Decoding G-Max Hydrosnipe: A Deep Dive into Inteleon’s Signature Move
G-Max Hydrosnipe is the signature G-Max move of Inteleon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It’s a powerful Water-type Max Move that not only deals substantial damage but also ignores the effects of abilities that would otherwise redirect moves. This makes it a potent weapon in both single battles and competitive formats where redirection is a common strategy. It bypasses moves like Follow Me and abilities like Storm Drain and Lightning Rod, allowing Inteleon to directly target its intended opponent.
Understanding the Nuances of G-Max Hydrosnipe
G-Max Hydrosnipe isn’t just a high-damage Water-type attack. Its core value lies in its ability to circumvent common defensive strategies. Let’s delve deeper into what that means in practice.
Bypassing Redirection: The Key Advantage
The primary function of G-Max Hydrosnipe is to ignore redirection. In Pokémon battles, especially doubles, strategies often revolve around redirecting single-target attacks to a specific Pokémon. Common redirection tools include:
- Follow Me: A move that forces all single-target attacks to target the user.
- Rage Powder: Similar to Follow Me, but relies on a Pokémon with a specific ability (usually a Bug-type) to draw attention.
- Storm Drain: An ability that redirects all Water-type attacks to the Pokémon with the ability.
- Lightning Rod: An ability that redirects all Electric-type attacks to the Pokémon with the ability.
G-Max Hydrosnipe completely ignores these effects. No matter what move or ability is in play, Inteleon’s attack will hit its intended target, provided that target is still a valid target (e.g., not protected by Protect). This is crucial in situations where you need to take out a specific threat, regardless of the opponent’s efforts to protect it.
Max Move Power and Effects
As a Max Move, G-Max Hydrosnipe derives its power from the base power of the Max Move it’s transforming from. The power of G-Max Hydrosnipe varies depending on the base move that dynamaxes into it. For example, a high base power Water-type move will result in a more powerful G-Max Hydrosnipe. The maximum power of G-Max Hydrosnipe is 150. The primary purpose is to do damage; it doesn’t create any terrain or inflict any status conditions. G-Max Hydrosnipe also does not change weather effects like rain, sun, hail or sandstorm.
Competitive Viability
G-Max Hydrosnipe’s competitive viability stems directly from its redirection-bypassing effect. In formats like VGC (Video Game Championships), where doubles battles reign supreme, redirection strategies are common. Inteleon, with its high Speed and Special Attack, can use G-Max Hydrosnipe to swiftly eliminate key threats protected by redirection, forcing opponents to rethink their strategies. The element of surprise is key here. Opponents often expect their redirection to work, leaving them vulnerable when G-Max Hydrosnipe targets their intended victim. Inteleon’s ability to threaten damage is an important factor in single battles as well. Inteleon forces other players to switch in and out, or risk taking serious damage from a high base power water type move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about G-Max Hydrosnipe
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about G-Max Hydrosnipe, providing additional valuable information.
1. Can G-Max Hydrosnipe be redirected by moves like Protect?
Yes. While it ignores redirection abilities and moves like Follow Me, G-Max Hydrosnipe cannot bypass moves like Protect, Detect, and Max Guard, which create a complete barrier against attacks.
2. Does G-Max Hydrosnipe have a secondary effect besides ignoring redirection?
No, G-Max Hydrosnipe’s sole unique effect is ignoring redirection abilities and moves. It deals damage as a Water-type Max Move, but it doesn’t inflict status conditions or alter the battlefield otherwise.
3. What base move should I use to get the strongest G-Max Hydrosnipe?
The base move you use to dynamax Inteleon will determine the damage of G-Max Hydrosnipe. Choose a Water-type move with a high base power, such as Hydro Pump, to maximize its damage output.
4. Is G-Max Hydrosnipe affected by abilities like Water Absorb?
Yes. While it bypasses redirection, G-Max Hydrosnipe is still affected by damage-nullifying abilities like Water Absorb. A Pokémon with Water Absorb will heal from the attack instead of taking damage.
5. How does G-Max Hydrosnipe interact with Wonder Guard?
Wonder Guard only allows a Pokémon to be hit by super-effective attacks. If G-Max Hydrosnipe isn’t super-effective against a Pokémon with Wonder Guard, it will not hit.
6. Can G-Max Hydrosnipe break through Max Guard?
No, G-Max Hydrosnipe cannot break through Max Guard. Max Guard is an almost guaranteed block unless the move is a Z-Move.
7. Does G-Max Hydrosnipe have 100% accuracy?
The accuracy of G-Max Hydrosnipe depends on the base move that you used to dynamax. So choose a base move that is accurate or use moves or abilities that increase your pokemon’s accuracy.
8. Can G-Max Hydrosnipe target a Pokémon behind a Substitute?
Yes, G-Max Hydrosnipe can target and damage a Pokémon behind a Substitute. The substitute will take the hit first, and then any excess damage will be applied to the Pokemon with substitute.
9. Is G-Max Hydrosnipe affected by weather conditions like rain?
Yes, G-Max Hydrosnipe is a Water-type move, so it receives a 50% damage boost in rain and deals reduced damage in harsh sunlight.
10. How does G-Max Hydrosnipe compare to other Water-type Max Moves?
G-Max Hydrosnipe’s unique advantage is its ability to ignore redirection. Other Water-type Max Moves might have higher base power in certain situations (depending on the base move used), but they lack this crucial strategic benefit.
11. What is the best strategy for using G-Max Hydrosnipe effectively?
The best strategy is to use it when your opponent is relying on redirection tactics to protect a key target. Identify the biggest threat on the opposing team and use G-Max Hydrosnipe to eliminate it, regardless of redirection attempts.
12. Is Inteleon the only Pokémon that can use G-Max Hydrosnipe?
Yes, G-Max Hydrosnipe is exclusively available to Inteleon when it Gigantamaxes. No other Pokémon can use this move.
13. Does G-Max Hydrosnipe benefit from Inteleon’s Torrent ability?
Yes, if Inteleon’s HP is at 1/3 or less, the Torrent ability will boost the power of G-Max Hydrosnipe by 50%, making it even more devastating.
14. Can G-Max Hydrosnipe be copied by moves like Mimic or Sketch?
No, G-Max moves cannot be copied by moves like Mimic or Sketch. They are unique to specific Gigantamax Pokémon.
15. Where can I learn more about competitive Pokémon strategies?
There are many online resources available, including websites, forums, and communities dedicated to competitive Pokémon battling. I also highly recommend checking out the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org for insights into the strategic and educational aspects of gaming.