Is Dodging Worth It in Pokémon GO? A Trainer’s Guide
Absolutely! Dodging in Pokémon GO is undeniably worth it, especially in Raids and challenging Gym battles. While it doesn’t completely negate damage from Charged Attacks, a well-timed dodge can reduce incoming damage by 75%, significantly increasing your Pokémon’s survivability and overall contribution to the fight. Mastering the dodge mechanic is a crucial skill for any serious Pokémon GO trainer looking to optimize their battle performance. Let’s explore why this often-overlooked mechanic is essential, and how to make the most of it.
Why You Should Embrace the Dodge
Dodging isn’t just a fancy move; it’s a strategic imperative for several reasons:
- Increased Survivability: In Raid battles against powerful bosses, your Pokémon are constantly under assault. Dodging charged attacks allows them to withstand more hits, staying in the fight longer and dealing more damage over time. This is especially crucial when using high-DPS but fragile Pokémon.
- Damage Mitigation: A 75% damage reduction is massive. It effectively transforms a potential knockout blow into a manageable hit, giving your Pokémon a chance to unleash more of their own attacks.
- Resource Conservation: By keeping your Pokémon alive longer, you’ll need fewer revives and potions after the battle. This is particularly valuable when you’re frequently participating in Raids.
- Strategic Advantage: Learning to time your dodges allows you to control the flow of battle and maximize your Pokémon’s effectiveness. It’s a mark of a skilled and prepared trainer.
- Team Play: When using Mega-Evolved Pokémon, your team gets special bonuses. Keeping your team in the raid longer is beneficial for the team.
Mastering the Dodge: Timing is Everything
Successfully dodging in Pokémon GO isn’t about randomly swiping; it’s about precise timing. Here’s the breakdown:
- Identify the Cue: Watch for the “flash” on the screen that occurs just before the Raid Boss’s Charged Attack hits. Many trainers also rely on the text notification announcing the attack name.
- The Dodge Window: You have approximately 0.7 seconds from the flash to execute a successful dodge.
- Swipe Left or Right: Swipe left or right on the screen to trigger the dodge animation.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The timing can be tricky, so practice against Team GO Rocket grunts or in lower-level Raids to get a feel for the timing of different attacks.
Pro-Tip: Network Lag
Be aware of network lag! If your internet connection is unstable, the timing of the flash may be slightly off, making dodging more challenging. Try to play in areas with strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
High DPS vs. Survivability: Finding the Balance
While maximizing damage output is important, it’s equally crucial to have Pokémon that can survive long enough to deal that damage. Don’t solely rely on glass cannons that faint quickly. A balanced team with a mix of high-DPS attackers and durable defenders is the key to success in Raids and Gym battles.
Dodging effectively helps bridge the gap between these two strategies, allowing even fragile Pokémon to contribute significantly.
Is Dodging Necessary?
While you can technically complete Raids and Gym battles without dodging, you’ll be at a significant disadvantage, especially in higher-level content. Dodging allows you to:
- Solo challenging content: With practice, dodging can make it possible to solo some lower-level Raids.
- Contribute meaningfully in large raids: Even with a group, every bit of damage counts. Dodging ensures your Pokemon stay in the fight as long as possible.
- Maximize rewards: More damage dealt often translates to better rewards after the raid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you completely avoid damage from charged attacks by dodging?
No, you cannot completely avoid damage. A successful dodge reduces the damage taken by approximately 75%. You will still take some damage.
2. What happens if you fail to dodge a charged attack?
If you miss the timing or don’t swipe, your Pokémon will take the full force of the charged attack, potentially leading to a quick knockout.
3. Does dodging work against fast attacks?
While the game allows you to dodge fast attacks, it’s generally not worth the effort. The damage from fast attacks is usually lower, and the constant dodging can interrupt your own attack rhythm. Focus on dodging charged attacks.
4. Is dodging more important with certain Pokémon?
Yes. It’s especially crucial for Pokémon with high attack stats but lower defense and HP (often called “glass cannons”). Dodging allows them to stay in the fight and maximize their damage output.
5. Does dodging affect the amount of energy gained for charged attacks?
No, dodging does not affect the rate at which your Pokémon gains energy for their own charged attacks.
6. Is there a penalty for dodging too early or too late?
Dodging too early or too late will result in your Pokémon taking the full damage from the attack. Timing is critical.
7. Does network latency affect dodging?
Yes, network latency (lag) can significantly affect dodging. High latency can cause delays between the visual cue and the actual attack, making it difficult to time dodges accurately.
8. Are there any visual or audio cues to help with dodging?
The primary visual cue is the flash on the screen just before the attack. The text notification displaying the attack name can also be helpful, but the flash is the more reliable indicator. There are no official audio cues specifically designed for dodging.
9. Does the size of the Pokémon affect dodging?
No, the size of the Pokémon does not affect dodging. The timing and mechanics are the same for all Pokémon.
10. Does the weather boost affect dodging?
No, the weather boost does not directly affect dodging. However, weather boosts can increase the damage of attacks, making dodging even more important.
11. Are there any Pokémon that are immune to charged attacks?
No, there are no Pokémon that are completely immune to charged attacks. However, Pokémon with high defense stats and resistance to the attack type will take less damage.
12. Does dodging affect the damage dealt by my Pokémon’s charged attacks?
No, dodging does not affect the damage dealt by your Pokémon’s charged attacks. It only affects the damage your Pokémon takes from the opponent’s attacks.
13. Is it possible to solo a raid by just dodging?
While it depends on the raid boss and your Pokémon’s strength, skilled dodging can significantly increase your chances of soloing lower-level raids. You’ll still need a strong team and a good understanding of type matchups.
14. How do you practice dodging in Pokemon GO?
The best way to practice is by battling against Team GO Rocket grunts and leaders, or in lower-level raids. These battles allow you to get familiar with the attack patterns and timing without risking valuable resources.
15. Where can I learn more about the science and psychology behind Pokemon GO strategy?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a fantastic resource! They explore the intersection of games, learning, and social dynamics. Understanding these concepts can give you a deeper appreciation for the strategies involved in games like Pokémon GO.
Final Thoughts: Dodge Like a Pro!
Dodging in Pokémon GO is a skill that separates casual players from dedicated trainers. By mastering this mechanic, you can significantly improve your battle performance, conserve resources, and become a more valuable asset to your raid team. So, pay attention to the screen, practice your timing, and dodge like a pro!