Status: Finished
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/skarmory
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[Spiker] *new*
<p>Skarmory is a handy support Pokemon and a great physical wall thanks to its great resistances and high Defense stat. Furthermore, Skarmory now has Roost for its recovery move when compared to earlier generations when it settled for the move Rest.</p>
<p>Brave Bird lets Skarmory deal damage when called for, especially against the likes of bulky attackers like Gyarados. Drill Peck is another choice if Skarmory doesn't enjoy the recoil from Brave Bird. Roost lets Skarmory recover HP and remove its Flying-type for one turn in order to reduce damage from normal effective attacks like Stone Edge and ThunderPunch.</p>
<p>A team should take advantage of Skarmory using Spikes because there aren't many effective Spike users, whereas Stealth Rock is learned by many competent Pokemon. However, in situational cases, Stealth Rock could be used over Spikes. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to force out attackers that are using stat raising moves and rack up entry hazard damage.</p>
<p>Shed Shell allows Skarmory to escape from trappers like Magnezone, while Leftovers will give Skarmory better tanking abilities and heal Brave Bird recoil.</p>
<p>Skarmory enjoys someone who takes special hits from it. Blissey and Latias are often seen paired with Skarmory, as they can easily sponge the special attacks dished at Skarmory. Pokemon that resist Skarmory's main weaknesses also do well alongside it. Swampert, for example, resists Fire- and is immune to Electric-type attacks, plus has the ability to provide Stealth Rock support useful in allowing Skarmory to use Whirlwind all the more effectively.</p>
<p>Skarmory benefits from sandstorm, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth Rock in order to shuffle through teams more effectively. A Ghost-type spin blocker like Rotom-A or Spiritomb is highly recommended on any team using Skarmory to prevent entry hazard removal.</p>
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[Taunt] *new*
<p>Taunt completely shuts down the opponent from setting up, which allows Skarmory to wear the opponent down easily with Toxic. Taunt also prevents defensive Pokémon like Foretress and Skarmory from setting up their own hazards, forcing them to Struggle or switch out.</p>
<p>Roost keeps Skarmory's HP high and helps against Choice Band Tyranitar's Stone Edge, and other non-boosted moves. With Skarmory running more Speed and less Defense, it has to watch out for Scizor because it can deal up to 83% with Superpower on the Roost.</p>
<p>On the final slot, Spikes is perhaps the most preferred, as it allows Skarmory to set up easily while defensive Pokemon are forced to attack with weaker moves due to Taunt. Spikes can force switches and rack up hazard damage with the Taunt and Toxic combination. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to scout and rack up entry hazard damage. Finally, Brave Bird allows Skarmory to hit Taunt Gyarados and Heracross trying to grab the Guts boost.</p>
<p>The selected EV spread allows Skarmory to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar. The rest of the EVs are designed to help Skarmory take physical hits better, especially from RestTalk Gyarados.</p>
<p>Hippowdon works well when paired with Skarmory because it provides residual damage. Vaporeon with Hidden Power Electric or Swampert that can take on similar threats will work to ward off Gyarados, Salamence, Infernape, and Heatran. Special tanks like Blissey and Latias work almost as well paired with this set when taking special hits. Choice Scarfed Pokemon with Fire-type attacks like Heatran or Rotom-A, also work well with this set to take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types. It should be noted that in any Skarmory versus Heracross situation, it is best to scout with a slow Roost (should you be over about 70% health) first to ensure the proper switch-in.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/skarmory
- Added Spiker concise
- Added Taunt concise
[Spiker]
<p>This set has become the new DPP standard for Skarmory. Roost gives Skarmory improved tanking ability compared to Advance, when its only recovery methods were Rest and Leftovers. This, when compared with the fact that physical attackers have grown much more powerful this generation, makes it an appropriate physical wall and support Pokemon.</p>
<p>Brave Bird is there to let Skarmory deal damage when called for, especially against the likes of bulky attackers like Gyarados. Drill Peck, a more conservative choice, may seem appropriate to retain some HP, however it is not recommended, as your damage output will be significantly reduced thanks to Skarmory's mediocre Attack stat. If, however, Shed Shell is the preferred item choice, the recoil from Brave Bird may take a toll on Skarmory, so Drill Peck is a suitable replacement. Roost lets Skarmory recover HP taken by switching in or setting up entry hazards. In situations where Skarmory is faster than its opponent, Skarmory can also use Roost to remove its Flying-type for the rest of the turn in order to reduce damage from normally effective attacks like Stone Edge and ThunderPunch.</p>
<p>The choice between Spikes and Stealth Rock depends on your team and your preferences. Spikes takes longer to fully set up, but will do more damage to things that aren't weak to Rock. If you have problems with powerful sweepers weak to Rock like Gyarados or Salamence, Stealth Rock is the recommended choice. Keep in mind that Stealth Rock is learned by many competent Pokémon, whereas there are few good Spikers. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to force out attackers that are using stat raising moves and simultaneously makes whatever comes in take damage from Spikes or Stealth Rock. If whatever is forced out is ineffective at doing damage to Skarmory, you can either use Whirlwind again or attack with Brave Bird.</p>
<p>Your choice of item is largely dependent on how hesitant you are in allowing Magnezone to switch in and KO you, and how conservative you are to scout the opponent's team before bringing Skarmory in. Leftovers will give Skarmory better tanking abilities and heal Brave Bird recoil, while Shed Shell will allow Skarmory to give Magnezone (or the rare Probopass) the slip. Although Leftovers has become the widely popular choice, Shed Shell is recommended should you not be extremely careful upon bringing Skarmory in. While unlikely, Shed Shell can also prevent rare trapping Pokemon from walking all over you, such as Mean Look + Baton Pass Umbreon or Absol.</p>
<p>Maximum HP is a must on any Skarmory to allow it better walling capabilities against both special and physical attacks. 64 Attack EVs allow Skarmory to 2HKO offensive Gyarados if it has taken Stealth Rock damage (assuming Skarmory has not been Intimidated) and will also OHKO Infernape switch-ins. The given Attack EVs also allow Skarmory to KO most Lucario after a Defense drop from Close Combat and one Life Orb recoil. 16 Speed EVs grant Skarmory the ability to outrun maximum Speed Adamant Rhyperior, allowing it to Roost stall its Stone Edge. The remaining EVs are delegated to Defense.</p>
<p>Although it would seem Skarmory's defensive abilities and natural resistances could fit on nearly any team, one without the proper immediate response to its counters, or one not able to take full advantage of its utility will find Skarmory's performance mildly underwhelming. Any team with a Skarmory in the wings should have the utmost reliability in taking special hits often fired at it, as well as the ability to handle common counters and weaknesses Skarmory provides. For these reasons are why specially dependable Pokemon like Blissey and Latias are often seen paired with Skarmory, as they can take advantage of the special attacker switch-ins. Pokemon that resist Skarmory's main weaknesses also do well alongside it. Swampert, for example, resists Fire- and is immune to Electric-type attacks, plus has the ability to provide Stealth Rock support useful in allowing Skarmory to use Whirlwind all the more effectively.</p>
<p>Offensive teams will most likely find Skarmory's meager offensive presence unworthy of use, and teams without the ability to shuffle an opponent's Pokemon with pseudo-hazing moves like Roar and Whirlwind will also likely find Skarmory's utility disappointing. For these reasons, the best support for Skarmory is one that acts similarly in an attempt to wear down the opponent's Pokemon through indirect damage, most frequently defined as stall. A combination of other entry hazards and pseudo-hazing moves, damaging weather effects, and unbreakable defensive abilities will likely leave your opponent in a bad spot. In a similar vein, a Ghost-type is also recommended on any team using Skarmory to prevent Rapid Spin from ruining your attempts at setting up Spikes and Stealth Rock.</p>
<p>This set has become the new DPP standard for Skarmory. Roost gives Skarmory improved tanking ability compared to Advance, when its only recovery methods were Rest and Leftovers. This, when compared with the fact that physical attackers have grown much more powerful this generation, makes it an appropriate physical wall and support Pokemon.</p>
<p>Brave Bird is there to let Skarmory deal damage when called for, especially against the likes of bulky attackers like Gyarados. Drill Peck, a more conservative choice, may seem appropriate to retain some HP, however it is not recommended, as your damage output will be significantly reduced thanks to Skarmory's mediocre Attack stat. If, however, Shed Shell is the preferred item choice, the recoil from Brave Bird may take a toll on Skarmory, so Drill Peck is a suitable replacement. Roost lets Skarmory recover HP taken by switching in or setting up entry hazards. In situations where Skarmory is faster than its opponent, Skarmory can also use Roost to remove its Flying-type for the rest of the turn in order to reduce damage from normally effective attacks like Stone Edge and ThunderPunch.</p>
<p>The choice between Spikes and Stealth Rock depends on your team and your preferences. Spikes takes longer to fully set up, but will do more damage to things that aren't weak to Rock. If you have problems with powerful sweepers weak to Rock like Gyarados or Salamence, Stealth Rock is the recommended choice. Keep in mind that Stealth Rock is learned by many competent Pokémon, whereas there are few good Spikers. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to force out attackers that are using stat raising moves and simultaneously makes whatever comes in take damage from Spikes or Stealth Rock. If whatever is forced out is ineffective at doing damage to Skarmory, you can either use Whirlwind again or attack with Brave Bird.</p>
<p>Your choice of item is largely dependent on how hesitant you are in allowing Magnezone to switch in and KO you, and how conservative you are to scout the opponent's team before bringing Skarmory in. Leftovers will give Skarmory better tanking abilities and heal Brave Bird recoil, while Shed Shell will allow Skarmory to give Magnezone (or the rare Probopass) the slip. Although Leftovers has become the widely popular choice, Shed Shell is recommended should you not be extremely careful upon bringing Skarmory in. While unlikely, Shed Shell can also prevent rare trapping Pokemon from walking all over you, such as Mean Look + Baton Pass Umbreon or Absol.</p>
<p>Maximum HP is a must on any Skarmory to allow it better walling capabilities against both special and physical attacks. 64 Attack EVs allow Skarmory to 2HKO offensive Gyarados if it has taken Stealth Rock damage (assuming Skarmory has not been Intimidated) and will also OHKO Infernape switch-ins. The given Attack EVs also allow Skarmory to KO most Lucario after a Defense drop from Close Combat and one Life Orb recoil. 16 Speed EVs grant Skarmory the ability to outrun maximum Speed Adamant Rhyperior, allowing it to Roost stall its Stone Edge. The remaining EVs are delegated to Defense.</p>
<p>Although it would seem Skarmory's defensive abilities and natural resistances could fit on nearly any team, one without the proper immediate response to its counters, or one not able to take full advantage of its utility will find Skarmory's performance mildly underwhelming. Any team with a Skarmory in the wings should have the utmost reliability in taking special hits often fired at it, as well as the ability to handle common counters and weaknesses Skarmory provides. For these reasons are why specially dependable Pokemon like Blissey and Latias are often seen paired with Skarmory, as they can take advantage of the special attacker switch-ins. Pokemon that resist Skarmory's main weaknesses also do well alongside it. Swampert, for example, resists Fire- and is immune to Electric-type attacks, plus has the ability to provide Stealth Rock support useful in allowing Skarmory to use Whirlwind all the more effectively.</p>
<p>Offensive teams will most likely find Skarmory's meager offensive presence unworthy of use, and teams without the ability to shuffle an opponent's Pokemon with pseudo-hazing moves like Roar and Whirlwind will also likely find Skarmory's utility disappointing. For these reasons, the best support for Skarmory is one that acts similarly in an attempt to wear down the opponent's Pokemon through indirect damage, most frequently defined as stall. A combination of other entry hazards and pseudo-hazing moves, damaging weather effects, and unbreakable defensive abilities will likely leave your opponent in a bad spot. In a similar vein, a Ghost-type is also recommended on any team using Skarmory to prevent Rapid Spin from ruining your attempts at setting up Spikes and Stealth Rock.</p>
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[Spiker] *new*
<p>Skarmory is a handy support Pokemon and a great physical wall thanks to its great resistances and high Defense stat. Furthermore, Skarmory now has Roost for its recovery move when compared to earlier generations when it settled for the move Rest.</p>
<p>Brave Bird lets Skarmory deal damage when called for, especially against the likes of bulky attackers like Gyarados. Drill Peck is another choice if Skarmory doesn't enjoy the recoil from Brave Bird. Roost lets Skarmory recover HP and remove its Flying-type for one turn in order to reduce damage from normal effective attacks like Stone Edge and ThunderPunch.</p>
<p>A team should take advantage of Skarmory using Spikes because there aren't many effective Spike users, whereas Stealth Rock is learned by many competent Pokemon. However, in situational cases, Stealth Rock could be used over Spikes. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to force out attackers that are using stat raising moves and rack up entry hazard damage.</p>
<p>Shed Shell allows Skarmory to escape from trappers like Magnezone, while Leftovers will give Skarmory better tanking abilities and heal Brave Bird recoil.</p>
<p>Skarmory enjoys someone who takes special hits from it. Blissey and Latias are often seen paired with Skarmory, as they can easily sponge the special attacks dished at Skarmory. Pokemon that resist Skarmory's main weaknesses also do well alongside it. Swampert, for example, resists Fire- and is immune to Electric-type attacks, plus has the ability to provide Stealth Rock support useful in allowing Skarmory to use Whirlwind all the more effectively.</p>
<p>Skarmory benefits from sandstorm, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth Rock in order to shuffle through teams more effectively. A Ghost-type spin blocker like Rotom-A or Spiritomb is highly recommended on any team using Skarmory to prevent entry hazard removal.</p>
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[Taunt]
<p>One of Spiking Skarmory's biggest problems has always been dealing with that last Pokémon, especially if it's utilizing a stat-upping move, such as Curse Snorlax, Tyranitar, or Swampert, as well as dealing with Rest Gyarados, among others. This set tries to rectify the problem through the use of the move Taunt. This particular set also has its uses against stall teams.</p>
<p>Taunt has several attractive qualities. First of all, it stops the opponent from setting up with their stat-up moves. This allows Skarmory to wear the opponent down rather easily with Toxic, while Taunt also stops the opponent from using Rest, Heal Bell, or Aromatherapy which would otherwise stop the set rather quickly, meaning Skarmory can beat Curse Snorlax and Tyranitar relatively easily, as well as beating a myriad of other Pokémon. It also means that the opponent's Pokémon cannot use healing moves such as Recover, which results in a quicker loss for their team. Taunt means opposing defensive Pokémon cannot set up their own hazards, which stops Pokémon such as Forretress from doing anything pretty easily. It also means opposing Skarmory will be forced to use Brave Bird, and eventually be forced to use Struggle as your own Skarmory will be able to outspeed and consistently Taunt. Toxic has the extra advantage of crippling common switch-ins such as Zapdos badly, making it much easier to take out as you switch to your designated counter.
Roost keeps Skarmory's HP topped up and helps against Choice Band Tyranitar's Stone Edge, and other non-boosted moves. One should be careful however, due to Skarmory running more Speed it is also easier for opposing Scizor to damage it with Superpower on the Roost, hitting it for super effective damage and allowing Scizor to do upwards of 83% damage.</p>
<p>Many moves can go in the last slot. Spikes is perhaps the most preferred, as it allows Skarmory to make more use of the turns where the opponent is attacking and doing mediocre damage due to Taunt. Spikes also helps break opposing stall teams; Skarmory can force switches with the Taunt and Toxic combination, which then racks up Spiking damage. This also potentially gives Skarmory a good chance at poisoning more of the opponent's team, limiting their walling ability. Whirlwind however, allows Skarmory to scout and rack up any potential entry hazard damage placed by the rest of the team. Finally, Brave Bird means that Skarmory can hit Infernape for high damage on the switch-in, as well as helping against Heracross who may want to grab a Guts boost.</p>
<p>The selected EV spread allows Skarmory to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar. 252 EVs are placed into HP for overall defensive ability, and the remainder are placed into Defense, which allows Skarmory to take hits like RestTalk Gyarados' Waterfall much easier.</p>
<p>This Skarmory works well with 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe Jolly Gliscor, who beats out Choice Band Heracross and Swords Dance Lucario; two Pokemon who will come in on Skarmory with glee (Lucario being immune to Toxic and Heracross absorbing it with Guts). Gliscor also sets up Stealth Rock to work in a similar fashion of slowly weakening the opponent. A STAB Earthquake and Electric-type resistance are also helpful against Pokemon like Jirachi and Jolteon, respectively. Along with these Pokemon, Gliscor can also handle select trouble Pokemon to this Skarmory, some examples being defensive Zapdos without Hidden Power Ice (Heat Wave is likely a 3HKO, while Hidden Power Ice has the possibility of OHKOing), and a Choice-locked Electric-type attack.</p>
<p>Residual damage also puts this set at a huge advantage, so naturally, Hippowdon works well when paired with it. Hippowdon does, however, have a bigger problem with Heracross and Lucario, as it can't outspeed either. Vaporeon with Hidden Power Electric or another bulky Water-type that can take on similar threats will work to ward off Gyarados, Salamence, and assorted Fire-types like Infernape and Heatran. Special tanks like Blissey and Latias work almost as well paired with this set as the last two, however one will have trouble with Heracross. Choice Scarfed Pokemon with Fire-type attacks (Heatran, Zapdos) also work well with this set to take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types. It should be noted that in any Skarmory VS Heracross situation, it is best to scout with a slow Roost (should you be over about 70% health) first to ensure the proper switch-in.</p>
<p>One of Spiking Skarmory's biggest problems has always been dealing with that last Pokémon, especially if it's utilizing a stat-upping move, such as Curse Snorlax, Tyranitar, or Swampert, as well as dealing with Rest Gyarados, among others. This set tries to rectify the problem through the use of the move Taunt. This particular set also has its uses against stall teams.</p>
<p>Taunt has several attractive qualities. First of all, it stops the opponent from setting up with their stat-up moves. This allows Skarmory to wear the opponent down rather easily with Toxic, while Taunt also stops the opponent from using Rest, Heal Bell, or Aromatherapy which would otherwise stop the set rather quickly, meaning Skarmory can beat Curse Snorlax and Tyranitar relatively easily, as well as beating a myriad of other Pokémon. It also means that the opponent's Pokémon cannot use healing moves such as Recover, which results in a quicker loss for their team. Taunt means opposing defensive Pokémon cannot set up their own hazards, which stops Pokémon such as Forretress from doing anything pretty easily. It also means opposing Skarmory will be forced to use Brave Bird, and eventually be forced to use Struggle as your own Skarmory will be able to outspeed and consistently Taunt. Toxic has the extra advantage of crippling common switch-ins such as Zapdos badly, making it much easier to take out as you switch to your designated counter.
Roost keeps Skarmory's HP topped up and helps against Choice Band Tyranitar's Stone Edge, and other non-boosted moves. One should be careful however, due to Skarmory running more Speed it is also easier for opposing Scizor to damage it with Superpower on the Roost, hitting it for super effective damage and allowing Scizor to do upwards of 83% damage.</p>
<p>Many moves can go in the last slot. Spikes is perhaps the most preferred, as it allows Skarmory to make more use of the turns where the opponent is attacking and doing mediocre damage due to Taunt. Spikes also helps break opposing stall teams; Skarmory can force switches with the Taunt and Toxic combination, which then racks up Spiking damage. This also potentially gives Skarmory a good chance at poisoning more of the opponent's team, limiting their walling ability. Whirlwind however, allows Skarmory to scout and rack up any potential entry hazard damage placed by the rest of the team. Finally, Brave Bird means that Skarmory can hit Infernape for high damage on the switch-in, as well as helping against Heracross who may want to grab a Guts boost.</p>
<p>The selected EV spread allows Skarmory to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar. 252 EVs are placed into HP for overall defensive ability, and the remainder are placed into Defense, which allows Skarmory to take hits like RestTalk Gyarados' Waterfall much easier.</p>
<p>This Skarmory works well with 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe Jolly Gliscor, who beats out Choice Band Heracross and Swords Dance Lucario; two Pokemon who will come in on Skarmory with glee (Lucario being immune to Toxic and Heracross absorbing it with Guts). Gliscor also sets up Stealth Rock to work in a similar fashion of slowly weakening the opponent. A STAB Earthquake and Electric-type resistance are also helpful against Pokemon like Jirachi and Jolteon, respectively. Along with these Pokemon, Gliscor can also handle select trouble Pokemon to this Skarmory, some examples being defensive Zapdos without Hidden Power Ice (Heat Wave is likely a 3HKO, while Hidden Power Ice has the possibility of OHKOing), and a Choice-locked Electric-type attack.</p>
<p>Residual damage also puts this set at a huge advantage, so naturally, Hippowdon works well when paired with it. Hippowdon does, however, have a bigger problem with Heracross and Lucario, as it can't outspeed either. Vaporeon with Hidden Power Electric or another bulky Water-type that can take on similar threats will work to ward off Gyarados, Salamence, and assorted Fire-types like Infernape and Heatran. Special tanks like Blissey and Latias work almost as well paired with this set as the last two, however one will have trouble with Heracross. Choice Scarfed Pokemon with Fire-type attacks (Heatran, Zapdos) also work well with this set to take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types. It should be noted that in any Skarmory VS Heracross situation, it is best to scout with a slow Roost (should you be over about 70% health) first to ensure the proper switch-in.</p>
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[Taunt] *new*
<p>Taunt completely shuts down the opponent from setting up, which allows Skarmory to wear the opponent down easily with Toxic. Taunt also prevents defensive Pokémon like Foretress and Skarmory from setting up their own hazards, forcing them to Struggle or switch out.</p>
<p>Roost keeps Skarmory's HP high and helps against Choice Band Tyranitar's Stone Edge, and other non-boosted moves. With Skarmory running more Speed and less Defense, it has to watch out for Scizor because it can deal up to 83% with Superpower on the Roost.</p>
<p>On the final slot, Spikes is perhaps the most preferred, as it allows Skarmory to set up easily while defensive Pokemon are forced to attack with weaker moves due to Taunt. Spikes can force switches and rack up hazard damage with the Taunt and Toxic combination. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to scout and rack up entry hazard damage. Finally, Brave Bird allows Skarmory to hit Taunt Gyarados and Heracross trying to grab the Guts boost.</p>
<p>The selected EV spread allows Skarmory to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar. The rest of the EVs are designed to help Skarmory take physical hits better, especially from RestTalk Gyarados.</p>
<p>Hippowdon works well when paired with Skarmory because it provides residual damage. Vaporeon with Hidden Power Electric or Swampert that can take on similar threats will work to ward off Gyarados, Salamence, Infernape, and Heatran. Special tanks like Blissey and Latias work almost as well paired with this set when taking special hits. Choice Scarfed Pokemon with Fire-type attacks like Heatran or Rotom-A, also work well with this set to take care of the aforementioned Fighting-types. It should be noted that in any Skarmory versus Heracross situation, it is best to scout with a slow Roost (should you be over about 70% health) first to ensure the proper switch-in.</p>
