Scizor

Last updated: 2026-06-03

Scizor Overview

Scizor is a Bug/Steel-type Pokemon introduced in Generation 2 in the Johto region. It evolves from Scyther when traded holding a Metal Coat. Known as the Pincer Pokemon, Scizor has a sleek red exoskeleton, insectoid wings, and massive crab-like pincers that can crush anything. Its Bug/Steel typing is one of the best defensive combinations in Pokemon, giving it 9 resistances and only one weakness (Fire).

Scizor's design is a metallic upgrade of Scyther, trading green for red and gaining steel armor. Its pincers become even larger and more intimidating. Scizor has 130 base Attack and access to the Technician ability, which boosts the power of moves with 60 base power or less by 50%. This makes Bullet Punch, a 40-base-power Steel priority move, hit effectively at 60 base power with STAB.

Battle Strategy

Scizor's signature set is Swords Dance + Bullet Punch. Swords Dance boosts its Attack to terrifying levels, then Bullet Punch provides priority damage. With Technician, Bullet Punch reaches 90 effective base power after STAB. A +2 Technician Bullet Punch from 130 base Attack hits extremely hard and is only resisted by Fire, Water, Electric, and Steel-types.

A standard Scizor set runs Swords Dance, Bullet Punch, Superpower or Close Combat (for Steel-types), and Knock Off or U-turn. Roost provides recovery. The Adamant nature maximizes power, and lefty or Choice Band are common items. Choice Band Scizor is a powerful wallbreaker and pivot, using U-turn to maintain momentum. Bullet Punch under Choice Band has enormous immediate power.

Mega Scizor gains an additional 40 base stats spread across its stats, reaching 150 Attack, 140 Defense, and 75 Speed. Its Technician ability carries over, and the extra bulk makes setting up Swords Dance easier. Mega Scizor's typing remains Bug/Steel, keeping its excellent defensive profile. In formats without Mega Evolution, Eviolite Scyther competes with Scizor in lower tiers but lacks Bullet Punch priority.

Evolution Chain

Competitive Usage

Scizor has been a top-tier OU threat since its introduction. Its defensive typing, priority Bullet Punch, and Swords Dance setup make it a perennial threat. In Smogon, Scizor has consistently ranked in OU or UU across generations. In VGC, Scizor has seen usage as a Dynamax candidate with Max Steelspike boosting its Defense and Max Airstream boosting Speed. The primary weakness is its 4x Fire weakness and lack of reliable recovery against repeated hits. Common checks include Heatran (resists Steel, hits hard with Fire), Rotom-Wash (resists Steel, threatens with Overheat), and physically defensive Fire-types like Talonflame.

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