Can the Move Relearner Teach Missed Moves? A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is yes, with caveats. The Move Relearner can generally teach a Pokémon moves it could have learned at a previous level, including level-up moves and certain Egg Moves. However, the specifics depend heavily on the game generation and how the Pokémon originally obtained the move. Think of the Move Relearner as a memory jogger, helping your Pokémon recall techniques it once knew or should have known. It’s not a magical move tutor that can impart any skill!
Unlocking Your Pokémon’s Forgotten Potential
The Move Relearner is your go-to NPC when your prized Pokémon accidentally learns a move you didn’t intend or forgets a valuable attack. They can help your Pokémon “remember” moves from their past. This is particularly useful if you’ve evolved a Pokémon early and missed out on some crucial level-up moves. The Relearner helps bridge that gap.
But let’s dive deeper. When we say “missed moves,” we need to be specific. There are several categories to consider:
- Level-up Moves: These are moves a Pokémon learns automatically at certain levels. If you evolve a Pokémon too early, you might skip some of these.
- Egg Moves: These are moves a Pokémon can only learn by hatching from an egg, inherited from its parents.
- TM/TR Moves: These are moves taught using Technical Machines (TMs) or Technical Records (TRs).
- Event Moves: These are special moves only available through limited-time events or promotions.
The Move Relearner’s effectiveness varies depending on which of these categories you’re dealing with. Generally, they are adept at re-teaching level-up moves. Relearning Egg Moves is also common, particularly from Generation VI onwards. TM/TR moves are a different story. Once forgotten, they are generally gone for good, requiring you to use another TM/TR. Some Event Moves that were learned at birth can sometimes be relearned, but this isn’t always a guarantee.
Move Relearner Mechanics Across Generations
Each generation of Pokémon games has slightly different rules regarding the Move Relearner. Here’s a brief overview:
- Generation III: Introduced the Move Tutor, who could teach specific moves for a price. This was a precursor to the more generalized Move Relearner.
- Generation IV: The Move Relearner became a standard feature, re-teaching level-up moves in exchange for a Heart Scale.
- Generation V: Similar to Generation IV, with Heart Scales as the currency.
- Generation VI onward: Move Relearners often allow relearning of Egg Moves in addition to level-up moves. This made breeding strategies significantly more flexible.
- Pokémon Sword & Shield and Scarlet & Violet: The Move Relearner is easily accessible through the Pokémon menu, making it more convenient than ever to manage your Pokémon’s moveset.
The Evolution Factor
Evolution plays a crucial role in what a Move Relearner can do. When a Pokémon evolves, its movepool changes. The Relearner can only access movesets of the current form. For example, if Pikachu knows Volt Tackle (a special event move) and evolves into Raichu, the Move Relearner can only recall moves within Raichu’s movepool.
FAQs: Mastering the Art of Move Relearning
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of move relearning:
1. Can a Pokémon relearn moves they missed due to evolution?
Yes, if those moves are part of the evolved form’s level-up movepool. The Move Relearner looks at the Pokémon’s current form, not its previous forms.
2. Can a Pokémon relearn TM moves?
Generally no. Once a TM move is forgotten, it’s gone. You’ll need to use another TM to teach it again (assuming the Pokémon can still learn it via TM). TR moves are also considered TMs here.
3. Can a Pokémon relearn Egg Moves it forgot?
Yes, from Generation VI onwards. If a Pokémon hatched knowing an Egg Move, the Move Relearner can typically help it remember the move.
4. What happens if a Pokémon knows the same move multiple times?
The game usually prevents this. However, it’s not uncommon for a Pokemon to have the same move multiple times on its level up list. Usually one is at the “start” position, learned automatically just by being the correct species, and then you’re given another chance to get it later.
5. Can a purified Pokémon relearn Return?
Yes. Pokémon will always learn Return when Purified, even if you used a TM to unlearn Frustration while they were Shadow Pokémon.
6. Are there any moves that are impossible to relearn?
Event-exclusive moves are often the hardest to recover. If the event is long gone, you might be out of luck. Additionally, moves unique to certain forms that a Pokemon might never reach can’t be relearned.
7. How does the Move Relearner work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
In Scarlet & Violet, accessing the Move Relearner is incredibly simple. Open your party menu, select the Pokémon you want to adjust, choose “Check Summary,” and then navigate to the “Moves and Stats” page. From there, you can select “Remember Moves.”
8. What are Heart Scales, and why are they important?
In some earlier generations (like Generation IV and V), Heart Scales were the currency required to use the Move Relearner. You could find them by mining or trading. Modern games often use other in-game currency or make the service free.
9. Can Paradox Pokémon breed and learn Egg Moves?
No, Paradox Pokémon, introduced in Scarlet & Violet, cannot breed, so they cannot learn Egg Moves.
10. What is the point of the Move Relearner if I can just use TMs?
The Move Relearner is essential for level-up moves and Egg Moves, which cannot be taught using TMs. TMs are for teaching moves outside a Pokémon’s natural level-up progression.
11. Can I replace a TM move with another move?
Yes. You can overwrite TM moves with other moves, including level-up moves, other TM moves, or even HM moves (in games where HMs exist).
12. Why can Pokémon only know four moves?
This limitation is a core game design choice. It forces players to make strategic decisions about which moves are most valuable for their team, increasing the complexity and engagement of battles. If all Pokemon could know all moves, there would be too many options to consider. This idea is an important consideration to keep in mind when designing educational games. More information can be found on GamesLearningSociety.org.
13. What are the implications of Move Relearners for competitive battling?
Move Relearners significantly impact competitive battling by allowing players to optimize their Pokémon’s movesets for specific strategies. This encourages diverse team compositions and more complex battle tactics.
14. Are all Move Relearners the same across different Pokémon games?
No. As discussed earlier, the functionality and accessibility of Move Relearners vary across generations. Always check the specific mechanics of the game you’re playing.
15. What if a Pokémon learns a move through a glitch or exploit? Can the Move Relearner retain it?
No. The Move Relearner only recognizes moves within the Pokémon’s legitimate movepool. Glitches and exploits are outside the intended game mechanics.
Mastering Move Relearning: The Key to Pokémon Mastery
Understanding the intricacies of the Move Relearner is essential for any serious Pokémon trainer. It allows you to fine-tune your team’s movepools, recover from accidental move deletions, and unlock the full potential of your Pokémon partners. Remember to consider the specific generation you’re playing and the origin of the move you’re trying to relearn. With a bit of knowledge and careful planning, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Pokémon master! And remember, understanding these game mechanics can even provide insights into Games Learning Society and how learning takes place in interactive environments.