[OVERVIEW]
Scolipede carves a niche in OU thanks to its excellent Speed, access to Speed Boost, and wide movepool. It can set entry hazards as a suicide lead or sweep with Swords Dance-boosted attacks. It threatens offense and balance alike, functioning as a fast hazard setter or an underrated wincon, given the right support. Scolipede's typing and decent Attack let it pressure common threats like Clefable and Mega Venusaur, while Speed Boost allows it to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame after just one turn. However, it's held back by a poor defensive typing, making it vulnerable to priority moves and common typings like Flying, Psychic, and Fire.
[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Endeavor
move 4: Superpower / Poison Jab
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 208 HP / 48 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Spikes and Toxic Spikes are the core of this set, enabling Scolipede to function as an efficient entry hazard lead that can pressure teams from turn one. Endeavor synergizes well with Speed Boost, allowing Scolipede to weaken bulky threats after taking a hit. Superpower lets it hit Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill, which are immune to Toxic Spikes and Poison Jab. Alternatively, Poison Jab provides a more consistent STAB option, hitting Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill and Mega Altaria.
Set Details
========
The maximized Speed allows unboosted Scolipede to outpace Mega Metagross, Latios, and Thundurus, giving it extra opportunities to set up entry hazards or make use of Endeavor. 48 Attack EVs let Superpower put Excadrill in Rocky Helmet range, which is important to protect the hazards. Rocky Helmet further punishes physical attackers like Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Mega Gyarados. The rest of the EVs are put into bulk to allow Scolipede to stay on the field as long as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Lead with Scolipede against slower or passive Pokémon to stack multiple layers of entry hazards early. Be careful of Taunt leads like Aerodactyl and Azelf. Use Endeavor after taking damage to cripple walls or tanks and put them in range of a teammate's attack or anticipating a big hit from a faster paced foe and take advantage of Speed Boost the following turn. The importance of Spikes against Toxic Spikes should be assessed, and prioritizing one over the other depends on the game state. Be cautious against Mega Diancie, which counters this Scolipede set.
Team Options
========
This Scolipede fits best on offensive teams. The entry hazard-stacking helps teams break down defensive cores. With the attacking options and the support of Rocky Helmet, Scolipede can pressure spinners like Excadrill, and strong hitters like Talonflame, Bisharp, and Weavile can capitalize on the provided chip damage. Ghost-types like Gengar, Jellicent, and Cofagrigus can block Rapid Spin, helping preserve Scolipede's hazards. Bisharp can benefit from opposing Defog or deter it by the threat of its Defiant-boosted Attack alone. Excadrill makes for a good partner, threatening Mega Diancie and providing Stealth Rock. Furthermore, partners that handle Flying-types, such as Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T, are all solid options, and the latter two are especially useful for being able to keep up the momentum and not allowing the opponent to remove hazards.
[SET]
name: Bulky Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Mega Horn
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Earthquake / Aqua Tail / Protect
item: Black Sludge
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 172 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance lets Scolipede function as a late-game cleaner, allowing it to set up and sweep. Megahorn hits bulky switch-ins neutrally, such as Ferrothorn, Mega Metagross, and Mega Venusaur. Poison Jab is a consistent STAB option that hits Fairy- and Flying-types that resist Megahorn, such as Clefable, Tornadus-T, and Mega Altaria. Earthquake hits Fire-types like Heatran and Volcanion hard while providing a strong neutral coverage that bypasses contact. On the other hand, Aqua Tail can hit Landorus-T and Gliscor, which otherwise wall Scolipede, while still hitting bulky Fire-types. Protect guarantees Scolipede's Speed Boost without taking damage.
Set Details
========
172 Speed EVs allow Scolipede to outspeed Excadrill at +0, Mega Alakazam at +1, and Sand Rush Excadrill at +2. Maximum Attack investment optimizes Scolipede's potential as a late-game sweeper. The rest of the EVs are thrown into bulk while keeping an odd HP number to minimize Stealth Rock damage. This allows Scolipede to better take priority attacks and weak coverage moves, as well as create easier setup opportunities to use Swords Dance. Black Sludge gives it passive recovery, which helps it stay on the field longer and stack multiple Speed Boosts or Swords Dances.
Usage Tips
========
Scolipede should be brought in safely and given the opportunity to set up Swords Dance. It can be used early to weaken key defensive targets or used later for an attempt to late-game clean. Before attempting to sweep, some key defensive checks like Skarmory, Garchomp, Landorus-T and Zapdos should be KOed or severely weakened. Strong priority users like Talonflame and Dragonite should ideally be eliminated before attempting a sweep. Against Cofagrigus, which walls Scolipede, Scolipede can still be useful through absorbing its Toxic Spikes throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Scolipede fits best on offensive teams, where other Pokemon open up defensive cores. Bisharp can remove Rocky Helmet with Knock Off and weaken certain foes like Zapdos and Skarmory. Wallbreakers like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar can soften up physical walls that otherwise tank Scolipede's attacks such as Cofagrigus and Zapdos. Dual screens can allow Scolipede easier setup opportunities; therefore, Serperior and Latias can make good teammates. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar can remove troublesome Ghost-types like Cofagrigus.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect can be used on the bulky sweeper set to guarantee a free Speed Boost, but it sacrifices valuable coverage. Toxic can be used over Toxic Spikes on the entry hazard set to have a more directed approach while also be able to hit Flying-types like Zapdos and Tornadus-T. Rock Slide can be used on the sweeper set to also hit the aforementioned Flying-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Flying-types:** Zapdos, Skarmory, and Landorus-T can wall most of Scolipede's moves and threaten it back. Defog Zapdos also counters the entry hazard lead set.
**Flying-types with Priority:** Talonflame, Thunder Wave Thundurus, Quick Attack Mega Pinsir, and Extreme Speed Dragonite can pick off weakened Scolipede, especially after prior chip damage.
**Bulky Bug-types:** Mega Scizor and Mega Heracross can both wall the Swords Dance set and take advantage of the entry hazard lead set.
**Ghost-types:** Cofagrigus, Jellicent, and Gengar resist both Scolipede's STAB moves and can generally survive any hit Scolipede hits. However, Gengar faints to +2 Aqua Tail.
**Quagsire:** Quagsire walls the Swords Dance set, as it is not weak to any of Scolipede's moves and is never 2HKOed.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Scolipede carves a niche in OU thanks to its excellent Speed, access to Speed Boost, and wide movepool. It can set entry hazards as a suicide lead or sweep with Swords Dance-boosted attacks. It threatens offense and balance alike, functioning as a fast hazard setter or an underrated wincon, given the right support. Scolipede's typing and decent Attack let it pressure common threats like Clefable and Mega Venusaur, while Speed Boost allows it to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame after just one turn. However, it's held back by a poor defensive typing, making it vulnerable to priority moves and common typings like Flying, Psychic, and Fire.
[SET]
name: Entry Hazard Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic Spikes
move 3: Endeavor
move 4: Superpower / Poison Jab
item: Rocky Helmet
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Jolly
evs: 208 HP / 48 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Spikes and Toxic Spikes are the core of this set, enabling Scolipede to function as an efficient entry hazard lead that can pressure teams from turn one. Endeavor synergizes well with Speed Boost, allowing Scolipede to weaken bulky threats after taking a hit. Superpower lets it hit Steel-types like Heatran and Excadrill, which are immune to Toxic Spikes and Poison Jab. Alternatively, Poison Jab provides a more consistent STAB option, hitting Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill and Mega Altaria.
Set Details
========
The maximized Speed allows unboosted Scolipede to outpace Mega Metagross, Latios, and Thundurus, giving it extra opportunities to set up entry hazards or make use of Endeavor. 48 Attack EVs let Superpower put Excadrill in Rocky Helmet range, which is important to protect the hazards. Rocky Helmet further punishes physical attackers like Mega Lopunny, Mega Medicham, and Mega Gyarados. The rest of the EVs are put into bulk to allow Scolipede to stay on the field as long as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Lead with Scolipede against slower or passive Pokémon to stack multiple layers of entry hazards early. Be careful of Taunt leads like Aerodactyl and Azelf. Use Endeavor after taking damage to cripple walls or tanks and put them in range of a teammate's attack or anticipating a big hit from a faster paced foe and take advantage of Speed Boost the following turn. The importance of Spikes against Toxic Spikes should be assessed, and prioritizing one over the other depends on the game state. Be cautious against Mega Diancie, which counters this Scolipede set.
Team Options
========
This Scolipede fits best on offensive teams. The entry hazard-stacking helps teams break down defensive cores. With the attacking options and the support of Rocky Helmet, Scolipede can pressure spinners like Excadrill, and strong hitters like Talonflame, Bisharp, and Weavile can capitalize on the provided chip damage. Ghost-types like Gengar, Jellicent, and Cofagrigus can block Rapid Spin, helping preserve Scolipede's hazards. Bisharp can benefit from opposing Defog or deter it by the threat of its Defiant-boosted Attack alone. Excadrill makes for a good partner, threatening Mega Diancie and providing Stealth Rock. Furthermore, partners that handle Flying-types, such as Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Landorus-T, are all solid options, and the latter two are especially useful for being able to keep up the momentum and not allowing the opponent to remove hazards.
[SET]
name: Bulky Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Mega Horn
move 3: Poison Jab
move 4: Earthquake / Aqua Tail / Protect
item: Black Sludge
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant
evs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 172 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance lets Scolipede function as a late-game cleaner, allowing it to set up and sweep. Megahorn hits bulky switch-ins neutrally, such as Ferrothorn, Mega Metagross, and Mega Venusaur. Poison Jab is a consistent STAB option that hits Fairy- and Flying-types that resist Megahorn, such as Clefable, Tornadus-T, and Mega Altaria. Earthquake hits Fire-types like Heatran and Volcanion hard while providing a strong neutral coverage that bypasses contact. On the other hand, Aqua Tail can hit Landorus-T and Gliscor, which otherwise wall Scolipede, while still hitting bulky Fire-types. Protect guarantees Scolipede's Speed Boost without taking damage.
Set Details
========
172 Speed EVs allow Scolipede to outspeed Excadrill at +0, Mega Alakazam at +1, and Sand Rush Excadrill at +2. Maximum Attack investment optimizes Scolipede's potential as a late-game sweeper. The rest of the EVs are thrown into bulk while keeping an odd HP number to minimize Stealth Rock damage. This allows Scolipede to better take priority attacks and weak coverage moves, as well as create easier setup opportunities to use Swords Dance. Black Sludge gives it passive recovery, which helps it stay on the field longer and stack multiple Speed Boosts or Swords Dances.
Usage Tips
========
Scolipede should be brought in safely and given the opportunity to set up Swords Dance. It can be used early to weaken key defensive targets or used later for an attempt to late-game clean. Before attempting to sweep, some key defensive checks like Skarmory, Garchomp, Landorus-T and Zapdos should be KOed or severely weakened. Strong priority users like Talonflame and Dragonite should ideally be eliminated before attempting a sweep. Against Cofagrigus, which walls Scolipede, Scolipede can still be useful through absorbing its Toxic Spikes throughout the game.
Team Options
========
Scolipede fits best on offensive teams, where other Pokemon open up defensive cores. Bisharp can remove Rocky Helmet with Knock Off and weaken certain foes like Zapdos and Skarmory. Wallbreakers like Kyurem-B, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar can soften up physical walls that otherwise tank Scolipede's attacks such as Cofagrigus and Zapdos. Dual screens can allow Scolipede easier setup opportunities; therefore, Serperior and Latias can make good teammates. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar can remove troublesome Ghost-types like Cofagrigus.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect can be used on the bulky sweeper set to guarantee a free Speed Boost, but it sacrifices valuable coverage. Toxic can be used over Toxic Spikes on the entry hazard set to have a more directed approach while also be able to hit Flying-types like Zapdos and Tornadus-T. Rock Slide can be used on the sweeper set to also hit the aforementioned Flying-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Flying-types:** Zapdos, Skarmory, and Landorus-T can wall most of Scolipede's moves and threaten it back. Defog Zapdos also counters the entry hazard lead set.
**Flying-types with Priority:** Talonflame, Thunder Wave Thundurus, Quick Attack Mega Pinsir, and Extreme Speed Dragonite can pick off weakened Scolipede, especially after prior chip damage.
**Bulky Bug-types:** Mega Scizor and Mega Heracross can both wall the Swords Dance set and take advantage of the entry hazard lead set.
**Ghost-types:** Cofagrigus, Jellicent, and Gengar resist both Scolipede's STAB moves and can generally survive any hit Scolipede hits. However, Gengar faints to +2 Aqua Tail.
**Quagsire:** Quagsire walls the Swords Dance set, as it is not weak to any of Scolipede's moves and is never 2HKOed.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
