Skarmory

Skarmory is definitely a PvP Pokemon. Its attack power is too low for it to be genuinely viable in raids, and while its typing is generally stellar defensively, on gym defense it's far too exploitable.

Best PvE Offensive Moveset

• Air Slash should be paired with Sky Attack as Skarmory's primary Flying-type set. 

• Steel Wing can be paired with Flash Cannon to fulfill a Steel-type role. 

• Brave Bird is underwhelming overall. 

Best PvE Defensive Moveset

• Air Slash is overall superior to Steel Wing on defense, and also provides more meaningful coverage. 

• Sky Attack has solid damage and comes out more often, making it the move of choice

• Flash Cannon and Brave Bird are too slow to be genuinely viable.

Thanks to its buff in December 2023, and even after the nerf in September 2024, Steel Wing is now the preferred choice due to having higher DPT than Air Slash. It also provides coverage against Rock-type Pokemon such as Carbink.

Sky Attack is Skarmory's primary charge move, gets STAB, and costs the least amount of energy (though it is still rather expensive). Brave Bird is the most powerful option available, following its buff from GBL Season 3, and is generally recommended for its overall damage output despite its risky self-debuff. Flash Cannon provides extra coverage for when Flying type attacks would be resisted, but its high energy cost and unimpressive 1.57 DPE (Damage Per Energy) makes it unappealing to use.