The Ultimate Guide to Pokémon Who Know False Swipe and Thunder Wave

So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect Pokémon to help you catch ’em all, huh? You want something that can weaken wild Pokémon to a sliver of health and then paralyze them to make them easier to catch. The combination of False Swipe and Thunder Wave is your answer! But which Pokémon can learn both of these essential moves?

Several Pokémon can learn both False Swipe (a Normal-type move that leaves the target with at least 1 HP) and Thunder Wave (an Electric-type move that paralyzes the target). This is a potent combination for catching wild Pokémon. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Bisharp
• Zacian
• Gallade
• Smeargle
• Scizor
• Escavalier
• Aegislash
• Kartana
• Sirfetch’d
• Falinks
• Annihilape
• Pawmot

These Pokémon, through various means (leveling up, TMs, or breeding), gain access to both moves, making them invaluable assets to any serious Pokémon trainer focused on completing their Pokédex. Each has their own unique characteristics that can benefit you in different situations.

Delving Deeper: Understanding the Power of the Combo

Why is this combination so effective? Well, False Swipe is crucial because it ensures you won’t accidentally knock out the Pokémon you’re trying to catch. It whittles them down to 1 HP, significantly increasing your chances of a successful capture. Thunder Wave then comes into play, paralyzing the target. Paralysis not only increases the catch rate but also reduces the Pokémon’s Speed stat, making it less likely to flee or attack before you can throw a Poké Ball. A successful combination of these moves makes the capture process considerably easier, especially when hunting for rare or legendary Pokémon. This is why knowing which Pokémon have access to both moves is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions About False Swipe and Thunder Wave

Here’s a breakdown of common questions and detailed answers to further assist you in your quest:

1. Is Thunder Wave or Hypnosis better for catching Pokémon?

While both are excellent status moves, the better choice depends on the situation. Thunder Wave offers a higher accuracy and a guaranteed Speed reduction. Hypnosis, while offering a better catch rate due to sleep, has a lower accuracy and the sleep status can wear off. It’s more of a risk vs. reward consideration. If you can reliably land Hypnosis, go for it. Otherwise, Thunder Wave is the more consistent option.

2. Can False Swipe hit Ghost-type Pokémon?

Unfortunately, no. False Swipe is a Normal-type move, and Normal-type moves are ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon. To overcome this, you need a Pokémon with the Scrappy ability (which allows Normal and Fighting-type moves to hit Ghost-types) or a move like Odor Sleuth or Foresight, which removes the Ghost-type’s immunity.

3. What’s the best way to get the False Swipe TM?

The method for obtaining the False Swipe TM varies between games. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, you typically find the TM through exploration, completing specific challenges, or purchasing it from a TM Machine after unlocking the recipe by finding it once. Check online guides specific to your game for exact locations and requirements.

4. Does sleep increase catch rate more than paralysis?

Yes, sleep provides a greater increase to the catch rate compared to paralysis. However, sleep has a limited duration and can be cured naturally, while paralysis is permanent unless healed by an item or ability. The decision depends on your risk tolerance and how many turns you want to buy yourself.

5. Can any Pokémon learn Mean Look and False Swipe?

The article mentions that Absol and Gallade can learn both Mean Look and False Swipe. Smeargle can also learn it. Mean Look prevents the target from fleeing, which is useful for ensuring that your False Swipe and Thunder Wave strategy will work.

6. How do you evolve Scyther into Scizor?

To evolve Scyther into Scizor, you need to trade Scyther while it’s holding a Metal Coat. The Metal Coat can be found in various locations depending on the game version. Trading will then trigger the evolution.

7. What’s the best ability to pair with False Swipe?

A Sharpness ability increases the power of slicing moves but doesn’t buff False Swipe. Technician ability that boosts weaker moves can affect False Swipe power.

8. Can Pokémon with the Insomnia ability be put to sleep?

No, Pokémon with the Insomnia ability are immune to the sleep status condition. So, Hypnosis and other sleep-inducing moves will be ineffective against them.

9. How does Breloom learn False Swipe?

Breloom can only learn False Swipe as an Egg Move. This means you’ll need to breed it with another Pokémon that knows False Swipe such as Parasect. TM54 (False Swipe) does not work on it.

10. What makes Gallade a good False Swipe user?

Gallade is a strong choice because it can learn False Swipe, Thunder Wave, and Hypnosis, giving you multiple options for weakening and incapacitating wild Pokémon. Skill Swap can also be useful to give your ability to the opponent, such as No Guard to increase accuracy.

11. How do you evolve Kirlia into Gallade instead of Gardevoir?

To evolve Kirlia into Gallade, it must be a male and you must use a Dawn Stone on it. If you level up Kirlia without using a Dawn Stone, it will evolve into Gardevoir at Level 30, regardless of its gender.

12. Is it better to paralyze or sleep a Pokémon for catching?

Sleep generally provides a higher catch rate bonus than paralysis. However, paralysis has the advantage of being permanent (unless cured) and also reducing the target’s Speed. If you’re confident in your accuracy with sleep-inducing moves, it’s the slightly better option.

13. What other moves are good to have besides False Swipe and Thunder Wave for catching Pokémon?

Other useful moves include:

• Sleep-inducing moves such as Spore, Sleep Powder, or Hypnosis.
• Status-inflicting moves like Toxic (for slowly chipping away HP).
• Moves that prevent fleeing like Mean Look, Block, or Spider Web.
• Healing moves like Recover or Soft-Boiled to keep your catcher healthy.
• Moves that raise your stats like Swords Dance to increase the damage of your catching Pokémon.

14. What are some strategies to keep your False Swipe user alive?

Keeping your False Swipe user alive is crucial. Consider carrying Potions and Revives. Choosing a Pokémon with good defenses and HP is also a good strategy. Moves like Protect and Detect can help avoid damage in a pinch.

15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?

There are numerous online resources, including fan-made wikis, dedicated forums, and YouTube channels. Consider also exploring resources on game-based learning like the Games Learning Society, which examines the educational aspects of games. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to explore the intersection of games and learning.

By strategically combining False Swipe and Thunder Wave, you’ll be well-equipped to expand your Pokédex with ease! Happy catching!