Does Taunt Affect Z-Moves? A Comprehensive Guide

No, Taunt does not prevent a target from using a status Z-Move. However, it does prevent a Dynamax target from using Max Guard. This seemingly simple interaction belies a deeper understanding of Taunt’s mechanics and its place in the competitive Pokémon metagame. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Understanding Taunt and Status Moves

Taunt is a status move that, when successfully used, inflicts the Taunted condition on the target Pokémon. A Taunted Pokémon is forced to only use attacking moves for the next three turns (or until it switches out). This restriction applies to all status moves which can be used for support, healing, status ailments, or stat boosts.

However, not all status moves are created equal, especially when Z-Crystals and Dynamaxing are involved.

Z-Moves: A Unique Case

Z-Moves are powerful, one-time-use attacks introduced in Generation VII (Sun and Moon). They are created when a Pokémon holds a compatible Z-Crystal and knows a corresponding move of the same type. Importantly, Z-Moves come in two varieties:

• Damaging Z-Moves: These function as enhanced, high-powered versions of existing attacking moves.
• Status Z-Moves: These are where things get interesting. When a status move is powered up by a Z-Crystal, it not only gains an additional effect but also retains its original functionality. The main catch here is when a Pokémon is already Taunted they cannot use status moves.

Since the original status moves can’t be activated, the Z-Moves that require the status moves to activate will also not be used.

Max Moves and Max Guard: A Different Story

In Generation VIII (Sword and Shield), Dynamaxing was introduced. When a Pokémon Dynamaxes, its moves are transformed into powerful Max Moves. Each type has its own Max Moves. Max Guard is a status move that protects the user from most attacks. However, as the article states, it has a unique interaction with Taunt:

• Taunt will prevent a Dynamax target from using Max Guard.

This distinction is crucial. While Z-Moves are one-time use and have different mechanics, Dynamaxing provides a temporary transformation with its own set of limitations.

Why the Difference?

The difference in how Taunt interacts with Z-Moves and Max Guard boils down to the specific coding and design choices made by the game developers. Z-Moves, particularly status Z-Moves, are treated as a single, combined action – the enhanced effect is tied directly to the original status move, but does not change the move fundamentally. Max Guard in comparison is a single, status move.

Essentially, the game recognizes the powered-up status move of a Z-Move as the standard status move.

Strategy Implications

Understanding these nuances is crucial for competitive play. While Taunting a Pokémon holding a Z-Crystal won’t stop a status Z-Move, it can still be a valuable tactic for other reasons.

• Predicting Z-Moves: While you can’t prevent a status Z-Move with Taunt, you can predict when one might be used and prepare accordingly. Understanding common Z-Move strategies for different Pokémon allows you to anticipate and counter them.
• Controlling the Flow: Taunt can still force the opponent to make specific choices, potentially limiting their options and opening them up to other strategies.
• Disrupting Setup: Taunt’s primary purpose remains relevant – preventing stat-boosting moves and other forms of setup.

FAQ: Taunt and Z-Moves

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Taunt and its interactions in the Pokémon world:

1. What exactly does Taunt do in Pokémon?

Taunt forces a Pokémon to only use attacking moves for three turns (or until switched out). This prevents the use of status moves, including healing, setup, and other utility options.

2. Is Taunt a good move in Pokémon?

Yes, Taunt is a valuable move in competitive Pokémon. It’s particularly effective against defensive Pokémon, setup sweepers, and those reliant on status moves for support. Knowing when to use it is key.

3. What types and abilities are immune to Taunt?

Dark-type Pokémon are immune to Taunt. Additionally, Pokémon with the Oblivious ability or under the effect of Aroma Veil cannot be taunted.

4. Does Taunt affect Pokémon with the ability Unaware?

Yes, Unaware only prevents the Pokémon from being affected by stat changes. The move Taunt affects even unaware pokemons.

5. Can you Taunt a Pokémon behind a Substitute?

Yes, unlike many other status moves, Taunt affects a target behind a Substitute.

6. Does Taunt stop Teleport?

Yes, Taunt can stop a wild Pokémon from fleeing with Teleport, in addition to trapping or binding moves and abilities.

7. What happens if Taunt is used against a Pokémon that has already selected a status move?

If the Pokémon using Taunt moves before the target, and the target has already selected a status move, the target’s move will fail on that turn.

8. Does Taunt affect Trick Room?

Taunt is a common anti-Trick Room strategy. By Taunting the Pokémon attempting to set up Trick Room, you can prevent it from using the move. Using Fake Out + Taunt will usually shut down the Trick Room’s Follow Me and successfully Taunt the Trick Room user.

9. What item prevents Taunt?

The Mental Herb negates the effect of Taunt once, as well as other disruptive moves like Disable, Attract, and Encore.

10. How long does the Taunt effect last?

The Taunt effect lasts for three turns, unless the affected Pokémon switches out.

11. Is Taunt a physical or special move?

Taunt is a Dark-type status move. It does not deal damage.

12. What are some common counters to Taunt?

Besides Dark-types and Pokémon with Oblivious, using moves like Protect or Detect can stall out the Taunt turns. Switching out also removes the effect. The use of a Mental Herb will negate the move.

13. Can Taunt affect a Pokémon using Protect?

No, Taunt will fail if the target uses Protect or Detect. These moves provide temporary invulnerability, preventing status conditions like Taunt from being applied.

14. What are some good Pokémon to use Taunt effectively?

Fast Pokémon with good offensive stats, such as Prankster Grimmsnarl, Whimsicott, or even offensive threats like Weavile, can effectively use Taunt to disrupt opponents.

15. How does Taunt interact with moves like Encore and Torment?

Taunt prevents the Pokémon from using status moves, including Encore. Torment is a different status condition that forces the target to alternate between moves, not preventing the move.

Conclusion: Mastering the Taunt

While Taunt doesn’t directly block status Z-Moves, understanding its mechanics and limitations is essential for successful competitive play. Taunt remains a valuable tool for disrupting opponents, controlling the flow of battle, and creating strategic opportunities. By combining your knowledge of moves like Taunt with insights from communities like the Games Learning Society, you can continue to refine your skills and strategize for victory. Find out more about how you can join the GamesLearningSociety.org and contribute to gaming knowledge.