Free switch-ins on Poison and Ground moves make Skarmory useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 2 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Needs some investment to avoid getting outsped. Known as the Armor Bird Pokemon.
The stat bars tell the story: Defense carries everything and Sp. Atk's dead weight. But this Armor Bird Pokemon still yields 2 Defense EVs per fight on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Skarmory is clad entirely in ironhard armor. It flies at speeds over 180 mph.
Skarmory Weakness
FortressSkarmory's Steel/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire and Electric moves. It shrugs off Poison and Ground-type attacks completely. It resists 8 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. Skarmory's physical bulk (base 140 Def) helps cushion physical weakness hits, but special attackers are the bigger threat.
Skarmory is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with plenty of partners. Hatching is average hatch time.
How to Evolve
Breed Skarmory easily with 73 breeding partners from the Flying egg group.
Spikes is the priority every time Skarmory comes in. Bold nature and max HP and Defense EVs keep it alive long enough to get layers down, while Rocky Helmet provides chip damage on every physical hit received. Sturdy rounds it out. Roost keeps it healthy between hits.
Best Build
Best Skarmory Moveset
- Roost
- Body Press
- Defog
- Spikes
Recommended Teammates
The level-up pool is slim, so TMs matter here. Skarmory's coverage across 7 types all comes from technical machines, built on top of Steel Beam and Brave Bird for same-type damage. Brave Bird and Fly are the payoff moves.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The level-up pool is slim, so TMs matter here. Skarmory's Ground and Normal coverage and more all comes from technical machines, built on top of Sky Attack and Steel Beam for same-type damage. Brave Bird and Fly are the payoff moves.
You'll want to breed for Air Cutter and Assurance on Skarmory. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Sky Attack and Brave Bird, they expand what Skarmory can actually threaten in practice.
You'll want to breed for Air Cutter and Curse on Skarmory. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Sky Attack and Brave Bird, they expand what Skarmory can actually threaten in practice.
Skarmory doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from Silver, Crystal, or Ultra Sun to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Skarmory can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Bring it over from Silver, Crystal, or Ultra Sun instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Skarmory sits at moderate rates across 4 spots in endgame routes. Pick one from the sorted list and commit to it. Jumping between areas wastes more time than waiting in the right location.
Best Locations
walking encounters for Skarmory across 4 spots at Lv. 56+. The catch is that Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl don't share every location, so compare what's available in your version.
You'll want early-game access before hunting Skarmory. Moderate rates across 18 encounter spots means the location matters. Sort by Best below and target the top-rated area first.
Best Locations
Skarmory's encounter pool splits between Shield and Sword. You've got 18 walking spots at Lv. 10-21 total, but your version determines which ones actually show up.
Skarmory brings 465 BST to the table. A-Tier on our list — a strong competitive pick. That 140 base Defense does the heavy lifting.
Skarmory doesn't evolve and has no evolutionary line. It's a Steel/Flying-type Pokemon with a 465 base stat total.
Keen Eye prevents accuracy from being lowered — that's the one you want on Skarmory. Weak Armor is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Sturdy works too if your team needs something different.
Skarmory is leaning toward the physical side (base 80 Attack). Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 70 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many.
Skarmory appears in 18 games, including Gold & Silver, Crystal, and Ruby & Sapphire.
Debuting in Gold & Silver, Skarmory appears in 18 games across 8 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through wild encounters.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
Red & Blue - Gen IIGSDebut
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A