Sceptile

[Hootie]

[OVERVIEW]

Sceptile is a superb offensive threat in the NU metagame thanks to its blistering Speed stat, notably letting it outspeed Tauros, Archeops, and Floatzel, and wide range of coverage options with good offenses to back it up. Its wide movepool allows it to run either special or physical sets, making it unpredictable and therefore difficult to switch into, and notably includes a powerful STAB move in Leaf Storm, allowing it to tear through common Pokemon found on balance teams. The combination of Swords Dance and Unburden also turns Sceptile into an incredible late-game sweeper, with the Speed boost provided by Unburden making it virtually impossible to revenge kill outside of strong priority moves. Though Sceptile does come with substantial strengths, its mediocre overall bulk leaves it somewhat susceptible to priority and means that it cannot switch into any remotely powerful hit, even resisted, without taking large amounts of damage.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Leaf Storm / Focus Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a nice, consistent STAB move that restores HP, somewhat mitigating Life Orb recoil. Leaf Storm is a significantly stronger STAB move, dealing a great amount of damage against neutral targets at the cost of dropping Sceptile's Special Attack two stages. Focus Blast is an alternative that has nice coverage with Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also OHKOing Pyroar and Tauros. Earthquake covers some important targets, most notably Poison- and Fire-types such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Magmortar, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice nets important coverage on Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire still hits Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL and additionally hits Ferroseed, but it misses out on Altaria, Xatu, and Rotom-S. Hidden Power Fire should generally be used if Sceptile chooses to opt out of Focus Blast for Leaf Storm. Substitute eases prediction and prevents Sceptile from being revenge killed by priority moves, most notably Sucker Punch. If using Substitute, Sceptile should be using Focus Blast alongside Giga Drain. Rock Slide is an option over Earthquake that mainly targets Scyther while still hitting Magmortar. Hidden Power Psychic is also an option to hit Weezing, Garbodor, and Vileplume and should be used alongside Rock Slide to attain great neutral coverage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Speed-boosting nature allows Sceptile to make to most out of its fantastic Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow Sceptile to hit as hard as possible. A Hasty nature is used to preserve Sceptile's Attack and Special Defense, letting it take moves such as Scald and Volt Switch slightly better. A Naive nature is also an option for Sceptile to take physical priority from Pokemon such as Samurott and Kabutops a bit more comfortably. Life Orb is chosen to give a respectable increase in Sceptile's damage output while letting it switch between its moves. Overgrow makes Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves hit incredibly hard when it's down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Because of Sceptile's less-than-stellar bulk, it should generally be only brought in on weak Water- and Electric-type attacks or with U-turn or Volt Switch. Also watch out for status moves from Pokemon that Sceptile checks, such as Quagsire, Lanturn, and Regirock, as the former can cripple Sceptile with Toxic, while the latter two typically carry Thunder Wave, cutting Sceptile's Speed. Once Sceptile has been brought in, Giga Drain is generally a good move to use throughout the game, as the HP recovery essentially mitigates any Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage and gives Sceptile incredible longevity. Be mindful when using Leaf Storm, as the Special Attack drop can make it easy to take advantage of Sceptile. While Grass resistant Pokemon are still healthy, use Sceptile's coverage moves to catch them on the switch. Substitute should generally be used on forced switches or a predicted status move. It can also be used to evade Sucker Punch, preventing foes such as Shiftry and Skuntank from revenge killing Sceptile.

Team Options
========

Archeops pairs very well with Sceptile, as Sceptile breaks past several answers to it, such as Rhydon, Samurott, Floatzel, Regirock, and Quagsire, while Archeops checks Vileplume, Vivillon, and Scyther. Xatu checks Poison-types such as Weezing, Roselia, Vileplume, and Garbodor and can bring in Sceptile safely with U-turn. Both of them perform well at keeping entry hazards off the field, as Sceptile threatens common Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and Regirock, while Xatu fends off Spikes from the likes of Garbodor and Ferroseed. Mesprit functions in a similar manner, except it provides Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support over Magic Bounce, letting Sceptile play a bit more agressively. Jynx makes an excellent partner, breaking past Vileplume, Roselia, and Altaria while also threatening Poison-types, while Sceptile takes down Lanturn, Magmortar, and Skuntank. Lanturn can switch into Fire-types semi-reliably, pivot into Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow, and bring Sceptile in safely via Volt Switch. Regirock is a good switch-in to various answers to Sceptile, such as Scyther, Vivillon, Pyroar, and Magmortar, and can provide additional support with Stealth Rock.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Earthquake / Substitute
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Unburden
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Sceptile's Attack to respectable levels, letting it sweep weakened teams with ease. Leaf Blade is a reliable STAB move that hits decently hard, especially after a boost. Acrobatics has good neutral coverage alongside Leaf Blade, hitting Pokemon such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Scyther, and Vivillon. Earthquake nets additional coverage on Garbodor, Pyroar, Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile. Substitute prevents status moves from stopping Sceptile's sweep and lets it put itself into Sitrus Berry range, activating Unburden much more reliably. Substitute also lets Sceptile avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread gives Sceptile enough Speed to outspeed Jolly Sawk, maximizes its Attack, and gives it supplementary bulk. Unburden is chosen to let Sceptile outspeed practically the whole unboosted metagame when its item is consumed, making it difficult to revenge kill outside of priority users. Sitrus Berry is chosen to give Sceptile some HP back from weak attacks or Substitute and is necessary to ensure Unburden activates. Liechi Berry is also an option that lessens the need for Sceptile to set up Swords Dance, though it makes it a bit more susceptible to priority. No item plus a spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature and Overgrow is also an option to give Sceptile more early- and mid-game presence, thanks to the increased Speed letting it pick off Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game, while Sceptile's checks are still healthy, do not attempt to set up, but rather throw out an attack to wear down the foe. Once Sceptile's checks have been weakened enough, set up on a Pokemon that cannot deal much damage back in return such as Lanturn, Claydol, or Poliwrath by using Swords Dance or using Substitute to get to Sitrus Berry range and activate Unburden. Substitute can also be used to avoid status from Pokemon that Sceptile can set up on, such as Thunder Wave from Lanturn or Regirock, as well as to avoid being revenge killed by Sucker Punch users. If Sceptile is safely behind a Substitute, use this as an opportunity to set up Swords Dance. Do not utilize Unburden recklessly by switching into attacks that put Sceptile into Sitrus Berry range, as the Speed boost only has a one-time use and is wasted if Sceptile's checks are still healthy. If using an EV spread with more Speed investment, Sceptile can also double as a revenge killer to Pokemon such as Floatzel and weakened Archeops.

Team Options
========

Mesprit breaks past Weezing and Garbodor, two of the most consistent answers to this set, and, with Healing Wish, can give Sceptile a second shot at sweeping should it become weakened or crippled by status. Steelix works very well with this set, as it can switch into and weaken several of Sceptile's checks, such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Scyther, Klinklang, and Mawile, while also providing Stealth Rock support, making it easier for Sceptile to clean late-game. Skuntank typically invites Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix in, all of which Sceptile can use to get free setup opportunities. It also provides Memento support, letting Sceptile set up with little issue. Jynx forms a great offensive core with Sceptile, blowing past the likes of Weezing, Vileplume, and Vivillon while a Sceptile with more Speed investment is able to outspeed and KO faster threats to Jynx such as Archeops, Tauros, and Pyroar. Jynx is also capable of putting a Pokemon to sleep with Lovely Kiss, potentially netting a free setup opportunity for Sceptile. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Samurott do an excellent job weakening bulky foes for Sceptile. Magmortar also gets a special mention for its ability to switch in on Vileplume and Vivillon.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Leaf Storm is incredibly powerful when backed by Choice Specs, dealing incredible damage to neutral targets, but it comes at the cost of reliability. Giga Drain is a good secondary STAB move that deals consistent damage and restores a portion of lost HP. Focus Blast mainly targets Grass-resistant Pokemon such as Klinklang, Ferroseed, Skuntank, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice rounds out Sceptile's coverage, targeting Pokemon such as Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Sceptile to best utilize its great Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow it to hit as hard as possible. Choice Specs boosts the power of Sceptile's attacks significantly, making it very difficult to switch into. Overgrow is chosen for the power boost to Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, letting it hit even harder should it be down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game, it's generally best to spam Leaf Storm to break through the foe's bulkier Pokemon. However, use Leaf Storm conservatively when against Pokemon such as Scyther, Vivillon, and Skuntank, as the former two can use a -2 Sceptile to set up Swords Dance and Quiver Dance while the last can trap Sceptile with Pursuit. Giga Drain should be used in situations where the power that Leaf Storm provides is not necessary to revenge kill a foe. Prediction is key when playing around several Grass-resistant Pokemon, so respond by using a coverage move when you predict them to switch in. Sceptile should only be brought in on weak Scalds or with U-turn or Volt Switch support, as it does not have the bulk to directly switch into even resisted powerful hits.

Team Options
========

Regirock, Rhydon, and Steelix can switch into various Pokemon that can take advantage of Sceptile, such as Scyther, Skuntank, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Pyroar, while providing Stealth Rock support. Normal-types such as Kangaskhan and Tauros appreciate a good majority of their checks such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Quagsire being eliminated, and both Kangaskhan and Tauros can form a good wallbreaking duo with Sceptile. Stone Edge Gurdurr is an interesting partner for its ability to lure Scyther while also breaking past Steel-types, letting Sceptile spam its Grass-type STAB moves with less risk. Jynx breaks past several answers to Sceptile, such as Weezing, Garbodor, Vileplume, Rotom-S, Xatu, and Roselia, while Sceptile tears through the likes of Lanturn and Aurorus. Lanturn provides a safe switch-in to Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow while also being able to bring Sceptile safely into play with Volt Switch.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

White Herb plus Leaf Storm can be an alternative on Swords Dance sets to catch physically bulky Pokemon off guard while reliably activating Unburden. A SubSeed set has merit in wearing down bulkier foes such as Mega Audino, Weezing, and Magmortar and works well with Sceptile's high Speed and ability to force switches. Sunny Day can also be a decent option on sun teams, as Sceptile has the Speed to use it semi-reliably.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Weezing is one the more consistent answers to Sceptile, as it can switch into both special and physical sets thanks to its typing and Levitate, only really fearing a Choice Specs-boosted Leaf Storm and the rare and suboptimal Hidden Power Psychic, and either retaliate with Sludge Bomb or burn Sceptile with Will-O-Wisp. Other Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank can handle non-Earthquake variants and OHKO back with their STAB moves. Skuntank is also notable for its ability to trap a Sceptile locked into Leaf Storm or Giga Drain with Pursuit. Vileplume and Roselia are also decent answers to Sceptile, but they do not appreciate taking Hidden Power Ice or Acrobatics.

**Flying-types**: Swellow naturally outspeeds an unboosted Sceptile and can revenge kill it with Boomburst even if it's behind a Substitute. Other Flying-types such as Scyther and Vivillon threaten to OHKO Sceptile with their respective STAB moves and can also use Sceptile locked into a STAB move or Focus Blast to get free setup opportunities. Rotom-S and Xatu also make fine switch-ins to Sceptile thanks to their useful sets of resistances. All of these Pokemon do have to watch out for Hidden Power Ice and the rare Rock Slide, though.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Assault Vest Hariyama can serve as a decent one-time switch-in to Sceptile's special sets, being able to take any hit and OHKO back with Close Combat. Mega Audino and Musharna are both not 2HKOed by even a Choice Specs-boosted Giga Drain, and they can take advantage of Sceptile to freely set up Calm Mind.

**Priority**: Priority users such as Shiftry and Skuntank can revenge kill Sceptile with Sucker Punch should it be weakened enough; however, Sceptile can take advantage of this by using Substitute. Kangaskhan can pick off Sceptile with the combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch. Piloswine and Vanilluxe can also take down a weakened Sceptile with Ice Shard.

 

[soulgazer]

I really think EQ has good value on the Sitrus SD set; you will miss being able to get your 110 Acro by yourself, but gaining EQ makes it so much easier to open up holes or even sweep. Unless you really want to just clean with it after Garbodor and Steels are gone obviously.

I know its still WIP, but don't forget possible Memento support for both SD set :O

Do you think different speed benchmark deserve to be mentionned in Sitrus Set Details? Some teams might value their sceptile outspeedingbase 110s if they want it to rk tauros

 

[Punchshroom]

soulgazer 252+ Atk Sceptile Leaf Blade vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 127-150 (43.6 - 51.5%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO
I don't think outspeeding Tauros is even worth it at that point.

Personally I don't think SubSitrus is even worth a set of its own and simply seems OO material at best: you give Sceptile good (not even great) late-game sweeping potential, until you realize that pretty much all of Sceptile's sets already have latent late-game sweeping potential by virtue of its natural Speed. I've no idea why one would want to worsen their early- and mid-game presence just to facilitate some endgame sweep that isn't even particularly rewarding to what Sceptile can already do; does Sceptile even give a rat's ass about Unburden in this meta when pretty much every single threat that outspeeds Sceptile off the bat is like Choice locked (Scarf mons, Specs Swellow) and/or is easily punishable (including Guts Swellow) these days?

I know it was a typo at first, but Leaf Storm on the Offensive SD set is starting to seem less and less of an absurd idea. Leaf Storm gives Sceptile a much better mid-game presence as it has much better revenge killing ability (especially since most Grass weak targets have comparitively much lower SpD), and can even bluff mixed sets to keep your foes guessing. The bigger reason I think Leaf Storm isn't too bad on SD Sceptile is because I don't actually see +2 Leaf Blade cleaning games wildly more effectively than the great neutral coverage that Ground + Flying already provides; you also probably don't need to use Leaf Storm more than once when going for the endgame sweep, in the same vein where I very rarely found myself needing going for consecutive +2 Leaf Blades to clean games as opposed to falling back to +2 Acro and EQ. Leaf Storm honestly seems slashable after Leaf Blade to me.

 

[Disjunction]

[OVERVIEW]

• Excellent Speed stat that puts it ahead of a the majority of the unboosted metagame, most notably Tauros, Archeops, and Floatzel.
• Solid Special Attack and Attack lets it run either a special or physical sets, making it very versatile.
  
• Good amount of coverage options makes it unpredictable and therefore difficult to switch into.
• Mediocre defenses leads it to be revenge killed by priority users. I think you're understating sceptile's bulk a bit here. The way you have it worded makes it seem like scpetile's bulk is overly pathetic when it's really not awful. The strongest priority users against Sceptile (Kanga, Pilo, and Shiftry) can't OHKO it from full. Aqua Jet users are a joke, obviously, and everything else does 50-60 max. tl;dr reword to say its bulk doesn't give it many free switch-in opportunities and susceptible to prio at lower percents

I think specifically mentioning Leaf Storm somewhere in here would be ideal because Sceptile would not be a remotely viable wallbreaker without it, especially considering most x2 resists only switch in once to Specs Leaf Storm.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Giga Drain / Leaf Storm
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
fuck meta these slashes are perfect

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Giga Drain is a nice, consistent STAB that restores some HP, somewhat mitigating Life Orb recoil.
• Leaf Storm is an alternative for more power, which most notably OHKOes Archeops from full at the cost of dropping Sceptile's Special Attack two stages.
• Focus Blast has nice coverage with Sceptile's Grass STAB, hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed, Klinklang, and Steelix.
• Hidden Power Ice nets important coverage on Altaria, Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-S/XL.
  
• Substitute eases prediction and prevents Sceptile from being revenge killed by priority, most notably Sucker Punch. If using Substitute, Sceptile should be using Giga Drain alongside it.
• Earthquake covers Poison- and Fire-types such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Magmortar, and Pyroar.
• Rock Slide is an option over Earthquake that mainly targets Scyther, while still hitting Magmortar.
• Leaf Storm and Giga Drain can be used alongside each other to have both immediate power and reliability at the cost of Substitute or one of Sceptile's coverage moves.

If you're going to mention HP Psychic, I think it should be here instead of Specs. It provides the best neutral coverage alongside Rock Slide, considering you're able to hit Flying-types, Scyther, and Poison-types in two slots. You only miss out on Gourgeist and Tangela, the former being easy to switch into and the latter not being very relevant

Set Details
========

• Maximum Speed EVs plus a Speed boosting nature allows Sceptile to make to most out of its fantastic Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros.
• Maximum Special Attack EVs allow Sceptile to hit as hard as possible
  
• If Earthquake is used, Hasty should be used over Timid to preserve Sceptile's Attack.
  
• A Naive nature is also an option for Sceptile to take priority from Pokemon such as Samurott and Kabutops slightly better.
• Life Orb is chosen to give a respectable increase in Sceptile's damage output, while letting it switch between its moves.
• Overgrow lets Sceptile's Grass STAB hit incredibly hard when it's down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

• Because of Sceptile's less than stellar bulk, it should generally be only brought in on weak Water and Electric-type attacks or with U-turn/Volt Switch support.
• Giga Drain is generally a good move to use throughout the game as the HP recovered back essentially mitigates any Life Orb recoil and hazard damage giving incredible sustain.
  
• Be mindful when using Leaf Storm, as the Special Attack drop can cause Sceptile to be taken advantage of.
• While Grass resistant Pokemon are still healthy, use Sceptile's coverage moves to catch them on the switch.
  
• Substitute should generally be used on forced switches or a predicted status move. It can also be used to evade Sucker Punch, preventing foes such as Shiftry and Skuntank from revenge killing Sceptile.

Team Options
========

• Archeops pairs very well, as Sceptile breaks past several answers to it such as Rhydon, Samurott, Floatzel, Regirock, and Quagsire, while Archeops checks Vileplume, Vivillon, and Scyther.
• Xatu checks Poison-types such as Weezing, Roselia, Vileplume, and Garbodor and can bring in Sceptile safely with U-turn. Both of them together perform well at keeping hazards off the field, as Sceptile threatens common Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and Regirock, while Xatu fends off Spikes from the likes of Garbodor and Ferroseed.
• Mesprit functions in a similar manner except it provides Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support over Magic Bounce, letting Sceptile play a bit more agressively.
• Jynx makes an excellent partner, breaking past Vileplume, Roselia, and Altartia, while also threatening Poison-types, while Sceptile takes down Lanturn as well as Magmortar and Skuntank if using Earthquake.
  
• Lanturn can switch into Fire-types semi-reliably as well as pivot into Choice Specs Swelllow and Vivillon and bring in Sceptile safely via Volt Switch.
• Regirock is a good switch in to various answers to Sceptile such as Scyther, Vivillon, Pyroar and Magmortar, while providing addtional support with Stealth Rock.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Leaf Storm is incredibly powerful when backed by Choice Specs, dealing incredible damage to neutral targets, but comes at the cost of reliability.
• Giga Drain is a good secondary Grass STAB that deals consistent damage, and restores some lost HP.
• Focus Blast mainly targets Grass-type resistant Pokemon such as Klinklang, Ferroseed, Skuntank, and Pyroar.
• Hidden Power Ice rounds out Sceptile's coverage, targetting Pokemon such as Altaria, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-S/XL.
• Hidden Power Psychic is another option to hit Poison-types such as Garbodor and Weezing, while still maintaining coverage on Vileplume.

Set Details
========

• Maximum Speed EVs plus a Timid nature allows Sceptile to best utilize its great Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros.
• Maximum Special Attack EVs allow it to hit as hard as possible.
• Choice Specs boosts the power of Sceptile's attacks significantly, making it very difficult to switch into, however it leaves Sceptile locked into one move.
• Overgrow is chosen for the attack boost on Sceptile's Grass-type STABs, letting it hit even harder should be down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

• Use Leaf Storm conservatively as a -2 Sceptile locked into it can be taken advantage of by several Pokemon. For example, it gives Scyther and Vivillon free setup opportunities, while Skuntank can trap Sceptile with Pursuit. I disagree with this point. One of Specs's best option early- to mid-game is to literally spam Leaf Storm because it weakens the x2 resists without recovery for it to clean late-game. You should reword this to say that sceptile should be cautious of x4 Grass-resistant pokemon because they stop it from spamming Storm
  
• Generally it's best to use Giga Drain to deal respectable damage, while restoring any lost HP from various forms of chip damage.
• Prediction is key when playing around several Grass resistant Pokemon, so respond to them by using a coverage move on their predicted switch in.
• Sceptile should only be brought in on weak Scalds or with U-turn/Volt Switch support, as it does not have the bulk to directly switch in on even most neutral hits.

Team Options
========

• Regirock and Rhydon switch into various Pokemon that can take advantage of Sceptile, such as Scyther, Skuntank, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Pyroar, while providing Stealth Rock support. Steelix is a good partner for many of the same reasons, you could try and squeeze it in somewhere if you want!
• Normal-types such as Kangaskhan and Tauros appreciate a good majority of their checks such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Quagsire being eliminated and both form a good wallbreaking duo.
  
• Stone Edge Gurdurr is an interesting partner for its ability to lure primarily Scyther, while also breaking past Steel-types, letting Sceptile spam its Grass-type STAB with less risk.
• Jynx breaks past several answers to Sceptile such as Weezing, Garbodor, Vileplume, and Roselia, while Sceptile tears through the likes of Lanturn and Aurorus.
• Lanturn provides as safe switch in to Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow, while also potentially bringing Sceptile safely with Volt Switch.

[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Substitute / Earthquake
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Unburden
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance boosts Sceptile's Attack to respectable levels, letting it sweep weakened teams with ease.
• Leaf Blade is a reliable Grass-type STAB that hits decently hard.
• Acrobatics has good neutral coverage with Leaf Blade, hitting Pokemon such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Scyther, Vivillon, Magmortar, and Pyroar.
• Substitute prevents status moves from stopping Sceptile's sweep and lets it put itself into Sitrus Berry range, activating Unburden.
• Earthquake is also an option over Substitute to have additional coverage on Garbodor, Klinklang, and Mawile, but this leads to Sceptile being able to activate Unburden less consistently.

Set Details
========

• The given EV spread gives Sceptile enough Speed to outspeed Jolly Sawk, maximizes its Attack, and gives it supplementary bulk.
• Unburden is chosen to let Sceptile outspeed practically the whole unboosted metagame when its item is consumed, making it difficult to revenge kill outside of priority users.
• Sitrus Berry is chosen to give Sceptile some HP back from weak attacks or Substitute and is necessary to ensure Unburden activates.

agree with sg when he says to mention the 110 or 115 creep here. I used that spread in nupl because bulky scept is pretty customizable depending on your team. If you want, you can just say you can tweak Sceptile's speed in general to have it outspeed whatever your team needs

another option over Sitrus Berry is Liechi Berry. It may make scept even weaker to priority, but it lessens the need to find an opportunity to SD because you can get down to 25% by using Sceptile's great speed, activate Unburden, and get a quick +1

Usage Tips
========

• Early-game when Sceptile's checks are still healthy, do not attempt to set up, but rather throw out an attack to wear down the foe.
• Once its check are weakened enough, set up on a Pokemon that cannot deal much damage back in return such as Lanturn, Claydol, and Poliwrath by using Swords Dance or using Substitute to get to Sitrus Berry range, activating Unburden.
• Do not utilize Unburden recklessly by switching into attacks that put Sceptile into Sitrus Berry range, as it only has one time use and is wasted if its checks are still healthy.
• Substitute can also be used to avoid status from Pokemon that Sceptile can set up on such as Thunder Wave from Lanturn or Regirock, as well as avoid being revenge killed by Sucker Punch users.
• If Sceptile is safely behind a Substitute, then use this as an opportunity to set up Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

• Mesprit breaks past Weezing and Garbodor, two of the most consistent answers to this set, and with Healing Wish, can give Sceptile a second shot at sweeping should it get weakened enough or crippled by status.
• Steelix works very well with this set, as it can switch in on and weaken several of Sceptile's checks such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Scyther, Klinklang, and Mawile, while providing Stealth Rock support, making it easier for Sceptile to clean late-game.
• Skuntank typically invites Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix, all of which Sceptile can use to get free setup opportunities. Skuntank also provides Memento support, letting Sceptile set up with little issue.
• Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Samurott do an excellent job weakening bulky foes for Sceptile. Magmortar also gets a special mention for its ability to switch in on Vileplume and Vivillon.

We all screamed about this on Skype --v

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Earthquake
item:
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Swords Dance raises Sceptile's Attack which lets it clean late-game with more ease.
• Leaf Blade deals a good amount of damage, especially when backed up by a boost.
• Acrobatics hits primarily Grass- and Bug-types such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Gourgeist-S/XL, Vivillon, and Scyther
• Earthquake rounds out Sceptile's coverage, hitting Fire- and Poison-types such as Magmortar, Pyroar, Garbodor, and Skuntank.

Set Details
========

• Maximum Speed EVs plus a Jolly nature lets it outspeed as many Pokemon as possible, most notably Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros.
• Maximum Attack EVs let Sceptile hit as hard as possible.
• Overgrow is chosen over Unburden because this set does not use an item.
• No item is used to ensure Acrobatics is at full power.

Usage Tips
========

• Sceptile should generally be brought in with U-turn/Volt Switch or on double switches, as Sceptile does not have the bulk to take powerful neutral hits, and should generally be kept healthy if it has the potential to sweep the opposing team.
• Early-game, throw out an attack or two to weaken the opposition.
• Once Sceptile's checks have been sufficiently weakened, set up a Swords Dance when the opportunity arises.
• Though Sceptile can use Lanturn and Regirock as setup bait, do be wary that both can cripple Sceptile with Thunder Wave or in the former's case potentially burn Sceptile with Scald should they choose to stay in.
• This set can also be played as revenge killer to eliminate fast threats such as Archeops, Floatzel, and Tauros.

Team Options
========

• Garbodor provides Spikes support, weakening checks to Sceptile as they switch in, and is generally bait for Ground-types, which Sceptile can use to set up on.
• Skuntank functions in a similar manner, but with the key trait being Memento support over Spikes.
• Jynx forms a great offensive core alongside Sceptile, blowing past the likes of Weezing, Vileplume, and Vivillon, while Sceptile is able to outspeed and KO faster threats to Jynx such as Archeops, Tauros, and Pyroar with some prior damage. Jynx is also capable of putting a Pokemon to sleep with Lovely Kiss, potentially netting a free setup opportunity for Sceptile.
• Regirock can switch in on Fire-type attacks and provide Stealth Rock support, while Sceptile can use checks to Regirock such as Rhydon, Lanturn, and Samurott to potentially set up a Swords Dance.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Power Herb plus Leaf Storm can be an alternative on Swords Dance sets to catch physically bulky Pokemon off guard, while reliably activating Unburden.
  
• A Substitute plus Leech Seed set has merit in wearing down bulkier foes such as Mega Audino, Weezing, and Magmortar, and works well with Sceptile's high speed and ability to force switches.
• Sunny Day can also be a decent option on sun teams, as Sceptile has the Speed and the ability to force switches to use it semi-reliably.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Weezing is one the more consistent answers to Sceptile, as it can switch in on both its special and physical sets thanks to its typing plus Levitate, only really fearing the rare and sub-optimal Hidden Power Psychic, and retaliate back with Sludge Bomb or burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Other Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank can handle non-Earthquake variants and OHKO back with their STAB moves. Skuntank is notable for its ability to trap Sceptile locked into Leaf Storm or Giga Drain with Pursuit. Vileplume and Roselia are also a decent answers, but do not appreciate taking Hidden Power Ice or Acrobatics.

**Flying-types**: Swellow naturally outspeeds an unboosted Sceptile and can revenge kill even if it's behind a Substitute with Boomburst. Other Flying-types such as Scyther and Vivillon threaten to OHKO Sceptile with their respective STAB move and can also use Sceptile locked into either its Grass STAB or Focus Blast to get free setup opportunities. All of these Pokemon do have to watch out for Hidden Power Ice and the rare Rock Slide though. mention Xatu and Rotom-S as defensive Flyers

**Bulky Pokemon**: Hariyama when equipped with as Assault Vest can serves as decent one-time switch in to Sceptile's special sets, being able to take any hit and OHKO back with Close Combat. Mega Audino and Musharna are both not 2HKOed by even a Choice Specs Giga Drain, and can use Sceptile to freely set up Calm Mind.

**Priority**: Priority users such as Shiftry and Skuntank can revenge kill a Sceptile should it be weakened enough, however Sceptile can take advantage of this by using Substitute. Assault Vest Kangaskhan (did you need to mention AV specifically? lol) pick off Sceptile with the combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch, and if need be take a hit and retaliate back with Double-Edge. should mention pilo somewhere in here

well-written, not much to complain about. 1/3

 

[Punchshroom]

name: Life Orb
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Focus Blast / Leaf Storm
move 3: Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Substitute / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid / Hasty
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

- Giga Drain I feel is pretty much staple for LO Sceptile; the Overgrow Giga Drain is too huge to pass up.
- Focus Blast is not at all mandatory on Sceptile and is far more easily expendable than Giga Drain :/. Focus Blast is better on Sub Scept (even though I believe EQ still has more worth on that set @_@), but on 4 attacks Sceptile u can likely afford to drop Focus Blast since Leaf Storm already pops Steelix and EQ dents Klinklang a bit. Also mention Focus Blast OHKOes Pyroar.
- Since EQ isn't slashed first (and I still have my doubts on this one), the EV spread should reflect it. The EV bit can be discussed in Set Details.
- Btw, in Set Details mention Hasty's advantages over Naive, namely to take weaker special hits like Scald, Volt Switch, and even Shadow Ball better.


name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

Now I won't say Specs isn't a usable set but...I just don't feel it offers enough to be used over the LO set. Sure, Sceptile is a great hit-and-run attacker, but Specs forces it to 'run' more and 'hit' less than LO does. Scept doesn't even care about LO recoil when it can actively take advantage of it via Overgrow. LO Sceptile can even attack more optimally as it can do cool shit like Overgrow Giga Drain followed up with Leaf Storm to maintain insane damage output, while Specs Sceptile doesn't have this luxury. Specs Scept doesn't even have room for the physical coverage moves that LO Scept easily makes use of. Honestly I'd just give Specs a small mention in Set Details or something, maybe even delegate it to OO.


name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Earthquake / Substitute
item: itemless / Liechi Berry(?)
ability: Overgrow
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

I'll have to be brutally honest and just say I am utterly baffled why Disj and some others approved the Unburden SD set and axed the other SD set; like seriously the "Unburden SubSitrus whatever" set plays like some awkward variant of Klinklang that has even worse early/mid-game presence (at least Klinklang can resist shit, whereas Sceptile's unboosted Leaf Blade is not killing anything), which is saying something. The last thing Sceptile needs is extra Speed, especially when all the mons faster than Sceptile are easily punishable and it becomes much more practical to just have Sceptile focus on powering through things. If you guys want SubSD + Berry Sceptile so bad then Overgrow Liechi is still an option for the super jacked up Leaf Blade. For the record I still think Leaf Storm can be worth mentioning in Moves for itemless Sceptile for the much improved mid-game potential in exchange for only slightly diminished endgame cleaning.

 

[Raseri]

QC had a long discussion about what to do with the SD sets for Sceptile yesterday, everyone agreed that the unburden set should stay, but opinions were much more torn towards the no item set, where Disjunction believes they should be merged (which I agree with). The sets play similarly enough that you can explain no item in set details

also specs 100% deserves a set, you just throw around leaf storms and things die

 

[Hootie]

Made all of your changes Disjunction and merged the SD sets.

 

[ryan]

I don't think Focus Blast is really even worth it on Sceptile, at least not worth it enough to give it its own slash. Steelix takes tons from LO Giga Drain, and Ferroseed isn't that common because Steelix is generally the preferred Steel in this meta. Klinklang is a valid reason to run it, but that isn't too common either, again because of Steelix. I think the slashes should be more like:

Giga Drain
Leaf Storm / Focus Blast
Earthquake
Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire

You really can't afford to cut Earthquake or Giga Drain. Reliable STAB that doesn't force you to switch is obviously good, and hitting Garbodor/Skuntank/Magmortar is way too important to give up. Leaf Storm is really good, and I generally prefer it over Focus Blast. HP Ice is preferred because of Sceptile Speed ties and hitting stuff like Xatu and Rotom-S, but HP Fire for Ferroseed/Klinklang without having to run Focus Blast is good too.

I'd slash Earthquake before Substitute on the SD set. With the extra bulk, it's really not hard to tank a neutral hit and set up, and missing out on EQ sucks so much.

Specs should probably be last if we're going to keep it around. Like it's fine but LO is nearly completely better.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Life Orb

Mention Pyroar as a Focus Blast target, given that Earthquake doesn't OHKO. Add Tauros as well since Giga Drain can't OHKO Tauros even after rocks, which is important because it allows Sceptile to revenge Tauros even if its at full HP.

In usage tips, mention some defensive mons that it either forces out or might try to status Sceptile such as Quagsire, Lanturn, and Regirock.

Specs should probably be last if we're going to keep it around. Like it's fine but LO is nearly completely better.

Seconding this, but I'll still check the sets in order they are now.

Specs

Leaf Storm does a ton of damage even to resists (obviously not 4x resists), its not just neutral targets. (Does ~half to Garb, Skunk, Xatu, etc).

• Use Giga Drain to deal respectable damage, while restoring any lost HP from various forms of chip damage.

"To deal respectable damage" sounds fairly awkward, try and reword that. Maybe like "if you need to revenge kill an offensive Pokemon that is weakened to the point where using Leaf Storm is not necessary to KO it".

Swords Dance

Acrobatics isn't used to hit Pyroar, its really just for Grass and Bug types. List it as a target for EQ instead.
The sentence for EQ is worded like its still the second slash, reword it so its a bit more positive.

I'm hesitant on saying that you can revenge Archeops unboosted because Jolly Leaf Blade does 53.9 - 63.9%, which requires Archeops to have taken rocks + some chip damage. Maybe just say a weakened Archeops.

C&C

Two Specs Leaf Storms have a chance KO 0 Spdef Weezing after some prior damage, add that.
Life Orb Leaf Storm kills non AV Kanga after rocks and Focus Blast kills from full HP, so I don't think its really fair to say that it can take a hit.

QC 2/3

 

[Punchshroom]

Life Orb

Mention Pyroar as a Focus Blast target, given that Earthquake doesn't OHKO. Add Tauros as well since Giga Drain can't OHKO Tauros even after rocks, which is important because it allows Sceptile to revenge Tauros even if its at full HP.

Tauros is not a reason to go out of your way to run Focus Blast tho, given LO Leaf Storm already OHKOes; this is why we keep saying Focus Blast is nowhere near essential on Scept as it only really hits like 2 targets.

bolts edit: I know its not a reason to go out of your way to run focus blast, but being able to ohko tauros is just a good benefit of using it.

Also, Specs shouldn't be anywhere that high up (personally I'd just outright shove it to OO), and the alternate spread for the SD set (max Atk / max Spe @ Jolly) should list Overgrow + itemless as alternatives as well, since Sceptile would hardly be needing Unburden at that point.

 

[Hootie]

This is written

 

[soulgazer]

3/3

 

[Lumari]

actually come to think of it i might as well check this while i'm at it :o gorgeous pokemon

remove add (Capitalize / Fix) (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2

fave grass starter

[OVERVIEW]

Sceptile is a superb offensive threat in the NU metagame thanks to its blistering Speed stat, letting it notably outspeed Tauros, Archeops, and Floatzel, and wide range of coverage options with good offenses to back it up. Its wide movepool allowsit to either run either special or physical sets, (AC) making it unpredictable and therefore difficult to switch in to into, (AC) Sceptile also has access to and notably includes a powerful STAB move in Leaf Storm, allowing it to tear through common Pokemon found on balance teams. The combination of Swords Dance and Unburden also turns Sceptile into an incredible late-game sweeper, with the Speed boost provided from Unburden making it virtually impossible to revenge kill outside of strong priority moves. Though Sceptile does come with substantial strengths, its mediocre overall bulk means that it cannot switch into any remotely powerful hit, even resisted, without taking large amounts of damage and leaves it somewhat susceptible to priority.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Leaf Storm / Focus Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a nice, consistent STAB move that restores some HP, somewhat mitigating Life Orb recoil. Leaf Storm is a significantly stronger STAB move, dealing a great amount damage against neutral targets at the cost of dropping Sceptile's Special Attack two stages. Focus Blast is an alternative that has nice coverage with Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang (RC) while also OHKOing Pyroar and Tauros. Earthquake covers some important targets, most notably Poison- and Fire-types such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Magmortar, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice nets important coverage on Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL. Alternatively, (AC) Hidden Power Fire still hits Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL, as well as and additionally hits Ferroseed, but it misses out on Altaria, Xatu, and Rotom-S. Hidden Power Fire should generally be used if Sceptile chooses to opt out Focus Blast for Leaf Storm. (any targets you miss out on because of the Speed IV drop?) Substitute eases prediction and prevents Sceptile from being revenge killed by priority moves, most notably Sucker Punch. If using Substitute, Sceptile should be using Giga Drain plus with Focus Blast alongside it. Rock Slide is an option over Earthquake that mainly targets Scyther (RC) while still hitting Magmortar. Hidden Power Psychic is also an option to hit Weezing, Garbodor, and Vileplume and should be used alongside Rock Slide to attain great neutral coverage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed EVs plus investment with a Speed-boosting (add hyphen) nature allows Sceptile to make to most out of its fantastic Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow Sceptile to hit as hard as possible. A Hasty nature is used preserve Sceptile's Attack and Special Defense, letting it take moves such as Scald and Volt Switch slightly better. A Naive nature is also an option for Sceptile to take priority from Pokemon such as Samurott and Kabutops slightly better a bit more comfortably. (less repetitive) Life Orb is chosen to give a respectable increase in Sceptile's damage output (RC) while letting it switch between its moves. Overgrow makes Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves hit incredibly hard when it's down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Because of Sceptile's less-than-stellar (add hyphens) bulk, it should generally be only brought in on weak Water- (add hyphen) and Electric-type attacks or with U-turn or Volt Switch support. Also watch out for status moves from Pokemon Sceptile checks such as Quagsire, Lanturn, and Regirock, as the former can cripple Sceptile with Toxic, while the latter two typically carry Thunder Wave, cutting Sceptile's Speed. Once brought in, Giga Drain is generally a good move to use throughout the game, (AC) as the HP recovered back recovery essentially mitigates any Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage giving incredible sustain. Be mindful when using Leaf Storm, as the Special Attack drop can cause Sceptile to be taken advantage of. While Grass resistant Pokemon are still healthy, use Sceptile's coverage moves to catch them on the switch. Substitute should generally be used on forced switches or a predicted status move. It can also be used to evade Sucker Punch, preventing foes such as Shiftry and Skuntank from revenge killing Sceptile.

Team Options
========

Archeops pairs very well with Sceptile, as Sceptile breaks past several answers to it such as Rhydon, Samurott, Floatzel, Regirock, and Quagsire, while Archeops checks Vileplume, Vivillon, and Scyther. Xatu checks Poison-types such as Weezing, Roselia, Vileplume, and Garbodor and can bring in Sceptile safely with U-turn. Both of them together perform well at keeping entry hazards off the field, as Sceptile threatens common Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and Regirock, while Xatu fends off Spikes from the likes of Garbodor and Ferroseed. Mesprit functions in a similar manner, (AC) except it provides Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support over Magic Bounce, letting Sceptile play a bit more agressively. Jynx makes an excellent partner, breaking past Vileplume, Roselia, and Altartia Altaria (RC) while also threatening Poison-types, while Sceptile takes down Lanturn, Magmortar, and Skuntank. Lanturn can switch into Fire-types semi-reliably as well as pivot into Choice Specs Swelllow Swellow and Vivillon, as well as potentially bring in Sceptile safely via Volt Switch. Regirock is a good switch-in to various answers to Sceptile such as Scyther, Vivillon, Pyroar, (AC) and Magmortar, while providing and can provide additional support with Stealth Rock.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Earthquake / Substitute
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Unburden
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Sceptile's Attack to respectable levels, letting it sweep weakened teams with ease. Leaf Blade is a reliable Grass-type STAB move that hits decently hard, especially after a boost. Acrobatics has good neutral coverage alongside Leaf Blade, hitting Pokemon such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Scyther, and Vivillon. Earthquake nets additional coverage on Garbodor, Pyroar, Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile. Substitute prevents status moves from stopping Sceptile's sweep and lets it put itself into Sitrus Berry range, activating Unburden much more reliably. It also lets it avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread gives Sceptile enough Speed to outspeed Jolly Sawk, maximizes its Attack, and gives it supplementary bulk. Unburden is chosen to let Sceptile outspeed practically the whole unboosted metagame when its item is consumed, making it difficult to revenge kill outside of priority users. Sitrus Berry is chosen to give Sceptile some HP back from weak attacks or Substitute and is necessary to ensure Unburden activates. Liechi Berry is also an option that lessens the need for Sceptile to set up Swords Dance, though it makes it a bit more susceptible to priority. No item plus a spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature and Overgrow (RC) is also an option to give Sceptile more early- to mid-game presence, due to the increased Speed letting it pick off Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game while Sceptile's checks are still healthy, do not attempt to set up, but rather throw out an attack to wear down the foe. Once its Sceptile's checks have been are weakened enough, set it up on a Pokemon that cannot deal much damage back in return such as Lanturn, Claydol, and Poliwrath by using Swords Dance or using Substitute to get to Sitrus Berry range, activating and activate Unburden. Substitute can also be used to avoid status from Pokemon that Sceptile can set up on such as Thunder Wave from Lanturn or Regirock, as well as avoid being revenge killed by Sucker Punch users. If Sceptile is safely behind a Substitute, then use this as an opportunity to set up Swords Dance. Do not utilize Unburden recklessly by switching into attacks that put Sceptile into Sitrus Berry range, as it only has a one-time use and is wasted if its checks are still healthy. If using a faster EV spread, then Sceptile can also double as a revenge killer to Pokemon such as Floatzel and a weakened Arcehops Archeops.

Team Options
========

Mesprit breaks past Weezing and Garbodor, two of the most consistent answers to this set, and, (AC) with Healing Wish, can give Sceptile a second shot at sweeping should it get weakened enough or crippled by status. Steelix works very well with this set, as it can switch in on and weaken several of Sceptile's checks such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Scyther, Klinklang, and Mawile (RC) while also providing Stealth Rock support, making it easier for Sceptile to clean late-game. Notably, (AC) Skuntank typically invites Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix in, all of which Sceptile can use to get free setup opportunities. Skuntank It also provides Memento support, letting Sceptile set up with little issue. Jynx forms a great offensive core alongside with Sceptile, blowing past the likes of Weezing, Vileplume, and Vivillon (RC) while Sceptile is able to outspeed and KO faster threats to Jynx such as Archeops, Tauros, and fast Pyroar, should it be running a fast EV spread. (optional, you can keep the original if you think "fast Pyroar" isn't clear enough or w/e) Jynx is also capable of putting a Pokemon to sleep with Lovely Kiss, potentially netting a free setup opportunity for Sceptile. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Samurott do an excellent job weakening bulky foes for Sceptile. Magmortar also gets a special mention for its ability to switch in on Vileplume and Vivillon.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Leaf Storm is incredibly powerful when backed by Choice Specs, dealing incredible damage to neutral targets, but it comes at the cost of reliability. Giga Drain is a good secondary Grass-type STAB move that deals consistent damage (RC) and restores a portion of lost HP. Focus Blast mainly targets Grass-type resistant Grass-resistant Pokemon such as Klinklang, Ferroseed, Skuntank, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice rounds out Sceptile's coverage, targeting Pokemon such as Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed EVs plus investment with a Timid nature allows Sceptile to best utilize its great Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow it to hit as hard as possible. Choice Specs boosts the power of Sceptile's attacks significantly, making it very difficult to switch into. Overgrow is chosen for the attack boost on Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, letting it hit even harder should it be down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game, it's generally best to spam Leaf Storm to break through the foe's bulkier Pokemon. However, use Leaf Storm conservatively when against Pokemon such as Scyther, Vivillon, and Skuntank, (AC) as the former two can use a -2 Sceptile to set up Swords Dance and Quiver Dance, respectively, while the latter can trap Sceptile with Pursuit. Giga Drain should be used in situations where the power that Leaf Storm provides is not necessary to revenge kill a foe, while also restoring any lost HP from various forms of chip damage. Prediction is key when playing around several Grass-resistant (add hyphen) Pokemon, so respond by using a coverage move on their predicted switch in. Sceptile should only be brought in on weak Scalds or with U-turn or Volt Switch support, as it does not have the bulk to directly switch in on even powerful resisted hits.

Team Options
========

Regirock, Rhydon, and Steelix switch into various Pokemon that can take advantage of Sceptile, such as Scyther, Skuntank, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Pyroar, while providing Stealth Rock support. Normal-types such as Kangaskhan and Tauros appreciate a good majority of their checks such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Quagsire being eliminated and both form a good wallbreaking duo with Sceptile. (if that's what you mean and not Khan + Tauros forming the duo) Stone Edge Gurdurr is an interesting partner for its ability to lure primarily Scyther (RC) while also breaking past Steel-types, letting Sceptile spam its Grass-type STAB moves with less risk. Jynx breaks past several answers to Sceptile such as Weezing, Garbodor, Vileplume, Rotom-S, Xatu, and Roselia, while Sceptile tears through the likes of Lanturn and Aurorus. Lanturn provides as a safe switch-in (add hyphen) to Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow (RC) while also potentially bringing being able to bring Sceptile safely with Volt Switch.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

White Herb plus Leaf Storm can be an alternative on Swords Dance sets to catch physically bulky Pokemon off guard (RC) while reliably activating Unburden. A SubSeed set has merit in wearing down bulkier foes such as Mega Audino, Weezing, and Magmortar (RC) and works well with Sceptile's high Speed and ability to force switches. Sunny Day can also be a decent option on sun teams, as Sceptile has the Speed to use it semi-reliably.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Weezing is one the more consistent answers to Sceptile, as it can switch in on both its special and physical sets thanks to its typing plus and Levitate, only really fearing a Choice Specs-boosted Leaf Storm and the rare yet sub-optimal and suboptimal Hidden Power Psychic, and either ("either X or Y") retaliate back (implied) with either Sludge Bomb or burn it with Will-O-Wisp. Other Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank can handle non-Earthquake variants and OHKO back with their STAB moves. Skuntank is also notable for its ability to trap Sceptile locked into Leaf Storm or Giga Drain with Pursuit. Vileplume and Roselia are also a decent answers, but they do not appreciate taking Hidden Power Ice or Acrobatics.

**Flying-types**: Swellow naturally outspeeds an unboosted Sceptile and can revenge kill it even if it's behind a Substitute with Boomburst. Other Flying-types such as Scyther and Vivillon threaten to OHKO Sceptile with their respective STAB moves and can also use Sceptile locked into either of its Grass STAB or moves and Focus Blast to get free setup opportunities. Rotom-S and Xatu also make fine switch-ins (add hyphen) to Sceptile thanks to their useful set of resistances. All of these Pokemon do have to watch out for Hidden Power Ice and the rare Rock Slide, (AC) though.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Assault Vest Hariyama when equipped with as Assault Vest can serves serve as decent one-time switch-in (add hyphen) to Sceptile's special sets, being able to take any hit and OHKO back with Close Combat. Mega Audino and Musharna are both not 2HKOed by even a Choice Specs Giga Drain, and can use take advantage of Sceptile to freely set up Calm Mind.

**Priority**: Priority users such as Shiftry and Skuntank can revenge kill a Sceptile with Sucker Punch (bc of the sub bit further on) should it be weakened enough; (SC) however, (AC) Sceptile can take advantage of this by using Substitute. Kangaskhan can pick off Sceptile with the combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch. Piloswine and Vanilluxe can also take down a weakened Sceptile with Ice Shard.

 

[frenzyplant]

2/2 :)

Hide

add remove (comments)

(Let me know if anything here is unclear.)

[OVERVIEW]

Sceptile is a superb offensive threat in the NU metagame thanks to its blistering Speed stat, notably letting it notably outspeed Tauros, Archeops, and Floatzel, and wide range of coverage options with good offenses to back it up. Its wide movepool allows it to run either special or physical sets, making it unpredictable and therefore difficult to switch into, and notably includes a powerful STAB move in Leaf Storm, allowing it to tear through common Pokemon found on balance teams. The combination of Swords Dance and Unburden also turns Sceptile into an incredible late-game sweeper, with the Speed boost provided from (either remove "provided" or change "from" to "by") Unburden making it virtually impossible to revenge kill outside of strong priority moves. Though Sceptile does come with substantial strengths, its mediocre overall bulk leaves it somewhat susceptible to priority and means that it cannot switch into any remotely powerful hit, even resisted, without taking large amounts of damage and leaves it somewhat susceptible to priority. (this was technically grammatically correct, but I changed it because the first item in the list is so long that the second becomes a little unclear)

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Leaf Storm / Focus Blast
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
item: Life Orb
ability: Overgrow
nature: Hasty / Naive
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a nice, consistent STAB move that restores some HP, somewhat (consider changing one of these to eliminate repetition) mitigating Life Orb recoil. Leaf Storm is a significantly stronger STAB move, dealing a great amount of damage against neutral targets at the cost of dropping Sceptile's Special Attack two stages. Focus Blast is an alternative that has nice coverage with Giga Drain, Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, (if Focus Blast is run there's only going to be one STAB move) hitting Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Klinklang while also OHKOing Pyroar and Tauros. Earthquake covers some important targets, most notably Poison- and Fire-types such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Magmortar, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice nets important coverage on Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL. Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire still hits Vivillon, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL and additionally hits Ferroseed, but it misses out on Altaria, Xatu, and Rotom-S. Hidden Power Fire should generally be used if Sceptile chooses to opt out of Focus Blast for Leaf Storm. Substitute eases prediction and prevents Sceptile from being revenge killed by priority moves, most notably Sucker Punch. If using Substitute, Sceptile should be using Focus Blast alongside Giga Drain with Focus Blast alongside it. (seems strange to mention Giga Drain first when Focus Blast has alternatives) Rock Slide is an option over Earthquake that mainly targets Scyther while still hitting Magmortar. Hidden Power Psychic is also an option to hit Weezing, Garbodor, and Vileplume and should be used alongside Rock Slide to attain great neutral coverage.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Speed-boosting nature allows Sceptile to make to most out of its fantastic Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow Sceptile to hit as hard as possible. A Hasty nature is used to preserve Sceptile's Attack and Special Defense, letting it take moves such as Scald and Volt Switch slightly better. A Naive nature is also an option for Sceptile to take physical priority from Pokemon such as Samurott and Kabutops a bit more comfortably. Life Orb is chosen to give a respectable increase in Sceptile's damage output while letting it switch between its moves. Overgrow makes Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves hit incredibly hard when it's down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Because of Sceptile's less-than-stellar bulk, it should generally be only brought in on weak Water- and Electric-type attacks or with U-turn or Volt Switch. Also watch out for status moves from Pokemon that Sceptile checks, (comma) such as Quagsire, Lanturn, and Regirock, as the former can cripple Sceptile with Toxic, while the latter two typically carry Thunder Wave, cutting Sceptile's Speed. Once Sceptile has been brought in, Giga Drain is generally a good move to use throughout the game, as the HP recovery essentially mitigates any Life Orb recoil and entry hazard damage and gives Sceptile incredible longevity. giving incredible sustain. (I think this is what you mean?) Be mindful when using Leaf Storm, as the Special Attack drop can cause make it easy to take advantage of Sceptile to be taken advantage of. While Grass resistant Pokemon are still healthy, use Sceptile's coverage moves to catch them on the switch. Substitute should generally be used on forced switches or a predicted status move. It can also be used to evade Sucker Punch, preventing foes such as Shiftry and Skuntank from revenge killing Sceptile.

Team Options
========

Archeops pairs very well with Sceptile, as Sceptile breaks past several answers to it, (comma) such as Rhydon, Samurott, Floatzel, Regirock, and Quagsire, while Archeops checks Vileplume, Vivillon, and Scyther. Xatu checks Poison-types such as Weezing, Roselia, Vileplume, and Garbodor and can bring in Sceptile safely with U-turn. Both of them together (repetition) perform well at keeping entry hazards off the field, as Sceptile threatens common Stealth Rock users such as Rhydon and Regirock, while Xatu fends off Spikes from the likes of Garbodor and Ferroseed. Mesprit functions in a similar manner, except it provides Stealth Rock and Healing Wish support over Magic Bounce, letting Sceptile play a bit more agressively. Jynx makes an excellent partner, breaking past Vileplume, Roselia, and Altaria while also threatening Poison-types, while Sceptile takes down Lanturn, Magmortar, and Skuntank. Lanturn can switch into Fire-types semi-reliably, (comma) as well as pivot into Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow and Vivillon, (comma) as well as and bring Sceptile in Sceptile safely via Volt Switch. Regirock is a good switch-in to various answers to Sceptile, (comma) such as Scyther, Vivillon, Pyroar, and Magmortar, (comma) and can provide additional support with Stealth Rock.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Leaf Blade
move 3: Acrobatics
move 4: Earthquake / Substitute
item: Sitrus Berry
ability: Unburden
nature: Adamant
evs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Swords Dance boosts Sceptile's Attack to respectable levels, letting it sweep weakened teams with ease. Leaf Blade is a reliable Grass-type (I don't think this is necessary) STAB move that hits decently hard, especially after a boost. Acrobatics has good neutral coverage alongside Leaf Blade, hitting Pokemon such as Vileplume, Lilligant, Scyther, and Vivillon. Earthquake nets additional coverage on Garbodor, Pyroar, Magmortar, Klinklang, and Mawile. Substitute prevents status moves from stopping Sceptile's sweep and lets it put itself into Sitrus Berry range, activating Unburden much more reliably. It also lets it Substitute also lets Sceptile avoid Sucker Punch from the likes of Shiftry and Cacturne.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread gives Sceptile enough Speed to outspeed Jolly Sawk, maximizes its Attack, and gives it supplementary bulk. Unburden is chosen to let Sceptile outspeed practically the whole unboosted metagame when its item is consumed, making it difficult to revenge kill outside of priority users. Sitrus Berry is chosen to give Sceptile some HP back from weak attacks or Substitute and is necessary to ensure Unburden activates. Liechi Berry is also an option that lessens the need for Sceptile to set up Swords Dance, though it makes it a bit more susceptible to priority. No item plus a spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature and Overgrow is also an option to give Sceptile more early- to and mid-game presence, due thanks to the increased Speed letting it pick off Pokemon such as Floatzel and Archeops.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game, (comma) while Sceptile's checks are still healthy, do not attempt to set up, but rather throw out an attack to wear down the foe. Once Sceptile's checks have been weakened enough, set it up on a Pokemon that cannot deal much damage back in return such as Lanturn, Claydol, and or Poliwrath by using Swords Dance or using Substitute to get to Sitrus Berry range and activate Unburden. Substitute can also be used to avoid status from Pokemon that Sceptile can set up on, (comma) such as Thunder Wave from Lanturn or Regirock, as well as to avoid being revenge killed by Sucker Punch users. If Sceptile is safely behind a Substitute, use this as an opportunity to set up Swords Dance. Do not utilize Unburden recklessly by switching into attacks that put Sceptile into Sitrus Berry range, as it the Speed boost only has a one-time use and is wasted if its Sceptile's checks are still healthy. If using an faster EV spread with more Speed investment, Sceptile can also double as a revenge killer to Pokemon such as Floatzel and weakened Archeops.

Team Options
========

Mesprit breaks past Weezing and Garbodor, two of the most consistent answers to this set, and, with Healing Wish, can give Sceptile a second shot at sweeping should it get weakened enough become weakened or crippled by status. Steelix works very well with this set, as it can switch into on and weaken several of Sceptile's checks, (comma) such as Garbodor, Skuntank, Scyther, Klinklang, and Mawile, (comma) while also providing Stealth Rock support, making it easier for Sceptile to clean late-game. Notably, Skuntank typically invites Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix in, all of which Sceptile can use to get free setup opportunities. It also provides Memento support, letting Sceptile set up with little issue. Jynx forms a great offensive core with Sceptile, blowing past the likes of Weezing, Vileplume, and Vivillon while a Sceptile, with a fast EV spread, with more Speed investment is able to outspeed and KO faster threats to Jynx such as Archeops, Tauros, and Pyroar. Jynx is also capable of putting a Pokemon to sleep with Lovely Kiss, potentially netting a free setup opportunity for Sceptile. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Sawk and Life Orb Samurott do an excellent job weakening bulky foes for Sceptile. Magmortar also gets a special mention for its ability to switch in on Vileplume and Vivillon.

[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Choice Specs
ability: Overgrow
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Leaf Storm is incredibly powerful when backed by Choice Specs, dealing incredible damage to neutral targets, but it comes at the cost of reliability. Giga Drain is a good secondary Grass-type STAB move that deals consistent damage and restores a portion of lost HP. Focus Blast mainly targets Grass-resistant Pokemon such as Klinklang, Ferroseed, Skuntank, and Pyroar. Hidden Power Ice rounds out Sceptile's coverage, targeting Pokemon such as Altaria, Xatu, Rotom-S, Vileplume, and Gourgeist-XL.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Sceptile to best utilize its great Speed tier, letting it outspeed Floatzel, Archeops, and Tauros, while maximum Special Attack EVs allow it to hit as hard as possible. Choice Specs boosts the power of Sceptile's attacks significantly, making it very difficult to switch into. Overgrow is chosen for the attack boost on power boost to Sceptile's Grass-type STAB moves, letting it hit even harder should it be down to a third of its HP or less.

Usage Tips
========

Early-game, it's generally best to spam Leaf Storm to break through the foe's bulkier Pokemon. However, use Leaf Storm conservatively when against Pokemon such as Scyther, Vivillon, and Skuntank, as the former two can use a -2 Sceptile to set up Swords Dance and Quiver Dance while the latter last can trap Sceptile with Pursuit. Giga Drain should be used in situations where the power that Leaf Storm provides is not necessary to revenge kill a foe, also restoring any lost HP from various forms of chip damage. (I feel this is unnecessary, unless you want to emphasize Giga Drain's use for recovering chip damage in particular, in which case I think it would be better to add something like "can recover lost HP from various forms of chip damage and" prior to "should be used") Prediction is key when playing around several Grass-resistant Pokemon, so respond by using a coverage move when you predict them to on their predicted (clarity) switch in. Sceptile should only be brought in on weak Scalds or with U-turn or Volt Switch support, as it does not have the bulk to directly switch into on even resisted powerful resisted hits.

Team Options
========

Regirock, Rhydon, and Steelix can switch into various Pokemon that can take advantage of Sceptile, such as Scyther, Skuntank, Garbodor, Magmortar, and Pyroar, while providing Stealth Rock support. Normal-types such as Kangaskhan and Tauros appreciate a good majority of their checks such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Quagsire being eliminated, (comma) and both Kangaskhan and Tauros can form a good wallbreaking duo with Sceptile. Stone Edge Gurdurr is an interesting partner for its ability to lure primarily Scyther while also breaking past Steel-types, letting Sceptile spam its Grass-type STAB moves with less risk. Jynx breaks past several answers to Sceptile, (comma) such as Weezing, Garbodor, Vileplume, Rotom-S, Xatu, and Roselia, while Sceptile tears through the likes of Lanturn and Aurorus. Lanturn provides a safe switch-in to Vivillon and Choice Specs Swellow while also being able to bring Sceptile safely into play with Volt Switch.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

White Herb plus Leaf Storm can be an alternative on Swords Dance sets to catch physically bulky Pokemon off guard while reliably activating Unburden. A SubSeed set has merit in wearing down bulkier foes such as Mega Audino, Weezing, and Magmortar and works well with Sceptile's high Speed and ability to force switches. Sunny Day can also be a decent option on sun teams, as Sceptile has the Speed to use it semi-reliably.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Poison-types**: Weezing is one the more consistent answers to Sceptile, as it can switch into on both its special and physical sets thanks to its typing and Levitate, only really fearing a Choice Specs-boosted Leaf Storm and the rare and suboptimal Hidden Power Psychic, and either retaliate with Sludge Bomb or burn it Sceptile with Will-O-Wisp. Other Poison-types such as Garbodor and Skuntank can handle non-Earthquake variants and OHKO back with their STAB moves. Skuntank is also notable for its ability to trap a Sceptile locked into Leaf Storm or Giga Drain with Pursuit. Vileplume and Roselia are also decent answers to Sceptile, but they do not appreciate taking Hidden Power Ice or Acrobatics.

**Flying-types**: Swellow naturally outspeeds an unboosted Sceptile and can revenge kill it with Boomburst even if it's behind a Substitute with Boomburst. Other Flying-types such as Scyther and Vivillon threaten to OHKO Sceptile with their respective STAB moves and can also use Sceptile locked into either of its STAB moves and a STAB move or Focus Blast to get free setup opportunities. Rotom-S and Xatu also make fine switch-ins to Sceptile thanks to their useful sets of resistances. All of these Pokemon do have to watch out for Hidden Power Ice and the rare Rock Slide, though.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Assault Vest Hariyama can serve as a decent one-time switch-in to Sceptile's special sets, being able to take any hit and OHKO back with Close Combat. Mega Audino and Musharna are both not 2HKOed by even a Choice Specs-boosted Giga Drain, and they can take advantage of Sceptile to freely set up Calm Mind.

**Priority**: Priority users such as Shiftry and Skuntank can revenge kill a Sceptile with Sucker Punch should it be weakened enough; however, Sceptile can take advantage of this by using Substitute. Kangaskhan can pick off Sceptile with the combination of Fake Out and Sucker Punch. Piloswine and Vanilluxe can also take down a weakened Sceptile with Ice Shard.

 

[Hootie]

Done

 

[boltsandbombers]

removed liechi berry

u p l o a d e d