[Monotype/Steel] Scizor [QC: 3/3][GP: 2/2]

all falls down

thanks ugly god
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
[OVERVIEW]

**Steel**

Mega Scizor's fantastic typing that boasts a neutrality to Fighting- and Ground-type moves along with its bulk that rivals even Skarmory's provides an amazing amount of defensive synergy to Steel teams, especially coupled with its access to reliable recovery in Roost. It's no slouch offensively either, as it has a high Attack stat with access to strong Technician-boosted STAB moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite, with the former even giving it access to priority. It also has access to Swords Dance, making it a threatening sweeper that is difficult to revenge kill thanks to Bullet Punch, and in addition it has great coverage moves like Superpower and Knock Off to hit the Pokemon that resist both of its STAB typings. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor is near useless against Fire teams, as it is decimated by any of their STAB moves and can only hope to revenge kill a weakened Pokemon with Bullet Punch. Mega Scizor also has an underwhelming Speed, and while this is usually mitigated by its access to Bullet Punch, it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon with typings that resist Bullet Punch, mostly notably Water-types like Keldeo and of course most Fire-types.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to insane levels, making it a formidable wallbreaker and sweeper. Bullet Punch is a strong STAB priority move that can hit faster Pokemon while also being able to revenge kill Pokemon throughout the game, and it can OHKO many offensive threats after a Swords Dance boost. Superpower is great coverage with Bullet Punch, as it hits Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Empoleon, and Magnezone super effectively while being a good neutral hit against Pokemon like Keldeo and other Mega Scizor. Bug Bite is Mega Scizor's strongest STAB move and hits Water-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon hard. It notably lets Mega Scizor muscle past Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Knock Off can also be used to get past Doublade while having good general utility in removing items.

Set Details
========

This set uses a simple EV spread of maximum Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to make Mega Scizor as strong and fast as possible; maximum Speed lets Mega Scizor outspeed and hit Pokemon that don't mind Bullet Punch with Bug Bite, like Seismitoad, Rotom-W, Mega Swampert, and Mega Venusaur. Scizorite greatly improves Scizor's bulk and gives it many more opportunities to set up while also boosting its Attack.

Usage Tips
========

As this Mega Scizor set lacks Roost and has no HP investment, it can be easily worn down. Do not recklessly switch into entry hazards and Fighting- and Ground-type moves, as this set is not the most reliable check to them. Try to avoid switching Mega Scizor into a potential burn, as it will cripple it and prevent it from sweeping. It can be very beneficial to preserve Mega Scizor's health for a late-game sweep; however, this set can also be used early- and mid-game to wallbreak. It is a good idea to weaken checks like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Infernape before attempting to set up a Swords Dance. For example, if Keldeo is at half health or below, Mega Scizor can sweep Fighting-type teams easily after a Swords Dance boost with Stealth Rock up. As this Mega Scizor set has maximum Attack investment, its Bullet Punch can be quite strong even without a boost, so it can be used as a revenge killer as well.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set works great on more offensive hazard stacking Steel-type teams; in general, entry hazard support in the form of Stealth Rock and Spikes is extremely appreciated and turns many 2HKOs into OHKOs and can wear down common switch-ins like Keldeo. Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Heatran can all set Stealth Rock, and the former two can also set Spikes. Custap lead Skarmory with dual hazards pairs fantastically with Mega Scizor and often finds itself on the same offensive Steel-type teams as this Mega Scizor set. Heatran in particular is also an amazing teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves for Scizor along with setting up Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn can also deal with Water-type Pokemon, which can prove to be a problem with Scald burns. Magnezone can trap Skarmory, which can be especially useful if Scizor is not using Superpower. Finally, Choice Scarf Excadrill can deal with the Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch easily with its Mold Breaker Earthquake and Rock Slide coverage.

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to high levels, and this set finds many opportunities to set up with it due to its bulk. Bullet Punch is Mega Scizor's STAB move that hits faster Pokemon, and it can become quite powerful with a few Swords Dance boosts. Roost gives longevity and lets Mega Scizor turn many Pokemon that cannot 2HKO it into setup fodder for Swords Dance. Knock Off works well on this set, as it lets Mega Scizor act as a utility Pokemon throughout the game, switching in on Pokemon it checks and knocking off items. In addition, it is great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, hitting most Pokemon at least neutrally. Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types like Heatran, Magnezone, Empoleon, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, but since this set is slow, it can only hit the former two on a predicted switch in. U-turn and Bug Bite can be used as Bug-type STAB moves, with the former letting Mega Scizor pivot around and weaken its checks so it can sweep with Swords Dance late game and the latter providing a stronger option to hit many pokemon neutrally; however, Steel and Bug together is very mediocre coverage offensively, and using these moves makes Scizor find itself walled by a plethora of Pokemon.

Set Details
========

248 HP with 44 Defense EVs and an Impish nature lets Mega Scizor survive two High Jump Kick from Mega Lopunny, allowing Mega Scizor to effectively check it. They also help Mega Scizor reliably check Ground-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Landorus-t and Excadrill. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense, letting Mega Scizor avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump, along with avoiding the OHKO from Latios's and Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. Maximum Defense investment is also an option to let Mega Scizor check physical Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon more effectively. Scizorite provides a large boost to Mega Scizor's bulk as well as its Attack. This set can be used with more Attack investment if the Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Keldeo benchmarks are not of concern.

Usage Tips
========

This set can switch in on many big threats like Mega Lopunny, Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Heracross to reliably check them due to Roost. Knock Off is a very spammable move early game; as Mega Scizor switches in to check Pokemon, use Knock Off to cripple switch-ins and wear down checks. This Mega Scizor set is not very powerful, so be wary of trying to sweep too early, as it needs two or three Swords Dance boosts to sweep. Because of this set's considerable bulk and Roost, Mega Scizor can avoid a 2HKO from many Pokemon and use them as setup fodder. Although this set is bulky enough to take on most Water-type Pokemon, be wary of Scald and burns in general, as they cripple Mega Scizor tremendously.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set acts as a good glue Pokemon to balanced Steel teams, providing a Fighting- and Ground-type check and a bulky wincon. Heatran is a great teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves and set up Stealth Rock. In return, Mega Scizor can take Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Heatran. Ferrothorn is another Stealth Rock setter that can deal with Water-type Pokemon that can prove to be an annoyance with Scald burns: it can also set Spikes. In the same vein, Empoleon can switch into most Water-type Pokemon and set up Stealth Rock, Defog, or Roar out Pokemon like Gyarados and Manaphy that try to set up on Mega Scizor. Magnezone can also check Water-type Pokemon and can trap physically defensive Skarmory, which easily walls this set. Choice Scarf Excadrill can check the Fire-type Pokemon that have no trouble with this set, and it also does well against Fire teams in general, where this set is especially deadweight. Doublade and Skarmory can relieve pressure on Mega Scizor to check Fighting-types and Ground-types, respectively.

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

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor can use a Defog set with no Swords Dance, but Skarmory is generally a better Defog user, and such a set is setup fodder for many Pokemon. Regular Scizor can try using a Life Orb Swords Dance set, as it is slightly more powerful than Mega Scizor, but it is almost always outclassed by Mega Scizor because of the great amount of extra bulk, which gives far more opportunities to set up. Quick Attack is another priority option with better neutral coverage than Bullet Punch, hitting Water- and Fire-type Pokemon neutrally, but it is very weak compared to STAB Bullet Punch and is matchup dependent.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel**

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon are far and away the largest threat to all Mega Scizor sets. They resist both of Scizor's STAB types and importantly resist Bullet Punch and are generally faster, meaning they can usually easily revenge kill Mega Scizor with their 4x super effective STAB moves. The most notable Fire-type Pokemon that beat Scizor are Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Rotom-H, Entei, and Torkoal. All of these Pokemon are able to take numerous Bullet Punches and are not 2HKOed by Superpower or Knock Off. Other Fire-type Pokemon like Victini, Heatran, and Infernape are able to check Mega Scizor effectively but must be wary of switching into Knock Off and Superpower.

**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon resist Mega Scizor's STAB Bullet Punch and thus often make reliable checks and counters to it. Zapdos in particular resists both of Mega Scizor's STAB moves, takes little damage from Knock Off and Superpower, and can hit it with Heat Wave. Rotom-W and Mega Ampharos are great checks to bulky Mega Scizor variants, being able to switch into Knock Off, Bug Bite, and Superpower and burning them with Will-O-Wisp or 2HKOing them with Thunderbolt, respectively. They must be wary of offensive variants, however, as +2 maximum Attack Bug Bite comes close to OHKOing with prior damage. Finally, Mega Manectric is able to reliably check Mega Scizor with Fire-type coverage moves and a resistance to Bullet Punch, but it will take a lot from Bug Bite from offensive sets.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Kingdra, and Manaphy are able to muscle past Mega Scizor with strong Hydro Pumps or Scalds and resist Bullet Punch, making them good revenge killers if Mega Scizor has taken prior damage. Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Suicune, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent are able to avoid the 2HKO from most moves and can fish for Scald burns, which will completely cripple Mega Scizor, but they all lose one-on-one if they do not get the burn. Quagsire is perhaps the best Water-type counter to Mega Scizor, as it ignores Swords Dance due to Unaware, is not 2HKOed by Bug Bite, and can fish for Scald burns or boost alongside it with Curse. It does take a large chunk from Bug Bite, however, and can be defeated with prior damage.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory, Nidoqueen, and bulky Garchomp are also able to beat Mega Scizor; Skarmory avoids the 2HKO from +2 Superpower from offensive variants and can respond with Counter or Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen and Garchomp both avoid the OHKO from +2 Bullet Punch quite easily and can respond with Fire-type coverage moves.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Looks good in general.

One nitpick is that both sets should use Light Metal over Technician for their abilities. Scizor will gain Technician after it Mega Evolves, so having Light Metal for the rare, but possible, situation where it gets hit by something like Low Kick on a switch can helpful. There's really no reason Scizor doesn't Mega Evolve instantly, so Light Metal is optimal.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

Overview:
Note that its access to Swords Dance makes it an amazing sweeper

Offensive Swords Dance:
Set Details:
You might want to explain why Mega Scizor cares about being as fast as possible when its main attack is going to be Bullet Punch, a move with priority, and no priority moves are dangerous to Mega Scizor.

Usage Tips:
Mention that burns are crippling and make it basically impossible to sweep

Team Options:
Magnezone can be used to trap Steel-types for Mega Scizor that lack Superpower

Choice Scarf Excadrill can be useful for its Earthquake + Rock Slide coverage. It can take on most Fire-types, most notably including Infernape and Mega Charizard Y, although it is outsped by the common Fire-type Choice Scarf users. It also helps against Electric, as its Mold Breaker allows Earthquake to ignore Rotom-W's Levitate and its Rock Slide can 2HKO Zapdos and OHKO Thundurus after Stealth Rock Damage.

Defensive Swords Dance:
Set Details:
Should the max hp / max attack EV spread be mentioned as an alternative to do more damage at the cost of its bulk? I don't really use this spread so idk what max HP is supposed to do though.

Usage Tips:
Burns are just as annoying, but paralysis can be really bad for this set. Its Bullet Punch is much weaker, so it's harder to overcome the Speed loss that way, and being paralyzed means that it can lose to some of the threats it's meant to check.

Team Options:
Include that Ferrothorn can also set up Spikes that slowly whittle down the opponent's team, as Mega Scizor does force a lot of switches.

Skarmory should be mentioned for its Ground immunity. This set is bulky, but Choice Band Mamoswine and Excadrill can 2HKO Mega Scizor (Mamoswine needs a very small amount of prior damage). Skarmory is another hazard stacker too, which is always useful, and it can also run Whirlwind.

Empoleon is a great Scald switch-in and can set up Stealth Rock to allow its team to use other supportive moves while also running Roar to phaze out setup sweepers that might try to take advantage of Mega Scizor, such as Mega Gyarados or even Manaphy.

Great work! QC 1/3
 

all falls down

thanks ugly god
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Looks good in general.

One nitpick is that both sets should use Light Metal over Technician for their abilities. Scizor will gain Technician after it Mega Evolves, so having Light Metal for the rare, but possible, situation where it gets hit by something like Low Kick on a switch can helpful. There's really no reason Scizor doesn't Mega Evolve instantly, so Light Metal is optimal.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

Overview:
Note that its access to Swords Dance makes it an amazing sweeper

Offensive Swords Dance:
Set Details:
You might want to explain why Mega Scizor cares about being as fast as possible when its main attack is going to be Bullet Punch, a move with priority, and no priority moves are dangerous to Mega Scizor.

Usage Tips:
Mention that burns are crippling and make it basically impossible to sweep

Team Options:
Magnezone can be used to trap Steel-types for Mega Scizor that lack Superpower

Choice Scarf Excadrill can be useful for its Earthquake + Rock Slide coverage. It can take on most Fire-types, most notably including Infernape and Mega Charizard Y, although it is outsped by the common Fire-type Choice Scarf users. It also helps against Electric, as its Mold Breaker allows Earthquake to ignore Rotom-W's Levitate and its Rock Slide can 2HKO Zapdos and OHKO Thundurus after Stealth Rock Damage.

Defensive Swords Dance:
Set Details:
Should the max hp / max attack EV spread be mentioned as an alternative to do more damage at the cost of its bulk? I don't really use this spread so idk what max HP is supposed to do though.

Usage Tips:
Burns are just as annoying, but paralysis can be really bad for this set. Its Bullet Punch is much weaker, so it's harder to overcome the Speed loss that way, and being paralyzed means that it can lose to some of the threats it's meant to check.

Team Options:
Include that Ferrothorn can also set up Spikes that slowly whittle down the opponent's team, as Mega Scizor does force a lot of switches.

Skarmory should be mentioned for its Ground immunity. This set is bulky, but Choice Band Mamoswine and Excadrill can 2HKO Mega Scizor (Mamoswine needs a very small amount of prior damage). Skarmory is another hazard stacker too, which is always useful, and it can also run Whirlwind.

Empoleon is a great Scald switch-in and can set up Stealth Rock to allow its team to use other supportive moves while also running Roar to phaze out setup sweepers that might try to take advantage of Mega Scizor, such as Mega Gyarados or even Manaphy.

Great work! QC 1/3
Implemented, just one thing:

- I don't really agree that paralysis is bad for the 2nd set; most of the things that beat it already outspeed it, and paralysis means it can't get burnt
 

scpinion

Life > Monotype... unfortunately :)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
QC 2/3

Make sure to remove mentions of Sableye (I think the only one is in Checks/Counters).
 

Zar

What a time
is a Contributor Alumnus
Horribly sorry for not noticing this.

Everything looks great. Nicely done! QC 3/3
 

scpinion

Life > Monotype... unfortunately :)
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
AFD isn't active on Smogon anymore. The QC team is going to take this through GP since it is such an important Pokemon in the Monotype metagame.
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

**Steel**

Mega Scizor's fantastic typing that boasts a neutraility neutrality to Fighting- and Ground-type moves along with its bulk that rivals even Skarmory's (exceeds, actually, if we're talking base stats alone) provides an amazing amount of defensive synergy to Steel teams, especially coupled with its access to reliable recovery in Roost. It's no slouch offensively either, as it has a high Attack stat with access to strong Technician-boosted STAB moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite, with the former even giving it access to priority. It also has access to Swords Dance, making it a threatening sweeper that is difficult to revenge kill thanks to the aforementioned Bullet Punch, and in addition it has great coverage moves like Superpower and Knock Off to hit the Pokemon that resist both of its STAB typings. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor is near useless against Fire teams, as it is decimated by any of their STAB moves and can only hope to revenge kill a weakened Pokemon with Bullet Punch. Mega Scizor also has an underwhelming Speed, and while this is usually mitigated by its access to Bullet Punch, it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon with typings that resist Bullet Punch, mostly notably Water-types (AH) like Keldeo and of course most Fire-types. (AH)

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to insane levels, making it a formidable wallbreaker and sweeper. Bullet Punch is a strong STAB priority move that can hit faster Pokemon while also being able to revenge kill Pokemon throughout the game, and it can OHKO many offensive threats after a Swords Dance boost. Superpower is great coverage with Bullet Punch, as it hits Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Empoleon, and Magnezone super effectively while being a good neutral hit against Pokemon like Keldeo and other Mega Scizor. Bug Bite is Mega Scizor's strongest STAB move that and hits Water-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon hard. It notably lets Mega Scizor muscle past Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Knock Off can also be used to get past Doublade while having good general utility in removing items.

Set Details
========

This set uses a simple EV spread of maximum Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to make Mega Scizor as strong and fast as possible; maximum Speed lets Mega Scizor outspeed and hit Pokemon that don't mind Bullet Punch with Bug Bite, like Seismitoad, Rotom-W, Mega Swampert, (AC) and Mega Venusaur. Scizorite greatly improves Scizor's bulk and gives it many more opportunities to set up while also boosting its Attack.

Usage Tips
========

As this Mega Scizor set lacks Roost and has no HP investment, it can be easily worn down. Do not recklessly switch into entry hazards and Fighting- and Ground-type moves, (AC) as this set is not the most reliable check to them. Try to avoid switching Mega Scizor into a potential burn, as it will cripple it and prevent it from sweeping. It can be very beneficial to preserve Mega Scizor's health for a late-game (AH) sweep; however, this set can also be used early-(AH) and mid-game (AH) to wallbreak. It is a good idea to weaken checks like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Infernape before attempting to set up a Swords Dance. For example, if Keldeo is at half health or below, Mega Scizor can sweep Fighting-type teams easily after a Swords Dance boost with Stealth Rock up. As this Mega Scizor set has maximum Attack investment, its Bullet Punch can be quite strong even without a boost, so it can be used as a revenge killer as well.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set works great on more offensive hazard stacking Steel-type teams; in general, entry hazard support in the form of Stealth Rock and Spikes is extremely appreciated and turns many 2HKOs into OHKOs and can wear down common switch-ins (AH) like Keldeo. Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Heatran can all set Stealth Rock, and the former two can also set Spikes. Custap lead Skarmory with dual hazards pairs fantastically with Mega Scizor and often finds itself on the same offensive Steel-type teams as this Mega Scizor set. Heatran in particular is also an amazing teammate, (AC) as it can absorb Fire-type moves for Scizor along with setting up Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn can also deal with Water-type Pokemon, which can prove to be a problem with Scald burns. Magnezone can trap Skarmory, which can be especially useful if Scizor is not using Superpower. Finally, Choice Scarf Excadrill can deal with the Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch easily with its Mold Breaker Earthquake and Rock Slide coverage. (AP)

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to high levels, and this set finds many opportunities to set up with it due to its bulk. Bullet Punch is Mega Scizor's STAB move that hits faster Pokemon, and it can become quite powerful with a few Swords Dance boosts. Roost gives longevity and lets Mega Scizor turn many Pokemon that cannot 2HKO it into setup fodder for Swords Dance. Knock Off works well on this set, (AC) as it lets Mega Scizor act as a utility Pokemon throughout the game, switching in on Pokemon it checks and knocking off items. In addition, it is great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, hitting most Pokemon at(space)least neutrally. Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types like Heatran, Magnezone, Empoleon, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, but since this set is slow, it may can only hit the former two on a predicted switch in. U-turn and Bug Bite can be used as Bug-type STAB moves, with the former letting Mega Scizor pivot around and weaken its checks so it can sweep with Swords Dance late game while and the latter is providing a stronger option to hit many pokemon neutrally; however, Steel and Bug together is very mediocre coverage offensively, and using these moves makes Scizor find itself walled by a plethora of Pokemon.

Set Details
========

248 HP with 44 Defense EVs and an Impish nature lets Mega Scizor live survive two High Jump Kick from Mega Lopunny, letting allowing Mega Scizor to (repetition) effectively check it. They also help Mega Scizor reliably check Ground-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Landorus-t and Excadrill. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense, letting Mega Scizor avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump, along with avoiding the OHKO from HP Fire Latios's and Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. Maximum Defense investment is also an option to let Mega Scizor check physical Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon more effectively. Scizorite provides a large boost to Mega Scizor's bulk as well as its Attack. This set can be used with more Attack investment if the Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Keldeo benchmarks are not of concern.

Usage Tips
========

This set can switch in on many big threats like Mega Lopunny, Landorus-t Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Heracross to reliably check them due to Roost. Knock Off is a very spammable move early game; as Mega Scizor switches in to check Pokemon, use Knock Off to cripple switch-ins and wear down checks. This Mega Scizor set is not very powerful, so be wary of trying to sweep too early, (AC) as it needs two or three Swords Dance boosts to sweep. Because of this set's considerable bulk and Roost, Mega Scizor can avoid a 2HKO from many Pokemon and use them as setup fodder. Although this set is bulky enough to take on most Water-type Pokemon, be wary of Scald and burns in general, as they cripple Mega Scizor tremendously.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set acts as a good glue Pokemon to balanced Steel teams, providing a Fighting- and Ground-type check and a bulky wincon. Heatran is a great teammate, (AC) as it can absorb Fire-type moves and set up Stealth Rock. In return, Mega Scizor can take Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Heatran. Ferrothorn is another Stealth Rock setter that can deal with Water-type Pokemon that can prove to be an annoyance with Scald burns: it can also set Spikes. In the same vein, Empoleon can switch into most Water-type Pokemon and set up Stealth Rock, Defog, or Roar out Pokemon like Gyarados and Manaphy that try to set up on Mega Scizor. Magnezone can also check Water-type Pokemon and can trap physically defensive Skarmory, which easily walls this set. Choice Scarf Excadrill can check the Fire-type Pokemon that have no trouble with this set, and it also does well against Fire teams in general, where this set is especially deadweight. Doublade and Skarmory can relieve pressure on Mega Scizor to check Fighting-types and Ground-types, respectively.

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

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor can use a Defog set with no Swords Dance, but Skarmory is generally a better Defog user, (AC) and such a set is setup fodder for many Pokemon. Regular Scizor can try using a Life Orb SD Swords Dance set, (AC) as it is slightly more powerful than Mega Scizor, but it is almost always outclassed by Mega Scizor because of the great amount of extra bulk, giving which gives far more opportunities to set up. Quick Attack as is another priority option with better neutral coverage than Bullet Punch, hitting Water- and Fire-type Pokemon neutrally, but it is very weak compared to STAB Bullet Punch (RC) and is matchup dependent.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel**

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon are far and away the largest threat to all Mega Scizor sets. They resist both of Scizor's STAB types and importantly resist Bullet Punch and are generally faster, meaning they can usually easily revenge kill Mega Scizor with their 4x super effective STAB moves. The most notable Fire-type Pokemon that beat Scizor are Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Rotom-Heat, Entei, and Torkoal. All of these Pokemon are able to take numerous Bullet Punches and are not 2HKOed by Superpower or Knock Off. Other Fire-type Pokemon like Victini, Heatran, and Infernape are able to check Mega Scizor effectively (RC) but must be wary of switching into Knock Off and Superpower.

**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon resist Mega Scizor's STAB Bullet Punch and thus often make reliable checks and counters to it. Zapdos in particular resists both of Mega Scizor's STAB moves, takes little damage from Knock Off and Superpower, and can hit it with Heat Wave. Rotom-W and Mega Ampharos are great checks to bulky Mega Scizor variants, being able to switch into Knock Off, Bug Bite, and Superpower and burning them with Will-O-Wisp or 2HKOing them with Thunderbolt, respectively. They must be wary of offensive variants, (comma) however, as +2 maximum Attack Bug Bite comes close to OHKOing with prior damage. Finally, Mega Manectric is able to reliably check Mega Scizor with Fire-type coverage moves and a resistance to Bullet Punch, but it will take a lot from Bug Bite from offensive sets.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Kingdra, and Manaphy are able to muscle past Mega Scizor with strong Hydro Pumps or Scalds and resist Bullet Punch, making them good revenge killers with if Mega Scizor has taken prior damage. Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Suicune, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent are able to avoid the 2HKO from most moves and can fish for Scald burns, (AC) which will completely cripple Mega Scizor, but they all lose 1v1 one-on-one if they do not get the burn. Quagsire is perhaps the best Water-type counter to Mega Scizor, as it ignores Swords Dance due to Unaware, is not 2HKOd 2HKOed by Bug Bite, and can fish for Scald burns or boost alongside it with Curse. It does take a large chunk from Bug Bite, however, and can be defeated with prior damage.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory, Nidoqueen, and bulky Garchomp are also able to beat Mega Scizor; Skarmory avoids the 2HKO from +2 Superpower from offensive variants and can respond with Counter or Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen and Garchomp both avoid the OHKO from +2 Bullet Punch quite easily and can respond with Fire-type coverage moves.
 
Last edited:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
AMCHECK:
This will not count as one of the two required checks unless it is stamped by an official GP member.

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma

[OVERVIEW]

**Steel**

Mega Scizor's fantastic typing that boasts a neutrality to Fighting- and Ground-type moves along with its bulk that rivals even Skarmory's provides an amazing amount of defensive synergy to Steel teams, especially coupled with its access to reliable recovery in Roost. It's no slouch offensively either, as it has a high Attack stat with access to strong Technician-boosted STAB moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite, with the former even giving it access to priority. It also has access to Swords Dance, making it a threatening sweeper that is difficult to revenge kill thanks to Bullet Punch, and in addition it has great coverage moves like Superpower and Knock Off to hit the Pokemon that resist both of its STAB typings. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor is near useless against Fire teams, as it is decimated by any of their STAB moves and can only hope to revenge kill a weakened Pokemon with Bullet Punch. Mega Scizor also has an underwhelming Speed, and while this is usually mitigated by its access to Bullet Punch, it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon with typings that resist Bullet Punch, mostly notably Water-types like Keldeo and of course most Fire-types.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to insane levels, making it a formidable wallbreaker and sweeper. Bullet Punch is a strong STAB priority move that can hit faster Pokemon while also being able to revenge kill Pokemon throughout the game, and it can OHKO many offensive threats after a Swords Dance boost. Superpower is great coverage with Bullet Punch, as it hits Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Empoleon, and Magnezone super effectively while being a good neutral hit against Pokemon like Keldeo and other Mega Scizor. Bug Bite is Mega Scizor's strongest STAB move and hits Water-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon hard. It notably lets Mega Scizor muscle past Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Knock Off can also be used to get past Doublade while having good general utility in removing items.

Set Details
========

This set uses a simple EV spread of maximum Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to make Mega Scizor as strong and fast as possible; maximum Speed lets Mega Scizor outspeed and hit Pokemon that don't mind Bullet Punch with Bug Bite, like Seismitoad, Rotom-W, Mega Swampert, and Mega Venusaur. Scizorite greatly improves Scizor's bulk and gives it many more opportunities to set up while also boosting its Attack. (I think you should explain here that Light Metal is optimal to reduce damage from Low Kick on the switch)

Usage Tips
========

As this Mega Scizor set lacks Roost and has no HP investment, it can be easily worn down. Do not recklessly switch into entry hazards and Fighting- and Ground-type moves, as since (reduce redundancy) this set is not the most reliable check to them. Try to avoid switching Mega Scizor into a potential burn, as it will cripple it Mega Scizor and prevent it from sweeping. It can be very beneficial to preserve Mega Scizor's health for a late-game sweep; however, this set can also be used early- and mid-game to wallbreak. It is a good idea to weaken checks like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Infernape before attempting to set up a Swords Dance. For example, if Keldeo is at half health or below, Mega Scizor can sweep Fighting-type teams easily after a Swords Dance boost with Stealth Rock up. As this Mega Scizor set has maximum Attack investment, its Bullet Punch can be quite strong even without a boost, so it can be used as a revenge killer as well.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set works great on more offensive hazard stacking Steel-type teams; in general, entry hazard support in the form of Stealth Rock and Spikes is extremely appreciated,(AC) as they turn and turns (flows better since you don't need to say two "ands") many 2HKOs into OHKOs and can wear down common switch-ins like Keldeo. Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Heatran can all set Stealth Rock, and the former two can also set Spikes. Custap lead Skarmory with dual hazards pairs fantastically with Mega Scizor and often finds itself on the same offensive Steel-type teams as this Mega Scizor set. Heatran in particular is also an amazing teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves for Scizor along with setting up Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn can also deal with Water-type Pokemon, which can prove to be a problem with Scald burns. Magnezone can trap Skarmory, which can be especially useful if Scizor is not using Superpower. Finally, Choice Scarf Excadrill can deal with the Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch easily with its Mold Breaker Earthquake and Rock Slide coverage.

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to high levels, and this set finds many opportunities to set up with it due to its bulk. Bullet Punch is Mega Scizor's STAB move that hits faster Pokemon, and it can become quite powerful with a few Swords Dance boosts. Roost gives longevity and lets Mega Scizor turn many Pokemon that cannot 2HKO it into setup fodder for Swords Dance. Knock Off works well on this set, as it lets Mega Scizor act as a utility Pokemon throughout the game, switching in on Pokemon it checks and knocking off items. In addition, it is has great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, hitting most Pokemon at least neutrally. Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types like Heatran, Magnezone, Empoleon, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, but since this set is slow, it can only hit the former two on a predicted switch in. U-turn and Bug Bite can be used as Bug-type STAB moves, with the former letting Mega Scizor pivot around and weaken its checks so it can sweep with Swords Dance late game late-game,(AC) and the latter providing a stronger option to hit many pokemon Pokemon neutrally; however, Steel and Bug together is very mediocre coverage offensively, and using these moves makes Scizor find itself walled by a plethora of Pokemon. Mega Scizor often finds itself walled by a plethora of Pokemon when using these moves. (This flows much better, and the original sentence sounded very awkward, specifically the "makes Scizor find itself")

Set Details
========

248 HP with 44 Defense EVs and an Impish nature lets let Mega Scizor survive two High Jump Kick (I'm pretty sure you can pluralize this, but idk for certain. You did pluralize other moves in the analysis. If it's allowed, then please pluralize it) from Mega Lopunny, allowing Mega Scizor to effectively check it. They also help Mega Scizor reliably check Ground-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Landorus-t Landorus-T and Excadrill. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense, letting Mega Scizor avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump, along with avoiding the OHKO from Latios's and Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. Maximum Defense investment is also an option to let Mega Scizor check physical Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon more effectively. Scizorite provides a large boost to Mega Scizor's bulk as well as its Attack. This set can be used with more Attack investment if the Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Keldeo benchmarks are not of concern. (Again, explain here that Light Metal is optimal to reduce damage from Low Kick on the switch)

Usage Tips
========

This set can switch in on many big threats like Mega Lopunny, Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Heracross to and reliably check them due to Roost. Knock Off is a very spammable move early game; as Mega Scizor switches in to check Pokemon, use Knock Off to cripple switch-ins and wear down checks. This Mega Scizor set is not very powerful, so be wary of trying to sweep too early, as it needs two or three Swords Dance boosts to sweep. Because of this set's considerable bulk and Roost, Mega Scizor can avoid a 2HKO from many Pokemon and use them as setup fodder. Although this set is bulky enough to take on most Water-type Pokemon, be wary of Scald and burns in general, as they cripple Mega Scizor tremendously.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set acts as a good glue Pokemon to balanced Steel teams, providing a Fighting- and Ground-type check and a bulky wincon. Heatran is a great teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves and set up Stealth Rock. In return, Mega Scizor can take Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Heatran. Ferrothorn is another Stealth Rock setter that can also set up Spikes,(AC) and it deals deal with Water-type Pokemon that can prove to be an annoyance with Scald burns.(end sentence):(remove colon) it can also set Spikes. (That ending with the colon was very weird and definitely wasn't needed, so this change helps the flow of the sentence) In the same vein, Empoleon can switch into most Water-type Pokemon and set up Stealth Rock, use Defog, or Roar (otherwise it sounded like Empoleon can set up SR and defog, and you don't "set up" defog) out Pokemon like Gyarados and Manaphy that try to set up on Mega Scizor. Magnezone can also check Water-type Pokemon and can trap physically defensive Skarmory, which easily walls this set. Choice Scarf Excadrill can check the Fire-type Pokemon that have no trouble with this set, and it also does well against Fire teams in general, where this set Mega Scizor (repeated use of "this set" without referring to Mega Scizor in a while can lose focus, and originally, I thought "this set" was referring to Excadrill, which is clearly not the case) is especially deadweight. Doublade and Skarmory can relieve pressure on Mega Scizor to check Fighting-types and Ground-types, respectively.

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

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor can use a Defog set with no Swords Dance, but Skarmory is generally a better Defog user, and such a set is setup fodder for many Pokemon. Regular Scizor can try using a Life Orb Swords Dance set, as it is slightly more powerful than Mega Scizor, but it is almost always outclassed by Mega Scizor because of the great amount of extra bulk, which gives far more opportunities to set up. Quick Attack is another priority option with better neutral coverage than Bullet Punch, hitting Water- and Fire-type Pokemon neutrally, but it is very weak compared to STAB Bullet Punch and is matchup dependent.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel**

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon are far and away the largest threat to all Mega Scizor sets. They resist both of Scizor's STAB,(AC) namely types and importantly resist Bullet Punch,(AC) and are generally faster, meaning they can usually easily revenge kill Mega Scizor with their 4x super effective STAB moves (flows better). The most notable Fire-type Pokemon that beat Mega Scizor are Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Rotom-H, Entei, and Torkoal. All of these Pokemon are able to take numerous Bullet Punches and are not 2HKOed by Superpower or Knock Off. Other Fire-type Pokemon like Victini, Heatran, and Infernape are able to check Mega Scizor effectively but must be wary of switching into Knock Off and Superpower.

**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon resist Mega Scizor's STAB Bullet Punch and thus often make reliable checks and counters to it. Zapdos in particular resists both of Mega Scizor's STAB moves, takes little damage from Knock Off and Superpower, and can hit it with Heat Wave. Rotom-W and Mega Ampharos are great checks to bulky Mega Scizor variants, being able to switch into Knock Off, Bug Bite, and Superpower and burning them with Will-O-Wisp or 2HKOing them with Thunderbolt, respectively. They must be wary of offensive variants, however, as +2 maximum Attack Bug Bite comes close to OHKOing with prior damage. Finally, Mega Manectric is able to reliably check Mega Scizor with Fire-type coverage moves and a resistance to Bullet Punch, but it will take a lot from Bug Bite from offensive sets.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Kingdra, and Manaphy are able to muscle past Mega Scizor with strong Hydro Pumps or Scalds and resist Bullet Punch, making them good revenge killers if Mega Scizor has taken prior damage. Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Suicune, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent are able to avoid the 2HKO from most moves and can fish for Scald burns, which will completely cripple Mega Scizor, but they all lose one-on-one if they do not get the burn. Quagsire is perhaps the best Water-type counter to Mega Scizor, as it ignores Swords Dance due to Unaware, is not 2HKOed by Bug Bite, and can fish for Scald burns or boost alongside it with Curse. It does take a large chunk from Bug Bite, however, and can be defeated with prior damage.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory, Nidoqueen, and bulky Garchomp are also able to beat Mega Scizor; Skarmory avoids the 2HKO from +2 Superpower from offensive variants and can respond with Counter or Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen and Garchomp both avoid the OHKO from +2 Bullet Punch quite easily and can respond with Fire-type coverage moves.
 
Last edited:
GP 2/2

Working on top of Fireflame
remove add comments
[OVERVIEW]

**Steel**

Mega Scizor's fantastic typing, (comma) that which boasts a neutrality to Fighting- and Ground-type moves, (comma) along with its bulk that rivals even Skarmory's, (comma) provides an amazing amount of defensive synergy to Steel teams, especially coupled with its access to reliable recovery in Roost. It's no slouch offensively either, as it has a high Attack stat with access to strong Technician-boosted STAB moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite, with the former even giving it access to priority. It also has access to Swords Dance, making it a threatening sweeper that is difficult to revenge kill thanks to Bullet Punch, and in addition it has great coverage moves like Superpower and Knock Off to hit the Pokemon that resist both of its STAB typings types. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor is near-(hyphen)useless against Fire teams, as it is decimated by any of their STAB moves and can only hope to revenge kill a weakened Pokemon with Bullet Punch. Mega Scizor also has an underwhelming Speed stat, and while this is usually mitigated by its access to Bullet Punch, it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon with typings that resist Bullet Punch, mostly notably Water-types like Keldeo and of course most Fire-types.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to insane levels, making it a formidable wallbreaker and sweeper. Bullet Punch is a strong STAB priority move that can hit faster Pokemon, (comma) while also being able enables Mega Scizor to revenge kill Pokemon throughout the game, and it can OHKO many offensive threats after a Swords Dance boost. Superpower is has great coverage with alongside Bullet Punch, as it hits Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Empoleon, and Magnezone super effectively while being and lands a good neutral hit against Pokemon like Keldeo and other Mega Scizor. Bug Bite is Mega Scizor's strongest STAB move and hits Water-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon hard. It notably lets Mega Scizor muscle past Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Knock Off can also be used to get past Doublade while having good general utility in removing items.

Set Details
========

This set uses a simple EV spread of maximum Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to make Mega Scizor as strong and fast as possible; maximum Speed lets Mega Scizor outspeed and hit Pokemon that don't mind Bullet Punch with Bug Bite, like Seismitoad, Rotom-W, Mega Swampert, and Mega Venusaur. Scizorite greatly improves Scizor's bulk and gives it many more opportunities to set up while also boosting its Attack. (I think you should explain here that Light Metal is optimal to reduce damage from Low Kick on the switch) (agreed)

Usage Tips
========

As this Mega Scizor set lacks Roost and has no HP investment, it can be easily worn down. Do not recklessly switch into entry hazards and or Fighting- and Ground-type moves, as since (reduce redundancy) (not particularly necessary, but go for it if you want) this set is not the most reliable check to them. Try to avoid switching Mega Scizor into a potential burn, as it will be crippled it Mega Scizor (don't add "Mega Scizor") and prevented it from sweeping. It can be very beneficial to preserve Mega Scizor's health for a late-game sweep; however, this set can also be used early- and mid-game to wallbreak. It is a good idea to weaken checks like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Infernape before attempting to set up a Swords Dance. For example, if Keldeo is at half health or below, Mega Scizor can sweep Fighting-type teams easily after a Swords Dance boost and with Stealth Rock up. As this Mega Scizor set has maximum Attack investment, its Bullet Punch can be quite strong even without a boost, so it can be used as a revenge killer as well.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set works great on more offensive hazard-(hyphen)stacking Steel-type teams; in general, entry hazard support in the form of Stealth Rock and Spikes is extremely appreciated,(AC) as they turn and turns (flows better since yoy don't need to say two "ands") (yes, this is better) many 2HKOs into OHKOs and can wear down common switch-ins like Keldeo. Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Heatran can all set Stealth Rock, and the former two can also set Spikes. The Custap lead Skarmory set with dual hazards pairs fantastically with Mega Scizor and often finds itself on the same offensive Steel-type teams as this Mega Scizor set. Heatran in particular is also an amazing teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves for Scizor along with setting up Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn can also deal with Water-type Pokemon, which can prove to be a problem with their Scald burns. Magnezone can trap Skarmory, which can be especially useful if Scizor is not using Superpower. Finally, Choice Scarf Excadrill can easily deal with the Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch easily with its Mold Breaker Earthquake and Rock Slide coverage.

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to high levels, and this set finds many opportunities to set up with it due to its bulk. Bullet Punch is Mega Scizor's STAB move that hits faster Pokemon, and it can become quite powerful with a few Swords Dance boosts. Roost gives longevity and lets Mega Scizor turn many Pokemon that cannot 2HKO it into setup fodder for Swords Dance. Knock Off works well on this set, as it lets Mega Scizor act as a utility Pokemon throughout the game, switching in on Pokemon it checks and knocking off items. In addition, it is has great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, hitting most Pokemon at least neutrally. Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types like Heatran, Magnezone, Empoleon, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, but since this set is slow, it can only hit the former two on a predicted switch in. U-turn and Bug Bite can be used as Bug-type STAB moves, with the former letting Mega Scizor pivot around and weaken its checks so it can sweep with Swords Dance late game late-game,(AC) and the latter providing a stronger option to hit many pokemon Pokemon neutrally; however, Steel and Bug together is very mediocre coverage offensively, and using these moves makes Scizor find itself walled by a plethora of Pokemon. Mega Scizor often finds itself is walled by a plethora of Pokemon when using these moves. (This flows much better, and the original sentence sounded very awkward, specifically the "makes Scizor find itself")

Set Details
========

248 HP with and 44 Defense EVs and with an Impish nature lets let Mega Scizor survive two High Jump Kick (I'm pretty sure you can pluralize this, but idk for certain. You did pluralize other moves in the analysis. If it's allowed, then please pluralize it) (yes, do so) from Mega Lopunny, allowing Mega Scizor to effectively check it. They also help Mega Scizor reliably check Ground-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Landorus-t Landorus-T and Excadrill. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense, letting Mega Scizor avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump, along with avoiding the OHKO from Latios's and Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. Maximum Defense investment is also an option to let Mega Scizor check physical Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon more effectively. Scizorite provides a large boost to Mega Scizor's bulk as well as its Attack. This set can be used with more Attack investment if the Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Keldeo benchmarks are not of concern. (Again, explain here that Light Metal is optimal to reduce damage from Low Kick on the switch) (indeed)

Usage Tips
========

This set can switch in on many big threats like Mega Lopunny, Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Heracross to reliably check them due to Roost. Knock Off is a very spammable move early-(hyphen)game; as Mega Scizor switches in to check Pokemon, use Knock Off to cripple switch-ins and wear down checks. This Mega Scizor set is not very powerful, so be wary of trying to sweep too early, as it needs two or three Swords Dance boosts to sweep do so effectively. Because of this set's considerable bulk and Roost, Mega Scizor can avoid a 2HKO from many Pokemon and use them as setup fodder. Although this set is bulky enough to take on most Water-type Pokemon, be wary of Scald and burns in general, as they cripple Mega Scizor tremendously.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set acts as a good glue Pokemon to balanced Steel teams, providing a Fighting- and Ground-type check and a bulky wincon. Heatran is a great teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves and set up Stealth Rock. In return, Mega Scizor can take Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Heatran. Ferrothorn is another Stealth Rock setter that can also set up Spikes,(AC) and it deals deal (keep) with Water-type Pokemon that can (keep) prove to be an annoyance with Scald burns.(end sentence):(remove colon) it can also set Spikes. (That ending with the colon was very weird and definitely wasn't needed, so this change helps the flow of the sentence) In the same vein, Empoleon can switch into most Water-type Pokemon and set up Stealth Rock, use Defog, or Roar (otherwise it sounded like Empoleon can set up SR and defog, and you don't "set up" defog) out Pokemon like Gyarados and Manaphy that try to set up on Mega Scizor. Magnezone can also check Water-type Pokemon and can trap physically defensive Skarmory, which easily walls this set. Choice Scarf Excadrill can check the Fire-type Pokemon that have no trouble with this set, and it also does well against Fire teams in general, where this set Mega Scizor (repeated use of "this set" without referring to Mega Scizor in a while can lose focus, and originally, I thought "this set" was referring to Excadrill, which is clearly not the case) is especially deadweight. Doublade and Skarmory can relieve pressure on Mega Scizor to check by checking Fighting-types and Ground-types, respectively.

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

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor can use a Defog set with no Swords Dance, but Skarmory is generally a better Defog user, and such a set is setup fodder for many Pokemon. Regular Scizor can try using a Life Orb Swords Dance set, as it is slightly more powerful than Mega Scizor, but it is almost always outclassed by Mega Scizor because of the great amount of extra bulk, which gives far more opportunities to set up. Quick Attack is another priority option with better neutral coverage than Bullet Punch, hitting Water- and Fire-type Pokemon neutrally, but it is very weak compared to STAB Bullet Punch and is matchup-(hyphen)dependent.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel**

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon are far and away the largest threat to all Mega Scizor sets. They resist both of Scizor's STAB types,(AC) namely which includes types and importantly resist Bullet Punch,(AC) and are generally faster, meaning they can usually easily revenge kill Mega Scizor with their 4x super effective STAB moves (flows better). The most notable Fire-type Pokemon that beat Mega Scizor are Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Rotom-H, Entei, and Torkoal. All of these Pokemon are able to take numerous Bullet Punches and are not 2HKOed by Superpower or Knock Off. Other Fire-type Pokemon like Victini, Heatran, and Infernape are able to check Mega Scizor effectively but must be wary of switching into Knock Off and Superpower.

**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon resist Mega Scizor's STAB Bullet Punch and thus often make reliable checks and counters to it. Zapdos in particular resists both of Mega Scizor's STAB moves, takes little damage from Knock Off and Superpower, and can hit it with Heat Wave. Rotom-W and Mega Ampharos are great checks to bulky Mega Scizor variants, being able to switch into Knock Off, Bug Bite, and Superpower and burning them with Will-O-Wisp or 2HKOing them with Thunderbolt, respectively. They must be wary of offensive variants, however, as +2 maximum Attack Bug Bite comes close to OHKOing with prior damage. Finally, Mega Manectric is able to reliably check Mega Scizor with Fire-type coverage moves and a resistance to Bullet Punch, but it will take a lot from Bug Bite from offensive sets.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Kingdra, and Manaphy are able to muscle past Mega Scizor with strong Hydro Pumps or Scalds and resist Bullet Punch, making them good revenge killers if Mega Scizor has taken prior damage. Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Suicune, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent are able to avoid the 2HKO from most moves and can fish for Scald burns, which will completely cripple Mega Scizor, but they all lose one-on-one if they do not get the burn. Quagsire is perhaps the best Water-type counter to Mega Scizor, as it ignores Swords Dance due to Unaware, is not 2HKOed by Bug Bite, and can fish for Scald burns or boost alongside it Mega Scizor with Curse. It does still take a large chunk decent amount from Bug Bite, however, and can be defeated with prior damage.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory, Nidoqueen, and bulky Garchomp are also able to beat Mega Scizor; Skarmory avoids the 2HKO from +2 Superpower from offensive variants and can respond with Counter or Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen and Garchomp both avoid the OHKO from +2 Bullet Punch quite easily and can respond with Fire-type coverage moves.

Sorry for the wait!
 
Last edited:
Sobi gave me a c/p, so many thanks to him. I've added in one sentence to both Set Details explaining Light Metal as FireFlame479 and CryoGyro recommended, thank you for catching that. Added that Scizorite gives Mega Scizor Technician to both as well.

[OVERVIEW]

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor's fantastic typing, which boasts a neutrality to Fighting- and Ground-type moves, along with its bulk that rivals even Skarmory's, provides an amazing amount of defensive synergy to Steel teams, especially coupled with its access to reliable recovery in Roost. It's no slouch offensively either, as it has a high Attack stat with access to strong Technician-boosted STAB moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite, with the former even giving it access to priority. It also has access to Swords Dance, making it a threatening sweeper that is difficult to revenge kill thanks to Bullet Punch, and in addition has great coverage moves like Superpower and Knock Off to hit the Pokemon that resist both of its STAB types. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor is near useless against Fire teams, as it is decimated by any of their STAB moves and can only hope to revenge kill a weakened Pokemon with Bullet Punch. Mega Scizor also has an underwhelming Speed stat, and while this is usually mitigated by its access to Bullet Punch, it can be easily revenge killed by Pokemon with typings that resist Bullet Punch, mostly notably Water-types like Keldeo and of course most Fire-types.

[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Bug Bite
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to insane levels, making it a formidable wallbreaker and sweeper. Bullet Punch is a strong STAB priority move that can hit faster Pokemon, enables Mega Scizor to revenge kill Pokemon throughout the game, and can OHKO many offensive threats after a Swords Dance boost. Superpower has great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, as it hits Steel-type Pokemon like Heatran, Empoleon, and Magnezone super effectively and lands a good neutral hit against Pokemon like Keldeo and other Mega Scizor. Bug Bite is Mega Scizor's strongest STAB move and hits Water-, Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon hard. It notably lets Mega Scizor muscle past Pokemon like Mandibuzz, Rotom-W, and Slowbro. Knock Off can also be used to get past Doublade while having good general utility in removing items.

Set Details
========

This set uses a simple EV spread of maximum Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to make Mega Scizor as strong and fast as possible; maximum Speed lets Mega Scizor outspeed and hit Pokemon that don't mind Bullet Punch with Bug Bite, like Seismitoad, Rotom-W, Mega Swampert, and Mega Venusaur. Light Metal is the preferred pre-Mega Evolution ability to reduce Low Kick damage. Scizorite greatly improves Scizor's bulk and gives it many more opportunities to set up while also boosting its Attack and giving it Technician.

Usage Tips
========

As this Mega Scizor set lacks Roost and has no HP investment, it can be easily worn down. Do not recklessly switch into entry hazards or Fighting- and Ground-type moves, as this set is not the most reliable check to them. Try to avoid switching Mega Scizor into a potential burn, as it will be crippled Mega Scizor and prevented from sweeping. It can be very beneficial to preserve Mega Scizor's health for a late-game sweep; however, this set can also be used early- and mid-game to wallbreak. It is a good idea to weaken checks like Keldeo, Rotom-W, and Infernape before attempting to set up a Swords Dance. For example, if Keldeo is at half health or below, Mega Scizor can sweep Fighting-type teams easily after a Swords Dance boost and with Stealth Rock up. As this Mega Scizor set has maximum Attack investment, its Bullet Punch can be quite strong even without a boost, so it can be used as a revenge killer as well.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set works great on more offensive hazard-stacking Steel-type teams; in general, entry hazard support in the form of Stealth Rock and Spikes is extremely appreciated, as they turn many 2HKOs into OHKOs and can wear down common switch-ins like Keldeo. Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Heatran can all set Stealth Rock, and the former two can also set Spikes. The Custap lead Skarmory set with dual hazards pairs fantastically with Mega Scizor and often finds itself on the same offensive Steel-type teams. Heatran in particular is also an amazing teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves for Scizor along with setting up Stealth Rock. Ferrothorn can also deal with Water-type Pokemon, which can prove to be a problem with their Scald burns. Magnezone can trap Skarmory, which can be especially useful if Scizor is not using Superpower. Finally, Choice Scarf Excadrill can easily deal with the Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch with its Mold Breaker Earthquake and Rock Slide coverage.

[SET]
name: Defensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 SpD

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

Swords Dance boosts Mega Scizor's Attack to high levels, and this set finds many opportunities to set up due to its bulk. Bullet Punch is Mega Scizor's STAB move that hits faster Pokemon, and it can become quite powerful with a few Swords Dance boosts. Roost gives longevity and lets Mega Scizor turn many Pokemon that cannot 2HKO it into setup fodder. Knock Off works well on this set, as it lets Mega Scizor act as a utility Pokemon throughout the game, switching in on Pokemon it checks and knocking off items. In addition, it has great coverage alongside Bullet Punch, hitting most Pokemon at least neutrally. Superpower can be used to hit Steel-types like Heatran, Magnezone, Empoleon, Ferrothorn, and Bisharp, but since this set is slow, it can only hit the former two on a predicted switch in. U-turn and Bug Bite can be used as Bug-type STAB moves, with the former letting Mega Scizor pivot around and weaken its checks so it can sweep with Swords Dance late-game, and the latter providing a stronger option to hit many Pokemon neutrally; however, Steel and Bug together is very mediocre coverage offensively, and Mega Scizor is walled by a plethora of Pokemon when using these moves.

Set Details
========

248 HP and 44 Defense EVs with an Impish nature let Mega Scizor survive two High Jump Kicks from Mega Lopunny, allowing Mega Scizor to effectively check it. They also help Mega Scizor reliably check Ground-type Pokemon like Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Excadrill. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense, letting Mega Scizor avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump, along with avoiding the OHKO from Latios's and Mega Diancie's Hidden Power Fire. Maximum Defense investment is also an option to let Mega Scizor check physical Fighting- and Ground-type Pokemon more effectively. Light Metal is the optimal ability for Scizor to reduce Low Kick damage. Scizorite provides Mega Scizor with Technician and a large boost to its bulk as well as its Attack. This set can be used with more Attack investment if the Mega Lopunny and Choice Scarf Keldeo benchmarks are not of concern.

Usage Tips
========

This set can switch in on many big threats like Mega Lopunny, Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Terrakion, and Choice Scarf Heracross to reliably check them due to Roost. Knock Off is a very spammable move early-game; as Mega Scizor switches in to check Pokemon, use Knock Off to cripple switch-ins and wear down checks. This Mega Scizor set is not very powerful, so be wary of trying to sweep too early, as it needs two or three Swords Dance boosts to do so effectively. Because of this set's considerable bulk and Roost, Mega Scizor can avoid a 2HKO from many Pokemon and use them as setup fodder. Although this set is bulky enough to take on most Water-type Pokemon, be wary of Scald and burns in general, as they cripple Mega Scizor tremendously.

Team Options
========

This Mega Scizor set acts as a good glue Pokemon to balanced Steel teams, providing a Fighting- and Ground-type check and a bulky wincon. Heatran is a great teammate, as it can absorb Fire-type moves and set up Stealth Rock. In return, Mega Scizor can take Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Heatran. Ferrothorn is another Stealth Rock setter that can also set up Spikes and deal (keep) with Water-type Pokemon that can (keep) prove to be an annoyance with Scald burns. In the same vein, Empoleon can switch into most Water-type Pokemon and set up Stealth Rock, use Defog, or Roar out Pokemon like Gyarados and Manaphy that try to set up on Mega Scizor. Magnezone can also check Water-type Pokemon and can trap physically defensive Skarmory, which easily walls this set. Choice Scarf Excadrill can check the Fire-type Pokemon that have no trouble with this set, and it also does well against Fire teams in general, where this Mega Scizor is especially deadweight. Doublade and Skarmory can relieve pressure on Mega Scizor by checking Fighting- and Ground-types, respectively.

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

**Steel**:

Mega Scizor can use a Defog set with no Swords Dance, but Skarmory is generally a better Defog user, and such a set is setup fodder for many Pokemon. Regular Scizor can try using a Life Orb Swords Dance set, as it is slightly more powerful than Mega Scizor, but it is almost always outclassed by Mega Scizor because of the great amount of extra bulk, which gives far more opportunities to set up. Quick Attack is another priority option with better neutral coverage than Bullet Punch, hitting Water- and Fire-type Pokemon neutrally, but it is very weak compared to STAB Bullet Punch and is matchup dependent.

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

**Steel**:

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon are far and away the largest threat to all Mega Scizor sets. They resist both of Scizor's STAB moves, including Bullet Punch, and are generally faster, meaning they can easily revenge kill Mega Scizor with their 4x super effective STAB moves. The most notable Fire-type Pokemon that beat Mega Scizor are Mega Charizard Y, Volcanion, Rotom-H, Entei, and Torkoal. All of these Pokemon are able to take numerous Bullet Punches and are not 2HKOed by Superpower or Knock Off. Other Fire-type Pokemon like Victini, Heatran, and Infernape are able to check Mega Scizor effectively but must be wary of switching into Knock Off and Superpower.

**Electric-types**: Electric-type Pokemon resist Mega Scizor's STAB Bullet Punch and thus often make reliable checks and counters to it. Zapdos in particular resists both of Mega Scizor's STAB moves, takes little damage from Knock Off and Superpower, and can hit it with Heat Wave. Rotom-W and Mega Ampharos are great checks to bulky Mega Scizor variants, being able to switch into Knock Off, Bug Bite, and Superpower and burn them with Will-O-Wisp or 2HKO them with Thunderbolt, respectively. They must be wary of offensive variants, however, as +2 maximum Attack Bug Bite comes close to OHKOing with prior damage. Finally, Mega Manectric is able to reliably check Mega Scizor with Fire-type coverage moves and a resistance to Bullet Punch, but it will take a lot from Bug Bite from offensive sets.

**Water-types**: Offensive Water-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Kingdra, and Manaphy are able to muscle past Mega Scizor with strong Hydro Pumps or Scalds and resist Bullet Punch, making them good revenge killers if Mega Scizor has taken prior damage. Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Suicune, Alomomola, Gastrodon, and Jellicent are able to avoid the 2HKO from most moves and can fish for Scald burns, which will completely cripple Mega Scizor, but they all lose one-on-one if they do not get the burn. Quagsire is perhaps the best Water-type counter to Mega Scizor, as it ignores Swords Dance due to Unaware, is not 2HKOed by Bug Bite, and can fish for Scald burns or boost alongside Mega Scizor with Curse. It does still take a decent amount from Bug Bite, however, and can be defeated with prior damage.

**Physically Bulky Pokemon**: Physically bulky Pokemon like Skarmory, Nidoqueen, and bulky Garchomp are also able to beat Mega Scizor; Skarmory avoids the 2HKO from +2 Superpower from offensive variants and can respond with Counter or Whirlwind, and Nidoqueen and Garchomp both avoid the OHKO from +2 Bullet Punch quite easily and can respond with Fire-type coverage moves.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top