Is Hydro Pump Good for Gyarados? A Deep Dive

The short answer? No, Hydro Pump is generally not a good move for Gyarados in most scenarios. While Hydro Pump is a powerful Water-type attack, Gyarados benefits more from physical Water-type moves like Waterfall or Aqua Tail. This is because Gyarados has a significantly higher Attack stat than Special Attack stat. Using a Special Attack like Hydro Pump wastes Gyarados’s offensive potential. Let’s explore this further.

Understanding Gyarados’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into specific moves, it’s crucial to understand Gyarados’s stats and typing. Gyarados is a Water/Flying-type Pokemon, giving it weaknesses to Electric and Rock-type moves. Its strengths lie in its high Attack stat, decent Defense, and access to several powerful physical moves. Gyarados also has a good movepool with Dragon Dance which can sharply boost Attack and Speed.

However, Gyarados’s Special Attack stat is relatively low. This means that Special Attacks like Hydro Pump will not deal as much damage as physical attacks that utilize its higher Attack stat. While Mega Gyarados has an even higher Attack stat it still does not make the use of Hydro Pump beneficial due to the increased use of Physical Moves.

Hydro Pump vs. Physical Water Moves

Hydro Pump is a powerful Water-type move with high base power. However, because it’s a Special Attack, its damage output is dependent on the user’s Special Attack stat. Since Gyarados’s Special Attack is lackluster, Hydro Pump’s damage will be underwhelming compared to other options.

Waterfall, on the other hand, is a physical Water-type move. When used by Gyarados, it leverages the Pokemon’s high Attack stat, resulting in significantly more damage. The same applies to Aqua Tail, another physical Water-type move available to Gyarados. Moves like Waterfall and Aqua Tail allow Gyarados to sweep battles much easier.

The Importance of STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)

Gyarados benefits from STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) when using Water and Flying-type moves. STAB provides a 50% damage boost to moves that match the user’s typing. Therefore, a physical Water-type move like Waterfall used by Gyarados will receive this bonus, further enhancing its damage potential. Hydro Pump still gains the benefit from STAB, but it still does not outweigh the benefit from a physical move.

Alternative Movesets for Gyarados

A more effective moveset for Gyarados would focus on physical attacks and stat-boosting moves. Here’s a suggested moveset:

• Waterfall: A powerful physical Water-type move with a chance to flinch the target.

• Dragon Dance: Boosts Gyarados’s Attack and Speed, turning it into a formidable sweeper.

• Earthquake: Provides coverage against Electric-type Pokemon that Gyarados is weak to.

• Ice Fang/Crunch: Offers additional coverage against Grass, Dragon, Ghost and Psychic-type Pokemon.

Situational Exceptions

While Hydro Pump is generally not recommended, there might be very specific situational exceptions. For example, if Gyarados is facing a Pokemon with extremely high physical defense but low special defense, Hydro Pump might be slightly more effective. However, these situations are rare, and a well-rounded Gyarados will always benefit from a physical Water-type move.

Why Trainers Still Consider Hydro Pump

Some trainers might still consider Hydro Pump due to its high base power. The allure of a powerful Special Attack can be tempting. However, it’s crucial to understand the math and recognize that Gyarados’s Attack stat makes physical Water-type moves the superior choice. The power of Hydro Pump is also beneficial in games like Pokemon Go to defeat enemies quicker.

Gyarados in Competitive Battling

In competitive battling, optimizing a Pokemon’s moveset is crucial. Using Hydro Pump on Gyarados can be a significant disadvantage, as it sacrifices valuable damage potential. Competitive players understand the importance of maximizing Gyarados’s Attack stat with physical moves and setting up with Dragon Dance for a sweep. You can learn more about competitive game strategies at the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best nature for Gyarados?

The best nature for Gyarados is Adamant, which increases its Attack stat and decreases its Special Attack stat. This further solidifies the preference for physical moves over Special Attacks like Hydro Pump.

2. Is Aqua Tail a good alternative to Waterfall?

Yes, Aqua Tail is a good alternative to Waterfall. It’s a physical Water-type move with reliable power and accuracy, making it a solid choice for Gyarados.

3. What is the best moveset for Gyarados in Pokemon Go?

The best moveset for Gyarados in Pokemon Go is Dragon Breath or Waterfall as a Fast Move and Aqua Tail as a Charged Move.

4. Why is Gyarados so popular?

Gyarados is popular due to its imposing design, high Attack stat, and access to powerful moves. Its dramatic evolution from the weak Magikarp also adds to its appeal.

5. Is Dragon Rage a good move for Gyarados?

No, Dragon Rage is not a good move for Gyarados. It deals a fixed amount of damage, regardless of Gyarados’s stats or the opponent’s defenses.

6. What is the strongest Water-type move overall?

Water Spout is generally considered the strongest Water-type move when the user is at full health.

7. How does Mega Evolution affect Gyarados’s move choices?

Mega Evolution further increases Gyarados’s Attack stat, making physical Water-type moves even more effective.

8. Can Gyarados learn Hydro Cannon?

No, Gyarados cannot learn Hydro Cannon through normal gameplay. It is often an exclusive move given to fully evolved Water-type starters during special events.

9. Is Surf a better choice than Hydro Pump for Gyarados?

While Surf is more reliable due to its higher accuracy, physical Water-type moves like Waterfall or Aqua Tail are still preferred for Gyarados due to its higher Attack stat.

10. What are some good team partners for Gyarados?

Good team partners for Gyarados include Electric-type Pokemon to cover its weakness to Electric-type moves, and Pokemon that can provide support with status conditions or stat boosts.

11. How does Gyarados perform in double battles?

In double battles, Gyarados can be effective with the support of a teammate that can use moves like Helping Hand to boost its damage output.

12. What is the best item for Gyarados to hold in battle?

The best item for Gyarados to hold in battle depends on the strategy. Life Orb can boost its damage output, while Leftovers can provide passive healing.

13. How long do Pokemon battles typically last?

Pokemon battles can vary in length depending on the format and strategies used. Some battles can be quick, while others can be long and drawn out.

14. Is Gyarados a good choice for a rain team?

Yes, Gyarados can be a good choice for a rain team, as the rain boosts the power of its Water-type moves.

15. What is the best way to train a Gyarados?

The best way to train a Gyarados is to focus on increasing its Attack and Speed stats. This can be achieved through EV training and careful move selection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Hydro Pump is a powerful move in general, it is not ideal for Gyarados. Gyarados’s strength lies in its high Attack stat, making physical Water-type moves like Waterfall and Aqua Tail the superior choice. By understanding Gyarados’s strengths and weaknesses, trainers can create a more effective moveset and maximize its potential in battle.