Unlocking Pokémon GO’s Potential: Fast TM vs. Charged TM – A Trainer’s Guide
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In the world of Pokémon GO, optimizing your Pokémon’s moveset is crucial for success in raids, gyms, and PvP battles. Two essential items that aid in this endeavor are the Fast TM and the Charged TM. The fundamental difference is simple: Fast TMs teach your Pokémon a new Fast Attack, while Charged TMs teach them a new Charged Attack. However, understanding when and how to use these items effectively is key to becoming a truly skilled trainer.
Understanding Fast and Charged Attacks
Before diving deeper, let’s quickly recap the basics of attacks in Pokémon GO. Each Pokémon has one Fast Attack and one or two Charged Attacks.
- Fast Attacks are weaker but generate energy.
- Charged Attacks are much more powerful but require energy to be used. These are your heavy hitters.
Choosing the right moveset is vital for maximizing your Pokémon’s effectiveness in different combat scenarios.
Diving Deeper: Fast TMs
A Fast TM is a valuable item that allows you to change your Pokémon’s current Fast Attack to another Fast Attack that is part of its available movepool. These are generally available for Trainers above level 15.
When to Use a Fast TM
- Suboptimal Move: If your Pokémon has a Fast Attack that isn’t performing well in battles, a Fast TM can provide a chance for an upgrade.
- Type Coverage: Sometimes, having a Fast Attack of a different type than your Charged Attack can give you better type coverage against a wider range of opponents.
- Energy Generation: Certain Fast Attacks generate energy much faster than others. If you want to use your Charged Attack more frequently, switching to a faster energy-generating Fast Attack can be a game-changer.
- Raids and Gyms: Are you doing a raid and are not happy with the fast attack of your pokemon? This is when you may consider to change it.
- Go Battle League: Is the fast attack you have slow or doing too little damage? This is where you may consider changing the attack with the help of a Fast TM.
Considerations When Using a Fast TM
- RNG: Fast TMs give you a random move from the Pokémon’s available movepool. You might not get the exact move you want on the first try.
- Movepool Knowledge: Before using a Fast TM, research the Pokémon’s available Fast Attacks and their effectiveness. Websites like GamePress and PvPoke can be invaluable resources.
Understanding Charged TMs
A Charged TM allows you to change your Pokémon’s current Charged Attack to another Charged Attack that is part of its available movepool. Charged TMs are available for Trainers above level 25.
When to Use a Charged TM
- Suboptimal Move: This is the most common reason. If your Pokémon has a weak or ineffective Charged Attack, a Charged TM is essential.
- Type Coverage: Similar to Fast Attacks, having the right Charged Attack type can significantly improve your Pokémon’s matchups.
- STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus): Ideally, your Charged Attack should be the same type as your Pokémon. This grants a damage bonus (STAB), making the move more powerful.
- PvP Battles: Different Charged Attacks have varying energy costs and damage outputs. Choosing the right Charged Attack can give you an edge in Trainer Battles.
Considerations When Using a Charged TM
- RNG: Like Fast TMs, Charged TMs give you a random move from the Pokémon’s available Charged Attack pool.
- Double-Charged Moves: If your Pokémon has two Charged Attacks unlocked, using a Charged TM will prompt you to choose which Charged Attack you want to change.
- Frustration: During specific events, Shadow Pokémon can have their “Frustration” Charged Attack replaced using a Charged TM. This is often the only way to remove this undesirable move.
- Elite Charged TM: The Elite versions of these TMs allow you to pick which move the Pokémon learns and pick from Legacy moves.
Elite TMs: The Game Changer
Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs are rare and powerful items that let you choose a specific move for your Pokémon, including Legacy moves (moves that are no longer normally available). These are typically obtained through special events or high ranks in the GO Battle League.
Why Elite TMs Are So Valuable
- Guaranteed Results: Unlike regular TMs, you get to select the exact move you want.
- Legacy Moves: Access to exclusive Legacy moves can drastically improve a Pokémon’s performance.
- Strategic Advantage: Perfecting your Pokémon’s moveset with the best possible moves gives you a competitive advantage.
Strategic Use of TMs
The key to effectively using TMs lies in understanding your Pokémon, their potential roles, and the current meta.
Research
Before using any TM, research the best movesets for your Pokémon using online resources and community guides.
Prioritization
Focus on using TMs on Pokémon that you frequently use in battles, such as powerful raid attackers or competitive PvP Pokémon.
Resource Management
TMs can be scarce, so use them wisely. Don’t waste them on Pokémon that aren’t worth the investment.
Optimizing for Raids, Gyms, and PvP
- Raids: Focus on maximizing damage output with moves that are strong against the raid boss.
- Gyms: Consider type coverage and moves that are effective against common gym defenders.
- PvP: Balance energy generation, damage, and move cooldowns to gain an advantage.
Pokémon GO and Learning
The strategic thinking and resource management involved in Pokémon GO can be surprisingly educational. Just as players strategize about move choices, educators can explore how Games Learning Society principles can transform educational practices. Discover more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is a Charged TM better than a Fast TM?
Neither is inherently “better.” Their value depends on your specific situation. If your Pokémon’s Fast Attack is holding it back, a Fast TM is more valuable. If the Charged Attack is the issue, a Charged TM is the better choice.
2. When should I use a Fast TM in Pokémon GO?
Use a Fast TM when your Pokémon’s current Fast Attack is suboptimal for its intended role (raids, gyms, or PvP), or when you need better type coverage or energy generation.
3. What should I use a Charged TM for?
Use a Charged TM to replace a weak or ineffective Charged Attack with a more powerful one, to gain better type coverage, or to get a STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) move.
4. What happens if you use a Charged TM on Frustration?
During specific Team GO Rocket events, using a Charged TM on a Shadow Pokémon will replace the “Frustration” Charged Attack with a random Charged Attack from its movepool. This is typically the only way to remove Frustration.
5. Is using a Charged TM worth it?
Yes, especially on powerful Pokémon with high CP or those used frequently in battles. Getting the right Charged Attack can significantly improve their performance.
6. What happens if you use a Charged TM on a Pokémon with 2 moves?
You will be prompted to choose which of the two Charged Attacks you want to change.
7. How do you get Elite Fast TMs in Pokémon GO?
Elite Fast TMs are rare and are typically obtained during special events, Community Days, or as rewards in the GO Battle League.
8. At what speed does Pokémon GO stop tracking distance?
Pokémon GO stops tracking distance effectively at speeds above 35 kilometers per hour (approximately 22 miles per hour).
9. What is the point of an Elite Fast TM?
Elite Fast TMs allow you to choose a specific Fast Attack for your Pokémon, including Legacy moves that are no longer normally available.
10. Can you have two Charged Attacks in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can teach a Pokémon a second Charged Attack by spending Stardust and Candy.
11. Is it better to keep Shadow Pokémon or purify them?
Generally, it’s better to keep Shadow Pokémon, as they receive a significant attack boost. Purifying them increases their IVs but removes the attack bonus. Consider purifying if you need a strong, accessible Pokémon without the Shadow Candy and Stardust cost.
12. Does tapping speed matter in Pokémon GO battles?
Tapping speed can influence how quickly you charge your Charged Attack, but consistency and timing are more important than sheer speed.
13. What is the best Dragon-type Charged Attack in Pokémon GO?
Outrage is generally considered the best Dragon-type Charged Attack, providing high damage output. Draco Meteor is also very powerful, but it can only be learned during special events.
14. Why do I keep losing battles in Pokémon GO?
Losing battles can be due to various factors, including suboptimal Pokémon, incorrect movesets, poor type matchups, and ineffective use of Protect Shields.
15. Does tapping the Poké Ball do anything to improve catch rates?
No, tapping the Poké Ball or screen during the capture sequence does not influence the catch rate. The catch rate is determined by a random number generator (RNG) and factors such as the Pokémon’s level, the type of Poké Ball used, and the use of Berries.
Mastering the use of Fast TMs and Charged TMs is essential for becoming a top-tier Pokémon GO trainer. By understanding the nuances of these items and strategically applying them, you can unlock your Pokémon’s full potential and dominate in raids, gyms, and PvP battles.