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What Moves Can Smeargle Use? A Comprehensive Guide

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Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon, is a unique and intriguing creature in the Pokémon world. Its defining characteristic is its ability to learn virtually any move in the game. This remarkable capability stems from its signature move, Sketch, which permanently copies the last move used by an opponent. So, to answer the question directly: Smeargle can potentially learn any move that exists in the Pokémon games, with a few very limited exceptions related to moves that cannot be sketched.

The Power of Sketch: Smeargle’s Defining Ability

At the heart of Smeargle’s versatility is the move Sketch. This move isn’t an attack; instead, it allows Smeargle to permanently learn the last move used against it. This means Smeargle can learn powerful attacks, status moves, even moves typically exclusive to certain Pokémon. This makes it an incredibly adaptable Pokémon, capable of filling almost any role in a team depending on how it’s trained.

The catch? Sketch can only be used a limited number of times per Smeargle. In most games, Smeargle learns Sketch at low levels and has to be leveled up and relearned to sketch the required moves. This requires careful planning and strategy in choosing which moves to teach it.

Limitations to Smeargle’s Movepool

While Smeargle can learn a vast majority of moves, there are a few exceptions:

Struggle: This move is used automatically when a Pokémon runs out of PP (Power Points) for all other moves and cannot be sketched.
Chatter: In Generation IV, Chatter had a unique effect tied to the user’s voice recorded via microphone. As this is difficult to replicate with a sketched move, Chatter cannot be sketched.
Moves that transform the user: Most moves that involve the user transforming into another Pokémon or object (e.g., Transform) cannot be sketched.
Dynamax and Gigantamax Moves: These moves can only be used during Dynamaxing or Gigantamaxing, so Smeargle cannot learn them through Sketch, as Sketch is an individual move in the game.

Beyond these specific cases, Smeargle’s movepool is only limited by the player’s creativity and the availability of opponents using the desired moves.

How to Teach Smeargle Specific Moves

Teaching Smeargle specific moves involves strategic battles. The general process is as follows:

Find a Pokémon that knows the desired move: Locate a Pokémon that naturally learns or can be taught the move you want Smeargle to learn.
Enter a double battle (or similar): Battles where more than one Pokémon fight at the same time are necessary.
Positioning is key: Ensure Smeargle is facing the opponent that knows the move.
Execute the move: Have the opponent use the desired move.
Use Sketch immediately: In the very next turn, have Smeargle use Sketch. If timed correctly, Smeargle will learn the move used by the opponent.
Rinse and repeat: Repeat the process for each move you want Smeargle to learn.

This requires patience and the right setup, but the rewards are a highly customizable and versatile Pokémon.

Smeargle in Competitive Battling

Smeargle’s unique ability to learn almost any move makes it a niche but powerful choice in competitive Pokémon battling. It’s often used as a support Pokémon due to its access to a wide range of status moves, entry hazards, and even boosting moves.

Common Smeargle Strategies:

Entry Hazard Setter: Smeargle can learn moves like Stealth Rock, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes, setting up hazards that damage opponents upon switching in.
Spore and Baton Pass: This strategy involves using Spore to put an opponent to sleep and then using Baton Pass to switch out to a more powerful Pokémon, passing along any stat boosts gained.
Support Roles: It can learn moves like Wide Guard and Helping Hand to support its teammates in double battles.
Damage Dealer: Despite its low stats, Smeargle can be built to be a damage dealer with moves like Shell Smash and powerful attacks learned through sketching.

Smeargle’s effectiveness lies in its unpredictability and the ability to tailor its moveset to specific team compositions and strategies. However, its low stats mean it’s often a glass cannon, requiring careful planning and execution to use effectively.

Conclusion

Smeargle is a testament to the creativity and depth of the Pokémon series. While its stats may not be impressive, its ability to learn almost any move makes it a truly unique and versatile Pokémon. Mastering Smeargle requires understanding the mechanics of Sketch, strategic planning, and a willingness to experiment with different movesets. With the right approach, Smeargle can be a powerful asset to any team, capable of surprising opponents and turning the tide of battle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Smeargle’s Moves

1. Can Smeargle learn moves from TMs and HMs?

Yes, Smeargle can learn moves from TMs and HMs if another Pokémon can learn that move and uses it against Smeargle, allowing it to be sketched.

2. Does Smeargle keep its sketched moves permanently?

Yes, the moves learned through Sketch are permanent and will remain in Smeargle’s moveset unless replaced by another move.

3. Can Smeargle learn Hidden Power?

Yes, Smeargle can learn Hidden Power. The type of Hidden Power will be determined by Smeargle’s IVs (Individual Values).

4. What is the best way to level up Smeargle to learn multiple moves?

The best approach involves using Lucky Eggs (or similar experience-boosting items) and battling in areas with high-level Pokémon. Utilizing the Elite Four rematch or similar high-experience yielding battles can quickly level up Smeargle to relearn Sketch.

5. Can Smeargle learn event-exclusive moves?

If an event-exclusive move exists that another Pokémon can use in battle, then yes, Smeargle can learn it by sketching it.

6. Does Smeargle retain the effects of a move it sketches?

Yes, Smeargle retains the full effect of any move it sketches, including secondary effects, stat boosts, and type advantages.

7. Is Smeargle viable in competitive Pokémon battling?

Yes, Smeargle can be viable in competitive battling, particularly in formats that allow for creative strategies and support roles.

8. Can Smeargle learn Z-Moves?

Smeargle can learn the base moves required for Z-Moves, but it needs the corresponding Z-Crystal to actually use the Z-Move in battle.

9. What are some common movesets for Smeargle?

Common movesets include:

Spore/Baton Pass: Spore, Baton Pass, and two support moves.
Entry Hazard Lead: Stealth Rock, Spikes, and utility moves like Taunt or Magic Coat.
Boosting Sweeper: Shell Smash, Baton Pass, and two offensive moves.

10. How does Smeargle’s ability Technician affect Sketch?

Technician does not affect Sketch itself, as Sketch is not a damaging move.

11. Can Smeargle learn moves from Pokémon in double battles?

Yes, Smeargle can learn moves from either opponent in a double battle, offering more opportunities to learn desired moves.

12. What is the best nature for Smeargle?

The best nature for Smeargle depends on its intended role. Timid (Speed+) or Jolly (Speed+) is often preferred for speed control, while Careful (Sp. Def+) or Impish (Def+) can be useful for a support role.

13. Are there any moves that Smeargle cannot learn because of game glitches?

While extremely rare, there might be isolated instances where certain glitches prevent Smeargle from sketching specific moves. However, these are highly uncommon and usually patched in later game versions.

14. How can I prepare for a Smeargle sketching session?

Preparation involves identifying Pokémon with the desired moves, planning the battle strategy (usually double battles), and ensuring Smeargle has enough PP for Sketch. Using items to restore PP might be necessary for learning multiple moves in a single session.

15. Does Smeargle’s gender affect the moves it can learn?

No, Smeargle’s gender has no impact on the moves it can learn. Both male and female Smeargle can learn the same set of moves.