Best Scrafty Strategies for Ranked Battles in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Scrafty has become a surprisingly formidable choice in Pokémon Legends: Z-A ranked battles. With its unique Dark/Fighting typing and solid defensive stats, it can be both a sturdy pivot and a disruptive force against common meta picks. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best strategies to maximize Scrafty’s potential, including move sets, team synergies, and battle tactics.

Why Scrafty Works in Ranked Battles

Scrafty’s appeal in ranked play comes from its blend of bulk and versatility. Its decent HP and Defense stats allow it to take physical hits well, while its Attack stat lets it threaten both Psychic- and Dark-type Pokémon. Combined with access to disruptive moves like Fake Out and Taunt, Scrafty can control the tempo of matches effectively. Additionally, its Intimidate ability can reduce the damage output of opponents’ physical attackers, giving your team a strategic edge.

Recommended Movesets

Physical Attacker

Drain Punch: Provides reliable STAB and restores HP, making Scrafty harder to wear down.

Crunch: Covers Ghost- and Psychic-types, ensuring your Scrafty can hit hard across the board.

High Jump Kick: A risky but powerful option for dealing with tanks and Normal-types.

Protect: Useful for scouting or stalling out opponent setup moves.

Disruptor/Utility

Fake Out: Grants immediate momentum, useful for breaking Focus Sashes or forcing switches.

Taunt: Shuts down healing or setup strategies.

Dragon Dance: If you prefer a sweeping build, this can turn Scrafty into a late-game threat.

Poison Jab: Helps deal with Fairy-types that otherwise wall your team.

Nature and EV Spread

A common approach is a Jolly nature with 252 Attack and 252 Speed EVs, allowing Scrafty to outspeed medium-paced threats while hitting hard. For more defensive builds, an Impish nature with 252 HP and 252 Defense EVs can allow Scrafty to act as a reliable pivot, soaking hits while disrupting opponents.

Team Synergies

Scrafty performs best when paired with Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses. Fairy-types or bulky Psychic-types can handle Fighting counters, while Steel-types or Ghost-types can deal with Dark threats. Pokémon that can set up hazards or provide healing support help Scrafty maintain pressure without being forced out prematurely.

Battle Tactics

Lead with Fake Out: If Scrafty opens the match, Fake Out can break Focus Sashes, disrupt setup, or force switches.

Pivoting: Use Protect or Intimidate strategically to mitigate heavy hits while letting your other teammates counter effectively.

Late-game Sweep: With proper setup and Dragon Dance, Scrafty can clean up weakened teams, especially when opposing walls have been removed.

Scrafty is far from a niche pick in Pokémon Legends: Z-A ranked battles. With the right moveset, team support, and timing, it can disrupt, pivot, and even sweep effectively. Whether you’re looking to control the tempo or surprise your opponents, Scrafty offers versatile strategies that reward smart play. For trainers looking to expand their roster, don’t forget to explore opportunities to buy Shiny Pokemon ZA or check for za rare pokemon sale events to obtain unique Pokémon that can complement Scrafty’s role on your team.