
[OVERVIEW]
**Poison**:
Scolipede is very reliable on Poison-type teams because of its ability Speed Boost, which makes it a great cleaner and allows it to outspeed common Choice Scarf users such as Victini, Latios, and Kyurem-B. Scolipede also has access to reliable coverage moves such as Superpower, Aqua Tail, Rock Slide, and Earthquake, which allow it to check many Pokemon in the metagame. Scolipede's base 100 Attack stat coupled with Choice Band, Life Orb, or Swords Dance lets it function as an effective wallbreaker. Scolipede's typing sets it apart from other Poison-types, as its Bug typing and STAB Megahorn allow it to check Psychic-types that pose a huge threat to Poison-type teams, and it can take a couple of Ground-type attacks from powerful attackers.
Unfortunately, Scolipede's typing makes it weak to Stealth Rock, limiting its opportunities to switch in. Scolipede also lacks reasonable bulk, meaning it can't take advantage of its neutrality to Ground-type attacks and can be revenge killed by priority moves. Despite being immune to Poison, Scolipede is vulnerable to other status effects such as burn and paralysis, both of which prevent Scolipede from being a late-game sweeper by hindering its effectiveness to either deal a lot of damage or outspeed other Pokemon. Scolipede also suffers from four-moveslot syndrome, which makes it unable to check every single type.
[SET]
name: Sweeper (Poison)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Protect / Swords Dance
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Slide
item: Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is Scolipede's most powerful STAB move, allowing it to hit Dark-, Grass-, and Psychic-types such as Tyranitar, Celebi, and Mew. Rock Slide gives Scolipede coverage against Fire- and Flying-types that resist Megahorn, such as Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Togekiss. Earthquake gives Scolipede more coverage against Rock- and Steel-types, such as Mega Diancie and Magnezone, and Fire-types that aren't immune to Ground-type attacks, such as Heatran, Victini, and Entei. Protect allows Scolipede to scout the opposing Pokemon's moves while also activating Speed Boost. It's highly recommended to use Protect, because with an Adamant nature, Scolipede can't outspeed Mega Charizard Y and Mega Medicham pre-boost. Swords Dance can be used instead of Protect to boost Scolipede's Attack to higher levels, making it a dangerous sweeper.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack EVs with an Adamant nature augment Scolipede's damage output. Maximum Speed EVs allow Scolipede to outrun Jolly Gyarados, Mamoswine, and Timid Meloetta. A Jolly nature allows Scolipede to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Latios and Swift Swim Kingdra after a Speed boost; however, without an Adamant nature, Scolipede misses out on the extra damage to secure a KO against Mega Medicham. Life Orb can be used to increase Scolipede's damage output even further at the cost of a bit of health with each successful attack, but Focus Sash can be used instead to guarantee that Scolipede will be able to survive an attack. Swords Dance should definitely be used with Focus Sash because this ensures that Scolipede is able to set up at least once; however, Scolipede misses out on the extra damage from Life Orb and has to find an opportunity to set up Swords Dance.
Usage Tips
========
Scolipede should use Protect against potential Choice Scarf Pokemon to activate Speed Boost so it can outspeed them. It should also stay away from status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, as they cut Scolipede's Attack and Speed, respectively. Keep Scolipede away from entry hazards because it is worn down fast and lacks reliable recovery. Preserve Scolipede early-game because it can't sweep late-game if it's already worn down. If Scolipede is running Focus Sash and Swords Dance, it should switch in after a fallen teammate to avoid taking any damage so its Focus Sash isn't negated.
Team Options
========
Drapion is a great partner for Scolipede, as it can provide utility with Knock Off, removing items from Pokemon such as Chansey and Porygon2, as well as set up Toxic Spikes. Skuntank, Crobat, and Tentacruel can remove entry hazards with Defog or Rapid Spin. Crobat can also be a switch-in to Ground-type attacks thanks to its Flying typing and is a great pivot with U-turn, which helps gain momentum for Scolipede, especially if the opposing Pokemon tends to switch out. Gengar can switch into Ground-type moves and check Ghost-types for Scolipede along with being a great special wallbreaker. Both Nidoking and Nidoqueen can take on physical walls that tend to tank Scolipede's attacks such as Skarmory. Nidoqueen can provide entry hazard support with Stealth Rock, making it easier for Scolipede to KO threats. Mega Venusaur can take on Ground- and Rock-types that threaten Scolipede.
[SET]
name: Choice Band (Poison)
move 1: Megahorn
move 2: Rock Slide
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Superpower / Aqua Tail
item: Choice Band
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Megahorn is Scolipede's primary STAB attack, denting anything that doesn't resist it. Rock Slide gives coverage against Bug-, Fire-, Flying-, and Ice-types. Earthquake provides great coverage for Steel-types that resist Megahorn such as Heatran, Doublade, and Magnezone. Superpower allows Scolipede to specifically hit Normal-types such as Chansey and Porygon2 for more damage, as both of these threats give Poison teams trouble. Aqua Tail can be used instead of Superpower if your team fears Ground-types more, hitting Pokemon such as Landorus and Gliscor.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Scolipede to outpace Pokemon such as Latios, Gengar, Mega Gallade, and Keldeo. 252 Attack EVs and Choice Band maximize Scolipede's damage output, which makes it a potential wallbreaker, as it can 2HKO Chansey and Ferrothorn with Superpower while also having a chance to 2HKO Mega Venusaur with Megahorn, which is important because these three Pokemon are very annoying to Poison-type teams. Speed Boost is needed to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Gardevoir, Victini, and Magnezone.
Usage Tips
========
Scolipede can be sent out early-game to wallbreak or be used as a revenge killer later in the match. Prediction is very important to anticipate what Pokemon is going to be sent out, so Scolipede can use the appropriate coverage move. Do not leave Scolipede on the field against physically defensive Pokemon such as Skarmory, Hippowdon, Mandibuzz, and Avalugg, as they're able to tank its attacks very well. It's best to have Scolipede avoid entry hazards as much as possible, as the residual damage will wear it down much quicker. Scolipede should not be switching into attacks, since its lack of reasonable bulk makes it take significant damage, and it hates to be inflicted with status.
Team Options
========
Mega Venusaur is a great partner for Scolipede, as it can help check Ground- and Rock-types. Special attackers such as Nidoking and Nidoqueen can take on physically defensive Pokemon that threaten Scolipede, such as Skarmory, Sableye, Avalugg, and Staraptor. Nidoqueen can also set up Stealth Rock, allowing Scolipede to KO threats much easier. Drapion can provide utility with Knock Off, crippling item-reliant Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Chansey. Entry hazard removers such as Tentacruel, Crobat, and Skuntank allow Scolipede to gain more opportunities to switch in and stay healthy. Gengar can switch into Ground-type moves and check Fighting-types with Dazzling Gleam while also taking on Ghost-types. It also has access to Destiny Bond, which will help take down a major threat that can potentially stop Scolipede. Together, Scolipede and Gengar can form a powerful offensive core, as they can break each other's checks. Weezing can provide support with Will-O-Wisp to cripple opposing Pokemon and weaken physical attackers for Scolipede to tank more effectively. It also has access to Pain Split, which is great for wearing down the foe.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
**Poison**:
Poison Jab is a STAB attack that allows Scolipede to hit Fairy-types such as Togekiss, Sylveon, Whimsicott, and Azumarill; however, Scolipede has no use for the move because Nidoking, Mega Venusaur, and its other teammates run a Poison-type attack. Baton Pass enables Scolipede to pivot and pass Speed boosts to its teammates, allowing Pokemon such as Nidoking and Gengar to be great cleaners. Substitute allows Scolipede to avoid status moves such as Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp, shield itself from incoming attacks, and take advantage of a predicted switch or a non-attacking move. It can also use Substitute with Baton Pass to send Speed boosts and Substitute to its teammates. Spikes and Toxic Spikes assist in wearing down the opposing team much more quickly. However, Nidoqueen and Tentacruel fit the role of entry hazard setter better. Endeavor works very well with Focus Sash because Scolipede can bring the foe down to 1 HP for it or any of its teammates to eliminate. This can work well against a very threatening Pokemon or a Pokemon that tends to use it as setup fodder.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison**:
**Status**: Scolipede is vulnerable to burn and paralysis, and they both greatly hinder its capabilities. Will-O-Wisp can shorten Scolipede's longevity and decrease the power of its attacks, making it useless. Priority paralysis from Pokemon such as Whimsicott, Klefki, and Thundurus can cut Scolipede's Speed and ruin its ability to outspeed other Pokemon.
**Residual Damage**: Scolipede doesn't appreciate switching into entry hazards, especially Stealth Rock, making it more easier to KO and vulnerable against priority moves. Scolipede should also be wary of potential Rocky Helmet Pokemon such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Slowbro.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Physically defensive Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Mandibuzz, and Avalugg can all tank Scolipede's attacks very well. Hippowdon can use Whirlwind to disrupt Scolipede's attempt to set up Swords Dance and recover back any lost damage with Slack Off. Mandibuzz and Avalugg can deal passive damage when carrying Rocky Helmet and retaliate with Foul Play and Avalanche, respectively.
**Skarmory**: Skarmory can tank Scolipede's attacks very well and set up entry hazards without any trouble. It's not threatened to switch out by Scolipede's Swords Dance, even after a couple of boosts, and Skarmory can use Whirlwind to prevent it from setting up.
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