Charged TM vs. Fast TM: Which is Better in Pokémon GO?

The simple answer: It depends entirely on the Pokémon and the specific moveset you’re trying to achieve. There’s no universally “better” TM; the effectiveness hinges on the Pokémon’s existing moves, its ideal role, and the current meta game. Both Charged TMs and Fast TMs are crucial tools in Pokémon GO for customizing your team and maximizing their combat potential, but understanding their individual applications is key to using them effectively.

Understanding TMs: The Basics

TMs (Technical Machines) are items in Pokémon GO that allow you to change a Pokémon’s moves. There are two main types:

• Fast TMs: These change the Fast Attack of a Pokémon. Fast Attacks are the moves the Pokémon uses by tapping the screen during a battle.
• Charged TMs: These change the Charged Attack of a Pokémon. Charged Attacks require you to fill an energy bar (by using Fast Attacks) before unleashing them.

Both types of TMs come in two rarities: Regular and Elite. Regular TMs will randomly teach a Pokémon any other Fast or Charged Attack that it’s normally capable of learning. Elite TMs, on the other hand, allow you to choose a specific attack from the Pokémon’s entire moveset, including legacy moves (moves that were previously available but are now unobtainable through Regular TMs).

When is a Charged TM the Right Choice?

Charged TMs are often more impactful than Fast TMs due to the significant damage output and strategic utility of Charged Attacks. Here are some situations where a Charged TM is the better option:

• Improving Damage Output: If your Pokémon’s current Charged Attack is weak or ineffective against common opponents, a Charged TM can swap it for a more powerful move. For example, changing a weak Bug-type Charged Attack on a Psychic-type Pokémon to a powerful Psychic-type move.
• Coverage Against Weaknesses: A Charged TM can provide coverage against types that your Pokémon is normally weak to. For instance, teaching a Water-type Pokémon an Ice-type Charged Attack to counter Dragon-types.
• Strategic Advantage in PvP: In Trainer Battles (PvP), the right Charged Attack can drastically change the outcome. Consider moves with faster charge times or status effects.
• Replacing a Terrible Move: Sometimes, a Pokémon gets stuck with a truly awful Charged Attack. Using a Charged TM is a no-brainer in these situations.
• Accessing Exclusive or Legacy Moves: If you are lucky enough to own an Elite Charged TM, you can give your Pokémon a Legacy or Exclusive move, which are very strong and limited in the game.

When is a Fast TM the Right Choice?

While Charged Attacks often steal the spotlight, Fast Attacks are crucial for energy generation and can significantly impact a Pokémon’s overall performance. A Fast TM is the better option in these scenarios:

• Optimizing Energy Generation: Some Fast Attacks generate energy much faster than others. If your Pokémon is struggling to charge its Charged Attacks, a Fast TM can provide a more efficient energy source.
• Improving Damage Per Second (DPS): While Charged Attacks deal more damage, Fast Attacks contribute significantly to DPS. If your Pokémon’s current Fast Attack is weak, a Fast TM can increase its overall damage output.
• Type Coverage: Similar to Charged Attacks, a Fast TM can provide additional type coverage. However, this is less common, as Charged Attacks are usually the primary source of coverage.
• Synergy with Charged Attacks: Sometimes, a specific Fast Attack synergizes well with a Charged Attack. For example, a Fast Attack with a high chance of inflicting a debuff might complement a powerful Charged Attack.
• Aligning Fast Attack Type with Pokémon’s Type: Pokémon receive a Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB), which increases the damage of moves that match their type. If a Pokemon doesn’t have STAB for its Fast Attack it can be beneficial to get one to increase overall damage output.

Elite TMs: The Game Changers

Elite TMs are the rarest and most valuable TMs in Pokémon GO. They allow you to choose a specific move from a Pokémon’s entire movepool, including legacy moves that are no longer obtainable through Regular TMs.

• Accessing Legacy Moves: This is the primary reason to use an Elite TM. Legacy moves are often the best moves for specific Pokémon, making them significantly more powerful.
• Perfect Move Sets: Even if a Pokémon’s best moves are currently available, an Elite TM guarantees you get the exact move you want, saving you potentially dozens of Regular TMs.
• Strategic PvP Advantages: Many legacy moves are particularly strong in PvP, giving you a significant advantage over opponents.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a TM

Before using any TM, consider the following:

• Pokémon’s Role: Is your Pokémon primarily a raid attacker, a gym defender, or a PvP combatant? Each role requires different movesets.
• Current Meta: Which Pokémon are currently popular in the meta game? Choose moves that are effective against them.
• Move Statistics: Research the damage, energy generation, and secondary effects of different moves.
• TM Availability: Regular TMs are relatively common, while Elite TMs are rare and should be used sparingly.

FAQ: Your TM Questions Answered

1. How do I get TMs in Pokémon GO?

Regular TMs are primarily obtained through raids, Special Research tasks, and Trainer Battles (PvP). Elite TMs are typically awarded through Community Day events or special Research Breakthroughs.

2. Can I use a TM to get a move that a Pokémon can’t normally learn?

No, Regular TMs can only teach a Pokémon moves that are already in its current learnset. Elite TMs are the exception, allowing you to access Legacy moves.

3. How many times can I use a TM on a Pokémon?

You can use a TM as many times as you like, but each use is random (unless you’re using an Elite TM).

4. Will a TM teach my Pokémon the same move it already knows?

Yes, it is possible to roll back to the same move, which is frustrating, but part of the randomness of regular TMs.

5. Are Elite TMs worth it?

Absolutely, especially if you have a Pokémon that benefits significantly from a Legacy move.

6. How do I know which moves are the best for my Pokémon?

Research online! Many websites and communities provide detailed analyses of Pokémon movesets. Tools like PvPoke are especially useful.

7. Can I get my TM back if I don’t like the new move?

No, TMs are consumed upon use, regardless of the outcome.

8. What is STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus)?

STAB occurs when a Pokémon uses a move that matches its type. This grants a 20% damage bonus.

9. Should I use a TM on a shadow Pokémon?

Shadow Pokémon deal 20% more damage but take 20% more damage. Prioritize their movesets for offense, making TMs valuable for maximizing their offensive potential.

10. Are TMs useful for Gym Defenders?

Yes, but the optimal movesets for gym defense are different from those for offense. Consider moves with high damage output and long animation times to deter attackers.

11. How do I use an Elite TM?

Select the Pokémon you want to change, go to their move list, and select the TM. The game will present you with a list of all available moves, including Legacy moves. Choose the one you want.

12. Do TMs work on purified Pokémon?

Yes, TMs work on both shadow and purified Pokémon.

13. What is the difference between a Fast TM and an Elite Fast TM?

A Fast TM will randomly select a fast move from the Pokémon’s current learnset. An Elite Fast TM allows you to choose from ALL fast moves the Pokémon can learn, even Legacy ones.

14. What should I do if I run out of TMs?

Focus on completing raid battles and Special Research tasks, as these are the primary sources of Regular TMs. Keep an eye out for opportunities to earn Elite TMs through special events.

15. Is there a guaranteed way to get the move I want with a regular TM?

No. Regular TMs are random. If the Pokémon only has 2 moves to choose from then you are guaranteed the move you want on the second try. But if it has 3 or more moves, you are never guaranteed the move you want.

Conclusion: Tailor Your TMs to Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between a Charged TM and a Fast TM depends on your individual needs and the specific Pokémon you’re working with. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each move type and considering the factors outlined above, you can use TMs effectively to build a powerful and versatile team in Pokémon GO. Don’t forget to research and experiment to find the optimal movesets for your favorite Pokémon! Good luck, Trainer!