Understanding the Weakness Policy in Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
The Weakness Policy is a consumable held item in the Pokémon franchise, introduced in Generation VI. In essence, it’s a powerful tool that can turn a Pokémon’s vulnerability into a significant advantage. This item capitalizes on type matchups, rewarding players who can anticipate and exploit their opponent’s attack choices. When a Pokémon holding a Weakness Policy is hit by a super-effective move, its Attack and Special Attack stats are drastically increased, offering a considerable offensive boost. Understanding how this item works, its nuances, and how best to use it can be the key to victory in many Pokémon battles.
How Weakness Policy Works
The core function of the Weakness Policy is to provide a two-stage boost to both the Attack and Special Attack stats of the holder when they are struck by a move that is super-effective against their type. This means that if a Fire-type Pokémon holding a Weakness Policy is hit by a Water, Ground, or Rock-type move, its Attack and Special Attack stats will receive a massive bump. This boost can often turn the tables in battle, allowing the weakened Pokémon to retaliate with devastating force.
However, it’s crucial to note that in the main series games, the Weakness Policy is a consumable item. This means it is only triggered once in a battle and, after activation, the item is used up and removed from the holder. This makes careful planning and strategic use paramount. Fortunately, in multiplayer battles and battle facilities, the item is restored after each battle, allowing for more frequent and experimental usage.
The Strategic Implications
The Weakness Policy is not just about raw power; it’s a tactical tool that encourages players to consider type matchups, predict opponent moves, and plan their strategies in advance. It transforms type weaknesses from liabilities into opportunities, compelling a more thoughtful approach to battling.
Furthermore, the Weakness Policy’s potential shines when paired with Pokémon that have abilities or moves that can benefit from this sudden boost. Pokémon with naturally high attack or special attack stats, or moves with strong secondary effects, can take full advantage of this temporary surge in power.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weakness Policy
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify all the complexities of the Weakness Policy:
1. Is Weakness Policy a One-Time Use Item?
Yes, in standard gameplay, the Weakness Policy is consumed after it is activated. This means that it is a single-use item per battle, forcing careful strategy and consideration of when to deploy it. However, in multiplayer battles and battle facilities, the item is restored after each battle.
2. How Does Weakness Policy Activate?
Weakness Policy activates when the holder is struck by a move that is super-effective against one of its types. For instance, a Flying-type Pokémon will activate it when hit by an Electric, Rock, or Ice-type move. The move must deal damage; any super-effective status moves will not trigger the item.
3. Which Pokémon are the Best Users of Weakness Policy?
Pokémon with high base attack or special attack stats, combined with good bulk to withstand super-effective hits, are the best users of Weakness Policy. Some notable examples include Dragonite with its Multiscale ability, Aegislash with its ability to switch forms and leverage its powerful offensive stats, and Metagross due to its strong typing and high base stats.
4. How Does Weakness Policy Work in Pokémon UNITE?
In Pokémon UNITE, the Weakness Policy operates differently. It provides an Attack buff of 2/2.5/3% upon taking damage, lasting up to 3 seconds. This buff can stack up to 4 times, and the duration can be refreshed if another hit is taken before the buff expires. This makes it a strong offensive item in the game.
5. Does Stealth Rock Activate Weakness Policy?
Yes, Stealth Rock damage will activate the Weakness Policy if the switch-in Pokémon is weak to Rock-type moves. This means a Pokémon switching into Stealth Rock and taking super-effective damage will also receive the Attack and Special Attack boosts from the item.
6. How Do Pokémon Strengths and Weaknesses Work?
Pokémon types dictate effectiveness. A super-effective move does more damage, while a not very effective move does less damage. The type matchup system is a fundamental aspect of the core gameplay and is essential for understanding Weakness Policy activation.
7. Can Knock Off Remove Weakness Policy?
Yes, Knock Off will trigger Weakness Policy if it is used on a Pokémon holding the item and is able to remove the item, and the target’s type is weak to Dark. The move will also deal increased damage and remove the item. It’s crucial to consider how common Knock Off is when using a Weakness Policy.
8. What Are the Type Weaknesses?
Knowing type weaknesses is fundamental. Here’s a brief overview:
- Normal: Weak to Fighting.
- Fire: Weak to Water, Ground, Rock.
- Water: Weak to Grass, Electric.
- Grass: Weak to Fire, Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug.
- Electric: Weak to Ground.
- Ice: Weak to Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel.
- Fighting: Weak to Flying, Psychic, Fairy.
- Poison: Weak to Ground and Psychic.
- Ground: Weak to Water, Grass and Ice.
- Flying: Weak to Electric, Ice, Rock.
- Psychic: Weak to Bug, Dark, and Ghost.
- Bug: Weak to Fire, Flying, and Rock.
- Rock: Weak to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel.
- Ghost: Weak to Dark and Ghost
- Dragon: Weak to Ice, Fairy, Dragon.
- Dark: Weak to Fighting, Bug and Fairy.
- Steel: Weak to Fire, Fighting and Ground.
- Fairy: Weak to Poison and Steel.
9. Does Weakness Policy Work with Disguise Abilities?
No, the Weakness Policy will not activate if the hit breaks a Disguise ability. This is because the Disguise ability negates the damage calculation of the move, skipping the type effectiveness check.
10. How Many Times Can Weakness Policy Activate?
In the main series games, the Weakness Policy can only activate once per battle because it is consumed. In Pokémon UNITE, the item provides a buff that can stack up to 4 times, with its duration refreshing upon subsequent hits.
11. What is Decidueye’s Weakness Policy Usage?
Decidueye, being Grass/Ghost, is often paired with Weakness Policy as Ice Shard or other super effective attacks can trigger it. This often helps it bring Dragon Type foes into KO range. Decidueye’s typing makes it vulnerable to Incineroar’s Fire Type STAB, so that match-up must be approached carefully when using this strategy.
12. Does Weakness Policy Work with Water Absorb and Other Similar Abilities?
No, Weakness Policy does not activate with immunity abilities like Water Absorb, Levitate, Flash Fire, Lightning Rod, and Storm Drain. The ability nullifies the damage, therefore preventing the activation of the item.
13. What is the Weakness Policy in Pixelmon?
In Pixelmon, the Weakness Policy is a held item that increases the user’s Attack and Special Attack by two stages when hit by a super-effective move. Similar to the main series games, the item is consumed after activation. It is obtainable from tier 3 special drops and common boss Pokémon.
14. Which Pokémon Has No Weaknesses?
The Eelektross line (Tynamo, Eelektrik, Eelektross) currently hold the distinction of having no type weaknesses thanks to their Electric typing combined with their Levitate ability, rendering them immune to Ground-type moves.
15. Does Harvest Work After Knock Off?
No, the Harvest ability cannot recover berries knocked off with Knock Off. Harvest can only recover berries that have been consumed by Fling, Natural Gift or eaten by the pokemon themselves.
Final Thoughts
The Weakness Policy is a potent tool in the Pokémon universe that emphasizes strategic planning and anticipation. By understanding its mechanics, type matchups, and best users, players can effectively turn their weaknesses into advantages, adding a significant edge to their battles. Whether you’re playing in the main series games or Pokémon UNITE, the Weakness Policy is a testament to how a thoughtful approach to battling can lead to success. Mastering it is essential for any Pokémon trainer looking to get the most out of their battling experiences.