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What Stops Self-Destruct Pokémon?

The most direct answer to what stops a self-destructing Pokémon comes down to a few key mechanics and abilities. Primarily, the move Protect and its variants (like Detect) completely nullify the damage from self-destructing moves such as Self-Destruct and Explosion. Additionally, the Ability Damp prevents Pokémon with that ability from using Self-Destruct and Explosion altogether. Finally, Ghost-type Pokémon are immune to Normal-type moves and will not take damage from Self-Destruct or Explosion. These are the primary defenses against these powerful, albeit risky, attacks.

Understanding Self-Destruct Moves

Self-Destruct and Explosion are devastating Normal-type moves that cause the user to faint in exchange for immense damage to the target (or targets in a double battle). Their appeal lies in their high base power, making them a desperate, last-ditch effort to take down a strong opponent. However, this power comes at the cost of the Pokémon’s life, making it a move that requires careful consideration. The user essentially sacrifices itself to inflict heavy damage.

The Power of Protect and Detect

The move Protect, and its variant Detect, are among the most reliable counters to Self-Destruct and Explosion. These moves, when successfully used, render the user completely invulnerable to all damage and status conditions for that turn. If a Pokémon uses Protect or Detect on the turn an opponent uses Self-Destruct or Explosion, the self-destructing move will fail to deal any damage, saving the protected Pokémon from a knockout. It’s important to note that using Protect or Detect consecutively increases the chance of the move failing.

The Damp Ability: A Complete Prevention

The Ability Damp provides a more proactive defense against Self-Destruct and Explosion. Pokémon with the Damp Ability completely prevent other Pokémon from using Self-Destruct and Explosion. This ability negates the move entirely, effectively shutting down any potential self-destruction tactics employed by the opponent. If a Pokémon with Damp is on the field, any attempt to use Self-Destruct or Explosion will fail, regardless of the user’s stats or other abilities.

Ghost-type Immunity: Natural Resistance

Ghost-type Pokémon are immune to Normal-type moves, a fundamental aspect of their typing. Since both Self-Destruct and Explosion are Normal-type attacks, Ghost-type Pokémon are unaffected by them. This means that a Ghost-type Pokémon can switch in on a predicted Self-Destruct or Explosion and completely negate the attack, taking no damage whatsoever. This makes Ghost-types excellent counters to Pokémon that are likely to use these self-sacrificing moves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Self-Destruct Pokémon and how to counter them:

Does Protect block the user from fainting when they use Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, Protect and Detect only block the damage dealt to the target(s). The user of Self-Destruct or Explosion will still faint after using the move, even if the target is protected.
Does Magic Bounce reflect Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, Magic Bounce reflects status moves back to the user. Self-Destruct and Explosion are damage-dealing moves, not status moves, and therefore are not reflected by Magic Bounce.
What happens if a Damp Pokémon uses Imprison, and the opponent tries to use Self-Destruct or Explosion? The Damp Ability will always take precedence. Even if Imprison prevents the opponent from using Self-Destruct or Explosion, the Damp Ability will also prevent them from using the moves, creating a redundant but safe situation.
Does Telepathy block Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, Telepathy only protects against moves used by allies in double or triple battles. It does not block moves used by opposing Pokémon.
Can a Pokémon use Self-Destruct or Explosion if they are holding a Ring Target? Yes, holding a Ring Target allows a Pokémon to hit Ghost-type Pokémon with Normal-type and Fighting-type moves. However, it does not affect the user’s ability to use Self-Destruct or Explosion. The move will still work as normal, and the user will faint.
Does the Ability Soundproof block Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, the Ability Soundproof only blocks sound-based moves. Self-Destruct and Explosion are not sound-based moves, so Soundproof provides no protection.
If a Pokémon uses Self-Destruct or Explosion and has Aftermath, what happens? The Ability Aftermath activates if the Pokémon is knocked out by a physical move. Since the user faints after using Self-Destruct or Explosion, Aftermath does not activate.
Can a Pokémon use Self-Destruct or Explosion if they are Tormented? Yes, Torment only prevents a Pokémon from using the same move twice in a row. It does not prevent the use of Self-Destruct or Explosion.
Does the Ability Bulletproof block Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, the Ability Bulletproof blocks ball and bomb-like moves. Self-Destruct and Explosion are not considered “ball or bomb-like” moves in the context of Bulletproof.
What happens if a Pokémon uses Self-Destruct or Explosion against a Dynamaxed Pokémon using Max Guard? Max Guard functions identically to Protect when used by a Dynamaxed Pokémon. It will completely block the damage from Self-Destruct or Explosion, while the user of the move will still faint.
Can a Pokémon use Self-Destruct or Explosion if they are affected by Taunt? No, Taunt prevents a Pokémon from using status moves. While Self-Destruct and Explosion result in the user fainting, they are categorized as damage-dealing moves, not status moves, so they are not blocked by Taunt.
Does Grudge stop Self-Destruct or Explosion? Grudge only activates when the user is knocked out by a move. It then depletes the PP of the move that knocked the user out. Since the user of Self-Destruct or Explosion faints, not knocked out, Grudge does not activate.
If a Pokémon uses Self-Destruct or Explosion in a grassy terrain, will it still deal damage? Yes, the terrain does not affect the damage of Self-Destruct or Explosion.
If a Pokémon uses Self-Destruct or Explosion on a Mimikyu will it remove the disguise? Yes, if Mimikyu uses Disguise, the first attack will break the disguise, but the Self-Destruct or Explosion will still deal damage if it is not protected.
Are there any Z-Moves that prevent Self-Destruct or Explosion? No, Z-Moves do not inherently prevent Self-Destruct or Explosion. However, a Z-Move that is a status move could be used before the attack to increase the chance of evasion.

By understanding the mechanics of Self-Destruct and Explosion, as well as the available counters such as Protect, Detect, the Damp Ability, and Ghost-type immunity, players can effectively mitigate the threat posed by these powerful, self-sacrificing moves. Wise strategies and careful team composition are key to success.

What stops self-destruct pokemon?