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Does Earthquake Affect Levitating Pokémon? Unearthing the Truth

The short answer is typically no. In the core series Pokémon games, Earthquake, a Ground-type move, normally does not affect Pokémon with the ability Levitate. However, as with many things in the world of Pokémon, there are nuances, exceptions, and situational factors to consider. This article will dig deep (pun intended!) into the intricacies of this interaction, providing a comprehensive understanding of when and how Earthquake can and cannot hit Pokémon with Levitate.

The Fundamentals: Ground Immunity and Levitate

At its core, the interaction between Ground-type moves and Pokémon with the ability Levitate is based on a fundamental type matchup and ability interaction. Ground-type moves are typically ineffective against Flying-type Pokémon. Levitate essentially grants a Pokémon the same immunity as a Flying-type, negating the effects of Ground-type attacks. This immunity has been a staple of the Pokémon franchise for many years, shaping battle strategies and team compositions.

Understanding Levitate

The Levitate ability essentially makes a Pokémon immune to all Ground-type moves. This ability has been a strategic asset for many Pokémon, providing them with a safe switch-in option against teams heavily reliant on Ground-type attacks. Key Pokémon such as Gengar (prior to its ability change in later generations), Flygon, and Bronzong have historically benefited from this immunity.

Exceptions and Circumstances: When the Ground Shakes

While Levitate provides a robust defense against Earthquake, the Pokémon world is filled with exceptions to every rule. Certain moves, abilities, and status conditions can circumvent Levitate’s immunity, allowing Earthquake to strike levitating Pokémon.

Gravity: Grounding the Unearthly

The move Gravity is a key disruptor of Levitate’s immunity. When Gravity is in effect, all Pokémon, regardless of their type or ability, lose their immunity to Ground-type moves. This means that Earthquake will hit Flying-types and Pokémon with Levitate during the five turns that Gravity remains active. This creates opportunities for strategic team compositions that utilize Gravity to unleash powerful Ground-type attacks on previously untouchable opponents.

Ingrain and Smack Down/Thousand Arrows: Anchoring Down

Similarly, the move Ingrain roots the target Pokémon to the ground, negating Levitate’s immunity. Likewise, Smack Down and Thousand Arrows specifically target Flying-type Pokémon or Pokémon with Levitate, forcing them to the ground and making them vulnerable to Ground-type attacks. These moves provide a direct counter to the strategic advantage offered by Levitate.

Mold Breaker and Similar Abilities: Ignoring Abilities

Abilities like Mold Breaker, Teravolt, and Turboblaze ignore the opponent’s abilities, including Levitate. A Pokémon with one of these abilities can use Earthquake to hit a Pokémon with Levitate directly, bypassing the usual immunity. This creates a powerful offensive strategy, allowing the user to exploit Ground-type weaknesses without worrying about ability interference.

Ring Target and Ability Changes: Strategic Maneuvering

The item Ring Target allows the holder to be hit by moves they would normally be immune to. By equipping a Pokémon with Ring Target, you can bypass their own immunities. Some abilities can also be changed throughout the battle. One example is the ability Neutralizing Gas, which suppresses the abilities of all other active Pokémon.

Competitive Implications and Strategic Usage

The interplay between Earthquake and Levitate has significant implications for competitive Pokémon battling. Teams must be built with a consideration of these interactions, including strategies to counter Levitate or exploit it.

Team Building Considerations

When building a team, it’s important to consider the prevalence of Ground-type attacks and the potential presence of Pokémon with Levitate. Including moves like Gravity, Smack Down, or Pokémon with Mold Breaker can provide a strategic advantage. Conversely, if your team relies on Ground-type attacks, ensuring you have coverage for Flying-types and Pokémon with Levitate is crucial.

Strategic Move Sequencing

Effective use of Earthquake against teams with Levitate often involves strategic move sequencing. Setting up Gravity or using Smack Down before unleashing Earthquake can create devastating offensive opportunities. Predicting your opponent’s switches and capitalizing on their reliance on Levitate can turn the tide of battle.

Beyond the Core Games

While the core Pokémon games establish the foundation for the interaction between Earthquake and Levitate, other Pokémon media, such as the anime and spin-off games, may depict these interactions differently.

Anime and Manga Interpretations

In the Pokémon anime and manga, the rules and mechanics of the games are often loosely interpreted for dramatic effect. While Levitate generally provides immunity to Ground-type moves, there may be instances where Earthquake affects levitating Pokémon due to storytelling or animation choices.

Spin-off Games and Variations

Spin-off games, such as Pokémon GO and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, often have their own unique mechanics and rules. The interaction between Earthquake and Levitate may vary in these games, depending on the specific gameplay mechanics.

FAQs: Answering Your Burning Questions

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Earthquake and Levitate:

Can Earthquake hit a Pokémon using Fly? No. Fly provides complete immunity to Ground-type moves during the turn it’s used for evasion.
Does Earthquake work on Pokémon with Levitate in double battles? The same rules apply in double battles. Earthquake will not affect Pokémon with Levitate unless an exception is in effect (e.g., Gravity).
Can Earthquake hit a Pokémon with Levitate if it’s holding an Iron Ball? Yes. The Iron Ball removes the Pokémon’s Levitate ability, making it susceptible to Ground-type moves.
If a Pokémon has Levitate, can it still be affected by Spikes or Toxic Spikes? No. Spikes and Toxic Spikes are entry hazards that affect grounded Pokémon only. Levitate prevents Pokémon from being affected by these hazards.
Can Earthquake hit a Pokémon with Levitate if it uses Roost? If a dual-type Flying Pokémon uses Roost, it temporarily loses its Flying-type. If this Pokemon also has the Levitate ability and is not subject to another exception (such as holding an Iron Ball), it will still be immune to Ground-type moves.
Does the move Telekinesis affect Levitate? Telekinesis lifts a Pokémon into the air for three turns, increasing its evasion. It does not remove the effects of Levitate or make it vulnerable to Ground-type moves.
If a Pokémon has Levitate and is also part Ground-type, is it immune to Earthquake? Yes. The Levitate ability overrides the Pokémon’s Ground typing, granting it immunity to Ground-type moves.
Can Earthquake hit a Pokémon with Levitate in Pokémon GO? In Pokémon GO, abilities do not work the same way as in the mainline series. Levitate exists, but does not grant ground immunity. Earthquake will therefore hit Pokémon with Levitate.
Does Earthquake hit Shedinja? Shedinja’s Wonder Guard ability only allows it to be hit by super effective attacks. Ground is not super effective against Shedinja’s Ghost/Bug typing, so it will not be hit by Earthquake.
If I use Soak on a Pokemon with Levitate, can I then hit it with Earthquake? Soak changes the target’s type to Water. The Pokémon will retain the levitate ability; it can only be hit with Earthquake if another condition is met (Gravity, etc.).
If I use a move that switches the target’s Ability to Simple, can I then hit it with Earthquake? Yes, if the Pokémon’s original Ability was Levitate and has been successfully switched to Simple by a move like Skill Swap or Entrainment, that Pokémon will no longer be immune to Ground-type moves.
Can Earthquake hit a Pokémon with Levitate in the Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game)? The Pokémon TCG has its own rules and effects, and whether or not Earthquake hits a Pokémon with Levitate depends on the specific card text and game mechanics in play. Usually, it would not, as abilities usually override standard attack limitations.
Does Earthquake hit Diglett? Earthquake is a two-turn move in some side games. Diglett will be hit after it emerges. However, in main-series games and some side games, moves that would usually hit an opponent underground, such as Earthquake, will miss Diglett.
What is STAB? STAB stands for Same-Type Attack Bonus. In the context of Earthquake, a Ground-type Pokémon using Earthquake will receive a 50% damage boost.
Where can I learn more about Pokémon battle mechanics? The Games Learning Society website is a valuable resource for understanding the educational aspects of gaming, including strategic thinking and problem-solving skills utilized in Pokémon battling. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Mastering the Ground Game

The interaction between Earthquake and Levitate is a complex but fascinating aspect of the Pokémon world. While Levitate typically provides immunity to Ground-type moves, various exceptions and circumstances can circumvent this immunity. By understanding these nuances, trainers can develop effective strategies to exploit Ground-type weaknesses and master the ground game. From understanding the fundamentals to exploring the exceptions, mastering the interplay between Earthquake and Levitate is a critical skill for any aspiring Pokémon champion. So, go forth and shake the earth, but always be mindful of those who float above!

Does Earthquake affect levitating Pokémon?