Unlocking Your Pokémon’s Potential: A Deep Dive into Attack Changes in Pokémon GO
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Yes, you can change the attacks your Pokémon know in Pokémon GO, but the method depends on which type of attack you’re targeting and the resources you’re willing to expend. You can change both Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks, however, the process and tools for doing so differ. Furthermore, you can teach a Pokémon a second Charged Attack for increased strategic options in battles. Let’s explore the ins and outs of modifying your Pokémon’s moveset to create the ultimate battle team.
Understanding Attack Types and Modification Methods
Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to understand the two main attack types in Pokémon GO:
- Fast Attacks: These are the basic attacks a Pokémon uses repeatedly during battle by tapping the screen. They generate energy that fuels Charged Attacks.
- Charged Attacks: These are more powerful attacks that require stored energy to unleash. They are activated by holding down on the screen during battle.
Changing these attacks requires different items and processes:
- Technical Machines (TMs): Standard TMs and Charged TMs can be used to randomly change a Pokémon’s Fast Attack or Charged Attack, respectively, to another move within its learnable move pool.
- Elite TMs: These are rare and valuable items that allow you to choose a specific Fast Attack or Charged Attack from the Pokémon’s entire learnable move pool, including legacy moves that are no longer normally available.
- Adding a Second Charged Attack: By spending Stardust and Candy, you can teach your Pokémon a second Charged Attack, providing more versatility in battle.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Attacks
Here’s a detailed guide on how to change your Pokémon’s attacks:
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Access Your Pokémon: Open the Pokémon GO app and navigate to your Pokémon storage. Select the Pokémon whose attack you want to change.
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View Attack Details: Scroll down to the “Attacks” section to see the Pokémon’s current Fast Attack and Charged Attack.
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Using a TM (Fast or Charged): If you want to change a Fast Attack or Charged Attack randomly, tap the relevant attack. You’ll see a prompt to use a Fast TM or Charged TM. Confirm the action. The Pokémon will learn a new, random attack of that type from its available move pool. Keep in mind that you may get the same move you already had, so be prepared to try multiple times!
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Using an Elite TM: If you have an Elite TM, tap the attack you want to change. You’ll be presented with a list of all available attacks for that Pokémon. Select the desired attack and confirm the change. This is the only way to guarantee the specific attack you want.
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Adding a Second Charged Attack: To teach a second Charged Attack, look for the “New Attack” button below the existing attacks. The cost in Stardust and Candy will be displayed. Confirm the purchase to unlock the second Charged Attack. This can be very expensive but extremely useful.
Strategic Considerations for Attack Changes
Choosing the right attacks for your Pokémon is crucial for success in battles. Here are some strategic factors to consider:
- Type Coverage: Aim for a moveset that covers a variety of types. This allows your Pokémon to be effective against a wider range of opponents.
- Stats and Abilities: Consider the Pokémon’s stats and abilities when choosing attacks. Some Pokémon excel with certain attack types due to their high Attack or Special Attack stats.
- Energy Generation: Consider how quickly the attacks you select generate energy. Certain combinations of fast and charged attacks might make your pokemon charge up its charged attacks quicker.
- Battle League Meta: Be aware of the current meta in the Pokémon GO Battle League. Some Pokémon and attack combinations are more popular and effective than others.
FAQs: Mastering Attack Changes in Pokémon GO
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of attack changes in Pokémon GO:
1. Can I change a Pokémon’s attack back to its original move after using a TM?
No. When you use a TM or Charged TM, the previous move is gone. The new move is randomly selected from the Pokémon’s move pool. If you want a specific move, especially a legacy move, you’ll need to use an Elite TM.
2. How do I get Elite TMs?
Elite TMs are rare rewards typically obtained through completing research tasks, reaching high ranks in the Pokémon GO Battle League, or purchasing special bundles in the in-game shop.
3. Is it worth teaching a second Charged Attack to all my Pokémon?
Not necessarily. It depends on the Pokémon and its role in your team. For Pokémon used frequently in battles, a second Charged Attack can provide valuable coverage and versatility. However, for Pokémon used less often, the cost of Stardust and Candy may not be worth it.
4. Does evolving a Pokémon change its attacks?
Evolving a Pokémon randomly changes its attacks. The resulting evolved form will have a new set of moves, but they are not guaranteed to be the same as or better than the pre-evolution’s moves.
5. Should I max out a Pokémon’s CP before changing its attacks?
It doesn’t matter whether you power up a Pokémon before or after changing its attacks. The cost to do each will be identical. However, it’s generally recommended to evolve first, then check the moveset, and then invest in powering up.
6. What’s the difference between a TM and a Charged TM?
A TM changes a Fast Attack, while a Charged TM changes a Charged Attack. Make sure you’re using the correct TM for the attack type you want to change.
7. Can Shadow Pokémon learn different attacks than regular Pokémon?
Shadow Pokémon can learn the move Frustration, but it can be replaced with a Charged TM during specific events. Otherwise, their move pools are the same as their regular counterparts.
8. Are Shiny Pokémon stronger than regular Pokémon?
No. Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic variations. They have the same stats and potential as regular Pokémon. Evolving a Shiny Pokémon will maintain its Shiny status.
9. Does the IV (Individual Values) of a Pokémon affect its attack power?
Yes. IVs influence a Pokémon’s stats, including Attack, Defense, and HP. Higher IVs can lead to higher CP and overall better performance in battle.
10. What are legacy moves, and how do I get them?
Legacy moves are attacks that were once available for a Pokémon but are no longer obtainable through normal means. The only way to obtain a legacy move is by using an Elite TM on a Pokémon that can learn it.
11. How do I know which attacks are best for a particular Pokémon?
Research! Consult online resources, battle simulators, and community guides to identify the optimal movesets for different Pokémon in various battle scenarios.
12. Is it better to purify a Shadow Pokémon before changing its attacks?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon before evolving it will reduce the cost of candies, give the Pokémon a significant increase in Combat Power.
13. How can I see all possible moves for a Pokemon?
Utilize online resources or apps that provide comprehensive move lists for each Pokémon in Pokémon GO. These resources often include information on move damage, energy cost, and other relevant details.
14. How do I improve my chances of winning battles in Pokémon GO?
Winning battles depends on several factors, including your team composition, attack choices, strategy, and timing of Protect Shield usage. Practice and experimentation are key to improving your battle skills.
15. Does tapping faster during attacks increase damage?
While furiously tapping is a natural reaction, it’s smoothness and consistency that matter more than sheer speed. Try to maintain a steady rhythm for optimal energy generation and attack performance.
Understanding attack changes is just one facet of mastering Pokémon GO. Further enriching your knowledge of the game and related fields, such as game design and learning, can be achieved through resources like the Games Learning Society. Explore their website at GamesLearningSociety.org for insightful information. By mastering these attack strategies, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the gyms and trainer battles of the Pokémon GO world.