What Determines How Fast a Pokémon Attacks?
In the exciting world of Pokémon, whether you’re battling in the main series games or engaging in thrilling raids in Pokémon GO, the speed at which your Pokémon attacks is crucial for victory. It’s not always as straightforward as simply having a high Speed stat, though that’s definitely a factor. The reality is a multifaceted equation involving various elements that dictate attack order and timing.
The key factors that determine how fast a Pokémon attacks are:
- The Speed Stat (Main Series Games): In the core Pokémon games, the Speed stat is the primary determinant of attack order. A Pokémon with a higher Speed stat will generally attack before a Pokémon with a lower Speed stat.
- Move Priority (Main Series Games): Some moves have priority. A move with higher priority will execute before a move with lower priority, regardless of the Pokémon’s Speed stats. For example, Quick Attack always goes before moves like Tackle.
- Move Speed and Cast Time (Pokémon GO): In Pokémon GO, while there isn’t a visible Speed stat, the speed of the move itself is critical. Some moves have a faster animation and shorter cast time than others, allowing Pokémon to execute them more rapidly.
- Energy Generation (Pokémon GO): The speed at which a Pokémon generates energy for their Charged Attack plays a crucial role. Faster Fast Attacks that generate more energy allow for quicker access to powerful Charged Attacks.
- Status Conditions: Conditions like paralysis can significantly reduce a Pokémon’s Speed, causing it to attack much later in a turn.
- Abilities: Certain Abilities can influence Speed. For example, the Ability Speed Boost increases a Pokémon’s Speed stat each turn.
- Items: Held items like the Choice Scarf in the main series games boost the Pokémon’s Speed stat.
Understanding these elements enables trainers to create strategic teams and make informed decisions during battles, optimizing their Pokémon’s attack speed and overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Attack Speed
What is the Speed stat and why is it important?
The Speed stat is a numerical value assigned to each Pokémon that dictates its relative quickness in battle, primarily in the main series games. A Pokémon with a higher Speed stat will usually attack first in a turn, granting it an advantage in controlling the flow of the battle. It allows trainers to knock out opponents before they can move, set up strategies, or deal crucial damage.
How do priority moves affect attack speed?
Priority moves override the standard Speed stat calculation. Moves with higher priority will always execute first, regardless of the Pokémon’s Speed. For instance, if a Pokémon uses Quick Attack (a +1 priority move) against an opponent using Tackle (a 0 priority move), the Pokémon using Quick Attack will always attack first.
Does the Speed stat exist in Pokémon GO?
There is no explicit Speed stat displayed in Pokémon GO. However, the Speed stat from the main series games indirectly influences Pokémon GO’s Attack and Defense stats. More significantly, the move’s speed or animation time, the energy generation, and the damage output of the move affect how quickly a Pokémon can use its attacks in GO.
What are Fast TMs and Charged TMs and how do they affect attack speed?
Fast TMs and Charged TMs are items used in Pokémon GO to change a Pokémon’s moves. A Fast TM re-rolls the Pokémon’s Fast Attack, while a Charged TM re-rolls its Charged Attack. Choosing a Fast Attack with faster energy generation can allow a Pokémon to use its Charged Attack more frequently, effectively increasing its “attack speed”.
What are Elite TMs, and when should I use them?
Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs allow you to choose a specific move from a Pokémon’s movepool, including legacy moves unavailable through regular TMs. These are rare and valuable items, best used on Pokémon with optimal move sets, particularly those with Community Day or Raid Day exclusive moves.
Which Pokémon have inherently fast attacks?
In Pokémon GO, Pokémon with Fast Attacks that have high energy generation and short animation times are considered to have “fast attacks.” Examples include Pokémon with moves like Volt Switch, Counter, or Fury Cutter. This allows for frequent use of Charged Attacks.
Does driving speed affect Pokémon GO gameplay?
Yes. Niantic has implemented a speed limit in Pokémon GO to prevent unsafe gameplay while driving. If the game detects movement faster than approximately 30 mph, you will not be able to interact with the game effectively, as Pokémon encounters and rewards will be disabled.
Why would someone want a Pokémon with 0 Speed IV?
In the main series games, a 0 Speed IV is desirable for Pokémon intended to be used in Trick Room teams or those that use moves like Gyro Ball. Trick Room reverses the turn order, making slower Pokémon attack first. Gyro Ball’s power is based on the user’s Speed compared to the target’s, so a slower Pokémon will deal more damage.
What is the most powerful attack in Pokémon?
The strength of an attack varies between the main series and Pokémon GO. In the main series, moves like Explosion and Self-Destruct have high base power but cause the user to faint. More practical options include moves like Dragon Ascent or coverage moves like Scald. In Pokémon GO, attack strength is measured by Damage Per Second (DPS) and Total Damage Output (TDO), with various moves excelling under different scenarios.
Which are the best Fast Attacks to use Elite Fast TMs on?
The best Elite Fast TM choices depend on the Pokémon and the meta, but some top options include:
- Dewgong – Ice Shard
- Zapdos – Thunder Shock
- Tyranitar – Smack Down
- Gengar – Lick
These moves provide significant advantages in energy generation or damage output.
Which Pokémon has the highest Speed stat?
Regieleki boasts the highest base Speed stat of 200, making it the fastest Pokémon in the main series games. Its incredible Speed guarantees it will usually attack first, unless faced with a priority move.
What status conditions affect attack speed?
Several status conditions can negatively impact a Pokémon’s attack speed. Paralysis is the most notable, typically reducing the Pokémon’s Speed stat by 50%. Other conditions like confusion can cause a Pokémon to hurt itself instead of attacking, effectively delaying its attack.
Is Speed always the most important stat?
While Speed is crucial, it’s not always the most important stat. The ideal stat distribution depends on the Pokémon’s role and strategy. For example, a bulky wall Pokémon might prioritize HP and Defense, while a hard-hitting attacker might prioritize Attack or Special Attack. Speed is most critical for offensive Pokémon aiming to sweep or set up.
What determines attack order in mirror matches?
In Pokémon GO, if two Pokémon use the same Charged Attack at the same time, the one with the higher Attack stat generally goes first. The game calculates which Pokémon charged up the move first based on their Fast Attack energy generation and then breaks ties using the Attack stat. In the main series, if two Pokemon have the same Speed stat, the game randomly decides which one moves first.
What makes a Charged Attack “faster”?
A “faster” Charged Attack can refer to two things:
- Charge Time: Moves that charge up quickly allow for more frequent use.
- Animation Time: Shorter animation times allow for more attacks within a given timeframe, maximizing DPS (Damage Per Second).
Understanding these aspects enables players to choose Charged Attacks that suit their battle strategy, balancing damage output and speed.
By grasping these concepts, you’ll be better equipped to optimize your Pokémon’s attack speed and dominate in battles, whether you’re navigating the complex strategies of the main series games or tapping your way to victory in Pokémon GO. Remember that the world of gaming and learning are closely intertwined, explore more about this connection at the Games Learning Society website, GamesLearningSociety.org.