Unveiling the Z-Fake Out: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon’s Deceptive Move
Z-Fake Out is a Normal-type Z-Move derived from the move Fake Out. Its primary function is to inflict damage and always cause the target to flinch, unless the target possesses the Ability Inner Focus or Shield Dust. Unlike regular Fake Out, Z-Fake Out can be used multiple times in battle, and does not require the user to switch out and back in before being used again. This makes Z-Fake Out a potentially useful option, but its low base power makes it a niche pick at best.
Understanding the Mechanics of Z-Fake Out
To fully grasp the potential and limitations of Z-Fake Out, let’s delve deeper into its mechanics.
Priority and Flinching
Like its base move, Z-Fake Out has a priority of +3. This means it will typically be executed before most other moves, ensuring that the flinch effect takes place. The flinch effect prevents the target from executing its move that turn.
Power and Distribution
Z-Fake Out has a base power of 120, making it a fairly weak Z-Move. However, its ability to be used multiple times can come in handy.
Ability Interactions
The abilities Inner Focus and Shield Dust offer immunity to the flinch effect, rendering this aspect of the Z-Move useless. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential counters when considering Z-Fake Out.
Z-Crystals
To use Z-Fake Out, the user must be holding a Normalium Z. This item transforms the base move, Fake Out, into its Z-Move counterpart during battle.
Strategic Applications of Z-Fake Out
While not a staple in competitive play, Z-Fake Out can find niche applications in specific team compositions and situations.
Disrupting Set-Up Sweepers
One potential use is to disrupt opposing set-up sweepers. By flinching the target, you can prevent them from boosting their stats and potentially snowballing out of control.
Chip Damage and Momentum Control
Even with its low base power, Z-Fake Out can contribute to chip damage, slowly wearing down the opponent’s team. The flinch effect can also provide a window of opportunity to switch into a more favorable matchup or set up your own strategies.
Doubles and VGC Formats
In doubles battles, Z-Fake Out can target a specific threat, potentially opening up a chance for your partner Pokémon to take advantage. It can also be used to protect a fragile teammate by flinching a dangerous attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Z-Fake Out
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Z-Fake Out:
1. Can Z-Fake Out be used more than once in a battle without switching?
Yes, that is one of the key differences between Z-Fake Out and regular Fake Out. Since Z-Fake Out is a Z-Move and not the move, Fake Out, it has separate requirements. Z-Moves can be used more than once, so Z-Fake Out can as well.
2. Does Z-Fake Out affect Ghost-type Pokémon?
No. As a Normal-type move, Z-Fake Out is ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon. It will deal no damage and, of course, inflict no flinch.
3. What Abilities prevent Z-Fake Out from causing flinching?
The Abilities Inner Focus and Shield Dust prevent Pokémon from being flinched by Z-Fake Out.
4. Can Z-Fake Out be copied by moves like Mirror Move?
No, Z-Moves cannot be copied by Mirror Move or similar moves.
5. Is Z-Fake Out affected by Protect?
Yes, Z-Fake Out can be blocked by Protect and similar protecting moves. However, note that using Protect consecutively has a high chance of failing.
6. How does Z-Fake Out interact with the Ability Queenly Majesty or Dazzling?
These Abilities prevent the use of priority moves targeting the user. Since Z-Fake Out is a priority move, it will fail if targeting a Pokémon with Queenly Majesty or Dazzling.
7. Can Z-Fake Out break through Substitute?
Yes, Z-Moves bypass Substitute. The Substitute is destroyed, and the remaining damage is dealt to the target. The flinch effect will still apply unless blocked by an ability like Inner Focus.
8. Does the held item Eject Button activate after using Z-Fake Out?
Yes, if the user of Z-Fake Out is holding an Eject Button and is hit by a damaging move, the Eject Button will activate, forcing the Pokémon to switch out.
9. What happens if the target uses a move with negative priority, like Roar or Whirlwind, on the same turn as Z-Fake Out?
Z-Fake Out will execute first due to its higher priority, causing the target to flinch and preventing the negative priority move from being used.
10. Does Z-Fake Out activate the Weakness Policy held item?
Yes, if Z-Fake Out hits a Pokémon with a Weakness Policy and deals super-effective damage, the Weakness Policy will activate, boosting the target’s Attack and Special Attack stats.
11. How does Z-Fake Out interact with the move Follow Me or Rage Powder in Double Battles?
Due to being a move with increased priority, Follow Me or Rage Powder can divert Z-Fake Out if the user of Follow Me or Rage Powder would move before the user of Z-Fake Out.
12. Is Z-Fake Out more effective in Singles or Doubles battles?
Its utility is generally higher in Doubles due to the potential to disrupt specific targets and protect teammates. Its low base power makes it less impactful in Singles.
13. Can Z-Fake Out be used in conjunction with the move Encore?
Yes, you can theoretically use Z-Fake Out and then have another Pokémon on your team use Encore to lock the opponent into the flinched state for a few turns (assuming they are unable to switch out or use moves that ignore Encore).
14. Is there a significant difference between using Fake Out and using Z-Fake Out?
Yes, several factors can be considered when deciding whether to use Fake Out or Z-Fake Out. The most important of these is the fact that Z-Fake Out can be used an unlimited amount of times.
15. What’s the best way to learn more about Pokémon strategy and competitive play?
There are many resources available! You can check out sites like Smogon University, watch VGC tournaments, or explore research on game-based learning such as at Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). The Games Learning Society is a great resource for information on how games affect learning, education, and the way people are able to grow.
Conclusion
Z-Fake Out is a situational Z-Move with the unique ability to flinch opponents on the first turn. While its low damage output limits its general use, it can be a valuable tool for disrupting strategies, controlling momentum, and supporting teammates in specific circumstances. Understanding its mechanics and potential counters is crucial for effective utilization.