What Move Disables a Move in Pokémon?

The primary move in the Pokémon universe that disables another move is aptly named Disable. This Psychic-type move has the specific function of preventing the target Pokémon from using the last move it executed. This effect lasts for a number of turns, effectively shutting down a key offensive or strategic option for the opponent. It’s a tactical move, used to exploit a predictable enemy or neutralize a powerful threat.

Understanding Disable

Disable isn’t a straightforward offensive move that deals damage. Instead, it’s a strategic control move that aims to limit the opponent’s options. Here’s how it works:

• Targeting: Disable affects the last move used by the opponent, regardless of what it was.
• Duration: The disabling effect lasts for a set number of turns, usually between 2 to 8. Each time the targeted Pokémon tries to use a move during the effect, the duration is reduced by one turn.
• Failure Conditions: Disable will fail if the target hasn’t used a move yet, if the last move they used was Struggle, or if the target already has one of its moves disabled. Additionally, it will fail against Max Moves.
• Z-Move Enhancement: If powered up with a Normalium Z into Z-Disable, the user’s lowered stats are reset. This can add a strategic layer, making it useful not only for control but also to recover from stat penalties.

Strategic Use of Disable

Disable can be a valuable tool for various combat scenarios:

• Disrupting Powerful Moves: If an opponent relies on a specific high-damage move, disabling it can significantly reduce their threat level.
• Forcing Switches: By disabling a key move, you can force the opponent to switch to another Pokémon, giving you an advantage in battle.
• Protecting from Setup Moves: If an opponent uses a stat boosting move like Swords Dance or Nasty Plot, Disabling can temporarily stop that strategy.
• Controlling the Flow: By temporarily shutting down a key move of an opponent, you can control the pace and the flow of the fight more effectively.

Limitations of Disable

Despite its strengths, Disable is not a foolproof strategy:

• Psychic-type Weaknesses: As a Psychic-type move, it might not be effective against Dark-type Pokémon, requiring careful usage.
• Single Target: Disable only affects one move of one Pokémon. It does not have an area of effect or target multiple moves.
• Predictable Use: The opponent can often guess if you are planning to Disable their previous move, and attempt to change strategies around this.
• Reliance on Previous Move: It is entirely dependant on what the opponent does before using it. If the opponent doesn’t do a move or does Struggle, Disable will not work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the mechanics and implications of disabling moves in Pokémon, giving you a deep understanding of how these work.

1. How long does Disable last?

The duration of Disable is typically for 2 to 8 turns, although this is reduced by one each time the target attempts to execute a move. In the later generations, Disable disables the last used attack by a Pokémon for a fixed four turns.

2. Can Disable stop a Max Move?

No, Disable will fail if the last move the target used was a Max Move. This adds an element of strategy around dynamaxing/gigantamaxing, and the use of Max Moves.

3. What happens if the target has not used a move yet?

If the target hasn’t used any move before Disable is used, the Disable will fail. The move must have a recent move to disrupt.

4. Does Disable work on Struggle?

No, Disable will fail if the last move used by the target was Struggle. Struggle is considered the ‘last resort’ move for when a Pokémon has exhausted all PP for its four moves.

5. Can Disable stop multiple moves?

No, Disable only stops one move at a time. You cannot disable multiple moves on the same opponent using a single Disable, or consecutive uses.

6. What happens if a Pokemon with Cursed Body uses Disable?

Cursed Body has a chance of disabling a move used against the user after they have been hit by an attack. Cursed Body, combined with Disable, can be powerful but they are still only going to disable one move at a time.

7. Can moves be permanently removed from a Pokémon?

Moves can be removed via Move Deleters, typically found in Pokémon centers. It should be noted that TMs and TR moves can be relearned via the ‘remember move’ system.

8. How can you make a Pokémon forget an HM move?

You can forget HM moves by using a Move Deleter, which removes any move from your Pokémon’s moveset. This was especially relevant in earlier generations, as HMs were not removable without going to a Move Deleter.

9. Can a Pokémon relearn a move it forgot?

Yes, Pokémon can relearn moves they forgot. TR/TM moves can be relearned using the remember move option in the menu. However, if the Pokémon never used a specific TM move, you will have to use that TM on them again.

10. Why are Pokémon limited to four moves?

The limit of four moves is a deliberate game design choice to foster strategic decision-making. It creates a need for players to choose between various moves, rather than having access to everything at the same time. This restriction also ensures a level of balance in battles.

11. Can an ability prevent a disable?

Certain abilities such as Aroma Veil protect the user from a move disable. A Pokémon with the Aroma Veil ability prevents moves like Disable from working.

12. Is there a move that can prevent Self-Destruct moves?

Yes, the ability Damp prevents all Pokémon from using Self-Destruct, Explosion, Mind Blown, and Misty Explosion. This can be beneficial when facing a Pokemon with the Self-Destruct move.

13. What are some moves that cannot miss?

Moves such as Swift, Aerial Ace, and Aura Sphere are moves that cannot miss, unless their effect is hindered by another move or ability.

14. Can Pokémon have more than one ability?

No, Pokémon can only have one ability at a time. Abilities can, however, be changed using patches and capsules.

15. Can you re-learn TM moves?

Yes, if you use a TM, it will add the move to the remember move list, and you can relearn it there if you replace it. If the move was learnt from a raid, you will have to use the TM on the Pokemon again to re-learn it.

By understanding the mechanics of Disable and its limitations, trainers can employ this move effectively in strategic battles, adding an edge to their team’s composition and approach to combat. This often overlooked move can be a powerful tool in the right hands, turning the tide of the battle and helping achieve victory.