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What Move in Pokémon Has the Most Power?

The move with the highest base power in the Pokémon series is Eternabeam, a Dragon-type move exclusive to Eternatus Eternamax. It boasts a staggering 160 base power, making it a force to be reckoned with. However, there’s a catch – after using Eternabeam, Eternatus must recharge on the following turn, leaving it vulnerable.

Understanding Power in Pokémon

Before diving deeper, it’s crucial to understand what “power” means in the context of Pokémon moves. The base power of a move is a numerical value that represents its potential damage output before other factors come into play. These factors include the attacker’s Attack or Special Attack stat, the defender’s Defense or Special Defense stat, type matchups, abilities, and held items. While Eternabeam has the highest raw power, its practical effectiveness can vary depending on the situation.

Moves with Similar Power but Different Drawbacks

Several other moves come close to Eternabeam in terms of raw power, often with unique drawbacks or conditions:

Self-Destruct and Explosion: These Normal-type moves have a base power of 200 (originally 130), but they cause the user to faint immediately after use. This makes them high-risk, high-reward options, primarily used for clearing a path for another Pokémon.
Mega Impact and Giga Impact: These Normal-type moves have a base power of 150 but require the user to recharge on the next turn, similar to Eternabeam.
Hyper Beam: This Normal-type move has a base power of 150 but requires the user to recharge on the next turn, similar to Mega Impact and Giga Impact.
Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, and Hydro Cannon: These are special moves taught to fully-evolved starter Pokémon. They have a base power of 150 but also require the user to recharge on the next turn.
Prismatic Laser: This Psychic-type move has a base power of 160 and requires the user to recharge on the next turn.

Factoring in Secondary Effects and Abilities

Raw power isn’t the only factor to consider. Some moves might have lower base power but possess valuable secondary effects that make them more strategically useful.

Scald: While only having a base power of 80, Scald has a 30% chance to burn the target, inflicting damage over time and halving the target’s Attack stat.
Earthquake: With a base power of 100, Earthquake hits all Pokémon on the field in a Double Battle, making it a powerful spread move. It’s also doubled in power if the target is using Dig.
Flare Blitz: While having a base power of 120, Flare Blitz deals recoil damage to the user.

Abilities can also significantly impact the effectiveness of a move. For example, a Pokémon with the ability Adaptability will have its same-type attack bonus (STAB) increased from 1.5x to 2x, making even relatively weaker moves hit harder. Also, certain abilities negate the drawbacks of some high power moves.

The Importance of Type Matchups

Type matchups are a fundamental aspect of Pokémon battles. A move that is super effective against a target will deal double damage (or quadruple damage in some cases), while a move that is not very effective will deal half damage (or quarter damage). A move can also have no effect if the target is immune to that type. A move with a lower base power can sometimes be more effective than a move with a high base power if it hits for super effective damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the concept of power in Pokémon moves:

Q1: What is STAB and how does it affect power?

STAB stands for Same-Type Attack Bonus. If a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, the move’s damage is increased by 50% (1.5x). This bonus can significantly boost the power of even relatively weak moves.

Q2: Are there any moves that are stronger than Eternabeam in certain situations?

Yes, moves like Self-Destruct and Explosion have a higher base power (200), but the Pokémon using the move faints. In a situation where sacrificing a Pokémon is strategically advantageous, these moves might be considered “stronger.”

Q3: How do weather conditions affect move power?

Certain weather conditions can influence the power of specific types of moves. For instance, rain increases the power of Water-type moves and decreases the power of Fire-type moves, while sun increases the power of Fire-type moves and decreases the power of Water-type moves.

Q4: What are some of the most powerful moves of each type?

Here are some examples of the most powerful moves for various types:

Fire: Blue Flare, Flare Blitz
Water: Hydro Cannon, Hydro Pump
Grass: Frenzy Plant, Solar Beam
Electric: Volt Tackle, Thunder
Psychic: Prismatic Laser, Psychic
Fighting: Focus Punch, Close Combat
Dragon: Eternabeam, Dragon Pulse
Dark: Darkest Lariat, Knock Off

Q5: How does the Attack or Special Attack stat influence move power?

The Attack stat influences the power of physical moves, while the Special Attack stat influences the power of special moves. The higher the relevant stat, the more damage the move will inflict. The Defense and Special Defense of the target reduce the amount of damage.

Q6: What is the difference between physical and special moves?

Physical moves make contact with the target and are influenced by the Attack and Defense stats. Special moves do not make contact and are influenced by the Special Attack and Special Defense stats. Some moves like Psyshock use the target’s Defense stat instead of the Special Defense stat even though it is considered a special move.

Q7: How do abilities affect move power?

Abilities can have a wide range of effects on move power. Some abilities, like Huge Power and Pure Power, double the Pokémon’s Attack stat, significantly increasing the damage output of physical moves. Others, like Torrent and Blaze, increase the power of Water-type or Fire-type moves, respectively, when the Pokémon’s HP is low.

Q8: What role do items play in boosting move power?

Held items can also boost move power. For example, the Choice Band increases the Attack stat by 50% but locks the Pokémon into using the first move it selects. The Choice Specs does the same thing, but with Special Attack. Items like the Life Orb increase damage output by 30%, but the user loses 1/10 of its maximum HP each time it attacks.

Q9: What are Z-Moves and how powerful are they?

Z-Moves are powerful, one-time-use moves introduced in the Alola region (Generation VII). Each type has its own Z-Move, and some Pokémon have unique signature Z-Moves. Z-Moves typically have a very high base power, often exceeding 180 or 200, making them devastating attacks. However, they can only be used once per battle.

Q10: What are Max Moves and how powerful are they?

Max Moves are powerful moves introduced in the Galar region (Generation VIII). They can only be used when a Pokémon is Dynamaxed or Gigantamaxed. The base power of Max Moves varies depending on the base move they are derived from, but they often have additional effects, such as setting up weather conditions or stat boosts.

Q11: How does critical hit affect move power?

A critical hit doubles the damage dealt by a move (or triples it in some generations). Critical hits bypass any Attack or Special Attack drops on the attacker and Defense or Special Defense increases on the defender, making them a valuable way to overcome defensive strategies.

Q12: What are some moves that have variable power?

Some moves have a variable base power depending on certain conditions. For example, Return has a power that depends on the user’s friendship with its Trainer, while Frustration‘s power depends on how much the user dislikes its Trainer.

Q13: What is the strongest Steel-type move?

The strongest Steel-type move is Metal Burst, with a base power of 150.

Q14: Is it always better to use the move with the highest base power?

Not necessarily. While a high base power is desirable, factors like type matchups, secondary effects, accuracy, and the user’s stats all play a role in determining the overall effectiveness of a move. A move with a lower base power that hits for super effective damage or inflicts a status condition might be more strategically advantageous.

Q15: Where can I learn more about Pokémon strategies and game mechanics?

There are many resources available online, including websites like Serebii.net and Smogon University. You can also explore educational resources, like those offered by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which examines the educational and cognitive aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org provides insights into how games can be used for learning and skill development.

Conclusion

While Eternabeam holds the title for the highest base power, the “most powerful” move is subjective and depends heavily on the context of the battle. Understanding the nuances of base power, type matchups, abilities, items, and secondary effects is crucial for mastering Pokémon battles and choosing the right move for the right situation.

What move in Pokémon has the most power?