dingbat
snek
Credits to Ark for much of this analysis, especially the bulky sets.
[OVERVIEW]
Scizor is blessed with excellent offensive qualities and a great defensive typing combined with a very diverse movepool that allows it to effectively play a variety of roles including wallbreaking, sweeping, and entry hazard removing. Although Scizor's base Speed sits on the lower end of the Speed spectrum, it makes up for that with the strongest priority move in UnderUsed in Technician-boosted Bullet Punch, which allows it to immediately threaten a wide variety of faster threats while still outspeeding and breaking through defensive Pokemon. In addition, its typing gives it eight resistances and one weakness, which, combined with its solid bulk, allows it to survive stronger attacks and consistently check threats like Mega Altaria, Latias, and Mega Beedrill. However, because Scizor is 4x weak to Fire, it must be wary of stray Fire-type coverage moves from common targets like Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mega Sceptile that are often used to lure and remove it. In addition, Scizor's offensive sets can struggle with four-moveslot syndrome, leaving it more vulnerable to different threats depending on the moves it chooses to run.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Bug Bite
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bullet Punch is a powerful Technician-boosted STAB priority move, allowing Scizor to revenge kill and clean weakened teams while immediately threatening to OHKO targets like Mega Aerodactyl, Togekiss, and Mega Beedrill. U-turn deals heavy damage to targets and switch-ins alike while generating momentum for the team. Superpower allows Scizor to break through Steel-types like Cobalion and Mega Steelix, which generally take little damage from Scizor's STAB moves. Knock Off removes items from switch-ins like Alomomola and Rotom-W while heavily damaging Ghost-types like Doublade and Chandelure, while Pursuit allows Scizor to trap and remove threats like Latias and Beedrill. Bug Bite can also be used, giving Scizor a stronger Bug-type move that does not force it to switch out. Additionally, Quick Attack is another niche option that can be run in the last slot to pick off weakened threats like Infernape and Rotom-W more effectively.
Set Details
========
Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch, Bug Bite, and Pursuit if the foe stays in. 252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature in conjunction with Choice Band maximize Scizor's power while 252 Speed EVs maximize Scizor's Speed. A Jolly nature can also be run in order to outspeed defensive Rotom-W and Jolly Crawdaunt, at the cost of some power. Additionally, a bulkier EV spread that utilizes HP EVs over Speed EVs can be utilized, namely 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe to hit 301 HP and Speed creep Adamant Crawdaunt, depending on which threats in particular Scizor wants to outspeed.
Usage Tips
========
Utilize U-turn early- and mid-game to heavily damage Scizor's checks while pivoting out to wallbreakers like Primarina to allow them to wreak havoc. In addition, predicting switch-ins like Doublade and Cobalion and nailing them with Knock Off and Superpower respectively will greatly enhance Scizor's ability to clean late-game with Bullet Punch. Be wary of the possibility of Hidden Power Fire from targets like Latias, especially if utilizing Pursuit. As Scizor is prone to getting worn down, try to avoid switching directly into powerful attacks early game, which will limit Scizor's ability to pivot or revenge kill later in the match.
Team Options
========
This set works best on balance or offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to threaten a multitude of fast threats and gain momentum. Teammates like Rotom-W, Infernape, and Hydreigon that also utilize Volt Switch and U-turn form a strong VoltTurn core with Scizor, as they can continually force switches and wear down each other's checks. Wallbreakers like Primarina and Crawdaunt appreciate U-turn support and help break down bulky Water-types and Fire-types that Scizor cannot handle on its own, opening up opportunities for it to clean with Bullet Punch. More notably, Mega Sharpedo also helps break through bulky Water-types while acting as another option as a cleaner should Scizor be unable to clean on its own. Furthermore, teammates like Mamoswine, Swampert, and Cobalion threaten many of Scizor's checks while also providing Stealth Rock support; on the other hand, Spikes support from Klefki or Froslass helps wear down checks further and bring threats into KO range of Bullet Punch.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Bug Bite / Knock Off
move 4: Superpower / Quick Attack
item: Iron Plate / Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack stat by two stages, turning it into a more fearsome attacker. Bullet Punch is a strong Technician-boosted STAB priority move that allows Scizor to threaten a multitude of faster, frailer targets like Mamoswine, Terrakion, and Mega-Aerodactyl while dealing heavy chip damage to those that do not resist it. Bug Bite is another reliable, strong Technician-boosted STAB move that allows Scizor to deal heavy damage, particularly to most Water-types like Alomomola and Swampert that resist Bullet Punch. Knock Off also deals strong damage to Ghost-types like Doublade and Chandelure while removing items from common switch-ins to Scizor like Rotom-W and Alomomola. Superpower allows Scizor to break through Steel-types like Cobalion and Mega Steelix, which it is otherwise unable to do. Quick Attack is an alternative Technician-boosted priority move that picks off threats like Infernape and Mega Sharpedo that resist Bullet Punch. U-turn can also be utilized to create momentum, although switching out will cause Scizor to lose any Swords Dance boosts that it builds up. Roost can also be run to increase Scizor's longevity, but it is generally not advised, as coverage is much more valuable on this set.
Set Details
========
Life Orb significantly boosts the power of Scizor's attacks at the cost of its longevity, while Iron Plate boosts the power of Scizor's Bullet Punch without any drawbacks. Fightinium Z with Superpower can also be run, dealing even heavier damage to targets like Cobalion and KOing checks like Rotom-W after a Swords Dance boost while bypassing Superpower's stat drops. A Lum Berry can also be used, allowing Scizor to set up and attack more freely, especially against bulky Water-types like Alomomola and Rotom-W without fear of getting burned by Scald or Will-O-Wisp. Technician boosts the power of Scizor's two STAB moves, as well as Quick Attack. 252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize Scizor's power, while 252 Speed EVs maximize its Speed. A Jolly nature can also be run in order to outspeed defensive Rotom-W and Jolly Crawdaunt, though at the cost of some power. Additionally, a bulkier EV spread that utilizes HP EVs instead of Speed EVs is an option, depending on which threats in particular Scizor wants to outspeed.
Usage Tips
========
This version of Scizor takes advantage of its ability to sweep and wallbreak, making it a great late-game weapon. Avoid switching into attacks often, as Scizor will get worn down quickly, hampering its ability to set up and sweep. Try to get Scizor in on Pokemon that it walls like Sylveon and Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire so it can set up Swords Dance. If Quick Attack is run, Life Orb and Knock Off should be the item and coverage choice, as Quick Attack is otherwise a lot less effective against said threats and Life Orb and Knock Off give Scizor the greatest potential to sweep through frail teams.
Team Options
========
This set works best on bulky or hyper offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to wallbreak or sweep. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Rotom-W and Hydreigon help Scizor find opportunities to set up. Entry hazards are greatly appreciated, as they help bring threats like Infernape and Mega Sharpedo into KO range from a boosted Bullet Punch or Quick Attack. Stealth Rock users like Mamoswine and Swampert are good partners for Scizor. Cleaners like Mega Sharpedo and Infernape appreciate Scizor's ability to heavily damage bulky Water- and Steel-type Pokemon, while wallbreakers like Mamoswine and Z-Crystal Latias complement Scizor's ability to sweep. Healing Wish support from Pokemon like Latias allows Scizor to play more aggressively early-game without fear of getting worn down. Finally, spinners like Starmie and Mega Blastoise help reduce chip damage that Scizor takes from entry hazards, which is especially important when it runs Life Orb.
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack stat by two stages, turning it into a more powerful attacker. Bullet Punch allows Scizor to heavily damage faster targets like Mamoswine, Terrakion, and Mega-Aerodactyl. U-turn wears down checks like Alomomola and Rotom-W and gives Scizor momentum. Roost allows Scizor to stay healthy and handle strong attacks throughout matches. In addition, Bug Bite or Knock Off can be used in place of U-turn as both give Scizor more staying power, but this comes at the cost of momentum.
Set Details
========
Leftovers grants passive recovery, allowing Scizor to tank hits more effectively, while Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch; Occa Berry can also be utilized so Scizor can more capably handle threats like Latias and Mega Sceptile that run Hidden Power Fire. Maximum investment in HP combined with 136 Defense EVs and an Impish nature allows Scizor to survive two Stone Edges from Mega-Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense in order for Scizor to deal with special attackers better. Scizor's EV spread can be easily customized depending on team needs; a physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with an Impish nature allows Scizor to switch into physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl, Krookodile, and Mamoswine more easily, while a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature allows Scizor to take on special attackers like Latias more easily, as well as take Hidden Power Fire from Latias and Mega Sceptile better.
Usage Tips
========
With bulk investment, Scizor's ability to switch into a wider variety of threats allows it to set up Swords Dance more often early-game. However, since this set does not hit as hard right off the bat, make sure threats like Cobalion and Doublade (if you're not running Knock Off) that take very little damage even after boosts are eliminated or are at very low health before attempting a sweep. That being said, utilize U-turn to wear down checks and bring in wallbreakers like Primarina and Crawdaunt to threaten them, and keep Scizor healthy with Roost to give it a better opportunity to set up Swords Dance and sweep late-game.
Team Options
========
This set works best on balance or bulky offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to not only check threats but also function as a late-game sweeper. Wallbreakers like Primarina, Mamoswine, and Crawdaunt appreciate U-turn support and can help break down Scizor's checks. Bulky Water-types like Swampert, Rotom-W, and Suicune help deal with common Scizor checks like Infernape and Cobalion while Scizor helps deal with Latias, Sylveon, and Krookodile. Heal Bell support from teammates like Sylveon and Togekiss is appreciated, as burns hinder Scizor's ability to sweep. Additional U-turn and Volt Switch users like Infernape, Hydreigon, Rotom-W, and Mega Manectric help to continually force switches and wear down each other's checks.
[SET]
name: Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog removes entry hazards, supporting teammates that don't appreciate being worn down by them. Bullet Punch allows Scizor to revenge kill threats like Mega Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Mamoswine. U-turn wears down checks like Alomomola and Rotom-W and gives Scizor momentum. Roost allows Scizor to stay healthy and handle strong attacks throughout matches.
Set Details
========
Leftovers grants passive recovery, allowing Scizor to tank hits more effectively and Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch. Maximum investment in HP combined with 136 Defense EVs and Impish nature allows Scizor to survive two Stone Edges from Mega-Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense in order for Scizor to deal with special attackers better. However, Scizor's EV spread can be easily customized depending on team needs; a physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with an Impish nature allows Scizor to switch into physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl, Krookodile, and Mamoswine more easily while a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature allows Scizor to take on special attackers like Latias more easily as well as take Hidden Power Fires from Latias and Klefki better.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Scizor into threats like Latias and Sylveon that it can capably check in order to pivot or clear entry hazards and keep Scizor healthy with Roost so it can continue checking those threats throughout a match. Utilize U-turn often in order to pressure hazard setters like Swampert or Cobalion that otherwise set up on Scizor. Utilize the threat of Bullet Punch against targets like Mamoswine and Terrakion in order to more easily gain momentum or clear hazards. As Scizor is fairly passive without Swords Dance or Attack investment, be wary of letting threats like Swords Dance Cobalion and Nasty Plot Infernape switch in for free.
Team Options
========
This set works best on bulky teams that appreciate Scizor's defensive utility and ability to clear entry hazards. Bulky Water-types like Suicune, Swampert, and Rotom-W help take on threats like Infernape and Cobalion. Wallbreakers like Primarina and Volcanion appreciate U-turn support and can break through Scizor's checks. Other U-turn and Volt Switch users like Infernape and Hydreigon help wear down opposing teams with Scizor. Finally, phazers like Hippowdon and Tentacruel ensure that setup sweepers like Cobalion and Gliscor that easily take advantage of Scizor don't steamroll through the entire team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Roost + Three Attacks set with Bullet Punch, U-turn, and Pursuit can also be utilized, although it lacks in power and bulk compared to the sweeping and breaking sets already listed. Choice Scarf can be utilized, allowing Scizor to outspeed unboosted threats as fast as Mega Pidgeot with a Jolly nature; however the lack in power is noticeable and leaves Scizor much easier to take advantage of compared to Choice Band Scizor. Natural Gift with Rindo Berry can be used to lure bulky Water-types and take them out; however, it is a one-time option and sacrifices one of Scizor's coverage options. Thief can be utilized on certain sets in order to hit Mega Pokemon or Z-Crystal users like Mega Blastoise and Icium Z Tentacruel harder than Knock Off does.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon like Infernape, Entei, and Chandelure resist Bullet Punch and OHKO Scizor with their respective Fire-type STAB moves, but the former two should be wary of Quick Attack if Scizor runs Swords Dance, while Chandelure should be wary of Knock Off. In addition, many other Pokemon typically checked by Scizor like Latias, Mega Sceptile, and Mega-Aerodactyl are capable of running Fire coverage in order to lure Scizor and take it out.
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Alomomola and Quagsire avoid the 2HKO from any of Scizor's unboosted attacks; in addition, Quagsire negates any Attack boosts that Scizor may have. Tentacruel and Mantine both resist Scizor's STAB attacks and can reset any Swords Dance boosts with Haze. Additionally, Scizor does not appreciate getting burned by Scald.
**Magneton**: Although Magneton cannot directly switch into Scizor, it traps Scizor and OHKOes it with Hidden Power Fire, while Scizor deals very little damage back with Bullet Punch.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Aggron, Mega Steelix, and Cobalion wall Scizor if it does not carry Superpower, and Cobalion can even set up on it.
**Electric-types**: Other Electric-type Pokemon like Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W resist Bullet Punch and can fire back with either Thunderbolt or, in the case of the latter two, burn Scizor with Will-O-Wisp or KO it with a strong Fire-type move.
[OVERVIEW]
Scizor is blessed with excellent offensive qualities and a great defensive typing combined with a very diverse movepool that allows it to effectively play a variety of roles including wallbreaking, sweeping, and entry hazard removing. Although Scizor's base Speed sits on the lower end of the Speed spectrum, it makes up for that with the strongest priority move in UnderUsed in Technician-boosted Bullet Punch, which allows it to immediately threaten a wide variety of faster threats while still outspeeding and breaking through defensive Pokemon. In addition, its typing gives it eight resistances and one weakness, which, combined with its solid bulk, allows it to survive stronger attacks and consistently check threats like Mega Altaria, Latias, and Mega Beedrill. However, because Scizor is 4x weak to Fire, it must be wary of stray Fire-type coverage moves from common targets like Latias, Mega Aerodactyl, and Mega Sceptile that are often used to lure and remove it. In addition, Scizor's offensive sets can struggle with four-moveslot syndrome, leaving it more vulnerable to different threats depending on the moves it chooses to run.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit / Bug Bite
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bullet Punch is a powerful Technician-boosted STAB priority move, allowing Scizor to revenge kill and clean weakened teams while immediately threatening to OHKO targets like Mega Aerodactyl, Togekiss, and Mega Beedrill. U-turn deals heavy damage to targets and switch-ins alike while generating momentum for the team. Superpower allows Scizor to break through Steel-types like Cobalion and Mega Steelix, which generally take little damage from Scizor's STAB moves. Knock Off removes items from switch-ins like Alomomola and Rotom-W while heavily damaging Ghost-types like Doublade and Chandelure, while Pursuit allows Scizor to trap and remove threats like Latias and Beedrill. Bug Bite can also be used, giving Scizor a stronger Bug-type move that does not force it to switch out. Additionally, Quick Attack is another niche option that can be run in the last slot to pick off weakened threats like Infernape and Rotom-W more effectively.
Set Details
========
Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch, Bug Bite, and Pursuit if the foe stays in. 252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature in conjunction with Choice Band maximize Scizor's power while 252 Speed EVs maximize Scizor's Speed. A Jolly nature can also be run in order to outspeed defensive Rotom-W and Jolly Crawdaunt, at the cost of some power. Additionally, a bulkier EV spread that utilizes HP EVs over Speed EVs can be utilized, namely 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe to hit 301 HP and Speed creep Adamant Crawdaunt, depending on which threats in particular Scizor wants to outspeed.
Usage Tips
========
Utilize U-turn early- and mid-game to heavily damage Scizor's checks while pivoting out to wallbreakers like Primarina to allow them to wreak havoc. In addition, predicting switch-ins like Doublade and Cobalion and nailing them with Knock Off and Superpower respectively will greatly enhance Scizor's ability to clean late-game with Bullet Punch. Be wary of the possibility of Hidden Power Fire from targets like Latias, especially if utilizing Pursuit. As Scizor is prone to getting worn down, try to avoid switching directly into powerful attacks early game, which will limit Scizor's ability to pivot or revenge kill later in the match.
Team Options
========
This set works best on balance or offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to threaten a multitude of fast threats and gain momentum. Teammates like Rotom-W, Infernape, and Hydreigon that also utilize Volt Switch and U-turn form a strong VoltTurn core with Scizor, as they can continually force switches and wear down each other's checks. Wallbreakers like Primarina and Crawdaunt appreciate U-turn support and help break down bulky Water-types and Fire-types that Scizor cannot handle on its own, opening up opportunities for it to clean with Bullet Punch. More notably, Mega Sharpedo also helps break through bulky Water-types while acting as another option as a cleaner should Scizor be unable to clean on its own. Furthermore, teammates like Mamoswine, Swampert, and Cobalion threaten many of Scizor's checks while also providing Stealth Rock support; on the other hand, Spikes support from Klefki or Froslass helps wear down checks further and bring threats into KO range of Bullet Punch.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Bug Bite / Knock Off
move 4: Superpower / Quick Attack
item: Iron Plate / Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack stat by two stages, turning it into a more fearsome attacker. Bullet Punch is a strong Technician-boosted STAB priority move that allows Scizor to threaten a multitude of faster, frailer targets like Mamoswine, Terrakion, and Mega-Aerodactyl while dealing heavy chip damage to those that do not resist it. Bug Bite is another reliable, strong Technician-boosted STAB move that allows Scizor to deal heavy damage, particularly to most Water-types like Alomomola and Swampert that resist Bullet Punch. Knock Off also deals strong damage to Ghost-types like Doublade and Chandelure while removing items from common switch-ins to Scizor like Rotom-W and Alomomola. Superpower allows Scizor to break through Steel-types like Cobalion and Mega Steelix, which it is otherwise unable to do. Quick Attack is an alternative Technician-boosted priority move that picks off threats like Infernape and Mega Sharpedo that resist Bullet Punch. U-turn can also be utilized to create momentum, although switching out will cause Scizor to lose any Swords Dance boosts that it builds up. Roost can also be run to increase Scizor's longevity, but it is generally not advised, as coverage is much more valuable on this set.
Set Details
========
Life Orb significantly boosts the power of Scizor's attacks at the cost of its longevity, while Iron Plate boosts the power of Scizor's Bullet Punch without any drawbacks. Fightinium Z with Superpower can also be run, dealing even heavier damage to targets like Cobalion and KOing checks like Rotom-W after a Swords Dance boost while bypassing Superpower's stat drops. A Lum Berry can also be used, allowing Scizor to set up and attack more freely, especially against bulky Water-types like Alomomola and Rotom-W without fear of getting burned by Scald or Will-O-Wisp. Technician boosts the power of Scizor's two STAB moves, as well as Quick Attack. 252 Attack EVs with an Adamant nature maximize Scizor's power, while 252 Speed EVs maximize its Speed. A Jolly nature can also be run in order to outspeed defensive Rotom-W and Jolly Crawdaunt, though at the cost of some power. Additionally, a bulkier EV spread that utilizes HP EVs instead of Speed EVs is an option, depending on which threats in particular Scizor wants to outspeed.
Usage Tips
========
This version of Scizor takes advantage of its ability to sweep and wallbreak, making it a great late-game weapon. Avoid switching into attacks often, as Scizor will get worn down quickly, hampering its ability to set up and sweep. Try to get Scizor in on Pokemon that it walls like Sylveon and Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire so it can set up Swords Dance. If Quick Attack is run, Life Orb and Knock Off should be the item and coverage choice, as Quick Attack is otherwise a lot less effective against said threats and Life Orb and Knock Off give Scizor the greatest potential to sweep through frail teams.
Team Options
========
This set works best on bulky or hyper offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to wallbreak or sweep. U-turn and Volt Switch users like Rotom-W and Hydreigon help Scizor find opportunities to set up. Entry hazards are greatly appreciated, as they help bring threats like Infernape and Mega Sharpedo into KO range from a boosted Bullet Punch or Quick Attack. Stealth Rock users like Mamoswine and Swampert are good partners for Scizor. Cleaners like Mega Sharpedo and Infernape appreciate Scizor's ability to heavily damage bulky Water- and Steel-type Pokemon, while wallbreakers like Mamoswine and Z-Crystal Latias complement Scizor's ability to sweep. Healing Wish support from Pokemon like Latias allows Scizor to play more aggressively early-game without fear of getting worn down. Finally, spinners like Starmie and Mega Blastoise help reduce chip damage that Scizor takes from entry hazards, which is especially important when it runs Life Orb.
[SET]
name: Bulky Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack stat by two stages, turning it into a more powerful attacker. Bullet Punch allows Scizor to heavily damage faster targets like Mamoswine, Terrakion, and Mega-Aerodactyl. U-turn wears down checks like Alomomola and Rotom-W and gives Scizor momentum. Roost allows Scizor to stay healthy and handle strong attacks throughout matches. In addition, Bug Bite or Knock Off can be used in place of U-turn as both give Scizor more staying power, but this comes at the cost of momentum.
Set Details
========
Leftovers grants passive recovery, allowing Scizor to tank hits more effectively, while Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch; Occa Berry can also be utilized so Scizor can more capably handle threats like Latias and Mega Sceptile that run Hidden Power Fire. Maximum investment in HP combined with 136 Defense EVs and an Impish nature allows Scizor to survive two Stone Edges from Mega-Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense in order for Scizor to deal with special attackers better. Scizor's EV spread can be easily customized depending on team needs; a physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with an Impish nature allows Scizor to switch into physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl, Krookodile, and Mamoswine more easily, while a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature allows Scizor to take on special attackers like Latias more easily, as well as take Hidden Power Fire from Latias and Mega Sceptile better.
Usage Tips
========
With bulk investment, Scizor's ability to switch into a wider variety of threats allows it to set up Swords Dance more often early-game. However, since this set does not hit as hard right off the bat, make sure threats like Cobalion and Doublade (if you're not running Knock Off) that take very little damage even after boosts are eliminated or are at very low health before attempting a sweep. That being said, utilize U-turn to wear down checks and bring in wallbreakers like Primarina and Crawdaunt to threaten them, and keep Scizor healthy with Roost to give it a better opportunity to set up Swords Dance and sweep late-game.
Team Options
========
This set works best on balance or bulky offense teams that appreciate Scizor's ability to not only check threats but also function as a late-game sweeper. Wallbreakers like Primarina, Mamoswine, and Crawdaunt appreciate U-turn support and can help break down Scizor's checks. Bulky Water-types like Swampert, Rotom-W, and Suicune help deal with common Scizor checks like Infernape and Cobalion while Scizor helps deal with Latias, Sylveon, and Krookodile. Heal Bell support from teammates like Sylveon and Togekiss is appreciated, as burns hinder Scizor's ability to sweep. Additional U-turn and Volt Switch users like Infernape, Hydreigon, Rotom-W, and Mega Manectric help to continually force switches and wear down each other's checks.
[SET]
name: Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Roost
item: Leftovers
ability: Technician
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 124 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog removes entry hazards, supporting teammates that don't appreciate being worn down by them. Bullet Punch allows Scizor to revenge kill threats like Mega Aerodactyl, Terrakion, and Mamoswine. U-turn wears down checks like Alomomola and Rotom-W and gives Scizor momentum. Roost allows Scizor to stay healthy and handle strong attacks throughout matches.
Set Details
========
Leftovers grants passive recovery, allowing Scizor to tank hits more effectively and Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch. Maximum investment in HP combined with 136 Defense EVs and Impish nature allows Scizor to survive two Stone Edges from Mega-Aerodactyl after Stealth Rock damage. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense in order for Scizor to deal with special attackers better. However, Scizor's EV spread can be easily customized depending on team needs; a physically defensive spread of 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD with an Impish nature allows Scizor to switch into physical attackers like Mega Aerodactyl, Krookodile, and Mamoswine more easily while a specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD with a Careful nature allows Scizor to take on special attackers like Latias more easily as well as take Hidden Power Fires from Latias and Klefki better.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Scizor into threats like Latias and Sylveon that it can capably check in order to pivot or clear entry hazards and keep Scizor healthy with Roost so it can continue checking those threats throughout a match. Utilize U-turn often in order to pressure hazard setters like Swampert or Cobalion that otherwise set up on Scizor. Utilize the threat of Bullet Punch against targets like Mamoswine and Terrakion in order to more easily gain momentum or clear hazards. As Scizor is fairly passive without Swords Dance or Attack investment, be wary of letting threats like Swords Dance Cobalion and Nasty Plot Infernape switch in for free.
Team Options
========
This set works best on bulky teams that appreciate Scizor's defensive utility and ability to clear entry hazards. Bulky Water-types like Suicune, Swampert, and Rotom-W help take on threats like Infernape and Cobalion. Wallbreakers like Primarina and Volcanion appreciate U-turn support and can break through Scizor's checks. Other U-turn and Volt Switch users like Infernape and Hydreigon help wear down opposing teams with Scizor. Finally, phazers like Hippowdon and Tentacruel ensure that setup sweepers like Cobalion and Gliscor that easily take advantage of Scizor don't steamroll through the entire team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A Roost + Three Attacks set with Bullet Punch, U-turn, and Pursuit can also be utilized, although it lacks in power and bulk compared to the sweeping and breaking sets already listed. Choice Scarf can be utilized, allowing Scizor to outspeed unboosted threats as fast as Mega Pidgeot with a Jolly nature; however the lack in power is noticeable and leaves Scizor much easier to take advantage of compared to Choice Band Scizor. Natural Gift with Rindo Berry can be used to lure bulky Water-types and take them out; however, it is a one-time option and sacrifices one of Scizor's coverage options. Thief can be utilized on certain sets in order to hit Mega Pokemon or Z-Crystal users like Mega Blastoise and Icium Z Tentacruel harder than Knock Off does.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon like Infernape, Entei, and Chandelure resist Bullet Punch and OHKO Scizor with their respective Fire-type STAB moves, but the former two should be wary of Quick Attack if Scizor runs Swords Dance, while Chandelure should be wary of Knock Off. In addition, many other Pokemon typically checked by Scizor like Latias, Mega Sceptile, and Mega-Aerodactyl are capable of running Fire coverage in order to lure Scizor and take it out.
**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-type Pokemon like Alomomola and Quagsire avoid the 2HKO from any of Scizor's unboosted attacks; in addition, Quagsire negates any Attack boosts that Scizor may have. Tentacruel and Mantine both resist Scizor's STAB attacks and can reset any Swords Dance boosts with Haze. Additionally, Scizor does not appreciate getting burned by Scald.
**Magneton**: Although Magneton cannot directly switch into Scizor, it traps Scizor and OHKOes it with Hidden Power Fire, while Scizor deals very little damage back with Bullet Punch.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Aggron, Mega Steelix, and Cobalion wall Scizor if it does not carry Superpower, and Cobalion can even set up on it.
**Electric-types**: Other Electric-type Pokemon like Raikou, Mega Manectric, and Rotom-W resist Bullet Punch and can fire back with either Thunderbolt or, in the case of the latter two, burn Scizor with Will-O-Wisp or KO it with a strong Fire-type move.
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