RoyalReloaded
MPL Champion
Steel
[SET]
Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Name: IronPress (Steel)
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Roost
[SET COMMENTS]
Skarmory provides a lot of utility for Steel-type teams, acting as a Spikes setter, a Ground-immune Pokemon, and an immovable physical wall. Skarmory's incredible defense stat, alongside its phenomenal defensive typing, allows it to check some of the most threatening physically oriented offensive threats in the tier such as Great Tusk, Roaring Moon, Sneasler, and Excadrill. Skarmory thrives by setting Spikes in front of Pokemon that can't touch it and have to switch out to make progress. Iron Defense allows Skarmory to remain on an even playing field if opposing setup sweepers such as Iron Defense Zamazenta and Dragonite attempt to set up. Body Press deals huge damage to opposing Steel-, Dark-, and Ice-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Iron Treads, Chien-Pao, Hisuian Samurott, and Mamoswine. Rocky Helmet allows Skarmory to deal more passive damage to physical threats such as Kingambit and Iron Hands, as well as dissuading the use of pivot moves like U-turn and Flip Turn.
Skarmory's Spikes support is greatly appreciated by offensive teammates, as it allows them to have an easier time dealing with defensive staples such as Toxapex, Archaludon, Ursaluna-B, and Dondozo. Swords Dance Kingambit is able to have an easier time dealing with defensive staples such as Toxapex, Swampert, and Alolan Muk, as the entry hazard damage makes it very difficult for them to switch in. Choice Scarf Gholdengo also pairs nicely with Skarmory, as it can block both Defog and Rapid Spin, ensuring that Spikes remain on the field. Gholdengo can also deal with Flutter Mane and mixed mttacking Iron Valiant, two threats to Skarmory. In return, Skarmory is able to deal with Gholdengo's counters in Chien-Pao, Excadrill, and Kingambit. Archaludon is another great teammate for Skarmory, as the two form a threatening entry hazard-stacking core with Archaludon's Stealth Rock. Archaludon also handles physical Fire-type attackers such as Hisuian Arcanine and Ogerpon-H that Skarmory struggles with, as well as handling Dragon-type Pokemon via Draco Meteor. Iron Treads is able to switch into Electric-type attacks that would otherwise make quick work of Skarmory, as well as being able to remove hazards via Rapid Spin. Iron Treads is also capable of beating mixed Garchomp and Landorus. Air Balloon Heatran and Skarmory form a nice pair, as Heatran can switch into Fire-type attacks, while Skarmory can switch into Ground-type attacks to preserve Heatran. Heatran aids greatly in the Steel mirror match by taking out Gholdengo while also providing additional hazard support with Stealth Rock. Empoleon is capable of switching in to protect Skarmory from Fire- and Water-type attacks. Empoleon also has the additional benefit of being able to remove Heavy-Duty Boots from the opposing team with Knock Off. Additionally, Empoleon can use Flip Turn to get Skarmory in safely, provide additional hazard support via Stealth Rock, and recover HP with Roost. Hisuian Goodra is another great special wall, able to switch into Electric-type attacks that would otherwise make quick work of Skarmory. Hisuian Goodra is also capable of removing Heavy-Duty Boots from foes thanks to Knock Off. Additionally, Hisuian Goodra has a wide array of moves that make it capable of beating potent special attackers such as Dragapult, Landorus, and Gholdengo. Other sweepers such as Swords Dance Scizor, Lucario, and Iron Crown are all excellent teammates for Skarmory, as the extra damage from entry hazards goes a long way.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Steel
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Heavy-Duty Boots is an option for teams that lack entry hazard removal.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/royalreloaded.246753/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/boomp.637295/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/neko.542526/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/sunny004.197240/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/deetah.297659/
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