Does Spikes do more damage than Stealth Rock?
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Spikes does not inherently do more damage than Stealth Rock, as the damage dealt by both entry hazards depends on various factors such as the number of layers, the Pokémon’s type, and its weaknesses. The damage dealt by Spikes ranges from 12.5% to 25% of the Pokémon’s maximum HP, while Stealth Rock deals damage based on the Pokémon’s weaknesses, with some Pokémon taking up to 50% damage when switching in.
Understanding Spikes and Stealth Rock
To determine which entry hazard deals more damage, it’s essential to understand how they work and the factors that affect their damage output. Spikes deal damage based on the number of layers, with one layer dealing 12.5% damage, two layers dealing 16.67% damage, and three layers dealing 25% damage. On the other hand, Stealth Rock deals damage based on the Pokémon’s weaknesses, with Pokémon that are 4x weak to Rock-type moves taking 50% damage when switching in.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much damage does 2 layers of Spikes do?
Two layers of Spikes deal 1/6 (16.67%) damage to the opponent’s Pokémon.
2. How much damage does Stealth Rock do?
Stealth Rock deals damage based on the Pokémon’s weaknesses, with some Pokémon taking up to 50% damage when switching in.
3. What destroys Stealth Rock?
The moves Defog and Rapid Spin can clear away Stealth Rock, with Rapid Spin clearing them from the user’s side of the battlefield and Defog clearing them from both sides.
4. Why is Stealth Rock so good?
Stealth Rock is a highly effective entry hazard because it deals significant damage to Pokémon that are weak to Rock-type moves, making it a crucial part of many competitive teams.
5. Is Flying immune to Stealth Rock?
Flying-types and Pokémon with the Levitate ability are usually immune to Stealth Rock.
6. How good is Toxic Spikes?
Toxic Spikes are a valuable entry hazard that can help take out threats such as Tyranitar, Politoed, and Volcarona without Rest, making them a great addition to stall teams.
7. Can Lycanroc learn Stealth Rock?
Yes, Lycanroc can learn Stealth Rock, a great move for Single Battles that damages Pokémon that enter battle.
8. Does Stealth Rock stab?
No, Stealth Rock does not receive a STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) boost, but it still deals significant damage to Pokémon that are weak to Rock-type moves.
9. Do Spikes damage track?
No, Spikes do not damage the track surface, but needle or tartan spikes can damage the track surface and invalidate it.
10. Do Spikes stack with Stealth Rock?
Yes, Spikes and Stealth Rock stack, allowing for significant damage to be dealt to Pokémon that are weak to Rock-type moves.
11. Is Spikes good for Greninja?
Yes, Spikes is a great utility move for Greninja due to its ability to force switches and weaken common switch-ins.
12. Does Stone Axe set up Stealth Rock?
Yes, Stone Axe sets up Stealth Rock in the same turn, dealing 65 Base Power damage and setting up a valuable entry hazard.
13. Is Shedinja immune to Stealth Rock?
No, Shedinja is not immune to Stealth Rock, and can be knocked out by entry hazard damage.
14. What does 3 Toxic Spikes do?
Three Toxic Spikes reduce the poisoned enemy Pokémon’s Attack, Special Attack, and Speed by 1 stage.
15. Does Stealth Rock trigger Weakness Policy?
Yes, Stealth Rock triggers Weakness Policy, allowing Pokémon with this ability to receive a significant boost to their Attack and Special Attack stats when switching into Stealth Rock.