How Much HP Does Substitute Take? A Deep Dive into the Pokémon Move
The Pokémon move Substitute is a staple in competitive battling, known for its strategic utility and ability to absorb incoming damage. But how much HP does this move actually cost? The answer is straightforward: Substitute consumes 25% of the user’s maximum HP to create a decoy that can take damage in its place. This seemingly simple mechanic introduces a layer of complexity and tactical depth to battles. This article will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the Substitute move, exploring its mechanics, limitations, and strategic implications, along with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Understanding the Substitute Mechanic
The core function of Substitute is to create a temporary barrier that can absorb attacks. Here’s what you need to know:
- HP Cost: As mentioned, using Substitute requires sacrificing 25% of the user’s maximum HP. This HP is not replenished, and using Substitute multiple times will reduce your Pokemon’s health further.
- Substitute HP: The Substitute itself is generated with the same amount of HP sacrificed – 25% of the user’s maximum HP. This amount of health is what the substitute can absorb until it disappears.
- Limitations: There are critical limits to this move. A Pokemon cannot use Substitute if it has less than 25% of its maximum HP remaining. Additionally, the Pokémon Shedinja, due to its unique mechanic, cannot create a Substitute.
- Damage Absorption: Once created, the Substitute will take damage instead of the user. Any incoming move that isn’t sound-based will inflict its damage on the substitute until the substitute’s HP reaches zero. Once depleted, the Substitute disappears.
The 25% HP cost is a critical balancing factor. It requires players to weigh the risks and rewards of using Substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Substitute
To further clarify how Substitute works and address common queries, here are 15 frequently asked questions with comprehensive answers:
1. How many hits does a Substitute typically take?
A substitute will take damage until its initial HP (equivalent to 25% of the user’s max HP) is depleted. The number of hits it takes will vary widely depending on the strength of the opposing attacks. A strong, super-effective hit will break it instantly, while multiple weaker attacks might be needed to break it. It will take as many hits as necessary for the combined damage to exceed the substitute’s health.
2. How strong is the Substitute itself?
The “strength” of a Substitute isn’t about attacking power but its durability. Its durability is equal to 25% of the user’s maximum HP. Therefore, a Pokémon with high HP will create a sturdier Substitute, while a Pokemon with low HP will create a more fragile one.
3. Is the move Substitute generally considered a good move?
Yes, Substitute is considered a very versatile and strategically valuable move. It allows for scouting, setting up powerful attacks, and preventing status conditions or direct attacks. It’s often used to gain a safe turn against status moves or switch-outs, or to enable a free attack or setup turn.
4. What makes Substitute a good move in competitive battling?
Substitute is excellent for many reasons: it can shield Pokémon from status conditions, provide protection when predicting switches, enable setup turns, and even force the opponent to break the sub first. It’s a very versatile move that can be adapted to many situations.
5. Does Substitute take recoil damage from recoil moves?
No, Substitute does not take recoil damage. The user will not take any recoil if the substitute is active. Any recoil damage is directed toward the substitute rather than the user.
6. Is Substitute a good move for Greninja?
While Greninja can use Substitute, it’s not as effective compared to other Pokémon. Its Substitute counter is relatively slow, and it has low total counter duration and high endlag making it less impactful for the user. However, this doesn’t negate the utility of the move when used strategically.
7. How is Substitute used with Gengar?
With Gengar, Substitute is often used to predict opponent switches or status moves. It gives Gengar a free turn for attacking or switching while the opponent attempts to break the sub. It is also useful for setting up a Curse since Curse takes 50% of user health and then the Sub will help block damage.
8. What are some moves that bypass Substitute?
Several moves bypass Substitute and hit the user directly. These are primarily sound-based moves such as Boomburst, Hyper Voice, Uproar, Bug Buzz, Relic Song, Snore, Round, and Chatter.
9. What is a 101 HP Substitute Pokémon?
A Substitute with 101 HP is created when a Pokémon with 404 or more HP uses the Substitute move. This is significant because this substitute will require two Seismic Tosses to break, buying the user an extra turn and making some Pokemon great setup threats.
10. How does a Substitute disappear?
A substitute fades when it takes enough damage to exceed its starting HP. The sub disappears once it reaches 0 HP. It also disappears if the Pokémon switches out.
11. How do you break a Substitute?
You break a Substitute by attacking it until its HP reaches zero. The amount of HP it has is based on the user’s maximum HP, meaning it is broken when it has taken enough damage to reduce its health to 0.
12. Does Baton Pass work with Substitute?
Yes, Baton Pass can pass a Substitute to another Pokémon. This allows the user to switch out, keep the substitute, and pass its effects to another Pokémon, giving a free setup turn.
13. Does Substitute stay when you switch out (without Baton Pass)?
No, the Substitute will disappear if the user switches out without using Baton Pass.
14. What is a Substitute in Pokémon Showdown?
In Pokémon Showdown, Substitute operates exactly as it does in the main series games. The user takes 1/4 of its max HP, and creates a substitute.
15. Can a Pokémon with less than 25% of its maximum HP use Substitute?
No, a Pokémon cannot use Substitute if its current HP is less than 25% of its maximum HP. The move will fail, making it a risky move in low health situations.
Conclusion
The Substitute move, while simple in concept, is complex in its strategic implementation. The 25% HP cost is a significant consideration, requiring careful planning and understanding of the battle situation. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset in both casual and competitive battles, but its effectiveness depends on the user’s knowledge of the game. By understanding the mechanics, limitations, and strategic nuances of Substitute, players can elevate their gameplay and gain a considerable advantage. Remember, knowing the move is as important as knowing when to use it!