[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 28 Atk / 48 Def / 180 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Due to its good typing, solid bulk, and strong priority move, Scizor plays both defensive and offensive roles by checking and setting up on dangerous Pokemon such as Mega Altaria, Nihilego, and Tapu Bulu. It also sets up on a lot of passive Pokemon like Tangrowth lacking Hidden Power Fire and Hippowdon. These setup opportunities, in conjunction with Bullet Punch, make it very threatening late-game when its checks are weakened. Bullet Punch gives good damage while revenge killing faster threats, such as Terrakion and Nihilego, and pressuring Fairy-types such as Mega Altaria and Hatterene. Roost gives Scizor some much-needed staying power, which helps it set up and check Pokemon like Aegislash and Mega Altaria more often. Knock Off is a great utility move, removing important items like Moltres's Heavy-Duty Boots and Skarmory's Rocky Helmet, and allows Scizor to threaten Aegislash. On the other hand, U-turn takes advantage of the many switches Scizor forces against Pokemon such as Zarude and Tangrowth, preserving momentum. U-turn can bring in partners like Volcanion and Rotom-H on Scizor's checks, such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers are comparably effective at keeping Scizor healthy. The given EV spread lets Scizor avoid a 2HKO from Krookodile's Earthquake, outspeed uninvested Alomomola, and, with the Adamant nature, always OHKO Nihilego with Bullet Punch after Stealth Rock damage.
This Scizor set fits best on offense and bulky offense teams, acting as defensive glue and a threatening late-game cleaner. Stealth Rock helps Scizor pressure its checks, especially when used alongside Knock Off to remove opposing Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers. Thus, Pokemon such as Swampert, Rhyperior, and Seismitoad have good synergy with Scizor, and they can all deal with Fire-type Pokemon, while Scizor is able to pressure Grass-type Pokemon like Tangrowth and Amoonguss for them. Some Fire-type answer is mandatory, as Scizor will struggle to beat Pokemon like Moltres, so Primarina, Rotom-H, and Rotom-W are also very good partners. If Scizor has U-turn, wallbreakers like Choice Specs Primarina and Terrakion appreciate the safe entry on Pokemon such as Salamence, Skarmory, and Moltres. Strong pivots like Urshifu-R and Mega Manectric can also form a VoltTurn core with Scizor, pressuring major roadblocks to it like Skarmory and Moltres, while Scizor can pressure Mega Altaria and Salamence for them in return. Aegislash is also an interesting partner, as it can cripple shared checks such as Moltres with Toxic.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Quick Attack / Dual Wingbeat
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
This offensive set makes Scizor a very powerful wallbreaker or scary cleaner. Even without bulk investment, Scizor's good natural bulk and excellent defensive typing let it soft check a plethora of dangerous threats to hyper offense, such as Mega Altaria and Nihilego, as well as giving it multiple opportunities to set up. Bullet Punch deals a lot of damage against Pokemon that don't resist as well as patching up Scizor's middling Speed stat. Superpower allows Scizor to hurt Steel-types, such as Cobalion and Celesteela. Knock Off hits Aegislash and Slowking while pressuring Pokemon like Celesteela and Skarmory by removing their item. Quick Attack might seem underpowered as a secondary option, but it's a very good one nonetheless, as lets Scizor finish off weakened Steel-resistant Pokemon such as Urshifu-R, Keldeo, and Rotom-H. Dual Wingbeat can also be used in the last moveslot to threaten Pokemon that withstand its other moves like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Buzzwole. Life Orb allows Scizor to get some crucial KOs, notably allowing +2 Superpower to OHKO specially defensive Swampert and OHKO specially defensive Celesteela after Stealth Rock.
This Scizor set fits best on hyper offense teams, as they can provide the support it needs. Entry hazard support is mandatory to help Scizor grab more KOs, such as the specially defensive Celesteela example above, so a suicide lead like Azelf or Krookodile makes a good teammate. Scizor also appreciates Pokemon that share checks with it, as, together, they can easily wear down the checks or even nail them with specialized lure options. Dragon Dance Salamence, and for example, can run Fire Blast to pressure Steel-types like Skarmory and Celesteela, which normally check both it and Scizor. Salamence can also deal with Fire-type Pokemon that even Quick Attack Scizor struggles to beat. In the same way, Necrozma can also lure in Steel-types thanks to Heat Wave. Dual screens support helps Scizor set up, making Grimmsnarl a good teammate. Azumarill has particularly great type synergy with Scizor, as Scizor can beat Grass-type Pokemon that Azumarill struggles against like Roserade and Tapu Bulu, while Azumarill can deal with Fire-type Pokemon like Moltres and Chandelure in return. Finally, Scizor appreciates other Pokemon that are able to deal with or weaken its common checks in Moltres and Skarmory, for example Meteor Beam Celesteela and Meteor Beam Nihilego.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band propels Scizor's naturally high Attack stat to obscene levels, with boosted Knock Off and U-turn being very threatening against unprepared teams, and Choice Band Bullet Punch can devastate common offensive Pokemon like Dragon Dance Mega Altaria and Salamence. Such a set can also use Pursuit to trap and weaken Pokemon such as Nihilego and Slowking for teammates such as offensive Moltres to take advantage of.
Defog can be used over Swords Dance on the defensive set, as Scizor is a decent Defogger. However, Defog makes it more passive and sacrifices its versatility, locking it into being a defensive glue Pokemon. Buginium Z on bulky sets can be used to let Scizor lure in and KO certain switch-ins like Amoonguss, Rotom-W, and Bisharp after a boost. Protective Pads is also a very good item, bypassing Rocky Helmet and Flame Body from Skarmory and Moltres, respectively, but it is situational.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Fire-types such as Moltres, Rotom-H, and Volcanion completely shut down Scizor, as they resist both of its STAB attacks and can OHKO it in return. However, if they lose their Heavy-Duty Boots to Knock Off, they may struggle to consistently handle it with Stealth Rock up. Scizor also fears Fire-type coverage from Pokemon such as Mega Altaria and Hatterene. It normally takes advantage of both, but Fire-type coverage can potentially KO it for getting too careless.
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Skarmory's and Celesteela's great typing and Salamence's Intimidate completely shut down Scizor offensively, with all three taking any attack comfortably. Skarmory can set up Spikes, punish it thanks to Rocky Helmet, and use it as setup fodder thanks to Iron Defense and Body Press. While Celesteela isn’t as annoying, it can OHKO Scizor with Flamethrower and use Leech Seed on the switch. Finally, Salamence can threaten Scizor with Flamethrower. However ,Salamence and Celesteela must be wary of Knock Off, which makes them less reliable overall.
**Residual Damage and Burn**: Scizor hates taking chip damage from Rocky Helmet users like Buzzwole and burns from Pokemon like Moltres, which can force it to use Roost more often. Burn is especially annoying because a weakened Bullet Punch makes it more difficult for Scizor to check Pokemon like Mega Altaria and Nihilego.
**Water-types**: Water-types such as Urshifu-R, Rotom-W, and Jellicent are very good checks to Scizor. Urshifu-R resists both of Scizor's STAB moves and forces it out, while Rotom-W and Jellicent can burn it with Will-O-Wisp, preventing it from safely setting up. However, they all don't like Knock Off.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Zeraora and Mega Manectric can outspeed and threaten Scizor, OHKOing it with Overheat in the latter's case, while resisting Bullet Punch.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Bisharp and Cobalion resist both of Scizor's STAB moves. Both can also use it as setup fodder. Cobalion in particular can be very threatening if Scizor lacks U-turn because Justified punishes Knock Off. However, neither of them appreciate losing their item, and they must be wary of Superpower.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ryuji-Sempai, 515767]]
- Quality checked by: [[Pubo, 535121]], [Arishem, 546157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Roost
move 4: Knock Off / U-turn
item: Heavy-Duty Boots / Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 248 HP / 28 Atk / 48 Def / 180 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Due to its good typing, solid bulk, and strong priority move, Scizor plays both defensive and offensive roles by checking and setting up on dangerous Pokemon such as Mega Altaria, Nihilego, and Tapu Bulu. It also sets up on a lot of passive Pokemon like Tangrowth lacking Hidden Power Fire and Hippowdon. These setup opportunities, in conjunction with Bullet Punch, make it very threatening late-game when its checks are weakened. Bullet Punch gives good damage while revenge killing faster threats, such as Terrakion and Nihilego, and pressuring Fairy-types such as Mega Altaria and Hatterene. Roost gives Scizor some much-needed staying power, which helps it set up and check Pokemon like Aegislash and Mega Altaria more often. Knock Off is a great utility move, removing important items like Moltres's Heavy-Duty Boots and Skarmory's Rocky Helmet, and allows Scizor to threaten Aegislash. On the other hand, U-turn takes advantage of the many switches Scizor forces against Pokemon such as Zarude and Tangrowth, preserving momentum. U-turn can bring in partners like Volcanion and Rotom-H on Scizor's checks, such as Skarmory and Celesteela. Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers are comparably effective at keeping Scizor healthy. The given EV spread lets Scizor avoid a 2HKO from Krookodile's Earthquake, outspeed uninvested Alomomola, and, with the Adamant nature, always OHKO Nihilego with Bullet Punch after Stealth Rock damage.
This Scizor set fits best on offense and bulky offense teams, acting as defensive glue and a threatening late-game cleaner. Stealth Rock helps Scizor pressure its checks, especially when used alongside Knock Off to remove opposing Heavy-Duty Boots and Leftovers. Thus, Pokemon such as Swampert, Rhyperior, and Seismitoad have good synergy with Scizor, and they can all deal with Fire-type Pokemon, while Scizor is able to pressure Grass-type Pokemon like Tangrowth and Amoonguss for them. Some Fire-type answer is mandatory, as Scizor will struggle to beat Pokemon like Moltres, so Primarina, Rotom-H, and Rotom-W are also very good partners. If Scizor has U-turn, wallbreakers like Choice Specs Primarina and Terrakion appreciate the safe entry on Pokemon such as Salamence, Skarmory, and Moltres. Strong pivots like Urshifu-R and Mega Manectric can also form a VoltTurn core with Scizor, pressuring major roadblocks to it like Skarmory and Moltres, while Scizor can pressure Mega Altaria and Salamence for them in return. Aegislash is also an interesting partner, as it can cripple shared checks such as Moltres with Toxic.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Quick Attack / Dual Wingbeat
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
This offensive set makes Scizor a very powerful wallbreaker or scary cleaner. Even without bulk investment, Scizor's good natural bulk and excellent defensive typing let it soft check a plethora of dangerous threats to hyper offense, such as Mega Altaria and Nihilego, as well as giving it multiple opportunities to set up. Bullet Punch deals a lot of damage against Pokemon that don't resist as well as patching up Scizor's middling Speed stat. Superpower allows Scizor to hurt Steel-types, such as Cobalion and Celesteela. Knock Off hits Aegislash and Slowking while pressuring Pokemon like Celesteela and Skarmory by removing their item. Quick Attack might seem underpowered as a secondary option, but it's a very good one nonetheless, as lets Scizor finish off weakened Steel-resistant Pokemon such as Urshifu-R, Keldeo, and Rotom-H. Dual Wingbeat can also be used in the last moveslot to threaten Pokemon that withstand its other moves like Amoonguss, Tangrowth, and Buzzwole. Life Orb allows Scizor to get some crucial KOs, notably allowing +2 Superpower to OHKO specially defensive Swampert and OHKO specially defensive Celesteela after Stealth Rock.
This Scizor set fits best on hyper offense teams, as they can provide the support it needs. Entry hazard support is mandatory to help Scizor grab more KOs, such as the specially defensive Celesteela example above, so a suicide lead like Azelf or Krookodile makes a good teammate. Scizor also appreciates Pokemon that share checks with it, as, together, they can easily wear down the checks or even nail them with specialized lure options. Dragon Dance Salamence, and for example, can run Fire Blast to pressure Steel-types like Skarmory and Celesteela, which normally check both it and Scizor. Salamence can also deal with Fire-type Pokemon that even Quick Attack Scizor struggles to beat. In the same way, Necrozma can also lure in Steel-types thanks to Heat Wave. Dual screens support helps Scizor set up, making Grimmsnarl a good teammate. Azumarill has particularly great type synergy with Scizor, as Scizor can beat Grass-type Pokemon that Azumarill struggles against like Roserade and Tapu Bulu, while Azumarill can deal with Fire-type Pokemon like Moltres and Chandelure in return. Finally, Scizor appreciates other Pokemon that are able to deal with or weaken its common checks in Moltres and Skarmory, for example Meteor Beam Celesteela and Meteor Beam Nihilego.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band propels Scizor's naturally high Attack stat to obscene levels, with boosted Knock Off and U-turn being very threatening against unprepared teams, and Choice Band Bullet Punch can devastate common offensive Pokemon like Dragon Dance Mega Altaria and Salamence. Such a set can also use Pursuit to trap and weaken Pokemon such as Nihilego and Slowking for teammates such as offensive Moltres to take advantage of.
Defog can be used over Swords Dance on the defensive set, as Scizor is a decent Defogger. However, Defog makes it more passive and sacrifices its versatility, locking it into being a defensive glue Pokemon. Buginium Z on bulky sets can be used to let Scizor lure in and KO certain switch-ins like Amoonguss, Rotom-W, and Bisharp after a boost. Protective Pads is also a very good item, bypassing Rocky Helmet and Flame Body from Skarmory and Moltres, respectively, but it is situational.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-type Pokemon and Coverage**: Fire-types such as Moltres, Rotom-H, and Volcanion completely shut down Scizor, as they resist both of its STAB attacks and can OHKO it in return. However, if they lose their Heavy-Duty Boots to Knock Off, they may struggle to consistently handle it with Stealth Rock up. Scizor also fears Fire-type coverage from Pokemon such as Mega Altaria and Hatterene. It normally takes advantage of both, but Fire-type coverage can potentially KO it for getting too careless.
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Skarmory's and Celesteela's great typing and Salamence's Intimidate completely shut down Scizor offensively, with all three taking any attack comfortably. Skarmory can set up Spikes, punish it thanks to Rocky Helmet, and use it as setup fodder thanks to Iron Defense and Body Press. While Celesteela isn’t as annoying, it can OHKO Scizor with Flamethrower and use Leech Seed on the switch. Finally, Salamence can threaten Scizor with Flamethrower. However ,Salamence and Celesteela must be wary of Knock Off, which makes them less reliable overall.
**Residual Damage and Burn**: Scizor hates taking chip damage from Rocky Helmet users like Buzzwole and burns from Pokemon like Moltres, which can force it to use Roost more often. Burn is especially annoying because a weakened Bullet Punch makes it more difficult for Scizor to check Pokemon like Mega Altaria and Nihilego.
**Water-types**: Water-types such as Urshifu-R, Rotom-W, and Jellicent are very good checks to Scizor. Urshifu-R resists both of Scizor's STAB moves and forces it out, while Rotom-W and Jellicent can burn it with Will-O-Wisp, preventing it from safely setting up. However, they all don't like Knock Off.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Zeraora and Mega Manectric can outspeed and threaten Scizor, OHKOing it with Overheat in the latter's case, while resisting Bullet Punch.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Bisharp and Cobalion resist both of Scizor's STAB moves. Both can also use it as setup fodder. Cobalion in particular can be very threatening if Scizor lacks U-turn because Justified punishes Knock Off. However, neither of them appreciate losing their item, and they must be wary of Superpower.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ryuji-Sempai, 515767]]
- Quality checked by: [[Pubo, 535121]], [Arishem, 546157]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]
Last edited:
, doing this just to remove all melmetal mentions before the upload.