Does Salt Cure Go Through Substitute Pokémon?
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The short, direct answer is: No, Salt Cure does not bypass Substitute Pokémon.
This means that if a Pokémon has used the move Substitute, creating a barrier that absorbs damage and effects, the passive damage from Salt Cure will not affect the Pokémon behind the Substitute. The Substitute will take the damage instead, and when it is depleted, the effects of Salt Cure will only then be applied to the Pokémon using the substitute, if it is still active in battle. This interaction is crucial for understanding the strategic use and counter-play of the move in Pokémon battles, particularly with the popularity of moves like Substitute.
Understanding Salt Cure
What is Salt Cure?
Salt Cure is a relatively new move in the Pokémon series, notable for its unique damage-over-time effect. It’s a non-volatile damage move, meaning it inflicts damage at the end of each turn, rather than directly upon execution. This type of damage is often referred to as passive damage. Specifically, Salt Cure inflicts damage equal to 1/8 of the target’s maximum HP at the end of each turn. This damage is increased to 1/4 of the maximum HP if the target is a Steel or Water type.
How Does Salt Cure Work?
The effects of Salt Cure persist as long as the affected Pokémon remains in battle. If the affected Pokémon is switched out, the Salt Cure effect is removed and will no longer damage that specific Pokemon. This is a crucial detail, emphasizing the strategic depth of using the move. It’s not a permanent curse but a tactical tool. The damage inflicted by Salt Cure is rounded down, meaning any fractional damage is dropped.
Salt Cure’s Typing and Distribution
Salt Cure has a unique typing limitation. Only Pokémon with Rock as their first type can learn the move. This limited distribution has a significant impact on team building. While Shore Up can now be learned by most Rock-types, Salt Cure maintains its restriction, making it a unique option for the few who can access it.
Salt Cure’s Synergies and Counters
Garganacl, with its Rock typing, has become the poster child for this move. Its high defense and access to Recover, combined with Salt Cure’s damage, make it a formidable tank. However, like all moves, Salt Cure has counters. Switching out to remove the effect is the easiest solution. Other strategies involve using Pokémon that can dish out enough damage to take the afflicted Pokemon out before it deals substantial damage, or using an item that prevents secondary move effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that offer further insight into Salt Cure and related mechanics:
1. How much damage does Salt Cure do per turn?
Salt Cure inflicts damage equal to 1/8 of the target’s maximum HP at the end of each turn. This is increased to 1/4 of the maximum HP if the target is a Steel or Water type. The damage is always rounded down.
2. Does switching out remove the effects of Salt Cure?
Yes, absolutely. When the affected Pokémon is switched out, the effects of Salt Cure immediately end. This emphasizes the strategic nature of the move and allows for a counter-play option.
3. Does Salt Cure affect Pokémon with the Water Absorb ability?
Yes, despite their ability, Water Absorb Pokemon are still affected by Salt Cure. They still take double damage, just like other Water types.
4. Does Covert Cloak stop Salt Cure?
Yes, the Covert Cloak will block the additional effects of moves, which includes the passive damage from Salt Cure.
5. Does Salt Cure work on Rock Pokémon?
Salt Cure can be used on Rock-type Pokémon, as long as it’s not the first type. However, Salt Cure only deals additional damage to Steel and Water-types.
6. What types are good counters to Garganacl, who commonly uses Salt Cure?
Garganacl is weak to Water, Steel, Grass, Fighting, and Ground types. Focusing on these offensive types is a good strategy against it.
7. Is Salt Cure effective in Tera Raids?
Yes, Salt Cure can be very effective in Tera Raids, particularly against Steel and Water Tera-Type Pokémon. Its damage output against these types is higher than other similar damage-over-time moves.
8. What is the difference between salt cure in pokemon and salt cure in real life?
In real life, salt cure involves removing water from foods to preserve them. In Pokemon it is used offensively to damage the opposing pokemon, although the inspiration may be from a similar method in real life.
9. Can the passive damage of Salt Cure be blocked by protection moves?
Yes, Protect, Detect, and similar moves will block the damage from Salt Cure when used in that turn.
10. Does Salt Cure work on Ghost type Pokémon?
Yes, Salt Cure will damage Ghost type Pokémon. There is no type interaction between Salt Cure and Ghost.
11. Can Salt Cure be reflected by Magic Coat?
No, Salt Cure is not a status move and cannot be reflected. The same applies to Magic Bounce.
12. Does Salt Cure trigger damage-related abilities like Rough Skin?
No, Salt Cure is not a contact move and therefore doesn’t trigger contact-related damage abilities.
13. Does Salt Cure damage count as non-volatile damage?
Yes, Salt Cure is a form of non-volatile damage. Unlike burn or poison, non-volatile damage ends when the affected Pokémon is switched out or defeated.
14. What Pokemon are most commonly used with Salt Cure?
Garganacl is the primary Pokémon associated with Salt Cure, due to its typing and natural bulk.
15. Can a Pokémon learn both Salt Cure and Shore Up?
No, most Pokémon can’t learn both Salt Cure and Shore Up. Salt Cure is restricted to Pokemon with Rock as their primary typing, while Shore Up can be learned by Rock-types with any typing.
Conclusion
Salt Cure is a potent move that can be a game changer when used strategically, and especially when paired with tanky pokemon. Its strategic nature is evident in its interactions with Substitute and the way switching out neutralizes its effect. Understanding the nuances of how it interacts with other game mechanics is crucial for any Pokémon trainer looking to master the competitive scene. By using Salt Cure wisely, you can control the tempo of the match and deal passive damage to opponents. Just be wary of their counters and always adapt your game to suit the specific scenario.