Gen 5 Skarmory (GP 2/2)

[OVERVIEW]
Skarmory is a defensive staple in BW OU, checking many of its best Pokemon and avoiding passivity by setting up entry hazards. It's able to check Ground-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus-T as well as other common Pokemon like Scizor, Breloom, Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast, and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch. Roost and immunity to common residual damage methods like Spikes, sand, and Toxic let it consistently handle them. Normally physically defensive, it can also run a specially defensive EV spread to switch into Pokemon like Alakazam, Latios, and Tornadus while still checking most of the aforementioned threats relatively well. This gives it flexibility in fitting on teams. Setting Spikes, besides reducing its passivity, achieves fantastic progress for teams. Its defensive utility and ability to counter Excadrill, one of the most common spinners, and punish it with Rocky Helmet lets it keep entry hazards up more consistently. These traits alongside Stealth Rock and Sturdy also make it a great Custap Berry lead on hyper offense teams. Spikes also wears down Skarmory's common switch-ins, like Heatran, Jellicent, and Politoed, especially with Whirlwind. However, Skarmory's Fire and Electric weaknesses let common Pokemon, like Heatran and Thundurus-T, and specialized coverage, like Fire Blast on Tyranitar and Garchomp, get past it. Strong special attackers like Keldeo, Alakazam, and Latios can overwhelm physically defensive sets, as can common rain threats, with Tentacruel and Starmie successfully spinning on burned Skarmory. Magnezone, often paired with the Dragon-types Skarmory checks like Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, can trap and remove Skarmory. Skarmory also cannot punish Pokemon immune to Spikes, like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, and Xatu, which can hit it super effectively, set up on it, punish Spikes and Whirlwind with Magic Bounce, or inflict it with status. Ferrothorn competes with it on sand teams as a Steel-types Spikes setter, resisting Water and having better special bulk to stave off rain teams. Skarmory also competes with other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi given their better offensive presence and prowess in checking Psychic-types, respectively.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Brave Bird / Taunt
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes wears down switch-ins like Tyranitar, Keldeo, and Heatran while also supporting Skarmory's hard-hitting teammates and giving Whirlwind offensive potential. Whirlwind stops setup sweepers like Scizor, Dragonite, and Landorus-T while also punishing switches by forcing entry hazard damage. Brave Bird makes Skarmory not complete Taunt fodder, hits Fighting-types like Breloom, and breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash. Taunt prevents Pokemon like Gastrodon, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor from healing or setting up entry hazards and beats other Skarmory if the Speed tie is won.

Set Details
========
Defense investment is preferred to make Skarmory as sturdy as possible against Ground- and Dragon-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Landorus-T, Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, in addition to Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast and Jirachi lacking Thunder. However, a specially defensive spread with 252 Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature better checks Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, Tornadus, Fire Blast Tyranitar, and Reuniclus lacking Thunder. This spread still answers most physical attackers relatively well, though it requires more care. Leftovers is preferred to reduce Skarmory's reliance on Roost to remain healthy, especially with Stealth Rock up. Rocky Helmet instead punishes common contact moves, mainly U-turn, Crunch, and Outrage, and makes Excadrill unable to keep Skarmory's Spikes off the field long-term. However, it makes Skarmory more reliant on frequent Roosts and easier to get in 2HKO range of strong attackers. Shed Shell is also an option to switch out of Magnezone, making teams that rely on Skarmory getting trapped, primarily DragMag teams, struggle greatly.

Team Options
========
This set fits best on sand teams, which appreciate it blanket checking so many strong attackers, and Spikes and sand have great synergy in wearing down the opposing team. Tyranitar sets sand and can set up Stealth Rock with a Chople Berry set that also Pursuit traps Reuniclus, Latios, and Jellicent, which can set up on, force out, and cripple Skarmory. This Tyranitar set also breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash with Pursuit and beats Alakazam if it misses Focus Blast. Tyranitar can also check Heatran and Volcarona if running Tanga Berry, and both sets appreciate Skarmory setting Spikes and beating Ground-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T. Psychic-types like Alakazam, Latios, and Reuniclus work well with each other and love Spikes wearing down foes and Skarmory switching into Tyranitar, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill any Pokemon and punish Pokemon that try to set up on Skarmory, mainly Reuniclus and Volcarona, with Encore and Thunder Wave. Latios switches into Fire-, Water-, and Electric-types like Heatran, Keldeo, and Thundurus-T while bringing sweeping potential with a Choice Scarf set, which revenge kills and cripples Pokemon like Reuniclus and Volcarona. Once foes are worn down, in part from Skarmory's Spikes and possibly Rocky Helmet, Reuniclus can sweep with Calm Mind late-game. Ground-types like Gliscor, Gastrodon, and Excadrill can switch into Electric-type moves. Gliscor can provide Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon even more quickly in tandem with Skarmory's Spikes. It also better checks Terrakion with its Fighting resistance, better switches into Fire Blast Tyranitar, and gives Skarmory general defensive backup. Gastrodon, on the other hand, checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to rack up even more passive damage with Spikes. Gliscor and Gastrodon can succeed together with Skarmory, as the trio's defensive synergy lets it check and easily wear down most of the metagame. Excadrill pressures Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Skarmory countering bulky Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor. Jellicent can take on Fire- and Water-types like Volcarona, Politoed, and Keldeo, spread more residual damage with Will-O-Wisp, and stop recovery with Taunt, letting Skarmory's Spikes damage really stick. Skarmory answers common Ground- and Grass-types in return. Offensive Heatran sets Stealth Rock and enjoys Spikes support and a more dedicated defensive Steel-type.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Taunt
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Skarmory can nearly always set Stealth Rock or Spikes, oftentimes both, thanks to Sturdy and Custap Berry providing it insurance. Brave Bird chips a target so one of its partners can break through it later. It also stops Rapid Spin attempts if the recoil KOes Skarmory first, which is guaranteed if Sturdy activates beforehand. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards and setting up, giving this set's offensive teammates more room to set up and sweep.

Set Details
========
An offensive spread is chosen to get into Custap Berry range more efficiently and empower Brave Bird, which helps Skarmory more easily self-KO.

Team Options
========
This set fits on very offensive teams that need both Stealth Rock and Spikes up from the start of the game. Jellicent can spinblock and use Will-O-Wisp alongside Spikes to quickly wear down its switch-ins. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can work with Jellicent to keep Skarmory's Spikes up against Starmie hyper offense teams while keeping hyper offense threats under control before they get a Speed boost. Swords Dance Terrakion and Garchomp can more easily sweep with Spikes wearing down very bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Slowbro, and they can check Volcarona and Thundurus-T. Volcarona can more easily drop Bug Gem with Spikes wearing down Tyranitar into KO range of its +1 Bug Buzz. Swords Dance Scizor brings a strong priority revenge killer, sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves that bother hyper offense, and benefits greatly from Spikes wearing switch-ins like Politoed and Volcarona. Offensive Starmie can use Rapid Spin if Skarmory fails to stop Stealth Rock with Taunt while outspeeding and threatening faster Pokemon like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo. Spikes also helps it wear down and take out Ferrothorn.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stealth Rock can be run on the defensive set should no other Pokemon be able to fit the move. However, this is a rare problem. Toxic can cripple certain switch-ins, like Thundurus-T, Keldeo, Volcarona, and Politoed lacking Refresh, especially in tandem with sand and entry hazards. However, it fails to bother many other switch-ins, and the moveslot is usually better spent on Brave Bird or Taunt. Drill Peck can threaten Fighting-types like Brave Bird without recoil and with better PP for longer games. However, it's too weak to really threaten Pokemon like Latios, Starmie, and Volcarona. Counter lets Skarmory take advantage of its physical bulk to get a surprise KO, especially against boosted Pokemon on offensive teams, like Dragonite and Scizor. However, Counter is worse in a majority of other matchups, mainly sand and rain. A faster defensive Taunt set can shut down standard opposing Skarmory and faster Tyranitar, Breloom, and Jellicent, which would cripple or set up on Skarmory. However, the loss in bulk makes Skarmory a noticeably less reliable wall. Secret Power can be run over Brave Bird on the defensive set to punish Pokemon that try to exploit Skarmory's passivity, like Heatran, Alakazam, Xatu, and Tentacruel, with paralysis. Thief can be run with no item to steal Leftovers from common switch-ins like Politoed, Rotom-W, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn, leaving them worn down more quickly, while also giving Skarmory a way to punish Taunt from Jellicent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Heatran and Volcarona threaten to OHKO Skarmor and are free to use Stealth Rock or Quiver Dance. However, they are worn down quickly by entry hazards and other residual damage sources.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone traps Skarmory and OHKOes it with Thunderbolt. However, Shed Shell can circumvent it. Other Electric-types like Thundurus-T and Rotom-W threaten to KO Skarmory and use it to set up or gain momentum with Volt Switch, respectively. They're are also immune to Spikes, making shuffling from Whirlwind throughout the game less important if Stealth Rock isn't up.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Reuniclus, Alakazam, Keldeo, and Latios can break through Skarmory with the appropriate coverage due to its mediocre special bulk. A specially defensive set can handle them more easily, but they still hurt it quite a lot.

**Status**: Burns from Pokemon like Politoed, Tentacruel, and Jellicent wear Skarmory down quickly and force it to use Roost much more often, denying it opportunities to set Spikes. Paralysis can get Skarmory KOed if bad luck makes full paralysis activate as it tries to use Roost.

**Taunt**: Taunt users like Gliscor, Jellicent, and opposing faster Skarmory leave Skarmory unable to do anything, making it difficult to set up Spikes consistently.

**Anti-Entry Hazard Pokemon**: A lot of the progress Skarmory makes is through entry hazard damage, so anti-hazard Pokemon like Tentacruel, Xatu, and Excadrill—if Skarmory is lacking Rocky Helmet—prevent and undo progress.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[Finchinator, 114198], [BluBirD252, 347088]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [CryoGyro, 331519]]
 
Last edited:

Finchinator

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Mention itemless Thief in the OO; it's good to nab Excadrill, Politoed, Rotom-Wash, and Ferrothorn in a pinch, which are all pretty common interactions. Also catches Jellicent on the Taunt.

You can also mention a faster Taunt variant in the OO as well as it controls gameflow a bit better if you're ok forgoing the bulk a bit. Slow taunt is fine remaining as a backslash option in the set ofc, but this plays a little differently and saw some sporadic usage.

I'd add a part in the C&C for hazard control -- a strong portion of the progress Skarmory makes is through hazard damage after all. Rain Tentacruel, Xatu, etc. limit it a lot. Of course there's also Magnezone + Spinner or Excadrill if you status it, but you touch on Zone and status already so those can go either way.

Rest seems fine 1/2
 

Gamer1234556

"Because... Scald is a shit Ferro answer!!!"
Having Phys Def as the main spread is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser to me. I feel like with the Psychics better than ever in the meta I feel like Specially Defensive would be the go-to spread for Skarmory, especially on Sand Teams.
 
Hello hello, let's touch on some minor stuff since this is mostly perfected.
1) Mention Secret Power in OO, since it's a perfectly viable move for skarmory over brave bird that can cripple mons like tentacruel/xatu/heatran and kyurem-B that are trying to take advantage of skarmory's(mostly) passive state as a pokemon.
2) Elaborate a bit on how pokemon like scarf tyranitar and jellicent are appreciated in the skarmory lead set team options section to give the user control over HO matchups via trapping starmie and spinblocking respectively.

I think that's all, implement these and you're good to go. QC (2/2).
 

Adeleine

after committing a dangerous crime
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[OVERVIEW]
Skarmory is one of the biggest defensive staples in the tier as a result of its ability to check many of the best Pokemon in the metagame and set up entry hazards that makes it avoid being passive. It's able to check Ground-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus-T as well as other common Pokemon like Scizor, Breloom, Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast, and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch consistently throughout the game thanks to its reliable recovery in Roost and immunity to common residual damage methods like Spikes, sand, and Toxic. Meanwhile, it can also run a specially defensive spread that can act as a pivot for Pokemon like Alakazam, Latios, and Tornadus while still checking most of the previously mentioned Pokemon relatively well, giving it flexibility in how it can fit on teams. It also avoids being passive and acts as a fantastic facilitator for its team's progress as a result of its capability of setting up entry hazards, mainly Spikes, which it gets the opportunity to set often as a result of its defensive utility and ability to counter and punish Excadrill, one of the most common Rapid Spin users in the tier should Skarmory be running Rocky Helmet. These traits in tandem with Sturdy and Custap Berry also make Skarmory a great lead on hyper offense teams since it's guaranteed to get the entry hazards up. Spikes also wear down common Skarmory's common switch-ins, like Heatran, Jellicent, and Politoed, which it can force to take entry hazard damage even more often with Whirlwind phasing out switch-ins. However, Skarmory is weak to common Fire-types like Heatran and Volcarona and Electric-types like Rotom-W and Thundurus-T and can be overwhelmed by strong special attackers like Keldeo, Alakazam, and Latios should it not be running a lot of Special Defense. This also makes it struggle to wall common rain threats and, in tandem with how crippled it is by burn, makes it unable to stop Tentacruel and Starmie from spinning its entry hazards away. Skarmory is also able to be trapped and removed by Magnezone, who's a common partner to the Pokemon it's meant to check, mainly Dragon-types like Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch while also being susceptible to coverage designated for it, like Tyranitar and Garchomp running Fire Blast. Skarmory is also unable to punish Pokemon immune to Spikes, like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, and Xatu, which can all either hit it hard with super effective coverage, set up on it, bounce back its Spikes and Whirlwind, or inflict it with status. Lastly, it competes with Ferrothorn for a spot on sand teams as a Steel-type Spikes setter as a result of its Water resistance and better special bulk letting it stave off rain teams while also competing with other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi as a result of their better offensive presence and ability to better check Psychic-types, respectively.

Skarmory is a defensive staple in the tier, checking many of its best Pokemon and avoiding passivity by setting up entry hazards. It's able to check Ground-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, as well as other common Pokemon like Scizor, Breloom, Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast, and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch. Roost and immunity to common residual damage methods like Spikes, sand, and Toxic let it consistently handle them through the game. Normally physically defensive, it can also run a specially defensive EV spread to switch into Pokemon like Alakazam, Latios, and Tornadus while still checking most of the aforementioned threats relatively well. This gives it flexibility in fitting on teams. Setting Spikes, besides reducing its passivity, achieves fantastic progress for teams. Its defensive utility and ability to counter Excadrill, one of the most common spinners, and punish it with Rocky Helmet opens up many setting opportunities. (tried to communicate you mu well against excadrill without helmet but helmet helps. tinker if needed) These traits alongside Stealth Rock and Sturdy also make it a great Custap Berry lead on hyper offense teams. Spikes also wears down Skarmory's common switch-ins, like Heatran, Jellicent, and Politoed, especially with Whirlwind. However, Skarmory's Fire and Electric weaknesses let common Pokemon, like Heatran and Thundurus-T, and specialized coverage, like Fire Blast on Tyranitar and Garchomp, get past it. Strong special attackers like Keldeo, Alakazam, and Latios can overwhelm it without Special Defense investment, as can common rain threats, with Tentacruel and Starmie successfully spinning on burned Skarmory. Magnezone, often paired with the Dragon-types Skarmory checks like Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, can trap and remove Skarmory. Skarmory also cannot punish Pokemon immune to Spikes, like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, and Xatu, which can hit it super effectively, set up on it, punish Spikes and Whirlwind with Magic Bounce, and/or inflict it with status. Lastly, Ferrothorn competes with it on sand teams as a Steel-types Spikes setter, resisting Water and having better special bulk to stave off rain teams. Skarmory also competes with other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi given their better offensive presence and prowess in checking Psychic-types, respectively.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Brave Bird / Taunt
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes wears down switch-ins like Tyranitar, Keldeo, and Heatran while also supporting Skarmory's hard hitting teammates and making Whirlwind able to act as a sort of offensive tool. hard-hitting teammates and giving Whirlwind offensive potential. Whirlwind stops setup sweepers like Scizor, Dragonite, and Landorus-T while also punishing switches by forcing entry hazard damage on to onto the opponent. Brave Bird gives Skarmory a direct offensive tool to avoid it being makes Skarmory not complete Taunt bait, (AC) and hits Fighting-types like Breloom, (AC) and breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash. Taunt prevents Pokemon like Gastrodon, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor from healing or setting up entry hazards, (AC) while also making it beat opposing Skarmory lacking a faster Taunt. as well as beating opposing defensive Skarmory if the Speed tie is won. (I assume?)

Set Details
========
Defense investment is preferred to make Skarmory as sturdy an answer as possible to as possible against Ground- and Dragon-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Landorus-T, Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, (AC) and in addition to Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast and Jirachi lacking Thunder. However, a specially defensive spread with 252 Special Defense EVs instead of Defense and a Careful nature can be used to better check and a Careful nature better checks Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, Tornadus, Fire Blast Tyranitar, and Reuniclus lacking Thunder while still being able to answer Thunder. This spread still answers most physical attackers relatively well, albeit being forced to be more careful switching into them. having to switch into them more carefully. Leftovers is the preferred item to reduce Skarmory's reliance on Roost to remain healthy, especially with Stealth Rock up. Rocky Helmet instead punishes common contact moves, mainly U-turn, Crunch, and Outrage, (AC) and makes Excadrill unable to keep Skarmory's Spikes off the field with Rapid Spin in the long-term. However, it makes Skarmory need to Roost more often more reliant on frequent Roosts and easier to get in 2HKO range of strong attackers. Shed Shell is also an option to be able to pivot switch out of Magnezone, making teams that rely on Skarmory getting trapped, primarily DragMag teams, struggle greatly.

Team Options
========
This set fits best on sand teams, which appreciate its ability to blanket check so many strong attackers and set entry hazards that wear down the opposing team in tandem with sand while Skarmory enjoys sand damage complimenting Spikes and its teammates making up for its defensive shortcomings. it blanket checking so many strong attackers, and Spikes and sand have great synergy in wearing down the opposing team. Tyranitar sets sand and can set up Stealth Rock with a Chople Berry set that also Pursuit traps Reuniclus, Latios, and Jellicent, which can set up on and use Skarmory as offensive momentum, Trick it, and Taunt and burn it, respectively while also breaking on, force out, and cripple Skarmory. This Tyranitar set also breaks (I imagine this all makes sense?) Alakazam's Focus Sash with Pursuit and beating it beats Alakazam if it misses a Focus Blast. It Tyranitar can also check Heatran and Volcarona if running Tanga Berry, (AC) while appreciating the Spikes Skarmory sets and both sets appreciate Skarmory setting Spikes and beating Ground-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T. Psychic-types like Alakazam, Latios, and Reuniclus all love Spikes wearing down foes and Skarmory pivoting into their switch-ins like Tyranitar, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn, with each of them providing support and working well with each other. Alakazam is able to can revenge kill any Pokemon thanks to Focus Sash and can punish Pokemon that try to set up on Skarmory, mainly Reuniclus and Volcarona, with Encore and Thunder Wave while Wave. Latios pivots into Fire-, Water-, and Electric-types like Heatran, Keldeo, and Thundurus-T and brings Thundurus-T while bringing sweeping potential with a Choice Scarf set, (AC) that which revenge kills and cripples Pokemon like Reuniclus and Volcarona that can set up on Skarmory. Reuniclus appreciates its switch-ins being worn down by Spikes and potentially Rocky Helmet so it can sweep with Calm Mind late-game. It also more easily wallbreaks if running its 3 Attacks set with Spikes wearing down other bulky Pokemon like Slowking and Heatran. Once foes are worn down, in part from Skarmory's Spikes and possibly Rocky Helmet, Reuniclus can sweep with Calm Mind late-game. Ground-types like Gliscor, Gastrodon, and Excadrill can pivot into Electric-type moves and provide other forms of support. Gliscor can provide both Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon even faster more quickly in tandem with Skarmory's Spikes while also being Spikes. It's also better able to check Terrakion as a result of it resisting Fighting, better pivoting pivots into Fire Blast Tyranitar, and giving Skarmory gives Skarmory general defensive backup so it isn't overwhelmed. Gastrodon, on the other hand, checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W and while spreading Toxic to rack up even more passive damage in tandem with Spikes. It should be noted Gliscor and Gastrodon can both be used on the same team with Skarmory effectively as a result of Gliscor and Gastrodon can succeed together with Skarmory, as the trio's defensive synergy letting lets them check and easily wearing down most of the metagame. Excadrill pressures Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Skarmory countering opposing bulky Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor. Jellicent can take on Fire- and Water-types like Volcarona, Politoed, and Keldeo, spread more residual damage with Will-O-Wisp, and stop recovery with Taunt, letting Skarmory's Spikes damage really stick. Skarmory answers common Ground- and Grass-types in return. Offensive Heatran enjoys Spikes support to wear down checks like Tyranitar and Politoed, (AC) and not needing to be relied on as often defensively as well as Skarmory easing pressure on its defensive roles, (I imagine this makes sense?) while also setting up Stealth Rock.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Taunt
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes and Stealth Rock wear down many Pokemon and make it easier for the sweepers this set is paired with to break through them in the mid- and late-game, with Skarmory being able to set up Skarmory can nearly always set at least Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes, oftentimes both, (AC) thanks to Sturdy and Custap Berry providing it insurance. Brave Bird lets Skarmory get chip damage of a potential chips a target so one of its partners can break through them later while also stopping it later. It also stops Rapid Spin attempts if the resulting recoil KOes it before the Rapid Spin is pulled off. recoil KOes Skarmory first, which is guaranteed if Sturdy activates beforehand. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting up entry hazards and setting up, giving this set's offensive teammates more room to set up and sweep.

Set Details
========
An offensive spread is chosen to get into Custap Berry range as efficiently as possible more efficiently (because that would mean dropping IVs) while making Brave Bird do more damage, and able to more easily self-KO Skarmory which helps Skarmory more easily self-KO by proxy.

Team Options
========
This set fits on very offensive teams that need a lot of multiple (unless, like, skarmory setting sr+1 spikes layer means another teammate must set more spikes to avoid failure) entry hazards set up from the start of the game. Jellicent is able to block Rapid Spin attempts and take advantage of Spikes working with Will-O-Wisp can spinblock and use Will-O-Wisp alongside Spikes to quickly wear down its switch-ins. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can work in tandem with Jellicent to keep Skarmory's Spikes up against Starmie hyper offense teams with Starmie while and while keeping hyper offense threats under control before getting they get a Speed boost. Swords Dance Terrakion and Garchomp are more easily able to can more easily sweep with Spikes wearing down very bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Slowbro, (AC) while being able to and they can check Volcarona and Thundurus-T. Volcarona can more easily drop Bug Gem as its item with Spikes wearing down Tyranitar into range of its +1 Bug Buzz, letting it instead run Psychic Gem or Sitrus Berry to let it take out Terrakion in sand and have an easier time setting up, respectively. Swords Dance Scizor brings a strong priority user to revenge kill faster Pokemon, revenge killer, sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves that bother hyper offense, (or some other reason this attribute is specifically relevant, or ignoring this change and removing the "the" before "Choice-locked) and benefits greatly from Spikes wearing switch-ins like Politoed and Volcarona into range of its attacks. Offensive Starmie can keep Stealth Rock off the field with Rapid Spin if Skarmory fails to do so spin if Skarmory fails to stop Stealth Rock with Taunt while outspeeding and threatening faster Pokemon like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and more easily wearing down and taking out Ferrothorn thanks to Spikes. Keldeo. Spikes also helps it wear down and take out Ferrothorn.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stealth Rock is possible to can be run on the defensive set should no other Pokemon be able to fit the move. However, Skarmory has better moves to be running most of the time, and the teams it fits on have other Pokemon that can fit it a majority of the time run, and Skarmory teams rarely face this problem anyway. Toxic can cripple certain switch-ins, like Thundurus-T, Keldeo, Volcarona, and Politoed lacking Refresh, especially in tandem with sand and entry hazards. However, many Pokemon that come into Skarmory aren't too bothered by it, it fails to bother many Skarmory switch-ins, and the moveslot is usually better spent on Brave Bird or Taunt. Drill Peck can threaten Fighting-types in a similar manner similarly to Brave Bird while lacking its recoil and having better PP for longer games. However, its much lower power makes it unable it's too weak to really chip or threaten Pokemon like Latios, Starmie, and Volcarona. Counter lets Skarmory take advantage of its physical bulk to get a surprise KO, especially against boosted Pokemon on offensive teams, like Dragonite and Scizor. However, Counter is worse in a majority of other matchups, mainly sand and rain. A faster variant of Taunt can be run to outspeed and Taunt defensive Taunt set can shut down (i assume these sets would still count as defensive) faster Tyranitar, Breloom, and Jellicent that attempt to would cripple or set up on Skarmory, as well as opposing defensive Skarmory. (I assume this is worth mentioning?) However, the loss in bulk is very noticeable, and makes Skarmory a less reliable answer to the Pokemon it's supposed to check. makes Skarmory a noticeably less reliable wall. Secret Power can be run over Brave Bird on the defensive set to punish Pokemon that try to exploit Skarmory's passivity, like Heatran, Alakazam, Xatu, and Tentacruel, (AC) with paralysis. Thief can be run with no item to steal Leftovers from common switch-ins like Politoed, Rotom-W, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn, (AC) so they get leaving them worn down more quickly, (AC) while also giving Skarmory a way to punish Taunt from Jellicent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Heatran and Volcarona threaten to OHKO Skarmory while also setting up Stealth Rock and Quiver Dance in front of it, respectively. However, they are worn down quickly by entry hazards and other residual damage sources.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone traps Skarmory and OHKOes it with Thunderbolt. However, it can be circumvented if running Shed Shell. Shed Shell can circumvent it. Other Electric-types like Thundurus-T and Rotom-W can threaten to KO Skarmory and use it as an opportunity to set up Substitute or Agility and Volt Switch for momentum, to set up or gain momentum with Volt Switch, respectively. They're are also immune to Spikes, making them not care as much about being phased in and out by shuffling from Whirlwind throughout the game less important if Stealth Rock isn't up.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Reuniclus, Alakazam, Keldeo, and Latios are able to can break through Skarmory with the appropriate coverage as a result of due to its mediocre special bulk. While they can be handled more easily with a specially defensive set, A specially defensive set can handle them more easily, but they still hurt it quite a lot. (removed extra linebreak under)

**Status**: Burns from Pokemon like Politoed, Tentacruel, and Jellicent wears Skarmory down quickly and forces it to use Roost much more often, leaving it unable to fulfill its role. denying it opportunities to set Spikes. (if not this, pls either remove the phrase or make it a bit less vague) Paralysis can cause Skarmory to be broken through if it gets bad luck with a full paralysis as it tries to Roost. get Skarmory KOed if bad luck makes full paralysis activate as it tries to use Roost.

**Taunt**: Taunt users like Gliscor, Jellicent, and opposing faster Skarmory leave Skarmory unable to do anything and forces it out, making it difficult to set up Spikes consistently.

**Anti-Entry Hazard Pokemon**: A lot of the progress Skarmory makes is through entry hazard damage, so anti-hazard Pokemon like Tentacruel, Xatu, and Excadrill—if Skarmory is lacking Rocky Helmet—prevents and undoes progress.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[Finchinator, 114198], [BluBirD252, 347088]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]
finland-GP.gif
while i am stamping 1/2 and we can talk about removals/changes, please remediate the run-on sentences and wordy phrasing in the future, preferably in other analyses currently up to be checked as well. this was close to needing another go. sections like overview and team options 1 being as long as they were is a worrying sign for all but the most intricate analyses, and sentences like those listed below, grammar aside, truly ask much of the reader. it could be helpful to try verbally saying them in one go and only pausing where commas are actually given to understand the difficulties.

It's able to check Ground-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus-T as well as other common Pokemon like Scizor, Breloom, Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast, and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch consistently throughout the game thanks to its reliable recovery in Roost and immunity to common residual damage methods like Spikes, sand, and Toxic.

This set fits best on sand teams, which appreciate its ability to blanket check so many strong attackers and set entry hazards that wear down the opposing team in tandem with sand while Skarmory enjoys sand damage complimenting Spikes and its teammates making up for its defensive shortcomings.

Alakazam is able to revenge kill any Pokemon thanks to Focus Sash and punish Pokemon that try to set up on Skarmory, mainly Reuniclus and Volcarona, with Encore and Thunder Wave while Latios pivots into Fire-, Water-, and Electric-types like Heatran, Keldeo, and Thundurus-T and brings sweeping potential with a Choice Scarf set that revenge kills and cripples Pokemon like Reuniclus and Volcarona that can set up on Skarmory.
 
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GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]
Skarmory is a defensive staple in the tier BW OU, checking many of its best Pokemon and avoiding passivity by setting up entry hazards. It's able to check Ground-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Garchomp, and Landorus-T, (comma) as well as other common Pokemon like Scizor, Breloom, Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast, and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch. Roost and immunity to common residual damage methods like Spikes, sand, and Toxic let it consistently handle them through the game. Normally physically defensive, it can also run a specially defensive EV spread to switch into Pokemon like Alakazam, Latios, and Tornadus while still checking most of the aforementioned threats relatively well. This gives it flexibility in fitting on teams. Setting Spikes, besides reducing its passivity, achieves fantastic progress for teams. Its defensive utility and ability to counter Excadrill, one of the most common spinners, and punish it with Rocky Helmet lets it keep entry hazards the powerful Spikes up more consistently. These traits alongside Stealth Rock and Sturdy also make it a great Custap Berry lead on hyper offense teams. Spikes also wears down Skarmory's common switch-ins, like Heatran, Jellicent, and Politoed, especially with Whirlwind. However, Skarmory's Fire and Electric weaknesses let common Pokemon, like Heatran and Thundurus-T, and specialized coverage, like Fire Blast on Tyranitar and Garchomp, get past it. Strong special attackers like Keldeo, Alakazam, and Latios can overwhelm it without Special Defense investment physically defensive sets, as can common rain threats, with Tentacruel and Starmie successfully spinning on burned Skarmory. Magnezone, often paired with the Dragon-types Skarmory checks like Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, can trap and remove Skarmory. Skarmory also cannot punish Pokemon immune to Spikes, like Reuniclus, Rotom-W, and Xatu, which can hit it super effectively, set up on it, punish Spikes and Whirlwind with Magic Bounce, and/or inflict it with status. Lastly, Ferrothorn competes with it on sand teams as a Steel-types Spikes setter, resisting Water and having better special bulk to stave off rain teams. Skarmory also competes with other Steel-types like Heatran and Jirachi given their better offensive presence and prowess in checking Psychic-types, respectively.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Roost
move 2: Spikes
move 3: Whirlwind
move 4: Brave Bird / Taunt
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
ability: Sturdy
nature: Impish / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Spikes wears down switch-ins like Tyranitar, Keldeo, and Heatran while also supporting Skarmory's hard-hitting teammates and giving Whirlwind offensive potential. Whirlwind stops setup sweepers like Scizor, Dragonite, and Landorus-T while also punishing switches by forcing entry hazard damage onto the opponent. Brave Bird makes Skarmory not complete Taunt bait fodder, hits Fighting-types like Breloom, and breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash. Taunt prevents Pokemon like Gastrodon, Ferrothorn, and Gliscor from healing or setting up entry hazards, (comma) as well as beating opposing defensive and beats other Skarmory if the Speed tie is won.

Set Details
========
Defense investment is preferred to make Skarmory as sturdy as possible against Ground- and Dragon-types like Excadrill, Mamoswine, Landorus-T, Garchomp and Dragonite lacking Fire Punch, in addition to Tyranitar lacking Fire Blast and Jirachi lacking Thunder. However, a specially defensive spread with 252 Special Defense EVs and a Careful nature better checks Pokemon like Latios, Alakazam, Tornadus, Fire Blast Tyranitar, and Reuniclus lacking Thunder. This spread still answers most physical attackers relatively well, albeit having to switch into them more carefully though it requires more care. Leftovers is preferred to reduce Skarmory's reliance on Roost to remain healthy, especially with Stealth Rock up. Rocky Helmet instead punishes common contact moves, mainly U-turn, Crunch, and Outrage, and makes Excadrill unable to keep Skarmory's Spikes off the field long-term. However, it makes Skarmory more reliant on frequent Roosts and easier to get in 2HKO range of easier to 2HKO with strong attackers. Shed Shell is also an option to switch out of Magnezone, making teams that rely on Skarmory getting trapped, primarily DragMag teams, struggle greatly.

Team Options
========
This set fits best on sand teams, which appreciate it blanket checking so many strong attackers, and Spikes and sand have great synergy in wearing down the opposing team. Tyranitar sets sand and can set up Stealth Rock with a Chople Berry set that also Pursuit traps Reuniclus, Latios, and Jellicent, which can set up on, force out, and cripple check Skarmory. This Tyranitar set also breaks Alakazam's Focus Sash with Pursuit and beats Alakazam if it misses a Focus Blast. Tyranitar can also check Heatran and Volcarona if running Tanga Berry, and both sets appreciate Skarmory setting Spikes and beating Ground-types like Gliscor, Garchomp, and Landorus-T. Psychic-types like Alakazam, Latios, and Reuniclus all work well with each other and love Spikes wearing down foes and Skarmory switching into their switch-ins like Tyranitar, Jirachi, and Ferrothorn, with each of them providing support and working well with each other. Focus Sash Alakazam can revenge kill any Pokemon thanks to Focus Sash and can punish Pokemon that try to set up on Skarmory, mainly Reuniclus and Volcarona, with Encore and Thunder Wave. Latios switches into Fire-, Water-, and Electric-types like Heatran, Keldeo, and Thundurus-T while bringing sweeping potential with a Choice Scarf set, which revenge kills and cripples Pokemon like Reuniclus and Volcarona that can set up on Skarmory. Once foes are worn down, in part from Skarmory's Spikes and possibly Rocky Helmet, Reuniclus can sweep with Calm Mind late-game. Ground-types like Gliscor, Gastrodon, and Excadrill can switch into Electric-type moves. Gliscor can provide both Stealth Rock and Knock Off to wear down Pokemon even more quickly in tandem with Skarmory's Spikes. It's also better able to check Terrakion as a result of it resisting Fighting It also better checks Terrakion with its Fighting resistance, better switches into Fire Blast Tyranitar, and gives Skarmory general defensive backup so it isn't overwhelmed. Gastrodon, on the other hand, checks Fire-, Electric-, and Water-types like Heatran, Thundurus-T, and Rotom-W while spreading Toxic to rack up even more passive damage with Spikes. Gliscor and Gastrodon can succeed together with Skarmory, as the trio's defensive synergy lets them it check and easily wear down most of the metagame. Excadrill pressures Reuniclus and checks Electric- and Dragon-types while appreciating Skarmory countering opposing bulky Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor. Jellicent can take on Fire- and Water-types like Volcarona, Politoed, and Keldeo, spread more residual damage with Will-O-Wisp, and stop recovery with Taunt, letting Skarmory's Spikes damage really stick. Skarmory answers common Ground- and Grass-types in return. Offensive Heatran sets Stealth Rock and enjoys Spikes support to wear down checks like Tyranitar and Politoed, as well as Skarmory easing pressure on its defensive roles, while setting up Stealth Rock and a more dedicated defensive Steel-type.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Brave Bird
move 4: Taunt
item: Custap Berry
ability: Sturdy
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Skarmory can nearly always set at least Stealth Rock or a layer of Spikes, oftentimes both, thanks to Sturdy and Custap Berry providing it insurance. Brave Bird chips a target so one of its partners can break through it later. It also stops Rapid Spin attempts if the recoil KOes Skarmory first, which is guaranteed if Sturdy activates beforehand. Taunt prevents slower leads from setting entry hazards and setting up, giving this set's offensive teammates more room to set up and sweep.

Set Details
========
An offensive spread is chosen to get into Custap Berry range more efficiently while making Brave Bird do more damage and empower Brave Bird, which helps Skarmory more easily self-KO by proxy.

Team Options
========
This set fits on very offensive teams that need multiple entry hazards set Stealth Rock and Spikes up from the start of the game. Jellicent can spinblock and use Will-O-Wisp alongside Spikes to quickly wear down its switch-ins. Choice Scarf Tyranitar can work with Jellicent to keep Skarmory's Spikes up against Starmie hyper offense teams while keeping hyper offense threats under control before they get a Speed boost. Swords Dance Terrakion and Garchomp can more easily sweep with Spikes wearing down very bulky Pokemon like Ferrothorn and Slowbro, and they can check Volcarona and Thundurus-T. Volcarona can more easily drop Bug Gem with Spikes wearing down Tyranitar into KO range of its +1 Bug Buzz. Swords Dance Scizor brings a strong priority revenge killer, sets up on the Choice-locked Dragon- and Ice-type moves that bother hyper offense, and benefits greatly from Spikes wearing switch-ins like Politoed and Volcarona into range of its attacks. Offensive Starmie can keep spin use Rapid Spin if Skarmory fails to stop Stealth Rock with Taunt while outspeeding and threatening faster Pokemon like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo. Spikes also helps it wear down and take out Ferrothorn.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stealth Rock can be run on the defensive set should no other Pokemon be able to fit the move. However, Skarmory has better moves to run, and Skarmory teams rarely face this problem anyway this is a rare problem. (being in other options already implies 'there are better moves') Toxic can cripple certain switch-ins, like Thundurus-T, Keldeo, Volcarona, and Politoed lacking Refresh, especially in tandem with sand and entry hazards. However, it fails to bother many Skarmory other switch-ins, and the moveslot is usually better spent on Brave Bird or Taunt. Drill Peck can threaten Fighting-types similarly to like Brave Bird while lacking its recoil and having without recoil and with better PP for longer games. However, it's too weak to really chip or threaten Pokemon like Latios, Starmie, and Volcarona. Counter lets Skarmory take advantage of its physical bulk to get a surprise KO, especially against boosted Pokemon on offensive teams, like Dragonite and Scizor. However, Counter is worse in a majority of other matchups, mainly sand and rain. A faster defensive Taunt set can shut down standard Skarmory and faster Tyranitar, Breloom, and Jellicent, (comma) which that would cripple or set up on Skarmory, as well as opposing defensive Skarmory. However, the loss in bulk makes Skarmory a noticeably less reliable wall. Secret Power can be run over Brave Bird on the defensive set to punish Pokemon that try to exploit Skarmory's passivity, like Heatran, Alakazam, Xatu, and Tentacruel, with paralysis. Thief can be run with no item to steal Leftovers from common switch-ins like Politoed, Rotom-W, Excadrill, and Ferrothorn, leaving them worn down more quickly, while also giving Skarmory a way to punish Taunt from Jellicent.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Heatran and Volcarona threaten to OHKO Skarmory while also setting up Stealth Rock and Quiver Dance in front of it, respectively and are free to use Stealth Rock or Quiver Dance. However, they are worn down quickly by entry hazards and other residual damage sources.

**Electric-types**: Magnezone traps Skarmory and OHKOes it with Thunderbolt. However, Shed Shell can circumvent it. Other Electric-types like Thundurus-T and Rotom-W can threaten to KO Skarmory and use it to set up or gain momentum with Volt Switch, respectively. They're are also immune to Spikes, making shuffling from Whirlwind throughout the game less important if Stealth Rock isn't up.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Pokemon like Reuniclus, Alakazam, Keldeo, and Latios can break through Skarmory with the appropriate coverage due to its mediocre special bulk. A specially defensive set can handle them more easily, but they still hurt it quite a lot.

**Status**: Burns from Pokemon like Politoed, Tentacruel, and Jellicent wear Skarmory down quickly and force it to use Roost much more often, denying it opportunities to set Spikes. Paralysis can get Skarmory KOed if bad luck makes full paralysis activate as it tries to use Roost.

**Taunt**: Taunt users like Gliscor, Jellicent, and opposing faster Skarmory leave Skarmory unable to do anything and force it out, making it difficult to set up Spikes consistently.

**Anti-Entry Hazard Pokemon**: A lot of the progress Skarmory makes is through entry hazard damage, so anti-hazard Pokemon like Tentacruel, Xatu, and Excadrill—if Skarmory is lacking Rocky Helmet—prevent and undo progress.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Ophion, 433215]]
- Quality checked by: [[Finchinator, 114198], [BluBirD252, 347088]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429], [, ]]
 

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