Is Air Slash a Special Move? A Deep Dive into the Flying-Type Attack
Yes, Air Slash is a special move in the Pokémon world. Specifically, it’s a damage-dealing Flying-type move. This classification is crucial because it dictates how the move interacts with a Pokémon’s stats and abilities, as well as the damage it inflicts. Unlike physical moves, which rely on the user’s Attack stat and the target’s Defense stat, special moves like Air Slash use the user’s Special Attack stat and the target’s Special Defense stat. This difference significantly impacts the move’s effectiveness, particularly against different types of Pokémon and their build. Understanding whether a move is special or physical is fundamental to strategizing in Pokémon battles, whether you’re playing the main series games, Pokémon GO, or other spin-offs. Air Slash is not just a basic attack; its added effects and strategic implications make it a staple for many Flying-type Pokémon and those who can learn it.
What Makes Air Slash a Special Move?
The core characteristic that defines Air Slash as a special move is its reliance on Special Attack and Special Defense stats. In Pokémon combat, special moves are categorized not only by their type (Flying in this case) but also by how they deal damage. Physical moves involve direct physical contact and are influenced by a Pokémon’s physical strength and toughness. On the other hand, special moves are often depicted as attacks that involve energy manipulation or elemental forces. Air Slash, with its visual representation of a blast of air, fits squarely into this category. Because it’s a special attack, a Pokémon with a high Special Attack stat will deliver more damaging Air Slashes than one with a high Attack stat, even if both are using the move. This has significant implications for team building and battle strategy.
Air Slash’s Dual Nature
Air Slash has an interesting dual nature. It is not just about dealing damage; it also has a 30% chance of causing the target to flinch. This added effect means that, on top of causing damage, there’s a chance the target will not be able to attack on the next turn. This flinching effect can be incredibly useful for interrupting opponent strategies, preventing crucial moves, and generally gaining a tactical advantage. The flinching rate makes it valuable for competitive battles, and it significantly increases the move’s utility. Also, the flinching rate is a key difference between Air Slash and other Flying-type moves such as Aerial Ace, which prioritizes consistent hits over chance effects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Slash
Here are some frequently asked questions about Air Slash that provide a deeper understanding of this move:
1. What is the type of Air Slash?
Air Slash is a Flying-type move, meaning it will be super effective against Bug, Fighting, and Grass-type Pokémon, not very effective against Steel, Electric, and Rock types, and does normal damage to everything else.
2. When was Air Slash introduced?
Air Slash was introduced in Generation IV of the Pokémon games.
3. Can Charizard learn Air Slash?
Yes, Charizard can learn Air Slash, but the specific method varies by game. In previous generations, it could learn it through breeding or as a TM, not necessarily through leveling up.
4. Does Air Slash always cause a flinch?
No, Air Slash has a 30% chance of causing the target to flinch. It’s not guaranteed, so relying solely on the flinch effect might not be the best strategy.
5. How much energy does Air Slash generate in Pokémon GO?
In Gym and Raid battles in Pokémon GO, Air Slash deals 14 damage and generates 10 energy. In GO Battle League, it deals 9 damage and generates 9 energy.
6. Is Air Slash a fast attack in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Air Slash is classified as a fast attack in Pokémon GO. This means it generates energy quickly, which is essential for using charged attacks.
7. What is the power of Air Slash?
The power of Air Slash varies across different Pokémon games. For instance, in Pokémon GO, it deals 14 or 9 damage (depending on the game mode), while in the main series games, it has a base power of 75. The number can be increased by move power ups or specific abilities.
8. Is Air Slash good on Togekiss?
Absolutely. Air Slash is Togekiss’s best STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) option, combining decent power with a high flinch chance (originally higher with an effect). The STAB, combined with the natural high special attack stat of Togekiss, make this move its most reliable flying move.
9. Is Air Slash better than Aerial Ace?
The choice between Air Slash and Aerial Ace depends on the situation. Aerial Ace guarantees a hit and is a physical move, while Air Slash is a special move with a chance to flinch. Some prefer the consistent damage of Aerial Ace, especially in the case of a Pokémon that has a high attack stat, while others value the additional strategy from Air Slash, especially if a special attack build is being used.
10. What does STAB mean in Pokémon?
STAB stands for Same-Type Attack Bonus. It means that when a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, the move’s damage is increased by 50%. For example, if a Flying-type Pokémon uses Air Slash, it will receive a STAB bonus.
11. How did King’s Rock affect Air Slash?
In earlier generations of Pokémon games, the King’s Rock would add a chance of flinch on top of Air Slash’s existing chance to flinch, making it a very deadly move. However, in Generation V and later, the King’s Rock no longer affects Air Slash.
12. Can Air Slash hit multiple opponents?
Yes, in Triple Battles, Air Slash can hit non-adjacent opponents, giving it some strategic utility in those unique battle formats.
13. What is the strongest psychic move?
The strongest Psychic-type move varies by generation, but some notable ones include Prismatic Laser, Psycho Boost, Future Sight, Synchronoise, Dream Eater, Freezing Glare, Hyperspace Hole, and Zen Headbutt. This is not connected to Air Slash, but is a fun fact.
14. What is the difference between special moves and physical moves?
Special moves rely on the user’s Special Attack stat and the target’s Special Defense stat, while physical moves rely on the user’s Attack stat and the target’s Defense stat. The damage from these moves is calculated accordingly, meaning they can make the difference in battling many Pokémon.
15. Is it possible to create a real-life Air Slash?
From a physical standpoint, creating a true “Air Slash” as depicted in the Pokémon games is not possible. While you can compress and direct air, it requires immense precision to cause significant damage, and that is very different than the move. A sword swung rapidly through air will create a shock wave, but it is not a concentrated attack.
Conclusion
Air Slash is a powerful and strategically interesting special Flying-type move within the Pokémon universe. Its classification as a special move, coupled with its flinch effect, makes it a valuable asset in battle. Understanding its mechanics, including the difference between special and physical moves, can greatly improve any player’s understanding of the game. Whether you’re battling in the main series games or in Pokémon GO, Air Slash is an attack that’s worth considering for any Pokémon that can learn it, especially those with high special attack stats.