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.
Its heavy-looking iron body is actually thin and light, so it can fly 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 9 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.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Skarmory is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with no compatible partners. Hatching is average hatch time. It's got 10 egg moves worth looking into.
How to Evolve
Breed Skarmory easily from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Assurance, Brave Bird, Curse and 7 more to offspring.
Spikes is the priority every time Skarmory comes in. Careful nature and max HP and Sp. Def EVs keep it alive long enough to get layers down, while Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn. Sturdy rounds it out. Roost keeps it healthy between hits.
Best Build
Best Skarmory Moveset
- Spikes
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Whirlwind
Recommended Teammates
You'll want to breed for Assurance and Brave Bird 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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
decent spawn rates across 4 locations for Skarmory in late-game routes. Scroll the sorted list below and pick whichever spot sits closest to your current route. The rate differences between locations are worth comparing.
Best Locations
Skarmory's encounter pool splits between Black 2 and White 2. You've got 4 walking spots at Lv. 34-38 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