In Platinum, Skarmory works as a hazard setter with 465 BST behind it. B-Tier on our list: a solid option in Platinum for the right team. Spikes with Leftovers is the standard set.

What is Skarmory weak to?

In Platinum, watch for Arcanine (Fire) and Jolteon (Electric) when using Skarmory. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

What is the best ability for Skarmory?

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.

What role does Skarmory play in battle?

Skarmory is leaning toward the physical side (base 80 Attack). Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the hazard setter role.

What are the best moves for Skarmory?

In Platinum, run Spikes, Roost, Whirlwind, and Bravebird on Skarmory. Spikes is the most common pick at 23% usage. This set covers the hazard setter role with a mix of damage and utility.

Skarmory - Weakness, Evolution, Moveset, EVs & Stats

Utility

Hazard Setter

BTier

70Speed · Below Avg

Stats & Training

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.

Base Stats

Above

HP65

Attack80

Defense140

Sp. Atk40

Sp. Def70

Speed70

Total465

Details

Catch Rate

Difficult25 / 255

Growth Rate

Slow1.25M XP

Height1.7 m

Weight50.5 kg

Base XP163

Abilities

Keen EyeTop Pick

Prevents accuracy from being lowered.

SturdyNiche

Prevents being KOed from full HP, leaving 1 HP instead. Protects against the one-hit KO moves regardless of HP.

Weak ArmorHANot in game

Raises Speed and lowers Defense by one stage each upon being hit by a physical move.

EV Yield

HPAtkDef+2SpASpDSpe

Defense training target

Pokedex Entries

Despite being clad entirely in iron-hard armor, it flies at speeds over 180 mph.

Platinum

Skarmory Weakness

Skarmory's Steel/Flying typing leaves it vulnerable to Fire and Electric. 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.

Skarmory Weakness and Resistance Chart
Damage	Types
2x (Weak)	Fire, Electric
0.5x (Resist)	Normal, Flying, Psychic, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel
0.25x (Resist)	Grass, Bug
0x (Immune)	Poison, Ground

Type ChartFortress

2Weak

9Resist

2Immune

Score+13

Gen IV Type Chart

Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

4xCritical

None

2xWeak

Fire Electric

½xResist

Normal Flying Psychic Ghost Dragon Dark Steel

¼xResist

Grass Bug

0xImmune

Poison Ground

STAB (5)

Ice Rock Grass Fighting Bug

How to Beat Skarmory in Platinum (Best Counters)

Electabuzz Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 37 Thunder PunchLv. 28 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 114-135%KO Thunderbolt 2x 94-111%KO Discharge 2x 84-99% Thunder Punch 2x 41-49% View Electabuzz builds →
Magneton ElectricSteel	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 40 SparkLv. 22 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 140-165%KO Thunderbolt 2x 114-135%KO Discharge 2x 101-120%KO Spark 2x 29-34% View Magneton builds →
Rotom ElectricGhost	C
Obtain MethodOld Chateau Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 50 Shock WaveTM34 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 114-135%KO Thunderbolt 2x 94-111%KO Discharge 2x 84-99% Shock Wave 2x 64-75% View Rotom builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 29 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 65-77% Thunderbolt 2x 54-64% Discharge 2x 49-58% Spark 2x 24-28% View Pachirisu builds →
Luxio Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 48 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 81-96% Thunderbolt 2x 67-79% Discharge 2x 60-71% Spark 2x 36-43% View Luxio builds →

Platinum Evolution

Skarmory is what you get. No evolutions, but it breeds through one egg group with a decent partner pool. Hatching is average hatch time. It's got 7 egg moves worth looking into. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution

#227SkarmoryDoes not evolve

Breeding

Easy

Breed Skarmory easily with 31 breeding partners from the Flying egg group. Pass egg moves like Assurance, Brave Bird, Curse and 4 more to offspring.

Egg Groups

Flying

Gender

♂50.0%♀50.0%

Hatch Time

25 cycles·6,425 steps

Moderate~6 min with Flame Body

Egg Moves

7moves

Breed With (best first)

Platinum Skarmory Best Moveset

Spikes is the priority every time Skarmory comes in. Impish nature and max HP and Defense EVs keep it alive long enough to get layers down, while Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn. Keeneye rounds it out. Roost keeps it healthy between hits.

Best Build

Highly recommended

Wall

Ability

Keen Eye

Item

LeftoversSUSTAIN

Best Nature for Skarmory

Impish+DEF

Skarmory best EVs are HP and Defense

EVs

Def

SpD

Wall Moveset

SpikesHazard
RoostRecovery
WhirlwindSLOW -6Utility
Brave BirdSTAB

Recommended Teammates

TyranitarGood

LatiasDecent

JirachiDecent

Moves

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

Lv 1

Leer

——10030Normal

Lv 1

Peck

—3510035Flying

Lv 6

Sand Attack

D—10015Ground

Lv 9

Swift

—60—20Normal

Lv 12

Agility

C——30Psychic

Lv 17

Fury Attack

D158520Normal

Lv 20

Feint+2

—5010010Normal

Lv 23

Air Cutter

D559525Flying

Lv 28

Spikes

S——20Ground

Lv 31

Metal Sound

——8540Steel

Lv 34

Steel Wing

C709025Steel

Lv 39

Air Slash

D759520Flying

Lv 42

Slash

—7010020Normal

Lv 45

Night Slash

D7010015Dark

TM Moves

TM40

Aerial Ace

C60—20Flying

TM45

Attract

——10015Normal

TM78

Captivate

——10020Normal

HM01

Cut

—509530Normal

TM79

Dark Pulse

D8010015Dark

HM05

Defog

———15Flying

TM32

Double Team

———15Normal

TM58

Endure+4

———10Normal

TM42

Facade

D7010020Normal

TM70

Flash

D—10020Normal

TM91

Flash Cannon

D8010010Steel

HM02

Fly

C909515Flying

TM21

Frustration

D—10020Normal

TM10

Hidden Power

—6010015Normal

TM83

Natural Gift

D—10015Normal

TM66

Payback

D5010010Dark

TM88

Pluck

—6010020Flying

TM17

Protect+4

C——10Normal

TM44

Rest

C——10Psychic

TM27

Return

D—10020Normal

TM05

Roar-6

C——20Normal

TM80

Rock Slide

D759010Rock

HM06

Rock Smash

D4010015Fighting

TM39

Rock Tomb

D609510Rock

TM51

Roost

S——10Flying

TM37

Sandstorm

———10Rock

TM43

Secret Power

—7010020Normal

TM82

Sleep Talk

C——10Normal

TM76

Stealth Rock

A——20Rock

TM47

Steel Wing

C709025Steel

TM90

Substitute

C——10Normal

TM11

Sunny Day

C——5Fire

TM87

Swagger

——9015Normal

TM75

Swords Dance

C——30Normal

TM12

Taunt

B—10020Dark

TM46

Thief

—6010025Dark

TM41

Torment

——10015Dark

TM06

Toxic

C—8510Poison

TM81

X-Scissor

C8010015Bug

Egg Moves

Egg

Assurance

—5010010Dark

Egg

Brave Bird

A12010015Flying

Egg

Curse

C——10Ghost

Egg

Drill Peck

C8010020Flying

Egg

Pursuit

D4010020Dark

Egg

Sky Attack

B140905Flying

Egg

Whirlwind-6

S——20Normal

Tutor Moves

Tut

Tutor

Air Cutter

D559525Flying

Tutor

Fury Cutter

—109520Bug

Tutor

Icy Wind

D559515Ice

Tutor

Iron Defense

D——15Steel

Tutor

Mud-Slap

D2010010Ground

Tutor

Ominous Wind

D601005Ghost

Tutor

Snore

D4010015Normal

Tutor

Swift

—60—20Normal

Tutor

Twister

—4010020Dragon

Transfer Moves

Gen

Gen 3

Counter-5

D—10020Fighting

Gen 3

Double-Edge

C12010015Normal

Gen 3

Mimic

———10Normal

Platinum Skarmory Locations

moderate rates across 2 encounter spots for Skarmory. 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 to Catch Skarmory in Platinum

Route 227

Grass Lv.53 Route

RarePost

Stark Mountain - Outside

Grass Lv.53 Volcano

RarePost

Skarmory Guide

In Platinum, Skarmory works as a hazard setter with 465 BST behind it. B-Tier on our list: a solid option in Platinum for the right team. Spikes with Leftovers is the standard set.
In Platinum, watch for Arcanine (Fire) and Jolteon (Electric) when using Skarmory. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.
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. Speed tells the real story. Base 70 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the hazard setter role.
In Platinum, run Spikes, Roost, Whirlwind, and Bravebird on Skarmory. Spikes is the most common pick at 23% usage. This set covers the hazard setter role with a mix of damage and utility.

Game Availability

Debuting in Gold & Silver, Skarmory appears in 18 games across 9 generations. A reliable presence in most mainline games, typically found through wild encounters.

Click a game to view version-specific details

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Shinx Electric	D
Available Move Moves SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Spark 2x 37-46% View Shinx builds →
Growlithe Fire	D
Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 EmberLv. 6 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 93-111%KO Ember 2x 37-46% View Growlithe builds →
Chimchar Fire	D
Obtain MethodRoute 201 Gift Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 EmberLv. 7 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 83-98% Ember 2x 37-46% View Chimchar builds →

Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 61-73% Spark 2x 27-34% View Pachirisu builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 77-92% Spark 2x 27-34% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 56-68% Spark 2x 35-44% View Shinx builds →
Growlithe Fire	D
Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 Flame WheelLv. 20 EmberLv. 6 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 98-116%KO Flame Wheel 2x 32-39% Ember 2x 40-48% View Growlithe builds →
Chimchar Fire	D
Obtain MethodRoute 201 Gift Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 Flame WheelLv. 17 EmberLv. 7 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 85-102%KO Flame Wheel 2x 32-39% Ember 2x 32-39% View Chimchar builds →

Rotom ElectricGhost	C
Obtain MethodOld Chateau Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 Shock WaveLv. 22 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 95-113%KO Shock Wave 2x 66-78% Thunder Shock 2x 45-55% View Rotom builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 56-66% Spark 2x 26-31% View Pachirisu builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 73-86% Spark 2x 26-31% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunderbolt 2x 52-62% Spark 2x 32-39% View Shinx builds →
Ponyta Fire	D
Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 Flame WheelLv. 15 EmberLv. 10 Fire SpinLv. 24 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 86-101%KO Flame Wheel 2x 36-43% Ember 2x 36-43% Fire Spin 2x 29-35% View Ponyta builds →

Rotom ElectricGhost	C
Obtain MethodOld Chateau Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Shock WaveTM34 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 118-140%KO Thunderbolt 2x 95-113%KO Shock Wave 2x 66-78% Thunder Shock 2x 45-55% View Rotom builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 29 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 69-82% Thunderbolt 2x 58-68% Discharge 2x 51-61% Spark 2x 25-31% View Pachirisu builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 FlamethrowerTM35 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 90-106%KO Flamethrower 2x 48-57% Thunderbolt 2x 72-85% Spark 2x 25-31% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Thunder FangLv. 29 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 64-75% Thunderbolt 2x 55-65% Spark 2x 32-38% Thunder Fang 2x 32-38% View Shinx builds →
Ponyta Fire	D
Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 FlamethrowerTM35 Flame WheelLv. 15 EmberLv. 10 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 90-106%KO Flamethrower 2x 72-85% Flame Wheel 2x 38-44% Ember 2x 34-41% View Ponyta builds →

Rotom ElectricGhost	C
Obtain MethodOld Chateau Interact Encounter Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 Shock WaveTM34 Thunder ShockLv. 1 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 118-140%KO Thunderbolt 2x 95-113%KO Shock Wave 2x 66-78% Thunder Shock 2x 45-55% View Rotom builds →
Pachirisu Electric	C
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 DischargeLv. 29 SparkLv. 13 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 69-82% Thunderbolt 2x 58-68% Discharge 2x 51-61% Spark 2x 25-31% View Pachirisu builds →
Electrike Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 FlamethrowerTM35 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 20 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 90-106%KO Flamethrower 2x 48-57% Thunderbolt 2x 72-85% Spark 2x 25-31% View Electrike builds →
Shinx Electric	D
Available Moves Moves ThunderTM25 ThunderboltTM24 SparkLv. 13 Thunder FangLv. 29 Damage vs Skarmory Thunder 2x 64-75% Thunderbolt 2x 55-65% Spark 2x 32-38% Thunder Fang 2x 32-38% View Shinx builds →
Ponyta Fire	D
Available Moves Moves Fire BlastTM38 FlamethrowerTM35 Flame WheelLv. 15 EmberLv. 10 Damage vs Skarmory Fire Blast 2x 90-106%KO Flamethrower 2x 72-85% Flame Wheel 2x 38-44% Ember 2x 34-41% View Ponyta builds →

BronzongResists Steel, excellent bulk SteelPsychic	A
Recommended Build AbilityLevitate ItemLeftovers NatureBrave Moves Gyro Ball Explosion Earthquake Stealth Rock Damage vs Skarmory Explosion 19-23% View Bronzong builds →
HippowdonWalls physical sets Ground	B
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves EarthquakeSTAB Slack Off Stealth Rock RoarUtility View Hippowdon builds →
SlakingOutspeeds Normal	B
Recommended Build AbilityTruant ItemChoice Band NatureJolly Moves Earthquake Sucker Punch Giga Impact Double Edge Damage vs Skarmory Sucker Punch 11-13% Double Edge 29-34% View Slaking builds →
AmbipomOutspeeds Normal	C
Recommended Build AbilityTechnician ItemLife Orb NatureJolly Moves Fake Out U Turn Low Kick ReturnSTAB Damage vs Skarmory U Turn 4-4% View Ambipom builds →
Torterra GrassGround	C
Recommended Build AbilityOvergrow ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves EarthquakeSTAB Wood Hammer Leech Seed Stone Edge Damage vs Skarmory Wood Hammer 6-7% Stone Edge 13-16% View Torterra builds →