Kev
Part of the journey is the end
[OVERVIEW]
Bug
========
Scizor's useful Steel typing and access to a spammable Technician-boosted STAB move in Bullet Punch makes it a fantastic pick on Bug teams. Its Bug / Steel typing gives it a neutrality to Flying-type attacks and a resistance to Fairy-type moves, making it extremely valuable in those matchups. Likewise, it resists eight types, including Normal and Steel, and has decent natural bulk. This makes setting up Swords Dance much easier for it and lets it function as a pivot. Furthermore, Scizor has a great movepool that complements its ability Technician, with moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite being boosted. Bullet Punch, being a priority move, also lets Scizor check huge threats to Bug teams like Mega Diancie, Nihilego, and Tapu Koko in addition to making Scizor itself hard to revenge kill. Scizor doesn't lack in the utility department either, with moves like Knock Off and U-turn, a boosting move in Swords Dance, and reliable recovery in Roost. In addition to all this, Mega Scizor has great bulk and a monstrous Attack stat. Since Scizor can run many sets, it is often unpredictable, especially when paired with Heracross, as it can be difficult to tell which is the Mega Evolution. However, when partnered with Pinsir, it is obvious that Scizor is not the Mega Evolution. Unfortunately, Scizor has a crippling weakness to Fire-types, making it often useless against Fire teams. Its low Speed also means that faster Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch like Keldeo can easily switch in and revenge kill it. Mega Scizor faces a lot of competition with the other Bug-type Mega Evolutions. It is preferable to run Mega Scizor when the team has a reliable way of trapping Victini and taking on Water and Poison teams.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Bug Bite
move 4: Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack to high levels. Bullet Punch is a fantastic Technician-boosted priority STAB move that lets Scizor clean teams up easily. Bug Bite is Scizor's strongest STAB move and, once boosted, lets it break through checks like Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur. Superpower completes Scizor's coverage by allowing it to hit Steel-types like Excadrill and Skarmory. It also allows Scizor to break through Normal teams' threatening defensive core of Chansey and Porygon2. After Stealth Rock damage, +2 Mega Scizor will OHKO Porygon2. Knock Off can alternatively be used in order to remove items from bulky threats like Normal's aforementioned core while also crippling Pokemon that try switching in on Mega Scizor such as Heatran and Keldeo.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature let Scizor hit as hard and fast as possible, outspeeding Pokemon like Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur. Light Metal prevents Trace users like Porygon2 from gaining Technician as an ability, which could power up Hidden Power Fire. Scizorite lets Scizor Mega Evolve and gain additional bulk and Attack. It also gains Technician, which boosts the power of the STAB moves on this set. Life Orb is an alternative to free up the Mega slot.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Evolve Scizor right away to get the boost in bulk and Attack. If Mega Scizor cannot clean up with Bullet Punch, it can be used to set up and wallbreak at other points in the game, helping its teammates clean up. Make sure to keep Mega Scizor away from burns, as they can render it almost useless. Keep entry hazards off the field because too much residual damage prevents Mega Scizor from being able to set up and clean. Do not set up on Pokemon carrying Foul Play such as Klefki and Porygon2, nor against teams with Choice Scarf Magnet Pull Magnezone and faster threats that wouldn't be KOed by Bullet Punch. Use Bullet Punch to revenge kill weakened or vulnerable threats. Bring in Mega Scizor on Pokemon that would be forced to switch out like Mega Lopunny and use that opportunity to use Swords Dance.
Team Options
========
Armaldo and Forretress provide Mega Scizor with amazing Rapid Spin support to prevent it from receiving too much residual damage, thus making it easier to set up. They both also have access to Stealth Rock, which wears down the opposing team, making Mega Scizor's sweep much easier late-game. Armaldo is generally preferred because it has better type synergy with Mega Scizor, as it is neutral to Fire-type attacks. Volcarona deals with some of Scizor's biggest threats such as Celesteela and Steel-types in general. Mega Scizor can switch in on Rock-type attacks that threaten Volcarona and set up. Volcarona can handle physically bulky Pokemon and break down the opposing team, allowing Mega Scizor to sweep late-game. Similarly, Scizor can break down specially defensive Pokemon, creating an opportunity or Volcarona to sweep. Yanmega can be used to deal with the Water- and Fighting-types that Mega Scizor generally struggles with., particularly Keldeo and Buzzwole. Galvantula's and Araquanid's access to Sticky Web makes up for Mega Scizor's lackluster Speed stat. This allows Mega Scizor to outspeed offensive Heatran. Heracross takes out threats like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona with Stone Edge on a Choice Scarf set. It also is able to check Heatran. Buzzwole can be used instead of Heracross, as it has a wider movepool and superior bulk. However, its lower Speed makes it worse at dealing with other Choice Scarf users like Togekiss and Dragon Dance users like Gyarados. Nonetheless, it can take out some of the Dragon-types that Mega Scizor cannot handle without setting up, such as Garchomp, non-Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Dragonite. Araquanid supports Scizor by dealing with Fire-types. Likewise, Mega Scizor is able to deal with the Rock-types that threaten Araquanid.
[SET]
name: Choice Band (Bug)
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bullet Punch provides a strong STAB priority move that lets Scizor clean up weakened teams late-game and revenge kill weakened Pokemon. U-turn is a strong STAB move that gives the team momentum. It also allows Scizor to get residual damage on Pokemon that would threaten it. Superpower allows Scizor to hit other Steel-type Pokemon such as Excadrill. Knock Off helps by removing items from Pokemon that would normally switch in on Scizor such as Mantine and Toxapex. Pursuit traps and KOes Victini after Sticky Web and a V-create, thus eliminating one of the biggest threats to Bug teams. It also traps Heatran.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs optimize Scizor's use as an offensive threat and allow it to outspeed Pokemon like Rotom-W. Choice Band insures that Scizor hits the hardest it can. A Jolly nature is given in order for Scizor to outspeed Choice Band Victini after one V-create. Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch and Pursuit, the former being Scizor's most spammed move. However, the latter is only boosted if the foe does not switch out.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used to soften up walls with its powerful Choice Band-boosted coverage moves early-game to set itself up for a late-game sweep with Bullet Punch. U-turn is a great way to soften up opposing walls and punish the many switches that Scizor forces. It also provides the team with amazing momentum, bringing Scizor's teammates in safely. Try to keep Scizor away from burns, as it can no longer clean up with Bullet Punch or force any switches with one. For example, Scizor can't even OHKO extremely frail Pokemon like Mega Alakazam after Stealth Rock damage. Preserve Scizor for late-game against Fairy- and Rock-type teams, when it can usually clean up with Bullet Punch. Thanks to its strong Bullet Punch, Scizor can also be used to revenge kill many threats such as weakened Tapu Koko. At the same time, be wary of what coverage move Scizor is locked into, as it can end up being setup fodder for Pokemon like Gyarados or can be trapped by Magnezone. If running Pursuit, bring in Scizor after Victini uses V-create while being affected by Sticky Web in order to trap and eliminate it. Pursuit can be similarly used to take out a weakened Heatran or get some residual damage on a Pokemon that attempts to switch out in fear of Superpower.
Team Options
========
Armaldo and Forretress are both able to clear entry hazards with Rapid Spin and set up Stealth Rock. This is essential because it helps Scizor clean once the opposing team has taken too much residual damage. However, Forretress shares Seizor's 4x weakness to Fire, so Armaldo is preferable. Volcarona takes care of Scizor's Steel-type counters, notably Celesteela and Skarmory. In a similar fashion, Scizor deals with the Rock-type Pokemon that pressure Volcarona. Scizor is also able to use U-turn on a switch to bring it in safely. Another amazing advantage of Volcarona's is that it forces Victini to use V-create, which allows Scizor to come in and trap it. Furthermore, it deals with physical walls. Galvantula can set up Sticky Web, which lessens the effect of Scizor having a mediocre Speed stat. Araquanid can also accomplish this while easily switching in on Fire-type attacks and hitting Pokemon of that type with strong Water Bubble-boosted Water-type attacks. In exchange, Scizor can eliminate the Rock-types that threaten it like Terrakion. Sticky Web makes trapping Choice Scarf Victini easier and allows Scizor to outspeed offensive Heatran. Mega Pinsir assists Scizor in wallbreaking and can clean the opposing team after Scizor breaks through it. As with Volcarona, Scizor can safely bring in Mega Pinsir with U-turn on switches. Heracross is essential for taking on offensive threats like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona. It also deals with fast Steel-type threats to Scizor such as Heatran by OHKOing them with Close Combat. If Scizor is running Pursuit, Heracross gets an extra moveslot. This leaves place for Mega Heracross to be used; however, it functions more as a wallbreaker that can obliterate teams with support from Sticky Web. Buzzwole also accomplishes this, but its inferior Speed stat can be troublesome.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Iron Plate or Life Orb can be used instead of Scizorite on the Swords Dance set to leave place for another Mega Evolution. However, the former makes Scizor too reliant on Bullet Punch and the latter ruins its longevity through residual damage. Defog can be used to remove entry hazards, but that forces Scizor to lose out on important coverage or Swords Dance. Defensive Swords Dance can also be used, but that limits Mega Scizor's ability as a sweeper, which is a big momentum drain for Bug teams, which are generally very offensive.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magnezone**: Magnezone is able to trap Scizor with Magnet Pull and easily take it out with Hidden Power Fire.
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist both of Scizor's STAB attacks and effortlessly remove it with their own STAB attacks. Furthermore, certain Fire-types like Mega Charizard X can use it to set up.
**Volcarona**: Volcarona is an even bigger threat than other Fire-types because it resists Superpower and does not take much from Knock Off because of its Z-Crystal. It can switch in on an attack from Scizor, cripple it with a burn from Flame Body, and set up on it.
**Fire-type Coverage**: Pokemon such as Dragonite can take Scizor's Bullet Punch and OHKO it with a Fire-type move.
**Steel-resistant Pokemon**: Pokemon like Keldeo and Zapdos resist Bullet Punch and are often able to take it out with a strong attack.
**Burns**: Scald and Will-O-Wisp users can make Scizor completely useless with a burn.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically Defensive Pokemon are able to safely take hits from Scizor while being able to force it out through different methods. For example, Porygon2 is able to KO it with Hidden Power Fire and defensive Water-types can burn it with Scald.
**Celesteela**: Celesteela easily takes any attack Scizor throws at it while being able to OHKO it with Flamethrower.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory completely walls Scizor, delivers residual damage through Rocky Helmet, and prevents Scizor from setting up due to Whirlwind.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex resists all of Scizor's attacks bar Knock Off while being able to burn it with Scald and prevent it from setting up due to Haze.
Bug
========
Scizor's useful Steel typing and access to a spammable Technician-boosted STAB move in Bullet Punch makes it a fantastic pick on Bug teams. Its Bug / Steel typing gives it a neutrality to Flying-type attacks and a resistance to Fairy-type moves, making it extremely valuable in those matchups. Likewise, it resists eight types, including Normal and Steel, and has decent natural bulk. This makes setting up Swords Dance much easier for it and lets it function as a pivot. Furthermore, Scizor has a great movepool that complements its ability Technician, with moves like Bullet Punch and Bug Bite being boosted. Bullet Punch, being a priority move, also lets Scizor check huge threats to Bug teams like Mega Diancie, Nihilego, and Tapu Koko in addition to making Scizor itself hard to revenge kill. Scizor doesn't lack in the utility department either, with moves like Knock Off and U-turn, a boosting move in Swords Dance, and reliable recovery in Roost. In addition to all this, Mega Scizor has great bulk and a monstrous Attack stat. Since Scizor can run many sets, it is often unpredictable, especially when paired with Heracross, as it can be difficult to tell which is the Mega Evolution. However, when partnered with Pinsir, it is obvious that Scizor is not the Mega Evolution. Unfortunately, Scizor has a crippling weakness to Fire-types, making it often useless against Fire teams. Its low Speed also means that faster Pokemon that resist Bullet Punch like Keldeo can easily switch in and revenge kill it. Mega Scizor faces a lot of competition with the other Bug-type Mega Evolutions. It is preferable to run Mega Scizor when the team has a reliable way of trapping Victini and taking on Water and Poison teams.
[SET]
name: Offensive Swords Dance (Bug)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Bug Bite
move 4: Superpower
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance boosts Scizor's Attack to high levels. Bullet Punch is a fantastic Technician-boosted priority STAB move that lets Scizor clean teams up easily. Bug Bite is Scizor's strongest STAB move and, once boosted, lets it break through checks like Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur. Superpower completes Scizor's coverage by allowing it to hit Steel-types like Excadrill and Skarmory. It also allows Scizor to break through Normal teams' threatening defensive core of Chansey and Porygon2. After Stealth Rock damage, +2 Mega Scizor will OHKO Porygon2. Knock Off can alternatively be used in order to remove items from bulky threats like Normal's aforementioned core while also crippling Pokemon that try switching in on Mega Scizor such as Heatran and Keldeo.
Set Details
========
Maximum investment in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature let Scizor hit as hard and fast as possible, outspeeding Pokemon like Rotom-W and Mega Venusaur. Light Metal prevents Trace users like Porygon2 from gaining Technician as an ability, which could power up Hidden Power Fire. Scizorite lets Scizor Mega Evolve and gain additional bulk and Attack. It also gains Technician, which boosts the power of the STAB moves on this set. Life Orb is an alternative to free up the Mega slot.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Evolve Scizor right away to get the boost in bulk and Attack. If Mega Scizor cannot clean up with Bullet Punch, it can be used to set up and wallbreak at other points in the game, helping its teammates clean up. Make sure to keep Mega Scizor away from burns, as they can render it almost useless. Keep entry hazards off the field because too much residual damage prevents Mega Scizor from being able to set up and clean. Do not set up on Pokemon carrying Foul Play such as Klefki and Porygon2, nor against teams with Choice Scarf Magnet Pull Magnezone and faster threats that wouldn't be KOed by Bullet Punch. Use Bullet Punch to revenge kill weakened or vulnerable threats. Bring in Mega Scizor on Pokemon that would be forced to switch out like Mega Lopunny and use that opportunity to use Swords Dance.
Team Options
========
Armaldo and Forretress provide Mega Scizor with amazing Rapid Spin support to prevent it from receiving too much residual damage, thus making it easier to set up. They both also have access to Stealth Rock, which wears down the opposing team, making Mega Scizor's sweep much easier late-game. Armaldo is generally preferred because it has better type synergy with Mega Scizor, as it is neutral to Fire-type attacks. Volcarona deals with some of Scizor's biggest threats such as Celesteela and Steel-types in general. Mega Scizor can switch in on Rock-type attacks that threaten Volcarona and set up. Volcarona can handle physically bulky Pokemon and break down the opposing team, allowing Mega Scizor to sweep late-game. Similarly, Scizor can break down specially defensive Pokemon, creating an opportunity or Volcarona to sweep. Yanmega can be used to deal with the Water- and Fighting-types that Mega Scizor generally struggles with., particularly Keldeo and Buzzwole. Galvantula's and Araquanid's access to Sticky Web makes up for Mega Scizor's lackluster Speed stat. This allows Mega Scizor to outspeed offensive Heatran. Heracross takes out threats like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona with Stone Edge on a Choice Scarf set. It also is able to check Heatran. Buzzwole can be used instead of Heracross, as it has a wider movepool and superior bulk. However, its lower Speed makes it worse at dealing with other Choice Scarf users like Togekiss and Dragon Dance users like Gyarados. Nonetheless, it can take out some of the Dragon-types that Mega Scizor cannot handle without setting up, such as Garchomp, non-Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Dragonite. Araquanid supports Scizor by dealing with Fire-types. Likewise, Mega Scizor is able to deal with the Rock-types that threaten Araquanid.
[SET]
name: Choice Band (Bug)
move 1: Bullet Punch
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Knock Off / Pursuit
item: Choice Band
ability: Technician
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bullet Punch provides a strong STAB priority move that lets Scizor clean up weakened teams late-game and revenge kill weakened Pokemon. U-turn is a strong STAB move that gives the team momentum. It also allows Scizor to get residual damage on Pokemon that would threaten it. Superpower allows Scizor to hit other Steel-type Pokemon such as Excadrill. Knock Off helps by removing items from Pokemon that would normally switch in on Scizor such as Mantine and Toxapex. Pursuit traps and KOes Victini after Sticky Web and a V-create, thus eliminating one of the biggest threats to Bug teams. It also traps Heatran.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs optimize Scizor's use as an offensive threat and allow it to outspeed Pokemon like Rotom-W. Choice Band insures that Scizor hits the hardest it can. A Jolly nature is given in order for Scizor to outspeed Choice Band Victini after one V-create. Technician boosts the power of Bullet Punch and Pursuit, the former being Scizor's most spammed move. However, the latter is only boosted if the foe does not switch out.
Usage Tips
========
This set is best used to soften up walls with its powerful Choice Band-boosted coverage moves early-game to set itself up for a late-game sweep with Bullet Punch. U-turn is a great way to soften up opposing walls and punish the many switches that Scizor forces. It also provides the team with amazing momentum, bringing Scizor's teammates in safely. Try to keep Scizor away from burns, as it can no longer clean up with Bullet Punch or force any switches with one. For example, Scizor can't even OHKO extremely frail Pokemon like Mega Alakazam after Stealth Rock damage. Preserve Scizor for late-game against Fairy- and Rock-type teams, when it can usually clean up with Bullet Punch. Thanks to its strong Bullet Punch, Scizor can also be used to revenge kill many threats such as weakened Tapu Koko. At the same time, be wary of what coverage move Scizor is locked into, as it can end up being setup fodder for Pokemon like Gyarados or can be trapped by Magnezone. If running Pursuit, bring in Scizor after Victini uses V-create while being affected by Sticky Web in order to trap and eliminate it. Pursuit can be similarly used to take out a weakened Heatran or get some residual damage on a Pokemon that attempts to switch out in fear of Superpower.
Team Options
========
Armaldo and Forretress are both able to clear entry hazards with Rapid Spin and set up Stealth Rock. This is essential because it helps Scizor clean once the opposing team has taken too much residual damage. However, Forretress shares Seizor's 4x weakness to Fire, so Armaldo is preferable. Volcarona takes care of Scizor's Steel-type counters, notably Celesteela and Skarmory. In a similar fashion, Scizor deals with the Rock-type Pokemon that pressure Volcarona. Scizor is also able to use U-turn on a switch to bring it in safely. Another amazing advantage of Volcarona's is that it forces Victini to use V-create, which allows Scizor to come in and trap it. Furthermore, it deals with physical walls. Galvantula can set up Sticky Web, which lessens the effect of Scizor having a mediocre Speed stat. Araquanid can also accomplish this while easily switching in on Fire-type attacks and hitting Pokemon of that type with strong Water Bubble-boosted Water-type attacks. In exchange, Scizor can eliminate the Rock-types that threaten it like Terrakion. Sticky Web makes trapping Choice Scarf Victini easier and allows Scizor to outspeed offensive Heatran. Mega Pinsir assists Scizor in wallbreaking and can clean the opposing team after Scizor breaks through it. As with Volcarona, Scizor can safely bring in Mega Pinsir with U-turn on switches. Heracross is essential for taking on offensive threats like Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona. It also deals with fast Steel-type threats to Scizor such as Heatran by OHKOing them with Close Combat. If Scizor is running Pursuit, Heracross gets an extra moveslot. This leaves place for Mega Heracross to be used; however, it functions more as a wallbreaker that can obliterate teams with support from Sticky Web. Buzzwole also accomplishes this, but its inferior Speed stat can be troublesome.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Iron Plate or Life Orb can be used instead of Scizorite on the Swords Dance set to leave place for another Mega Evolution. However, the former makes Scizor too reliant on Bullet Punch and the latter ruins its longevity through residual damage. Defog can be used to remove entry hazards, but that forces Scizor to lose out on important coverage or Swords Dance. Defensive Swords Dance can also be used, but that limits Mega Scizor's ability as a sweeper, which is a big momentum drain for Bug teams, which are generally very offensive.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Magnezone**: Magnezone is able to trap Scizor with Magnet Pull and easily take it out with Hidden Power Fire.
**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist both of Scizor's STAB attacks and effortlessly remove it with their own STAB attacks. Furthermore, certain Fire-types like Mega Charizard X can use it to set up.
**Volcarona**: Volcarona is an even bigger threat than other Fire-types because it resists Superpower and does not take much from Knock Off because of its Z-Crystal. It can switch in on an attack from Scizor, cripple it with a burn from Flame Body, and set up on it.
**Fire-type Coverage**: Pokemon such as Dragonite can take Scizor's Bullet Punch and OHKO it with a Fire-type move.
**Steel-resistant Pokemon**: Pokemon like Keldeo and Zapdos resist Bullet Punch and are often able to take it out with a strong attack.
**Burns**: Scald and Will-O-Wisp users can make Scizor completely useless with a burn.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically Defensive Pokemon are able to safely take hits from Scizor while being able to force it out through different methods. For example, Porygon2 is able to KO it with Hidden Power Fire and defensive Water-types can burn it with Scald.
**Celesteela**: Celesteela easily takes any attack Scizor throws at it while being able to OHKO it with Flamethrower.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory completely walls Scizor, delivers residual damage through Rocky Helmet, and prevents Scizor from setting up due to Whirlwind.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex resists all of Scizor's attacks bar Knock Off while being able to burn it with Scald and prevent it from setting up due to Haze.
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