Does Scald Burn Pokémon? Understanding the Potent Water-Type Move
Yes, Scald has a 30% chance of burning the target upon hitting. This secondary effect is a significant part of what makes Scald such a powerful and popular move in the Pokémon universe. The combination of decent damage and the potential to inflict a debilitating burn makes it a versatile choice for many Water-type Pokémon. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics of Scald and answer some frequently asked questions about this potent move.
The Power and Utility of Scald
Scald is more than just a run-of-the-mill Water-type attack. It boasts a base power of 80, placing it among the more potent Water-type moves available. Unlike some high-power attacks that come with drawbacks, Scald is relatively balanced, making it a reliable choice for both offense and defense.
Scald’s Unique Burn Mechanic
The 30% chance to burn is what truly sets Scald apart. A burn inflicts damage over time, chipping away at an opponent’s health each turn. Critically, it also halves the opponent’s Attack stat, a brutal debuff that cripples physical attackers. This combination of damage over time and the attack reduction makes Scald invaluable, especially against Pokémon that rely heavily on physical attacks.
Thawing Effect
Another crucial, yet often overlooked, benefit of Scald is its ability to thaw the user if frozen, even if the move misses its target. This adds a layer of strategic utility, allowing a frozen Pokémon to immediately return to the battle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scald
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Scald that further explore its nuances and applications within the Pokémon games.
Is Scald a Good Move?
Yes, Scald is considered a highly effective move due to its combination of good base power, its reliable 30% chance to inflict a burn, and its ability to thaw the user when frozen. It’s a reliable option for both offensive and defensive Pokémon, making it a popular choice for many competitive trainers.
Can Fire-Type Pokémon Be Burned by Scald?
No, Fire-type Pokémon are immune to being burned by any method, including Scald, unless their type is changed by a move or ability. This is a fundamental aspect of Pokémon type matchups that players must keep in mind when strategizing.
Who Can Learn Scald?
Historically, many Water-type Pokémon could learn Scald. However, in more recent games, Scald has become the signature move of Volcanion, and no other Pokémon learns it naturally. This shift has drastically changed its availability and value on the competitive scene.
Is Scald Better Than Surf?
The choice between Scald and Surf depends on the Pokémon using the move and the overall strategy. Surf is generally preferred for offensive Pokémon due to its higher accuracy. However, Scald is preferred for more defensive and bulky Pokémon due to its burn chance. Thus, If you’re using an attacker, a move with a higher base power and accuracy, like Surf, might be better. However, if you prefer a defensive option, then Scald is perfect.
How Often Does Scald Inflict a Burn?
Scald has a 30% chance of burning the target on each hit. While it is not guaranteed, over multiple uses the probability of landing a burn becomes significant, making it a reliable way to inflict this status effect over time. Notably, if you spam Scald twice, there is a 51% chance to inflict a burn.
Is Scald Better Than Hydro Pump?
This is another situational question. Hydro Pump has a higher base power, making it generally better for all-out offense. Scald’s burn probability makes it more viable for stalling or weakening your opponent. In Pokémon GO, Hydro Pump is a single-bar charge move that can deal substantial damage, but Scald can be more reliable because it charges more quickly as a 2-bar move.
Are Any Pokémon Immune to Burn?
Yes, some Pokémon are entirely immune to being burned. Pokémon with the abilities Water Veil, Water Bubble, or Comatose are completely immune to being burned. Pokémon with the ability Heatproof will only lose half the HP from a burn each turn, and Leaf Guard protects from status conditions in harsh sunlight.
Is Scald Super Effective Against Ice-Types?
Yes, Scald is super effective against Ice-type Pokémon. This is a standard type effectiveness, and one of the main reasons why fire types can not be burned by Scald is because they are also weak to water types. While it can’t burn Ice-type Pokemon, the super effective damage makes it a strong offensive choice.
How Does the Burn Status Affect Pokémon?
A burn inflicts two main effects. First, it causes damage over time (DOT), where the burned Pokémon loses 1/16th of its maximum HP at the end of each turn. Second, it reduces the Pokémon’s Attack stat by 50%, significantly diminishing its physical damage output. The damage over time does not activate if the burned Pokémon knocks out their opponent.
Can Scald Help Heal Burns?
No, Scald does not heal burns in the real world. In the Pokémon games, it’s the move that inflicts burns. To heal real-world burns, you should immediately immerse the burn in cool tap water or apply cold, wet compresses for about 10 minutes, or until the pain subsides.
What is the Max CP of Vaporeon?
The Maximum CP for Vaporeon is 3521 at level 50. Its Combat Power can vary slightly depending on its source of encounter, such as Raids, Eggs, and Field Research.
What is Scald Strong Against?
In Pokémon GO, Scald is strong against Ground, Rock, and Fire-type Pokémon. It deals additional damage to these types, making it an effective choice in many battles. It is weak against Water, Grass, and Dragon Pokémon.
Is Scald Good on Greninja?
Yes, Scald is very good on Greninja. Greninja often needs a reliable Water-type STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move to use when Torrent is activated. Scald’s decent power and chance to inflict a burn make it an excellent option to take advantage of Torrent’s power boost.
Does Guts Ignore the Attack Drop from Burn?
Yes, Pokémon with the ability Guts will ignore the Attack stat reduction from a burn. Guts raises their Attack stat by 50% when afflicted with a status condition, essentially negating the negative impact of a burn.
Is Aqua Tail Better Than Hydro Pump?
The choice between Aqua Tail and Hydro Pump is situational. Aqua Tail is better for scenarios where a quick attack is needed, as it has a lower charge time. Hydro Pump, on the other hand, is more powerful but has a longer charge time. It is generally better for long battles where you can utilize it multiple times.
Conclusion
Scald is a complex move with many strategic applications. Its combination of decent base power, the 30% chance to inflict a burn, and its ability to thaw a frozen user makes it a valuable asset in any trainer’s arsenal. While its availability has been restricted in recent games, understanding its mechanics and strategic potential will improve your gameplay and decision making. Whether you’re looking for a defensive move or a way to cripple your opponent, Scald is a force to be reckoned with.