Return vs. Body Slam: Which Normal-Type Move Reigns Supreme?
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Return and Body Slam are two prominent Normal-type moves in the Pokémon universe, often debated for their utility, especially when considering Pokémon like Snorlax. While a straightforward answer is elusive, Return generally offers higher damage output compared to Body Slam. However, the specific context – including game mechanics, opponent types, and strategic needs – significantly influences the optimal choice. Body Slam introduces the chance of paralysis, which can be invaluable in certain situations.
Diving Deeper: Return
Return’s strength lies in its scaling mechanic. The move’s base power ranges from 0 to 102, dependent on the Pokémon’s Friendship value (also referred to as Happiness). A Pokémon with maximum Friendship unleashes Return at its full potential, making it one of the strongest Normal-type attacks available with no inherent drawbacks.
Return’s Strengths:
- High Base Power: At maximum Friendship, Return boasts substantial damage.
- No Negative Side Effects: Unlike some powerful moves that may lower stats or require a recharge turn, Return is a pure damage dealer.
- Accessibility: In main series games, raising Friendship is generally straightforward through in-game actions. In Pokémon GO, Return is particularly relevant for Purified Pokémon, being the exclusive Charged Attack they learn after purification.
Return’s Weaknesses:
- Dependence on Friendship: Maintaining maximum Friendship is crucial to maximizing Return’s power.
- Type Coverage: Normal-type moves lack super-effective coverage against many types.
- Immunity: Ghost-type Pokémon are completely immune to Normal-type attacks.
Examining Body Slam
Body Slam is a consistent, reliable move with a power rating of 85 and a 100% accuracy. The real kicker of Body Slam is its 30% chance to paralyze the target. This opens up strategic opportunities to control the opponent’s speed and potentially disrupt their offense.
Body Slam’s Strengths:
- Paralysis Chance: The ability to inflict paralysis is a significant advantage, especially against faster opponents.
- Reliable Accuracy: A 100% accuracy rating ensures the move always connects (unless affected by other status conditions or abilities).
- PP Count: The PP count of 15 is high enough to use liberally throughout battles, ensuring that the Pokémon does not run out of attacks easily.
Body Slam’s Weaknesses:
- Lower Base Power: Compared to a max-Friendship Return, Body Slam’s base power is noticeably lower.
- RNG Dependence: The paralysis effect is not guaranteed, relying on a 30% chance.
- Ineffective against Ground Types: Body Slam has no effect on Ground-type Pokémon.
The Verdict: When to Choose Which
The best choice between Return and Body Slam depends on several factors:
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Pokémon Stats: For Pokémon with naturally high Attack stats, Return’s raw power is often preferable. Conversely, if a Pokémon struggles with Speed, Body Slam’s paralysis chance can mitigate this weakness. Snorlax, for example, could benefit from Body Slam’s paralysis to help overcome its lower speed.
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Battle Format: In Player vs Player (PvP) scenarios, the difference in power between Return and Body Slam becomes more pronounced. Return is more valuable in Pokémon GO because of its higher damage and ability to deplete Protect Shields quickly.
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Team Composition: Consider what your team needs most. If you already have paralysis support, Return might be a better fit. If your team lacks speed control, Body Slam becomes more appealing.
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Game Mechanics: In Pokémon GO, Return is especially valuable for purified Shadow Pokémon and is a good charged move for them.
FAQs: Return vs. Body Slam and Normal-Type Moves
1. Is Return a good move in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Return is a viable move, especially for Purified Pokémon. Its high damage output can be useful in raids, gyms, and PvP battles. It is especially useful in PvP for wearing down Protect Shields.
2. Is Body Slam a good move in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Body Slam is still a good move in Pokémon GO. The power/damage is respectable, it always hits (barring extenuating circumstances), and the PP count is high enough that rationing them is not necessary.
3. Is Return better than Strength?
Return is generally better than Strength due to its higher potential base power (102 at max Friendship vs. Strength’s 80).
4. How do I maximize Return’s power?
Maximize Return’s power by increasing the Pokémon’s Friendship value to the maximum level (255). This can be done through various activities such as walking with the Pokémon, feeding it berries, and battling alongside it.
5. Can I change Return on a Purified Pokémon?
Yes, unlike Frustration on Shadow Pokémon, Return can be unlearned using a Charged TM.
6. What are the best Normal-type attackers in Pokémon GO?
Strong Normal-type attackers include Snorlax, Blissey, and Slaking. These Pokémon can effectively utilize Normal-type moves.
7. Is paralysis a useful status condition?
Yes, paralysis is extremely useful. It reduces the target’s Speed by 75% and has a 25% chance of preventing the target from moving each turn.
8. Are there any Pokémon immune to Normal-type moves?
Yes, Ghost-type Pokémon are immune to Normal-type moves.
9. What other moves can inflict paralysis?
Moves like Thunder Wave, Lick, and Zap Cannon can inflict paralysis. Thunder Wave is particularly notable for its high accuracy and paralysis chance.
10. How does Return compare to Frustration?
Both Return and Frustration have the same base power at full potential (102). However, Return is generally easier to maximize because Friendship is easier to increase than keeping a Shadow Pokémon with zero Friendship.
11. Is it better to purify a Shadow Pokémon?
This depends. Shadow Pokémon have a 20% damage boost, making them powerful attackers. Purifying them increases their IVs and gives them Return, but removes the damage boost. Consider your needs and the Pokémon’s stats before deciding.
12. What is the strongest Normal-type move overall?
Explosion is the strongest Normal-type move, but it causes the user to faint. Return remains the strongest Normal-type move without such a drawback.
13. Is Return good on Charizard?
No, Return has little offensive purpose on Charizard. Charizard benefits more from Fire- or Flying-type moves to take advantage of its typing and STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus).
14. Are evolved Pokémon always stronger?
Generally, yes. Evolved Pokémon often have higher stats, access to better moves, and sometimes gain new types or abilities, making them more powerful.
15. What is the fastest Pokémon?
Regieleki is the fastest Pokémon, with a base Speed stat of 200. This makes it almost guaranteed to move first in battle.
Ultimately, the choice between Return and Body Slam hinges on a trainer’s specific needs, team composition, and battle strategy. Both moves offer unique benefits, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making informed decisions in the world of Pokémon. To learn more about the educational applications of games, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Both Return and Body Slam have their uses. A choice will be made depending on what the trainer wants to accomplish.