.</p>
<p>The tried-and-true strategy of SubSeeding is nothing new to Sceptile, having previously been Sceptile's flagship set in ADV. Switch Sceptile in on something it scares away, throw up a Substitute, and strike the switch-in with Leech Seed. From here, Sceptile's prodigious Speed allows it to create an infinite string of Substitutes to weather the opponent's assault, while simultaneously draining their health every turn. Sceptile can speed up the process by attacking from the special side with Energy Ball and HP Ice, or from the physical side with Leaf Blade and X-Scissor. The last slot must be a move that hits Grass-types for super effective damage, because they are immune to Leech Seed. Incidentally, one can use Hidden Power Fire over Ice; it still trumps Grass-types while reliably dispatching Steel-types. Both physical and special variants have their own advantages; most notably, the physical variant can easily dispatch Grass-types, while the special variant packs more of a punch coming off Sceptile's (considerably) higher attacking stat. If using physical moves, switch the nature to Jolly and dump the Special Attack EVs into Attack.</p>
<p>SubSeed is a strategy notorious for causing switches, so SubSeed Sceptile is best paired up with Stealth Rock and a Spiker to rack up damage even faster. Sceptile does have the misfortune of being walled easily by bulkier Fire-types, such as Magmortar and Arcanine. Therefore, it is a good idea to use Sceptile in tandem with a bulky Water-type, like Milotic or Lanturn. They provide extra insurance against Fire and Steel-types, can Ice Beam Grass-types and Altaria, and can pave the way for Sceptile to SubSeed unhindered. One of the most common strategies in UU is to use a so-called Fire / Water / Grass core, which provides excellent synergy. To complete the trinity, a strong Fire-type that can cover up Sceptile’s weaknesses can be used. Blaziken and Magmortar are good choices, as they provide the raw firepower needed to muscle their way through SubSeed Sceptile’s counters – while trashing any overeager Grass-types whose bulk can withstand Sceptile’s Hidden Power of choice. This set's greatest nemesis, however, is Flying-types. They either possess the liberty of outspeeding Sceptile or are bulky enough to dispatch it, and unluckily, their STAB moves can trump Sceptile easily. To take care of these threats, you can use Sceptile in concert with a Magneton, which provides the perfect answer to these problems. Magneton's typing makes Flying-types shudder in fear, and the three-headed magnet can OHKO them with Thunderbolt. SubSeed Sceptile's problems with Steel-types suddenly vanish when used in conjunction with Magneton, who can trap them and KO them with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Fire. Dugtrio is also a satisfactory answer to Steel-types.</p>
<p>To fully reap the benefits of Sceptile's great Speed, 252 EVs should be pumped into it. 216 HP EVs bulk up Sceptile's Substitutes considerably and go some way to compensate for its subpar defenses. Meanwhile, the 40 SpA / Atk EVs serve to boost its attacking power. The SubSeed set, while very annoying, does lack power compared to other Sceptile sets. If you want to stick with SubSeed but use a harder-hitting Sceptile, change the HP IV to 23, giving it 273 HP. This allows 5 Substitutes to be used consecutively with Leftovers, eliminating the need for any HP EVs. From there, Sceptile can be EV'd as offensively as possible, while perhaps even sparing a few EVs for its lackluster defenses.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Slide / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Sceptile is traditionally seen as a specially based Pokemon because its base 105 Special Attack often overshadows its respectable base 85 Attack. However, Swords Dance, the transition of Leaf Blade becoming physical, and a great physical movepool all work to make Sceptile a very viable physical attacker. This set is simple - use Swords Dance to boost Sceptile's Attack to an impressive 538, then attack with the remainder of Sceptile's moves. Leaf Blade was pumped up to 90 base power during the D/P transition. Its decent power and high critical hit rate make it a solid STAB move for Sceptile and a must on any physical set. Earthquake provides great neutral coverage and destroys Poison-types. The last slot is dependent on which types of Pokemon you want Sceptile to cover. X-Scissor usually OHKOs fellow Grass-types after a Swords Dance, making it a very attractive choice. Rock Slide prevents Altaria from walling this set, as well as getting a handy flinch rate. It should be noted that when running Rock Slide, this set attains perfect coverage in UU.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Sceptile, like the SubSeed variant, greatly dislikes Flying-types, who can come in, outspeed / wall it, and OHKO with their STAB super effective moves. Therefore, this particular Sceptile is best used in conjunction with sturdy Steel-types such as Magneton or Steelix, who can eliminate these threats so Sceptile can pull off a successful sweep. Magneton again especially serves as a great partner to Swords Dance Sceptile. Swellow rarely carries any move that is super effective against Magneton, allowing it to KO with a STAB super effective Thunderbolt. Magneton can also make use of Hidden Power Ice to dispatch Altaria, aiding Sceptile that lack Rock Slide.</p>
SET]
name: SubLiechi
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Rock Slide / Earthquake
item: Liechi Berry
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 Def
ivs: 30 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to make full use of Sceptile's excellent ability, Overgrow, by abusing its sky-high Speed stat and its aptitude to force switches. Being able to outspeed every Pokémon in its tier barring Electrode, Swellow and Dugtrio (the latter of which shares the same base Speed with Sceptile) allows Sceptile to sweep effectively late-game without needing to boost its already impressive Speed stat. Substitute forms the crux of this set, allowing Sceptile to disregard status, while also ensuring the activation of both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow. The strategy is very simple: set up a Substitute on a Pokémon that is scared off by Sceptile (bulky Water- and Ground-types are good examples), then Swords Dance while your opponent breaks the Substitute, and proceed to Substitute again until you have activated both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow. If this set is used correctly, then after a single Swords Dance and the Attack boost granted by the Liechi Berry, you will be sweeping with +3 attack and a deadly Overgrow-boosted Leaf Blade. A Salac Berry can also be used in place of the Liechi Berry: it lets Sceptile outspeed every Pokémon in UU, and is an insurance against random Pokémon holding a Choice Scarf such as Hitmonlee and Rotom; although it should be noticed that without the Liechi Berry boost you will feel the loss in power and will miss some important OHKOs (Spiritomb is the most notable).</p>
<p>Leaf Blade is Sceptile's main form of attack, dealing massive damage to every Pokémon which doesn't resist it. The second attacking move is up to preference, although the Grass / Rock combo gives the best neutral coverage, being resisted only by Steel-types, while scoring super effective hits on both Fire and Flying-types, such as Moltres and Altaria. Rock Slide also comes with an appealing 30% flinch rate.</p>
<p>SubLiechi Sceptile can be a deadly sweeper if supported correctly. To demonstrate how powerful Leaf Blade is, here are some calculations:</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations</h3>
<pre>
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. min HP / max Def Calm Chansey - 100%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Torterra - 75.00% - 88.28%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / min Def Careful Steelix - 62.99% - 74.58%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / min Def Careful Regirock - 100%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Bold Spiritomb - 92.76% - 109.54%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Uxie - 69.77% - 82.49%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Donphan - 100%
</pre>
<p>Since the Grass / Rock combination is completely walled by Registeel, and has troubles with Drapion (and, to a lesser extent, Toxicroak), it's highly recommended to pair this Sceptile with Dugtrio, to trap and eliminate the aforementioned Pokémon before attempting to sweep. Like every other sweeper in the game, this Sceptile highly benefits from Spikes and Stealth Rock support; as an example: two layers of Spikes on the field ensure the OHKO on a max HP / max Def Impish Torterra with Leaf Blade. Finally, given its massive Speed but its frail Defense, Sceptile is often revenge killed by Pokémon like Ambipom and Hitmontop, that have access to powerful priority moves, hence it's suggested to run a bulky Ghost-type like Spiritomb to deal with them.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are self-explanatory - maximize Speed and Attack to fully utilize Sceptile's physical offensive potential. With a HP IV of 30 you can activate both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow on the third Substitute, because your HP stat is divisible by 4.</p>
[SET]
name: MixTile
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Leaf Blade / Earthquake
move 4: Earthquake / X-Scissor / Rock Slide
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 80 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>As mentioned before, Sceptile has good attacking stats on both sides of the spectrum. Additionally, many of its moves became physical during the D/P transition, allowing for both of its potent attacking stats to be utilized. This paves the way for it to become a very effective mixed sweeper in the UU environment - not exactly the UU MixMence, but powerful in its own regard. This particular Sceptile is capable of destroying stall and does a very good job in taking out the premier walls in UU. Focus Blast nets a clean 2HKO against standard Steelix, whilst Leaf Storm scores massive damage against the likes of Milotic, Lanturn, and Gastrodon. The choice between Leaf Blade and Earthquake is a matter of preference. Leaf Blade provides a solid STAB move to batter Chansey and friends, while Earthquake provides coverage on Nidoking, Fire-types, and Registeel. It is possible to run both Earthquake and Leaf Blade on the same set, giving Sceptile dual coverage against the aforementioned Pokemon. However, then one must drop X-Scissor, and with it, coverage on Sceptile's fellow Grass-types. Additionally, Rock Slide provides an option to batter Flying-types, as well as a handy flinch rate.</p>
<p>In terms of pure attack power, Sceptile is inferior to other UU mixed sweepers, such as Blaziken and Magmortar. While it serves as an excellent stall breaker, mixed Sceptile is best used as a late-game sweeper, due to the fact that it has much higher Speed than the aforementioned Pokemon. It does a very good job of cleaning up the scraps with its awesome Speed: it OHKOes Swellow with Leaf Storm (assuming Stealth Rock), easily wipes out bulky Waters (Slowbro, Milotic, Lanturn), and can outspeed and KO non-Scarfed fellow mixed sweepers.</p>
<p>This set uses the masquerade of the Choice Specs set at first (with Focus Blast and Leaf Storm). This is a perfect lure for Pokemon such as Chansey, who can promptly be met with a powerful Leaf Blade, which has a very high chance of 2HKOing. Mixed Sceptile benefits greatly from entry hazard support, making its sweep easier. Unlike the SubSeed set, bulky Water support is not as necessary, because mixed Sceptile benefits from the ability to outspeed and KO most Fire-types with Earthquake. However, it does not hurt to have one in reserve.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>While the Choice Specs set packs a huge amount of power, it is susceptible to Fire-types switching in on Leaf Storm. Sceptile has no reliable way of damaging Fire-types aside from Focus Blast (which is rather risky) or resorting to obscure and otherwise useless Hidden Powers. So, one of the best aids to SpecsTile - and any Sceptile set in general - is a "bulky Water." A prime example of a Bulky Water is Milotic (among others like Slowbro and Lanturn). Milotic has great defenses on both sides of the spectrum, allowing it to easily deal with the common Fire-type mixed sweepers that are such a nuisance to Sceptile. Ideally, a Rest / Talk Milotic would serve as the best partner to Sceptile. If there's one status Sceptile really hates, it's paralysis, which nullifies its greatest asset. A Rest / Talk Milotic can absorb status for your team, as well as effectively support Sceptile with its STAB Surf that can easily dispatch of any hindersome Fire-types. Additionally, bulky Waters can provide extra insurance by being a reliable check to Altaria (Ice Beam) and Steel-types (with the exception of Magneton). Adding a Fire-type to your team completes the common Fire / Water / Grass core strategy; Blaziken is recommended because it can dismantle walls easily, allowing Sceptile free rein.</p>
<p>Speaking of Magneton, it is one of the best partners Sceptile can have, especially to SubSeed and Swords Dance variants. Sceptile's greatest asset is its blistering Speed, so anything that outspeeds it is a real pain in the neck. Unluckily for Sceptile, one of the two Pokemon that outspeeds it is a counter - Swellow. To make matters worse, because Swellow is a prominent late-game sweeper, it can potentially prevent Sceptile from pulling off a late-game sweep of its own. To eliminate Swellow, Magneton serves as the perfect answer. Magneton's typing allows it to laugh at any attacks Swellow throws at it. Additionally, special variants of Sceptile who lack Focus Blast do have some trouble with Steel-types, which Magneton can take care of with ease, setting up Magnet Rise to neuter any potential Earthquakes and calmly dispatching of them with Thunderbolt or HP Fire. Dugtrio is a also a very efficient partner, as its useful Arena Trap ability allows it to trap and take down Steel-types with a STAB Earthquake.</p>
<p>Because Sceptile is normally seen as a sweeper, entry hazard support is greatly needed to increase the chances of Sceptile pulling off a successful sweep. Ideally, the entry hazard layer should be a Pokemon that also helps Sceptile play to its strengths. A perfect example of a Pokemon that fills these roles is Claydol. Claydol's STAB Earth Power catches super effective hits on Fire and Steel-types, making Sceptile's job much easier. Claydol can Rapid Spin away entry hazards to make sure SpecsTile can survive longer, while simultaneously laying down hazards of its own. But Claydol's usefulness doesn't end there. It can set up Reflect and Light Screen to ease taking hits for your entire team, gets access to Ice Beam to check Altaria and Psychic to check Weezing, and rounds things off with a bang (Explosion) when it's done.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>One of the more attractive (albeit unreliable) options that Sceptile has at its disposal is the possibility of running an Endeavor set. After surviving a fatal blow through use of a Focus Sash or Endure, Sceptile can use Endeavor to lower its opponent's HP to 1, as long as the target in question is not Ghost-typed. More importantly, however, Sceptile's Overgrow ability activates, superpowering its already powerful Leaf Storm. Even better, Sceptile can use Quick Attack to dispose of Endeavor-weakened opponents. However, the one thing restricting the viability of this set is the abundance of priority users in UU, which nullifies the purpose of this set completely.</p>
<p>Sceptile has access to Pursuit, Crunch, and Night Slash, three Dark moves that can work on the physical sets. However, their type coverage is rather unremarkable and can only be used to hit the odd Mismagius. Unlike most Grass-types, Sceptile doesn't learn too many status moves. It has access to Toxic, which can be used on the SubSeed set. Other than that, it only gets Worry Seed and GrassWhistle. In the healing department, besides Leech Seed, it receives Synthesis, Giga Drain, and Drain Punch. In terms of an alternative STAB move, Grass Knot is always an option, but generally should not be used unless one is planning to use Sceptile in the OU environment because there are very few important instances where Grass Knot is more powerful than Energy Ball in UU (such as against Milotic or Steelix). Sceptile can use Counter in conjunction with Focus Sash to produce some interesting but generally unreliable results. Agility boosts Sceptile's Speed even more, ensuring the outpacing of even Scarfed Pokemon. Screech is an interesting option but is generally overshadowed by Swords Dance unless Sceptile is trying to force switches. Strangely enough, Sceptile receives ThunderPunch, but not Ice Punch to batter Dragons.</p>
<p>Sceptile can throw together a Choice Band set, but Swords Dance packs more power and is generally more reliable. It can also try to pull a Breloom with Substitute, Leech Seed, Focus Punch, and a filler, but doesn't get STAB or the power that Breloom has. Still, the set has a surprise factor working in its favor. Additionally, Sceptile learns the Sunny Day / SolarBeam combo, but it is too frail to pull it off successfully.</p>
[EVs]
<p>On the SubSeed set, try to make your HP divisible by 16 to ensure maximum Leftovers recovery. Invest as much as possible into Speed and HP and put the remainder in your desired attacking stat.</p>
<p>On the mixed sweeper, maximize Attack. Distribute the rest between Speed and Special Attack. It is recommended to have at least 80 EVs in Special Attack to ensure it hits hard enough.</p>
<p>On all physical sets, maximize Speed and Attack. For special sets, likewise, but with Special Attack instead of Attack.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>With the banishing of Shaymin-S to the Uber tier, Sceptile has regained its title - this time as the fastest non-Uber SubSeeder. Sceptile is a versatile Pokemon with many selling points - the fastest non-Uber SubSeeder, a potent revenge killer, a physical sweeper, or a special powerhouse. It is a unique Pokemon that can fill various roles and back them up with solid stats and a good movepool. Although Sceptile is often overshadowed by other Pokemon, it can fill many niches and is a valuable addition to any team.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Defensively, Weezing is arguably the best Sceptile counter around; it resists Grass, Ground, and Fighting (the most common attack combination Sceptile uses) and can KO it with STAB Poison moves. Weezing must be wary of Specs-boosted attacks, however, as its Special Defense is rather low. Additionally, Sceptile's erstwhile partner Claydol can put a total halt to Weezing with STAB Psychic moves. Sceptile is also quite prone to being revenge-killed by Scarfed Pokemon, particularly from the likes of Magmortar and Typhlosion. However, it should be noted that Sceptile often plays in conjunction with a bulky Water for this very reason, so they must stay on their feet. Fire and Steel-types must also be wary of being Earthquaked on the switch. Registeel is also a fairly reliable counter to Sceptile lacking Focus Blast or Earthquake - namely, the SubSeed set. Chansey sufficiently walls any specially-based set fairly well; a Specs Focus Blast can only muster a 3HKO (37.29% - 43.99%). Chansey must be wary of the mixed sweeper, though - its prime objective is to lure Chansey out and then strike it with physical attacks.</p>
<p>Flying-types, as mentioned numerous instances prior, are Sceptile’s Achilles heel. Swellow is a dangerous late-game threat that can outspeed Sceptile and OHKO it with Brave Bird. However, due to its frailty, it must stay on its toes and not switch in carelessly – any of Sceptile’s Specs-boosted attacks will OHKO, Sceptile may be using a Choice Scarf, Rock Slide from the mixed sweeper will OHKO, et cetera. Altaria is defensively bulky and can take on pretty much any Sceptile set without fear of retribution unless Sceptile is running Hidden Power Ice. Honchkrow sports high offensive stats and is relatively bulky, allowing it to take care of most Sceptile.</p>
status: done, ready for uploading (all references to shaymin and crobat removed; this is the oldest revamp in the forum, I would appreciate it if a badgeholder uploaded this to the site)
update 8/5: added SubLiechi set written by Haunter
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[SET]
name: Choice (Special)
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Energy Ball
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Dragon Pulse
item: Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Three things make Sceptile a brilliant candidate for a Choice Specs set: its high 105 base Special Attack, its stunning base 120 Speed, and its great special movepool. This set makes full use of those potent characteristics and is undoubtedly one of the most lethal sets Sceptile can run. A STAB Choice Specs Leaf Storm from Sceptile is downright scary and will blast its way through almost anything that doesn't resist it. Unfortunately, Grass isn't the best offensive type, so this is where the other moves come to the rescue. Energy Ball is there to provide a consistent STAB move when Leaf Storm isn't needed, while Focus Blast provides an excellent tool for severely maiming Steel-types. Hidden Power Ice destroys Altaria and other Flying-types who are keen to switch in on Sceptile, but Dragon Pulse is there as an alternative for better neutral coverage (although it loses the coverage on Flying-types. So, unless one is planning to use Sceptile in OU, HP Ice should be used).</p>
<p>Specs Sceptile is a top-tier revenge-killer, netting many OHKOs with Leaf Storm alone. To demonstrate how powerful Leaf Storm is, here are some calculations:</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations w/ Timid nature</h3>
<pre>
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / min SpD Porygon2 - 83.16% - 97.86%
Leaf Storm vs. min HP / min SpD Swellow - 98.47% - 116.09%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / 136 SpD Steelix - 90.40% - 106.21%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / max SpD Regirock in Sandstorm - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. max HP / max SpD Milotic - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 4 HP / min SpD Torterra - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 48 HP / min SpD Mismagius - 100%
Leaf Storm vs. 96 HP / max SpD Lapras - 100%
</pre>
<p>SpecsTile will be switching out very often, due to its primary move being Leaf Storm. Thus, Rapid Spin support is desirable to keep Sceptile healthy in the long run and not have it worn down by entry hazards. Good candidates for this job are Blastoise, who can scare away the Fire-types Sceptile despises, and Claydol, who takes care of both Fire and Steel-types simultaneously with its STAB Earth Power. Claydol especially serves as a great partner to Sceptile, because it can not only spin away entry hazards, but lay down hazards of its own to aid Sceptile. Blaziken is also an excellent partner to this Sceptile, as it has tremendous wall-breaking potential and can easily eliminate special walls such as Chansey (as well as the quintessential Grass-type wall, Tangrowth) that try to block Sceptile’s rampage. Blaziken also has great synergy with Sceptile, as it resists many of Sceptile’s weaknesses (such as Bug, Fire, and Ice); whereas Sceptile itself defensively complements Blaziken (resisting Water and Ground). It should be noted that while any Choice set can replace the Band / Specs for a Scarf, it adds a whole new dimension to this Sceptile, because a fast, strong Leaf Storm allows it to be a much faster and very effective revenge killer. If doing so, switch the nature to Modest, as Sceptile needs all the power it can get - when Scarfed, it reaches a stunning 508 Speed, comfortably outpacing the entire UU metagame.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are self-explanatory - maximize Speed and Special Attack to fully utilize Sceptile's potential.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSeed
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Energy Ball / Leaf Blade
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid / Jolly
evs: 216 HP / 252 Spe / 40 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With the advent of DPP, Sceptile's ADV title of the fastest SubSeed user in the game was usurped by Shaymin-S. Now, however, with Shaymin-S banished to the Uber tier, Sceptile finally has time to shine. Sceptile boasts numerous advantages over other common UU SubSeeders, such as Torterra and the omnipresent Roserade. Most notably, Sceptile possesses a magnificent base 120 Speed, which outpaces the entire UU metagame (save Swellow and Electrode). Sceptile's Speed allows it to set up much faster than other SubSeeders. It also has the liberty of having very respectable attacking stats on both sides of the spectrum, seasoned with just enough moves to attack with viable force.</p>
<p>The tried-and-true strategy of SubSeeding is nothing new to Sceptile, having previously been Sceptile's flagship set in ADV. Switch Sceptile in on something it scares away, throw up a Substitute, and strike the switch-in with Leech Seed. From here, Sceptile's prodigious Speed allows it to create an infinite string of Substitutes to weather the opponent's assault, while simultaneously draining their health every turn. Sceptile can speed up the process by attacking from the special side with Energy Ball and HP Ice, or from the physical side with Leaf Blade and X-Scissor. The last slot must be a move that hits Grass-types for super effective damage, because they are immune to Leech Seed. Incidentally, one can use Hidden Power Fire over Ice; it still trumps Grass-types while reliably dispatching Steel-types. Both physical and special variants have their own advantages; most notably, the physical variant can easily dispatch Grass-types, while the special variant packs more of a punch coming off Sceptile's (considerably) higher attacking stat. If using physical moves, switch the nature to Jolly and dump the Special Attack EVs into Attack.</p>
<p>SubSeed is a strategy notorious for causing switches, so SubSeed Sceptile is best paired up with Stealth Rock and a Spiker to rack up damage even faster. Sceptile does have the misfortune of being walled easily by bulkier Fire-types, such as Magmortar and Arcanine. Therefore, it is a good idea to use Sceptile in tandem with a bulky Water-type, like Milotic or Lanturn. They provide extra insurance against Fire and Steel-types, can Ice Beam Grass-types and Altaria, and can pave the way for Sceptile to SubSeed unhindered. One of the most common strategies in UU is to use a so-called Fire / Water / Grass core, which provides excellent synergy. To complete the trinity, a strong Fire-type that can cover up Sceptile’s weaknesses can be used. Blaziken and Magmortar are good choices, as they provide the raw firepower needed to muscle their way through SubSeed Sceptile’s counters – while trashing any overeager Grass-types whose bulk can withstand Sceptile’s Hidden Power of choice. This set's greatest nemesis, however, is Flying-types. They either possess the liberty of outspeeding Sceptile or are bulky enough to dispatch it, and unluckily, their STAB moves can trump Sceptile easily. To take care of these threats, you can use Sceptile in concert with a Magneton, which provides the perfect answer to these problems. Magneton's typing makes Flying-types shudder in fear, and the three-headed magnet can OHKO them with Thunderbolt. SubSeed Sceptile's problems with Steel-types suddenly vanish when used in conjunction with Magneton, who can trap them and KO them with Thunderbolt or Hidden Power Fire. Dugtrio is also a satisfactory answer to Steel-types.</p>
<p>To fully reap the benefits of Sceptile's great Speed, 252 EVs should be pumped into it. 216 HP EVs bulk up Sceptile's Substitutes considerably and go some way to compensate for its subpar defenses. Meanwhile, the 40 SpA / Atk EVs serve to boost its attacking power. The SubSeed set, while very annoying, does lack power compared to other Sceptile sets. If you want to stick with SubSeed but use a harder-hitting Sceptile, change the HP IV to 23, giving it 273 HP. This allows 5 Substitutes to be used consecutively with Leftovers, eliminating the need for any HP EVs. From there, Sceptile can be EV'd as offensively as possible, while perhaps even sparing a few EVs for its lackluster defenses.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Slide / X-Scissor
item: Leftovers / Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Sceptile is traditionally seen as a specially based Pokemon because its base 105 Special Attack often overshadows its respectable base 85 Attack. However, Swords Dance, the transition of Leaf Blade becoming physical, and a great physical movepool all work to make Sceptile a very viable physical attacker. This set is simple - use Swords Dance to boost Sceptile's Attack to an impressive 538, then attack with the remainder of Sceptile's moves. Leaf Blade was pumped up to 90 base power during the D/P transition. Its decent power and high critical hit rate make it a solid STAB move for Sceptile and a must on any physical set. Earthquake provides great neutral coverage and destroys Poison-types. The last slot is dependent on which types of Pokemon you want Sceptile to cover. X-Scissor usually OHKOs fellow Grass-types after a Swords Dance, making it a very attractive choice. Rock Slide prevents Altaria from walling this set, as well as getting a handy flinch rate. It should be noted that when running Rock Slide, this set attains perfect coverage in UU.</p>
<p>Swords Dance Sceptile, like the SubSeed variant, greatly dislikes Flying-types, who can come in, outspeed / wall it, and OHKO with their STAB super effective moves. Therefore, this particular Sceptile is best used in conjunction with sturdy Steel-types such as Magneton or Steelix, who can eliminate these threats so Sceptile can pull off a successful sweep. Magneton again especially serves as a great partner to Swords Dance Sceptile. Swellow rarely carries any move that is super effective against Magneton, allowing it to KO with a STAB super effective Thunderbolt. Magneton can also make use of Hidden Power Ice to dispatch Altaria, aiding Sceptile that lack Rock Slide.</p>
SET]
name: SubLiechi
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Rock Slide / Earthquake
item: Liechi Berry
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 Def
ivs: 30 HP
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set aims to make full use of Sceptile's excellent ability, Overgrow, by abusing its sky-high Speed stat and its aptitude to force switches. Being able to outspeed every Pokémon in its tier barring Electrode, Swellow and Dugtrio (the latter of which shares the same base Speed with Sceptile) allows Sceptile to sweep effectively late-game without needing to boost its already impressive Speed stat. Substitute forms the crux of this set, allowing Sceptile to disregard status, while also ensuring the activation of both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow. The strategy is very simple: set up a Substitute on a Pokémon that is scared off by Sceptile (bulky Water- and Ground-types are good examples), then Swords Dance while your opponent breaks the Substitute, and proceed to Substitute again until you have activated both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow. If this set is used correctly, then after a single Swords Dance and the Attack boost granted by the Liechi Berry, you will be sweeping with +3 attack and a deadly Overgrow-boosted Leaf Blade. A Salac Berry can also be used in place of the Liechi Berry: it lets Sceptile outspeed every Pokémon in UU, and is an insurance against random Pokémon holding a Choice Scarf such as Hitmonlee and Rotom; although it should be noticed that without the Liechi Berry boost you will feel the loss in power and will miss some important OHKOs (Spiritomb is the most notable).</p>
<p>Leaf Blade is Sceptile's main form of attack, dealing massive damage to every Pokémon which doesn't resist it. The second attacking move is up to preference, although the Grass / Rock combo gives the best neutral coverage, being resisted only by Steel-types, while scoring super effective hits on both Fire and Flying-types, such as Moltres and Altaria. Rock Slide also comes with an appealing 30% flinch rate.</p>
<p>SubLiechi Sceptile can be a deadly sweeper if supported correctly. To demonstrate how powerful Leaf Blade is, here are some calculations:</p>
<h3>Damage Calculations</h3>
<pre>
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. min HP / max Def Calm Chansey - 100%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Torterra - 75.00% - 88.28%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / min Def Careful Steelix - 62.99% - 74.58%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / min Def Careful Regirock - 100%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Bold Spiritomb - 92.76% - 109.54%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Uxie - 69.77% - 82.49%
+3 Overgrow Leaf Blade vs. max HP / max Def Impish Donphan - 100%
</pre>
<p>Since the Grass / Rock combination is completely walled by Registeel, and has troubles with Drapion (and, to a lesser extent, Toxicroak), it's highly recommended to pair this Sceptile with Dugtrio, to trap and eliminate the aforementioned Pokémon before attempting to sweep. Like every other sweeper in the game, this Sceptile highly benefits from Spikes and Stealth Rock support; as an example: two layers of Spikes on the field ensure the OHKO on a max HP / max Def Impish Torterra with Leaf Blade. Finally, given its massive Speed but its frail Defense, Sceptile is often revenge killed by Pokémon like Ambipom and Hitmontop, that have access to powerful priority moves, hence it's suggested to run a bulky Ghost-type like Spiritomb to deal with them.</p>
<p>The EVs on this set are self-explanatory - maximize Speed and Attack to fully utilize Sceptile's physical offensive potential. With a HP IV of 30 you can activate both the Liechi Berry and Overgrow on the third Substitute, because your HP stat is divisible by 4.</p>
[SET]
name: MixTile
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Leaf Blade / Earthquake
move 4: Earthquake / X-Scissor / Rock Slide
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 80 SpA / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>As mentioned before, Sceptile has good attacking stats on both sides of the spectrum. Additionally, many of its moves became physical during the D/P transition, allowing for both of its potent attacking stats to be utilized. This paves the way for it to become a very effective mixed sweeper in the UU environment - not exactly the UU MixMence, but powerful in its own regard. This particular Sceptile is capable of destroying stall and does a very good job in taking out the premier walls in UU. Focus Blast nets a clean 2HKO against standard Steelix, whilst Leaf Storm scores massive damage against the likes of Milotic, Lanturn, and Gastrodon. The choice between Leaf Blade and Earthquake is a matter of preference. Leaf Blade provides a solid STAB move to batter Chansey and friends, while Earthquake provides coverage on Nidoking, Fire-types, and Registeel. It is possible to run both Earthquake and Leaf Blade on the same set, giving Sceptile dual coverage against the aforementioned Pokemon. However, then one must drop X-Scissor, and with it, coverage on Sceptile's fellow Grass-types. Additionally, Rock Slide provides an option to batter Flying-types, as well as a handy flinch rate.</p>
<p>In terms of pure attack power, Sceptile is inferior to other UU mixed sweepers, such as Blaziken and Magmortar. While it serves as an excellent stall breaker, mixed Sceptile is best used as a late-game sweeper, due to the fact that it has much higher Speed than the aforementioned Pokemon. It does a very good job of cleaning up the scraps with its awesome Speed: it OHKOes Swellow with Leaf Storm (assuming Stealth Rock), easily wipes out bulky Waters (Slowbro, Milotic, Lanturn), and can outspeed and KO non-Scarfed fellow mixed sweepers.</p>
<p>This set uses the masquerade of the Choice Specs set at first (with Focus Blast and Leaf Storm). This is a perfect lure for Pokemon such as Chansey, who can promptly be met with a powerful Leaf Blade, which has a very high chance of 2HKOing. Mixed Sceptile benefits greatly from entry hazard support, making its sweep easier. Unlike the SubSeed set, bulky Water support is not as necessary, because mixed Sceptile benefits from the ability to outspeed and KO most Fire-types with Earthquake. However, it does not hurt to have one in reserve.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>While the Choice Specs set packs a huge amount of power, it is susceptible to Fire-types switching in on Leaf Storm. Sceptile has no reliable way of damaging Fire-types aside from Focus Blast (which is rather risky) or resorting to obscure and otherwise useless Hidden Powers. So, one of the best aids to SpecsTile - and any Sceptile set in general - is a "bulky Water." A prime example of a Bulky Water is Milotic (among others like Slowbro and Lanturn). Milotic has great defenses on both sides of the spectrum, allowing it to easily deal with the common Fire-type mixed sweepers that are such a nuisance to Sceptile. Ideally, a Rest / Talk Milotic would serve as the best partner to Sceptile. If there's one status Sceptile really hates, it's paralysis, which nullifies its greatest asset. A Rest / Talk Milotic can absorb status for your team, as well as effectively support Sceptile with its STAB Surf that can easily dispatch of any hindersome Fire-types. Additionally, bulky Waters can provide extra insurance by being a reliable check to Altaria (Ice Beam) and Steel-types (with the exception of Magneton). Adding a Fire-type to your team completes the common Fire / Water / Grass core strategy; Blaziken is recommended because it can dismantle walls easily, allowing Sceptile free rein.</p>
<p>Speaking of Magneton, it is one of the best partners Sceptile can have, especially to SubSeed and Swords Dance variants. Sceptile's greatest asset is its blistering Speed, so anything that outspeeds it is a real pain in the neck. Unluckily for Sceptile, one of the two Pokemon that outspeeds it is a counter - Swellow. To make matters worse, because Swellow is a prominent late-game sweeper, it can potentially prevent Sceptile from pulling off a late-game sweep of its own. To eliminate Swellow, Magneton serves as the perfect answer. Magneton's typing allows it to laugh at any attacks Swellow throws at it. Additionally, special variants of Sceptile who lack Focus Blast do have some trouble with Steel-types, which Magneton can take care of with ease, setting up Magnet Rise to neuter any potential Earthquakes and calmly dispatching of them with Thunderbolt or HP Fire. Dugtrio is a also a very efficient partner, as its useful Arena Trap ability allows it to trap and take down Steel-types with a STAB Earthquake.</p>
<p>Because Sceptile is normally seen as a sweeper, entry hazard support is greatly needed to increase the chances of Sceptile pulling off a successful sweep. Ideally, the entry hazard layer should be a Pokemon that also helps Sceptile play to its strengths. A perfect example of a Pokemon that fills these roles is Claydol. Claydol's STAB Earth Power catches super effective hits on Fire and Steel-types, making Sceptile's job much easier. Claydol can Rapid Spin away entry hazards to make sure SpecsTile can survive longer, while simultaneously laying down hazards of its own. But Claydol's usefulness doesn't end there. It can set up Reflect and Light Screen to ease taking hits for your entire team, gets access to Ice Beam to check Altaria and Psychic to check Weezing, and rounds things off with a bang (Explosion) when it's done.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>One of the more attractive (albeit unreliable) options that Sceptile has at its disposal is the possibility of running an Endeavor set. After surviving a fatal blow through use of a Focus Sash or Endure, Sceptile can use Endeavor to lower its opponent's HP to 1, as long as the target in question is not Ghost-typed. More importantly, however, Sceptile's Overgrow ability activates, superpowering its already powerful Leaf Storm. Even better, Sceptile can use Quick Attack to dispose of Endeavor-weakened opponents. However, the one thing restricting the viability of this set is the abundance of priority users in UU, which nullifies the purpose of this set completely.</p>
<p>Sceptile has access to Pursuit, Crunch, and Night Slash, three Dark moves that can work on the physical sets. However, their type coverage is rather unremarkable and can only be used to hit the odd Mismagius. Unlike most Grass-types, Sceptile doesn't learn too many status moves. It has access to Toxic, which can be used on the SubSeed set. Other than that, it only gets Worry Seed and GrassWhistle. In the healing department, besides Leech Seed, it receives Synthesis, Giga Drain, and Drain Punch. In terms of an alternative STAB move, Grass Knot is always an option, but generally should not be used unless one is planning to use Sceptile in the OU environment because there are very few important instances where Grass Knot is more powerful than Energy Ball in UU (such as against Milotic or Steelix). Sceptile can use Counter in conjunction with Focus Sash to produce some interesting but generally unreliable results. Agility boosts Sceptile's Speed even more, ensuring the outpacing of even Scarfed Pokemon. Screech is an interesting option but is generally overshadowed by Swords Dance unless Sceptile is trying to force switches. Strangely enough, Sceptile receives ThunderPunch, but not Ice Punch to batter Dragons.</p>
<p>Sceptile can throw together a Choice Band set, but Swords Dance packs more power and is generally more reliable. It can also try to pull a Breloom with Substitute, Leech Seed, Focus Punch, and a filler, but doesn't get STAB or the power that Breloom has. Still, the set has a surprise factor working in its favor. Additionally, Sceptile learns the Sunny Day / SolarBeam combo, but it is too frail to pull it off successfully.</p>
[EVs]
<p>On the SubSeed set, try to make your HP divisible by 16 to ensure maximum Leftovers recovery. Invest as much as possible into Speed and HP and put the remainder in your desired attacking stat.</p>
<p>On the mixed sweeper, maximize Attack. Distribute the rest between Speed and Special Attack. It is recommended to have at least 80 EVs in Special Attack to ensure it hits hard enough.</p>
<p>On all physical sets, maximize Speed and Attack. For special sets, likewise, but with Special Attack instead of Attack.</p>
[Opinion]
<p>With the banishing of Shaymin-S to the Uber tier, Sceptile has regained its title - this time as the fastest non-Uber SubSeeder. Sceptile is a versatile Pokemon with many selling points - the fastest non-Uber SubSeeder, a potent revenge killer, a physical sweeper, or a special powerhouse. It is a unique Pokemon that can fill various roles and back them up with solid stats and a good movepool. Although Sceptile is often overshadowed by other Pokemon, it can fill many niches and is a valuable addition to any team.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Defensively, Weezing is arguably the best Sceptile counter around; it resists Grass, Ground, and Fighting (the most common attack combination Sceptile uses) and can KO it with STAB Poison moves. Weezing must be wary of Specs-boosted attacks, however, as its Special Defense is rather low. Additionally, Sceptile's erstwhile partner Claydol can put a total halt to Weezing with STAB Psychic moves. Sceptile is also quite prone to being revenge-killed by Scarfed Pokemon, particularly from the likes of Magmortar and Typhlosion. However, it should be noted that Sceptile often plays in conjunction with a bulky Water for this very reason, so they must stay on their feet. Fire and Steel-types must also be wary of being Earthquaked on the switch. Registeel is also a fairly reliable counter to Sceptile lacking Focus Blast or Earthquake - namely, the SubSeed set. Chansey sufficiently walls any specially-based set fairly well; a Specs Focus Blast can only muster a 3HKO (37.29% - 43.99%). Chansey must be wary of the mixed sweeper, though - its prime objective is to lure Chansey out and then strike it with physical attacks.</p>
<p>Flying-types, as mentioned numerous instances prior, are Sceptile’s Achilles heel. Swellow is a dangerous late-game threat that can outspeed Sceptile and OHKO it with Brave Bird. However, due to its frailty, it must stay on its toes and not switch in carelessly – any of Sceptile’s Specs-boosted attacks will OHKO, Sceptile may be using a Choice Scarf, Rock Slide from the mixed sweeper will OHKO, et cetera. Altaria is defensively bulky and can take on pretty much any Sceptile set without fear of retribution unless Sceptile is running Hidden Power Ice. Honchkrow sports high offensive stats and is relatively bulky, allowing it to take care of most Sceptile.</p>