Stats & Training
Scyther's spread isn't flashy. Attack leads, Sp. Atk trails, 4 stats clear the bar. Tough to catch and worth 1 Attack EV, on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It slashes through grass with its sharp scythes, moving too fast for the human eye to track.
When it moves, it leaves only a blur. If it hides in grass, its protective coloration makes it invisible.
Scyther Weakness
Scyther's Bug/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying. Rock hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Ground-type attacks completely.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Rock |
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Electric, Ice, Flying |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Bug |
| 0.25x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
 Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x75-91% Rock Throw 4x66-79% | ||
 Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Geodude builds →Rock Tomb 4x106-125%KO Rock Throw 4x96-113%KO | ||
 Chatot Normal | D | |
 Plusle Electric | D | |
 Minun Electric | D | |
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x80-94% Rock Throw 4x63-75% | ||
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Geodude builds →Fire Blast 2x34-41% Flamethrower 2x28-34% Rock Tomb 4x111-131%KO Rock Throw 4x95-113%KO | ||
 Golbat Poison | D | |
Chatot Normal | D | |
Plusle Electric | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Plusle builds →Thunder 2x98-117%KO Thunderbolt 2x80-94% Spark 2x44-52% Charge Beam 2x47-56% | ||
 Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Tomb 4x125-148%KO Rock Throw 4x105-125%KO | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x73-86% Rock Throw 4x66-78% | ||
Geodude RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Geodude builds →Fire Blast 2x32-39% Flamethrower 2x29-34% Rock Tomb 4x105-125%KO Rock Throw 4x92-109%KO | ||
 Magmar Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magmar builds →Fire Blast 2x109-129%KO Flamethrower 2x88-105%KO Ember 2x43-51% Fire Spin 2x39-47% | ||
 Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x105-125%KO Thunderbolt 2x86-101%KO Spark 2x36-43% Charge Beam 2x49-58% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Tomb 4x114-134%KO Rock Throw 4x97-115%KO | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x70-83% Rock Throw 4x60-70% | ||
 Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Graveler builds →Fire Blast 2x39-47% Flamethrower 2x32-38% Rock Tomb 4x114-134%KO Rock Throw 4x91-109%KO | ||
Magmar Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magmar builds →Fire Blast 2x102-121%KO Flamethrower 2x84-99% Fire Punch 2x67-80% Ember 2x40-48% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x100-118%KO Thunderbolt 2x81-96% Spark 2x32-38% Charge Beam 2x46-54% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 4x147-173%KO Rock Tomb 4x117-138%KO Rock Throw 4x103-121%KO | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x68-81% Rock Throw 4x59-69% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Graveler builds →Fire Blast 2x40-48% Flamethrower 2x34-40% Rock Tomb 4x117-138%KO Rock Throw 4x98-115%KO | ||
Magmar Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magmar builds →Fire Blast 2x108-127%KO Flamethrower 2x88-104%KO Fire Punch 2x70-84% Ember 2x41-49% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x103-121%KO Thunderbolt 2x86-101%KO Spark 2x32-38% Charge Beam 2x49-58% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 4x144-171%KO Rock Tomb 4x115-135%KO Rock Throw 4x100-118%KO | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x70-82% Rock Throw 4x60-71% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Graveler builds →Fire Blast 2x39-47% Flamethrower 2x33-39% Rock Tomb 4x110-129%KO Rock Throw 4x94-112%KO | ||
Magmar Fire | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magmar builds →Fire Blast 2x102-121%KO Flamethrower 2x84-100%KO Fire Punch 2x70-82% Ember 2x39-47% | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x100-118%KO Thunderbolt 2x82-97% Spark 2x32-38% Charge Beam 2x47-56% | ||
 Skarmory Steel | B | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Skarmory builds →Fly 2x73-86% Air Slash 2x38-46% Air Cutter 2x32-38% Aerial Ace 2x49-58% | ||
Sudowoodo Rock | C | |
Obtain MethodRoute 36 Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Sudowoodo builds →Rock Slide 4x147-173%KO Rock Tomb 4x116-137%KO Rock Throw 4x99-117%KO | ||
Onix RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Onix builds →Rock Tomb 4x69-81% Rock Throw 4x56-66% | ||
Graveler RockGround | C | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Graveler builds →Fire Blast 2x38-46% Flamethrower 2x33-39% Rock Tomb 4x112-132%KO Rock Throw 4x95-112%KO | ||
Magnemite ElectricSteel | D | |
Available Moves Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Magnemite builds →Thunder 2x101-119%KO Thunderbolt 2x84-99% Discharge 2x75-89% Spark 2x32-38% | ||
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Infernape can KO Scyther with Fire Blast (94-111%). Dragonite threatens a KO with Outrage (123-145%). Zapdos's Thunderbolt also KOs at 101-119%.
 Infernape FireFighting | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityBlaze ItemExpert Belt NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Infernape builds →Close Combat18-21% U Turn14-17% Fire Blast 2x94-111%KO | ||
 Dragonite Dragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityInnerfocus ItemLife Orb NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Dragonite builds →Extreme Speed55-65% Outrage123-145%KO | ||
 Zapdos Electric | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemLeftovers NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Zapdos builds →Thunderbolt 2x101-119%KO Heat Wave 2x70-83% | ||
 Aerodactyl Rock | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemFocus Sash NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Aerodactyl builds →Stone Edge 4x243-286%KO | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemExpert Belt NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Scyther View Weavile builds →Ice Shard 2x54-64% Pursuit27-32% | ||
HeartGold & SoulSilver Evolution
Scyther's evolution chain splits 2 ways into Scizor and Kleavor. The method you choose determines which form you get. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
Breed Scyther easily with 48 breeding partners from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Baton Pass, Bug Buzz, Counter and 7 more to offspring.
HeartGold & SoulSilver Scyther Best Moveset
Find one free turn for Swords Dance and Scyther can run through teams. Jolly nature leans fast physical, Technician supports the sweep, and the remaining moves stops anything from walling it cleanly.
Best Build
Scyther best EVs are Attack and Speed
Physical Setup Sweeper Moveset
- U Turn
- Aerial Ace
- Swords Dance
- Night Slash
Recommended Teammates
Moves
You'll want to breed for Baton Pass and Bug Buzz on Scyther. These egg moves aren't just nice to have. Combined with STAB from Bug Buzz and X-Scissor, they expand what Scyther can actually threaten in practice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
HeartGold & SoulSilver Scyther Locations
Scyther tops out at moderate rates across 4 locations in early-game routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Best Locations to Catch Scyther in HeartGold & SoulSilver
Which version you're playing matters for Scyther. 4 walking spots at Lv. 13-28 spread across HeartGold and SoulSilver, and some routes only appear in one cartridge. Check the version badges below.
Scyther Guide
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Scyther isn't fully evolved, so it's not built for competitive play. You'll want to evolve it into Scizor to unlock its full potential. At 500 BST, it's a stepping stone rather than a team anchor.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, watch for Aerodactyl (Rock), Arcanine (Fire), and Jolteon (Electric) when using Scyther. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Aerodactyl is the most dangerous since Rock moves deal 4x damage. Ice and Flying-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Run Technician on Scyther. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Scyther also gets Swarm and Steadfast, but they don't compare. With base 105 Speed, Technician gives Scyther an edge before opponents can react.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Scyther fills the sweeper role. It's a physical attacker with base 110 Attack. Base 105 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Scyther does the job early-game if you need a Bug/Flying type on your team. Evolve it into Scizor before the later gyms and it holds up fine through the story.
Game Availability
Scyther has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 10 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves