scyther
Generation I · #0123 — Mantis Pokémon
Scyther, known as the Mantis Pokémon and bearing the National Pokédex number #123, is a dual-type Bug/Flying Pokémon introduced in the very first generation of games. This remarkable creature embodies the perfect fusion of predatory insect design with aerial combat prowess, making it one of the most distinctive and memorable Pokémon from the original 151. With a base stat total of 500 points distributed impressively toward physical offense and speed, Scyther stands as a formidable presence in both competitive play and the narrative adventures of trainers worldwide. Its intimidating appearance, complete with razor-sharp scythes for forearms, has made it an iconic representation of the Bug-type family despite its aerial capabilities.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
56.0kg
Category
Mantis Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
bug-wings
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Strengthens bug moves to inflict 1.5× damage at 1/3 max HP or less.
Strengthens moves of 60 base power or less to 1.5× their power.
Raises Speed one stage upon flinching.
Scyther Biology & Physical Characteristics
Scyther is a bipedal, insectoid Pokémon standing at 1.5 meters tall and weighing 56.0 kilograms, with a body composition that showcases the fusion of mantis physiology with avian characteristics. Its coloration is primarily vibrant green, providing excellent camouflage in its natural grassland and forest habitats, with cream-colored segmentation separating its head, thorax, and abdomen. The most striking features are undoubtedly its large, white, blade-like scythes that replace its forearms—these are not mere appendages but highly evolved weapons capable of slicing through thick logs in a single stroke. Scyther possesses a reptilian head adorned with three blunt horns and narrow, triangular eyes that convey predatory intelligence, while two pairs of cream-colored wings extend from its back, allowing for flight despite its preference for ground-based hunting. Its lower body is equally formidable, featuring large upward-pointing spikes on the thighs and feet that extend almost to knee-height, each foot equipped with three small white claws perfect for gripping prey or maintaining balance during high-speed pursuits. Sexual dimorphism is evident in Scyther, with females displaying notably larger abdomens than their male counterparts.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Scyther Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Scyther exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, with sexual dimorphism visible in the abdominal region where females develop noticeably larger abdomens than males. The species belongs to the Bug egg group, limiting its breeding compatibility to other Pokémon within that classification, and has a hatch counter of 25 cycles, translating to approximately 6,169 to 6,425 steps required for an egg to hatch. With a base happiness value of 70 and a medium-fast growth rate, Scyther represents a moderately accessible breeding option for trainers seeking to cultivate competitive specimens. The gender dimorphism in Scyther likely reflects the reproductive biology of real praying mantises, where females invest more heavily in abdominal space for egg production, adding a layer of biological authenticity to the Pokémon's design. Breeding two Scyther or breeding a Scyther with a compatible Bug-type partner allows trainers to produce offspring with potentially superior individual values or desired natures, making the species a reasonable choice for dedicated breeders. The capture rate of 45 indicates moderate difficulty in catching wild Scyther, positioning it as a Pokémon that requires some effort to obtain but remains reasonably accessible to determined trainers.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
blue japan
tm02
red green japan
tm03
yellow
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
red blue
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
blue japan
tm03
red green japan
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
yellow
tm06
gold silver
tm06
red blue
tm06
crystal
tm06
emerald
+549 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
scyther's Evolution Chain
Scyther Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Scyther represents the first stage in a unique evolutionary branching system, as it is one of the few Pokémon with multiple distinct evolutionary paths across different generations. When traded while holding a Metal Coat, Scyther evolves into Scizor, a Bug/Steel-type Pokémon that sacrifices some of its legendary speed for enhanced physical durability and offensive power—a transformation introduced in Generation II. In a more recent development with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a second evolutionary option became available: exposure to a Black Augurite causes Scyther to evolve into Kleavor, a Bug/Rock-type that trades its Flying affinity for superior attack power and a different defensive profile. Remarkably, all three evolutionary forms—Scyther, Scizor, and Kleavor—maintain the same base stat total of 500, though the distribution of individual stats varies dramatically between them. This design philosophy allows trainers to customize their team composition based on strategic needs, with Scyther's balanced speed and attack forming the foundation upon which these divergent evolutionary paths are built. The existence of multiple evolutionary branches makes Scyther a flexible and strategic choice for trainers seeking adaptability.
Where to Find
kanto safari zone
kanto
+5 more
sinnoh route 229
sinnoh
sinnoh route 210
sinnoh
+1 more
sinnoh route 215
sinnoh
kalos route 21
kalos
+9 more
poke pelago
alola
poni plains
alola
+1 more
kanto route 15
kanto
kanto route 14
kanto
Scyther Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Scyther is renowned for its extraordinary speed and agility, moving with such ninja-like precision that it creates the illusion of multiple Scyther attacking simultaneously—a testament to reflexes and coordination that few Pokémon can match. This speed is not merely for show; it is a crucial hunting adaptation that allows Scyther to confuse prey with rapid, unpredictable movements before delivering devastating strikes with its scythes. The Pokédex repeatedly emphasizes Scyther's exceptional velocity, noting that it moves so quickly that opponents often don't realize they've been struck until the damage is already done. Despite possessing functional wings, Scyther rarely takes to the air, preferring to hunt and battle on the ground where its agility provides maximum advantage. It inhabits grasslands and forests where its green coloration grants it near-perfect camouflage, allowing it to ambush unsuspecting prey from tall grass. Wild Scyther are remarkably elusive; humans rarely encounter them in their natural environment due to their shy nature and swift escape tactics. The species takes great pride in its speed, making it a competitive and somewhat arrogant Pokémon that constantly seeks to test its velocity against worthy opponents.
Pokedex Entries
With ninja-like agility and speed, it can create the illusion that there is more than one.
Leaps out of tall grass and slices prey with its scythes. The move ment looks like that of a ninja.
It slashes through grass with its sharp scythes, moving too fast for the human eye to track.
When it moves, it leaves only a blur. If it hides in grass, its pro tective colors make it invisible.
It's very proud of its speed. It moves so fast that its opponent does not even know what knocked it down.
SCYTHER is blindingly fast. Its blazing speed enhances the effectiveness of the twin scythes on its forearms. This POKéMON’s scythes are so effective, they can slice through thick logs in one wicked stroke.
Its blindingly fast speed adds to the sharpness of its twin forearm scythes. The scythes can slice through thick logs in one wicked stroke.
It tears and shreds prey with its wickedly sharp scythes. It very rarely spreads its wings to fly.
With ninja-like agility and speed, it can create the illusion that there is more than one of itself.
It is nearly impossible to parry its attacking scythes. Its movements are like a ninja’s.
The sharp scythes on its forearms become increasingly sharp by cutting through hard objects.
It slashes through grass with its sharp scythes, moving too fast for the human eye to track.
When it moves, it leaves only a blur. If it hides in grass, its protective coloration makes it invisible.
The sharp scythes on its forearms become increasingly sharp by cutting through hard objects.
The sharp scythes on its forearms become increasingly sharp by cutting through hard objects.
It tears and shreds prey with its wickedly sharp scythes. It very rarely spreads its wings to fly.
It slashes through grass with its sharp scythes, moving too fast for the human eye to track.
Scyther is blindingly fast. Its blazing speed enhances the effectiveness of the twin scythes on its forearms. This Pokémon’s scythes are so effective, they can slice through thick logs in one wicked stroke.
Scyther is blindingly fast. Its blazing speed enhances the effectiveness of the twin scythes on its forearms. This Pokémon’s scythes are so effective, they can slice through thick logs in one wicked stroke.
It confuses its prey with its quick, ninja-like movements. Then, in an instant, it cleaves them with its scythes.
Its two sharp scythes are more than just weapons. It uses them with dexterity to dress its prey before eating.
While young, they live together deep in the mountains, training themselves in how to fight with their scythes and move at high speeds.
Some call it a ninja. Its movements— imperceptibly quick—are sufficient to cleave the air in two. It’s very popular in Alola.
Leaps out of tall grass and slices prey with its scythes. The movement looks like that of a ninja.
As Scyther fights more and more battles, its scythes become sharper and sharper. With a single slice, Scyther can fell a massive tree.
If you come across an area in a forest where a lot of the trees have been cut down, what you’ve found is a Scyther’s territory.
The large, wickedly sharp scythes on its forearms are truly fearsome weapons. Prey's attempts to flee are unfailingly thwarted by this Pokémon's nimble motions.
Scyther Name Origin & Design Inspiration
Scyther's design is unmistakably inspired by the praying mantis, one of nature's most efficient predators, combined with elements of both samurai sword-fighters and modern ninjas—a fusion that explains the constant references to ninja-like movement throughout the Pokédex. The name 'Scyther' is derived from the agricultural tool known as a scythe, directly referencing the massive blade-like structures that serve as its forearms. In Japanese, it is called 'Strike' (ストライク), emphasizing its role as a quick-striking attacker that neutralizes threats through overwhelming speed and precision rather than brute force. The design incorporates the mantis's characteristic raptorial forearms transformed into elegant, curved blades that evoke both the aggressive nature of a predatory insect and the honorable weapon aesthetics of historical warrior cultures. The two pairs of wings reflect insect physiology while remaining somewhat vestigial to the Pokémon's combat style, suggesting that Scyther's evolutionary ancestors may have relied more heavily on aerial advantage before developing its ground-based hunting expertise. The green coloration, three horns, and reptilian facial features add an element of alien menace that distinguishes Scyther from more typically cute or fully animal-inspired Pokémon designs, positioning it as a genuinely fearsome creature worthy of its reputation as a skilled warrior.
Learnable Moves
Scyther can learn 66 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| brick break | fighting | Physical | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| bug buzz | bug | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| close combat | fighting | Physical | 120 | 100 | 5 |
| counter | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| cut | normal | Physical | 50 | 95 | 30 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| false swipe | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 40 |
| feint | normal | Physical | 30 | 100 | 10 |
| focus energy | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| fury cutter | bug | Physical | 40 | 95 | 20 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| knock off | dark | Physical | 65 | 100 | 20 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night slash | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| pursuit | dark | Physical | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| reversal | fighting | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| slash | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| swords dance | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
| x scissor | bug | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
Scyther Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Scyther's exceptional base stats present a clear offensive and speed-oriented profile, with 110 attack power and an impressive 105 speed stat allowing it to outpace many threats while dealing significant damage. Its ability Technician is particularly valuable in the competitive metagame, enhancing the power of all moves with 60 base power or less by 1.5 times, transforming moves like Bullet Punch, X-Scissor, and Swords Dance into potent offensive tools. The alternative ability Swarm activates when Scyther falls below one-third of its maximum HP, increasing Bug-type move power by 50%, though this is less commonly utilized competitively. Its hidden ability Steadfast provides defensive utility by raising Scyther's speed by one stage whenever it would flinch, offering some protection against priority moves like Fake Out and Aqua Jet. Scyther's movepool is extensive and varied, granting access to physical moves like Aerial Ace, Brick Break, and Knock Off, as well as setup opportunities with Swords Dance, allowing for multiple viable competitive sets. However, Scyther's relatively low special attack of 55 limits its special offensive options, and its modest defensive stats of 80 on both sides make it vulnerable to priority moves and defensive walls. Many competitive players find Scyther's evolutions—particularly Scizor with its Steel typing providing numerous resistances—more viable for high-level competitive play, though Scyther itself remains a respectable choice in formats where its speed advantage provides significant advantage.
Commonly Asked Questions About Scyther
What type is Scyther?
Scyther is a bug and flying type Pokemon.
What does Scyther evolve into?
Scyther evolves into scizor, then into kleavor.
What are Scyther's weaknesses?
Scyther is weak to flying, rock, fire, electric and ice type moves.
Where can I find Scyther?
Scyther can be found in kanto safari zone (kanto), sinnoh route 229 (sinnoh) and sinnoh route 210 (sinnoh) and 6 other locations.
Scyther Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Scyther has maintained a prominent position in Pokémon media and popular culture since its introduction in Generation I, appearing in the trading card game as a sought-after card due to its impressive artwork and competitive relevance. In the animated series, Scyther has received notable portrayal through several major character Pokémon, including Tracey's Scyther as a loyal and swift companion during the Kanto region adventures, and Bugsy's Scyther during Gym Leader encounters that showcased the species' combat prowess. More recently, Goh's Scyther in Pokémon Journeys has demonstrated the species' capacity for growth and evolution, with the eventual evolution into Scizor representing a significant character development moment. The species has consistently been featured in Pokémon merchandise, video games, and promotional materials as an example of cool, fast, and powerful creatures, appealing to competitive players and casual fans alike. Scyther's distinctive design has made it instantly recognizable, and its mantis-like appearance has inspired numerous fan creations, artworks, and discussions about insect-inspired Pokémon design philosophy. The introduction of Kleavor as an alternate evolution in Pokémon Legends: Arceus reinvigorated interest in the species and demonstrated continued developer confidence in Scyther's potential for expansion and reimagining within the franchise.
Where to Find Scyther in Every Pokémon Game
Scyther's availability has varied significantly across Pokémon games, beginning with its introduction in Red/Blue/Yellow where it was assigned the Pokédex number #123 in the original Kanto region list. In subsequent generations, Scyther has appeared in numerous games with changing regional Pokédex assignments, including Gold/Silver/Crystal where it received the Johto number 0110, FireRed/LeafGreen where it retained number 123, and more recent titles like Pokémon X/Y, Sun/Moon, and Sword/Shield where its availability and Pokédex positioning continued to evolve. The species has appeared in Let's Go Pikachu/Let's Go Eevee, representing the faithful recreation of original Kanto encounters, while Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced it as number 0072 in that game's Hisui-focused Pokédex, highlighting its importance to that region's ecological diversity. In competitive formats and modern games like Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, Scyther remains available, continuing its presence as a mainstay option for trainers constructing teams. Special events and distributions have occasionally featured Scyther, and it remains a consistent encounter in games featuring Bug-type habitats or tall grass areas. The wide availability of Scyther across multiple games and generations speaks to its status as a foundational Pokémon species that Game Freak has consistently deemed important enough to include in nearly every major title since its original inception.