Unearthing the Truth: Can You Increase Fissure Accuracy in Pokémon?
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The short answer, fellow trainers, is both yes and no, depending on which game you’re talking about. In most mainline Pokémon games, the accuracy of the One-Hit Knockout (OHKO) move Fissure is a tricky subject. While you can’t directly boost its accuracy using conventional methods like accuracy-boosting items or moves, the chance of it landing can be manipulated. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore the nuances surrounding Fissure and other OHKO moves!
Decoding Fissure’s Mechanics: A Unique Accuracy Equation
Fissure, along with moves like Guillotine, Horn Drill, and Sheer Cold, belongs to the category of One-Hit Knockout moves. What makes these moves unique is their reliance on a very particular formula, mostly centered around the level of the user versus the level of the target.
The core formula generally dictates that if the user is a lower level than the target, the move automatically fails. Otherwise, the initial success rate is typically set at 30%. This success rate then increases by 1% for every level the user is higher than the target. So, if your Pokémon using Fissure is 50 levels higher than your opponent, the move has an 80% chance of hitting (30% base + 50% from the level difference).
However, there’s a crucial cap to consider. If your Pokémon’s level exceeds the target’s by 90 levels or more, Fissure’s accuracy is effectively capped at 100%. This means that, even if the formula produces values over 100% for a level difference of 91 or more, the hit rate remains at 100%.
Why Traditional Accuracy Boosts Fail
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike most damaging moves, Fissure’s hit chance is NOT directly affected by accuracy or evasion stats. This means that moves like Double Team (which increases evasion) or items like the Wide Lens (which boosts accuracy) will not influence Fissure’s likelihood of landing. Furthermore, abilities like Compound Eyes (which increases the accuracy of moves) and even the effects of moves like Gravity (which typically increases accuracy) do NOT affect the likelihood of Fissure hitting in most generations.
So, if all these traditional methods are ineffective, how can you influence Fissure’s success?
The Rare Exceptions and Edge Cases
The No Guard ability is the primary exception. A Pokémon with No Guard ensures that all moves used by and against it will hit. Therefore, if a Pokémon with No Guard were to use Fissure, the move would bypass the normal accuracy check and connect, assuming all other conditions are met. Sadly, though, very few Pokémon naturally learn both No Guard and a OHKO move. In Gen 1, Machamp could learn Fissure through TM; if transferred Machamps get No Guard, Machamp gets a 100% hit rate on Fissure, a one-hit KO move.
Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the One-Hit Knockout Moves in Pokémon?
The main One-Hit Knockout moves are Fissure, Guillotine, Horn Drill, and Sheer Cold. These moves share the unique level-based accuracy formula discussed above.
Why does Fissure sometimes fail?
Fissure will fail if the user is a lower level than the target. The move will also fail if the target has the ability Levitate or is a Flying-type Pokémon in most generations, as Fissure is a Ground-type move. Also, some abilities will negate one-hit KO moves.
Can the Zoom Lens help Fissure hit more often?
The Zoom Lens boosts accuracy if the user moves after the target. While this sounds promising, remember that Fissure’s hit chance isn’t directly linked to accuracy stats. The Zoom Lens will have no effect on Fissure.
Does Gravity affect Fissure’s accuracy?
Generally, no. Gravity typically increases the accuracy of most moves, but it does not influence the level-based success rate of Fissure or other One-Hit KO moves.
Is it possible to have a Pokémon with No Guard and Fissure?
As we have discussed, No Guard and Fissure can coexist in some instances. In Gen 1, Machamp could learn Fissure through TM; if transferred Machamps get No Guard, Machamp gets a 100% hit rate on Fissure, a one-hit KO move.
What is the base accuracy of Fissure?
The base accuracy of Fissure starts at 30% when the user and target are the same level.
How do level differences affect Fissure accuracy?
For every level the user is higher than the target, the chance of Fissure hitting increases by 1%, capping at 100% when the level difference reaches 90 or more.
Can Fissure hit Flying-type Pokémon?
In most generations, no. Fissure is a Ground-type move, and Flying-type Pokémon are immune to Ground-type attacks.
Does accuracy boosting abilities or items affect Fissure?
Most items or abilities that boost accuracy, such as Wide Lens, and abilities like Compound Eyes, do not affect Fissure.
Is Fissure considered a reliable move in competitive Pokémon?
Due to its inherently unreliable nature (unless a significant level advantage or No Guard is involved), Fissure is generally not considered a top-tier competitive move.
Can the move Lock-On guarantee Fissure will hit?
Lock-On guarantees that the user’s next move will hit. However, this only works if the user is not a lower level than the target.
Can Fissure be used consecutively?
Yes, but the hit chance remains the same each time, based on the level difference.
What is the most inaccurate move in Pokémon?
One-Hit KO moves such as Fissure often have the lowest accuracy rating.
Why do people use One-Hit Knockout moves if they are so unreliable?
The potential to instantly defeat an opponent can be tempting, even if the odds are low. Some trainers enjoy the risk and reward of using these moves. Also, in certain in-game situations (like battling trainers with significantly lower-level Pokémon), they can be effective.
Are there any resources where I can learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?
Absolutely! The Games Learning Society provides a wealth of resources on game design, learning theories, and the educational applications of games. Exploring their website at GamesLearningSociety.org can offer valuable insights into the deeper aspects of game mechanics and strategic thinking.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of the Unpredictable
While you can’t directly boost Fissure’s accuracy in the traditional sense, understanding its mechanics and the few exceptions that exist allows you to make informed decisions about its use. Whether you embrace the risk or prefer more reliable strategies, Fissure and other One-Hit KO moves remain a fascinating and sometimes frustrating part of the Pokémon universe. Happy battling, trainers!