**Draft order**:
Round 5 onwards
**Price range**: 8-9 Points
**Overview**:
Skarmory functions at being a safe switch-in for many physical threats while applying pressure of its own with Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its defensive profile can force opponents to bring specific Pokemon or coverage moves to a match. Skarmory can also discourage opposing setup with Whirlwind, or it can make do as a defensive setup sweeper with IronPress. These attributes make it a cost-effective option for a hazard-stacking wall. However, Skarmory lacks Special bulk, leaving it susceptible to mixed attackers or special wallbreakers.
**Common Roles**
========
**Defensive Tank**: Skarmory's main function is to switch in and take hits for its teammates while keeping itself healthy with Roost. If it switches in on a physical threat without super effective attacks, Skarmory can threaten to set up with Iron Defense, then dole out big damage with Body Press. While walling out unprepared physical threats, Skarmory can help the team by setting entry hazards. If necessary, Skarmory can push through opposing Pokemon with IronPress. Skarmory falls short as a tank in its middling Special Defense and HP stats. A strong neutral hit from a special or mixed attacker will usually put Skarmory out of commission.
**Entry Hazard Lead**: Skarmory is a strong choice for a lead thanks to Sturdy. When leading, Skarmory is usually guaranteed one use of Stealth Rock or Spikes, or it can use an early Whirlwind to phaze an opposing lead or first-turn switch. Using Skarmory as an entry hazard lead provides the most value in matchups where it isn't as useful as a wall.
**Common Moves**
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Brave Bird, Iron Head
**Setup Moves**: Iron Defense, Curse
**Utility Moves**: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Roost, Whirlwind
**Coverage**: Body Press
**Niche Moves**
========
**Taunt**: Skarmory can Taunt slower opposing walls that might otherwise hurl utility or use Taunt themselves. Taunt on Skarmory can also stem the efforts of an opposing physical setup sweeper.
**Rock Tomb**: For the cases when an opposing threat is weak to Rock-type moves, Rock Tomb is a solid option to chip away its HP and pressure it to switch out. Rock Tomb may also become useful against setup sweepers that rely on speed to function.
**Reversa**l: Reversal can be a strong coverage option for Skarmory thanks to Sturdy. When left at 1 HP via Sturdy or Endure, Reversal will deal significant damage. Paired with Custap Berry, this set can catch foes off guard in a pinch.
**Swords Dance**: Skarmory can safely activate Weak Armor thanks to its high Defense, which can allow it to sometimes act as a cleaner. Setting up a Swords Dance can empower Skarmory to deal significant damage with its STAB moves and coverage options despite its subpar base Attack. Coverage options like Drill Run and Rock Slide can snuff out opposing Fire-types and dissipate opposing Electric-types, each of which usually cause problems for Skarmory.
**Common Items**
========
**Rocky Helmet**: Skarmory's role as a physical wall and its immunity to some entry hazards allow it to make the most of Rocky Helmet. Foes will be punished for pivoting with moves like U-turn or Flip Turn, which often cause more damage to the user than to Skarmory. Rocky Helmet also allows Skarmory to better intercept weak priority moves like Bullet Punch or Aqua Jet. When combined with Roost, Rocky Helmet can be a way for Skarmory to continually deal chip damage.
**Leftovers**: Skarmory can use Leftovers to lengthen its stay on the battlefield.
**Niche Items**
========
**Resistance Berries**: Skarmory can struggle against attackers with strong super effective attacks like Ceruledge and Iron Hands. A resistance Berry can provide an extra turn of survival where it can phaze with Whirlwind or attempt to KO in retaliation.
**Custap Berry**: Thanks to Sturdy and Endure, Skarmory can take full advantage of Custap Berry to use an additional attack before fainting.
**Mental Herb**: Taunt will immediately shut down most of Skarmory's capabilities, so having a Mental Herb for security will allow Skarmory to perform its duties with less fear of disruption.
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Heavy-Duty Boots can be used to preserve Sturdy, helping Skarmory more reliably check setup sweepers. It also reduces Stealth Rock damage if heavy pivoting is planned.
**Shed Shell**: If an opponent has Pokemon with trapping abilities like Magnezone and Gothitelle, Shed Shell can protect Skarmory from being eliminated by them.
**Tera**
========
Skarmory is not a typical candidate for a roster's Tera Captain, as Terastallization is usually more advantageous on other Pokemon. However, if Skarmory is chosen as a Tera Captain, Tera Fighting can empower Body Press or Reversal, and Tera Dragon perfectly covers Skarmory's weaknesses to Electric and Fire, allowing it to survive otherwise lethal blows. Tera Ghost can be used to prevent foes from using Rapid Spin to remove its entry hazards. Other Tera types can be chosen to help it wall specific threats.
**Draft Strategy**
========
Skarmory can fit on balance teams. It is usually smartest if an offensive core is already secured and the roster's defenses need bolstering. In these cases, Skarmory should complement the attackers by defensively checking their counters and providing support through entry hazards and utility. Skarmory can fit into a main defensive core, using its high Defense and its longevity to become a recurring nuisance with the proper support of other defensive teammates.
**Offensive Partners**: Skarmory will happily absorb hits for speedy attackers that are beaten by priority moves, like Iron Bundle, Darkrai, and Roaring Moon. Pokemon like Latios, Chi-Yu, and Serperior that have a weakness to common pivot moves like U-turn or Flip Turn also appreciate Skarmory's ability to disrupt opposing pivot-based offense. Any other attacker that has a weakness to a type that Skarmory resists will also synergize well with it—for example, Skarmory can switch into faster Dragon-types that might threaten Kyurem or strong Ground-types that would otherwise bury Iron Moth.
**Dragon-types**: Skarmory also benefits from offensive teammates that can stand to take a Fire- or Electric-type move. This makes a high-tier Dragon-type Pokemon the perfect partner for Skarmory. Teammates like Latias, Garchomp, and Raging Bolt will capitalize on Skarmory's strengths and cover its weaknesses.
**Defensive Partners**: Skarmory appreciates anything that can switch into special attacks. Teammates such as Ting-Lu and Galarian Slowking have the specially defensive capabilities to intercept hits to which Skarmory is vulnerable.
**Checks and Counters**
========
**Fire-types**: Most Fire-types can comfortably set up, pivot, or apply offensive pressure against Skarmory, while it cannot significantly damage them in return. For example, Chi-Yu can use Nasty Plot and Gouging Fire can set up Dragon Dance.
**Electric-types**: Thanks to their resistance to Brave Bird and their ability to hit Skarmory super effectively, most Electric-type threats can do as they please around Skarmory. Raging Bolt is a common threat that can begin stacking uses of Calm Mind, and pivots like Zapdos and Rotom-W can take full advantage of Volt Switch.
**Ghost-types**: Because Body Press is Skarmory's strongest offensive option, Ghost-types can usually switch in for free against Skarmory. Subsequently, a threat like Gholdengo may choose to use Nasty Plot to break through the rest of the team's defenses.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Anything with high Special Attack or boosting moves can put significant pressure on Skarmory, as its Special Defense is quite disappointing. Popular Pokemon like Darkrai and Iron Bundle can successfully force Skarmory out with strong neutral moves.
**Taunt**: Taunt renders Skarmory unable to spread entry hazards, keep healthy with Roost, or set up with Iron Defense.
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/kirby6728
Round 5 onwards
**Price range**: 8-9 Points
**Overview**:
Skarmory functions at being a safe switch-in for many physical threats while applying pressure of its own with Stealth Rock and Spikes. Its defensive profile can force opponents to bring specific Pokemon or coverage moves to a match. Skarmory can also discourage opposing setup with Whirlwind, or it can make do as a defensive setup sweeper with IronPress. These attributes make it a cost-effective option for a hazard-stacking wall. However, Skarmory lacks Special bulk, leaving it susceptible to mixed attackers or special wallbreakers.
**Common Roles**
========
**Defensive Tank**: Skarmory's main function is to switch in and take hits for its teammates while keeping itself healthy with Roost. If it switches in on a physical threat without super effective attacks, Skarmory can threaten to set up with Iron Defense, then dole out big damage with Body Press. While walling out unprepared physical threats, Skarmory can help the team by setting entry hazards. If necessary, Skarmory can push through opposing Pokemon with IronPress. Skarmory falls short as a tank in its middling Special Defense and HP stats. A strong neutral hit from a special or mixed attacker will usually put Skarmory out of commission.
**Entry Hazard Lead**: Skarmory is a strong choice for a lead thanks to Sturdy. When leading, Skarmory is usually guaranteed one use of Stealth Rock or Spikes, or it can use an early Whirlwind to phaze an opposing lead or first-turn switch. Using Skarmory as an entry hazard lead provides the most value in matchups where it isn't as useful as a wall.
**Common Moves**
========
**Primary STAB Moves**: Brave Bird, Iron Head
**Setup Moves**: Iron Defense, Curse
**Utility Moves**: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Roost, Whirlwind
**Coverage**: Body Press
**Niche Moves**
========
**Taunt**: Skarmory can Taunt slower opposing walls that might otherwise hurl utility or use Taunt themselves. Taunt on Skarmory can also stem the efforts of an opposing physical setup sweeper.
**Rock Tomb**: For the cases when an opposing threat is weak to Rock-type moves, Rock Tomb is a solid option to chip away its HP and pressure it to switch out. Rock Tomb may also become useful against setup sweepers that rely on speed to function.
**Reversa**l: Reversal can be a strong coverage option for Skarmory thanks to Sturdy. When left at 1 HP via Sturdy or Endure, Reversal will deal significant damage. Paired with Custap Berry, this set can catch foes off guard in a pinch.
**Swords Dance**: Skarmory can safely activate Weak Armor thanks to its high Defense, which can allow it to sometimes act as a cleaner. Setting up a Swords Dance can empower Skarmory to deal significant damage with its STAB moves and coverage options despite its subpar base Attack. Coverage options like Drill Run and Rock Slide can snuff out opposing Fire-types and dissipate opposing Electric-types, each of which usually cause problems for Skarmory.
**Common Items**
========
**Rocky Helmet**: Skarmory's role as a physical wall and its immunity to some entry hazards allow it to make the most of Rocky Helmet. Foes will be punished for pivoting with moves like U-turn or Flip Turn, which often cause more damage to the user than to Skarmory. Rocky Helmet also allows Skarmory to better intercept weak priority moves like Bullet Punch or Aqua Jet. When combined with Roost, Rocky Helmet can be a way for Skarmory to continually deal chip damage.
**Leftovers**: Skarmory can use Leftovers to lengthen its stay on the battlefield.
**Niche Items**
========
**Resistance Berries**: Skarmory can struggle against attackers with strong super effective attacks like Ceruledge and Iron Hands. A resistance Berry can provide an extra turn of survival where it can phaze with Whirlwind or attempt to KO in retaliation.
**Custap Berry**: Thanks to Sturdy and Endure, Skarmory can take full advantage of Custap Berry to use an additional attack before fainting.
**Mental Herb**: Taunt will immediately shut down most of Skarmory's capabilities, so having a Mental Herb for security will allow Skarmory to perform its duties with less fear of disruption.
**Heavy-Duty Boots**: Heavy-Duty Boots can be used to preserve Sturdy, helping Skarmory more reliably check setup sweepers. It also reduces Stealth Rock damage if heavy pivoting is planned.
**Shed Shell**: If an opponent has Pokemon with trapping abilities like Magnezone and Gothitelle, Shed Shell can protect Skarmory from being eliminated by them.
**Tera**
========
Skarmory is not a typical candidate for a roster's Tera Captain, as Terastallization is usually more advantageous on other Pokemon. However, if Skarmory is chosen as a Tera Captain, Tera Fighting can empower Body Press or Reversal, and Tera Dragon perfectly covers Skarmory's weaknesses to Electric and Fire, allowing it to survive otherwise lethal blows. Tera Ghost can be used to prevent foes from using Rapid Spin to remove its entry hazards. Other Tera types can be chosen to help it wall specific threats.
**Draft Strategy**
========
Skarmory can fit on balance teams. It is usually smartest if an offensive core is already secured and the roster's defenses need bolstering. In these cases, Skarmory should complement the attackers by defensively checking their counters and providing support through entry hazards and utility. Skarmory can fit into a main defensive core, using its high Defense and its longevity to become a recurring nuisance with the proper support of other defensive teammates.
**Offensive Partners**: Skarmory will happily absorb hits for speedy attackers that are beaten by priority moves, like Iron Bundle, Darkrai, and Roaring Moon. Pokemon like Latios, Chi-Yu, and Serperior that have a weakness to common pivot moves like U-turn or Flip Turn also appreciate Skarmory's ability to disrupt opposing pivot-based offense. Any other attacker that has a weakness to a type that Skarmory resists will also synergize well with it—for example, Skarmory can switch into faster Dragon-types that might threaten Kyurem or strong Ground-types that would otherwise bury Iron Moth.
**Dragon-types**: Skarmory also benefits from offensive teammates that can stand to take a Fire- or Electric-type move. This makes a high-tier Dragon-type Pokemon the perfect partner for Skarmory. Teammates like Latias, Garchomp, and Raging Bolt will capitalize on Skarmory's strengths and cover its weaknesses.
**Defensive Partners**: Skarmory appreciates anything that can switch into special attacks. Teammates such as Ting-Lu and Galarian Slowking have the specially defensive capabilities to intercept hits to which Skarmory is vulnerable.
**Checks and Counters**
========
**Fire-types**: Most Fire-types can comfortably set up, pivot, or apply offensive pressure against Skarmory, while it cannot significantly damage them in return. For example, Chi-Yu can use Nasty Plot and Gouging Fire can set up Dragon Dance.
**Electric-types**: Thanks to their resistance to Brave Bird and their ability to hit Skarmory super effectively, most Electric-type threats can do as they please around Skarmory. Raging Bolt is a common threat that can begin stacking uses of Calm Mind, and pivots like Zapdos and Rotom-W can take full advantage of Volt Switch.
**Ghost-types**: Because Body Press is Skarmory's strongest offensive option, Ghost-types can usually switch in for free against Skarmory. Subsequently, a threat like Gholdengo may choose to use Nasty Plot to break through the rest of the team's defenses.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Anything with high Special Attack or boosting moves can put significant pressure on Skarmory, as its Special Defense is quite disappointing. Popular Pokemon like Darkrai and Iron Bundle can successfully force Skarmory out with strong neutral moves.
**Taunt**: Taunt renders Skarmory unable to spread entry hazards, keep healthy with Roost, or set up with Iron Defense.
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/kirby6728