Pokémon counters guide

Best Counters for Skarmory

Find practical counter Pokémon, attacking types, and defensive matchup notes for Skarmory.

SteelFlying
Skarmory Pokémon sprite

Skarmory

#0227

Quick answer

Skarmory is best pressured by Fire and Electric-type attacks at 2x damage. Because there is no 4x weakness, defensive safety, Speed, and raw stats matter more.

Best move types

Fire×2Electric×2

Top weaknesses (2)

Fire×2Electric×2

Type matchup table

Fire type iconFire2x
Electric type iconElectric2x
Water type iconWater1x
Ice type iconIce1x
Fighting type iconFighting1x
Rock type iconRock1x
Ghost type iconGhost1x
Dark type iconDark1x
Grass type iconGrass0.25x
Bug type iconBug0.25x
Normal type iconNormal0.5x
Flying type iconFlying0.5x
Psychic type iconPsychic0.5x
Dragon type iconDragon0.5x
Steel type iconSteel0.5x
Fairy type iconFairy0.5x
Poison type iconPoison0x
Ground type iconGround0x

Recommended practical counters

Cinderace Pokémon sprite

Cinderace

#0815

Bulky switch-inFast pressureBudget option
Fire
  • Deals 2x damage with Fire-type attacks
  • Has STAB Fire-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Steel 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
  • Good Speed helps apply pressure first
Best typeFire×2

Safe into Steel 0.5x

116 offense · 119 Speed

Ampharos Pokémon sprite

Ampharos

#0181

Resists both STABsBudget option
Electric
  • Deals 2x damage with Electric-type attacks
  • Has STAB Electric-type attacks
  • Resists the target's Steel 0.5x, Flying 0.5x STAB attacks
  • Strong attacking stats help convert the matchup
Best typeElectric×2

Safe into Steel 0.5x, Flying 0.5x

115 offense · 55 Speed

Strong theoretical counters

Best move types to use

Fire×2Electric×2

Move availability depends on game version and learnset data, so this page recommends move types rather than guaranteed moves.

Fire type pageElectric type page

Counter notes for Skarmory

  • Skarmory is a Steel / Flying Pokémon with 70 base Speed and stronger physical attack (80 Attack). Fire and Electric attacks all work offensively, but safer counters are usually the ones that reduce risk from its own STAB types.
  • Skarmory has several 2x weaknesses rather than a single 4x weakness, so the best counters are the ones that can hit it super-effectively while also reducing the risk from Steel / Flying STAB.
  • Known abilities include Keen Eye, Sturdy, and Weak Armor. This page does not assume ability-specific battle effects, so verify the format before relying on a single counter.
  • Avoid counters that are weak to Steel / Flying unless they are fast enough to pressure immediately or bulky enough to survive the exchange.
  • Skarmory has alternate forms in the National Dex, but this page focuses on the standard Steel / Flying matchup.

What not to use

Poison×0Ground×0Grass×0.25Bug×0.25Normal×0.5Flying×0.5Psychic×0.5Dragon×0.5Steel×0.5Fairy×0.5

These attacking types are resisted or blocked by the defender's typing, so they are usually lower-priority choices unless they provide a special battle role.

Battle caveats

  • This ranking uses modern Gen 6+ type matchups, STAB value, defensive switch-in safety, and base stats.
  • Abilities, held items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and format rules can change real battle outcomes.
  • Coverage moves can punish obvious counters, so treat this as type-based guidance rather than a full matchup simulator.
  • Move availability depends on game version and learnset data; this page recommends attacking types rather than guaranteed moves.

Related pages

Skarmory weakness chartSkarmory PokédexSteel / Flying countersFire type pageElectric type pagePokémon type chartSpeed tiers

FAQ

What is the best counter for Skarmory?

Skarmory is best countered by Pokémon that can use Fire and Electric (2x) attacks while avoiding bad defensive matchups into Steel / Flying STAB attacks. Because there is no 4x weakness, Speed, bulk, and offensive stats matter more when choosing the actual Pokémon.

What type is best against Skarmory?

Fire and Electric are the strongest attacking types against Skarmory, dealing 2x damage under the modern Gen 6+ type chart.

How many useful attacking types hit Skarmory super-effectively?

Skarmory has 2 super-effective attacking options: Fire and Electric. Use the highest multiplier first, then choose a Pokémon that is not exposed to Steel / Flying STAB attacks.

Are abilities included in this counter ranking?

No. The ranking uses base typing and base stats. Abilities, items, Terastallization, weather, terrain, and special move rules can change the real matchup.

Does Terastallization change Skarmory counters?

Yes. Terastallization can replace the defensive typing used here, so the recommended counter types may change completely in formats where Tera is active.

What should I avoid using against Skarmory?

Avoid relying on Poison, Ground, Grass, Bug, and Normal attacks unless they have a special role or unusually high power.

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