[OVERVIEW]
An excellent defensive typing, great durability, and access to Roost make Mega Scizor the defensive Mega Evolution of choice for teams that need checks for Zygarde, Tapu Bulu, Gengar, and Mamoswine. Scizor has an array of utility options at its disposal, with some of them boosted thanks to its Technician ability: Bullet Punch checks threats such as Nihilego and Kyurem-B, U-turn provides momentum for the team and prevents Mega Scizor from being set up on by more dangerous threats, and Defog clears out entry hazards. Unfortunately, being a common Mega Evolutions comes at a price, as many Pokemon will carry Hidden Power Fire just to deter Mega Scizor from switching in freely. Furthermore, Fire-types such as Heatran, Charizard, and Volcarona are major nuisances, as Mega Scizor allows them to switch in almost freely if it isn't using U-turn or double switching out. Regardless, Mega Scizor is a great Pokemon to have for teams looking for solid defensive qualities in a Pokemon with a solid utility movepool to assist its teammates.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Defog
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog's main purpose is to clear entry hazards for Mega Scizor and its teammates. Though those moves are less commonly seen, it can clear Reflect, Light Screen, and Aurora Veil as well. U-turn prevents Mega Scizor from being too passive against opposing Pokemon. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor does not necessarily halt opposing hazard setters from continuously setting up after Mega Scizor uses Defog, but U-turn helps Mega Scizor punish those Pokemon by bringing in dangerous threats such as Greninja and Zapdos in response. Bullet Punch assists taking down faster offensive threats such as Gengar, Tapu Bulu, and Nihilego. Roost is necessary for Mega Scizor to keep itself healthy, as it is often forced to switch onto entry hazards to remove them with Defog.
In the event that Defog is not necessary on Mega Scizor, Pursuit and Hidden Power Ice are two viable attacks that can be used instead. Pursuit traps Gengar, Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam without Hidden Power Fire. Hidden Power Ice reaches 90 Base Power with Technician, which is useful for hitting Zygarde, Landorus-T, and Garchomp lacking a Fire-type attack.
Set Details
========
Near-maximum HP is necessary to help bolster Mega Scizor's bulk to take a mixture of physical and special hits. The Speed EVs give just enough Speed to outspeed and use U-turn against Adamant Alolan Marowak to prevent being hit by STAB Fire Punch or Flare Blitz. Near-maximum Defense Mega Scizor has the perk of taking minimal damage from some of OU's biggest physical threats such as Zygarde while also having an easier time checking threats such as Mega Heracross after Close Combat. A balance of defenses is also approachable—124 Special Defense EVs allow Mega Scizor to take up to two Focus Blasts from Mega Alakazam if Stealth Rock is off of the field and either threaten it out with STAB Bullet Punch or U-turn. Maximum Defense Mega Scizor has the perk of taking minimal damage from some of OU's biggest physical threats while also having an easier time checking threats such as Mega Heracross after Close Combat. More Speed can be run at the cost of Special Defense; 56 Speed EVs allow Mega Scizor to outspeed Mega Mawile, while 148 EVs can be used to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar and Modest Magnezone. Remember that investing more into Speed means that Mega Scizor will U-turn before some of these Pokemon and, thus, the receiving Pokemon may take damage in the process of switching in.
Usage Tips
========
In general utilize Mega Scizor as a physically defensive pivot that can handle threats such as Zygarde effectively and provide a solid check to Tapu Bulu and Mamoswine. Scizor should aim to switch into resisted attacks, moves that it can comfortably avoid a 2HKO from, and predicted entry hazards from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn to ease Mega Evolving into Mega Scizor. Utilize Defog to remove hazards and screens from the field to assist Mega Scizor and its teammates in switching into threats and responding more easily. Mega Scizor's somewhat passive nature as a Defog user doesn't prevent opponents from continuously lay entry hazards on Mega Scizor's side of the field. To circumvent this, U-turn is used to switch in an offensive threat to prevent the opponent from laying more hazards freely or force the opponent to switch out. Roost and Defog are critical to keep Mega Scizor and its teammates healthy, but bear in mind that they drain momentum and can allow threats that are very difficult to switch into such as Volcarona and Heatran in much more easily. In the event that Volcarona is a potential switch-in against Mega Scizor, it is highly recommended to double switch to prevent Mega Scizor from being burned by Flame Body.
Team Options
========
Thanks to U-turn, Mega Scizor can help bring in offensive and defensive teammates against Pokemon that may otherwise continuously take advantage of Mega Scizor's passiveness. Greninja is one of the best teammates, as it can eliminate almost every entry hazard Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Heatran with a variety of coverage moves. Zapdos is another great teammate that appreciates the removal of Stealth Rock to freely be able to use Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice on the same set while handling some defensive threats such as Celesteela. Gengar may not share a lot of type synergy with Mega Scizor, but it appreciates the U-turn and Defog support to help keep Gengar healthy. In exchange, Gengar threaten teams with STAB Shadow Ball or some defensive Steel-types with Focus Blast, Thunderbolt, or Gigavolt Havoc. Since Volcarona and Charizard are drawn to Mega Scizor, various Choice Scarf users such as Keldeo and Terrakion are appreciated to help eliminate such threats. Though they can also fulfill the role of a Choice Scarf user, Garchomp and Latios can be great offensive partners that can threaten some of Mega Scizor's problematic Pokemon with their respective STAB moves and access to coverage moves that can bypass Ferrothorn and Heatran. Zygarde doesn't like to directly switch into Heatran often, as the risk of a burn from Lava Plume or Will-O-Wisp can be nasty; however, Zygarde can immediately threaten out Heatran with STAB Thousand Arrows while being able to make it difficult for some teams to properly switch into if it is wielding a Choice Band, setting up Dragon Dance, or hiding behind a Substitute. Other defensive partners such as Toxapex and Heatran can be great for Mega Scizor to have, as the former can deal with Mega Charizard Y, Greninja lacking Extrasensory, and Celesteela, while Heatran can cover Volcarona lacking Hidden Power Ground, Mega Charizard X lacking Earthquake, and many of the defensive Steel-types within the tier. Mega Scizor drawing in Fire-type attacks helps boost Heatran's Fire-type STAB moves thanks to Flash Fire. Rotom-W doesn't enjoy Toxic or Bloom Doom, but it can tackle many variations of Heatran and doesn't care about non-Toxic Toxapex while being able to pivot around with STAB Volt Switch or weaken offensive Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp and Hydro Pump.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Swords Dance with Roost makes Mega Scizor more intimidating offensively while still letting it perform as a defensive threat, but it is constantly plagued by many defensive answers and many offensive Pokemon that can set up alongside it. Mega Scizor's can also opt for a more offensive approach with Swords Dance by using Superpower and Bug Bite while maximizing its Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature. Counter gives Mega Scizor a more offensive approach to retaliate against Choice Band Zygarde and Garchomp lacking a Fire-type attack. Choice Band Scizor is rather unconventional most of the time; however, it does have some perks with a stronger STAB Bullet Punch, is capable of investing more into Speed for catching Magnezone by surprise with Superpower, and can threaten Pokemon fleeing from Scizor with Pursuit.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Mega Scizor allows Heatran, Charizard, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak to switch in freely. All four of these Pokemon take advantage of Scizor with little fear. What's worse is Defog can remove Stealth Rock from the Fire-type Pokemon's side of the field, meaning that they may not always switch into Stealth Rock. Heatran can utilize Stealth Rock or its various Fire-type attacks to prevent Scizor from staying in safely. Charizard can become either Mega Charizard X and set up Dragon Dance or Mega Charizard Y and singe the team with Drought-boosted Fire-type attacks. Scizor should use U-turn right when Alolan Marowak switches in, as it is much harder for Scizor's team to defend against Shadow Bone, Fire Punch, or Flare Blitz. Finally, Volcarona has the added insult to injury of Flame Body to punish Scizor from freely using U-turn as a method of escape while setting up Quiver Dance with no real fear.
**Magnezone**: With Magnet Pull, Magnezone has its death glare on Mega Scizor, since U-turn is its only method to escape. Timid Magnezone can usually trap Mega Scizor after a revenge kill and easily dispose of it with Hidden Power Fire.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory fear nothing from Mega Scizor. Celesteela can use Flamethrower or Fire Blast on Mega Scizor, while Skarmory takes almost nothing from any of Scizor's attacks.
**Water-types**: The majority of Water-types only fear repeated U-turns if they do not resist the move and lack recovery. Toxapex, Quagsire, and Rotom-W punish Mega Scizor defensively. Toxapex and Quagsire can fish for Scald burns while not fearing a single attack that Scizor throws at them. Rotom-W does fear faster U-turns; however, Will-O-Wisp can cripple slower Mega Scizor. Offensive Water-types such as Gyarados, Choice Specs Keldeo, and Greninja can put Scizor into unfavorable positions as well. Gyarados takes advantage of Scizor's weak attacks and freely sets up Dragon Dance. Keldeo can switch into Scizor if it is pressured to do something other than Roost or U-turn while having Scald to potentially burn Scizor as well. Greninja can either OHKO with Hidden Power Fire or do a hefty amount of damage with Hydro Pump or Dark Pulse, though both Greninja formes cannot freely switch into Scizor, as U-turn will place a massive dent on them.
**Electric-types**: Zapdos, Mega Manectric, Tapu Koko, and both Thundurus formes can prove troublesome to Mega Scizor. Zapdos can freely switch into Mega Scizor and burn through it with Heat Wave while recovering any passive damage with Roost. Mega Manectric can switch into Mega Scizor a little more easily than some Electric-types thanks to Intimidate and having Overheat or Flamethrower. Tapu Koko does significant damage with STAB Thunderbolt under Electric Terrain and may also threaten Mega Scizor with Hidden Power Fire. Thundurus and Thundurus-T will proceed to set up against Mega Scizor and retaliate with STAB Thunderbolt.
An excellent defensive typing, great durability, and access to Roost make Mega Scizor the defensive Mega Evolution of choice for teams that need checks for Zygarde, Tapu Bulu, Gengar, and Mamoswine. Scizor has an array of utility options at its disposal, with some of them boosted thanks to its Technician ability: Bullet Punch checks threats such as Nihilego and Kyurem-B, U-turn provides momentum for the team and prevents Mega Scizor from being set up on by more dangerous threats, and Defog clears out entry hazards. Unfortunately, being a common Mega Evolutions comes at a price, as many Pokemon will carry Hidden Power Fire just to deter Mega Scizor from switching in freely. Furthermore, Fire-types such as Heatran, Charizard, and Volcarona are major nuisances, as Mega Scizor allows them to switch in almost freely if it isn't using U-turn or double switching out. Regardless, Mega Scizor is a great Pokemon to have for teams looking for solid defensive qualities in a Pokemon with a solid utility movepool to assist its teammates.
[SET]
name: Utility
move 1: Defog
move 2: U-turn
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Roost
item: Scizorite
ability: Light Metal
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Defog's main purpose is to clear entry hazards for Mega Scizor and its teammates. Though those moves are less commonly seen, it can clear Reflect, Light Screen, and Aurora Veil as well. U-turn prevents Mega Scizor from being too passive against opposing Pokemon. Unfortunately, Mega Scizor does not necessarily halt opposing hazard setters from continuously setting up after Mega Scizor uses Defog, but U-turn helps Mega Scizor punish those Pokemon by bringing in dangerous threats such as Greninja and Zapdos in response. Bullet Punch assists taking down faster offensive threats such as Gengar, Tapu Bulu, and Nihilego. Roost is necessary for Mega Scizor to keep itself healthy, as it is often forced to switch onto entry hazards to remove them with Defog.
In the event that Defog is not necessary on Mega Scizor, Pursuit and Hidden Power Ice are two viable attacks that can be used instead. Pursuit traps Gengar, Choice-locked Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam without Hidden Power Fire. Hidden Power Ice reaches 90 Base Power with Technician, which is useful for hitting Zygarde, Landorus-T, and Garchomp lacking a Fire-type attack.
Set Details
========
Near-maximum HP is necessary to help bolster Mega Scizor's bulk to take a mixture of physical and special hits. The Speed EVs give just enough Speed to outspeed and use U-turn against Adamant Alolan Marowak to prevent being hit by STAB Fire Punch or Flare Blitz. Near-maximum Defense Mega Scizor has the perk of taking minimal damage from some of OU's biggest physical threats such as Zygarde while also having an easier time checking threats such as Mega Heracross after Close Combat. A balance of defenses is also approachable—124 Special Defense EVs allow Mega Scizor to take up to two Focus Blasts from Mega Alakazam if Stealth Rock is off of the field and either threaten it out with STAB Bullet Punch or U-turn. Maximum Defense Mega Scizor has the perk of taking minimal damage from some of OU's biggest physical threats while also having an easier time checking threats such as Mega Heracross after Close Combat. More Speed can be run at the cost of Special Defense; 56 Speed EVs allow Mega Scizor to outspeed Mega Mawile, while 148 EVs can be used to outspeed Adamant Tyranitar and Modest Magnezone. Remember that investing more into Speed means that Mega Scizor will U-turn before some of these Pokemon and, thus, the receiving Pokemon may take damage in the process of switching in.
Usage Tips
========
In general utilize Mega Scizor as a physically defensive pivot that can handle threats such as Zygarde effectively and provide a solid check to Tapu Bulu and Mamoswine. Scizor should aim to switch into resisted attacks, moves that it can comfortably avoid a 2HKO from, and predicted entry hazards from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn to ease Mega Evolving into Mega Scizor. Utilize Defog to remove hazards and screens from the field to assist Mega Scizor and its teammates in switching into threats and responding more easily. Mega Scizor's somewhat passive nature as a Defog user doesn't prevent opponents from continuously lay entry hazards on Mega Scizor's side of the field. To circumvent this, U-turn is used to switch in an offensive threat to prevent the opponent from laying more hazards freely or force the opponent to switch out. Roost and Defog are critical to keep Mega Scizor and its teammates healthy, but bear in mind that they drain momentum and can allow threats that are very difficult to switch into such as Volcarona and Heatran in much more easily. In the event that Volcarona is a potential switch-in against Mega Scizor, it is highly recommended to double switch to prevent Mega Scizor from being burned by Flame Body.
Team Options
========
Thanks to U-turn, Mega Scizor can help bring in offensive and defensive teammates against Pokemon that may otherwise continuously take advantage of Mega Scizor's passiveness. Greninja is one of the best teammates, as it can eliminate almost every entry hazard Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Heatran with a variety of coverage moves. Zapdos is another great teammate that appreciates the removal of Stealth Rock to freely be able to use Heat Wave and Hidden Power Ice on the same set while handling some defensive threats such as Celesteela. Gengar may not share a lot of type synergy with Mega Scizor, but it appreciates the U-turn and Defog support to help keep Gengar healthy. In exchange, Gengar threaten teams with STAB Shadow Ball or some defensive Steel-types with Focus Blast, Thunderbolt, or Gigavolt Havoc. Since Volcarona and Charizard are drawn to Mega Scizor, various Choice Scarf users such as Keldeo and Terrakion are appreciated to help eliminate such threats. Though they can also fulfill the role of a Choice Scarf user, Garchomp and Latios can be great offensive partners that can threaten some of Mega Scizor's problematic Pokemon with their respective STAB moves and access to coverage moves that can bypass Ferrothorn and Heatran. Zygarde doesn't like to directly switch into Heatran often, as the risk of a burn from Lava Plume or Will-O-Wisp can be nasty; however, Zygarde can immediately threaten out Heatran with STAB Thousand Arrows while being able to make it difficult for some teams to properly switch into if it is wielding a Choice Band, setting up Dragon Dance, or hiding behind a Substitute. Other defensive partners such as Toxapex and Heatran can be great for Mega Scizor to have, as the former can deal with Mega Charizard Y, Greninja lacking Extrasensory, and Celesteela, while Heatran can cover Volcarona lacking Hidden Power Ground, Mega Charizard X lacking Earthquake, and many of the defensive Steel-types within the tier. Mega Scizor drawing in Fire-type attacks helps boost Heatran's Fire-type STAB moves thanks to Flash Fire. Rotom-W doesn't enjoy Toxic or Bloom Doom, but it can tackle many variations of Heatran and doesn't care about non-Toxic Toxapex while being able to pivot around with STAB Volt Switch or weaken offensive Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp and Hydro Pump.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Swords Dance with Roost makes Mega Scizor more intimidating offensively while still letting it perform as a defensive threat, but it is constantly plagued by many defensive answers and many offensive Pokemon that can set up alongside it. Mega Scizor's can also opt for a more offensive approach with Swords Dance by using Superpower and Bug Bite while maximizing its Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature. Counter gives Mega Scizor a more offensive approach to retaliate against Choice Band Zygarde and Garchomp lacking a Fire-type attack. Choice Band Scizor is rather unconventional most of the time; however, it does have some perks with a stronger STAB Bullet Punch, is capable of investing more into Speed for catching Magnezone by surprise with Superpower, and can threaten Pokemon fleeing from Scizor with Pursuit.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Mega Scizor allows Heatran, Charizard, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak to switch in freely. All four of these Pokemon take advantage of Scizor with little fear. What's worse is Defog can remove Stealth Rock from the Fire-type Pokemon's side of the field, meaning that they may not always switch into Stealth Rock. Heatran can utilize Stealth Rock or its various Fire-type attacks to prevent Scizor from staying in safely. Charizard can become either Mega Charizard X and set up Dragon Dance or Mega Charizard Y and singe the team with Drought-boosted Fire-type attacks. Scizor should use U-turn right when Alolan Marowak switches in, as it is much harder for Scizor's team to defend against Shadow Bone, Fire Punch, or Flare Blitz. Finally, Volcarona has the added insult to injury of Flame Body to punish Scizor from freely using U-turn as a method of escape while setting up Quiver Dance with no real fear.
**Magnezone**: With Magnet Pull, Magnezone has its death glare on Mega Scizor, since U-turn is its only method to escape. Timid Magnezone can usually trap Mega Scizor after a revenge kill and easily dispose of it with Hidden Power Fire.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory fear nothing from Mega Scizor. Celesteela can use Flamethrower or Fire Blast on Mega Scizor, while Skarmory takes almost nothing from any of Scizor's attacks.
**Water-types**: The majority of Water-types only fear repeated U-turns if they do not resist the move and lack recovery. Toxapex, Quagsire, and Rotom-W punish Mega Scizor defensively. Toxapex and Quagsire can fish for Scald burns while not fearing a single attack that Scizor throws at them. Rotom-W does fear faster U-turns; however, Will-O-Wisp can cripple slower Mega Scizor. Offensive Water-types such as Gyarados, Choice Specs Keldeo, and Greninja can put Scizor into unfavorable positions as well. Gyarados takes advantage of Scizor's weak attacks and freely sets up Dragon Dance. Keldeo can switch into Scizor if it is pressured to do something other than Roost or U-turn while having Scald to potentially burn Scizor as well. Greninja can either OHKO with Hidden Power Fire or do a hefty amount of damage with Hydro Pump or Dark Pulse, though both Greninja formes cannot freely switch into Scizor, as U-turn will place a massive dent on them.
**Electric-types**: Zapdos, Mega Manectric, Tapu Koko, and both Thundurus formes can prove troublesome to Mega Scizor. Zapdos can freely switch into Mega Scizor and burn through it with Heat Wave while recovering any passive damage with Roost. Mega Manectric can switch into Mega Scizor a little more easily than some Electric-types thanks to Intimidate and having Overheat or Flamethrower. Tapu Koko does significant damage with STAB Thunderbolt under Electric Terrain and may also threaten Mega Scizor with Hidden Power Fire. Thundurus and Thundurus-T will proceed to set up against Mega Scizor and retaliate with STAB Thunderbolt.
Last edited:
