[OVERVIEW]
High Attack and Speed make Scyther a potent offensive threat, and solid HP and defenses, especially when holding an Eviolite, provide Scyther with defensive utility as well, allowing it to switch into many of the tier's biggest threats such as Shiftry, Hariyama, Musharna, and Malamar. Scyther is also one of the best momentum grabbers in the tier with a strong and quick U-turn, especially when equipped with a Choice Scarf. With Choice Scarf, Scyther is a premier revenge killer, even outspeeding weather threats such as Swift Swim Ludicolo and Chlorophyll Victreebel. Scyther is also very versatile with the item it can run, as alongside Eviolite and Choice Scarf, it can use the Choice Band to become an incredibly powerful wallbreaker with its high Attack stat. From a defensive standpoint, its Bug / Flying typing allows Scyther to take powerful Fighting-type attacks from Pokemon such as Primeape and Hitmonchan; however, it makes Scyther 4x weak to Rock-type attacks and Stealth Rock. In a similar vein, despite 4x resisting both Grass and Fighting, Scyther is somewhat of an inconsistent check to Lilligant and Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Primeape, as all of these Pokemon commonly carry Rock-type coverage options. Its Bug / Flying typing also leaves Scyther weak to common attacking types such as Fire and Electric alongside Rock. Furthermore, if Scyther loses its Eviolite, it suddenly struggles to check the Pokemon it previously could with its increased bulk.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Roost
item: Eviolite
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Scyther to boost its Attack to extremely high levels. U-turn is used over a stronger alternative in Bug Bite, as it allows Scyther to weaken its checks such as Rhydon and Steelix so that it can break through more easily in the late-game. U-turn is Scyther's most spammable move early- and mid-game, and it is also useful for stopping bulky Psychic- and Dark-types such as boosted Musharna and Malamar once Scyther has a Swords Dance under its belt. Aerial Ace is the best cleaning tool Scyther has access to, and its impressive mono-attacking coverage makes it a consistent sweeping tool. Lastly, Roost lets Scyther stay healthy throughout a battle and increases its longevity.
Set Details
========
248 HP EVs provide Scyther with as much mixed bulk as possible while also ensuring that it can switch into Stealth Rock at least twice. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is crucial to make sure Scyther outspeeds everything it can to U-turn out or sweep late-game. Eviolite is used to increase Scyther's already impressive bulk. Technician boosts Scyther's main cleaning tool, Aerial Ace, to an impressive 90 Base Power. Alternatively, a spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe can be used, but this greatly decreases Scyther's bulk and the increase in Attack is only marginal after a Swords Dance boost is under its belt.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Scyther is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been weakened or eliminated, but setting up early-game and weakening your opponent's check with U-turn is also a viable option. Scyther does have a strong early- and mid-game presence, though, as U-turn allows it to keep up momentum even before an Attack boost. Try to avoid sending out Scyther when Stealth Rock is up on your side of the field, as losing 50% of its HP often means Scyther is forced to use Roost instead of U-turn or Swords Dance, losing momentum. It is usually best to click Roost when Scyther is low on health, when you are attempting to dodge a Sucker Punch, or when removing Scyther's Flying typing is beneficial. An example of this situation would be Roosting to make Scyther neutral to a Lanturn's or Rotom's Volt Switch. Roost can also be used to stall out foes inflicted with burn or toxic if this is preferable to outright attacking them, such as when facing a burned Garbodor or Skuntank to avoid Aftermath recoil.
Team Options
========
Volt Switch users such as Lanturn and Rotom make for excellent partners alongside Scyther, as they help each other grab momentum and form a potent VoltTurn core. Rotom in particular deserves a mention, as it can burn bulky Rock- and Steel-types that give Scyther trouble, such as Rhydon and Steelix. Lanturn has terrific defensive synergy with Scyther and also tends to bait in Grass-types, which Scyther can capitalize on. Shiftry provides Defog support and takes down Rhydon and Steelix, as well as removing Garbodor's and Weezing's items, which makes the former no longer able to punish Scyther for spamming U-turn and the latter easier to wear down throughout the battle. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Hitmonchan work well with Scyther, as they can break through the bulky Rock- and Steel-types that Scyther despises. Hitmonchan in particular works well with Scyther, as it can also Rapid Spin away Stealth Rock, which is a nuisance to Scyther. Powerful wallbreakers such as Swellow, Samurott, and Abomasnow are good partners for Scyther, as they appreciate the free switches that Scyther provides for them with U-turn. Spinners and Defoggers such as Kabutops, Mantine, Pelipper, and Prinplup are necessary partners alongside Scyther, as Scyther's crippling weakness to Stealth Rock hinders it greatly. Conversely, Scyther really appreciates entry hazards, in particular Spikes, as they wear down bulky Rock- and Steel-types with ease, especially in conjunction with U-turn. Hazard setters such as Omastar, Crustle, and Garbodor are all viable partners.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Aerial Ace
move 3: Knock Off / Pursuit
move 4: Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is the most spammable move on the set, providing momentum throughout the battle while also weakening Scyther's checks and counters such as Rhydon and Steelix. Aerial Ace provides good neutral coverage alongside U-turn and doesn't force Scyther to switch out. Knock Off hits most Pokemon that resist Scyther's STAB combination like Steelix, Rotom, and Klinklang hard, and it also has general utility in removing items and shortening bulkier Pokemon's longevity. Pursuit can be used over Knock Off if trapping Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Mesprit and Mismagius is more beneficial for the team. Quick Attack is a priority move boosted by Technician, and with a Choice Band it hits fairly hard. It is particularly useful for picking off faster weakened threats such as Pyroar, Floatzel, and Swellow.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Scyther to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the remaining 4 EVs are put into Defense instead of HP to allow Scyther to switch in on Stealth Rock at least twice. Technician powers up Aerial Ace while also making Pursuit fairly powerful. Choice Band is used to maximize Scyther's immediate power and has terrific synergy with U-turn.
Usage Tips
========
U-turn is the move you want to click most often, especially early-and mid-game, as it not only weakens Scyther's check and counters but also provides momentum. Scyther does not have access to reliable recovery in Roost and has only average bulk, so avoid switching it into anything other than resisted attacks such as Primeape's Close Combat and Lilligant's Giga Drain. Beware of crippling status moves such as Thunder Wave from Pokemon Scyther usually has little trouble switching in on, such as Xatu, Musharna, and Mesprit. Be very cautious when clicking Quick Attack, as being locked into it can often leave you at a disadvantage. It is best to use Pursuit when the opposing Pokemon doesn't threaten to either status or KO Scyther. For example, using Pursuit on a Rotom locked into Shadow Ball is usually safe, but clicking Pursuit versus a Rotom with Colbur Berry that can still burn or use Thunderbolt on Scyther is often suboptimal.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal support is necessary for Scyther, as it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and has no means of recovery, so Pokemon that can remove hazards such as Claydol, Mantine, Hitmonchan, and Prinplup are solid partners. Each of these hazard removers provides different alternate uses for Scyther, as Claydol can switch in on Rhydon, Garbodor and Weezing; Mantine and Prinplup have great defensive synergy with Scyther, and Hitmonchan breaks down bulky Rock- and Steel-types for Scyther. Scyther greatly appreciates having hazards on the opponent's side of the field, so hazard setters like Ferroseed, Steelix, and Garbodor work well. Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Rotom, Lanturn, and Swellow can form terrifying VoltTurn cores alongside Scyther that keep momentum up throughout a battle. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Hariyama are all fantastic partners alongside Scyther, as they can break through the Rock- and Steel-types that plague Scyther and appreciate the free switches it provides with U-turn. Since Choice Band Scyther is a solid wallbreaker in its own right, late-game cleaners such as Klinklang, Barbaracle, and Lilligant make for quality partners.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Aerial Ace
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Bug Bite / Tailwind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn provides momentum and weakens Scyther's checks and counters for later in the game. Choice Scarf Scyther has the quickest U-turn in the tier, which makes it a very reliable hit-and-run revenge killer. Aerial Ace is best used late-game once the opponent's team has been sufficiently weakened and when Scyther wants to attack without being forced to switch. Knock Off is useful for removing items, especially on bulkier Pokemon such as Rhydon and Steelix, allowing Scyther to easier combat them late-game. Knock Off also has utility in revenge killing non-Colbur Berry variants of Rotom. Bug Bite is a stronger alternative to U-turn that doesn't force Scyther to switch out but can often result in a loss in momentum. Tailwind can also be used as a last-ditch utility move to speed up your team for four turns, but beware of mindlessly clicking Tailwind, as it is not a move you want to be locked into.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed are used to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the remaining 4 EVs are placed in Defense over HP to ensure Scyther can switch into Stealth Rock at least twice throughout a battle. Technician provides a power boost to Scyther's strongest STAB moves, Aerial Ace and Bug Bite. A Jolly nature allows Choice Scarf Scyther to outpace common threats such as Choice Scarf Rotom, Choice Scarf Jynx, and +1 Lilligant. Choice Scarf lets Scyther outspeed almost the entire metagame and has solid synergy with U-turn.
Usage Tips
========
Because it lacks Eviolite and recovery, Choice Scarf Scyther can only rely on its average bulk to tank attacks, so avoid switching it in on strong neutral attacks when possible. U-turn is the move you should be clicking the most, especially early- and mid-game, as it provides momentum for the rest of the team and gets chip damage off on Scyther's checks. Beware of clicking Aerial Ace and Bug Bite early on in a battle, as it can result in a loss of momentum that your opponent can easily capitalize on. Late-game, once the opposing team has been weakened, is where Scyther shines, as it can use Aerial Ace or Bug Bite more freely and clean up teams. Avoid switching Scyther into Knock Off from Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Throh if revenge killing Floatzel, Swellow, and opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon is important. Tailwind is best used as a last-ditch effort once Scyther proves to no longer be useful, although you should beware of clicking Tailwind because being locked into it is very easy for an opponent to take advantage of.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that can punch through defensive cores, such as Choice Band Primeape, Samurott, and Magmortar, are amazing partners for Scyther, as they clear the way for it to sweep late-game. Primeape in particular forms an effective U-turn core with Scyther, allowing them to threaten each other's checks and counters. Entry hazard removal is key to Scyther's success, so Pokemon such as Pelipper, Xatu, and Hitmonchan are all good partners alongside Scyther. Scyther appreciates the chip damage that comes with having hazards on the opponent's side of the field, so Pokemon that can set them up like Omastar, Rhydon, and Cacturne work well. Pokemon with Volt Switch or U-turn such as Xatu and Lanturn make for excellent partners, as they keep momentum up throughout a battle. Choice Scarf Scyther sits in a terrifc Speed tier, so Pokemon that appreciate faster threats such as Swellow, Floatzel, and weather abusers being removed, like Aurorus and Choice Band Primeape, make for quality partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Brick Break is useful on Choice Band Scyther, as it gives Scyther a way to hit most Steel- and Rock-types super effectively, although due to its low Base Power and the naturally high Defense stat of most Steel- and Rock-types, it is usually better to just U-turn out. An offensive Eviolite set running maximum Attack and Speed gives Scyther better immediate damage output and more reliably OHKOes Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Mesprit, and Xatu after Stealth Rock damage, but the defensive utility that comes with the bulky Swords Dance set is often too useful to pass up. Baton Pass can be selected over U-turn on Swords Dance sets, as it allows Scyther to pass the +2 Attack boost to its teammates, although losing the super effective Bug-type coverage on Dark- and Psychic-types and the ability to weaken its own checks and counters often makes Baton Pass less effective than U-turn. Reversal is a neat coverage option for Choice sets, as once Scyther has switched into Stealth Rock twice, Reversal is an insanely powerful 200-Base Power Fighting-type attack that can surprise bulky Rock- and Steel-types that think they're safe against Scyther. Reversal is incredibly unreliable, though, as it can only be used when Scyther is at a very low amount of HP and is often a wasted coverage slot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock is extremely detrimental to Scyther's success, as Scyther is 4x weak to it. This weakness either causes Scyther to lose momentum by clicking Roost to stay healthy or severely hinders the Choice sets and prevents Scyther from clicking U-turn freely.
**Rock- and Steel-types**: Bulky Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix can switch into any of Scyther's attacks without much fear and can demolish it with a Rock-type attack, status it, or set up Stealth Rock.
**Knock Off**: Bulky Swords Dance Scyther requires its Eviolite to tank attacks like Kangaskhan's Double-Edge better, and the Choice sets are either too weak or too slow to fulfill their purpose on a team without their item.
**Bulky Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Weezing and Garbodor resist U-turn, and the former can cripple Scyther with Will-O-Wisp, while the latter can punish Scyther for using U-turn with Rocky Helmet and Aftermath damage. Garbodor can even run Rock Blast to directly beat Scyther, while Scyther has no counterplay against Weezing other than U-turning out and letting Weezing do what it pleases.
High Attack and Speed make Scyther a potent offensive threat, and solid HP and defenses, especially when holding an Eviolite, provide Scyther with defensive utility as well, allowing it to switch into many of the tier's biggest threats such as Shiftry, Hariyama, Musharna, and Malamar. Scyther is also one of the best momentum grabbers in the tier with a strong and quick U-turn, especially when equipped with a Choice Scarf. With Choice Scarf, Scyther is a premier revenge killer, even outspeeding weather threats such as Swift Swim Ludicolo and Chlorophyll Victreebel. Scyther is also very versatile with the item it can run, as alongside Eviolite and Choice Scarf, it can use the Choice Band to become an incredibly powerful wallbreaker with its high Attack stat. From a defensive standpoint, its Bug / Flying typing allows Scyther to take powerful Fighting-type attacks from Pokemon such as Primeape and Hitmonchan; however, it makes Scyther 4x weak to Rock-type attacks and Stealth Rock. In a similar vein, despite 4x resisting both Grass and Fighting, Scyther is somewhat of an inconsistent check to Lilligant and Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Primeape, as all of these Pokemon commonly carry Rock-type coverage options. Its Bug / Flying typing also leaves Scyther weak to common attacking types such as Fire and Electric alongside Rock. Furthermore, if Scyther loses its Eviolite, it suddenly struggles to check the Pokemon it previously could with its increased bulk.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Aerial Ace
move 4: Roost
item: Eviolite
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Scyther to boost its Attack to extremely high levels. U-turn is used over a stronger alternative in Bug Bite, as it allows Scyther to weaken its checks such as Rhydon and Steelix so that it can break through more easily in the late-game. U-turn is Scyther's most spammable move early- and mid-game, and it is also useful for stopping bulky Psychic- and Dark-types such as boosted Musharna and Malamar once Scyther has a Swords Dance under its belt. Aerial Ace is the best cleaning tool Scyther has access to, and its impressive mono-attacking coverage makes it a consistent sweeping tool. Lastly, Roost lets Scyther stay healthy throughout a battle and increases its longevity.
Set Details
========
248 HP EVs provide Scyther with as much mixed bulk as possible while also ensuring that it can switch into Stealth Rock at least twice. Maximum Speed with a Jolly nature is crucial to make sure Scyther outspeeds everything it can to U-turn out or sweep late-game. Eviolite is used to increase Scyther's already impressive bulk. Technician boosts Scyther's main cleaning tool, Aerial Ace, to an impressive 90 Base Power. Alternatively, a spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe can be used, but this greatly decreases Scyther's bulk and the increase in Attack is only marginal after a Swords Dance boost is under its belt.
Usage Tips
========
Swords Dance Scyther is best used as a late-game sweeper once its checks and counters have been weakened or eliminated, but setting up early-game and weakening your opponent's check with U-turn is also a viable option. Scyther does have a strong early- and mid-game presence, though, as U-turn allows it to keep up momentum even before an Attack boost. Try to avoid sending out Scyther when Stealth Rock is up on your side of the field, as losing 50% of its HP often means Scyther is forced to use Roost instead of U-turn or Swords Dance, losing momentum. It is usually best to click Roost when Scyther is low on health, when you are attempting to dodge a Sucker Punch, or when removing Scyther's Flying typing is beneficial. An example of this situation would be Roosting to make Scyther neutral to a Lanturn's or Rotom's Volt Switch. Roost can also be used to stall out foes inflicted with burn or toxic if this is preferable to outright attacking them, such as when facing a burned Garbodor or Skuntank to avoid Aftermath recoil.
Team Options
========
Volt Switch users such as Lanturn and Rotom make for excellent partners alongside Scyther, as they help each other grab momentum and form a potent VoltTurn core. Rotom in particular deserves a mention, as it can burn bulky Rock- and Steel-types that give Scyther trouble, such as Rhydon and Steelix. Lanturn has terrific defensive synergy with Scyther and also tends to bait in Grass-types, which Scyther can capitalize on. Shiftry provides Defog support and takes down Rhydon and Steelix, as well as removing Garbodor's and Weezing's items, which makes the former no longer able to punish Scyther for spamming U-turn and the latter easier to wear down throughout the battle. Fighting-types such as Primeape and Hitmonchan work well with Scyther, as they can break through the bulky Rock- and Steel-types that Scyther despises. Hitmonchan in particular works well with Scyther, as it can also Rapid Spin away Stealth Rock, which is a nuisance to Scyther. Powerful wallbreakers such as Swellow, Samurott, and Abomasnow are good partners for Scyther, as they appreciate the free switches that Scyther provides for them with U-turn. Spinners and Defoggers such as Kabutops, Mantine, Pelipper, and Prinplup are necessary partners alongside Scyther, as Scyther's crippling weakness to Stealth Rock hinders it greatly. Conversely, Scyther really appreciates entry hazards, in particular Spikes, as they wear down bulky Rock- and Steel-types with ease, especially in conjunction with U-turn. Hazard setters such as Omastar, Crustle, and Garbodor are all viable partners.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Aerial Ace
move 3: Knock Off / Pursuit
move 4: Quick Attack
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is the most spammable move on the set, providing momentum throughout the battle while also weakening Scyther's checks and counters such as Rhydon and Steelix. Aerial Ace provides good neutral coverage alongside U-turn and doesn't force Scyther to switch out. Knock Off hits most Pokemon that resist Scyther's STAB combination like Steelix, Rotom, and Klinklang hard, and it also has general utility in removing items and shortening bulkier Pokemon's longevity. Pursuit can be used over Knock Off if trapping Psychic- and Ghost-types such as Mesprit and Mismagius is more beneficial for the team. Quick Attack is a priority move boosted by Technician, and with a Choice Band it hits fairly hard. It is particularly useful for picking off faster weakened threats such as Pyroar, Floatzel, and Swellow.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Scyther to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the remaining 4 EVs are put into Defense instead of HP to allow Scyther to switch in on Stealth Rock at least twice. Technician powers up Aerial Ace while also making Pursuit fairly powerful. Choice Band is used to maximize Scyther's immediate power and has terrific synergy with U-turn.
Usage Tips
========
U-turn is the move you want to click most often, especially early-and mid-game, as it not only weakens Scyther's check and counters but also provides momentum. Scyther does not have access to reliable recovery in Roost and has only average bulk, so avoid switching it into anything other than resisted attacks such as Primeape's Close Combat and Lilligant's Giga Drain. Beware of crippling status moves such as Thunder Wave from Pokemon Scyther usually has little trouble switching in on, such as Xatu, Musharna, and Mesprit. Be very cautious when clicking Quick Attack, as being locked into it can often leave you at a disadvantage. It is best to use Pursuit when the opposing Pokemon doesn't threaten to either status or KO Scyther. For example, using Pursuit on a Rotom locked into Shadow Ball is usually safe, but clicking Pursuit versus a Rotom with Colbur Berry that can still burn or use Thunderbolt on Scyther is often suboptimal.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal support is necessary for Scyther, as it is 4x weak to Stealth Rock and has no means of recovery, so Pokemon that can remove hazards such as Claydol, Mantine, Hitmonchan, and Prinplup are solid partners. Each of these hazard removers provides different alternate uses for Scyther, as Claydol can switch in on Rhydon, Garbodor and Weezing; Mantine and Prinplup have great defensive synergy with Scyther, and Hitmonchan breaks down bulky Rock- and Steel-types for Scyther. Scyther greatly appreciates having hazards on the opponent's side of the field, so hazard setters like Ferroseed, Steelix, and Garbodor work well. Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Rotom, Lanturn, and Swellow can form terrifying VoltTurn cores alongside Scyther that keep momentum up throughout a battle. Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Hariyama are all fantastic partners alongside Scyther, as they can break through the Rock- and Steel-types that plague Scyther and appreciate the free switches it provides with U-turn. Since Choice Band Scyther is a solid wallbreaker in its own right, late-game cleaners such as Klinklang, Barbaracle, and Lilligant make for quality partners.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Aerial Ace
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Bug Bite / Tailwind
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn provides momentum and weakens Scyther's checks and counters for later in the game. Choice Scarf Scyther has the quickest U-turn in the tier, which makes it a very reliable hit-and-run revenge killer. Aerial Ace is best used late-game once the opponent's team has been sufficiently weakened and when Scyther wants to attack without being forced to switch. Knock Off is useful for removing items, especially on bulkier Pokemon such as Rhydon and Steelix, allowing Scyther to easier combat them late-game. Knock Off also has utility in revenge killing non-Colbur Berry variants of Rotom. Bug Bite is a stronger alternative to U-turn that doesn't force Scyther to switch out but can often result in a loss in momentum. Tailwind can also be used as a last-ditch utility move to speed up your team for four turns, but beware of mindlessly clicking Tailwind, as it is not a move you want to be locked into.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed are used to hit as hard and fast as possible, while the remaining 4 EVs are placed in Defense over HP to ensure Scyther can switch into Stealth Rock at least twice throughout a battle. Technician provides a power boost to Scyther's strongest STAB moves, Aerial Ace and Bug Bite. A Jolly nature allows Choice Scarf Scyther to outpace common threats such as Choice Scarf Rotom, Choice Scarf Jynx, and +1 Lilligant. Choice Scarf lets Scyther outspeed almost the entire metagame and has solid synergy with U-turn.
Usage Tips
========
Because it lacks Eviolite and recovery, Choice Scarf Scyther can only rely on its average bulk to tank attacks, so avoid switching it in on strong neutral attacks when possible. U-turn is the move you should be clicking the most, especially early- and mid-game, as it provides momentum for the rest of the team and gets chip damage off on Scyther's checks. Beware of clicking Aerial Ace and Bug Bite early on in a battle, as it can result in a loss of momentum that your opponent can easily capitalize on. Late-game, once the opposing team has been weakened, is where Scyther shines, as it can use Aerial Ace or Bug Bite more freely and clean up teams. Avoid switching Scyther into Knock Off from Fighting-types such as Hariyama and Throh if revenge killing Floatzel, Swellow, and opposing Choice Scarf Pokemon is important. Tailwind is best used as a last-ditch effort once Scyther proves to no longer be useful, although you should beware of clicking Tailwind because being locked into it is very easy for an opponent to take advantage of.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers that can punch through defensive cores, such as Choice Band Primeape, Samurott, and Magmortar, are amazing partners for Scyther, as they clear the way for it to sweep late-game. Primeape in particular forms an effective U-turn core with Scyther, allowing them to threaten each other's checks and counters. Entry hazard removal is key to Scyther's success, so Pokemon such as Pelipper, Xatu, and Hitmonchan are all good partners alongside Scyther. Scyther appreciates the chip damage that comes with having hazards on the opponent's side of the field, so Pokemon that can set them up like Omastar, Rhydon, and Cacturne work well. Pokemon with Volt Switch or U-turn such as Xatu and Lanturn make for excellent partners, as they keep momentum up throughout a battle. Choice Scarf Scyther sits in a terrifc Speed tier, so Pokemon that appreciate faster threats such as Swellow, Floatzel, and weather abusers being removed, like Aurorus and Choice Band Primeape, make for quality partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Brick Break is useful on Choice Band Scyther, as it gives Scyther a way to hit most Steel- and Rock-types super effectively, although due to its low Base Power and the naturally high Defense stat of most Steel- and Rock-types, it is usually better to just U-turn out. An offensive Eviolite set running maximum Attack and Speed gives Scyther better immediate damage output and more reliably OHKOes Pokemon such as Kangaskhan, Mesprit, and Xatu after Stealth Rock damage, but the defensive utility that comes with the bulky Swords Dance set is often too useful to pass up. Baton Pass can be selected over U-turn on Swords Dance sets, as it allows Scyther to pass the +2 Attack boost to its teammates, although losing the super effective Bug-type coverage on Dark- and Psychic-types and the ability to weaken its own checks and counters often makes Baton Pass less effective than U-turn. Reversal is a neat coverage option for Choice sets, as once Scyther has switched into Stealth Rock twice, Reversal is an insanely powerful 200-Base Power Fighting-type attack that can surprise bulky Rock- and Steel-types that think they're safe against Scyther. Reversal is incredibly unreliable, though, as it can only be used when Scyther is at a very low amount of HP and is often a wasted coverage slot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock is extremely detrimental to Scyther's success, as Scyther is 4x weak to it. This weakness either causes Scyther to lose momentum by clicking Roost to stay healthy or severely hinders the Choice sets and prevents Scyther from clicking U-turn freely.
**Rock- and Steel-types**: Bulky Rock- and Steel-type Pokemon such as Rhydon, Regirock, and Steelix can switch into any of Scyther's attacks without much fear and can demolish it with a Rock-type attack, status it, or set up Stealth Rock.
**Knock Off**: Bulky Swords Dance Scyther requires its Eviolite to tank attacks like Kangaskhan's Double-Edge better, and the Choice sets are either too weak or too slow to fulfill their purpose on a team without their item.
**Bulky Poison-types**: Bulky Poison-types such as Weezing and Garbodor resist U-turn, and the former can cripple Scyther with Will-O-Wisp, while the latter can punish Scyther for using U-turn with Rocky Helmet and Aftermath damage. Garbodor can even run Rock Blast to directly beat Scyther, while Scyther has no counterplay against Weezing other than U-turning out and letting Weezing do what it pleases.
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