Scolipede Movesets & Competitive Sets

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Moves Megahorn is Scolipede's main STAB attack and allows it to threaten walls such as Swampert and Mega Venusaur. It also targets Psychic-types such as Latios and Mew, which could otherwise deal with Scolipede. Earthquake hits Poison-, Steel-, Fire-, and Rock-types such as Toxapex, Excadrill, Heatran, and Nihilego. Rock Slide hits troublesome Flying-types like Zapdos, Mega Charizard Y, and Mantine. Protect allows Scolipede to safely gain a Speed boost and revenge kill threats such as Choice Scarf Latios. Alternatively, Swords Dance allows Scolipede to muscle through its checks such as Porygon2 and Toxapex more easily. Set Details The given EV investment allows Scolipede to hit as hard as possible and outspeed threats such as Kyurem-B and Excadrill. Life Orb gives Scolipede's moves an extremely important boost in power, allowing it to check threats such as Mega Charizard X and Victini more easily. Speed Boost increases Scolipede's Speed every turn, making it a potent cleaner and revenge killer. A Jolly nature allows Scolipede to outspeed threats like Latios, Victini, and Nihilego. Adamant can also be used, as it lets Scolipede hit harder, notably allowing it to 2HKO threats such as Mandibuzz, Staraptor, and Victini after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Swampert, at the cost of being slower. Usage Tips Due to Scolipede's poor bulk, it should never be brought it in directly; only bring it in after a Pokemon faints, with an aggressive double switch, or through pivoting moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch. It should set up with Swords Dance when it forces out the foe with its offensive presence. While its primary use is to sweep, it can make use of its ability early- and mid-game to revenge kill threats such as Choice Scarf Latios, Victini, and Nihilego. Scolipede should only try to set up and sweep once its checks, such as Mandibuzz and Ferrothorn, are weakened. Scolipede's large movepool makes it extremely important in matchups against Flying, Poison, Steel, and Fire teams. Due to this, it should be played conservatively in these matchups. Scolipede shouldn't be sent on the field if entry hazards are up, so using Rapid Spin with a teammate beforehand is recommended. Avoid both burn and paralysis, as they greatly cripple Scolipede and make it much harder for it to clean. As a result, it shouldn't be switched into Pokemon that could cripple it with these ailments, such as Toxapex and Lanturn. Team Options Volcarona can deal with the vast majority of Scolipede's checks, such as Hippowdon, Staraptor, and most Steel-types, and appreciates Scolipede's ability to deal with its checks like Chansey. Galvantula and Araquanid are other good partners, as they provide Sticky Web support, which allows Scolipede to outspeed threats like Mew without needing a Speed boost. Galvantula can also deal with some of Scolipede's checks, such as Staraptor, while Araquanid is able to check troublesome Fire-types and can trap and beat some of Scolipede's other checks, such as Celesteela and physically defensive Toxapex. In return, Scolipede deals with some of Galvantula's checks, like Lanturn. Choice Band Scizor, Mega Scizor, Choice Scarf Heracross, and Mega Pinsir can wear down shared checks with Scolipede, such as Gliscor, Celesteela, Hippowdon, Staraptor, and Porygon2. Due to its susceptibility to most entry hazards, Armaldo and Forretress are amazing partners. Not only can they remove entry hazards, but they can also set Stealth Rock or Spikes in the case of the latter, allowing Scolipede to clean more easily late-game. Armaldo is a better check to Flying-types like Mega Charizard Y and provides some utility with Knock Off, which allows Scolipede to get past walls like Toxapex more easily. Forretress checks Rock-types such as Terrakion and can safely bring Scolipede on the field with Volt Switch. It can also set Reflect and Light Screen, making up for Scolipede's poor bulk.

Moves Megahorn is mandatory on any Scolipede set, being its most powerful Bug-type STAB move that hits opposing Psychic- and Dark-type Pokemon for super effective damage. Earthquake allows Scolipede to nail crucial Steel-types like Excadrill and Heatran, as well as other Electric-, Fire-, Rock- and opposing Poison-types like Alolan Marowak and Nidoking, with the last three types stopping Megahorn from being spammable. Rock Slide gives Scolipede coverage against Fire- and Flying-types that resist Megahorn, such as Mega Charizard Y and Zapdos. Swords Dance amplifies Scolipede's Attack to sky-high levels, giving it the power to start sweeping late-game in conjunction with Speed Boost. Protect can also be used in the last moveslot, sacrificing the power that Swords Dance provides in lieu of guaranteeing a Speed boost without taking damage from the opposing Pokemon. Set Details Speed Boost is Scolipede’s mandatory ability to outspeed common fast offensive threats and clean late-game. As is typical with most offensive threats, maximum Attack and Speed is desirable to ensure it can clean effectively. Jolly nature is used to ensure that Scolipede can outspeed, after one boost, common Choice Scarf users like Nihilego and Latios. Adamant nature can also be used, especially if Protect is used over Swords Dance, since Scolipede does not need the extra speed against non-Choice Scarf threats and appreciates the extra investment in its Attack. For example, an Adamant nature guarantees the OHKO on Tapu Koko, as well as the OHKO on Victini and Nidoking after Stealth Rock damage. Life Orb further increases its damage output while allowing Scolipede to hit harder with its coverage moves, without having to lock itself into one move in its bid to clean. Usage Tips To start sweeping, Scolipede should find an opening to use Swords Dance. Ideally this means sending it in on a slower threat that it can easily score a KO on, like Chansey, or on a Pokemon that had been weakened prior, where it can force the opponent to switch and gain a free boost. If Protect is used, Scolipede will generally be sent in on a moderately fast threat like Choice Scarf Latios to check it, where it will gain a free Speed boost via Protect and then attack all-out. Always keep your field clear of entry hazards to prolong Scolipede's longevity throughout the game—especially Stealth Rock, which cuts Scolipede's health by a quarter every time it is sent in. Moreover, Scolipede needs to be used conservatively early-game and protected from damage and status, or its late-game cleaning potential will be severely limited. Ensure that Scolipede avoids burn or paralysis at all costs from common users such as Mega Sableye, as either cripples Scolipede's sweeping potential for the rest of the game. As a win condition, it is best that Scolipede's checks and counters are eliminated and the rest of the team are weakened before it can start cleaning. If running Adamant, make sure to scout for Choice Scarf on Pokemon like Latios and Victini, as one Speed boost is not enough to outspeed them and you may be giving up Scolipede to die for free. Team Options Nihilego is a fantastic partner, being able to counter and check other Bug-, Fire, and Flying-types, while also serving as the special offensive presence for physical walls. Choice Scarf Nihilego can take out some threats that Adamant Scolipede cannot outspeed at +1, such as Choice Scarf Victini, while on the other hand, Nihilego with Stealth Rock can set it up to inflict chip damage on the opponent's Pokemon, most notably the Fire- and Flying-types that Scolipede cannot switch into. Toxapex is a great defensive pivot for Scolipede, boasting great bulk and thus being able to switch into some Steel-types like Mega Scizor, and provide Toxic Spikes support to soften the opponent's Pokemon. Toxapex also has the ability to fish for Scald burns to cripple physically offensive Pokemon and help Scolipede sweep late-game, and it also has access to Haze to check setup sweepers. Alolan Muk is a nice partner as it handles Ghost-types that resist Megahorn, while being immune to Psychic-type attacks and providing Pursuit trapping. Mega Venusaur handles some of the troublesome bulky Rock- and Ground-types that can sometimes impede Scolipede, like Hippowdon. Crobat is excellent for hazard removal to maintain Scolipede's longevity through the game, while also being immune to Ground-type moves. It also has some utility options to aid Scolipede in its bid to clean late-game, such as Taunt to stop defensive threats, as well as U-turn to provide momentum for the team. Salazzle can help pressure Steel-, Bug-, and Fairy-types that Scolipede can sometimes struggle against, particularly Celesteela and Skarmory. Nidoking and Nidoqueen provide Stealth Rock support and also help check some physical walls with their plethora of coverage, such as Flamethrower or Fire Blast for Celesteela and Skarmory. Gengar is a great special wallbreaker against physical walls and can check Ghost-types that give Scolipede trouble.

Moves Pin Missile is used over Megahorn in order to break Focus Sashes on Deoxys-S, Deoxys-A, and Darkrai. Toxic Spikes is usually preferred over Spikes, as other Spikes users such as Klefki do this better, though both can be run on the same set. Protect allows Scolipede to gain a free Speed boost so that it can outspeed Darkrai, Deoxys-S, and Deoxys-A while avoiding a Dark Void or Taunt. Earthquake can be used to 2HKO Mega Diancie, Mega Gengar, and Klefki, and to deal a decent amount of damage to Primal Groudon. Toxic cripples Defog users such as Giratina-O, support Arceus formes, Latios, and Latias, as well as bulky Pokemon that give hyper offense teams trouble, such as Tyranitar and Ho-Oh. Set Details Maximum Attack allows Scolipede to OHKO Deoxys-S with Pin Missile as long as it hits three times and Darkrai if it hits four times. Maximum Speed investment is used so that Scolipede can outspeed Latios and Latias. Alternatively, a spread of 56 HP / 252 Atk / 200 Spe with a Jolly nature allows Scolipede to outspeed Adamant maximum Speed Mega Salamence while adding a little bit of extra bulk. Usage Tips Scolipede should only be used on hyper offense teams, as it lacks the defensive utility necessary for other archetypes. Scolipede should be used as a lead unless your opponent has an anti-lead such as Mega Gengar, Mega Sableye, Mega Diancie, or Giratina-O, in which case you should lead with another Pokemon such as Primal Kyogre or Xerneas. If your opponent leads with Darkrai, using Protect turn one is recommended to block Dark Void and allow Scolipede to outspeed Darkrai next turn. If your opponent leads with Deoxys-S or Deoxys-A, using Pin Missile on the first turn limits their chances to set up entry hazards. When Scolipede has been brought down to its Focus Sash, using Endeavor brings the opponent's Pokemon down to 1 HP, allowing other team members to easily revenge kill it. Team Options Scolipede is only viable on hyper offense teams, so Pokemon commonly found on hyper offense such as Mega Salamence, Xerneas, and Arceus work well. Darkrai in particular shuts down Defog users via Dark Void and Taunt, making it difficult to remove Scolipede's entry hazards, but Darkrai lacks offensive synergy, as it is checked by Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie. Mewtwo, along with its Mega Evolutions, provides a fast Taunt and enjoys having foes worn down with poison damage, but Mewtwo lacks defensive synergy with Scolipede. Pokemon such as Primal Kyogre and Xerneas pair well with Scolipede, as they can check Mega Diancie and Mega Sableye. Faster Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y are able to outspeed and OHKO Mega Gengar, but they lack the ability to trap it. Shaymin-S as well as Substitute users such as Xerneas appreciate opposing Pokemon being worn down by poison. Mixed Xerneas can beat Mega Sableye, as well as Ho-Oh and Blissey with Rock Slide and Close Combat, respectively. If Protect isn't used, a Sleep Talk user such as Choice Scarf Zekrom pairs nicely with Scolipede to beat Darkrai leads.

Moves Megahorn is Scolipede's most powerful STAB move, allowing it to hit Dark-, Grass-, and Psychic-types such as Tyranitar, Celebi, and Mew. 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 Cobalion pre-boost. Swords Dance can be used instead of Protect to boost Scolipede's Attack to higher levels, making it a dangerous sweeper. 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. Rock Slide gives Scolipede coverage against Fire- and Flying-types that resist Megahorn, such as Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, and Togekiss. 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 Gallade after Stealth Rock. 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.

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 Terrakion. 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 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.

Swords Dance Scolipede may seem like an odd choice, especially considering Heracross is available with more Attack, Guts, Fighting STAB, and mostly similar moves. However, Scolipede has two advantages: the ability to quickly defeat Gligar with Aqua Tail and a higher Speed that allows it to outspeed Pokemon such as Mew, Roserade, and Shaymin. After a Swords Dance, it hits 558 Attack, which is enough to finish off weakened teams. Megahorn is the STAB move of choice, flattening anything that doesn't resist it. Earthquake covers most of what Megahorn cannot, wrecking Fire-, Poison-, and Steel-types that could otherwise take a Megahorn. While Aqua Tail may seem a bit redundant with Earthquake, it hits Gligar very hard, which is a Pokemon that Heracross cannot reliably defeat. It also lets Scolipede get past Rhyperior, which is capable of taking even a +2 Earthquake due to its high Defense and OHKOing back. However, Rock Slide is still a decent option, hitting Flying-types such as Tornadus, Zapdos, and Crobat hard, although one should note that catching Crobat on the switch can be difficult. With an average base 90 Attack, a Life Orb is preferred to give Scolipede all the power it can get. If Scolipede gets hit by paralysis or a burn it is more or less useless, so a Lum Berry is a usable alternative, though it should be noted that Scolipede is walled by most Ghosts, which are common carriers of Will-O-Wisp. Speaking of Ghost-types, partners to take them down helps Scolipede sweep teams far more easily. Dark-types such as Houndoom, Krookodile, and Weavile all make good partners, as they are capable of Pursuiting ghosts or hitting them hard with a strong Dark STAB. Note that while many Dark-types dislike Will-O-Wisp, Houndoom's access to Flash Fire means that it benefits from it. UU is also filled with many Fire-types that like to use a Choice Scarf, such as Darmanitan and Victini, making bulky Water-types nice partners. Slowbro takes Fire moves from the three well, can use Regenerator to heal, and appreciates Megahorn's destruction of Dark-type Pokemon.

This set uses almost every niche Scolipede has—Spikes, a fairly high Speed, and a good offensive move in Megahorn to pose an offensive threat. UU is not lacking in Spikes users, but its advantage over Accelgor, which is faster, is that Scolipede's Megahorn is stronger than anything that Accelgor can muster, and it also defeats Tornadus one-on-one due to a slight advantage in Speed. In general, Spikes is useful on all kinds of teams, as it helps wear down opponents on defensive teams and turns 2HKOs into OHKOs for offensive Pokemon, and due to its high speed, Scolipede will almost always get two layers of Spikes down. The other moves listed increase Scolipede's offensive presence. Megahorn is a powerful STAB move, and when combined with a Life Orb, it can OHKO almost everything that is weak to it, such as Mew and Shaymin, which can let Scolipede set up a layer of Spikes if these or other Pokemon weak to Megahorn switch out. Earthquake gets good coverage with Megahorn and hits Fire-types that resist Bug, such as Darmanitan and Arcanine, super effectively, and also a few Steel-types, such as Empoleon and Registeel. Rock Slide rounds off Scolipede's coverage, hitting Tornadus and Togekiss hard. However, be warned that it is rarely a good idea to stay in on most Flying-types unless they are weakened, as most can easily OHKO Scolipede while Scolipede only 2HKOes them back. If Scolipede is being used as a dedicated lead, a Focus Sash is a good idea, as it almost guarantees two layers of Spikes unless Scolipede is up against one of the few Pokemon that outspeed it, such as Raikou and Crobat. A Life Orb, however, is usable to increase its offensive presence, letting it get a guaranteed OHKO on Mew and Shaymin with Megahorn and hit other foes generally harder. Scolipede has access to Toxic Spikes, but there are many Pokemon in UU that can either absorb Toxic Spikes or are immune to damage from it, making it usually not worth using. In addition, Toxic Spikes are usually for stall teams, a playstyle that Scolipede is generally not suited for. It is advisable to pair Scolipede up with a spinblocker in order to keep Spikes up. Mismagius makes an excellent partner, as it blocks Rapid Spin and can deal massive damage to most Rapid Spinners with its STABs or coverage moves, including the three most common Rapid Spinners in UU: Blastoise, Hitmontop, and Kabutops. Cofagrigus and Sableye are other options for spinblockers, though they lack as much synergy with Scolipede. Ice-types also deal with Gligar and Crobat, two huge threats to Scolipede due to their instant recovery, typing, and Taunt. Finally, fast setup sweepers in general, such as Raikou, Azelf, and Weavile, appreciate Spikes support in order to gain KOs on bulky Pokemon that may otherwise survive their boosted attacks.

Swords Dance is what makes Scolipede usable, boosting its Attack greatly while having the Focus Sash protect it from an OHKO. Rock Slide and Earthquake give good coverage, and will be the primary means of attacking common Pokemon such as Thundurus, Tornadus, and Fire-types such as Chandelure. Megahorn becomes insanely powerful after a Swords Dance and activation of Swarm. It will be the best move option against bulky Pokemon such as Musharna. Poison Jab or X-Scissor can work if accuracy is preferred over the raw power of Megahorn. Protect is listed to survive additional turns and scout the opponent's strategy. Keep in mind, however, that Protect and Swords Dance will be exploited by Encore users, namely Whimsicott. Scolipede's poor defensive stats force it to only run maximum Speed and Attack. If the opponent sends out Whimsicott, it is not advised to use Swords Dance or Protect. After a Swords Dance, Megahorn can OHKO virtually anything that doesn't resist it, including bulky walls like Musharna. Megahorn's accuracy is not perfect, and therefore other moves might be more beneficial (especially after a Swords Dance). X-Scissor can be used instead of Megahorn, but grabbing an Attack boost is required for it to really become threatening. Poison Jab is another good choice, getting a STAB boost and dealing super effective damage to Virizion, who resists Earthquake and Rock Slide. The choice between Swarm and Poison Point is quite simple. If Megahorn or X-Scissor is the last move, then Swarm should be used.

This set emphasizes Scolipede's high Speed and coverage. Focus Sash usually lets Scolipede use at least two attacks before going down. Megahorn smacks the multitude of bulky Psychic-types littering VGC for super effective damage. Rock Slide complements Megahorn very well, with only a few Pokemon resisting the combination. Earthquake rounds out Scolipede's movepool, hitting Steel-types that resist its other moves. Swarm is the better of Scolipede's abilities, as it gives Megahorn even more power once Scolipede has been sufficiently weakened. Using an Adamant nature is a possibility. This somewhat compensates for Scolipede's mediocre Attack stat, but lets the genie Pokemon outspeed Scolipede. However, this is only problematic against Tornadus, and only if it has Air Slash or Acrobatics. Poison Jab can be used instead of Earthquake. It still provides good coverage, but hits Whimsicott and Cofagrigus harder without risking a miss. A Flying-type or Levitate user makes for a good partner to let Scolipede spam Earthquake. Pokemon that can handle spread attacks that Scolipede is weak to are also good teammates. Jellicent, Landorus, and Tornadus are probably Scolipede's best teammates. Keep the threat of Amoonguss in mind when building a team with Scolipede, as some of its best teammates are quite susceptible to the mushroom.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.