QC:
GP:
overview
*Mega Sceptile has a unique niche as a speedy special attacking Pokemon that can outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y, backed up with a strong base 145 Special Attack.
*These strong offenses allow it to deal significant damage to many bulky Pokemon, including Primal Kyogre, Mega Tyranitar, and bulky Steel- and Dragon-types. The threat of serious damage tends to induce switches that can work in Mega Sceptile's favor.
*Grass/Dragon is a mixed bag defensively. It has useful 4x resistances to grass, Electric and Water, as well as a 2x resistance to Ground. That same typing leaves it 4x weak to Ice and 2x weak to Flying, Dragon, Bug and Fairy, which means that many common priority moves and U-turns from defensive pivots can severely damage or OHKO it.
*Mega Sceptile's bad defensive stats mean that it should be kept away from any unnecessary damage such as entry hazards and status, as this chip damage can bring it in range of KOs from moves that it might have survived otherwise.
Contrary
Sceptile-mega @ Focus Sash / Earth Plate / Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Draco Meteor
- Overheat/Judgment
- Spore / Moongeist beam
Set Comments
Moves
*Leaf Storm and Draco meteor are powerful stab moves that help Mega Sceptile set up and sweep. Leaf Storm 2hKOs Primal Kyogre; Mega Gyarados; and most variants of Primal Groudon, while Draco meteor hits Giratina; Zygarde-C; and Imposter switch-ins very hard.
*Overheat nets solid coverage against Steel types, with a guaranteed 2HKO against non-Flash Fire Registeel and Aegislash unboosted. It also 2hKOs Assault Vest Solgaleo on the switch.
* Earth Plate Judgment hits Flash Fire Steel-types, with the exception of Celesteela, harder than Sceptile's other moves and allows you to imposterproof it with your own Flash Fire Steel-type.
*Spore cripples a predicted switch-in and cannot be bounced back thanks to Sceptile's Grass typing.
* Moongeist Beam KOs Sturdy Shedinja and hits some unaware users harder at +2.
Set Details
* A speed-boosting nature is required in order to take advantage of Mega Sceptile's great speed tier, allowing it to easily outspeed Mega Mewtwo forms and Mega Gengar.
* Contrary allows Sceptile to use its high-power moves to set up and sweep the foe at the same time.
*Focus Sash is generally the best item as it guarantees that an Imposter will take massive damage if the Sash is intact.
* Earth Plate allows Mega Sceptile to have coverage that an Imposter cannot copy. Life Orb is also viable to increase the power of all its moves, allowing it to break through walls more easily. For example, a Life Orb boosted Leaf Storm has a 30% chance to 2hKO Unaware Mega Audino from full. Without the Life Orb, it can only hope to deal about 75%.
Usage Tips
* Mega Sceptile is best saved for the late game once checks to it such as Unaware walls have been weakened or removed. Early game, use Mega Sceptile to force switches and wear down your opponent's walls.
* Due to its frailty, Mega Sceptile must be brought in via a slow pivot or on a predicted switch. Try to scout strong attacks such as Kyogre-p's or MMY's Ice Beam, Status moves such as Nuzzle or Toxic, Core Enforcer from Steel-type walls, or random Fairy-type coverage moves to gauge how much work needs to be done before Mega Sceptile can sweep safely.
* Once in, good prediction can go a really long way in breaking through the opponent's team. If you are unsure of what move to use, Leaf Storm is a safe STAB move since it has no immunities besides the rare Sap Sipper.
*If Imposter switches in, such as after a fainted teammate, Mega Sceptile can stay in if its Focus Sash is intact and it has gained a Special Attack boost from using a Contrary move. +2 Draco meteor does massive damage to an Imposter, who will have to risk taking at least one and perhaps two of them depending on the result of the speed tie. This should not be relied upon, of course, as it is not easy to maintain the Focus Sash.
*Spore can be useful if the opponent's Mega Sceptile answer is a Pokemon that is not Steel-type, as many of them do not use Safety Goggles.
Team Options
* Entry Hazard support from Deoxys-s, Zygarde-C, or a bulky Steel-type can help pave the way for Sceptile's sweep, while also preventing Shedinja from switching in to wall it. They also allow Sceptile to get 2hKOs on otherwise reliable walls, such as unaware Mega Audino.
*Slower, bulky attackers such as Kartana, Mega Garchomp, and mega Metagross appreciate the chip damage Mega Sceptile can accrue against walls. In turn they can weaken Unaware walls such as Mega Audino and Yveltal to facilitate Mega Sceptile's late-game sweep.
*A check to -ate users, such as a bulky Steel type or a physically defensive Soundproof user, can save Mega Sceptile from being revenge KOed, while bringing it in via a slow pivot. Z-parting Shot users are especially nice, since they can save Mega Sceptile from losing its item via Knock Off or Trick, and heal Mega Sceptile back up to full if it has sustained damage.
* Imposter Chansey is a very useful teammate to scout for lure moves that might KO Mega Sceptile.
* Opposing Imposter Chansey is also extremely dangerous if it copies mega Sceptile. Flash Fire Registeel can take two hits from any move and recover off the damage. Unaware walls such as Mega Audino or Xerneas can keep an Imposter in check, though all of them have to run Safety Goggles if Mega Sceptile runs Spore.
*Psychic Terrain support from Mega Mewtwo Y is useful to stop priority attackers, and works especially well if Sceptile opts to run Psycho Boost. Alternatively, Mega Mewtwo Y's Sheer Force set can effectively lure in many of Mega Sceptile's checks.
*Mega Gengar is also a solid wallbreaker and can lure in Mega Audino and other Fairy-types with a STAB Sludge Wave, making it a great help to Mega Sceptile.
Sheer Force
Sceptile-mega @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Seed Flare
- Tail Glow / Earth Power
- Blue Flare
- Ice Beam / Spore
Set Comments
moves
* Seed Flare is Sceptile's best STAB move, 2hKOing most offensive threats. It also at worst 2hKOs primal Kyogre, even with an Assault Vest.
* Tail Glow can be used to turn Mega Sceptile into a deadly late-game sweeper, increasing its special attack by 3 stages and allowing it to brute force its way past walls.
* Earth Power OHKOs Mega Gengar and hits non-Flash Fire Steel-types harder than Mega Sceptile's other moves.
* Blue Flare 2hKOs Steel-type switchins, whether or not they are using an Assault Vest.
* Ice Beam OHKOs Mega Rayquaza and Mega Garchomp and deals at least 80% to non-Assault Vest Zygarde-C.
* Spore can cripple a predicted switch-in and cannot be bounced back due to Sceptile's Grass typing.
Set Details
* A positive nature is required to outspeed base 130 and 140 Speed Pokemon including Mega Gengar and Mega Mewtwo forms. It also allows Mega Sceptile to outspeed neutral-natured base 90 speed Choice Scarf users such as Primal Groudon.
* Sheer Force along with a Life Orb gives Sceptile's moves a 69% power increase and removes Life Orb's recoil.
Usage tips
* Pivot Mega Sceptile against a weakened threat that it can outspeed and OHKO to force the opponent to switch or sacrifice his current Pokemon. Most offensive threats do not need to be damaged too much for mega Sceptile to faint them (Primal Groudon takes at least 60% from Earth Power, Mega Mewtwo Y at least 75% from Seed Flare, etc.) Predicting a switch can put the Mega Sceptile user in an excellent position, especially if a Steel-type switch is is hit super effectively.
* Remember that Seed Flare's 80% accuracy is as bad as Stone Edge's. A missed Seed Flare can result in the loss of Mega Sceptile.
* Avoid letting Mega Sceptile take unneeded damage. It cannot take any more than weak resisted moves such as a Volt Switch from a defensive Pokemon. Keep entry hazards off the field to maximize Mega Sceptile's chances of survivability.
* Do not allow Mega Sceptile to lose its Life Orb, as this will significantly weaken the power of all its moves and turn potential 2hKOs into 3hKOs.
* If running Tail Glow, do not reveal the move until the late game, when all Priority and Unaware users have been removed. Use Tail Glow on a predicted switch, then start rampaging through the opponent's weakened team with it.
Team Options
* Bulky Steel-types can take priority attacks for Mega Sceptile and pivot it in safely. Registeel, Solgaleo, and Aegislash can all provide a slow pivot as well as great team support. Assault Vest Primal Kyogre can serve the same purpose and maintains a strong offensive presence.
* Knock Off support from Yveltal, Assault Vest Solgaleo, or Mega Audino can remove Assault Vests, Safety Goggles, and leftovers from defensive Pokemon, weakening them for Mega Sceptile.
* Zygarde-C can Imposter-proof non-Ice Beam variants. If running Ice beam, Chansey or Primordial Sea Celesteela are other useable options. If running Tail Glow, these Pokemon must run Unaware so that one can boost safely against an Imposter. Sturdy Shedinja is also a competent Imposter counter without entry hazards on the field, but Mega Sceptile can never risk switching in if hazards are up, neutering much of its threat value. Ho-Oh can also Imposterproof this set, though it needs Unaware and a field clear of Stealth Rockif Mega Sceptile is running Tail Glow.
* Entry hazard support from Deoxys-s, Giratina, or Mega Audino can weaken the opposing team for a sweep and prevent opposing Sturdy Shedinja from walling mega Sceptile.
* Bulky setup sweepers such as Poison Heal Primal Kyogre and Poison Heal Regigigas appreciate Mega Sceptile's wallbreaking power. Poison Heal Pokemon can also safely spread status against the opposing team.
*Aerilate, Pixilate and Refrigerate users such as Mega Rayquaza, Mega Diancie, and Kyurem-b appreciate the removal of Steel types that would otherwise easily take their hits.
Strategy Comments
Other Options
*Choice Specs with Grassy Surge gives Mega Sceptile much more power behind its Grass-type STAB, but makes it much more difficult to sweep when locked into a single move. Alternatively, a teammate can provide Grassy Surge support, freeing Mega Sceptile's ability slot for something else to boost its damage to ludicrous levels. The amount of team support required to pull this off makes it hard to justify however.
* Substitute is useful to shield Mega Sceptile from status, Imposter transformation, and priority moves, but it does not have enough moveslots for it, and it cannot really afford to lose hp.
*On the Sheer Force set, Sludge wave guarantees a 2hKO against mega Audino but is otherwise inferior to the listed moves due to its lack of coverage.
*A Dragonium-z Soundproof set running Clanging Scales, Spore, Tail Glow and a filler move, such as substitute, can gain momentum against Imposter users since they cannot hit Mega Sceptile, which gives the Mega Sceptile user a free turn to set up Tail Glow. If the Imposter stays in, it is OHKOed by a +3 Devastating Drake. It is walled by bulky Unaware Fairy types and Steel types, making it generally inferior to the Contrary set.
*Fleur Cannon can be ran on the Contrary set to hit obscure targets such as Unaware Yveltal harder, but the loss of coverage is not worth it.
Checks and Counters
*Priority Users: Aerilate, Pixilate and Refrigerate users all land easy KOs on Mega Sceptile with their priority moves. Triage Oblivion wing deals hefty chunks of damage to Mega Sceptile as well.
*Super-effective Coverage: If the opponent's Pokemon survives Mega Sceptile's attack or if the attack misses, which is an inevitability given its non-100% accuracy, the defender can retaliate back with Ice-type moves such as Ice Beam or its physical counterpart, Ice hammer. Ice beam is often run on Sheer Force sets while Ice Hammer is mostly seen on Contrary attackers. Core Enforcer, if it does not KO, removes Mega Sceptile's ability, forcing it to switch out. Most Fairy-type attackers can 2hKO Mega Sceptile with their STAB moves.
*Entry hazards: Stealth rock and Spikes easily wear Mega Sceptile down in combination with its bad bulk and possible Life Orb recoil. Toxic Spikes puts it on a timer, while Sticky Web neuters its great speed tier, preventing it from sweeping.
*Unaware: Unaware walls that are not hit super effectively such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, or Yveltal (if not running Fleur Cannon), can easily counter Contrary Mega Sceptile, but can be beaten by the Sheer Force set.
*special Walls: Non-imposter Chansey can switch in against any of Mega Sceptile's attacks. Assault Vest Dialga has enough bulk to survive two Earth plate Judgments from Mega Sceptile one time, which is usually enough to OHKO Mega Sceptile with Core Enforcer. Assault Vest Steel types such as Dialga and Registeel have to be wary of Earth Power and Blue Flare on the Sheer Force set, which can still 2hKO them. Ho-oh can check Sceptile if it is unboosted as well, and deal massive damage back with a Flying-type STAB.
*Sturdy Shedinja: Sturdy Shedinja can force out Mega Sceptile if Sceptile foregoes Moongeist Beam.
*Ability removal: Core Enforcer, Skill Swap, Entrainment, and Gastro Acid can force out mega Sceptile since it will either be weakened after every attack if it loses Contrary, or take Life Orb recoil if it loses Sheer Force.
*Residual Damage and Status: Paralysis is perhaps the worst fate to befall a Mega Sceptile, as its frailty means that any faster Pokemon will deal hefty damage to it once it's paralyzed. Toxic makes sweeping much more difficult, while Life Orb recoil constantly wears Mega Sceptile down if it's not running Sheer Force.
GP:
overview
*Mega Sceptile has a unique niche as a speedy special attacking Pokemon that can outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y, backed up with a strong base 145 Special Attack.
*These strong offenses allow it to deal significant damage to many bulky Pokemon, including Primal Kyogre, Mega Tyranitar, and bulky Steel- and Dragon-types. The threat of serious damage tends to induce switches that can work in Mega Sceptile's favor.
*Grass/Dragon is a mixed bag defensively. It has useful 4x resistances to grass, Electric and Water, as well as a 2x resistance to Ground. That same typing leaves it 4x weak to Ice and 2x weak to Flying, Dragon, Bug and Fairy, which means that many common priority moves and U-turns from defensive pivots can severely damage or OHKO it.
*Mega Sceptile's bad defensive stats mean that it should be kept away from any unnecessary damage such as entry hazards and status, as this chip damage can bring it in range of KOs from moves that it might have survived otherwise.
Contrary
Sceptile-mega @ Focus Sash / Earth Plate / Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leaf Storm
- Draco Meteor
- Overheat/Judgment
- Spore / Moongeist beam
Set Comments
Moves
*Leaf Storm and Draco meteor are powerful stab moves that help Mega Sceptile set up and sweep. Leaf Storm 2hKOs Primal Kyogre; Mega Gyarados; and most variants of Primal Groudon, while Draco meteor hits Giratina; Zygarde-C; and Imposter switch-ins very hard.
*Overheat nets solid coverage against Steel types, with a guaranteed 2HKO against non-Flash Fire Registeel and Aegislash unboosted. It also 2hKOs Assault Vest Solgaleo on the switch.
* Earth Plate Judgment hits Flash Fire Steel-types, with the exception of Celesteela, harder than Sceptile's other moves and allows you to imposterproof it with your own Flash Fire Steel-type.
*Spore cripples a predicted switch-in and cannot be bounced back thanks to Sceptile's Grass typing.
* Moongeist Beam KOs Sturdy Shedinja and hits some unaware users harder at +2.
Set Details
* A speed-boosting nature is required in order to take advantage of Mega Sceptile's great speed tier, allowing it to easily outspeed Mega Mewtwo forms and Mega Gengar.
* Contrary allows Sceptile to use its high-power moves to set up and sweep the foe at the same time.
*Focus Sash is generally the best item as it guarantees that an Imposter will take massive damage if the Sash is intact.
* Earth Plate allows Mega Sceptile to have coverage that an Imposter cannot copy. Life Orb is also viable to increase the power of all its moves, allowing it to break through walls more easily. For example, a Life Orb boosted Leaf Storm has a 30% chance to 2hKO Unaware Mega Audino from full. Without the Life Orb, it can only hope to deal about 75%.
Usage Tips
* Mega Sceptile is best saved for the late game once checks to it such as Unaware walls have been weakened or removed. Early game, use Mega Sceptile to force switches and wear down your opponent's walls.
* Due to its frailty, Mega Sceptile must be brought in via a slow pivot or on a predicted switch. Try to scout strong attacks such as Kyogre-p's or MMY's Ice Beam, Status moves such as Nuzzle or Toxic, Core Enforcer from Steel-type walls, or random Fairy-type coverage moves to gauge how much work needs to be done before Mega Sceptile can sweep safely.
* Once in, good prediction can go a really long way in breaking through the opponent's team. If you are unsure of what move to use, Leaf Storm is a safe STAB move since it has no immunities besides the rare Sap Sipper.
*If Imposter switches in, such as after a fainted teammate, Mega Sceptile can stay in if its Focus Sash is intact and it has gained a Special Attack boost from using a Contrary move. +2 Draco meteor does massive damage to an Imposter, who will have to risk taking at least one and perhaps two of them depending on the result of the speed tie. This should not be relied upon, of course, as it is not easy to maintain the Focus Sash.
*Spore can be useful if the opponent's Mega Sceptile answer is a Pokemon that is not Steel-type, as many of them do not use Safety Goggles.
Team Options
* Entry Hazard support from Deoxys-s, Zygarde-C, or a bulky Steel-type can help pave the way for Sceptile's sweep, while also preventing Shedinja from switching in to wall it. They also allow Sceptile to get 2hKOs on otherwise reliable walls, such as unaware Mega Audino.
*Slower, bulky attackers such as Kartana, Mega Garchomp, and mega Metagross appreciate the chip damage Mega Sceptile can accrue against walls. In turn they can weaken Unaware walls such as Mega Audino and Yveltal to facilitate Mega Sceptile's late-game sweep.
*A check to -ate users, such as a bulky Steel type or a physically defensive Soundproof user, can save Mega Sceptile from being revenge KOed, while bringing it in via a slow pivot. Z-parting Shot users are especially nice, since they can save Mega Sceptile from losing its item via Knock Off or Trick, and heal Mega Sceptile back up to full if it has sustained damage.
* Imposter Chansey is a very useful teammate to scout for lure moves that might KO Mega Sceptile.
* Opposing Imposter Chansey is also extremely dangerous if it copies mega Sceptile. Flash Fire Registeel can take two hits from any move and recover off the damage. Unaware walls such as Mega Audino or Xerneas can keep an Imposter in check, though all of them have to run Safety Goggles if Mega Sceptile runs Spore.
*Psychic Terrain support from Mega Mewtwo Y is useful to stop priority attackers, and works especially well if Sceptile opts to run Psycho Boost. Alternatively, Mega Mewtwo Y's Sheer Force set can effectively lure in many of Mega Sceptile's checks.
*Mega Gengar is also a solid wallbreaker and can lure in Mega Audino and other Fairy-types with a STAB Sludge Wave, making it a great help to Mega Sceptile.
Sheer Force
Sceptile-mega @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Seed Flare
- Tail Glow / Earth Power
- Blue Flare
- Ice Beam / Spore
Set Comments
moves
* Seed Flare is Sceptile's best STAB move, 2hKOing most offensive threats. It also at worst 2hKOs primal Kyogre, even with an Assault Vest.
* Tail Glow can be used to turn Mega Sceptile into a deadly late-game sweeper, increasing its special attack by 3 stages and allowing it to brute force its way past walls.
* Earth Power OHKOs Mega Gengar and hits non-Flash Fire Steel-types harder than Mega Sceptile's other moves.
* Blue Flare 2hKOs Steel-type switchins, whether or not they are using an Assault Vest.
* Ice Beam OHKOs Mega Rayquaza and Mega Garchomp and deals at least 80% to non-Assault Vest Zygarde-C.
* Spore can cripple a predicted switch-in and cannot be bounced back due to Sceptile's Grass typing.
Set Details
* A positive nature is required to outspeed base 130 and 140 Speed Pokemon including Mega Gengar and Mega Mewtwo forms. It also allows Mega Sceptile to outspeed neutral-natured base 90 speed Choice Scarf users such as Primal Groudon.
* Sheer Force along with a Life Orb gives Sceptile's moves a 69% power increase and removes Life Orb's recoil.
Usage tips
* Pivot Mega Sceptile against a weakened threat that it can outspeed and OHKO to force the opponent to switch or sacrifice his current Pokemon. Most offensive threats do not need to be damaged too much for mega Sceptile to faint them (Primal Groudon takes at least 60% from Earth Power, Mega Mewtwo Y at least 75% from Seed Flare, etc.) Predicting a switch can put the Mega Sceptile user in an excellent position, especially if a Steel-type switch is is hit super effectively.
* Remember that Seed Flare's 80% accuracy is as bad as Stone Edge's. A missed Seed Flare can result in the loss of Mega Sceptile.
* Avoid letting Mega Sceptile take unneeded damage. It cannot take any more than weak resisted moves such as a Volt Switch from a defensive Pokemon. Keep entry hazards off the field to maximize Mega Sceptile's chances of survivability.
* Do not allow Mega Sceptile to lose its Life Orb, as this will significantly weaken the power of all its moves and turn potential 2hKOs into 3hKOs.
* If running Tail Glow, do not reveal the move until the late game, when all Priority and Unaware users have been removed. Use Tail Glow on a predicted switch, then start rampaging through the opponent's weakened team with it.
Team Options
* Bulky Steel-types can take priority attacks for Mega Sceptile and pivot it in safely. Registeel, Solgaleo, and Aegislash can all provide a slow pivot as well as great team support. Assault Vest Primal Kyogre can serve the same purpose and maintains a strong offensive presence.
* Knock Off support from Yveltal, Assault Vest Solgaleo, or Mega Audino can remove Assault Vests, Safety Goggles, and leftovers from defensive Pokemon, weakening them for Mega Sceptile.
* Zygarde-C can Imposter-proof non-Ice Beam variants. If running Ice beam, Chansey or Primordial Sea Celesteela are other useable options. If running Tail Glow, these Pokemon must run Unaware so that one can boost safely against an Imposter. Sturdy Shedinja is also a competent Imposter counter without entry hazards on the field, but Mega Sceptile can never risk switching in if hazards are up, neutering much of its threat value. Ho-Oh can also Imposterproof this set, though it needs Unaware and a field clear of Stealth Rockif Mega Sceptile is running Tail Glow.
* Entry hazard support from Deoxys-s, Giratina, or Mega Audino can weaken the opposing team for a sweep and prevent opposing Sturdy Shedinja from walling mega Sceptile.
* Bulky setup sweepers such as Poison Heal Primal Kyogre and Poison Heal Regigigas appreciate Mega Sceptile's wallbreaking power. Poison Heal Pokemon can also safely spread status against the opposing team.
*Aerilate, Pixilate and Refrigerate users such as Mega Rayquaza, Mega Diancie, and Kyurem-b appreciate the removal of Steel types that would otherwise easily take their hits.
Strategy Comments
Other Options
*Choice Specs with Grassy Surge gives Mega Sceptile much more power behind its Grass-type STAB, but makes it much more difficult to sweep when locked into a single move. Alternatively, a teammate can provide Grassy Surge support, freeing Mega Sceptile's ability slot for something else to boost its damage to ludicrous levels. The amount of team support required to pull this off makes it hard to justify however.
* Substitute is useful to shield Mega Sceptile from status, Imposter transformation, and priority moves, but it does not have enough moveslots for it, and it cannot really afford to lose hp.
*On the Sheer Force set, Sludge wave guarantees a 2hKO against mega Audino but is otherwise inferior to the listed moves due to its lack of coverage.
*A Dragonium-z Soundproof set running Clanging Scales, Spore, Tail Glow and a filler move, such as substitute, can gain momentum against Imposter users since they cannot hit Mega Sceptile, which gives the Mega Sceptile user a free turn to set up Tail Glow. If the Imposter stays in, it is OHKOed by a +3 Devastating Drake. It is walled by bulky Unaware Fairy types and Steel types, making it generally inferior to the Contrary set.
*Fleur Cannon can be ran on the Contrary set to hit obscure targets such as Unaware Yveltal harder, but the loss of coverage is not worth it.
Checks and Counters
*Priority Users: Aerilate, Pixilate and Refrigerate users all land easy KOs on Mega Sceptile with their priority moves. Triage Oblivion wing deals hefty chunks of damage to Mega Sceptile as well.
*Super-effective Coverage: If the opponent's Pokemon survives Mega Sceptile's attack or if the attack misses, which is an inevitability given its non-100% accuracy, the defender can retaliate back with Ice-type moves such as Ice Beam or its physical counterpart, Ice hammer. Ice beam is often run on Sheer Force sets while Ice Hammer is mostly seen on Contrary attackers. Core Enforcer, if it does not KO, removes Mega Sceptile's ability, forcing it to switch out. Most Fairy-type attackers can 2hKO Mega Sceptile with their STAB moves.
*Entry hazards: Stealth rock and Spikes easily wear Mega Sceptile down in combination with its bad bulk and possible Life Orb recoil. Toxic Spikes puts it on a timer, while Sticky Web neuters its great speed tier, preventing it from sweeping.
*Unaware: Unaware walls that are not hit super effectively such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, or Yveltal (if not running Fleur Cannon), can easily counter Contrary Mega Sceptile, but can be beaten by the Sheer Force set.
*special Walls: Non-imposter Chansey can switch in against any of Mega Sceptile's attacks. Assault Vest Dialga has enough bulk to survive two Earth plate Judgments from Mega Sceptile one time, which is usually enough to OHKO Mega Sceptile with Core Enforcer. Assault Vest Steel types such as Dialga and Registeel have to be wary of Earth Power and Blue Flare on the Sheer Force set, which can still 2hKO them. Ho-oh can check Sceptile if it is unboosted as well, and deal massive damage back with a Flying-type STAB.
*Sturdy Shedinja: Sturdy Shedinja can force out Mega Sceptile if Sceptile foregoes Moongeist Beam.
*Ability removal: Core Enforcer, Skill Swap, Entrainment, and Gastro Acid can force out mega Sceptile since it will either be weakened after every attack if it loses Contrary, or take Life Orb recoil if it loses Sheer Force.
*Residual Damage and Status: Paralysis is perhaps the worst fate to befall a Mega Sceptile, as its frailty means that any faster Pokemon will deal hefty damage to it once it's paralyzed. Toxic makes sweeping much more difficult, while Life Orb recoil constantly wears Mega Sceptile down if it's not running Sheer Force.
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