What Counts as a Special Move? A Comprehensive Guide
A special move in the context of Pokémon is a type of attack that deals damage based on a Pokémon’s Special Attack stat and the target’s Special Defense stat. This is distinct from physical moves, which rely on the Attack and Defense stats, and status moves, which don’t directly deal damage but inflict conditions or modify stats. Think of it as a form of magical or elemental offense, compared to physical combat. Special moves are often associated with elements like Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Psychic, Dragon, and Dark, although some moves outside these types can also be classified as special. The core distinction lies in how the damage is calculated and which stats are involved.
Identifying Special Moves
Visual Cues
The easiest way to visually identify a special move within the Pokémon games is by looking at the icon associated with the move. Physical moves are typically marked with an orange and yellow “explosion” symbol, whereas special moves display a purple “swirl” symbol. This visual cue is consistent across most recent Pokémon games, making it simple to distinguish between the two at a glance when viewing a move’s description.
The Underlying Mechanism
Beyond the visual icon, understanding the mechanics behind damage calculation provides a more profound definition. Special moves calculate damage using the attacker’s Special Attack and the defender’s Special Defense. The formula is complex and includes many modifiers, but the fundamental principle remains: Special Attack powers up special moves, and Special Defense mitigates their impact. This stat dependency sets them apart from physical attacks which are influenced by Attack and Defense.
Special Attack and Defense: Key Concepts
Special Attack
Special Attack is a Pokémon’s base stat that determines the power of its special moves. A higher Special Attack stat results in more damage output when using a special move. Pokémon with high base Special Attack are typically those that favor special offensive strategies and tend to use the above elemental attack types more often. Moves like Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, and Ice Beam are all boosted by this stat.
Special Defense
Special Defense dictates how well a Pokémon can resist special moves. A higher Special Defense will reduce the damage taken from these attacks. Pokémon with strong defensive capabilities against special moves often have high base Special Defense stats. This stat becomes key when facing opponents who specialize in elemental or magic-like offenses.
The Impact of Special Moves
Type Advantages
Type matchups play a crucial role with special moves. Each type has strengths and weaknesses against other types. For example, Water-type moves are very effective against Fire-type Pokémon, but are resisted by Grass-types. The correct use of special moves with favorable type matchups can significantly turn the tide of a battle.
Ignoring Physical Defense
One significant feature of the classic special moves is that they ignore the target’s physical Defense stat. This allows powerful special attackers to bypass high physical defenses and dish out significant damage. However, this does not mean that every special move always ignores the Defense stat. There are some niche exceptions, like Psyshock.
Exceptions to the Norm
There are special moves, such as Psyshock and Psystrike, that use the user’s Special Attack stat for damage but target the opponent’s regular Defense stat rather than their Special Defense. These moves are a tactical tool against opponents who have high Special Defense but lower regular Defense. Furthermore, some moves can ignore stats altogether, blurring the lines between physical and special at times. This highlights that although most special moves calculate damage based on special attack/defense, there are exceptions that may target the regular defense instead.
Special Moves in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, special moves (also referred to as charged moves) are a bit different than in the main series games. They are slower to execute, have a longer animation, and require the energy meter to be charged before use. They often deal more damage than fast attacks. This makes the timing of special moves critical. The longer animation of special moves means opponents can anticipate, dodge, or switch to a different Pokemon before it hits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all elemental type moves special moves?
While a large majority of the elemental types (Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Psychic, Dragon, and Dark) are special, not all of them are. There can be physical moves of those types as well. The type alone doesn’t determine if it’s special or physical, the method of calculating damage does. Always check for the purple swirl symbol in the move description.
2. What are some examples of special moves?
Some classic examples of special moves include Flamethrower, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Psychic, Dragon Pulse, and Dark Pulse. These moves utilize the user’s Special Attack stat and are often linked to the corresponding elemental type.
3. Does a Pokémon’s Attack stat affect Special Moves?
No, the Attack stat only affects physical moves. It has no impact on the damage calculations of special moves. Special moves rely solely on the Special Attack and the target’s Special Defense stat.
4. How can I increase my Pokémon’s Special Attack?
A Pokémon’s Special Attack stat can be increased through training (EVs and IVs), level ups, held items, or during battle with moves and abilities that boost it. For instance, the move Torch Song not only damages an opponent but also boosts the user’s Special Attack.
5. What is the difference between physical and special moves?
The primary difference lies in which stats they utilize. Physical moves use the Attack stat and the target’s Defense, while special moves use the Special Attack stat and the target’s Special Defense. Visually, physical moves have the explosion symbol and special moves have the swirl symbol.
6. Can some Special Moves target the normal Defense stat?
Yes, a few special moves like Psyshock and Psystrike use the user’s Special Attack for damage but target the target’s Defense stat. These are special cases and are exceptions to the typical rule.
7. Does weather affect Special Moves?
Yes, weather conditions can influence some special moves. For example, a Rainy weather increases the power of Water-type moves, while Sunny weather boosts Fire-type attacks. This directly impacts damage of special moves.
8. What is a priority move and does it affect Special Moves?
A priority move goes first in a turn regardless of speed, unless another move has higher priority or is tied with same priority, at which point speed is a tie-breaker. Both physical and special moves can have priority. This is not unique to special or physical, but is a separate trait of each move.
9. What is the strongest special move?
The strongest special move varies depending on what factors are considered. Generally, moves with high base power like Prismatic Laser for Psychic, or signature moves for specific Pokémon may hold the title for highest potential. However, other factors like type effectiveness and the user’s Special Attack must also be considered.
10. Is Quick Attack a Special Move?
No, Quick Attack is a Normal-type physical move that always goes first in a turn. This means it is not a special move, but rather a physical move with priority.
11. Is Flower Trick a special move?
No, Flower Trick is a Grass-type physical move despite Grass typically being special. The move is unique for having 100% accuracy and a guaranteed critical hit. This confirms the type alone does not determine the move type, but the physical/special trait of the move itself.
12. Is Air Slash a Special Move?
Yes, Air Slash is a Flying-type special move that has a chance to make the target flinch. Flying itself is not typically a special type, but Air Slash is a special move and uses the special attack/defense calculation system.
13. Is Ember a Special Move?
Yes, Ember is a Fire-type special move that has a chance to burn the target. This confirms Fire is typically a special type, and Ember is a classic special move.
14. Is Sky Uppercut a special move?
No, Sky Uppercut is a Fighting-type physical move, despite most moves involving a type of energy may be considered special. This move is a physical attack.
15. Who has the highest Special Attack stat?
Mega Mewtwo Y has the highest base Special Attack stat. This means that it often outputs the highest damage output from special moves of most Pokémon in the game.
By understanding what counts as a special move, players can strategize effectively, build powerful teams, and achieve victory in the world of Pokémon.