What Pokémon Can Learn Rock Slide? A Comprehensive Guide
Rock Slide is a powerful Rock-type move in the Pokémon universe, known for its decent base power and a chance to flinch opponents. But which Pokémon can actually learn this versatile move? This guide provides a comprehensive list and explores everything you need to know about which Pokémon can add this essential move to their arsenal.
The Core Rock Slide Learners
The following is a list of Pokémon that are currently able to learn Rock Slide:
- Sandshrew (#0027): The Ground-type Mole Pokémon is a classic Rock Slide user.
- Growlithe (#0058): Both standard and Hisuian forms of this Fire-type puppy can learn this move.
- Arcanine (#0059): Similar to Growlithe, both the standard and Hisuian forms of Arcanine have access to Rock Slide.
- Machamp (#0068): This Fighting-type powerhouse adds rock coverage to its diverse movepool.
- Geodude (#0074): Both regular and Alolan forms of this rock Pokémon can learn it.
- Marowak (#0105): This Ground-type Pokemon uses the move to cover its weaknesses.
- Aerodactyl (#0142): This Rock/Flying-type learns this move naturally, giving it a potent rock attack.
These Pokémon represent a mix of types and generations, showcasing the move’s wide accessibility.
Why Rock Slide is a Desirable Move
Base Power and Accuracy
While Rock Slide’s accuracy sits at 90%, lower than some other Rock-type moves like Rock Tomb, its base power of 75 makes it a solid offensive option.
Multi-Target Advantage
In battles featuring multiple Pokémon, notably in Double Battles, Rock Slide becomes even more valuable, as it hits all adjacent opponents. This multi-target capability significantly increases its utility.
The Flinch Factor
The move also has a 30% chance to cause flinching, potentially disrupting opponents and giving you a tactical advantage. In double battles, hitting two Pokemon at once doubles the flinch chance, making it a potent move to shut down a team.
Move Tutor and Technical Machine
Rock Slide has been available as both a Technical Machine (TM) and a move learned via Move Tutors in various Pokémon games. This accessibility makes it easier for many players to teach it to a variety of Pokemon. For example, it is available as a TM48 in games like RBY and via move tutor in games like Fire Red and Leaf Green.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rock Slide
Here are 15 common questions about Rock Slide, designed to give you a complete understanding of this move:
1. Is Rock Slide a good move in Pokémon battles?
Yes, Rock Slide is generally considered a good move. It combines decent base power with a chance to flinch and can hit multiple opponents in double battles. It’s versatile, making it a good option for both offensive and tactical play.
2. How does the flinch chance of Rock Slide work?
Rock Slide has a 30% chance to cause a target to flinch. When used in double battles, each opponent is checked for the flinch effect individually, so it’s not a single 30% chance but separate chances on each foe.
3. Does Rock Slide hit all Pokémon on the field?
In battles with multiple Pokémon, Rock Slide will hit all foes on the opponent’s side of the field, but it only hits adjacent opponents in most cases (e.g., doubles battles).
4. How does Rock Slide compare to Stone Edge?
Stone Edge has higher base power (100) and a high critical hit (CH) rate, but it only has an 80% accuracy and lower PP than Rock Slide. Rock Slide offers slightly better accuracy (90%), more PP, and the flinch chance, making it a more reliable option, despite the lower power.
5. Is Rock Slide better than Rock Tomb?
Rock Slide is generally considered better than Rock Tomb. Although Rock Tomb has 100% accuracy, Rock Slide boasts a better base power at 75. The multi-target ability also makes it a better option in double battles.
6. Can Rock Slide be used as an alternative to Earthquake for Rock-type Pokémon?
While Earthquake is a superior Ground-type move, if you want to stick to Rock-type coverage, Rock Slide is a reasonable option. However, a different type move may be more effective for type coverage reasons.
7. Does King’s Rock stack with Rock Slide’s flinch effect?
No, King’s Rock does not stack with moves that already have a flinch chance. If you use Rock Slide while holding a King’s Rock, it will not increase the flinch chance of Rock Slide.
8. Why is Dugtrio sometimes taught Rock Slide?
Dugtrio learns Rock Slide to hit Flying-type Pokemon for super effective damage. This coverage is crucial, as Ground-type moves are ineffective against Flying-types.
9. Can Machamp learn Rock Slide in all generations?
No, Machamp may not learn Rock Slide in every generation. In some older games, such as Crystal, it needed to be traded back and forth from other versions of the game that had access to a TM containing Rock Slide.
10. Is Meteor Beam better than Rock Slide?
Meteor Beam can be better, especially on Pokémon like Gigalith. However, Rock Slide remains a consistent and practical choice. Meteor Beam’s secondary effect of raising the Pokemon’s special attack also makes it a very strong option.
11. What is the difference between “Rockfall” and “Rock Slide” in real-world terms?
Rockfall can result from weathering processes, root movements, and other natural causes, while rock slides are often triggered by rain, earthquakes, or human construction, indicating the difference in causes for the two events. In other words, one is more gradual while one is triggered by a specific event.
12. What are some of the strongest Rock-type moves other than Rock Slide?
Some other strong Rock-type moves include Stone Edge, Head Smash, and Power Gem. Each has its trade-offs in power, accuracy, and utility.
13. Can all Pokémon learn Rock Slide via TM or Move Tutor?
No, not all Pokémon can learn Rock Slide. It is not a universally accessible move, and which Pokemon can learn it depends on the game generation and the Pokemon itself.
14. What is the purpose of the flinch effect in battles?
The flinch effect temporarily prevents the opposing Pokémon from making its move, which can give you a tactical advantage. This can allow for setup moves or give opportunities for higher damage output by a Pokemon before the opponent can react.
15. Is it a good idea to always teach a Rock move to a pokemon that can learn it?
Not always. While Rock Slide is a great move to have for a pokemon that can learn it, it’s important to consider the Pokemon’s movepool and your overall team strategy. Having diverse coverage may be a more sound strategy.
Conclusion
Understanding which Pokémon can learn Rock Slide and how best to utilize this move is critical for any Pokémon trainer. Whether you are battling in-game or competitively, Rock Slide is a reliable and potent offensive option. By knowing its strengths, limitations, and alternative options, you can make informed decisions to build a formidable team.