[OVERVIEW]
Scizor's great typing, excellent bulk, variety of support moves, Technician-boosted Bullet Punch, and good coverage moves such as Superpower and Quick Attack make it the best Pokemon in the tier. Scizor is able to act as a reliable offensive check to the tier's best attackers, including Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mega Altaria, which grants it many opportunities to apply immediate pressure on the opposing team throughout the match. Scizor also finds itself a comfortable place in every playstyle, as it can be a strong wallbreaker, a devastating sweeper, a scary cleaner, a glue pivot, or a reliable Defogger. However, a below-average Speed stat usually leaves it over-reliant on its priority moves, which can hold it back from beating fast Pokemon like Rotom-H, Moltres, Cobalion, and Tentacruel that resist Bullet Punch. Furthermore, despite having eight resistances and one immunity, Scizor is 4x weak to Fire, which allows Pokemon that Scizor normally beats such as Latias and Mega Altaria to reliably bait Scizor in and OHKO it, and it allows Magneton to trap Scizor and eliminate it reliably. Lastly, four-moveslot syndrome makes Scizor struggle to break certain walls like Mega Aggron, Jellicent, and Doublade, depending on its set.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is Scizor's preferred STAB move because it allows Scizor to take advantage of the many switches it forces by gaining momentum in your favor, which maximizes its potential as a pivot. Pursuit also takes advantage of the switches Scizor forces to potentially trap and either remove or severely weaken Pokemon like Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, Blissey, and Nihilego. Alternatively, Knock Off improves Scizor's overall matchup against physical walls like Alomomola and Hippowdon by removing their passive recovery and pressuring them harder. It is also used to hit common switch-ins like Doublade, Tentacruel, and Chandelure. However, because Scizor is mostly used as a pivot, Pursuit is generally a better option here.
Set Details
========
Choice Band increases Scizor's naturally high Attack to an enormous level, which maximizes Scizor's potential as a pivot, a revenge killer, and a Pursuit trapper. 92 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outpace uninvested Nidoqueen and Klefki. An EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with an Adamant nature is a viable alternative that allows Scizor to check opposing Scizor better as well as Adamant Crawdaunt, although the loss in bulk is noticeable.
Usage Tips
========
Early- to mid-game, Scizor should mostly be using U-turn to weaken its checks and safely bring in other wallbreakers and entry hazards setters to give them a free turn. Late-game, Scizor may attempt to clean with its Technician-boosted Bullet Punch. If predicting a switch to a supposed check like Cobalion, Doublade, or Chandelure, Scizor can try to hit them with its coverage moves. Scizor should scout for coverage moves from Pokemon it usually checks, like Hidden Power Fire from Latias, Fire Blast from Mega Altaria, and Fire Fang from Mega Aerodactyl, before aggressively playing around them. Scizor's subpar Special Defense and the lack of reliable recovery on this set limit the number of special hits it can take, so scouting for Gigavolt Havoc on Calm Mind Latias as well as Shattered Psyche or Tectonic Rage on Nasty Plot Celebi is mandatory. For these reasons, Pursuit should only be used on Pokemon like Latias if they are guaranteed to not have proper coverage against Scizor. Pursuit may also be used to hit opposing wallbreakers that Scizor checks and also aren't necessarily weak to Pursuit, like Mega Aerodactyl, Blissey, Nidoking, and even Terrakion and Hydreigon in some cases, if they pose enough of a threat to Scizor's team. If the opposing team has Magneton, Scizor should not be played carelessly and should be mainly using U-turn or Superpower until Magneton is weakened enough. Furthermore, despite not being common, Magneton is sometimes paired with an Eject Button user like Alomomola and Amoonguss, which will negate U-turn's effect, so Scizor should be played very carefully around them. Scizor should also avoid directly switching into powerful Pokemon it checks like Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego because that could cause it to get worn down quicker. Furthermore, for that same reason, carelessly switching Scizor into entry hazards should be avoided.
Team Options
========
Choice Band Scizor fits best on bulky offense teams. Stealth Rock setters such as Kommo-o, Swampert, and Nihilego are recommended because a big majority of Scizor's checks, like Moltres and Rotom-H, are weak to Stealth Rock. Spikes setters like Klefki can help Scizor take advantage of another big majority of its checks being grounded, like Mega Aggron and Jellicent, to break past them more easily. For that same reason, Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel and Nihilego also pair well with Scizor because they allow Scizor to pressure bulky Water- and Ground-types hard that normally beat it, like Alomomola and Hippowdon. Due to Scizor's devastating weakness to Fire, Fire-type switch-ins such as Latias and Primarina are mandatory to check the likes of Infernape and Moltres. Thanks to access to U-turn, Scizor can form a VoltTurn core with Volt Switch users like Mega Manectric and Rotom-H or with other U-turn users like Hydreigon. Other wallbreakers like Primarina and Kyurem take advantage of Scizor luring in physical walls like Swampert and Alomomola and generating a free turn for them. In return, Scizor can trap or eliminate special walls that they struggle to break, like Blissey and Empoleon. Similarly, setup sweepers like Celebi and Latias enjoy Scizor luring in Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Doublade. Entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel and Gligar can help Scizor generate more opportunities to switch in due to Scizor's natural susceptibility to opposing Stealth Rock and Spikes. Gligar, as well as other Ground-types like Hippowdon and Krookodile, can also take on Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that force Scizor out.
[SET]
name: Life Orb + Swords Dance
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: Superpower / Knock Off
move 3: Bug Bite / Quick Attack
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Superpower grants Scizor the ability to hit Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that normally check it for super effective damage. Knock Off allows Scizor to hit Ghost-types like Chandelure and Doublade for super effective damage, as well as Tentacruel and Rotom-H for neutral damage, and pressure them by removing their held items. Bug Bite is Scizor's strongest option for a STAB move thanks to Technician, which allows Scizor to hit Water-types like Swampert and Alomomola for big damage after a boost, which resist its main STAB move in Bullet Punch. Alternatively, Quick Attack, in tandem with Technician, lets Scizor KO or severely weaken faster checks like Infernape, Moltres, Starmie, and Rotom-H, after Stealth Rock damage. Roost could be used on this set to give up Scizor's matchup against faster teams to have a better time dealing with slower teams, although the loss in coverage makes it harder for Scizor to sweep.
Set Details
========
Life Orb gives a notable boost to Scizor's damage output that allows its Bullet Punch to reliably OHKO Latias, as well as OHKOing Hydreigon and Klefki after Stealth Rock damage. It also allows Scizor to OHKO Infernape, Mega Sharpedo, and Starmie after Stealth Rock damage most of the time with Quick Attack. An EV spread of 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe can be viably used to exchange Scizor's Speed for bulk, as this set relies on priority moves the most, although this worsens Scizor matchup against opposing Scizor.
Usage Tips
========
Scizor should mainly try to sweep mid- or late-game when checks such as Rotom-H, Swampert, Tentacruel, and Magneton have been eliminated or weakened enough. If using Quick Attack, Scizor should be less worried about faster checks like Mega Sharpedo and Infernape, as it allows Scizor to bypass them after small chip damage. Similarly, if using Bug Bite or Superpower, Scizor should be less worried about slower checks like Swampert and Mega Steelix. However, weakening them to at least be in the range of a boosted hit from Scizor is advised. Scizor should avoid switching in directly on attacks, even resisted ones, as this might limit its sweeping potential. However, if using Roost, Scizor may attempt to switch into weaker defensive Pokemon such as Sylveon and Hippowdon. Scizor should aim to set up on Fairy-types like Florges and Sylveon as well as on passive Pokemon like Bronzong and Blissey. If using Roost, Scizor could also attempt to set up on less passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon, as well as switching into them more often mid-game. Generating opportunities for Scizor to set up a Swords Dance is mandatory for this set to function to its full potential; hence, trying to force opposing Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire to use Draco Meteor and then switching Scizor in safely to set up a Swords Dance is advised. If needed, Scizor can also function as a reliable revenge killer to Rock-types such as Terrakion and Mega Aerodactyl. If using Knock Off, Scizor could hit a predicted counter with Knock Off on the switch to ease its sweep later in the game. However, be wary of using Swords Dance early-game, as the opponent might directly switch to a check like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, or Mega Manectric, which may result in a total loss of momentum.
Team Options
========
Scizor fits the best on hyper offense teams. Stealth Rock setters like Azelf and Kommo-o are mandatory, as Stealth Rock secures the OHKO on the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo with Scizor's boosted attacks. Similarly, Spikes setters like Froslass and Klefki give Scizor an easier time taking out checks like Tentacruel and Infernape with Quick Attack and Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix with Superpower, and Toxic Spikes setters like Nihilego improve Scizor's matchup against slower checks like Quagsire and Swampert, especially if it's using Bug Bite. Wallbreakers like Latias and Kommo-o are mandatory in order to weaken Scizor's checks, including Rotom-H and Tentacruel. Dark-types like Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo work exceptionally well, as they're strong enough to bust through Scizor's common checks in Rotom-H and Tentacruel, and they're also capable of generating setup opportunities for Scizor, as they lure in Fairy-types like Sylveon and Diancie. Mega Sharpedo can also try to sweep after Scizor, if Scizor fails to do so. Similarly, Ground-type wallbreakers like Zygarde-10% and Mamoswine can help pressure faster Electric-types like Rotom-H and Mega Manectric. Offensive entry hazard removers like Starmie and Tsareena can not only help Scizor bust through its checks but also remove entry hazards for Scizor that may limit its sweeping opportunities.
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Roost
item: Buginium Z / Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 244 HP / 16 Atk / 148 Def / 96 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn provides Scizor with a relatively strong STAB move that also improves its potential as a pivot early- to mid-game. Roost is mandatory on this Scizor set because it allows it to continually switch into threats like Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Fire Latias. It also increases Scizor's setup opportunities.
Set Details
========
244 HP EVs in tandem with 148 Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the 2HKO from strong moves like Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge as well as from Krookodile's Earthquake after Stealth Rock most of the time. Furthermore, 96 Special Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the OHKO from strong special moves like +1 Gigavolt Havoc from Latias as well as +2 Shattered Psyche from Celebi. 16 Attack EVs in tandem with an Adamant nature guarantee the OHKO on physically defensive Amoonguss with a boosted Savage Spin-Out after Stealth Rock damage. 4 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outspeed uninvested Alomomola.
Usage Tips
========
This Scizor set should be played slowly. Prioritize setting up entry hazards so Scizor can reliably pressure its checks with U-turn. Early- to mid-game, Scizor should mainly pivot into Pokemon like Sylveon, Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire, and Krookodile. Pressuring slower checks like Alomomola and Amoonguss with Swords Dance is also recommended to have Scizor deal greater damage to its checks. However, if the opponent is using faster checks like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, and Zeraora, Scizor should mainly be using U-turn to pivot out as they switch in. Savage Spin-Out should be mainly used if Scizor has boosted and the KO on an opposing Pokemon is guaranteed. Scizor should be taking advantage of U-turn to bring in wallbreakers like Hydreigon and Primarina that are capable of breaking its checks. Towards the end-game, Scizor should try to find an opportunity to set up a Swords Dance on passive Pokemon like Hippowdon Gligar or on Fairy-types like Sylveon, Diancie, and Mega Altaria lacking Fire Blast.
Team Options
========
This Scizor set fits the best on bulky offensive teams as well as on balanced teams. Stealth Rock setters like Empoleon, Diancie, Swampert, and Mega Steelix are mandatory to help Scizor pressure its checks more reliably. Having a bulky Ground-type like Rhyperior or Gligar is mandatory to pressure Electric-types like Zeraora and Rotom-H. They work exceptionally well because they fill in the essential Stealth Rock setter role, too. Hippowdon also works exceptionally well in this slot because it does best at pressuring and chipping Electric-types like Mega Manectric thanks to Sand Stream, its good natural bulk, and access to reliable recovery. Similarly, Spikes setters like Chesnaught and Klefki as well as Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel, Nihilego, and Nidoqueen help Scizor pressure its checks like Alomomola and Infernape more easily. Wallbreakers like Terrakion and Latias appreciate Scizor bringing them in safely with U-turn. Terrakion also forces out common Scizor checks like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, and Mega Aggron, while Latias lures them in for Scizor to take advantage of. Other strong pivots such as Hydreigon and Mega Manectric can form a VoltTurn core with Scizor to wear down common defensive cores with the help of entry hazards. Fire-type answers like Primarina and Mega Aerodactyl are mandatory to check Fire-types Pokemon like Infernape and Moltres that force Scizor out. Hazard removers like Tentacruel and Gligar are mandatory to help Scizor pivot more easily, as Scizor is susceptible to entry hazards. Heal Bell users like Togekiss and Blissey are very helpful thanks to their ability to heal Scizor from status ailments, which may prevent it from sweeping. Similarly, Sylveon and Florges not only provide Scizor with Heal Bell support but also provide Wish support that helps Scizor pivot more easily.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: Superpower / Knock Off
move 3: Roost / Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Fightinium Z / Metal Coat
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 204 Atk / 48 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Superpower lets Scizor hit Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that usually beat it for super effective damage. Knock Off lets Scizor hit Ghost-types like Doublade and Jellicent super effectively as well as strip other checks like Rotom-H and Tentacruel of their passive recovery. Roost gives Scizor longevity to help it set up on passive Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar more reliably as well as check faster Pokemon like Krookodile and Kyurem better. Bug Bite could be used over Superpower in conjunction with Roost for more reliable wallbreaking capabilities as well as a better matchup against Water-types like Alomomola and Swampert, although the loss of a better time breaking through Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix is detrimental.
Set Details
========
Fightinium Z should only be used in combination with Superpower, granting Scizor access to All-Out Pummeling, which allows it to bypass Steel-type checks like Mega Aggron and Stakataka. Metal Coat should be mainly used with Knock Off, and it enhances Scizor's sweeping capabilities by allowing it to KO Latias and Hydreigon after Stealth Rock damage after a boost. Life Orb is an alternative, especially if using Bug Bite, that provides Scizor with more consistent power, although the recoil damage can limit Scizor's sweeping potential. 252 HP EVs in conjunction with 48 Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the 2HKO from Krookodile's Earthquake while maximizing its overall bulk. 4 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outspeed uninvested Alomomola.
Usage Tips
========
This Scizor set should be only brought in on slower passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon. It could also be used to check stronger attackers like non-Fire Fang Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Fire Kyurem. If using Superpower, Scizor should not be played recklessly; try to catch Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that may try to capitalize on Scizor with a boosted All-Out Pummeling to KO them. Afterwards, switch out accordingly, if the opponent sends out another Scizor check, and try to weaken them until they're in the range of a boosted Bullet Punch. If using Knock Off, use it early- to mid-game on predicted switches to checks such as Tentacruel and Swampert that rely on their passive recovery to continually check Scizor. Furthermore, luring in Ghost-types like Doublade and Jellicent and weakening them for a later sweep is ideal. Use Roost frequently on passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon to set up Swords Dance on them. Once confirmed they do not utilize Fire coverage, using Roost to set up on stronger attackers like Krookodile and Latias is also an option. However, be wary of the loss of momentum the use of Roost may cause.
Team Options
========
This Scizor set should be mainly used on bulky offense and balance teams. Pokemon like Kommo-o, Hippowdon, and Swampert work well with Scizor because they can deal with checks like Chandelure, Mega Manectric, Magneton, and Infernape and provide mandatory Stealth Rock support to give Scizor an easier time sweeping. Diancie deserves a special mention as a Stealth Rock setter because it is able to reliably counter common checks in Rotom-H and Moltres and provide Scizor with Heal Bell support. Similarly, Klefki and Chesnaught can set up Spikes to help Scizor guarantee the OHKO on Mega Aggron with a boosted All-Out Pummeling. Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel and Nihilego can help Scizor wear down Water-type checks like Quagsire and Alomomola and work especially well with Knock Off Scizor. Strong Dragon-types like Choice Specs Hydreigon and Kyurem can weaken physical walls like Alomomola and Mega Aggron for Scizor while appreciating Scizor's ability to pivot into Fairy-types like Florges and Sylveon that usually beat them. Entry hazard removers like Tentacruel and Tsareena can get rid of hazards for Scizor's sake so it can continually switch into stronger attackers like non-Fire Fang Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Latias. They can also wear down Water- and Steel-types for Scizor, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set utilizing Choice Scarf, an EV spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe, a Jolly nature, and a moveset of Bullet Punch, U-turn, Superpower, and Pursuit allows Scizor to check and heavily pressure faster Pokemon like Latias, non-Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Cobalion more reliably. An entry hazard remover set with an EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD, an Impish nature, and a moveset of Bullet Punch, U-turn or Knock Off, Defog, and Roost could be used on stall teams to have a better matchup against certain hazard setters like Nihilego and Mamoswine that can usually reliably set up hazards against slower teams. Assault Vest is another option that boosts Scizor's Special Defense to allow it to pivot into and take on strong special attackers like Latias, Gengar, and Celebi more reliably.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Fast Electric-types like Rotom-H and Mega Manectric can reliably check Scizor. The former utilizes its decent Defense and its unique typing, which grants it a 4x resistance to Scizor's main priority move in Bullet Punch, to either reliably OHKO Scizor with Overheat or pivot out with Volt Switch. The latter utilizes its decent bulk and ability in Intimidate to lower Scizor's Attack stat, tank a hit, and reliably OHKO Scizor with super effective coverage. Magneton deserves a special mention because it resists Scizor's priority moves, prevents it from switching out, and can reliably OHKO Scizor with Hidden Power Fire. However, none of the above appreciate switching into Scizor, as they dislike taking unnecessary damage from Scizor's coverage moves.
**Fire-types**: Fast Fire-types like Infernape and Moltres can take Scizor's Bullet Punch and reliably OHKO it back with their respective STAB moves. However, both are KOed by a +2 Life Orb-boosted Quick Attack from Scizor after Stealth Rock.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Cobalion, Mega Aggron, and Silvally-Steel can take on non-Superpower Scizor and capitalize on it by setting up Stealth Rock, Swords Dance, or Curse or pivoting out with Parting Shot.
**Water-types**: Water-types like Alomomola, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku can check Scizor reliably. Alomomola can usually reliably pivot on Scizor sets that lack reliable recovery thanks to its immense bulk and access to Regenerator, while the latter two can take on Scizor sets that rely on Swords Dance to break their checks thanks to their good bulk and access to Unaware.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Amane Misa, 312356]]
- Quality checked by: [[vivalospride, 151509], [Nuked, 382658], [martha, 384270]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
Scizor's great typing, excellent bulk, variety of support moves, Technician-boosted Bullet Punch, and good coverage moves such as Superpower and Quick Attack make it the best Pokemon in the tier. Scizor is able to act as a reliable offensive check to the tier's best attackers, including Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mega Altaria, which grants it many opportunities to apply immediate pressure on the opposing team throughout the match. Scizor also finds itself a comfortable place in every playstyle, as it can be a strong wallbreaker, a devastating sweeper, a scary cleaner, a glue pivot, or a reliable Defogger. However, a below-average Speed stat usually leaves it over-reliant on its priority moves, which can hold it back from beating fast Pokemon like Rotom-H, Moltres, Cobalion, and Tentacruel that resist Bullet Punch. Furthermore, despite having eight resistances and one immunity, Scizor is 4x weak to Fire, which allows Pokemon that Scizor normally beats such as Latias and Mega Altaria to reliably bait Scizor in and OHKO it, and it allows Magneton to trap Scizor and eliminate it reliably. Lastly, four-moveslot syndrome makes Scizor struggle to break certain walls like Mega Aggron, Jellicent, and Doublade, depending on its set.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Knock Off
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn is Scizor's preferred STAB move because it allows Scizor to take advantage of the many switches it forces by gaining momentum in your favor, which maximizes its potential as a pivot. Pursuit also takes advantage of the switches Scizor forces to potentially trap and either remove or severely weaken Pokemon like Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, Blissey, and Nihilego. Alternatively, Knock Off improves Scizor's overall matchup against physical walls like Alomomola and Hippowdon by removing their passive recovery and pressuring them harder. It is also used to hit common switch-ins like Doublade, Tentacruel, and Chandelure. However, because Scizor is mostly used as a pivot, Pursuit is generally a better option here.
Set Details
========
Choice Band increases Scizor's naturally high Attack to an enormous level, which maximizes Scizor's potential as a pivot, a revenge killer, and a Pursuit trapper. 92 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outpace uninvested Nidoqueen and Klefki. An EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe with an Adamant nature is a viable alternative that allows Scizor to check opposing Scizor better as well as Adamant Crawdaunt, although the loss in bulk is noticeable.
Usage Tips
========
Early- to mid-game, Scizor should mostly be using U-turn to weaken its checks and safely bring in other wallbreakers and entry hazards setters to give them a free turn. Late-game, Scizor may attempt to clean with its Technician-boosted Bullet Punch. If predicting a switch to a supposed check like Cobalion, Doublade, or Chandelure, Scizor can try to hit them with its coverage moves. Scizor should scout for coverage moves from Pokemon it usually checks, like Hidden Power Fire from Latias, Fire Blast from Mega Altaria, and Fire Fang from Mega Aerodactyl, before aggressively playing around them. Scizor's subpar Special Defense and the lack of reliable recovery on this set limit the number of special hits it can take, so scouting for Gigavolt Havoc on Calm Mind Latias as well as Shattered Psyche or Tectonic Rage on Nasty Plot Celebi is mandatory. For these reasons, Pursuit should only be used on Pokemon like Latias if they are guaranteed to not have proper coverage against Scizor. Pursuit may also be used to hit opposing wallbreakers that Scizor checks and also aren't necessarily weak to Pursuit, like Mega Aerodactyl, Blissey, Nidoking, and even Terrakion and Hydreigon in some cases, if they pose enough of a threat to Scizor's team. If the opposing team has Magneton, Scizor should not be played carelessly and should be mainly using U-turn or Superpower until Magneton is weakened enough. Furthermore, despite not being common, Magneton is sometimes paired with an Eject Button user like Alomomola and Amoonguss, which will negate U-turn's effect, so Scizor should be played very carefully around them. Scizor should also avoid directly switching into powerful Pokemon it checks like Mega Aerodactyl and Nihilego because that could cause it to get worn down quicker. Furthermore, for that same reason, carelessly switching Scizor into entry hazards should be avoided.
Team Options
========
Choice Band Scizor fits best on bulky offense teams. Stealth Rock setters such as Kommo-o, Swampert, and Nihilego are recommended because a big majority of Scizor's checks, like Moltres and Rotom-H, are weak to Stealth Rock. Spikes setters like Klefki can help Scizor take advantage of another big majority of its checks being grounded, like Mega Aggron and Jellicent, to break past them more easily. For that same reason, Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel and Nihilego also pair well with Scizor because they allow Scizor to pressure bulky Water- and Ground-types hard that normally beat it, like Alomomola and Hippowdon. Due to Scizor's devastating weakness to Fire, Fire-type switch-ins such as Latias and Primarina are mandatory to check the likes of Infernape and Moltres. Thanks to access to U-turn, Scizor can form a VoltTurn core with Volt Switch users like Mega Manectric and Rotom-H or with other U-turn users like Hydreigon. Other wallbreakers like Primarina and Kyurem take advantage of Scizor luring in physical walls like Swampert and Alomomola and generating a free turn for them. In return, Scizor can trap or eliminate special walls that they struggle to break, like Blissey and Empoleon. Similarly, setup sweepers like Celebi and Latias enjoy Scizor luring in Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Doublade. Entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel and Gligar can help Scizor generate more opportunities to switch in due to Scizor's natural susceptibility to opposing Stealth Rock and Spikes. Gligar, as well as other Ground-types like Hippowdon and Krookodile, can also take on Electric-types like Mega Manectric and Zeraora that force Scizor out.
[SET]
name: Life Orb + Swords Dance
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: Superpower / Knock Off
move 3: Bug Bite / Quick Attack
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Superpower grants Scizor the ability to hit Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that normally check it for super effective damage. Knock Off allows Scizor to hit Ghost-types like Chandelure and Doublade for super effective damage, as well as Tentacruel and Rotom-H for neutral damage, and pressure them by removing their held items. Bug Bite is Scizor's strongest option for a STAB move thanks to Technician, which allows Scizor to hit Water-types like Swampert and Alomomola for big damage after a boost, which resist its main STAB move in Bullet Punch. Alternatively, Quick Attack, in tandem with Technician, lets Scizor KO or severely weaken faster checks like Infernape, Moltres, Starmie, and Rotom-H, after Stealth Rock damage. Roost could be used on this set to give up Scizor's matchup against faster teams to have a better time dealing with slower teams, although the loss in coverage makes it harder for Scizor to sweep.
Set Details
========
Life Orb gives a notable boost to Scizor's damage output that allows its Bullet Punch to reliably OHKO Latias, as well as OHKOing Hydreigon and Klefki after Stealth Rock damage. It also allows Scizor to OHKO Infernape, Mega Sharpedo, and Starmie after Stealth Rock damage most of the time with Quick Attack. An EV spread of 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe can be viably used to exchange Scizor's Speed for bulk, as this set relies on priority moves the most, although this worsens Scizor matchup against opposing Scizor.
Usage Tips
========
Scizor should mainly try to sweep mid- or late-game when checks such as Rotom-H, Swampert, Tentacruel, and Magneton have been eliminated or weakened enough. If using Quick Attack, Scizor should be less worried about faster checks like Mega Sharpedo and Infernape, as it allows Scizor to bypass them after small chip damage. Similarly, if using Bug Bite or Superpower, Scizor should be less worried about slower checks like Swampert and Mega Steelix. However, weakening them to at least be in the range of a boosted hit from Scizor is advised. Scizor should avoid switching in directly on attacks, even resisted ones, as this might limit its sweeping potential. However, if using Roost, Scizor may attempt to switch into weaker defensive Pokemon such as Sylveon and Hippowdon. Scizor should aim to set up on Fairy-types like Florges and Sylveon as well as on passive Pokemon like Bronzong and Blissey. If using Roost, Scizor could also attempt to set up on less passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon, as well as switching into them more often mid-game. Generating opportunities for Scizor to set up a Swords Dance is mandatory for this set to function to its full potential; hence, trying to force opposing Dragon-types like Hydreigon and Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire to use Draco Meteor and then switching Scizor in safely to set up a Swords Dance is advised. If needed, Scizor can also function as a reliable revenge killer to Rock-types such as Terrakion and Mega Aerodactyl. If using Knock Off, Scizor could hit a predicted counter with Knock Off on the switch to ease its sweep later in the game. However, be wary of using Swords Dance early-game, as the opponent might directly switch to a check like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, or Mega Manectric, which may result in a total loss of momentum.
Team Options
========
Scizor fits the best on hyper offense teams. Stealth Rock setters like Azelf and Kommo-o are mandatory, as Stealth Rock secures the OHKO on the likes of Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo with Scizor's boosted attacks. Similarly, Spikes setters like Froslass and Klefki give Scizor an easier time taking out checks like Tentacruel and Infernape with Quick Attack and Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix with Superpower, and Toxic Spikes setters like Nihilego improve Scizor's matchup against slower checks like Quagsire and Swampert, especially if it's using Bug Bite. Wallbreakers like Latias and Kommo-o are mandatory in order to weaken Scizor's checks, including Rotom-H and Tentacruel. Dark-types like Hydreigon and Mega Sharpedo work exceptionally well, as they're strong enough to bust through Scizor's common checks in Rotom-H and Tentacruel, and they're also capable of generating setup opportunities for Scizor, as they lure in Fairy-types like Sylveon and Diancie. Mega Sharpedo can also try to sweep after Scizor, if Scizor fails to do so. Similarly, Ground-type wallbreakers like Zygarde-10% and Mamoswine can help pressure faster Electric-types like Rotom-H and Mega Manectric. Offensive entry hazard removers like Starmie and Tsareena can not only help Scizor bust through its checks but also remove entry hazards for Scizor that may limit its sweeping opportunities.
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: U-turn
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Roost
item: Buginium Z / Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 244 HP / 16 Atk / 148 Def / 96 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
U-turn provides Scizor with a relatively strong STAB move that also improves its potential as a pivot early- to mid-game. Roost is mandatory on this Scizor set because it allows it to continually switch into threats like Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Fire Latias. It also increases Scizor's setup opportunities.
Set Details
========
244 HP EVs in tandem with 148 Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the 2HKO from strong moves like Mega Aerodactyl's Stone Edge as well as from Krookodile's Earthquake after Stealth Rock most of the time. Furthermore, 96 Special Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the OHKO from strong special moves like +1 Gigavolt Havoc from Latias as well as +2 Shattered Psyche from Celebi. 16 Attack EVs in tandem with an Adamant nature guarantee the OHKO on physically defensive Amoonguss with a boosted Savage Spin-Out after Stealth Rock damage. 4 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outspeed uninvested Alomomola.
Usage Tips
========
This Scizor set should be played slowly. Prioritize setting up entry hazards so Scizor can reliably pressure its checks with U-turn. Early- to mid-game, Scizor should mainly pivot into Pokemon like Sylveon, Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire, and Krookodile. Pressuring slower checks like Alomomola and Amoonguss with Swords Dance is also recommended to have Scizor deal greater damage to its checks. However, if the opponent is using faster checks like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, and Zeraora, Scizor should mainly be using U-turn to pivot out as they switch in. Savage Spin-Out should be mainly used if Scizor has boosted and the KO on an opposing Pokemon is guaranteed. Scizor should be taking advantage of U-turn to bring in wallbreakers like Hydreigon and Primarina that are capable of breaking its checks. Towards the end-game, Scizor should try to find an opportunity to set up a Swords Dance on passive Pokemon like Hippowdon Gligar or on Fairy-types like Sylveon, Diancie, and Mega Altaria lacking Fire Blast.
Team Options
========
This Scizor set fits the best on bulky offensive teams as well as on balanced teams. Stealth Rock setters like Empoleon, Diancie, Swampert, and Mega Steelix are mandatory to help Scizor pressure its checks more reliably. Having a bulky Ground-type like Rhyperior or Gligar is mandatory to pressure Electric-types like Zeraora and Rotom-H. They work exceptionally well because they fill in the essential Stealth Rock setter role, too. Hippowdon also works exceptionally well in this slot because it does best at pressuring and chipping Electric-types like Mega Manectric thanks to Sand Stream, its good natural bulk, and access to reliable recovery. Similarly, Spikes setters like Chesnaught and Klefki as well as Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel, Nihilego, and Nidoqueen help Scizor pressure its checks like Alomomola and Infernape more easily. Wallbreakers like Terrakion and Latias appreciate Scizor bringing them in safely with U-turn. Terrakion also forces out common Scizor checks like Rotom-H, Tentacruel, and Mega Aggron, while Latias lures them in for Scizor to take advantage of. Other strong pivots such as Hydreigon and Mega Manectric can form a VoltTurn core with Scizor to wear down common defensive cores with the help of entry hazards. Fire-type answers like Primarina and Mega Aerodactyl are mandatory to check Fire-types Pokemon like Infernape and Moltres that force Scizor out. Hazard removers like Tentacruel and Gligar are mandatory to help Scizor pivot more easily, as Scizor is susceptible to entry hazards. Heal Bell users like Togekiss and Blissey are very helpful thanks to their ability to heal Scizor from status ailments, which may prevent it from sweeping. Similarly, Sylveon and Florges not only provide Scizor with Heal Bell support but also provide Wish support that helps Scizor pivot more easily.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: Superpower / Knock Off
move 3: Roost / Knock Off
move 4: Swords Dance
item: Fightinium Z / Metal Coat
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 204 Atk / 48 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Superpower lets Scizor hit Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that usually beat it for super effective damage. Knock Off lets Scizor hit Ghost-types like Doublade and Jellicent super effectively as well as strip other checks like Rotom-H and Tentacruel of their passive recovery. Roost gives Scizor longevity to help it set up on passive Pokemon like Hippowdon and Gligar more reliably as well as check faster Pokemon like Krookodile and Kyurem better. Bug Bite could be used over Superpower in conjunction with Roost for more reliable wallbreaking capabilities as well as a better matchup against Water-types like Alomomola and Swampert, although the loss of a better time breaking through Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix is detrimental.
Set Details
========
Fightinium Z should only be used in combination with Superpower, granting Scizor access to All-Out Pummeling, which allows it to bypass Steel-type checks like Mega Aggron and Stakataka. Metal Coat should be mainly used with Knock Off, and it enhances Scizor's sweeping capabilities by allowing it to KO Latias and Hydreigon after Stealth Rock damage after a boost. Life Orb is an alternative, especially if using Bug Bite, that provides Scizor with more consistent power, although the recoil damage can limit Scizor's sweeping potential. 252 HP EVs in conjunction with 48 Defense EVs allow Scizor to avoid the 2HKO from Krookodile's Earthquake while maximizing its overall bulk. 4 Speed EVs allow Scizor to outspeed uninvested Alomomola.
Usage Tips
========
This Scizor set should be only brought in on slower passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon. It could also be used to check stronger attackers like non-Fire Fang Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Fire Kyurem. If using Superpower, Scizor should not be played recklessly; try to catch Steel-types like Mega Aggron and Mega Steelix that may try to capitalize on Scizor with a boosted All-Out Pummeling to KO them. Afterwards, switch out accordingly, if the opponent sends out another Scizor check, and try to weaken them until they're in the range of a boosted Bullet Punch. If using Knock Off, use it early- to mid-game on predicted switches to checks such as Tentacruel and Swampert that rely on their passive recovery to continually check Scizor. Furthermore, luring in Ghost-types like Doublade and Jellicent and weakening them for a later sweep is ideal. Use Roost frequently on passive Pokemon like Gligar and Hippowdon to set up Swords Dance on them. Once confirmed they do not utilize Fire coverage, using Roost to set up on stronger attackers like Krookodile and Latias is also an option. However, be wary of the loss of momentum the use of Roost may cause.
Team Options
========
This Scizor set should be mainly used on bulky offense and balance teams. Pokemon like Kommo-o, Hippowdon, and Swampert work well with Scizor because they can deal with checks like Chandelure, Mega Manectric, Magneton, and Infernape and provide mandatory Stealth Rock support to give Scizor an easier time sweeping. Diancie deserves a special mention as a Stealth Rock setter because it is able to reliably counter common checks in Rotom-H and Moltres and provide Scizor with Heal Bell support. Similarly, Klefki and Chesnaught can set up Spikes to help Scizor guarantee the OHKO on Mega Aggron with a boosted All-Out Pummeling. Toxic Spikes setters like Tentacruel and Nihilego can help Scizor wear down Water-type checks like Quagsire and Alomomola and work especially well with Knock Off Scizor. Strong Dragon-types like Choice Specs Hydreigon and Kyurem can weaken physical walls like Alomomola and Mega Aggron for Scizor while appreciating Scizor's ability to pivot into Fairy-types like Florges and Sylveon that usually beat them. Entry hazard removers like Tentacruel and Tsareena can get rid of hazards for Scizor's sake so it can continually switch into stronger attackers like non-Fire Fang Krookodile and non-Hidden Power Latias. They can also wear down Water- and Steel-types for Scizor, respectively.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A set utilizing Choice Scarf, an EV spread of 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe, a Jolly nature, and a moveset of Bullet Punch, U-turn, Superpower, and Pursuit allows Scizor to check and heavily pressure faster Pokemon like Latias, non-Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Cobalion more reliably. An entry hazard remover set with an EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD, an Impish nature, and a moveset of Bullet Punch, U-turn or Knock Off, Defog, and Roost could be used on stall teams to have a better matchup against certain hazard setters like Nihilego and Mamoswine that can usually reliably set up hazards against slower teams. Assault Vest is another option that boosts Scizor's Special Defense to allow it to pivot into and take on strong special attackers like Latias, Gengar, and Celebi more reliably.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types**: Fast Electric-types like Rotom-H and Mega Manectric can reliably check Scizor. The former utilizes its decent Defense and its unique typing, which grants it a 4x resistance to Scizor's main priority move in Bullet Punch, to either reliably OHKO Scizor with Overheat or pivot out with Volt Switch. The latter utilizes its decent bulk and ability in Intimidate to lower Scizor's Attack stat, tank a hit, and reliably OHKO Scizor with super effective coverage. Magneton deserves a special mention because it resists Scizor's priority moves, prevents it from switching out, and can reliably OHKO Scizor with Hidden Power Fire. However, none of the above appreciate switching into Scizor, as they dislike taking unnecessary damage from Scizor's coverage moves.
**Fire-types**: Fast Fire-types like Infernape and Moltres can take Scizor's Bullet Punch and reliably OHKO it back with their respective STAB moves. However, both are KOed by a +2 Life Orb-boosted Quick Attack from Scizor after Stealth Rock.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Cobalion, Mega Aggron, and Silvally-Steel can take on non-Superpower Scizor and capitalize on it by setting up Stealth Rock, Swords Dance, or Curse or pivoting out with Parting Shot.
**Water-types**: Water-types like Alomomola, Quagsire, and Pyukumuku can check Scizor reliably. Alomomola can usually reliably pivot on Scizor sets that lack reliable recovery thanks to its immense bulk and access to Regenerator, while the latter two can take on Scizor sets that rely on Swords Dance to break their checks thanks to their good bulk and access to Unaware.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Amane Misa, 312356]]
- Quality checked by: [[vivalospride, 151509], [Nuked, 382658], [martha, 384270]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Fireflame479, 231476]]
Last edited:
