Does Torment Stop Outrage? Understanding Pokémon’s Status Conditions
The short answer is no, Torment does not stop Outrage. While Torment prevents a Pokémon from selecting the same move twice in a row, moves like Outrage, Thrash, and Petal Dance force the user to repeat the move for a set number of turns. Therefore, once a Pokémon is locked into using Outrage, Torment will not interrupt the sequence. However, there are some intricate interactions and caveats, which we’ll explore in detail.
Unraveling Torment: How It Works
Torment is a non-volatile status condition in the Pokémon universe. Unlike conditions like paralysis or burn, it doesn’t directly inflict damage or hinder stats. Instead, it imposes a restriction on move selection. A Pokémon afflicted by Torment cannot choose to use the same move it used in the previous turn.
This sounds simple enough, but its effectiveness depends heavily on the opponent’s strategy and move pool. A Pokémon reliant on spamming a single powerful attack will be significantly hampered by Torment, while a Pokémon with a diverse move set may barely notice the inconvenience. Importantly, if a Pokémon is already locked into a repeating move like Outrage when Torment is applied, the Outrage will continue its course. The target will simply not be able to select Outrage the turn after the forced move ends.
Outrage and Other Repeating Moves: An Unstoppable Force?
Moves like Outrage, Thrash, and Petal Dance function similarly. The Pokémon uses the move for 2-3 turns, becoming confused afterward. During these turns, the Pokémon is essentially locked into using that specific move. Interference from Torment, or even moves like Disable, is nullified until the repeating move is complete.
This interaction highlights a key difference between preventing a move from being used versus restricting a move from being selected. Torment falls into the latter category. It only affects the Pokémon’s ability to choose a move, not its ability to execute a move it’s already committed to. This distinction is critical for understanding how Torment interacts with various mechanics in the game.
Torment vs. Taunt: A Strategic Comparison
Often compared to Taunt, Torment offers a different type of strategic control. Taunt forces the target to use attacking moves, shutting down status moves and set-up strategies. In contrast, Torment limits the target’s move selection, encouraging them to switch moves or potentially use less optimal options.
Which is better? It depends entirely on the context. Taunt is excellent against stall teams or Pokémon attempting to boost their stats. Torment can disrupt predictable strategies and force opponents into awkward situations. The ideal choice depends on your team composition and your opponent’s predicted strategy.
Torment has the advantage of being applied after an opponent’s move, making it seemingly unpredicatable on your end. However, once your opponent knows you have Torment, it can become predictable, particularly with limited movepools, and can even be played around by more advanced trainers. In particular, certain Pokemon are immune to taunt, such as Dark Type and/or Unaware Pokemon, but are not immune to Torment (Aroma Veil Excluded).
Is Torment a Viable Strategy?
Whether Torment is a “good” move is subjective and depends on the team and situation. It’s most effective against opponents who:
- Rely on a small pool of powerful moves.
- Are slower than the Torment user (allowing you to apply it reactively).
- Lack strong switch-in options.
However, Torment has limitations. A Pokémon with a diverse move set can easily adapt. Opponents can also switch out their Pokémon to remove the Torment effect. And, as noted, repeated moves like Outrage simply ignore the effect while they’re in progress. It also doesn’t work on Pokémon under the protection of Aroma Veil.
Ultimately, Torment is a niche move best used in specific strategies or to counter predictable opponents. Understanding its nuances is crucial for making informed decisions in battle. The Games Learning Society explores such tactical game knowledge as it relates to improving education. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Torment
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the nuances of Torment in Pokémon, answering common confusions players face:
1. Does Torment work on Z-Moves or Dynamax moves?
No, Torment does not prevent the use of Z-Moves or Max Moves. These are generally considered distinct move categories and aren’t directly affected by Torment‘s restriction on repeating previous moves.
2. Can you use Taunt and Torment on the same Pokémon simultaneously?
Yes, you can use both Taunt and Torment on the same Pokémon. Their effects are independent. Taunt forces the target to use attacking moves, while Torment prevents them from using the same move twice in a row. However, their usefulness together is situational.
3. Does Torment affect Struggle?
No, Torment does not affect Struggle. If a Pokémon is forced to use Struggle due to running out of PP for all other moves, it can continue to use Struggle regardless of Torment.
4. How long does Torment last?
Torment lasts until the affected Pokémon is switched out. The effect is removed upon switching.
5. What happens if you Torment a Choice Band/Specs/Scarf user?
Choice items lock the user into a single move upon selection. If a Choice item user is Tormented, they will be forced to switch out the following turn, as they cannot re-select their chosen move. This can disrupt their momentum significantly.
6. Can Instruct bypass Torment?
Yes, Instruct can bypass Torment. If a Pokémon uses Instruct on a Tormented Pokémon, the instructed Pokémon will repeat its last move, even if it’s the move it used the previous turn.
7. Does Torment affect moves like Rollout or Ice Ball?
Moves like Rollout and Ice Ball, which increase in power with each consecutive use, will continue to be fully executed under the effects of Torment. The effect will only impact them once the move’s sequence is complete.
8. Does Torment do damage?
No, Torment is a status condition that prevents repeating the last move used. It doesn’t directly inflict damage like burn or poison. The descriptions of status damage listed in the article refer to the usage of “torment” in a different game, and do not apply to Pokemon.
9. Can Torment fail?
Torment can fail if the target is protected by Aroma Veil, or if the target is immune due to other abilities or effects.
10. Is Torment effective in Double Battles?
Torment can be useful in Double Battles, particularly to disrupt specific strategies or limit the opponent’s options for targeting. However, the increased complexity of Double Battles requires careful consideration of positioning and targeting.
11. Does Torment work against Dynamaxed Pokémon?
Yes, Torment works against Dynamaxed Pokémon, preventing them from repeating their Max Moves on the following turn.
12. What happens if a Pokémon is Encore’d and then Tormented?
If a Pokémon is Encore’d into a move and then Tormented, it will be forced to struggle after the Encore’d move ends. This can lock an opponent into a bad position, especially if they’re Encore’d into a status move.
13. Can Torment affect Pokémon with the Ability “Oblivious?”
No, the ability Oblivious only prevents the Attract and Captivate moves, as well as preventing the Pokemon from being infatuated. It has no bearing on the move Torment.
14. Does Torment affect Pokémon with the ability “Unaware”?
No, the ability Unaware ignores stat changes of the opposing Pokémon, allowing the bearer to not be affected by the opponent’s stat boosts. It does not prevent Torment from taking affect.
15. Can Torment cause confusion?
No, Torment does not directly cause confusion. However, by forcing a Pokémon to switch moves, it might indirectly lead to less optimal plays, which could be considered a form of “confusion” in a strategic sense. Only repeating moves such as Outrage cause confusion.