UU ADV Scyther [DONE]

[EllingtonReborn]

[OVERVIEW]

Scyther is an excellent offensive Pokemon with one of the highest Speed stats in the tier and an exceptional base 110 Attack. It capitalizes on the progress made by its teammates, allowing it to function as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, cleaner, and sweeper. Scyther's sheer power with its STAB moves lets it 2HKO or 3HKO many relevant Pokemon, such as Kangaskhan, Tentacruel, Ampharos, Solrock, and Vileplume. Swarm punishes any Pokemon swinging at it, as its bulk lets it dodge an OHKO from most neutral attacks, like Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Scyther works very well on offense and balance teams that uphold Spikes pressure and need a backbone of fast offense and priority, and this makes it one of the best late-game Pokemon.

Scyther can, however, have a lack of longevity, as it has weaknesses to common attacking types in Electric, Ice, Fire, and Rock, and it hates being statused by paralysis and Toxic. Choice Band sets can end up being reliant on prediction, and they can allow more Pokemon to gain entry. It can be hard to find entry for Scyther due to its reliance on being kept healthy late-game and its common switch-ins forcing its team to play on the defensive, only coming in through Ground-type moves, double switches, or revenge kills.

[SET]
Name: Choice Band
Move 1: Hidden Power [Bug] / Silver Wind
Move 2: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 3: Double-Edge / Hidden Power [Ground]
Move 4: Quick Attack
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Choice Band Scyther is the most common set for its immediate power and ability to revenge kill fast Pokemon like Kangaskhan and Tentacruel. Scyther also has an incredible max Speed of 339, which is only outsped by Electrode and Ninjask, rivaling its Choice Band user competition like Fearow, Nidoking, and Hitmonlee.

Hidden Power Bug is Scyther's main STAB attack for hitting neutral targets and is very powerful when Scyther is in Swarm range. It also provides coverage for Psychic-types, like Slowking and Solrock, and it can be used as a way to avoid contact abilities like Static. Double-Edge provides a very powerful neutral hit to most targets, including Flying-types like Gligar and Altaria, and its recoil can be helpful in pushing Scyther into Swarm range for a boosted Hidden Power Bug. Aerial Ace hits opposing Scyther, Vileplume, Ghost-types like Haunter and Misdreavus, and Fighting-types like Hitmontop. Quick Attack provides very useful priority against Reversal sweepers like opposing Scyther, serves as an additional check to chipped weather sweepers like Sunny Day Vileplume and Rain Dance Gorebyss, and helps check other priority from Arcanine. Silver Wind and Hidden Power Flying can be used as alternatives to Hidden Power Bug and Aerial Ace. This gives Scyther less contact moves, a stronger Flying STAB attack, and access to possible omniboosts with Silver Wind. Using both Silver Wind and Aerial Ace allows Scyther to use another Hidden Power over Double-Edge, such as Hidden Power Ground for Arcanine and Electric-, Rock-, and Steel-types that like to come in on Choice Band Scyther.

Team Options
=========

Choice Band Scyther fits well onto Spikes offense with Omastar and Qwilfish. Spikes help Scyther break through bulky Pokemon more easily and wears down its checks as they switch in. Omastar is also a physical wall that can help to check Kangaskhan, Granbull, and opposing Scyther. Since Scyther is very status-prone, cleric Pokemon like Ampharos, Vileplume, and Altaria can heal off any stray Toxic or paralysis thrown at it. Scyther also appreciates a check to Arcanine, such as Tentacruel or Blastoise. Scyther is less effective at wallbreaking after Intimidate, and these teammates allow for safe switch-ins and can remove Spikes for Scyther's team. Lanturn can resist any BoltBeam coverage thrown Scyther's way from Electric-types, Walrein, offensive Omastar, and special attacking Ghost-types. Pokemon that block Rapid Spin, like Haunter and Misdreavus, help keep Spikes on the opposing side of the field and provide valuable offensive utility, such as Haunter's Thief, Will-O-Wisp, and Destiny Bond and Misdreavus's Thunder Wave.

[SET]
Name: Salac Reversal
Move 1: Hidden Power [Flying] / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 2: Reversal
Move 3: Substitute / Endure
Move 4: Swords Dance
Item: Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther is a dangerous late-game sweeper that is nearly impossible to stop without a priority move post-Speed boost. The choice of Hidden Power is mostly up to personal preference; Hidden Power Bug is boosted by Swarm and hits Psychic-types hard, while Hidden Power Flying has better coverage for Poison- and Ghost-types. Substitute is used to bring Scyther's HP down to 1% and capitalize on switches, allowing Scyther to use Swords Dance behind the Substitute. Scyther's HP cannot be divisible by 4 for Substitute sets to activate Salac Berry, so 4 EVs should be put into HP to make four Substitutes and for Reversal to be at maximum power. Endure allows Scyther to reliably get into Salac Berry range even if it took damage prior, lets it take hits from faster Pokemon, and gives it more freedom to set up Swords Dance at least once against most targets, since it is rarely OHKOed.

Team Options
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther fits very well onto hyper offense teams, as it can outspeed and sweep every Pokemon without priority, and it can force damage onto bulkier targets. It can generally force the removal of at least one Pokemon for sweeper teammates to capitalize on. This Scyther set appreciates Spikes set early in the match for it to sweep more easily, benefitting from leads such as Qwilfish and Glalie that get as many layers of Spikes as possible then use Explosion to keep up momentum. Scyther also loves support that helps it enter freely, such as Yawn Kangaskhan, to force a switch or give Scyther a way to prey on the slept Pokemon. Explosion users, such as Electrode, Solrock, Haunter, and Muk, fit well as teammates, as they can remove key Pokemon for Scyther to make a full sweep or at least provide valuable chip if Explosion fails to KO, as well as giving free entry for Scyther. Since Arcanine and Gligar stand in the way of Reversal Scyther's sweep, it appreciates offensive teammates that force damage onto them early, such as Arcanine, offensive Kangaskhan, and Water-types like Gorebyss, Golduck, and Feraligatr. Ground-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Sandslash can check opposing Electric-types that threaten Scyther while making significant progress of their own.

[SET]
Name: Swords Dance
Move 1: Swords Dance
Move 2: Silver Wind / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 3: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 4: Hidden Power [Ground] / Quick Attack
Item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Swords Dance Scyther is a fast setup sweeper that can clean up late-game with its STAB moves and Hidden Power Ground as well as break holes in the opposition for teammates to capitalize on and clean up.

Scyther prefers dual STAB moves on Swords Dance sets, usually using Silver Wind and Aerial Ace. Silver Wind is its primary STAB move, giving it access to dangerous omniboosts, and it is further boosted when Scyther is in Swarm range. Aerial Ace allows for useful coverage against various Flying-, Fighting-, and Ghost-types like Gligar, Haunter, Misdreavus, and Hitmontop. These options free up a slot for Hidden Power Ground for hitting Poison-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Omastar, and Aggron. Alternatively, Quick Attack gives Scyther a priority move if it can forgo the coverage of Hidden Power Ground, allowing access to a Hidden Power with STAB.

The item choice can be team-dependent but is mostly up to preference. Leftovers helps Scyther passively heal any damage it takes and have more longevity, while Lum Berry is used when Scyther doesn't have cleric support and lets it set up in the face of Toxic or paralysis that would otherwise shut down any chance Scyther has at sweeping.

Team Options
=========

Spikes support from Omastar and Qwilfish helps Swords Dance Scyther muscle past bulky Pokemon like Kangaskhan, Ampharos, and Walrein. Thief support from Omastar, Tentacruel, Arcanine, Haunter, and Electabuzz further facilitates the sweep by removing Leftovers from defensive Pokemon that rely on passive recovery, meaning the damage they take from Scyther's boosted moves and Spikes will be permanent. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel, Walrein, and Lanturn synergize well, as they can threaten Omastar, Arcanine, Altaria, and Walrein, which can otherwise stand in the way of Scyther's sweep, and they are good at making progress for Scyther to take advantage of. Fearow and Gligar make for good partners, as they are fast mid-game wallbreakers that can back up Scyther's general lack of priority and make for a brutal one-two punch of Flying offense.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Hidden Power Fighting can be used on the Choice Band set over Hidden Power Ground to hit all of Cradily, Granbull, and Walrein on the switch in. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Flying-types like Altaria while maintaining coverage for Arcanine and Walrein as they switch in. Both Hidden Power choices lower Scyther's Speed IVs, which guarantees opposing base 105 Speed Pokemon can revenge kill it, so Hidden Power Ground, Bug, and Flying are preferable choices. On Reversal sets, Salac Berry can be substituted for Liechi Berry to make Reversal stronger, but this comes at the cost of risking the Speed tie against base 105 Speed foes and being too slow to avoid a revenge kill from Electrode and Ninjask.

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

**Rock-types**: Omastar can comfortably switch into Scyther with its Normal and Flying resistances coupled with its sky-high Defense, and it can aptly pressure with Surf or lay down Spikes. Aggron and Golem pose similar problems and can OHKO Scyther with Rock STAB attacks. Although Aggron fears Hidden Power Ground, Omastar and Golem can tank it at least a few times. Other Rock-types like Cradily and Solrock can come in on moves they resist and threaten Scyther back, but they have trouble dealing with Hidden Power Bug.

**Flying-types**: Altaria and Gligar can both defensively check Scyther with their great bulk, Bug-type resistance, and Spikes immunity while also offensively checking Scyther with super effective coverage. Altaria is very bulky and uses Scyther as an opportunity to use Heal Bell, and it can use Roar on Swords Dance Scyther, forcing it to start the process all over again. Gligar can gain turns to set up its own Swords Dance boosts, hits back hard with Hidden Power Flying, and has priority to beat Salac Reversal sets. Both still need to take caution against Choice Band variants, as Hidden Power Flying and Double-Edge can 2HKO Gligar and non-physically defensive Altaria.

**Electric-types**: Ampharos is a mixed wall that zaps Scyther with a strong STAB Thunderbolt and can come in on Scyther's contact moves, potentially paralyzing it through Static. While other Electric-types lack Ampharos's bulk, they can Speed tie Scyther or outspeed in the case of Electrode.

**Walrein**: Walrein is a bulky wall that can threaten Scyther with its STAB Ice Beam, and it can phaze out any attempts of sweeping with Swords Dance through Encore or Roar.

**Intimidate Users**: Granbull and Arcanine’s Intimidate softens the blow of Scyther’s moves and forces Scyther's team to play on the defensive. Arcanine has a brutal STAB Fire Blast, resists Hidden Power Bug, and has priority to stuff any revenge kills at low health and stop Scyther from Reversal sweeping.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Electrode and Ninjask can reliably revenge kill Scyther and can use their entry as an opportunity for their own offense.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ellingtonreborn.619555/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bigfatmantis.507497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bouff.121672/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sabelette.583793/

 

[BigFatMantis]

REMOVE
ADD
CONSIDERATION
COMMENT
CONFETTI
MANTIS

Implement and then you are 1/2, there's a lot of ink here but that's because 1) it's Scyther and I'm a Mantis, and 2) Scyther is probably a top 3 longest/most important ADV UU analysis

Mantis en ADV

[OVERVIEW]

With one of the highest Speed stats in the tier and an exceptional base 110 Attack stat, Scyther is an excellent offensive pokemon with one of the highest Speed stats in the tier and an exceptional base 110 Attack stat. It capitalizes very well on the progress made by its teammates, allowing it to function as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, cleaner, and sweeper. While not known for type coverage, Scyther's sheer power with it's STAB moves let it 2HKO or 3HKO many relevant pokemon. This is without factoring it's great ability in Swarm, which further boosts the power of Scyther's Bug-type moves, meaning Scyther actually gets stronger by taking damage (this is just dex info, consider adding a different comment explaining why Swarm is valuable without just defining it by the dex). Scyther works very well on offense or balance teams that uphold Spikes pressure and need a backbone of fast offense and priority (this is fine but it doesn't need Spikes pressure always), and this makes it one of the best end-game pokemon.

Scyther doesn’t come without flaws, however. Choice Band sets can end up being prediction reliant with having to lock into a single move. They can also have easy switch-ins who force Scythers team back on the defensive, such as pokemon who use Intimidate like Granbull and Arcanine who are powerful wallbreakers, or Normal-resistant pokemon like Omastar who can set up Spikes. (this is a bit too much information just to talk about downsides to Choice Band sets, but some of these points can be summarized as answers to Scyther generally instead) Scyther in general can have a lack of longevity on the field, as it has weaknesses to common attacking types in Electric, Ice, Fire, and Rock, and it hates being statused by paralysis or any stray Toxics. and while it can shrug off a single hit to keep swinging, it’s usually 2HKOed by neutral attacks. These combine to limit Scyther's points of entry to Ground-type moves, double switches, or revenge kills. (I'd summarize this last part with the other part in orange for a short closing here)

[SET]
Name: Choice Band
Move 1: Hidden Power [Bug] / Silver Wind
Move 2: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 3: Double-Edge / Hidden Power [Ground]
Move 4: Quick Attack
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Choice Band Scyther is the most common set for it's immediate power and ability to revenge kill faster threats like Kangaskhan and Tentacruel (rephrase this as it sounds like Kang and Tenta are faster than Scyther). Scyther's great stat spread also sports more notable power, bulk, and speed than it's other fast Choice Band user competition like Fearow, Nidoking, and Hitmonlee. (It's not really more notably bulky than any of those except Fearow, and it's also not really more powerful, so I'd just focus on how it's basically just as strong but faster) Jolly Scyther's max Speed of 339 is only outsped by Electrode, and Ninjask, or very uncommon picks like Sneasel and Persian (these don't exist). Other base 105 Speed pokemon like Electabuzz and Manectric can also Speed tie Scyther. (I'm not sure what you're trying to get across with this last point - it seems to talk about Scyther's great speed but towards the end it stopped really making a connection with Choice Band set specifically and is more general to Scyther, unless you can tie it back in somehow)

Hidden Power Bug and Double-Edge are the most commonly used attacks for hitting neutral targets (you can talk about DEdge later, instead talk about how HP Bug is the primary STAB option also boosted by Swarm). Hidden Power Bug also provides coverage for Psychic-types like Slowking and Solrock(notably Solrock as it resists Normal and Flying), and it can be used as a way to avoid contact abilities like Static, Poison Point, or Cute Charm, and is boosted by Swarm if Scyther is at low health. Double-Edge provides a very powerful neutral hit to most targets and it's recoil can be helpful in pushing Scyther into Swarm range for boosted Hidden Power Bugs. Aerial Ace is a the other STAB coverage option used for hitting opposing Scyther, Vileplume, Ghost-types like Haunter and Misdreavus, and Fighting-types like Hitmontop. Quick Attack provides very useful priority against Reversal sweepers like opposing Scyther, Hitmonlee, and Primeape, serves as an additional check to chipped weather sweepers like Sunny Day Vileplume, Gorebyss, and Rain Dance Gorebyss Omastar at very low health (it's bouncing), and checking helps check other priority from Arcanine and Linoone. If you want to change up the base powers of Scyther's STAB moves, Silver Wind and Hidden Power Flying can be used as are other alternatives to Hidden Power Bug and Aerial Ace., which This gives it Scyther less contact moves, a stronger Flying STAB attack, and access to possible omni-boosts with Silver Wind. If you don't mind the power drops of your STAB moves and use Using both Silver Wind and Aerial Ace, you can allows Scyther to use another Hidden Power over Double-Edge such as Hidden Power Ground for Arcanine or any Electric-, Rock-, or Steel-types that like to come in on Choice Band Scyther.

Team Options
=========

Choice Band Scyther fits well onto Spikes offenses with Omastar and Qwilfish. Spikes help Scyther break through bulky pokemon easier, while it's checks still take spikes damage on switch-in. Omastar is also a physical wall that can help to check Kangaskhan, Granbull, and opposing Scyther. Since Scyther is very status-prone, cleric pokemon like Ampharos, Vileplume, and Altaria can heal off any stray Toxics or paralysis thrown at it. Scyther also appreciates a check to Arcanine such as Tentacruel and Blastoise. Scyther will be less effective at breaking after Intimidate, and these teammates can Rapid Spin away spikes for Scythers team, further helping you win wars of attrition in the Spikes game. Lanturn can resist any BoltBeam coverage thrown at Scyther's way from the likes of Electric-types, Walrein, Offensive Omastar, and specially attacking Ghost-types. Pokemon that block Rapid Spin like Haunter and Misdreavus are able to help keep Spikes on the opponents side of the field and provide valuable offensive utility from Haunter's Thief, Will-O-Wisp or Destiny Bond, and Misdreavus' Thunder Wave. All of these help Scyther with Spikes pressure and wearing down the opposition for Scyther to clean up.

[SET] (I think you should move this to be the third set, not the second)
Name: Swords Dance
Move 1: Swords Dance
Move 2: Silver Wind / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 3: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 4: Hidden Power [Ground] / Quick Attack
Item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Swords Dance Scyther is a fast setup sweeper that allows Scyther to hit with as much coverage as it needs with the threat of hitting opponents at +2 or more Attack. Although it's the most threatening only after a turn of setup and is thus more prone to phazers, the ability to switch between it's moves and to hit STAB-resistant opponents with Hidden Power Ground helps Scyther with it's self-sufficiency and allows Scyther to be a standing offensive threat. (Not entirely sure what you are really trying to say with this. SD Scyther is a major offensive threat because it can easily clean the endgame with its near perfect coverage in dual STABs + HP Ground, or it can break holes for its teammates to clean later on. You don't really have to talk about the downsides in this intro.)

Scyther prefers dual STAB moves on Swords Dance sets, usually Silver Wind and Aerial Ace. Silver Wind is the primary STAB move which gives access to dangerous omniboosts, and is further boosted when Scyther is in Swarm range. Aerial Ace allows for useful coverage on various Flying-, Fighting-, and Ghost-types like Gligar, Haunter, Misdreavus, Hitmontop, and Altaria (not really beating Altaria at all). These options free up a slot for another Hidden Power, which goes to Ground for hitting Poison-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Nidoking, Omastar, and Aggron. If you prefer having priority on this set and don't mind forgoing the coverage of Hidden Power Ground, the last move can go to Quick Attack, freeing up one of your teamslots on needing other priority, and giving Scyther a better STAB of your choice in Hidden Power Bug or Flying. Hidden Power Bug and Aerial Ace is a consistent combination for their better PP and no huge drop in IVs, while Silver Wind and Hidden Power Flying allows for access to game-ending omniboosts accentuated by Attack boosts from Swords Dance. (this whole last section is way too long for basically just saying Quick Attack is an option over HP Ground to have Priority on the team if needed).

The item choice can be dependent from team to team, but is also mostly up to preference. Leftovers helps Scyther passively heal any damage it takes and have more longevity for being an offensive threat, while Lum Berry is used when Scyther doesn't have cleric support and lets it set up in the face of Toxic or paralysis that would otherwise kill any chance Scyther has at sweeping.

Team Options
=========

Spikes support from Omastar and Qwilfish helps Swords Dance Scyther muscle past bulky pokemon like Kangaskhan, Ampharos, and Walrein. Thief support from Omastar, Tentacruel, Arcanine, Haunter, and Electabuzz further facilitates the sweep by removing Leftovers from defensive pokemon that rely on passive recovery, meaning every damage they take from Scyther's boosted moves and Spikes will be permanent. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel, Walrein, and Lanturn synergize well as they can threaten any Omastar, Arcanine, Altaria, or opposing Walrein that can otherwise stand in the way of Scyther's sweep, and are good at making progress through BoltBeam coverage and/or Toxic for Scyther to take advantage of. Fearow makes for a good partner with this Scyther, as it is a fast mid-game wallbreaker that can back up this Scyther's general lack of priority and makes for a brutal one-two punch of flying offense. (I haven't seen a Fearow in 200 years, I'd rephrase this to talk about another pokemon like Gligar, or at the very least mention Gligar and Fearow together instead of just Fearow)

[SET]
Name: Salac Reversal
Move 1: Hidden Power [Flying] / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 2: Reversal
Move 3: Substitute / Endure
Move 4: Swords Dance
Item: Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther is a dangerous late-game sweeper that is nearly impossible to stop without . The only ways to stop the sweep is to bulk through Reversal or it's Hidden Power choice and attack Scyther, or to use a priority move post-Speed boost. The choice of Hidden Power is mostly up to personal preference, Hidden Power Bug is boosted by Swarm and hits Psychic-types very hard, while Hidden Power Flying has better coverage for hitting Ghost-types and Poison-types. Substitute is used to bring Scyther's HP down to 1% (it has to be 0 HP EVs to go down to exactly 1 HP if it's HP Bug, but 4 HP EVs shouldn't matter since 1 or 2 or 3 HP is same damage with Reversal since it's still 1%, Max HP just can't be divisible by 4 or else you can't sub a 4th time and will be stuck at 25%.) and capitalizing off switches, allowing for Swords Dances behind the formed Substitute. The max HP EVs should end in 1, so that after four Substitutes it guarantees Salac activation and for Reversal to be at maximum power. If you're running Hidden Power Flying, you need the 4 leftover EVs in HP. If it's Hidden Power Bug, place the 4 EVs in another stat like Defense or Special Defense. (see above comment and maybe rephrase and condense this a bit, it's worded a bit strangely and may be hard to follow for some people - just keep it real basic, HP cannot be divisible by 4 for Substitute sets in order to activate Salac, so put 4 EVs in HP always since that still activates it regardless of HP Fly or HP Bug) Endure is another option that allows Scyther to reliably get into Salac range even if it took damage prior, or it can let it take hits from pokemon that are faster. (I would expand on this for Endure, noting that it allows Scyther to freely SD at least once against most attackers since it is rarely OHKOd).

Team Options
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther fits very well onto Hyper Offense teams, as it can outspeed and sweep every pokemon without priority, and can force damage onto even bulkier targets. It can generally force the removal of at least one pokemon for fellow sweeper teammates to capitalize on. This Scyther loves Spikes being set early in the match for it to sweep easier, with leads such as Qwilfish and Glalie getting as many layers of spikes as possible while exploding to keep up momentum. Scyther also loves helpful setup and entry such as Yawn Kangaskhan to force a switch or give Scyther a way to prey on the slept pokemon. Explosion pokemon such as Electrode, Solrock, Haunter, and Muk fit well as teammates, as they can take away key pokemon for Scyther to clean to make a full sweep or provide valuable chip if it didn't KO, as well as giving further entry for Scyther after the boom. Linoone fits very well with this Scyther as a sweeping partner. After Scyther activates Salac Berry and forces an opposing Choice Band Scyther to Choice lock into Quick Attack, Linoone gets a safe opportunity to set up Belly Drum. If Scyther Quick Attacks Linoone, Linoone can be pushed into it's own Salac Berry activation range, and the opposing Scyther no longer trumps the priority of Extreme Speed, allowing Linoone to sweep the opposing team (this is an extremely specific situation, I'd try to rephrase it more generally for why Linoone is good with this Scyther other than just an opposing Scyther locked into QA specifically).
(Arcanine hard stops this Scyther, so you should mention some things that help force damage onto Arcanine early, maybe even your own Arcanine. Things that help force damage onto opp Gligar are good too.)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Hidden Power Fighting can be used on the Choice Band set over Double-Edge or Hidden Power Ground as an alternative option for hitting Rock- and Steel-types (HP Ground still does this anyways) that like to come in on Scyther, as well as potentially 2HKOing Kangaskhan which prevents Early Bird Rest loops (CB Double Edge still 2HKOs most Kangs). It can also be used over Hidden Power Ground as a Normal resist lure if you want to hit all of Cradily, Granbull, and Walrein on the switch (this point is much more notable for HP Fighting's case and should be mentioned first, and maybe be the only case for it). Reversal on Choice Band sets achieves the same task as Hidden Power Fighting, giving Scyther an extra incentive to take damage alongside going down to Swarm range, allows for another Hidden Power choice, and packs general surprise factor for the next time Scyther comes in after taking damage to hit any supposed safe Rock-type switch-ins or to punish Kangaskhan staying in (Reversal is very weak unless you are really really REALLY low on HP, not worth it on CB sets, and definitely does not achieve the same thing as HP Fighting. Also, keep in mind HP Fighting lowers your Speed by 1, which is pretty suboptimal for Scyther). Sleep Talk is a niche option on Choice Band sets for switching onto sleep moves like Vileplumes Sleep Powder and using any move that Sleep Talk can call with the added power of Choice Band, but sleep moves are very rare in this format and usually aren't worth dedicating a moveslot of counterplay to them (this is also way too rare to mention, and Sleep Talk in ADV is the worst). On Reversal sets, you can substitute Salac Berry for Liechi Berry in case Scyther hasn't accrued any boosts from Swords Dance and want to make Reversal more stronger, but this comes at the cost of risking the Speed tie on other base 105s and being revenge killed by Electrode and Ninjask.
(I'd mention HP Rock, helps for Altaria while retaining coverage for RK9 on the switch, and also helps with Walrein switch just as much as HP Fighting. Both still lower your Speed though, which is why STAB HPs or HP Ground are typically always better)

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

**Rock-types**: Omastar can comfortably switch into Scyther with it's Normal and Flying resistances coupled with its sky-high Defense, and can aptly pressure with Surf or lay down Spikes. Aggron and Golem pose similar problems and can OHKO Scyther with Rock STAB (mention how Aggron fears HP Ground still, though Golem and Omastar can comfortably tank it a few times). Other Rock-types like Cradily and Solrock can come in on moves they resist and threaten Scyther back, but they have trouble dealing with Hidden Power Bug.

**Intimidate Users**: Granbull and Arcanine’s use of Intimidate softens the blow of Scyther’s moves upon switch-in and force Scyther's team to play on the defensive. Arcanine in particular resists Hidden Power Bug, and has priority to stuff any revenge kills at low health and stop it's Salac Reversal sweeping.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster pokemon like Electrode and Ninjask can reliably revenge kill Scyther and can use their entry as an opportunity for their own offense.

**Protect**: Protect is able to scout any move Choice Band Scyther will lock into, and use that to determine the next play for minimal risk. It can also allow for more Leftovers recovery, hurting Scythers ability to break through bulky Protect users. (This isn't really a check or counter to Scyther, it's just a way to scout CB sets, and it's a huge risk if you're not yet sure it's a CB set as it can SD or Sub)

(Altaria is probably the biggest counter to Scyther, and Gligar too, and should be mentioned somewhere, maybe in a category with Walrein and Ampharos)

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[EllingtonReborn, 619555]]
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ellingtonreborn.619555/
- Quality checked by: [[BigFatMantis, 507497], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

 

[EllingtonReborn]

Implemented QC!

 

[Bouff]

talked on discord, 2/2

 

[EllingtonReborn]

Implemented! GP Team

 

[Sabelette]

Sorry you waited this long Mattie, I got it. GP 1/1, feel free to poke me for any more subjective stuff or parts where i commented w/o a suggested change + let me double check after you implement since it's long

Addition Removal Comment
(AC) (AH) Add Comma/Add Hyphen, (RC) (RH) Remove Comma/Remove Hyphen

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[OVERVIEW]

Scyther is an excellent offensive Pokemon with one of the highest Speed stats in the tier and an exceptional base 110 Attack stat. It capitalizes very well on the progress made by its teammates, allowing it to function as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, cleaner, and sweeper. Scyther's sheer power with its STAB moves lets it 2HKO or 3HKO many relevant Pokemon (such as?). This is without factoring its great ability in (a little too much lead-in to the point) Swarm, (RC) punishing punishes any Pokemon swinging at it, (AC) as its with bulk that dodges lets it dodge an OHKOs from most neutral attacks, (AC) like Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Scyther works very well on offense or balance teams that uphold Spikes pressure and need a backbone of fast offense and priority, and this makes it one of the best end-late-game Pokemon.

Scyther doesn’t come without flaws, however. Scyther can, however, in general (tried to preserve the "however" without the filler sentence) can have a lack of longevity on the field, as it has weaknesses to common attacking types in Electric, Ice, Fire, and Rock, and it hates being statused by with paralysis and Toxic. Choice Band sets can end up being reliant on prediction, and it they (you said "sets" plural) can allow more Pokemon to gain entry. With Scyther's reliance on being kept in good condition and its common switch-ins forcing its team to play on the defensive, it can be hard for Scyther to find entry points outside Ground-type moves, double switches, or revenge kills. (this last sentence is a bit awkward, maybe see if you can rephrase to not start with "with" to make this easier to parse. One way to do it would be to start with "it can be hard to find entry" then follow with scyther's unwillingness to take hits/how its checks can flip momentum)

[SET]
Name: Choice Band
Move 1: Hidden Power [Bug] / Silver Wind
Move 2: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 3: Double-Edge / Hidden Power [Ground]
Move 4: Quick Attack
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Choice Band Scyther is the most common set for its immediate power and ability to revenge kill fast Pokemon like Kangaskhan and Tentacruel. Scyther also has an incredible max Speed tier of 339, (AC) which is only outsped by Electrode and Ninjask, rivaling its Choice Band user competition like Fearow, Nidoking, and Hitmonlee.

Hidden Power Bug is Scyther's main STAB attack for hitting neutral targets and is very powerful when Scyther is in Swarm range. It also provides coverage for Psychic-types, (AC) like Slowking and Solrock, and it can be used as a way to avoid contact abilities like Static. Double-Edge provides a very powerful neutral hit to most targets, (AC) including Flying-types like Gligar and Altaria, and its recoil can be helpful in pushing Scyther into Swarm range for a boosted Hidden Power Bugs. Aerial Ace is the other STAB coverage option used for hitting hits opposing Scyther, Vileplume, Ghost-types like Haunter and Misdreavus, and Fighting-types like Hitmontop. Quick Attack provides very useful priority against Reversal sweepers like opposing Scyther, serves as an additional check to chipped weather sweepers like Sunny Day Vileplume and Rain Dance Gorebyss, and helps check other priority from Arcanine. Silver Wind and Hidden Power Flying can be used as alternatives to Hidden Power Bug and Aerial Ace. This gives Scyther less contact moves, a stronger Flying STAB attack, and access to possible omni-boosts (RH) with Silver Wind. Using both Silver Wind and Aerial Ace allows Scyther to use another Hidden Power over Double-Edge, (AC) such as Hidden Power Ground for Arcanine or any Electric-, Rock-, or Steel-types that like to come in on Choice Band Scyther.

Team Options
=========

Choice Band Scyther fits well onto Spikes offenses with Omastar and Qwilfish. Spikes help Scyther break through bulky Pokemon easier more easily, (RC) while its checks still take spikes damage on switch-in and wears down its checks as they switch in. Omastar is also a physical wall that can help to check Kangaskhan, Granbull, and opposing Scyther. Since Scyther is very status-prone, cleric Pokemon like Ampharos, Vileplume, and Altaria can heal off any stray Toxics or paralysis thrown at it. Scyther also appreciates a check to Arcanine, (AC) such as Tentacruel and or (since "a check" is singular, it's an "or" here) Blastoise. Scyther will be is less effective at wallbreaking after Intimidate, and these teammates can allow for safe switch-ins and can Rapid Spin away remove (try to avoid using moves as verbs) Spikes for Scyther's team. Lanturn can resist any BoltBeam coverage thrown at Scyther's way from the likes of Electric-types, Walrein, Offensive offensive Omastar, and specially attacking Ghost-types. Pokemon that block Rapid Spin, (AC) like Haunter and Misdreavus, (AC) help keep Spikes on the opponents opposing side of the field and provide valuable offensive utility, (AC) such as from Haunter's Thief, Will-O-Wisp, (AC) or and Destiny Bond, (RC) and Misdreavus's Thunder Wave.

[SET]
Name: Salac Reversal
Move 1: Hidden Power [Flying] / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 2: Reversal
Move 3: Substitute / Endure
Move 4: Swords Dance
Item: Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther is a dangerous late-game sweeper that is nearly impossible to stop without a priority move post-Speed boost. The choice of Hidden Power is mostly up to personal preference; (semicolon), (RC) Hidden Power Bug is boosted by Swarm and hits Psychic-types very hard, while Hidden Power Flying has better coverage for hitting Poison- and Ghost-types. Substitute is used to bring Scyther's HP down to 1% and capitalizing off capitalize on switches, allowing for Scyther to use Swords Dances behind the formed Substitute. Scyther's HP cannot (removed space) be divisible by 4 for Substitute sets to activate Salac Berry, so the 4 leftover EVs should be put into HP to make four Substitutes and for Reversal to be at maximum power. Endure is another option that allows Scyther to reliably get into Salac Berry range even if it took damage prior, it lets it take hits from faster Pokemon that are faster, and it also gives Scyther more freedom to set up Swords Dance at least once against most targets, (AC) since it is rarely OHKOed.

Team Options
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther fits very well onto hyper offense teams, as it can outspeed and sweep every Pokemon without priority, and it can force damage onto even bulkier targets. It can generally force the removal of at least one Pokemon for fellow sweeper teammates to capitalize on. This Scyther set loves (feels a little weird to say "loves" but keep if you like) Spikes being set early in the match for it to sweep easier more easily, with benefitting from leads such as Qwilfish and Glalie that get getting as many layers of spikes Spikes as possible while exploding then use Explosion to keep up momentum. Scyther also loves helpful setup and entry, (AC) (this is hard to parse, maybe say "support that helps it enter freely) such as Yawn Kangaskhan, (AC) to force a switch or give Scyther a way to prey on the slept Pokemon. Explosion Pokemon users, (AC) such as Electrode, Solrock, Haunter, and Muk, (AC) fit well as teammates, as they can take away remove key Pokemon for Scyther to clean to make a full sweep or at least provide valuable chip if it didn't Explosion fails to KO, as well as giving further free entry for Scyther after the boom. Since Arcanine and Gligar stand in the way of Reversal Scyther's sweep, it appreciates offensive teammates that force damage onto them early, such as a team's own Arcanine, offensive Kangaskhan, or and Water-types like Gorebyss, Golduck, and Feraligatr. Ground-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Sandslash can check opposing Electric-types that threaten Scyther while making significant progress of their own.

[SET]
Name: Swords Dance
Move 1: Swords Dance
Move 2: Silver Wind / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 3: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 4: Hidden Power [Ground] / Quick Attack
Item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Swords Dance Scyther is a fast setup sweeper that can clean up the end-game late-game with coverage in its STAB moves and Hidden Power Ground, (RC) as well as break holes in the opposition for other teammates to capitalize on and clean up.

Scyther prefers dual STAB moves on Swords Dance sets, usually using Silver Wind and Aerial Ace. Silver Wind is the its primary STAB move, (AC) giving which gives it access to dangerous omniboosts, and it is further boosted when Scyther is in Swarm range. Aerial Ace allows for useful coverage on against various Flying-, Fighting-, and Ghost-types like Gligar, Haunter, Misdreavus, and Hitmontop. These options free up a slot for another Hidden Power, (RC) which goes to Ground for hitting Poison-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Omastar, and Aggron. The last move can go to Alternatively, Quick Attack to have priority on the team gives Scyther a priority move if Scyther it can forgo the coverage of Hidden Power Ground, allowing access to a STAB Hidden Power with STAB.

The item choice can be team-dependent from team to team, (RC) but is mostly up to preference. Leftovers helps Scyther passively heal any damage it takes and have more longevity for being an offensive threat, while Lum Berry is used when Scyther doesn't have cleric support and lets it set up in the face of Toxic or paralysis that would otherwise kill end any chance Scyther has at sweeping.

Team Options
=========

Spikes support from Omastar and Qwilfish helps Swords Dance Scyther muscle past bulky Pokemon like Kangaskhan, Ampharos, and Walrein. Thief support from Omastar, Tentacruel, Arcanine, Haunter, and Electabuzz further facilitates the sweep by removing Leftovers from defensive Pokemon that rely on passive recovery, meaning every the damage they take from Scyther's boosted moves and Spikes will be permanent. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel, Walrein, and Lanturn synergize well, (AC) as they can threaten any Omastar, Arcanine, Altaria, or and opposing Walrein, (AC) that which can otherwise stand in the way of Scyther's sweep, and they are good at making progress for Scyther to take advantage of. Fearow or and Gligar make for good partners with this Scyther, as they are fast mid-game wallbreakers that can back up this Scyther's general lack of priority and makes for a brutal one-two punch of flying Flying (this is a weird one but I do think naming the type rather than concept makes sense here) offense.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Hidden Power Fighting can be used on the Choice Band set over Hidden Power Ground as an alternative option to hit all of Cradily, Granbull, and Walrein on the switch in. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Flying-types like Altaria while maintaining coverage for Arcanine and Walrein on the as they switch in. Both Hidden Power choices lower Scyther's Speed IVs, (AC) which guarantees opposing base 105s Speed Pokemon can revenge kill it, leaving so Hidden Power Ground, Bug, and Flying are and STAB Hidden Powers to be preferable choices. On Reversal sets, Salac Berry can be substituted for Liechi Berry in case Scyther hasn't gained any boosts from Swords Dance and wants (regardless of SD this does make it stronger, so...) to make Reversal more stronger, but this comes at the cost of risking the Speed tie on against other base 105s base 105 Speed foes and being too slow to avoid a revenge killed by from (avoiding passive voice) Electrode and Ninjask.

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

**Rock-types**: Omastar can comfortably switch into Scyther with its Normal and Flying resistances coupled with its sky-high Defense, and it can aptly pressure with Surf or lay down Spikes. Aggron and Golem pose similar problems and can OHKO Scyther with Rock STAB attacks. Although Aggron can be afraid of fears Hidden Power Ground, Omastar and Golem can tank it at least a few times. Other Rock-types like Cradily and Solrock can come in on moves they resist and threaten Scyther back, but they have trouble dealing with Hidden Power Bug.

**Flying-types**: Altaria and Gligar can both defensively check Scyther with their great bulk, a Bug-type resistance, and a Spikes immunity, (RC) while also offensively checking Scyther with super effective coverage. Altaria is very bulky while using and uses Scyther as an opportunity to use Heal Bell its teammates status, and it can Roar out a Swords Dance Scyther, (AC) forcing it to start the process all over again. Gligar can gain turns to set up its own Swords Dance boosts, hits back hard with Hidden Power Flying, and has priority for to beat Salac Reversal sets. Both still need to take caution against Choice Band variants, as switching into Hidden Power Flying or and Double-Edge can 2HKO Gligar and non-Physically Defensive non-physically defensive Altaria.

**Electric-types**: Ampharos is a mixed wall that zaps Scyther with a strong STAB Thunderbolt, (RC) and can come in on Scyther's contact moves, potentially paralyzing it through Static. While other Electric-types are the same without lack Ampharos's bulk, they can have enough Speed to tie Scyther, (RC) or outspeed in the case of Electrode.

**Walrein**: Walrein is a bulky wall that can threaten Scyther with its STAB Ice Beam, and it can phaze out any attempts of sweeping with Swords Dance through Encore or Roar.

**Intimidate Users**: Granbull and Arcanine’s use of Intimidate softens the blow of Scyther’s moves upon switching in, (RC) and forces Scyther's team to play on the defensive. Arcanine has a brutal STAB Fire Blast, resists Hidden Power Bug, and has priority to stuff any revenge kills at low health and stop its Scyther from Reversal sweeping.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Electrode and Ninjask can reliably revenge kill Scyther, (RC) and can use their entry as an opportunity for their own offense.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ellingtonreborn.619555/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bigfatmantis.507497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bouff.121672/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sabelette.583793/

 

[Sabelette]

GP Team done

 

[EllingtonReborn]

Implemented Sabelette

 

[Sabelette]

Last sweep, ready after this

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[OVERVIEW]

Scyther is an excellent offensive Pokemon with one of the highest Speed stats in the tier and an exceptional base 110 Attack. It capitalizes on the progress made by its teammates, allowing it to function as a wallbreaker, revenge killer, cleaner, and sweeper. Scyther's sheer power with its STAB moves lets it 2HKO or 3HKO many relevant Pokemon, (AC) such as Kangaskhan, Tentacruel, Ampharos, Solrock, and Vileplume. Swarm punishes any Pokemon swinging at it, as its bulk lets it dodge an OHKO from most neutral attacks, like Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Scyther works very well on offense or and balance teams that uphold Spikes pressure and need a backbone of fast offense and priority, and this makes it one of the best late-game Pokemon.

Scyther can, however, have a lack of longevity on the field, as it has weaknesses to common attacking types in Electric, Ice, Fire, and Rock, and it hates being statused by paralysis and Toxic. Choice Band sets can end up being reliant on prediction, and they can allow more Pokemon to gain entry. It can be hard to find entry for Scyther due to its reliance on being kept healthy late-game and its common switch-ins forcing its team to play on the defensive, only coming in through Ground-type moves, double switches, or revenge kills.

[SET]
Name: Choice Band
Move 1: Hidden Power [Bug] / Silver Wind
Move 2: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 3: Double-Edge / Hidden Power [Ground]
Move 4: Quick Attack
Item: Choice Band
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Choice Band Scyther is the most common set for its immediate power and ability to revenge kill fast Pokemon like Kangaskhan and Tentacruel. Scyther also has an incredible max Speed tier of 339, which is only outsped by Electrode and Ninjask, rivaling its Choice Band user competition like Fearow, Nidoking, and Hitmonlee.

Hidden Power Bug is Scyther's main STAB attack for hitting neutral targets and is very powerful when Scyther is in Swarm range. It also provides coverage for Psychic-types, like Slowking and Solrock, and it can be used as a way to avoid contact abilities like Static. Double-Edge provides a very powerful neutral hit to most targets, (AC) including Flying-types like Gligar and Altaria, and its recoil can be helpful in pushing Scyther into Swarm range for a boosted Hidden Power Bug. Aerial Ace hits opposing Scyther, Vileplume, Ghost-types like Haunter and Misdreavus, and Fighting-types like Hitmontop. Quick Attack provides very useful priority against Reversal sweepers like opposing Scyther, serves as an additional check to chipped weather sweepers like Sunny Day Vileplume and Rain Dance Gorebyss, and helps check other priority from Arcanine. Silver Wind and Hidden Power Flying can be used as alternatives to Hidden Power Bug and Aerial Ace. This gives Scyther less contact moves, a stronger Flying STAB attack, and access to possible omniboosts with Silver Wind. Using both Silver Wind and Aerial Ace allows Scyther to use another Hidden Power over Double-Edge, such as Hidden Power Ground for Arcanine or and any Electric-, Rock-, or and Steel-types that like to come in on Choice Band Scyther.

Team Options
=========

Choice Band Scyther fits well onto Spikes offense with Omastar and Qwilfish. Spikes help Scyther break through bulky Pokemon more easily and wears down its checks as they switch in. Omastar is also a physical wall that can help to check Kangaskhan, Granbull, and opposing Scyther. Since Scyther is very status-prone, cleric Pokemon like Ampharos, Vileplume, and Altaria can heal off any stray Toxic or paralysis thrown at it. Scyther also appreciates a check to Arcanine, such as Tentacruel or Blastoise. Scyther is less effective at wallbreaking after Intimidate, and these teammates allow for safe switch-ins and can remove Spikes for Scyther's team. Lanturn can resist any BoltBeam coverage thrown Scyther's way from Electric-types, Walrein, offensive Omastar, and special attacking Ghost-types. Pokemon that block Rapid Spin, like Haunter and Misdreavus, help keep Spikes on the opposing side of the field and provide valuable offensive utility, such as Haunter's Thief, Will-O-Wisp, and Destiny Bond and Misdreavus's Thunder Wave.

[SET]
Name: Salac Reversal
Move 1: Hidden Power [Flying] / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 2: Reversal
Move 3: Substitute / Endure
Move 4: Swords Dance
Item: Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther is a dangerous late-game sweeper that is nearly impossible to stop without a priority move post-Speed boost. The choice of Hidden Power is mostly up to personal preference; Hidden Power Bug is boosted by Swarm and hits Psychic-types hard, while Hidden Power Flying has better coverage for Poison- and Ghost-types. Substitute is used to bring Scyther's HP down to 1% and capitalize on switches, allowing Scyther to use Swords Dance behind the Substitute. Scyther's HP cannot be divisible by 4 for Substitute sets to activate Salac Berry, so 4 EVs should be put into HP to make four Substitutes and for Reversal to be at maximum power. Endure allows Scyther to reliably get into Salac Berry range even if it took damage prior, lets it take hits from faster Pokemon, (there was a space before this comma) and gives Scyther it more freedom to set up Swords Dance at least once against most targets, since it is rarely OHKOed.

Team Options
=========

Salac Reversal Scyther fits very well onto hyper offense teams, as it can outspeed and sweep every Pokemon without priority, and it can force damage onto bulkier targets. It can generally force the removal of at least one Pokemon for sweeper teammates to capitalize on. This Scyther set appreciates Spikes set early in the match for it to sweep more easily, benefitting from leads such as Qwilfish and Glalie that get as many layers of Spikes as possible then use Explosion to keep up momentum. Scyther also loves support that helps it enter freely, such as Yawn Kangaskhan, to force a switch or give Scyther a way to prey on the slept Pokemon. Explosion users, such as Electrode, Solrock, Haunter, and Muk, fit well as teammates, as they can remove key Pokemon for Scyther to make a full sweep or at least provide valuable chip if Explosion fails to KO, as well as giving free entry for Scyther. Since Arcanine and Gligar stand in the way of Reversal Scyther's sweep, it appreciates offensive teammates that force damage onto them early, such as Arcanine, offensive Kangaskhan, or and Water-types like Gorebyss, Golduck, and Feraligatr. Ground-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, and Sandslash can check opposing Electric-types that threaten Scyther while making significant progress of their own.

[SET]
Name: Swords Dance
Move 1: Swords Dance
Move 2: Silver Wind / Hidden Power [Bug]
Move 3: Aerial Ace / Hidden Power [Flying]
Move 4: Hidden Power [Ground] / Quick Attack
Item: Leftovers / Lum Berry
Ability: Swarm
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
=========

Swords Dance Scyther is a fast setup sweeper that can clean up late-game with its STAB moves and Hidden Power Ground as well as break holes in the opposition for teammates to capitalize on and clean up.

Scyther prefers dual STAB moves on Swords Dance sets, usually using Silver Wind and Aerial Ace. Silver (missing space after period) Wind is its primary STAB move, giving it access to dangerous omniboosts, and it is further boosted when Scyther is in Swarm range. Aerial Ace allows for useful coverage against various Flying-, Fighting-, and Ghost-types like Gligar, Haunter, Misdreavus, and Hitmontop. These options free up a slot for Hidden Power Ground for hitting Poison-, Rock-, and Steel-types like Nidoqueen, Nidoking, Omastar, and Aggron. Alternatively, Quick Attack gives Scyther a priority move if it can forgo the coverage of Hidden Power Ground, allowing access to a Hidden Power with STAB.

The item choice can be team-dependent but is mostly up to preference. Leftovers helps Scyther passively heal any damage it takes and have more longevity, while Lum Berry is used when Scyther doesn't have cleric support and lets it set up in the face of Toxic or paralysis that would otherwise shut down any chance Scyther has at sweeping.

Team Options
=========

Spikes support from Omastar and Qwilfish helps Swords Dance Scyther muscle past bulky Pokemon like Kangaskhan, Ampharos, and Walrein. Thief support from Omastar, Tentacruel, Arcanine, Haunter, and Electabuzz further facilitates the sweep by removing Leftovers from defensive Pokemon that rely on passive recovery, meaning the damage they take from Scyther's boosted moves and Spikes will be permanent. Bulky Water-types like Tentacruel, Walrein, and Lanturn synergize well, as they can threaten Omastar, Arcanine, Altaria, and Walrein, which can otherwise stand in the way of Scyther's sweep, and they are good at making progress for Scyther to take advantage of. Fearow and Gligar make for good partners, as they are fast mid-game wallbreakers that can back up Scyther's general lack of priority and make for a brutal one-two punch of Flying offense.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Hidden Power Fighting can be used on the Choice Band set over Hidden Power Ground to hit all of Cradily, Granbull, and Walrein on the switch in. Hidden Power Rock can be used to hit Flying-types like Altaria while maintaining coverage for Arcanine and Walrein as they switch in. Both Hidden Power choices lower Scyther's Speed IVs, which guarantees opposing base 105 Speed Pokemon can revenge kill it, so Hidden Power Ground, Bug, and Flying are preferable choices. On Reversal sets, Salac Berry can be substituted for Liechi Berry to make Reversal stronger, but this comes at the cost of risking the Speed tie against base 105 Speed foes and being too slow to avoid a revenge kill from Electrode and Ninjask.

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

**Rock-types**: Omastar can comfortably switch into Scyther with its Normal and Flying resistances coupled with its sky-high Defense, and it can aptly pressure with Surf or lay down Spikes. Aggron and Golem pose similar problems and can OHKO Scyther with Rock STAB attacks. Although Aggron fears Hidden Power Ground, Omastar and Golem can tank it at least a few times. Other Rock-types like Cradily and Solrock can come in on moves they resist and threaten Scyther back, but they have trouble dealing with Hidden Power Bug.

**Flying-types**: Altaria and Gligar can both defensively check Scyther with their great bulk, Bug-type resistance, and Spikes immunity while also offensively checking Scyther with super effective coverage. Altaria is very bulky and uses Scyther as an opportunity to use Heal Bell, (another space before comma) and it can use Roar on a Swords Dance Scyther, forcing it to start the process all over again. Gligar can gain turns to set up its own Swords Dance boosts, hits back hard with Hidden Power Flying, and has priority to beat Salac Reversal sets. Both still need to take caution against Choice Band variants, as Hidden Power Flying and Double-Edge can 2HKO Gligar and non-physically defensive Altaria.

**Electric-types**: Ampharos is a mixed wall that zaps Scyther with a strong STAB Thunderbolt and can come in on Scyther's contact moves, potentially paralyzing it through Static. While other Electric-types lack Ampharos's bulk, they can Speed tie Scyther or outspeed in the case of Electrode.

**Walrein**: Walrein is a bulky wall that can threaten Scyther with its STAB Ice Beam, and it can phaze out any attempts of sweeping with Swords Dance through Encore or Roar.

**Intimidate Users**: Granbull and Arcanine’s Intimidate softens the blow of Scyther’s moves and forces Scyther's team to play on the defensive. Arcanine has a brutal STAB Fire Blast, resists Hidden Power Bug, and has priority to stuff any revenge kills at low health and stop Scyther from Reversal sweeping.

**Revenge Killers**: Faster Pokemon like Electrode and Ninjask can reliably revenge kill Scyther and can use their entry as an opportunity for their own offense.

[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ellingtonreborn.619555/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bigfatmantis.507497/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/bouff.121672/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sabelette.583793/

 

[EllingtonReborn]

Implemented, ready for upload!