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[OVERVIEW]
Scrafty is a competent sweeper in NU with sustainable bulk to aid it in setting up. It gives unprepared teams a hard time with its great offensive typing and useful coverage options like Iron Tail. Moxie is one of the contributing factors to Scrafty's sweeping capabilties, boosting its Attack stat by one stage every time it KOes a foe, enabling it to fully sweep if it can outrun all of the opponent's Pokemon. Furthermore, its other two abilities, Shed Skin and Intimidate, can also be useful in certain situations; however, Moxie is by far the superior ability in most cases. Scrafty has a wide variety of setup moves, such as Dragon Dance and Bulk Up, making it unpredictable and versatile. It also has a great STAB combination in Dark / Fighting, covering weaknesses to Psychic- and Ghost-types. Unfortunately, due to having a somewhat lackluster base 95 Attack stat, it requires an Attack boost from Dragon Dance to efficiently sweep. Furthermore, Scrafty bears a pitiful base 58 Speed stat, meaning that it can easily be revenge killed by any common Choice Scarf user. In addition,(AC) many common Pokemon that use Choice Scarf also outrun Scrafty after a +1 boost in Speed, such as Emboar, Hitmonlee, Dodrio, and Scyther, making it highly susceptible to being revenge killed. Even after Speed boosts, there are Pokemon that naturally outrun Scrafty that can threaten it heavily, such as Whimsicott and Sceptile.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: High Jump Kick
move 4: Drain Punch / Iron Tail
item: Chople Berry / Steelium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance raises Scrafty's Attack and Speed by one stage, making it Scrafty's best setup move. Knock Off is always key in its moveset, being able to remove the foe's item while dealing generous damage. It also hits Psychic- and Ghost-types that might try to switch in against Drain Punch super effectively. High Jump Kick is Scrafty's strongest Fighting-type STAB move, dealing massive damage to any unresistant foe at +1. Drain Punch is a reliable STAB attack that also heals 50% of the damage dealt, aiding its longevity. Iron Tail is Scrafty's best way to hit Fairy-types super effectively.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature alongside maximum EVs in Attack and Speed maximize Scrafty's offensive capabilities while also making it outspeed Virizion at +1. Chople Berry mitigates damage taken from Fighting-type attacks from Pokemon like Emboar, Hitmonlee, Toxicroak, Virizion, Passimian, and opposing Scrafty, giving it more freedom to set up or just attack. Steelium Z boosts Iron Tail to a very powerful coverage move, heavily damaging every Fairy-type in the tier at +1 while also dealing massive damage to Pokemon that could normally take on Scrafty, like Toxicroak and Vileplume. Fightinium Z strengthens Scrafty's STAB High Jump Kick to great levels, allowing it to heavily damage bulkier foes such as Druddigon and Mega Audino while also having perfect accuracy. However, Fightinium Z will fall short to the likes of Garbodor and Vilplume, as without Steelium Z, Scrafty struggles to deal with them.
Usage Tips
========
If Scrafty is holding a Chople Berry, it has more freedom to set up with Dragon Dance, even if the opponent has a Fighting-type in the back. It also allows Scrafty to survive a Fighting-type STAB attack from full health, giving it plenty of opportunities to KO back with High Jump Kick. Scrafty can find setup opportunities against foes that cannot damage it heavily, such as Seismitoad, Sneasel locked into Knock Off, and Xatu, although it must always be wary of status ailments, which can cripple it. Additionally, Scrafty could also switch in against foes that are weak to it, as forcing a switch can give it an opportunity to use Dragon Dance. Some examples of these would be switching into Slowking, Cryogonal, Incineroar, and Rotom. If Scrafty is facing a Fairy-type, don't use its Z-Move unless you are sure that it KOes said foe. Scrafty should be very wary of status ailments if it isn't running Shed Skin. Burn halves Scrafty's Attack, rendering it somewhat useless; similarly, paralysis lowers its Speed when you want it to outspeed and sweep the opposing team. High Jump Kick should not be used recklessly, as a Ghost-type such as Jellicent, Haunter, or Mismagius could switch in.
Team Options
========
Steelix, Garbodor, and Ferroseed are good partners for Scrafty, as they are able to handle Fairy-types with their STAB attacks, as well as having the added bonus of providing entry hazard support. Psychic-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Mesprit can take care of Fighting- and Poison-types for Scrafty to sweep more easily. Delphox is a notable partner; it can come in against Fairy-type attacks from the likes of Whimsicott with ease while also effectively checking Fighting- and Poison-types such as Virizion and Toxicroak. Flying-types such as Dodrio can outrun every non-Choice Scarf Fighting-type and eliminate the Pokemon that threaten Scrafty, while Braviary can run a Choice Scarf to revenge kill or outrun Fighting-types and OHKO them; Scrafty also appreciates the momentum provided by U-turn. Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary is also an ideal partner, as it has the bulk to comfortably switch into Pokemon like Whimsicott, Mega Audino, and other special attackers that can threaten Scrafty, such as Delphox, Mismagius, and Haunter, and can proceed to set up against them. Thanks to its Psychic / Flying typing, Xatu makes for a nice partner for Scrafty, effectively checking both Fighting- and Poison-types well while also bouncing back any potential status moves that would otherwise cripple it, and having access to U-turn gives Scrafty gateways to set up. Whimsicott is a good partner for Scrafty, dealing with Fighting-types thanks to its STAB attacks and typing. Additionally, Whimsicott can provide Scrafty momentum with U-turn or Memento, which has the added bonus of lowering the foe's offensive stats, giving Scrafty more opportunities to set up. Haunter is also a nice partner for Scrafty, being immune to Fighting-type attacks as well as resisting Fairy; Substitute + Pain Split Haunter is a good set to use alongside Scrafty, as Haunter can come in on Fairy- and Fighting-types, set up Substitute, and greatly deter teams. Scrafty can also deal with Haunter's checks, such as Sneasel and Guzzlord.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Shed Skin is another viable option for Scrafty, alleviating it of any status ailments that could otherwise cripple it. However, if Scrafty were to run Shed Skin as its ability, Iron Tail usually isn't worth running, and without a Z-Crystal, it is pretty weak and fails to OHKO Fairy-types like Mega Audino and Aromatisse. Additionally, the Z-Crystal isn't advised to be used with Shed Skin, as a Z-Move can pick up more KOs for more Moxie boosts and allow Scrafty to sweep better. Leftovers can be used alongside Shed Skin due to the item having passive recovery and allowing Scrafty to come in on any status ailments, which it is unaffected by due to Shed Skin. Other useful coverage moves like Zen Headbutt allow Scrafty to handle Fighting- and Poison-types better but are generally not recommended due to Iron Tail's effectiveness at dealing with Fairy-types. Iron Head is an option over Iron Tail, having significantly higher accuracy, although the drop in power is generally not worth it. Life Orb can be used over a Z-Move for more consistent damage, but Life Orb fails to OHKO the majority of Fairy-types with Iron Tail even at +1, such as Mega Audino and Aromatisse. Choice Band is an option for instant power but lacks the Speed boosts from Dragon Dance and risks predictions from incoming Ghost- and Psychic-types. Bulk Up can be utilized on a more defensive set, but the lack of a Speed boost leaves Scrafty exposed to a lot of offensive threats that can OHKO it easily. Snatch alongside Darkinium Z could be ran with the Dragon Dance set to boost its Speed by 2 stages, fixing the problems of Scrafty being easily revenge killed. Although these attributes sound appealing, the lack of power is noticeable, as well as having to give up Iron Tail, leaving it even more susceptible to Fairy-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Whimsicott is arguably Scrafty's best check, outspeeding it even after a Speed boost from Dragon Dance and OHKOing Scrafty with a super effective STAB Moonblast. Although Scrafty can hit Fairy-types super effectively with Corkscrew Crash, Mega Audino, Aromatisse, and Granbull can all survive an unboosted Corkscrew Crash and fire back with STAB attacks to OHKO Scrafty.
**Faster Foes and Choice Scarf Users**: Although Scrafty can boost its Speed stat thanks to Dragon Dance, its pitiful base Speed means that some of Scrafty's most threatening counters like Whimsicott, Cincinno, and Sceptile can still outrun it at +1, making it easily revenge killed. Common Choice Scarf users like Hitmonlee, Emboar, Braviary, Delphox, Scyther, Haunter, and Medicham can outspeed Scrafty at +1 and OHKO it with their respective attacks. Additionally, priority moves like Hitmonlee's Mach Punch and Toxicroak's Vacuum Wave can revenge kill Scrafty. There are a myriad of faster Pokemon that are capable of dealing massive damage to Scrafty while outrunning it before it sets up; some examples would include Virizion, Vivillon, Toxicroak, Sigilyph, Sawk, and Gallade. However, if Scrafty is holding a Chople Berry, Scrafty has more freedom to attack or set up against Fighting-types such as Emboar, Hitmonlee, and Toxicroak.
**Poison-types**: Toxicroak resists all of Scrafty's STAB attacks, meaning it can switch into Scrafty pretty freely and fire off a super effective Drain Punch or Focus Blast. Haunter prevents Scrafty from using High Jump Kick freely and can also revenge kill it with Choice Scarf Dazzling Gleam, outspeeding Scrafty even after a +1 Speed boost. Garbodor and Skuntank can wear it down with Rocky Helmet and Aftermath; additionally, be wary of Focus Blast on Garbodor. Weezing can sponge most of Scrafty's attacks; if Scrafty's ability is not Shed Skin, Weezing can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp.
[OVERVIEW]
Scrafty is a competent sweeper in NU with sustainable bulk to aid it in setting up. It gives unprepared teams a hard time with its great offensive typing and useful coverage options like Iron Tail. Moxie is one of the contributing factors to Scrafty's sweeping capabilties, boosting its Attack stat by one stage every time it KOes a foe, enabling it to fully sweep if it can outrun all of the opponent's Pokemon. Furthermore, its other two abilities, Shed Skin and Intimidate, can also be useful in certain situations; however, Moxie is by far the superior ability in most cases. Scrafty has a wide variety of setup moves, such as Dragon Dance and Bulk Up, making it unpredictable and versatile. It also has a great STAB combination in Dark / Fighting, covering weaknesses to Psychic- and Ghost-types. Unfortunately, due to having a somewhat lackluster base 95 Attack stat, it requires an Attack boost from Dragon Dance to efficiently sweep. Furthermore, Scrafty bears a pitiful base 58 Speed stat, meaning that it can easily be revenge killed by any common Choice Scarf user. In addition,(AC) many common Pokemon that use Choice Scarf also outrun Scrafty after a +1 boost in Speed, such as Emboar, Hitmonlee, Dodrio, and Scyther, making it highly susceptible to being revenge killed. Even after Speed boosts, there are Pokemon that naturally outrun Scrafty that can threaten it heavily, such as Whimsicott and Sceptile.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Knock Off
move 3: High Jump Kick
move 4: Drain Punch / Iron Tail
item: Chople Berry / Steelium Z / Fightinium Z
ability: Moxie
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance raises Scrafty's Attack and Speed by one stage, making it Scrafty's best setup move. Knock Off is always key in its moveset, being able to remove the foe's item while dealing generous damage. It also hits Psychic- and Ghost-types that might try to switch in against Drain Punch super effectively. High Jump Kick is Scrafty's strongest Fighting-type STAB move, dealing massive damage to any unresistant foe at +1. Drain Punch is a reliable STAB attack that also heals 50% of the damage dealt, aiding its longevity. Iron Tail is Scrafty's best way to hit Fairy-types super effectively.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature alongside maximum EVs in Attack and Speed maximize Scrafty's offensive capabilities while also making it outspeed Virizion at +1. Chople Berry mitigates damage taken from Fighting-type attacks from Pokemon like Emboar, Hitmonlee, Toxicroak, Virizion, Passimian, and opposing Scrafty, giving it more freedom to set up or just attack. Steelium Z boosts Iron Tail to a very powerful coverage move, heavily damaging every Fairy-type in the tier at +1 while also dealing massive damage to Pokemon that could normally take on Scrafty, like Toxicroak and Vileplume. Fightinium Z strengthens Scrafty's STAB High Jump Kick to great levels, allowing it to heavily damage bulkier foes such as Druddigon and Mega Audino while also having perfect accuracy. However, Fightinium Z will fall short to the likes of Garbodor and Vilplume, as without Steelium Z, Scrafty struggles to deal with them.
Usage Tips
========
If Scrafty is holding a Chople Berry, it has more freedom to set up with Dragon Dance, even if the opponent has a Fighting-type in the back. It also allows Scrafty to survive a Fighting-type STAB attack from full health, giving it plenty of opportunities to KO back with High Jump Kick. Scrafty can find setup opportunities against foes that cannot damage it heavily, such as Seismitoad, Sneasel locked into Knock Off, and Xatu, although it must always be wary of status ailments, which can cripple it. Additionally, Scrafty could also switch in against foes that are weak to it, as forcing a switch can give it an opportunity to use Dragon Dance. Some examples of these would be switching into Slowking, Cryogonal, Incineroar, and Rotom. If Scrafty is facing a Fairy-type, don't use its Z-Move unless you are sure that it KOes said foe. Scrafty should be very wary of status ailments if it isn't running Shed Skin. Burn halves Scrafty's Attack, rendering it somewhat useless; similarly, paralysis lowers its Speed when you want it to outspeed and sweep the opposing team. High Jump Kick should not be used recklessly, as a Ghost-type such as Jellicent, Haunter, or Mismagius could switch in.
Team Options
========
Steelix, Garbodor, and Ferroseed are good partners for Scrafty, as they are able to handle Fairy-types with their STAB attacks, as well as having the added bonus of providing entry hazard support. Psychic-types like Slowbro, Slowking, and Mesprit can take care of Fighting- and Poison-types for Scrafty to sweep more easily. Delphox is a notable partner; it can come in against Fairy-type attacks from the likes of Whimsicott with ease while also effectively checking Fighting- and Poison-types such as Virizion and Toxicroak. Flying-types such as Dodrio can outrun every non-Choice Scarf Fighting-type and eliminate the Pokemon that threaten Scrafty, while Braviary can run a Choice Scarf to revenge kill or outrun Fighting-types and OHKO them; Scrafty also appreciates the momentum provided by U-turn. Substitute + Bulk Up Braviary is also an ideal partner, as it has the bulk to comfortably switch into Pokemon like Whimsicott, Mega Audino, and other special attackers that can threaten Scrafty, such as Delphox, Mismagius, and Haunter, and can proceed to set up against them. Thanks to its Psychic / Flying typing, Xatu makes for a nice partner for Scrafty, effectively checking both Fighting- and Poison-types well while also bouncing back any potential status moves that would otherwise cripple it, and having access to U-turn gives Scrafty gateways to set up. Whimsicott is a good partner for Scrafty, dealing with Fighting-types thanks to its STAB attacks and typing. Additionally, Whimsicott can provide Scrafty momentum with U-turn or Memento, which has the added bonus of lowering the foe's offensive stats, giving Scrafty more opportunities to set up. Haunter is also a nice partner for Scrafty, being immune to Fighting-type attacks as well as resisting Fairy; Substitute + Pain Split Haunter is a good set to use alongside Scrafty, as Haunter can come in on Fairy- and Fighting-types, set up Substitute, and greatly deter teams. Scrafty can also deal with Haunter's checks, such as Sneasel and Guzzlord.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Shed Skin is another viable option for Scrafty, alleviating it of any status ailments that could otherwise cripple it. However, if Scrafty were to run Shed Skin as its ability, Iron Tail usually isn't worth running, and without a Z-Crystal, it is pretty weak and fails to OHKO Fairy-types like Mega Audino and Aromatisse. Additionally, the Z-Crystal isn't advised to be used with Shed Skin, as a Z-Move can pick up more KOs for more Moxie boosts and allow Scrafty to sweep better. Leftovers can be used alongside Shed Skin due to the item having passive recovery and allowing Scrafty to come in on any status ailments, which it is unaffected by due to Shed Skin. Other useful coverage moves like Zen Headbutt allow Scrafty to handle Fighting- and Poison-types better but are generally not recommended due to Iron Tail's effectiveness at dealing with Fairy-types. Iron Head is an option over Iron Tail, having significantly higher accuracy, although the drop in power is generally not worth it. Life Orb can be used over a Z-Move for more consistent damage, but Life Orb fails to OHKO the majority of Fairy-types with Iron Tail even at +1, such as Mega Audino and Aromatisse. Choice Band is an option for instant power but lacks the Speed boosts from Dragon Dance and risks predictions from incoming Ghost- and Psychic-types. Bulk Up can be utilized on a more defensive set, but the lack of a Speed boost leaves Scrafty exposed to a lot of offensive threats that can OHKO it easily. Snatch alongside Darkinium Z could be ran with the Dragon Dance set to boost its Speed by 2 stages, fixing the problems of Scrafty being easily revenge killed. Although these attributes sound appealing, the lack of power is noticeable, as well as having to give up Iron Tail, leaving it even more susceptible to Fairy-types.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Whimsicott is arguably Scrafty's best check, outspeeding it even after a Speed boost from Dragon Dance and OHKOing Scrafty with a super effective STAB Moonblast. Although Scrafty can hit Fairy-types super effectively with Corkscrew Crash, Mega Audino, Aromatisse, and Granbull can all survive an unboosted Corkscrew Crash and fire back with STAB attacks to OHKO Scrafty.
**Faster Foes and Choice Scarf Users**: Although Scrafty can boost its Speed stat thanks to Dragon Dance, its pitiful base Speed means that some of Scrafty's most threatening counters like Whimsicott, Cincinno, and Sceptile can still outrun it at +1, making it easily revenge killed. Common Choice Scarf users like Hitmonlee, Emboar, Braviary, Delphox, Scyther, Haunter, and Medicham can outspeed Scrafty at +1 and OHKO it with their respective attacks. Additionally, priority moves like Hitmonlee's Mach Punch and Toxicroak's Vacuum Wave can revenge kill Scrafty. There are a myriad of faster Pokemon that are capable of dealing massive damage to Scrafty while outrunning it before it sets up; some examples would include Virizion, Vivillon, Toxicroak, Sigilyph, Sawk, and Gallade. However, if Scrafty is holding a Chople Berry, Scrafty has more freedom to attack or set up against Fighting-types such as Emboar, Hitmonlee, and Toxicroak.
**Poison-types**: Toxicroak resists all of Scrafty's STAB attacks, meaning it can switch into Scrafty pretty freely and fire off a super effective Drain Punch or Focus Blast. Haunter prevents Scrafty from using High Jump Kick freely and can also revenge kill it with Choice Scarf Dazzling Gleam, outspeeding Scrafty even after a +1 Speed boost. Garbodor and Skuntank can wear it down with Rocky Helmet and Aftermath; additionally, be wary of Focus Blast on Garbodor. Weezing can sponge most of Scrafty's attacks; if Scrafty's ability is not Shed Skin, Weezing can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp.
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