When Pokémon Legends: Z-A was first announced, few expected Scrafty to be one of the standout fighters in the early meta. Known for its scrappy attitude and blend of Fighting and Dark typing, Scrafty has always been a solid pick for players who enjoy a mix of offense and survivability. But with the introduction of Mega Evolution in Z-A, Scrafty has truly evolved into a powerhouse worth building around.

Mega Scrafty Overview

Mega Scrafty takes everything that made the original form decent and pushes it to the next level. Its Mega form boosts Attack and Defense significantly, giving it the ability to act as both a tank and a physical sweeper depending on your team setup. Its new ability, Iron Resolve, reduces the damage from super-effective moves by 25%, allowing it to survive hits that would normally take it down.

While it’s not the fastest Pokémon in the game, its bulk and boosted Attack mean it can punish switch-ins or bait weaker opponents into trading blows they can’t win.

Base and Mega Stats

These stats make Mega Scrafty incredibly resilient. With balanced defensive numbers and solid Attack, it can fit multiple team roles — from a wallbreaker to a bulky pivot.

Recommended Build

Nature: Adamant or Careful
EV Spread: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def (for offensive setup)
or
252 HP / 128 Def / 128 Sp. Def (for tanky support builds)

Ability (Pre-Mega): Intimidate or Shed Skin
Item: Scraftite (Mega Stone)

Moveset Options:

• Drain Punch – Keeps Scrafty healthy while dealing consistent damage

• Crunch – Reliable STAB move to handle Psychic and Ghost types

• Bulk Up – Boosts Attack and Defense to turn it into a late-game menace

• Ice Punch / Thunder Punch – For coverage against Flying, Dragon, or Water types

If you prefer a bulkier playstyle, Rest combined with Shed Skin before Mega Evolving can help you stall opponents and stay in the game longer.

Team Synergy

Mega Scrafty pairs well with Fairy-resistant Pokémon or partners that can handle faster threats like Flying and Psychic types. Pokémon such as Aegislash, Garchomp, and Toxapex provide excellent support. Entry hazards from Ferrothorn or Gliscor also help Mega Scrafty clean up late-game.

Training and Obtaining

While you can catch Scrafty in several mid-game zones, getting a top-tier specimen can take time. Many players choose to buy alpha Pokémon from trusted trading communities or marketplaces to save time. Sites like U4GM have become popular for players who want to buy alpha shiny Pokémon to complete their dream teams more efficiently.

Just remember that whether you’re buying or catching your own, investing in strong IVs and the right nature will make a huge difference in competitive play.

Mega Scrafty in Pokémon Legends: Z-A feels like a true reward for fans who’ve stuck with this underrated Pokémon. It’s tanky, versatile, and hits much harder than its stats might suggest. If you’re looking to add a fighter with grit and surprising depth to your lineup, Mega Scrafty deserves a serious look.