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Should Scorbunny Learn Double Kick? A Comprehensive Guide

The question of whether Scorbunny should learn Double Kick is a common one among Pokémon trainers embarking on their journey through the Galar region. The short answer is: absolutely, yes! Double Kick is a vital move for Scorbunny’s early game progression, providing a crucial coverage option and setting the stage for its powerful evolution, Cinderace. This article will explore why Double Kick is beneficial for Scorbunny, address common queries about its moveset and evolution, and provide a thorough look into its combat potential.

The Importance of Double Kick for Scorbunny

Scorbunny, the energetic Fire-type starter of Pokémon Sword and Shield, begins with a fairly limited moveset. While Ember is a reliable Fire-type attack, it lacks coverage against Pokémon that resist Fire. This is where Double Kick shines. As a Fighting-type move, it allows Scorbunny to effectively deal damage to Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark, and Normal-type Pokémon, offering a strategic advantage in a variety of early game battles.

Early Game Dominance

One of the primary reasons to teach Scorbunny Double Kick is its early accessibility. It natively learns Double Kick at level 12 as a Scorbunny, providing a strong offensive option that is available well before the player will consider evolving. This early access is extremely beneficial, enabling trainers to deal with the first gym leader Milo more efficiently. Milo’s Grass-type Pokémon are resistant to Fire moves, and Double Kick becomes a critical tool for overcoming this initial challenge. Without it, you are heavily reliant on ember which will not deal sufficient damage.

Double Kick vs. Other Early Options

Scorbunny’s initial movepool is limited, including Ember, Headbutt (or Quick Attack), in addition to Double Kick. Quick Attack might be useful for situations requiring speed, it does not provide effective coverage for types resistant to Scorbunny’s primary Fire Type. Similarly, Headbutt, though it is a Normal-type attack, it does not provide the same super-effective advantage against certain types that Double Kick can provide. Therefore, Double Kick fills a critical gap.

Transitioning to Cinderace

Double Kick remains useful even after Scorbunny evolves into Raboot and then Cinderace. While Cinderace gains access to more powerful moves later in the game, Double Kick still provides excellent coverage early in its transition to becoming a powerhouse. Furthermore, it is a versatile move that can complement Cinderace’s other powerful moves like Pyro Ball and Flamethrower. Some trainers will decide to keep it in the final Cinderace move pool as a method to deal with Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark, and Normal-types.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scorbunny and Double Kick

Here are some of the most common questions that trainers have about Scorbunny, its moveset, and its evolution:

What level does Scorbunny learn Double Kick? Scorbunny learns Double Kick natively at level 12.
Is Double Kick a good move for Cinderace? Yes, Double Kick is a valuable move for Cinderace. It provides coverage against various types like Rock, Steel, Ice, Dark, and Normal Pokémon. The move allows Cinderace to have a diverse range of offensive options in battle.
How does the power of Double Kick work? Double Kick is a two-hit attack, each hit dealing 30 base power. Therefore, it has an effective power of 60. If either hit connects, the move does damage, so it is unlike moves such as earthquake where a miss negates the attack.
When should I evolve Scorbunny? It’s best to evolve Scorbunny as soon as possible, which is at level 16 when it evolves into Raboot. Then, Raboot will evolve to Cinderace at level 35.
Can a level 100 Scorbunny evolve? In most Pokémon games, level 100 Pokémon cannot evolve. However, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, you can evolve a level 100 Scorbunny by giving it a Rare Candy.
Why is Scorbunny a good starter? Scorbunny boasts the highest special defense out of all the Galar starters. Additionally, it has high attack and speed stats, making it a formidable offensive Pokémon.
What is Scorbunny’s hidden ability? Scorbunny’s hidden ability is Libero. This ability changes Scorbunny’s type to match the type of move it’s using, giving it an immense advantage offensively.
What is Cinderace’s signature move? Cinderace’s signature move is Pyro Ball, which has a base power of 120, making it an exceptionally powerful move.
Is it worth stopping a Pokémon from evolving? Usually, it’s best to evolve Pokémon as soon as possible because they will obtain improved stats, and better moves. In some rare cases, an unevolved Pokémon will learn specific moves earlier than its evolved form. If that is the case, it is worth delaying the evolution until you have the move, however, most of the time it is not.
Is it hard to get a female Scorbunny? Yes, female Scorbunny are quite rare. The gender ratio for Scorbunny is 1/8 female, so it is not easy to acquire a female starter.
Is Scorbunny the best Galar starter? Scorbunny is often considered the strongest Galar starter due to its high attack, speed, and coverage offered by both its fire and fighting moves. Its ability to deal with the first gym effectively is also an advantage in the early stages of the game.
Should I get Grookey or Scorbunny? Grookey has an advantage against the second gym which is water, while it is weak against the first gym. Scorbunny is the opposite, with an advantage against the first and weak against the second. Both Pokémon are viable for a play through, so it will come down to preference.
What move set should Scorbunny have early game? A great move set for Scorbunny would be Double Kick, Ember, Flame Charge, and either Headbutt or Quick Attack. This offers a balance between coverage and speed.
Does higher CP mean a better Pokémon? Higher Combat Power (CP) often indicates a stronger Pokémon, but it’s not the only factor. Move types, and stats are equally important. When evaluating a Pokémon’s strength, move set, type, and ability should all be considered.
Are Pokémon weaker if you don’t evolve them? Generally, yes, unevolved Pokémon will have lower stat growth and in many instances are unable to learn specific moves. Evolving them is generally the best strategy for increasing overall strength.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Double Kick is an essential move for Scorbunny and its evolutionary line. Its early availability, coverage against various types, and its usefullness throughout the game make it an invaluable move. There is really no reason to omit Double Kick from Scorbunny’s early move pool. Combined with Scorbunny’s impressive attack stats and the unique potential of Cinderace, Double Kick sets the foundation for a powerful team that can conquer the Galar region. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran trainer, this move should always be considered when you raise a Scorbunny.

Should Scorbunny learn double kick?