Pokemon Bootcamp Pt.19: Skarmory

Again, my apologies for being on hiatus for too long. There just have been a lot of things to do lately, and the house is being renovated (sort of). Anyways, rest assured that this blog will still continue to give you some tips and tricks of your favorite Pokemon. :) Now then, without further ado...

WELCOME TO POKEMON BOOTCAMP!

Subject No. 19
Name: Skarmory
Species: The Armor Bird Pokemon
Height: 5'07"
Weight: 111.3 lbs.
Type: Steel, Flying
Possible Abilities: Keen Eye, Sturdy,Weak Armor
Smogon Tier: OverUsed

Insights: Skarmory is well-known for its very hefty Defense stat; capable of withstanding many different attacks while dealing an outstanding amount of utility in the process. The most well-known tactic among Skarmory users is to first set-up Stealth Rock, and if it survives, spam Whirlwind to whittle down the enemy party, and pick off weaker foes with Brave Bird. Additionally, Roost keeps it healthy; making this one of the strongest Pokemons in the current meta in terms of defensive prowess.

Recommended Ability: Sturdy
This is simply a no-brainer; Sturdy is required for a successful set-up. In fact, this is an extremely powerful Ability that can allow you the turn the tide in your favor if utilized properly, specifically against high-powered opponents like Garchomp and Talonflame.

Recommended moves:
1. Brave Bird - basically the only STAB move you'll ever need for Skarmory. This attack has a very high damage that wrecks faces effortlessly. Also, an 80 base Attack for a defensive Pokemon is also a reason to use this. Heck, I even see NO reason not to use this!

2. Stealth Rock - the main event of the evening; Stealth Rock. This is absolutely the very move Skarmory needs to proclaim its use. Stealth Rock whittles down foes efficiently, and with Whirlwind, it can allow to tear down foes in a matter of time. What a gratifying feeling. :)

3. Roost - do you ever want your Skarmory to act like a total jerk in front of your foes? Just as you are about to take it down, it then uses a healing move to restore its health back. WHAAAAT?! OK, now that is just frustrating just thinking about it! However, the downside of Roost is that it loses its Ground immunity, making it susceptible to the ever popular Earthquake, but on the bright side, it will also lose its weakness to Electric attacks. Oh well! You win some, you lose some. :)

4. Whirlwind - (OwO) That cute yet menacing expression is what I feel after mauling foes down with Stealth Rocks. This is the perfect move to rack up residual damage against foes while avoiding their possibly dangerous attacks. It kinda reminds me of Taunt except it blows you away, literally.

5. Steel Wing - want to add more Defense to your already tough Pokemon? Then Steel Wing is just the move for you. This move can allow you to deal damage while having a chance of slightly increasing your defenses. A quite nifty move to have, especially if you want your Skarmory to survive that long.

Other recommended moves:
1. Spikes - adds more utility to Skarmory, but it also begs to become Taunt bait.

2. Fly -  a weaker alternative to Brave Bird. However, due to the predictability of the move, it's not really reliable at most. Don't use this unless you want to run Brave Bird.

3. Aerial Ace - the weakest alternative to Brave Bird, competitively. The good thing here is that it doesn't miss.

4. Sky Attack - the stronger alternative to Brave Bird. However, due to the defensive set-up of most Skarmory sets, there isn't really much to boast. And that charge time? Sheesh. Don't make me start my rant over that.

5. Curse - increases your Defense and Attack while sacrificing Speed. Quite a surprising decent move for a Flying Pokemon, to be honest.

6. Drill Peck - the best alternative to Brave Bird. It doesn't have that in-your-face kind of damage that Brave Bird provides, but at least you won't get that nasty recoil, either. A decent 80 damage and 100 accuracy makes it all worthwhile.

Recommended items:
1. Custap Berry - I have no idea why pros run this thing? Well, probably because it lets you act first when your HP is down??? Maybe? HA! Just kidding. That's exactly what this item does... and it makes wonders.

2. Power Herb - OK! If you're REEEEEEALLY decided for your Skarmory to go for broke, then perhaps this item may scratch that itch. Seriously, that Sky Attack + Power Herb combo is always outstanding... and THAT is the only reason to use this.

3. Rocky Helmet - an item that hurts even the nastiest of opponents. A very ideal item for a defensive Pokemon. I really can't recommend it more than enough.

4. Focus Sash - with Sturdy, it seems to be very redundant, but anything else, it's magical.

Recommended Nature: Bold or Impish
Defense is Skarmory's main arsenal. You just can't get enough to see those Talonflames and Mega Charizard Xs try to take you down with one hit with their Flare Blitzes. However, these two natures have their specific tweaks. Bold is recommended if you are the type of person who doesn't like Nasty Plot's nasty damage modifier. If you want, however, to wreck face while surviving tons of damage, then go for Impish. :)

Overall: There really isn't anything much to say about Skarmory other than it is simply a Flying-type Ferrothorn, sans the Iron Barbs. However, unlike Ferrothorn, Skarmory acts faster. Ummm... seriously. Nothing else...

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