Does Fake Out or Rage Powder Go First? Understanding Priority in Pokémon Battles
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 question of whether Fake Out or Rage Powder goes first is a crucial one for Pokémon battlers, particularly in formats like Doubles where these moves often appear. The direct answer is: Fake Out always goes first. This is because Fake Out has a priority of +1, while Rage Powder has a priority of 0. This means that Fake Out will always activate before Rage Powder, as long as both moves are selected on the same turn and no other factors influence priority. Let’s delve deeper into how priority works and the nuances of these two popular moves.
The Mechanics of Priority in Pokémon
Understanding priority is fundamental to mastering Pokémon battles. Most moves operate at normal priority (0), meaning they are executed in order of speed stat; faster Pokemon go first. However, certain moves have a modified priority, either positive (going before normal priority moves) or negative (going after normal priority moves).
- Positive Priority: These moves act before any move with a normal priority of 0, regardless of the Pokemon’s speed. Fake Out is a perfect example with its +1 priority.
- Normal Priority (0): These moves are executed in order of the Pokémon’s speed stat.
- Negative Priority: These moves act last regardless of speed. A common example is Trick Room, which has a priority of -7.
This system allows for strategic use of moves, bypassing the limitations of speed and ensuring opportunities for crucial actions.
Fake Out: The First Turn Advantage
Fake Out is a Normal-type attack known for its guaranteed flinch and +1 priority. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- Priority: +1, ensuring it goes before most other moves.
- Effect: Inflicts damage and causes the target to flinch, preventing them from acting that turn.
- Limitations: Fake Out can only be used on the first turn a Pokémon is sent out. If the user switches out and then back in, it can be used again, giving it a tactical advantage.
- Exceptions: Certain abilities such as Inner Focus and Shield Dust negate the flinch effect of Fake Out.
Why Fake Out Goes First
The fact that Fake Out is a +1 priority move ensures that it will almost always be used before Rage Powder, which has a standard priority of 0. The only time Fake Out wouldn’t go first is if an opponent were to also use a priority move with a higher priority, such as Quick Attack with +1, or Extreme Speed with +2, where the faster Pokémon would go first.
Rage Powder: Redirecting the Battle
Rage Powder is a Bug-type move used primarily in Double Battles that manipulates targeting. Here’s a look at how it works:
- Priority: 0, meaning it goes after priority moves like Fake Out.
- Effect: Rage Powder draws the opponent’s attacks to the user, effectively redirecting them away from teammates.
- Limitations: Rage Powder will not affect Grass-type Pokémon and fails if the user is targeted by Sky Drop.
- Switching/Fainting: If the user of Rage Powder faints or switches out, the redirection effect ends, and attacks will target normally, or be redirected by another Rage Powder user.
How Rage Powder is Used Strategically
Rage Powder can be incredibly helpful in setting up attacks. Its primary use is to protect vulnerable allies from incoming damage. By forcing enemy attacks to target the Rage Powder user, it buys other Pokémon in the team the opportunity to set up, attack, or perform other tactical maneuvers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you use Fake Out twice in a row?
No, unless you have the Mega Kangaskhan ability. Fake Out can only be used on the first turn a Pokémon is out. After that, you must switch the user out and then back in to use it again.
2. What stops Fake Out from working?
Several factors can prevent Fake Out from working:
- Abilities: Inner Focus and Shield Dust prevent flinching.
- Ghost Types: Ghost types are immune to Normal type moves such as Fake Out.
- Quick Guard: This move negates the priority effect of moves.
3. Does Rage Powder affect Grass types?
No, Rage Powder does not work on Grass-type Pokémon.
4. Can Rage Powder draw in moves with a charging turn?
Yes, Rage Powder can draw in moves with a charging turn such as Fly or Solar Beam, if the Rage Powder move is used on the turn the move would hit. However, it cannot draw Sky Drop.
5. How can you counter Fake Out?
You can counter Fake Out by:
- Using Protect.
- Using Abilities like Shield Dust or Own Tempo to negate flinch.
- Switching to a Ghost-type Pokémon.
- Using Quick Guard to nullify priority moves.
6. What happens if both you and your opponent use a priority move with equal priority?
If both players use moves with equal priority, the Pokémon with the higher speed stat will go first.
7. Can you switch in and use Fake Out?
Yes, both Fake Out and First Impression can be used again if the user switches out and back in.
8. Does Sap Sipper ignore Rage Powder?
No, Pokémon with the Sap Sipper ability still get redirected by Rage Powder.
9. What moves ignore redirection effects?
Moves used by a Pokémon with the Stalwart ability (like Duraludon) ignore the target-redirecting effects of moves and abilities. Snipe Shot will also ignore redirection.
10. Does Psychic Terrain stop Spore?
Yes, Psychic Terrain prevents grounded Pokémon from being affected by status-inducing moves, such as Spore. However, it doesn’t stop other status-affecting moves like Taunt or Encore.
11. Can Brute Bonnet learn Rage Powder?
Yes, Brute Bonnet can learn Rage Powder, making it a potent support option.
12. What Pokémon move has the highest chance to flinch?
Fake Out is the only move with a 100% chance of causing a flinch, assuming the move connects and the target is not protected by an ability or item that negates flinching.
13. What weakens Grass-type Pokémon?
Grass-type Pokémon are weak to Flying-, Poison-, Bug-, Fire-, and Ice-type attacks. They are strong against Ground-, Water-, Grass-, and Electric-type attacks.
14. Does Overcoat protect from Hail?
Yes, Pokémon with the ability Overcoat are immune to weather conditions such as Hail and Sandstorm, as well as powder moves like Stun Spore and Poison Powder.
15. Does Wide Guard work in Single Battles?
Yes, Wide Guard will block multi-target moves even in Single Battles, providing the user with temporary immunity from attacks like Earthquake and Surf.
Conclusion
In a clash of priority, Fake Out will consistently outspeed and outmaneuver Rage Powder. The +1 priority of Fake Out ensures it activates before the normal priority of Rage Powder. Mastering these nuances, understanding the move limitations, and identifying effective counters are key elements in becoming a skilled Pokémon battler. Knowing when to use these moves and how to play around them is vital for achieving success.