Scrafty Weakness: A Complete Guide to Outsmarting the Hoodlum Pokémon

Introduction

Scrafty weakness has puzzled many Pokémon trainers who find themselves struggling against this sly, hooded fighter. Known as the Hoodlum Pokémon, Scrafty stands out for its impressive defenses and unpredictable moves. However, even the toughest battlers have vulnerabilities. Once you understand Scrafty’s true weaknesses and how to counter them effectively, you’ll see that this lizard-like brawler isn’t as unbeatable as it seems.

In this article, we’ll explore Scrafty’s weaknesses, how to counter it in battles, and what Pokémon are best suited to defeat it. Think of it like studying your opponent before a boxing match—when you know where to strike, victory becomes a whole lot easier.

1. What Is Scrafty?

Scrafty, known as the Hoodlum Pokémon, was introduced in Generation V (Unova Region). It evolves from Scraggy starting at level 39. With its saggy “pants” made of shed skin and its mischievous demeanor, Scrafty embodies the image of a street-smart fighter.

Despite its comical look, Scrafty is no joke in battle. It’s both Dark and Fighting type, making it a rare combination that gives it offensive and defensive flexibility.

2. Scrafty’s Dual Typing Explained

Scrafty’s Dark/Fighting typing is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives Scrafty access to powerful moves like Crunch (Dark) and High Jump Kick (Fighting). On the other hand, it opens up multiple weaknesses that can be exploited.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Dark type is weak to Fighting, Bug, and Fairy.

• Fighting type is weak to Flying, Psychic, and Fairy.

Combine those, and Scrafty ends up with a double weakness to Fairy—which means Fairy-type moves hit extra hard.

3. Why Typing Matters in Pokémon Battles

Typing in Pokémon battles is like choosing the right weapon for the right opponent. Just as you wouldn’t use a wooden sword against armor, you wouldn’t send a Psychic-type Pokémon against Scrafty, since its Dark typing makes Psychic moves useless.

Understanding typing helps you:

• Choose better Pokémon matchups

• Avoid wasting moves that deal no damage

• Take advantage of type multipliers (like Fairy’s 4× effectiveness!)

4. Scrafty Weaknesses at a Glance

Let’s get to the heart of it—Scrafty’s weaknesses.

So, the most effective way to take down Scrafty? Use Fairy-type moves. Pokémon like Togekiss, Sylveon, and Gardevoir can obliterate Scrafty with a single Moonblast or Dazzling Gleam.

5. Top Pokémon Counters to Scrafty

Here are some of the best Scrafty counters:

• Togekiss – Fairy/Flying typing gives double resistance to Fighting and immunity to Ground. A strong Air Slash or Dazzling Gleam works wonders.

• Sylveon – A pure Fairy type with high Special Attack. Charm and Moonblast can easily knock Scrafty out.

• Gardevoir – Psychic/Fairy hybrid that can strike fast with Dazzling Gleam or Psychic.

• Noivern – Fast Flying/Dragon Pokémon that can use Air Slash for super-effective damage.

• Lucario – While also part Fighting-type, Lucario’s Steel typing resists Scrafty’s moves and can counter effectively with Aura Sphere.

6. Moves That Are Super Effective Against Scrafty

If you can’t change your Pokémon, changing your moves can still give you an edge. Here are move types that deal major damage:

• Fairy moves: Moonblast, Play Rough, Dazzling Gleam

• Flying moves: Brave Bird, Air Slash, Hurricane

• Fighting moves: Close Combat, Focus Blast, Aura Sphere

A well-timed Play Rough from a strong Fairy-type will often one-shot Scrafty before it even has time to retaliate.

7. Scrafty’s Resistances and Strengths

Knowing Scrafty’s weaknesses is great—but knowing its resistances helps you avoid bad decisions.

This means Psychic moves do nothing against Scrafty. It also takes less damage from Dark, Rock, and Ghost attacks—so avoid using Pokémon that rely heavily on those move types.

8. Battle Strategies: How to Defeat Scrafty

Let’s turn theory into action.

1. Exploit Fairy Weakness:
Lead with a Fairy Pokémon or use Fairy-type moves for maximum damage.

2. Outspeed It:
Scrafty has moderate Speed, so fast Pokémon like Talonflame or Hawlucha can take advantage.

3. Avoid Physical Walls:
Scrafty’s high Defense means physical moves won’t always hit hard. Use special attacks instead.

4. Use Status Moves:
Moves like Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave can cripple Scrafty’s attack power or speed, giving you an upper hand.

Think of it like a chess match—you don’t win by brute force, but by anticipating your opponent’s next move.

9. Common Mistakes When Fighting Scrafty

Many trainers lose to Scrafty because they make avoidable errors. Here are the top mistakes:

• Using Psychic types – Dark immunity makes them useless.

• Relying on Ghost or Rock moves – Scrafty resists both.

• Ignoring Speed advantage – Scrafty’s slower nature means you can often strike first.

If you avoid these pitfalls, you’re already halfway to victory.

10. How to Use Scrafty’s Weakness to Your Advantage

If you’re facing Scrafty in a gym, raid, or competitive battle, prepare a balanced counter-strategy:

1. Start with a Fairy-type lead.

2. Keep a backup Flying Pokémon for coverage.

3. Use special attacks over physical ones.

With these steps, you’ll turn Scrafty’s strengths into its downfall.

11. Scrafty in Pokémon GO: Weakness & Counters

In Pokémon GO, Scrafty maintains its Dark/Fighting typing. Its main weakness remains Fairy, along with Flying and Fighting.

Best counters in Pokémon GO include:

• Togekiss (Charm / Dazzling Gleam)

• Primarina (Charm / Moonblast)

• Conkeldurr (Counter / Dynamic Punch)

• Talonflame (Incinerate / Brave Bird)

Avoid using Psychic Pokémon like Mewtwo—they can’t harm Scrafty due to its immunity.

12. Scrafty in Competitive Pokémon Battles

In competitive play, Scrafty shines as a bulky utility Pokémon. It’s often used with moves like:

• Fake Out – To flinch opponents

• Drain Punch – To recover HP

• Knock Off – To remove enemy items

• Dragon Dance – To boost Attack and Speed

However, its major weakness—Fairy moves—means one wrong switch-in can end the match. Keeping a Steel-type ally like Corviknight or Magnezone helps protect Scrafty from those devastating hits.

13. Tips for Building a Team to Counter Scrafty

When designing a team to beat Scrafty:

• Include at least one Fairy Pokémon.

• Have Flying coverage. Hawlucha or Staraptor are excellent choices.

• Pack a status inducer like Will-O-Wisp to cut Scrafty’s power.

• Don’t rely on Psychic-type sweepers.

Building your team this way ensures you’re ready for any Scrafty setup, whether in PvE or PvP.

14. Fun Facts About Scrafty

• Scrafty’s saggy skin is actually its shed outer layer, which it uses as “pants” and protection.

• Its Pokédex entry says it defends its turf fiercely, much like a street gang leader.

• In the anime, Scrafty was shown to be loyal and surprisingly kind-hearted—despite its “hoodlum” name.

• It’s based on urban youth culture, with its mohawk-like crest and rebellious attitude.

15. FAQs

1. What is Scrafty weak against?

Scrafty is weak to Fairy (4×), Flying, and Fighting moves. Fairy-type attacks are the most effective counters.

2. Is Scrafty a good Pokémon?

Yes, Scrafty is excellent defensively and has access to great moves like Drain Punch and Knock Off. However, its low Speed and Fairyweakness limit its competitive use.

3. What defeats Scrafty in Pokémon GO?

Fairy Pokémon like Togekiss, Sylveon, and Primarina are the best counters. Talonflame and Conkeldurr also perform well.

4. Can Psychic moves hit Scrafty?

No, Psychic moves have no effect on Scrafty due to its Dark typing.

5. What’s the best move to use against Scrafty?

Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, or Play Rough are the best Fairy-type moves for quickly defeating Scrafty.

16. Conclusion

Scrafty may look like a troublemaker, but with the right knowledge, it’s easy to outsmart this streetwise lizard. Its 4× weakness to Fairy, combined with secondary weaknesses to Flying and Fighting, gives trainers plenty of room for strategy.

Next time you see Scrafty smirking on the battlefield, remember: even the toughest hoodlum has an Achilles’ heel. All you need is the right move, the right Pokémon, and a little planning—and victory will be yours.