While most trainers evolve Scyther into Scizor immediately, the unevolved form has a niche with Eviolite boosting its defenses. Ground moves can't touch it, which offsets the 5 weaknesses somewhat. Known as the Mantis Pokemon. The stat spread favors raw physical power.
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.
As Scyther fights more and more battles, its scythes become sharper and sharper. With a single slice, Scyther can fell a massive tree.
If you come across an area in a forest where a lot of the trees have been cut down, what you’ve found is a Scyther’s territory.
Scyther Weakness
VulnerableScyther's Bug/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Rock, Fire, Electric, Ice, and Flying moves. Rock hits land at 4x, so they're the biggest threat. It shrugs off Ground-type attacks completely.
Scyther's evolution chain splits 2 ways into Scizor and Kleavor. The method you choose determines which form you get.
How to Evolve
Breed Scyther easily with 47 breeding partners from the Bug egg group. Pass egg moves like Counter, Defog, Feint and 2 more to offspring.
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
Best Scyther Moveset
- Dual Wingbeat
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Bug Bite
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Counter and Defog 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
moderate rates across 18 encounter spots for Scyther. That's the kind of hunt where you pick one location and settle in. Sort by Best below to see where the odds are highest.
Best Locations
You can catch Scyther through 18 walking encounters from Lv. 10-18, but availability differs between Shield and Sword. Some spots are exclusive to one version.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Scyther appears in 22 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Scyther has been part of the series since Red & Blue, appearing in 22 titles across all 9 generations. As a Gen 1 original, it's one of the most consistently available Pokemon in the franchise.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
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