Forums · Skarmory (ArecP)
Needs to be proofread
[GLOBAL INFO]
Analysis: Skarmory
[DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
With Skarmory’s typing, Flying/Steel, it has many advantages on the defensive side with a 4x resistance to Bug and Grass, 2x resistance to Normal, Psychic, Dragon, Steel, and Dark, and immunities to Poison and Ground. There are two ways to go when pairing up with Skarmory: 1) Teaming up with another Pokemon to make use of their resistances together or 2) Using Skarmory’s resistances to absorb hits for your powerhouses. Basically, Skarmory shines as a defensive Pokemon.
A good companion for Skarmory would be Blissey. Though the usefulness of the two together has dwindled a bit with this generation, they are still the best defensive tandem in the metagame today. While Skarmory absorbs those physical hits, Blissey will be the one absorbing those special hits. Blissey helps Skarmory a lot, too, for it can absorb most of the SE hits that come its way as most of its more common weaknesses tend to be from attacks of the special connotation. Cresselia would be a good idea, too, as Skarmory covers Cresselia’s Bug weakness (dominantly coming from Heracross) and can take Heracross out with Drill Peck/Brave Bird. Swampert is a very good choice. Swampert covers Skarmory’s Electric and Fire weakness while Skarmory covers Swampert’s Grass weakness.
Heatran is also a good choice for Skarmory users. While Heatran absorbs incoming Fire attacks coming Skarmory’s way (or Ice attacks for that matter), Skarmory keeps those Ground attacks coming at Heatran from every hitting him. Tyranitar or Hippowdon are options, for Sandstream adds to residual damage and paired with Stealth Rocks and Whirlwind, it’s tough to keep a single Pokemon damage free. Garchomp or Flygon are good additions as they cover Skarmory’s Electric weakness and are fast enough and strong enough to take out that pokemon.
[/DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[/GLOBAL INFO]
[SET]
Name: Field Hazard Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 6 Atk
Nature: Impish
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 197 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 176 Speed
Moves:
- Brave Bird / Drill Peck
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Roost
- Whirlwind
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
The most common Skarmory seen in the metagame. Brave Bird is Skarmory’s best STAB’d attack but recoil damage can hinder Skarmory’s longevity. Drill Peck is an alternative if you don’t like it but you lose lot of fire power. The second slot is entirely up to you. Stealth Rock will limit Gyaradoses and those flying types and Spikes will do consistent damage but it requires a longer set up that's why Stealth Rock was listed first: Either can be used as standard. Roost is there if recoil or attack damage builds up and Whirlwind is there for scouting and Field Hazard abuse. This set works well with stall-type teams because Skarmory can set up, Whirlwind, and Roost away the damage.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
For the EV spread, you can with go 196 HP to hit 320 HP, a magic lefties number, throw 4 in Speed, and throw the rest in Atk. Taunt is an option for the last slot (Whirlwind and Taunt is redundant). If you’re using Taunt, hitting 207 or 224 Speed (to out speed Cresselia or standard Bulky Gyarados) might be a good idea BUT then that would mean taking away from Def and you don’t want that.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
ExpertBeltVire, Garchomp, Gyarados, and MixMence all deal with potential threats. The first two benefit from Skarmory's weaknesses also. It's really obvious when you see a counter for Skarm, the usual suspects are Heatran, Infernape, and Magnezone.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
While Skarmory IS the strategy, combining it with Blissey will add support for your team, particular the Toxic Wish passing Blissey. Keeping Skarmory alive for phazing while Status Infecting the whole team with Toxic and abusing Spikes is pretty harsh. Combined with SR and Sandstorm, you've pretty much made an annoyer team with just three pokes.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
The one true counter is Magnezone. That's the reason why you hold Shed Shell. Others are your basic Fire and Electric types like Zapdos, Heatran, Infernape, and Raikou. The nonStab'd counters are Azelf, TauntDos, and SpecsMence or MixMence.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[SET]
Name: SD Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 72 Atk, 184 Spd
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 214 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 244 Speed
Moves:
- Drill Peck
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Steel Wing / Rock Slide
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
From the looks at it you wouldn’t expect Skarmory to sweep but it can. Drill Peck will be your main form of attack. Flying isn’t resisted by much and Steel Wing covers about everything else that isn’t Steel. Rock Slide is there to hit Salamence and others for SE. Roost keeps Skarmory healthy and durable for optimal sweepage. What you want to do is switch Skarmory on a Banded EQ or something that won’t hurt it much and SD up.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
Agility is an option if you want to add speed to the set. It can be substituted with either third or forth slot, it’s up to you. It’ll be a good idea to reach 202 Speed so that after an Agility, Skarmory will be able to outspeed Adamant ScarfCross. Max Speed on Skarmory allows it to out speed ScarfNape if you wanted to know. Any leftover EVs should be thrown into HP. You can go with an Adamant nature if you wish, the EV spread will net you 222 Spd and that's enough to outspeed Neutral Natured T-tar while 244 Spd outspeeds Jolly T-tar.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
There isn't much of a difference to Skarmory if the sets are changed. It still has its weaknesses. Electivire, Gyarados, Salamence, and Garchomp can still be used here to deal with threats.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
Electivire and Magmorter will be good options for this set, as well as Infernape, Metagross, or anything that will lure an EQ. That'll enable you to let Skarmory set up. Employing SR or Spikes will be a good idea, too, to help net those potential OHKOs/2HKOs.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
Basically the same counters except T-tar won't be able to deal with you as easily because you outspeed it. Magnezone is still a problem as it resist everything Skarmory has to offer.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[SET]
Name: RestTalk Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 6 Atk
Nature: Impish
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 197 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 176 Speed
Moves:
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Whirlwind
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
Not the most productive defensive set for Skarmory but it works. Now you can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes while awake and then Rest away the damage. Whirlwind loses its priority when used with Sleep Talk, so you’ll be able to Whirlwind anything Skarmory can out speed.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
For the third slot, if you don’t like getting Taunt owned, you can go with Drill Peck or Brave Bird. Brave Bird can be used because of you resting away the recoil damage but you might not be able to afford the two turn rest with the constant recoil damage that’s being added onto the opponent’s damage. Toxic can be used if you like status infections.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
About the same as the others. Electivire, Gyarados, Salamence, Infernape, etc.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
Anyone can be used here as Skarmory will be a Status Absorber, so your fast Pokemon that fears T-Wave and such will be happy to have this Skarmory as a teammate. Also adding field hazards will give this Skarmory much more responsibility as it will be able to fully utilize the Sleep Talk Whirlwinds. There's also the option of combining this with a purely annoyer Aerodactyl. If you don't know the set, I'm talking about Rest/Sleep Talk/Whirlwind/Roar. Like mentioned before, priority is forgotton with Sleep Talk, thus Aerodactyl will be faster most of the time with a 66% chance of Sleep Talking Roar or Whirlwind.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
TauntDos walls this set if you don't have an attack and so do faster Taunters.
Other than that, it has the same counters as the other sets.
If you are using Toxic than Steels will wall you. Breloom can also come in and set up.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[GENERAL COUNTERS]
BulkyDos w/ Taunt cause problems. Mainly because it can set up afterthat which will in turn potentially sweep your team. Pokemon that arefaster that learn Taunt pose as a problem in general unless they'refragile.
Infernape, Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Ninetales, Heatran, Starmie,Magnezone, Raikou, and plenty of others. A lot of things can counterSkarmory if it packs Fire Blast (Flamethrower) or Thunder(Bolt) and abase stat of 90 SpAtk.
Magnezone is the truest counter. Traps Skarmory completely if itdoesn't have Shed Shell and blasts it away with it's STAB'd T-Bolt.
[/GENERAL COUNTERS]
[PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER]
Field Hazard Skarmory + Blissey + [Insert Sweeper here]. Ah, SkarmBliss. It was the most feared Defensive tandem back in R/S/E and it still has potential in D/P/P. It's really quite simple. Skarmory is the best Defensive wall in the game so it would be obvious to pair it with the best Special Defensive wall. Skarmory takes the Physical attacks while Blissey takes the Special ones. Easy as one, two, three. Since this gen now has Close Combat, Heracross will pose a problem as it can 2HKO Skarmory if Banded, so the third slot can be something that'll take care of him.
Field Hazard Skarmory + Life Orb Heatran + Swampert/Lanturn. Abusing Flash Fire is *ding* a no brainer. All of the Pokemon's weaknesses are covered by one Pokemon or another. Life Orb Heatran can be substituted with ScarfTran but then you lose choice. Heatran covers most of Skarmory's threats because it hits really hard. Skarmory and Swampert will give you two shufflers that will enable you to bring in Heatran on a resistance and possibly sweep, along with abusing Field Hazards. Lanturn benefits more from Skarmory's Electric weakness and can be useful at times. Nasty Plot Infernape will run through if you Heatran isn't Scarfed, so be sure to add Speed to your team.
Field Hazard/SD Skarmory + LO Azelf + LO Electivire. Electivire will benefit the most out of this combination. Lure an Electric attack with Skarmory after setting down Stealth Rock and let Motor Drive kick in. Let Electivire clear the way for Azelf to come in and basically sweep if you don't with Electivire. Your opponent will be pretty weakened by this time so you can add more offensive power to keep up the damage. ScarfCross can pose a problem if it runs Earthquake.
[/PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER]
Analysis: Skarmory
[DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
With Skarmory’s typing, Flying/Steel, it has many advantages on the defensive side with a 4x resistance to Bug and Grass, 2x resistance to Normal, Psychic, Dragon, Steel, and Dark, and immunities to Poison and Ground. There are two ways to go when pairing up with Skarmory: 1) Teaming up with another Pokemon to make use of their resistances together or 2) Using Skarmory’s resistances to absorb hits for your powerhouses. Basically, Skarmory shines as a defensive Pokemon.
A good companion for Skarmory would be Blissey. Though the usefulness of the two together has dwindled a bit with this generation, they are still the best defensive tandem in the metagame today. While Skarmory absorbs those physical hits, Blissey will be the one absorbing those special hits. Blissey helps Skarmory a lot, too, for it can absorb most of the SE hits that come its way as most of its more common weaknesses tend to be from attacks of the special connotation. Cresselia would be a good idea, too, as Skarmory covers Cresselia’s Bug weakness (dominantly coming from Heracross) and can take Heracross out with Drill Peck/Brave Bird. Swampert is a very good choice. Swampert covers Skarmory’s Electric and Fire weakness while Skarmory covers Swampert’s Grass weakness.
Heatran is also a good choice for Skarmory users. While Heatran absorbs incoming Fire attacks coming Skarmory’s way (or Ice attacks for that matter), Skarmory keeps those Ground attacks coming at Heatran from every hitting him. Tyranitar or Hippowdon are options, for Sandstream adds to residual damage and paired with Stealth Rocks and Whirlwind, it’s tough to keep a single Pokemon damage free. Garchomp or Flygon are good additions as they cover Skarmory’s Electric weakness and are fast enough and strong enough to take out that pokemon.
[/DEFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[/GLOBAL INFO]
[SET]
Name: Field Hazard Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 6 Atk
Nature: Impish
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 197 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 176 Speed
Moves:
- Brave Bird / Drill Peck
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Roost
- Whirlwind
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
The most common Skarmory seen in the metagame. Brave Bird is Skarmory’s best STAB’d attack but recoil damage can hinder Skarmory’s longevity. Drill Peck is an alternative if you don’t like it but you lose lot of fire power. The second slot is entirely up to you. Stealth Rock will limit Gyaradoses and those flying types and Spikes will do consistent damage but it requires a longer set up that's why Stealth Rock was listed first: Either can be used as standard. Roost is there if recoil or attack damage builds up and Whirlwind is there for scouting and Field Hazard abuse. This set works well with stall-type teams because Skarmory can set up, Whirlwind, and Roost away the damage.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
For the EV spread, you can with go 196 HP to hit 320 HP, a magic lefties number, throw 4 in Speed, and throw the rest in Atk. Taunt is an option for the last slot (Whirlwind and Taunt is redundant). If you’re using Taunt, hitting 207 or 224 Speed (to out speed Cresselia or standard Bulky Gyarados) might be a good idea BUT then that would mean taking away from Def and you don’t want that.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
ExpertBeltVire, Garchomp, Gyarados, and MixMence all deal with potential threats. The first two benefit from Skarmory's weaknesses also. It's really obvious when you see a counter for Skarm, the usual suspects are Heatran, Infernape, and Magnezone.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
While Skarmory IS the strategy, combining it with Blissey will add support for your team, particular the Toxic Wish passing Blissey. Keeping Skarmory alive for phazing while Status Infecting the whole team with Toxic and abusing Spikes is pretty harsh. Combined with SR and Sandstorm, you've pretty much made an annoyer team with just three pokes.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
The one true counter is Magnezone. That's the reason why you hold Shed Shell. Others are your basic Fire and Electric types like Zapdos, Heatran, Infernape, and Raikou. The nonStab'd counters are Azelf, TauntDos, and SpecsMence or MixMence.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[SET]
Name: SD Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 72 Atk, 184 Spd
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 214 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 244 Speed
Moves:
- Drill Peck
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Steel Wing / Rock Slide
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
From the looks at it you wouldn’t expect Skarmory to sweep but it can. Drill Peck will be your main form of attack. Flying isn’t resisted by much and Steel Wing covers about everything else that isn’t Steel. Rock Slide is there to hit Salamence and others for SE. Roost keeps Skarmory healthy and durable for optimal sweepage. What you want to do is switch Skarmory on a Banded EQ or something that won’t hurt it much and SD up.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
Agility is an option if you want to add speed to the set. It can be substituted with either third or forth slot, it’s up to you. It’ll be a good idea to reach 202 Speed so that after an Agility, Skarmory will be able to outspeed Adamant ScarfCross. Max Speed on Skarmory allows it to out speed ScarfNape if you wanted to know. Any leftover EVs should be thrown into HP. You can go with an Adamant nature if you wish, the EV spread will net you 222 Spd and that's enough to outspeed Neutral Natured T-tar while 244 Spd outspeeds Jolly T-tar.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
There isn't much of a difference to Skarmory if the sets are changed. It still has its weaknesses. Electivire, Gyarados, Salamence, and Garchomp can still be used here to deal with threats.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
Electivire and Magmorter will be good options for this set, as well as Infernape, Metagross, or anything that will lure an EQ. That'll enable you to let Skarmory set up. Employing SR or Spikes will be a good idea, too, to help net those potential OHKOs/2HKOs.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
Basically the same counters except T-tar won't be able to deal with you as easily because you outspeed it. Magnezone is still a problem as it resist everything Skarmory has to offer.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[SET]
Name: RestTalk Skarmory
Item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
EVs: 252 HP, 252 Def, 6 Atk
Nature: Impish
Ability: Keen Eye
Stats: 334 HP, 197 Atk, 416 Def, 104 SpAtk, 176 SpDef, 176 Speed
Moves:
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Whirlwind
[/SET]
[SET DESCRIPTION]
Not the most productive defensive set for Skarmory but it works. Now you can set up Stealth Rock or Spikes while awake and then Rest away the damage. Whirlwind loses its priority when used with Sleep Talk, so you’ll be able to Whirlwind anything Skarmory can out speed.
[/SET DESCRIPTION]
[OTHER OPTIONS]
For the third slot, if you don’t like getting Taunt owned, you can go with Drill Peck or Brave Bird. Brave Bird can be used because of you resting away the recoil damage but you might not be able to afford the two turn rest with the constant recoil damage that’s being added onto the opponent’s damage. Toxic can be used if you like status infections.
[/OTHER OPTIONS]
[OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
About the same as the others. Electivire, Gyarados, Salamence, Infernape, etc.
[/OFFENSIVE COMBINATIONS]
[STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
Anyone can be used here as Skarmory will be a Status Absorber, so your fast Pokemon that fears T-Wave and such will be happy to have this Skarmory as a teammate. Also adding field hazards will give this Skarmory much more responsibility as it will be able to fully utilize the Sleep Talk Whirlwinds. There's also the option of combining this with a purely annoyer Aerodactyl. If you don't know the set, I'm talking about Rest/Sleep Talk/Whirlwind/Roar. Like mentioned before, priority is forgotton with Sleep Talk, thus Aerodactyl will be faster most of the time with a 66% chance of Sleep Talking Roar or Whirlwind.
[/STRATEGIC COMBINATIONS]
[SET COUNTERS]
TauntDos walls this set if you don't have an attack and so do faster Taunters.
Other than that, it has the same counters as the other sets.
If you are using Toxic than Steels will wall you. Breloom can also come in and set up.
[/SET COUNTERS]
[GENERAL COUNTERS]
BulkyDos w/ Taunt cause problems. Mainly because it can set up afterthat which will in turn potentially sweep your team. Pokemon that arefaster that learn Taunt pose as a problem in general unless they'refragile.
Infernape, Salamence, Garchomp, Dragonite, Ninetales, Heatran, Starmie,Magnezone, Raikou, and plenty of others. A lot of things can counterSkarmory if it packs Fire Blast (Flamethrower) or Thunder(Bolt) and abase stat of 90 SpAtk.
Magnezone is the truest counter. Traps Skarmory completely if itdoesn't have Shed Shell and blasts it away with it's STAB'd T-Bolt.
[/GENERAL COUNTERS]
[PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER]
Field Hazard Skarmory + Blissey + [Insert Sweeper here]. Ah, SkarmBliss. It was the most feared Defensive tandem back in R/S/E and it still has potential in D/P/P. It's really quite simple. Skarmory is the best Defensive wall in the game so it would be obvious to pair it with the best Special Defensive wall. Skarmory takes the Physical attacks while Blissey takes the Special ones. Easy as one, two, three. Since this gen now has Close Combat, Heracross will pose a problem as it can 2HKO Skarmory if Banded, so the third slot can be something that'll take care of him.
Field Hazard Skarmory + Life Orb Heatran + Swampert/Lanturn. Abusing Flash Fire is *ding* a no brainer. All of the Pokemon's weaknesses are covered by one Pokemon or another. Life Orb Heatran can be substituted with ScarfTran but then you lose choice. Heatran covers most of Skarmory's threats because it hits really hard. Skarmory and Swampert will give you two shufflers that will enable you to bring in Heatran on a resistance and possibly sweep, along with abusing Field Hazards. Lanturn benefits more from Skarmory's Electric weakness and can be useful at times. Nasty Plot Infernape will run through if you Heatran isn't Scarfed, so be sure to add Speed to your team.
Field Hazard/SD Skarmory + LO Azelf + LO Electivire. Electivire will benefit the most out of this combination. Lure an Electric attack with Skarmory after setting down Stealth Rock and let Motor Drive kick in. Let Electivire clear the way for Azelf to come in and basically sweep if you don't with Electivire. Your opponent will be pretty weakened by this time so you can add more offensive power to keep up the damage. ScarfCross can pose a problem if it runs Earthquake.
[/PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER]
Stealth Rock (no S) shouldn't be the primary option on "Field Hazard" Skarmory. Why? Because there are 5000 Pokémon that can lay down Stealth Rock, many of which have actual offensive movepools. Spikes is what makes Skarmory good. Also, pretty much remove that "magic leftovers" line. Skarmory gets more defenses with 1 point in HP than 1 point in Defense, so Attack EVs should be taken out of Defense, not HP. Also, the convention is Leftovers number + 1.
SD Skarmory's EVs are wrong. They should be 252 HP / 72 Atk / 184 Spd; Jolly. Mention that Steel Wing is a great option to severly hurt Tyranitar. X-Scissor makes a nice Other Option for that set too, as it hurts Metagross a little bit.
Skarmory doesn't outspeed much, so I think that Rest-Talk Skarmory should be confined to Other Options. It's up to you though.
SD Skarmory's EVs are wrong. They should be 252 HP / 72 Atk / 184 Spd; Jolly. Mention that Steel Wing is a great option to severly hurt Tyranitar. X-Scissor makes a nice Other Option for that set too, as it hurts Metagross a little bit.
Skarmory doesn't outspeed much, so I think that Rest-Talk Skarmory should be confined to Other Options. It's up to you though.
Thank you for the input Chris, I'll be sure to add your criticism into this analysis. I really haven't had the time to adjust the EVs so that's why the spread for the other sets are so generic.
I should be able to finish this one soon, unless procrastination steps in again.
I should be able to finish this one soon, unless procrastination steps in again.
Updated as much as I could with the short time I have. I seriously don't know when this will be finished but it should not take longer than a week. I'm going to be going to the beach for a few days (3 days, 4 nights) so it won't be finished before then.
One more update and I'll be finished with this Analysis. Then I'll be doing Ambipom, then maybe Blissey if it is still available (Blame Aldaron). The last section will require some time and thinking so I can't do it at this moment because I'M ON VACATION.