Is Scorbunny a Good Starter? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Scorbunny is an excellent starter Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and a fantastic choice overall. While all three Galar starters have their merits, Scorbunny distinguishes itself with its high speed and attack stats, making it a powerful offensive threat. It also boasts surprisingly good special defense, a bonus for later-game battles. Coupled with its final evolution, Cinderace, a potent Fire-type Pokémon, choosing Scorbunny can make for a rewarding and successful playthrough. However, it’s crucial to understand Scorbunny’s strengths and weaknesses to fully leverage its potential.
Why Choose Scorbunny?
Initial Advantages
Choosing Scorbunny provides a direct advantage at the very beginning of the game, particularly in the first gym. As a Fire-type, Scorbunny has a type advantage against the Grass-type gym, making it significantly easier to earn your first badge. This early boost can be incredibly helpful in establishing momentum and making the initial hours of your gameplay smoother.
Offensive Prowess
Scorbunny’s evolution line is designed to be offensively potent. It evolves into Raboot at level 16 and ultimately into Cinderace at level 35. Cinderace is known for its incredible attack and speed. Its signature move, Pyro Ball, is a powerful attack with a base power of 120, allowing it to deliver serious damage to opponents. This combination makes Cinderace capable of outspeeding many foes and quickly taking them out.
High Special Defense
Surprisingly, for a Pokémon often characterized by its speed and attack, Scorbunny has the highest special defense among the three Galar starters. This means it can withstand damage from special attacks better than Grookey or Sobble, which can be very beneficial in the later stages of the game when facing trainers who employ a variety of special-based offensive strategies.
The Hidden Ability: Libero
Scorbunny has the incredible hidden ability called Libero. When Cinderace has the Libero ability, it changes type to match the move it uses. This ability was rare until recently, and makes Cinderace’s offensive capabilities unmatched. This ability adds a layer of versatility and strategic depth to your battles.
Speed and Versatility
Speed is a crucial factor in the Pokémon world, and Scorbunny excels in this department. As a fast-attacking Pokémon, it often gets the first move in combat. Cinderace is among the fastest non-legendary Pokémon, and with proper training and move sets, it will outspeed and overpower many of your opponents. This allows Cinderace to act as a highly efficient sweeper, making it a vital asset to your team.
Scorbunny: The Full Picture
While Scorbunny certainly has many positives, it’s essential to consider all aspects before making your final choice:
Strengths
- Type Advantage: Early advantage against Grass-type Gym.
- Speed and Attack: Cinderace’s stats allow it to be a fast and powerful offensive threat.
- Special Defense: Surprising resistance to special attacks.
- Libero: The hidden ability that makes Cinderace’s move sets extremely versatile.
- Pyro Ball: A very strong signature move with a 120 base power.
Weaknesses
- Vulnerable to Common Types: Vulnerable to Water, Ground, and Rock-type attacks which are common.
- Evolution Level: Requires level 35 to fully evolve into Cinderace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Scorbunny the absolute best starter in Sword and Shield?
Not definitively. While Scorbunny offers a strong offensive approach and excellent late-game performance, the “best” starter depends on your playing style. Grookey has better type coverage in the second gym and boasts a potent final evolution, Rillaboom. It is ultimately up to the player’s preferred strategy. However, for an offensive and fast strategy, Scorbunny is a top contender.
2. When should I evolve Scorbunny?
Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at level 16, and Raboot evolves into Cinderace at level 35. There’s no reason to delay evolution; it’s best to evolve as soon as possible to maximize their stats and access better moves.
3. What does Scorbunny evolve into?
Scorbunny evolves into Raboot at Level 16, and then into Cinderace at Level 35. Both evolutions are crucial to Scorbunny’s transition into its final form as a powerhouse.
4. Can I get all three starters in Sword and Shield?
Yes, you can! Through the Pokémon Home app, and a single copy of the game along with an internet connection, it’s possible to transfer starters you may have missed. This means you can use all the starters on your team.
5. Is Scorbunny the cutest starter Pokémon?
This is subjective, but many find Scorbunny to be charming. However, lists often feature Grookey, Bulbasaur, and Rowlet as being the most adorable. Cutest starter is a matter of personal preference.
6. What is Scorbunny’s hidden ability?
Scorbunny’s hidden ability is Libero. This changes Cinderace’s type to match the move it is using, making it extremely versatile.
7. Is Cinderace harder than Charizard?
In the Tera Raid battles, Cinderace is considered harder than Charizard. Cinderace has a Fighting Tera Type, making it especially vulnerable against Fairy types, while also making its move sets very dangerous for opponents.
8. What are Scorbunny’s special pads?
Scorbunny has special pads on the backs of its feet and one on its nose. These pads radiate heat, especially when it’s ready to battle.
9. What are the base stats of Cinderace?
Cinderace’s stats are focused on speed and attack. It has a base attack of 116, speed of 119 and it’s special attack is 65. It also has a base HP of 80.
10. How rare is a female Scorbunny?
The odds of getting a female Scorbunny are approximately 1 in 8, making them less common than male Scorbunnies.
11. Can you evolve a level 100 Scorbunny?
Yes, in Sword and Shield, a level 100 Scorbunny can evolve if it’s given a rare candy, despite being at the maximum level.
12. Is Scorbunny a physical or special attacker?
Scorbunny and its evolution line are primarily physical attackers, relying on moves like Pyro Ball and other physical attacks to deal damage.
13. Is Cinderace the best fire type Pokémon?
Cinderace is often considered among the best Fire-type Pokémon due to its high attack, speed, and Libero ability. Its signature move, Pyro Ball, further solidifies its offensive capabilities. While other Fire types have their niches, Cinderace is usually ranked very highly.
14. Why is Cinderace so hard in Tera Raids?
Cinderace in Tera Raids can be tough due to its high attack stat, speed, and diverse move pool. Additionally, its Fighting Tera-type in Scarlet and Violet makes it weak to Fairy type attacks.
15. What is the single best Pokémon of all time?
This is widely debated, but Arceus is often considered the most powerful Pokemon due to its 720 base stat total and its ability to change type using the Multitype ability.