Skarmory

[haxiom]

Skarmory

[QC 2/3] -- Sweep / Fireburn / shrang
[GP 2/2] -- P Squared / The Dutch Plumberjack

[OVERVIEW]

Skarmory is an effective support Pokemon in Ubers, having access to moves such as Spikes, Stealth Rock, Defog, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Toxic. It also has reliable recovery in Roost, which is something that a lot of Steel-types lack. It has an exceptional typing that grants it ten resistances and two immunities, and it has solid physical bulk. Because of all this, Skarmory is able to check many threats, such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Mega Salamence, Primal Groudon without a Fire-type move, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Mewtwo X. It can also run a viable specially defensive set that allows it to check Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, making it a great Spikes setter. Its ability is not useless either and can allow Skarmory to phaze a threat like Geomancy Xerneas in a pinch. It also benefits from the decline of Electric-types and Palkia. However, it is on the frailer side in terms of special bulk, and it has little offensive presence, making it Taunt bait.


[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold

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

Roost is a mandatory move that offers reliable recovery. Spikes, a move that few Pokemon have access to in Ubers, punishes the Pokemon that Skarmory walls. Toxic allows Skarmory to put a timer on the Pokemon it checks, such as Primal Groudon, and is especially useful in a scenario where phazing is not possible because the opposing Pokemon is the last one left. Whirlwind phazes setup sweepers, namely Mega Salamence, Extreme Killer Arceus, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, and some Rock Polish Primal Groudon. Stealth Rock can be used if no other teammate can use it, but Skarmory strongly prefers running the more exclusive Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum EV investment in HP and Defense allows Skarmory to better take on the physical attackers it needs to stop. Leftovers is the item of choice, as its passive recovery increases Skarmory's longevity. Shed Shell is another viable item, allowing Skarmory to escape from Mega Gengar and other Shadow Tag users. Rocky Helmet is a possible item that gets nice chip damage on foes such as Extreme Killer Arceus, but this is generally not as helpful as Leftovers recovery. Running a physically defensive spread enables Skarmory to primarily check strong physical attackers, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Salamence, and some Primal Groudon, by means of phazing and Toxic stall, as well as to set up Spikes against these Pokemon and punish switches accordingly.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Skarmory into foes it walls, and if the opposing Pokemon is directly threatening via setup, phaze it with Whirlwind. However, if a foe is not setting up or does not pose an immediate threat, Skarmory can take this as an opportunity to spread Toxic and set up Spikes. It should also try to keep healthy with Roost, as if it is too worn down, it can be overwhelmed.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a good teammate for Skarmory, as it checks Xerneas, Kyogre, and Zekrom, all of which threaten Skarmory. Skarmory also appreciates Pokemon that can deal with Ho-Oh, so Rock Arceus, Water Arceus, and Mega Diancie make for good teammates; Water Arceus also helps checks Primal Groudon. Tyranitar checks Ho-Oh to an extent as well while also checking Latias and Latios without stacking Steel-types. Latias and Latios are good partners themselves, as they check Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Giratina-O also checks Primal Groudon and can block Rapid Spin users thanks to its Ghost typing. Finally, Skarmory dislikes being burned, so clerics such as Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable make for good partners.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

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

Roost is a necessary move to provide Skarmory with reliable recovery. Spikes specifically punishes Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, which Skarmory can beat with Toxic. Toxic's primary purpose is pressuring Defog users, especially the aforementioned Arceus, Latias, and Latios. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to phaze setup sweepers in a pinch, such as Mega Salamence, Calm Mind Latias and Latios, and Calm Mind Arceus.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature are necessary to best take on Latias, Latios, and Arceus, as Skarmory's base Special Defense stat is low. Leftovers is an important item for passive recovery that allows Skarmory to escape certain 2HKOs, so no other item should be used on specially defensive Skarmory. The main niche of the specially defensive Skarmory set is that it functions as a Spiker that can beat common Defog users Latias, Latios, and support Arceus with Toxic and Roost, enabling it to very reliably set up Spikes.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Skarmory into support Arceus, Latias, and Latios, Toxic them, and set Spikes. Keep in mind that Skarmory will have to use Roost often to keep healthy, as the Pokemon it checks wear it down more easily than physical threats wear down the physical set. Do not switch into Calm Mind Dark and Ghost Arceus, because those will overwhelm Skarmory. Additionally, play carefully around Mega Gengar, because it will trap, Taunt, and remove Skarmory with ease.

Team Options
========

Pursuit users, such as Tyranitar, are very important to deal with Mega Gengar. Water Arceus is a good teammate that checks Groudon and Ho-Oh. Kyogre checks such as Primal Groudon, Latias, and Latios are useful; the former also checks Xerneas and Zekrom, while the latter two also check Groudon. Giratina-O is a good Groudon check that also spinblocks. Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable offer cleric support, which Skarmory appreciates. Skarmory also likes reliable Stealth Rock setters, such as Primal Groudon, to supplement its Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
########

Brave Bird is a viable move that usually 2HKOes Mega Gengar so that Skarmory is not complete Gengar bait; it also hits Mega Mewtwo X and bypasses Taunt. Taunt can be used to shut down opposing entry hazard setters and support Pokemon such as Lugia, in addition to keeping entry hazards up by preventing Defog if Taunt is used as the Defog user switches in. A lead set with Spikes and Custap Berry can set up entry hazards while also providing a check to Mega Salamence and other physical threats for offense, but it struggles to compete with Forretress, which has access to Rapid Spin. Defog can be used on Skarmory, though only if absolutely necessary because it tends to clash with entry hazards. Iron Head can be used to hit Mega Diancie, which will otherwise wall Skarmory. Counter can help Skarmory reliable take out physical attackers but only has situational use.

Checks and Counters
########

**Magic Bounce**: Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie are excellent checks to Skarmory, because they both bounce back Spikes, Toxic, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Stealth Rock. Additionally, Mega Sableye can burn it and Mega Diancie can whittle at its HP or set up with Calm Mind. Mega Sableye fears next to nothing, while Mega Diancie only fears the rare Iron Head.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Because of Skarmory's low Special Defense stat, strong special attackers can overwhelm it. Primal Kyogre can simply hit Skarmory with Origin Pulse or Thunder; Yveltal can do the same with Dark Pulse. Neutral Arceus formes can beat the physically defensive set, though they cannot beat the specially defensive set without Calm Mind.

**Fire-types**: Ho-Oh switches in on Skarmory with ease and threatens it with Sacred Fire, which can even burn and OHKO through Sturdy. It also doesn't fear Toxic too much, as Regenerator will heal off the damage. Primal Groudon can also beat Skarmory if it is running Fire Punch, Lava Plume, or Overheat, though it does not like Toxic and cannot beat Skarmory if it lacks one of these moves.

**Mega Gengar**: If Skarmory lacks Brave Bird or Shed Shell, Mega Gengar can trap Skarmory and use Taunt, which will prevent it from doing anything, and proceed to KO with repeated Shadow Balls or other attacks, making it significantly easier for one of Mega Gengar's teammates, such as Swords Dance Arceus, to sweep.

**Rapid Spin**: Rapid Spin users can remove the entry hazards that Skarmory sets. Forretress, Cloyster, and Excadrill are the primary users of this move. However, these Pokemon do not necessarily beat Skarmory but rather remove its entry hazards.

**Turboblaze and Teravolt**: By virtue of their abilities, Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem-W can all OHKO Skarmory through Sturdy. They also don't fear much in return from Skarmory.

**Taunt**: Taunt users can shut down Skarmory, rendering it useless and making it setup fodder for other Pokemon, or simply overpower Skarmory by preventing it from using Roost.

 

[haxiom]

QC ready.

 

[shrang]

I don't know if the Custap variant that trickroom used in his birds team may be worth it or not. I know it's BW2, but seeing as it operates in the same way, it might be worth, especially when you can use priority Taunt to stop Defog. Maybe worth trying. Does seem like a bit of waste of a Skarm tho.

 

[Fireburn]

I feel like Forretress is better at using Custap because of spin and having Explosion to give a free pass to a teammate after it does its job.

 

[haxiom]

Yeah I pretty much was thinking what Fireburn said. Taunt stops defog, but so does explosion, Rapid Spin is neat, it's just really hard to justify a Custap Skarmory lead over Forretress. Taunt kinda stops setup so I guess that's a small niche, but yeah they pretty much get a turn to set up before you can use it anyways so it doesn't always matter. Thoughts?

 

[steelskitty]

custap Skarmory can EV to soft check mence on HO via counter and taunt; Forretress cannot. the set sucks in general though as Forretress does everything else better (has 3 hazards to choose to set as opposed to skarmory's 2, can spin and actually beat Deoxys leads, can Explode or do real damage with Gyro Ball whereas Skarmory has to kill itself with BB to stop Defog, you know). I think this very small niche of beating mence makes it OO worthy, nothing more.

The traditional Skarmory doesn't want brave bird over a hazard-setting move (Spikes) or toxic/taunt/counter/whatever. "Beating" Gengar is less important because Gengar is much less common than it was in XY and MMX is also stupidly uncommon. Just move Brave Bird to OO as opposed to it being a second slash.

SR skarm is horrid as it defeats one of the purposes of using skarmory which is spamming Spikes on plenty of physical attackers. I mean, it can be mentioned in Moves, but it doesn't deserve a slash. WW also isn't obligatory on Skarmory by any means; Taunt should be a second slash on the second moveslot since it does basically the same thing WW does in deterring setup sweepers from setting up but blocks Defog and is actually useful in those scenarios where the opponent's last pokemon alive just sets up on Skarmory and countersweeps you. It also messes with things like Lugia, like you mentioned.

In checks and counters specifically mention mons that can KO it through sturdy courtesy of their abilities (Zekrom and co). Mention rapid spinners (tenta, cloyster, forry, and not Excadrill so much as you phase that out without harm (though it does beat you in lastmon scenarios)) as well since they're free to spam hazards on it willy-nilly while also clearing the ones skarm works so hard to set. Tentacruel threatens Skarmory with scald burns, Forretress can spam 2 hazards if custap lead which makes skarm a liability, cloyster can take a chunk out of skarmory's hp with shell smash and icicle spear while also setting spikes or tspikes and spinning away hazards for nothing. While it's true they don't directly threaten it (if Skarmory lacks taunt they all stall it to death one-on-one, however, even though this is something that almost never happens in real games) they prevent it from doing its job and turn it into a liability for you which is why they deserve mention. Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie also hard wall you and bounce your Spikes back at lame times so they deserve mentions as counters.

just some thoughts I had.

 

[dice]

i like specially defensive!

 

[haxiom]

ok here we go

- Custap Skarm to OO I guess since it has a niche (albeit a barely passable one)
- reslashed stuff but idk if its what you envisioned
- Added checks and counters but not Tentacruel, which just got rejected; lmk if I should include it

dice are you saying it should get a set? It was OO, but I can change it.

 

[Inspirited]

Yeah, Specially Defensive should get a set. It takes Defog Arceus Judgement relatively well (it doesn't switch in with SR up though) while using Toxic, and then Roosts while Arceus suffers. It does this to the Eons also like you mentioned in OO, so keep that. This quality is very good for a Spiker. Make sure to have Whirlwind un-slashed on it though, Adamant max Salamence getting to +2 means it gets passed SpD Skarmory. Extremely strong Stealth Rock support is needed with this set imo (It could be run on Skarm itself, but I never liked the idea). Also no Shed Shell or Rocky Helmet mentions on SpD, it needs Leftovers to save it from some 2HKOes. Emphasize this Skarmory needs to be extra careful around Mega Gengar.

You also have Taunt in OO and on the Def set. I would keep it in OO myself. Mention how Arceus-Water also switches into Primal Groudon for Skarmory instead of just Ho-Oh.

 

[Sweep]

Do the above while mentioning is Usage Tips what Spec Def Skarmory should NOT go up against...specifically CM Arceus Dark and Ghost. Also mention in Usage Tips that the stuff Spec Def Skarmory checks, like Latios and I guess support Arceus, have a far easier time wearing it down so it will need to use Roost more often than Phys Def Skarmory. It's still a good set, I just don't love it.Just some ideas to get you started on the Usage Tips section. Do what Wreckdra said (water arceus is a good teammate for both phys and spec def skarmory).

Don't think Sableye is worth a mention in Team Options for the physically defensive set. Also, remove spec defensive from OO since it has its own set now.

QC 1/3

 

[haxiom]

WreckDra Sweep I implemented changes

 

[Fireburn]

Put Magic Bounce first in C&C if only because Mega Sableye is bar none the best Skarmory counter. Add Excadrill to Spinners too, it can't beat Skarm by itself but it can clear its Spikes.

QC 2/3

 

[haxiom]

Alright. I'll start writing this.

 

[haxiom]

Written and ready.

 

[shrang]

Like I've been telling everyone else, expand on Set Details - this is the place you tell the reader why you should the set. What is its niche and why is it good/bad? This is especially true when you have two sets that look exactly the same but only differs via EV spread. What does physically defensive wall that specially defensive and vice versa?

Do that and I'll approve

 

[haxiom]

Like I've been telling everyone else, expand on Set Details - this is the place you tell the reader why you should the set. What is its niche and why is it good/bad? This is especially true when you have two sets that look exactly the same but only differs via EV spread. What does physically defensive wall that specially defensive and vice versa?

Do that and I'll approve

I elaborated a bit more on those parts, is it sufficient?

 

[shrang]

Good.

qc 3/3

 

[haxiom]

GP ready

EDIT: I implemented the new analysis format

 

[P Squared]

a quick GP 1/2 cause I gotta run!
add remove comment

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[OVERVIEW]

Skarmory is an effective support Pokemon in Ubers, having access to moves such as Spikes, Stealth Rock, Defog, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Toxic. It also has reliable recovery in Roost, which is something that a lot of Steel-types lack. It has an exceptional typing that grants it ten resistances and two immunities, and it has solid physical bulk. Because of all this, Skarmory is able to check many threats, such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Mega Salamence, Primal Groudon without a Fire-type move, Swords Dance Ground Arceus Ground, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Mewtwo X. It can also run a viable specially defensive set that allows it to check Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, making it a great Spikes setter. It's Its ability is not useless either, (remove comma) and can situationally allow Skarmory to phaze a threat like such as Geomancy Xerneas in a pinch. It Skarmory also benefits from the decline of Electric-types and Palkia. However, it is on the frailer side in terms of special bulk, and it has little offensive presence, making it Taunt bait.

[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold

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

Roost is a mandatory move that offers reliable recovery. Spikes, a move that few Pokemon have access to in Ubers, punishes the Pokemon that Skarmory walls. Toxic allows Skarmory to put a timer on the things Pokemon it checks, such as Primal Groudon, and is especially useful in a scenario where phazing is not possible because the opposing Pokemon is the last one left. Whirlwind phazes setup sweepers, namely Mega Salamence, Extreme Killer Arceus, Swords Dance Ground Arceus-Ground, and some Rock Polish Primal Groudon. Stealth Rock can be used if no other teammate can use it, but Skarmory strongly prefers running Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum EV investment in HP and Defense allows Skarmory to better take on the physical attackers it needs to stop. Leftovers is the item of choice, as it offers passive recovery, which increases Skarmory's longevity. Shed Shell is another viable item, allowing Skarmory to escape from Mega Gengar and other Shadow Tag users. Rocky Helmet is a possible item that gets nice chip damage on things like foes, such as Extreme Killer Arceus, but it is generally not as helpful as Leftovers recovery. Running a physically defensive set on Skarmory spread enables it Skarmory to primarily check strong physical attackers, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Salamence, and some Primal Groudon(comma) by means of phazing and Toxic stall, while being able to as well as set up Spikes against these Pokemon and punish switches accordingly.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Skarmory into things foes it walls, and if the opposing Pokemon is directly threatening via setup, phaze it with Whirlwind. However, if a foe is not setting up or does not pose an immediate threat, Skarmory can take this as an opportunity to spread Toxic and set up Spikes. It should also try to keep healthy with Roost, as if it is too worn down, it can be overwhelmed.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a good teammate for Skarmory, as it checks Xerneas, Kyogre, and Zekrom, all of which threaten Skarmory. Skarmory also appreciates Pokemon that can deal with Ho-Oh, so Rock Arceus, Water Arceus, and Mega Diancie make for good teammates; Water Arceus also helps checks Primal Groudon. Tyranitar checks Ho-Oh to an extent as well, (remove comma) while also checking Latias and Latios without stacking Steel-types. Latias and Latios are good partners themselves, as they check Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Giratina-O also checks Primal Groudon, (remove comma) and can also block Rapid Spin users thanks to its Ghost typing. Finally, Skarmory dislikes being burned, so clerics such as Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable make for good partners.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
ability: Sturdy
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm Nature

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

Roost is again a necessary move to provide Skarmory with reliable recovery. Spikes specifically punishes Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, which Skarmory can beat with Toxic. Toxic's primary purpose is pressuring Defog users, especially the aforementioned Arceus, Latias, and Latios. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to phaze setup sweepers in a pinch, like such as Mega Salamence, Calm Mind Latias or and Latios, and Calm Mind Arceus.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature are necessary to best take on Latias, Latios, and Arceus, as Skarmory's base Special Defense stat is low. Leftovers is an important item for passive recovery that allows Skarmory to escape certain 2HKOs, so no other item should be used on specially defensive Skarmory. The main niche of the specially defensive Skarmory set is that it functions as a Spiker that can beat common Defog users in Latias, Latios, and support Arceus with Toxic and Roost, enabling it to very reliably set up Spikes.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Skarmory into support Arceus, Latias(comma) and Latios, Toxic them, and set Spikes. Keep in mind that Skarmory will have to Roost often to keep healthy(comma) as the Pokemon it checks wear it down more easily than physical threats wear down the physical set. Do not switch into Calm Mind Dark and Ghost Arceus, because those will overwhelm Skarmory. Additionally, play carefully around Mega Gengar, because it will trap, Taunt, and remove Skarmory with ease.

Team Options
========

Pursuit users, such as Tyranitar, are very important to deal with Mega Gengar. Water Arceus is a good teammate that checks Groudon and Ho-Oh. Again, Kyogre checks such as Primal Groudon, Latias, and Latios are useful; the former also checks Xerneas and Zekrom, while the latter (because you listed three Pokemon, it's hard to tell which one(s) is/are the former and which one(s) is/are the latter. if you meant Latias and Latios here, say "the latter two") also checks (and change this to "check" if you changed the previous) Groudon. Giratina-O is a good Groudon check that also spinblocks. Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable offer cleric support(comma) which Skarmory appreciates. Skarmory also likes reliable Stealth Rock setters, such as Primal Groudon, to supplement its Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
########

Brave Bird is a viable move that usually 2HKOes Mega Gengar so that Skarmory is not complete Gengar bait; it also hits Mega Mewtwo X and bypasses Taunt. Taunt can be used to shut down opposing entry hazard setters and support Pokemon such as Lugia, in addition to keeping entry hazards up by preventing Defog if Taunt is used as the Defog user switches in. A lead set with Spikes and the Custap Berry can set up entry hazards while also providing a check to Mega Salamence and other physical threats for offense, but it struggles to compete with Forretress(comma) which has access to Rapid Spin. Defog can be used on Skarmory, though only if absolutely necessary because it tends to clash with entry hazards. Iron Head can be used to hit Mega Diancie, which will otherwise wall Skarmory. Counter can help Skarmory reliable take out physical attackers, (remove comma) but only has situational use.

Checks & Counters
########

**Magic Bounce**: Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie are excellent checks to Skarmory, because they both bounce back Spikes, Toxic, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Stealth Rock, while(period) Additionally, Mega Sableye can burn it and Mega Diancie can whittle at its HP or set up with Calm Mind. Mega Sableye fears next to nothing, while Mega Diancie only fears the rare Iron Head.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Because of Skarmory's low Special Defense stat, strong special attackers can overwhelm it. Primal Kyogre can simply hit Skarmory with Origin Pulse or Thunder; Yveltal can do the same with Dark Pulse. Neutral Arceus formes can beat the Physically Defensive set, though they cannot beat the Specially Defensive set without Calm Mind.

**Fire-types**: Ho-Oh switches in on Skarmory with ease and threatens it with Sacred Fire, which can even burn and OHKO through Sturdy. It also doesn't fear Toxic too much, as Regenerator will heal off the damage. Primal Groudon can also beat Skarmory if it is running Fire Punch, Lava Plume(comma) or Overheat, though it does not like Toxic and cannot beat Skarmory if it lacks one of these moves.

**Mega Gengar**: Without If Skarmory lacks Brave Bird or the Shed Shell, Mega Gengar can trap Skarmory and use Taunt, which will prevent it from doing anything, and proceed to KO with repeated Shadow Balls or other attacks, making it significantly easier for one of Mega Gengar's teammates, such as Swords Dance Arceus, to sweep.

**Rapid Spin**: Rapid Spin users can remove the entry hazards that Skarmory sets. Forretress, Cloyster, and Excadrill are the primary users of this move. However, these Pokemon do not necessarily beat Skarmory, (remove comma) but rather remove its entry hazards.

**Turboblaze and Teravolt**: By virtue of their abilities, Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem-W can all OHKO Skarmory through Sturdy. They also don't fear much in return from Skarmory.

**Taunt**: Taunt users can shut down Skarmory, rendering it useless and making it setup fodder for other Pokemon, or simply overpower Skarmory by preventing it from using Roost.

 

[haxiom]

Implemented the above GP check

 

[Lumari]

remove
add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)

skarmory

[OVERVIEW]

Skarmory is an effective support Pokemon in Ubers, having access to moves such as Spikes, Stealth Rock, Defog, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Toxic. It also has reliable recovery in Roost, which is something that a lot of Steel-types lack. It has an exceptional typing that grants it ten resistances and two immunities, and it has solid physical bulk. Because of all this, Skarmory is able to check many threats, such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Mega Salamence, Primal Groudon without a Fire-type move, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Mewtwo X. It can also run a viable specially defensive set that allows it to check Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, making it a great Spikes setter. Its ability is not useless either and can situationally (p. much redundant with 'in a pinch') allow Skarmory to phaze a threat like Geomancy Xerneas in a pinch. It also benefits from the decline of Electric-types and Palkia. However, it is on the frailer side in terms of special bulk, and it has little offensive presence, making it Taunt bait.


[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
nature: Bold

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

Roost is a mandatory move that offers reliable recovery. Spikes, a move that few Pokemon have access to in Ubers, punishes the Pokemon that Skarmory walls. Toxic allows Skarmory to put a timer on the Pokemon it checks, such as Primal Groudon, and is especially useful in a scenario where phazing is not possible because the opposing Pokemon is the last one left. Whirlwind phazes setup sweepers, namely Mega Salamence, Extreme Killer Arceus, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, and some Rock Polish Primal Groudon. Stealth Rock can be used if no other teammate can use it, but Skarmory strongly prefers running the more exclusive (or w/e, not entirely sure if this is accurate, but in any case some reasoning is appropriate) Spikes.

Set Details
========

Maximum EV investment in HP and Defense allows Skarmory to better take on the physical attackers it needs to stop. Leftovers is the item of choice, as it offers its passive recovery, which increases Skarmory's longevity. Shed Shell is another viable item, allowing Skarmory to escape from Mega Gengar and other Shadow Tag users. Rocky Helmet is a possible item that gets nice chip damage on foes (RC) such as Extreme Killer Arceus, but this is generally not as helpful as Leftovers recovery. Running a physically defensive spread enables it Skarmory to primarily check strong physical attackers, such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Salamence, and some Primal Groudon, by means of phazing and Toxic stall, as well as to set up Spikes against these Pokemon and punish switches accordingly.

Usage Tips
========

Switch Skarmory into foes it walls, and if the opposing Pokemon is directly threatening via setup, phaze it with Whirlwind. However, if a foe is not setting up or does not pose an immediate threat, Skarmory can take this as an opportunity to spread Toxic and set up Spikes. It should also try to keep healthy with Roost, as if it is too worn down, it can be overwhelmed.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a good teammate for Skarmory, as it checks Xerneas, Kyogre, and Zekrom, all of which threaten Skarmory. Skarmory also appreciates Pokemon that can deal with Ho-Oh, so Rock Arceus, Water Arceus, and Mega Diancie make for good teammates; Water Arceus also helps checks Primal Groudon. Tyranitar checks Ho-Oh to an extent as well while also checking Latias and Latios without stacking Steel-types. Latias and Latios are good partners themselves, as they check Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Giratina-O also checks Primal Groudon and can block Rapid Spin users thanks to its Ghost typing. Finally, Skarmory dislikes being burned, so clerics such as Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable make for good partners.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Sturdy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

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

Roost is a necessary move to provide Skarmory with reliable recovery. Spikes specifically punishes Latias, Latios, and support Arceus formes, which Skarmory can beat with Toxic. Toxic's primary purpose is pressuring Defog users, especially the aforementioned Arceus, Latias, and Latios. Whirlwind allows Skarmory to phaze setup sweepers in a pinch, such as Mega Salamence, Calm Mind Latias and Latios, and Calm Mind Arceus.

Set Details
========

252 HP and 252 Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature are necessary to best take on Latias, Latios, and Arceus, as Skarmory's base Special Defense stat is low. Leftovers is an important item for passive recovery that allows Skarmory to escape certain 2HKOs, so no other item should be used on specially defensive Skarmory. The main niche of the specially defensive Skarmory set is that it functions as a Spiker that can beat common Defog users Latias, Latios, and support Arceus with Toxic and Roost, enabling it to very reliably set up Spikes.

Usage Tips
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Switch Skarmory into support Arceus, Latias, and Latios, Toxic them, and set Spikes. Keep in mind that Skarmory will have to use Roost often to keep healthy, as the Pokemon it checks wear it down more easily than physical threats wear down the physical set. Do not switch into Calm Mind Dark and Ghost Arceus, because those will overwhelm Skarmory. Additionally, play carefully around Mega Gengar, because it will trap, Taunt, and remove Skarmory with ease.

Team Options
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Pursuit users, such as Tyranitar, are very important to deal with Mega Gengar. Water Arceus is a good teammate that checks Groudon and Ho-Oh. Kyogre checks such as Primal Groudon, Latias, and Latios are useful; the former also checks Xerneas and Zekrom, while the latter two also check Groudon. Giratina-O is a good Groudon check that also spinblocks. Xerneas, Diancie, Blissey, and Clefable offer cleric support, which Skarmory appreciates. Skarmory also likes reliable Stealth Rock setters, such as Primal Groudon, to supplement its Spikes.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Brave Bird is a viable move that usually 2HKOes Mega Gengar so that Skarmory is not complete Gengar bait; it also hits Mega Mewtwo X and bypasses Taunt. Taunt can be used to shut down opposing entry hazard setters and support Pokemon such as Lugia, in addition to keeping entry hazards up by preventing Defog if Taunt is used as the Defog user switches in. A lead set with Spikes and Custap Berry can set up entry hazards while also providing a check to Mega Salamence and other physical threats for offense, but it struggles to compete with Forretress, which has access to Rapid Spin. Defog can be used on Skarmory, though only if absolutely necessary because it tends to clash with entry hazards. Iron Head can be used to hit Mega Diancie, which will otherwise wall Skarmory. Counter can help Skarmory reliable take out physical attackers but only has situational use.

Checks and Counters
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**Magic Bounce**: Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie are excellent checks to Skarmory, because they both bounce back Spikes, Toxic, Whirlwind, Taunt, and Stealth Rock. Additionally, Mega Sableye can burn it and Mega Diancie can whittle at its HP or set up with Calm Mind. Mega Sableye fears next to nothing, while Mega Diancie only fears the rare Iron Head.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Because of Skarmory's low Special Defense stat, strong special attackers can overwhelm it. Primal Kyogre can simply hit Skarmory with Origin Pulse or Thunder; Yveltal can do the same with Dark Pulse. Neutral Arceus formes can beat the physically defensive set, though they cannot beat the specially defensive set without Calm Mind.

**Fire-types**: Ho-Oh switches in on Skarmory with ease and threatens it with Sacred Fire, which can even burn and OHKO through Sturdy. It also doesn't fear Toxic too much, as Regenerator will heal off the damage. Primal Groudon can also beat Skarmory if it is running Fire Punch, Lava Plume, or Overheat, though it does not like Toxic and cannot beat Skarmory if it lacks one of these moves.

**Mega Gengar**: If Skarmory lacks Brave Bird or Shed Shell, Mega Gengar can trap Skarmory and use Taunt, which will prevent it from doing anything, and proceed to KO with repeated Shadow Balls or other attacks, making it significantly easier for one of Mega Gengar's teammates, such as Swords Dance Arceus, to sweep.

**Rapid Spin**: Rapid Spin users can remove the entry hazards that Skarmory sets. Forretress, Cloyster, and Excadrill are the primary users of this move. However, these Pokemon do not necessarily beat Skarmory but rather remove its entry hazards.

**Turboblaze and Teravolt**: By virtue of their abilities, Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem-W can all OHKO Skarmory through Sturdy. They also don't fear much in return from Skarmory.

**Taunt**: Taunt users can shut down Skarmory, rendering it useless and making it setup fodder for other Pokemon, or simply overpower Skarmory by preventing it from using Roost.

GP 2/2, not much left to do here

 

[haxiom]

Ok, this is done, thank you.

 

[Fireburn]

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