Psystrike vs. Shadow Ball: Which Mewtwo Move Reigns Supreme?

Ultimately, whether Psystrike or Shadow Ball is “better” depends entirely on the context. For Mewtwo, Psystrike is generally the superior choice due to its higher DPS (Damage Per Second) and DPE (Damage Per Energy), especially when factoring in Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB). However, Shadow Ball boasts excellent neutral coverage and can be more valuable in specific scenarios where hitting Ghost or other Psychic-type Pokémon for super-effective damage is crucial. The decision hinges on your battling needs and team composition.

Understanding the Moves

Before diving into specifics, let’s break down each move:

Psystrike: A powerful Psychic-type charged move that deals significant damage. It uniquely calculates damage using Mewtwo’s Special Attack stat against the opponent’s Defense stat, making it effective against Pokémon with high Special Defense but lower Defense. As a signature move of Mewtwo, it is often the preferred choice.
Shadow Ball: A potent Ghost-type charged move known for its wide neutral coverage. Few Pokémon resist Ghost-type attacks, making it a reliable option against a broad range of opponents.

Damage, Typing, and Coverage

The core difference lies in the typing and how each move interacts with different Pokémon. Psystrike benefits from STAB when used by Mewtwo, significantly boosting its damage output. However, its effectiveness is reduced against Steel and Psychic types. Shadow Ball, while not benefiting from STAB on Mewtwo, hits many targets for neutral damage and is super-effective against Ghost and other Psychic types.

Gyms and Raids

Gym Sweeping: Shadow Ball Mewtwo can be more efficient for clearing gyms, particularly those with a diverse range of Pokémon. The wide neutral coverage ensures consistent damage against most defenders.
Raids: For raids, the choice depends on the raid boss’s typing. Psystrike Mewtwo excels against Fighting and Poison-type raid bosses, while Shadow Ball Mewtwo shines against Psychic or Ghost-type bosses. A Psycho Cut + Shadow Ball Mewtwo is particularly effective against non-Shadow Ball Mewtwo raid bosses.

Trainer Battles (PvP)

In Trainer Battles, the faster energy generation and higher damage output of Psystrike often make it a superior choice. However, the unpredictable nature of PvP battles means that Shadow Ball’s neutral coverage can be advantageous in certain matchups.

Mewtwo’s Best Moveset

While individual move selection depends on strategy and opposition, a generally recommended moveset for Mewtwo is:

Fast Move: Psycho Cut
Charged Move: Psystrike

This combination provides a balance of quick energy generation and powerful burst damage. Remember that Psystrike requires an Elite Charged TM to obtain, highlighting its exclusivity and value.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to further clarify the advantages and disadvantages of Psystrike and Shadow Ball, with insights applicable to various scenarios.

1. Is Psystrike always better than Psychic?

Generally, Psystrike is superior to Psychic due to its higher DPS*DPE value. This means it deals more damage per second and per energy unit, making it a more efficient move overall.

2. Is Psystrike a legacy move?

Yes, Psystrike is a legacy move for Mewtwo. Like Community Day moves, it’s a special move that Pokémon can learn during specific events or by using an Elite Charged TM.

3. Is Psystrike an elite move?

Yes, Psystrike requires an Elite Charged TM to obtain outside of special events. This reflects its status as a top-tier move for Mewtwo.

4. What is Mewtwo’s best moveset overall?

The best moveset for Mewtwo is typically Psycho Cut and Psystrike, offering high damage output and efficient energy generation.

5. Is Shadow Ball good for Gengar?

Yes, Shadow Ball is excellent for Gengar. It provides strong damage output and coverage. Paired with moves like Rest, Shadow Ball can be part of a potent moveset for Gengar.

6. Is Shadow Punch or Shadow Ball better?

Shadow Ball is generally better than Shadow Punch in most situations due to its higher damage output. However, Shadow Punch can be necessary for certain Pokémon like Gengar to function optimally in PvP.

7. What is Shadow Ball weak to?

Shadow Ball is not weak to Dark-type Pokémon; rather, it is super-effective against Psychic and Ghost-type Pokémon, while Dark-type moves are super-effective against Ghost types.

8. Who should I teach Shadow Ball to?

Shadow Ball can be a good move for various Pokémon needing Ghost-type coverage. For example, Togekiss is a great choice due to it being a normal type, which makes ghost types unable to touch it.

9. Is Mewtwo more powerful than Mew?

According to in-game canon, Mewtwo is generally considered stronger than Mew. This is due to Mewtwo’s higher stats and potential for Mega Evolution.

10. Is Armored Mewtwo better than regular Mewtwo?

Regular Mewtwo is often better for Raid Battles, while Armored Mewtwo is a stronger option for Trainer Battles. Armored Mewtwo has higher defense, while regular Mewtwo has superior attack stats.

11. Is Mewtwo the most powerful Psychic Pokémon?

Mega Mewtwo Y is arguably the most powerful Psychic-type Pokémon. Its Special Attack stat is incredibly high, surpassing many other contenders.

12. Is Shadow Ball a good move?

Shadow Ball is a strong move with wide neutral coverage. It hits many Pokémon for significant damage, making it a reliable choice in various situations.

13. What is Psystrike’s damage?

Psystrike deals 90 damage in Pokémon GO and costs 50 energy. It is effective against Fighting and Poison types but weak against Steel and Psychic types.

14. What stat does Psystrike use?

Psystrike uses Mewtwo’s Special Attack stat but targets the opponent’s Defense stat. This makes it effective against Pokémon with high Special Defense but lower Defense.

15. What’s a Fast TM used for?

A Fast TM is used to randomly change a Pokémon’s fast move to another move it can learn. Elite Fast TMs, however, guarantee a specific legacy fast move. For more information on how gaming can be used for educational purposes, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the “better” move between Psystrike and Shadow Ball for Mewtwo depends on the situation. Psystrike is often the preferred choice for its high DPS and STAB, making it effective in many scenarios. Shadow Ball, however, offers valuable neutral coverage and is crucial for countering specific threats. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each move will allow you to optimize Mewtwo’s moveset for any challenge.

Is psystrike or Shadow Ball better?