Is Skarmory a good choice for a Pokemon Ruby team?

Question

Hello, I just caught a Skarmory (Level 16), but I'm not sure if it should be added to the team...

On one hand, Skarmory isn't really impressive stats-wise, it's underleveled, I already gave my Swellow the Steel Wing TM, and the fact I'm about to fight Flannery isn't helping.

But on the other hand, between learning the one HM I can't fit anywhere on my team, and having a resistance to my rival's Grovyle, it can replace my HM slave and Fly user, clearing up a spot. It might even replace other Pokemon until I get access to high level areas where using the EXP Share would be quicker than trying to level them up now.

What do you think? Should I add Skarmory to the team? What moves should it learn?

Comments

I don't think this site allows questions this specific. It says in the rules not to ask advice for playthrough teams.

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I made it more general.

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I think you should keep using your Swellow instead. Swellow is a lot more faster and Skarmory isn't great offesively.

Answer 1

In general, offensive Pokemon are better than defensive Pokemon. Offensive Pokemon take fewer turns to defeat each opponent and are less likely to deal with things like status, confusion, or evasion boosts, so I recommend staying away from defensive Pokemon unless you think it's fun to watch your opponent use double team. Skarmory in particular, has low attack stats and special defence, making it less useful against many opponents that use special attacks. If you want to continue using Swellow, I recommend this set.

Swellow @ Silk Scarf
EVs: 100 Atk
- Return
- Fly
- Steel Wing
- Endeavor

If your team already has 5 or 6 battling Pokemon, I recommend replacing your Swellow with an HM slave so that your other Pokemon can gain more experience.

Tropius
- Cut / Flash
- Rock Smash
- Strength
- Fly

Comments

Endeavor + Quick Attack is a better combo and if your looking for a 4th slot I would just teach it Aerial Ace.

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Swellow is already faster than almost every opponent.

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that is true thanks for correcting me

Answer 2

Skarmory is really solid, solid defense, decent attack with a great defensive typing for playthroughs. Although if your looking to dish out more then I would just recommend Swellow as its faster and has access to Guts+Facade but for more type coverage go for Skarmory.

I personally would go with Swellow since Skarmory dos'nt get Steel Wing until Level 32 without the Steel Wing TM and is faster with more damage output especially with Guts-boosted Facade but here's a moveset for Skarmory if you really want to use it

-Steel Wing
-Fly
-Aerial Ace
-Agility

But if you want to use Swellow then here's a moveset

-Aerial Ace
-Facade/Return
-Fly
-Steel Wing

Hopefully, this helps :)

Comments

Toxic, Roar and Spikes are all awful moves for an in-game playthrough tho. Toxic isn't needed for normal trainers, and is bad against gym leaders and E4 cause they have Full Restores. Roar does nothing, while wasting 3 turns on Spikes isn't as beneficial as simply attacking and getting one or two Pokémon down, despite the chip damage they provide.

Tl;dr: purely offensive moves are generally better for in-game stuff.

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That is true but Skarmory is built to be a defensive tank whilst dealing some good damage, that's why I did put status moves on but I've changed the moveset so its pure offense, Agility is there to make it outspeed opponents and increase its average speed to higher levels.