Does Mist Block Haze in Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, Mist does not block Haze in Pokémon. While both moves have to do with stat alteration and have similar-sounding names, they function very differently. Mist is a defensive move focused on preventing stat reductions, whereas Haze is an offensive move designed to reset all stat changes on the field. Therefore, Haze will completely bypass the effects of Mist.
Understanding the nuances of these moves is crucial for any aspiring Pokémon master, whether you’re battling competitively or just exploring the game’s mechanics. This article will delve deeper into the intricacies of Mist and Haze, and address commonly asked questions surrounding these moves.
Understanding Mist and Haze
Mist: A Shield Against Stat Reduction
Mist is a non-damaging move, typically used as a defensive tactic. When activated, Mist prevents your Pokémon’s stats from being lowered by the opponent’s moves for five turns. This means that any attempts to decrease your Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, or Speed using moves like Intimidate, Charm, or Sand Attack will be completely nullified. This protection is applied to all of the user’s Pokémon on the field for the duration of the effect, even when switching.
It’s important to note that Mist only protects against stat reductions. It does not prevent stat increases, nor does it remove existing stat changes. The move is primarily designed to counter strategies that rely on debuffing opposing Pokémon. Mist’s usefulness is in its preventative power.
Haze: The Great Stat Reset
Haze, on the other hand, operates in a completely different manner. This Ice-type move does not inflict damage. Instead, its purpose is to return all stat changes (both positive and negative) of all Pokémon on the field to their base, original level (0 stage). This includes any boosts from moves like Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, or even the stat decreases from moves like Growl.
Haze completely negates the effects of setup moves, forcing opponents to start stat boosting strategies from scratch. It acts as a powerful counter against those who try to sweep, or accumulate an overwhelming stat advantage. Haze is not blocked by Clear Body or White Smoke, and it also works on the last Pokémon in a battle if there are no more switches available, unlike moves that force switches.
Why Mist Does Not Block Haze
Given their differing functions, it is clear why Mist does not block Haze. Mist provides a shield against stat reductions, whereas Haze resets all stat modifications, making the shield irrelevant. Mist prevents direct attacks that lower stats, but does not create any barrier against something that just neutralizes the field. The confusion likely arises because both moves involve stat changes, but their intended purpose is different.
Essentially, Haze is an offensive move in that it is used to nullify an opponent’s strategy. Mist is purely defensive and only prevents a different type of attack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Clear Amulet block Haze?
No, Clear Amulet does not block Haze. Clear Amulet prevents direct stat reductions, but Haze does not cause a stat reduction; it resets stats to their base level. Therefore, Clear Amulet’s protection is irrelevant against Haze.
2. Does Clear Smog bypass Clear Amulet?
Yes, Clear Smog bypasses Clear Amulet. Like Haze, Clear Smog’s stat removal isn’t considered a secondary effect. It resets the target’s stats back to their base, regardless of whether the Pokémon has Clear Amulet.
3. Is Mist a good move in Pokémon?
Mist can be a useful move, especially against teams that heavily rely on stat debuffs. However, it is situational and less versatile than other defensive options. Its effectiveness is limited to preventing stat reductions, leaving it vulnerable to stat increases and other battle strategies.
4. What items block stat changes?
The Clear Amulet is the primary item that prevents stat changes, but only from stat reduction moves or abilities. For example, it negates the effect of moves like Growl or abilities like Intimidate. However, Clear Amulet does not work against moves that reset stats, like Haze or Clear Smog.
5. Does Haze remove Spikes?
No, Haze does not remove Spikes. Haze only resets stat changes, it does not affect entry hazards like Spikes, Stealth Rock, or Toxic Spikes. Therefore, a Pokémon that switches in after Haze has been used will still receive damage from entry hazards.
6. What is the advantage of Haze over phasing moves?
The main advantage of Haze over phasing moves (like Roar or Whirlwind) is that Haze works even on the last Pokémon. Phasing moves can only force switches if the opponent has more Pokémon left. Haze completely cancels stat boosts in a battle, ensuring that stat boosts are neutralized, regardless of the number of Pokémon.
7. Does Clear Body block Haze?
No, Clear Body does not block Haze. Clear Body only blocks stat reductions. Haze, instead, resets stats to their base levels, rather than reducing them, therefore, Clear Body does not protect against it.
8. Does Substitute block Haze?
No, Substitute does not block Haze. Substitute only protects against certain status moves and direct attacks; stat-reset moves such as Haze are unaffected.
9. How do you prevent the effects of Haze?
There isn’t a way to directly prevent Haze. There are no items or abilities to block it and the move always works. The best way to counter it is to avoid stacking too many stat changes at once when an opponent has a Haze user or use other tactics, such as switching out to make them waste the turn using Haze.
10. What does Z-Haze do?
If powered up with Icium Z, Z-Haze will reset all stat stages like a normal Haze. Additionally, the user will regain all of its HP. This can make Z-Haze a powerful option for healing while undoing stat boosts, though it’s still limited in utility as Haze is not a common move to build a team around.
11. Does Misty Terrain block Haze?
No, Misty Terrain does not block Haze. Misty Terrain only protects against status conditions and dragon-type moves on grounded Pokemon. Stat changing moves, like Haze, are not affected by it.
12. Does Defiant or Competitive activate when Haze is used?
No, Defiant and Competitive do not activate when Haze is used. These abilities are only triggered when stats are lowered, not when they are reset. As such, Defiant and Competitive will not activate.
13. Does Clear Smog remove your own stat changes?
Yes, Clear Smog removes your own stat changes, as well as the target’s stat changes. Clear Smog, like Haze, sets the target’s stats (and your stats) to their base level, both positive and negative.
14. Is Haze better than Mist?
Neither move is inherently “better,” as they serve different purposes. Haze is valuable for resetting stat boosts, particularly in competitive play. Mist is useful for preventing stat debuffs, but it is more situational. The value of each move depends greatly on the team composition and battle strategy of the user.
15. Does Haze go through Mist?
Yes, Haze goes through Mist. As previously discussed, Mist protects against stat reductions, and Haze resets stats completely. Haze’s effect will completely neutralize any benefit that Mist had given.
Conclusion
While the names may seem similar, Mist and Haze are vastly different moves in Pokémon, with separate functions and applications. Mist serves as a barrier against stat reductions, while Haze serves as an equalizer, resetting all stat changes. Knowing when and how to use each move—and understanding their interactions—will significantly enhance your battles. Remember that Mist does not block Haze, and that other abilities and items have no direct effect on either move. Always consider your opponent’s team composition and strategy when deciding to use a stat-altering move.