Do Scizor and Scyther Have the Same Stats?
The short answer is no, Scizor and Scyther do not have the same stats, although they do share the same Base Stat Total (BST) of 500. While their total numerical strength is identical, the way those stats are distributed is vastly different, leading to entirely different roles and battle strategies for each Pokémon. This unique case in the Pokémon world has made Scyther and Scizor a popular point of discussion among trainers, often sparking questions about their individual strengths and weaknesses. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Understanding Base Stats
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify what base stats are. Each Pokémon has six base stats: HP (Hit Points), Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These numbers are the foundation upon which a Pokémon’s actual in-game stats are calculated. They remain constant for each individual species at level 1. A Pokémon’s Base Stat Total (BST) is the sum of these six base stats. Scyther and Scizor both have a BST of 500, but this total is divided differently between their individual stats.
Scyther’s Stat Distribution
Scyther, a Bug/Flying-type Pokémon, is known for its high Speed stat. Its base stats are:
- HP: 70
- Attack: 110
- Defense: 80
- Special Attack: 55
- Special Defense: 80
- Speed: 105
This stat spread makes Scyther a fast, offensive Pokémon, capable of outspeeding many opponents and dealing physical damage. However, its defensive stats are somewhat lacking, making it relatively fragile.
Scizor’s Stat Distribution
Scizor, a Bug/Steel-type Pokémon, sacrifices some of Scyther’s speed for increased power and bulk. Its base stats are:
- HP: 70
- Attack: 130
- Defense: 100
- Special Attack: 55
- Special Defense: 80
- Speed: 65
As you can see, Scizor’s Attack and Defense are significantly higher than Scyther’s, while its Speed is much lower. This change in stat distribution transforms Scizor into a powerful, durable Pokémon that can withstand more hits and dish out substantial damage.
Why the Same BST?
The fact that Scyther and Scizor share the same BST is a relatively unique situation. Generally, when a Pokémon evolves, its BST increases. However, in the case of Scyther evolving into Scizor (and also the case with another branched evolution, Tyrogue), the evolution represents a shift in roles rather than a straight increase in overall power. Scizor is considered a “side evolution,” where 40 base Speed is traded for 20 base Attack and 20 base Defense. This decision creates distinct gameplay options and strategic considerations for players.
The Impact of These Differences
Scyther’s Strengths
- Speed: Scyther’s high speed makes it a great sweeper, capable of hitting hard and fast.
- Technician: Scyther can use moves like Aerial Ace with greater impact because of its Technician Ability and STAB.
- Eviolite: When holding Eviolite, its defenses are boosted considerably, making it more viable to use when its evolution is not ideal.
Scizor’s Strengths
- Attack Power: Scizor boasts a much higher Attack stat, allowing it to hit harder with physical moves.
- Defensive Bulk: Its improved Defense makes it significantly more durable than Scyther.
- Steel Typing: Scizor’s Steel typing gives it many more resistances compared to Scyther’s Bug/Flying Typing, with only one weakness: Fire.
- Priority: Scizor’s access to Technician-boosted Bullet Punch is a powerful advantage.
- Swords Dance: Scizor benefits from Swords Dance as a very strong setup option.
Trade-offs
The major trade-off is speed versus bulk and power. Scyther’s speed allows it to quickly sweep opponents, while Scizor’s bulk and power make it a formidable physical attacker and a solid wall to physical attacks. The choice between the two often comes down to team composition and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Scizor’s Evolution Increase Stats?
No, Scizor does not gain any stat points from evolving. The Base Stat Total remains 500. The evolution is a trade-off of Scyther’s Speed for Scizor’s Attack and Defense.
2. Is Scyther better than Scizor in all cases?
No, it depends on your strategy. Scyther is faster and can be a good sweeper with the use of Eviolite, while Scizor is stronger and bulkier. Both have different roles in a battle.
3. Does Scizor have any weaknesses other than Fire?
Yes, while Fire is Scizor’s major 4x weakness, it also has a normal resistance to Bug and Grass, making its overall defensive profile exceptional.
4. Is Mega Scizor a significant upgrade?
Yes, Mega Scizor receives additional stat increases, particularly to its Defense stat, making it a powerful defensive threat. It also retains its Bug/Steel typing.
5. What items are commonly used with Scyther?
Eviolite is a very common item for Scyther, boosting its defenses and making it a strong pick.
6. What items are commonly used with Scizor?
Life Orb is a common choice to boost Scizor’s attack and damage output. Other notable items include Choice Band to increase damage output or Leftovers for added sustain.
7. Does Scyther and Scizor’s access to Technician change their impact?
Yes, Technician boosts moves with less than 60 base power. This ability combined with moves like Bullet Punch and Aerial Ace make both of them viable in different areas.
8. Can Scyther learn Fly?
Although Scyther is part Flying-type, it cannot learn the move Fly. This limitation is shared with most Bug/Flying types. It is limited to moves like Aerial Ace.
9. At what level should I evolve Scyther?
Evolve Scyther after it has learned all the moves you need. Moves exclusive to Scyther can be relearned on Scizor with a Heart Scale.
10. Is it worth it to use a Scyther over a Scizor?
Yes, both are viable depending on your needs. Scyther excels as a fast sweeper, while Scizor is a powerful, durable physical attacker. Scyther’s access to Eviolite can also make it a viable option compared to Scizor.
11. Is Scizor a good “all-rounder” Pokémon?
Yes, Scizor has a lot of versatility and a high attack, allowing it to perform well in various scenarios. It can set up with Swords Dance, deal priority damage with Bullet Punch, pivot with U-Turn, and use moves like Defog and Roost to support the team.
12. Can I evolve a level 100 Scyther?
Yes, you can evolve a level 100 Scyther. The stat calculation will happen after it evolves. The same goes for stats like Attack.
13. Is Scizor only weak to fire?
Yes, Scizor is only weak to Fire with a 4x damage multiplier due to its Bug/Steel typing.
14. How do I evolve Scyther into Scizor?
You need a Metal Coat and must trade Scyther to get Scizor. In some games, such as Pokemon Go, it requires a metal coat and 50 scyther candies to evolve.
15. Is Scizor the only Pokémon with a side evolution?
No, Tyrogue is another Pokémon that has three different branched evolutions which do not raise its Base Stat Total.
Conclusion
While Scizor and Scyther share the same Base Stat Total, they are two very different Pokémon. Scyther’s Speed and the option of Eviolite allows it to be a strong, offensive option. Scizor sacrifices some of that Speed in exchange for greatly increased Attack and Defense, along with the added benefit of a powerful priority move and a great defensive type combination with Steel. Choosing between them depends entirely on your strategy and the specific needs of your team. The unique stat distribution and unique circumstances surrounding its evolution make both Scyther and Scizor fascinating subjects of discussion in the Pokémon community.