Understanding Hex: Which Status Effects Maximize Its Power?

The Ghost-type move Hex is a fascinating ability in the Pokémon universe (and sometimes used or adapted in other gaming contexts like D&D), known for its potent damage output when used strategically. However, its true power is unlocked only under specific conditions. The key to maximizing Hex’s potential lies in understanding which status effects synergize with it. This article delves into the mechanics of Hex, precisely outlining which ailments activate its bonus damage and answering common questions about its usage.

Status Conditions That Empower Hex

The core mechanic of Hex is its ability to double its base power when the target is afflicted by a “major” status condition. This means that when a Pokémon is suffering from one of the specific ailments, Hex transforms from a moderately powerful move into a formidable offensive tool. Specifically, the status effects that will trigger Hex’s damage boost are:

• Burn: Inflicted by moves like Will-O-Wisp and Flame Wheel, Burn not only causes damage over time but also weakens the opponent’s physical attack.
• Paralysis: Usually caused by moves like Thunder Wave and Stun Spore, Paralysis reduces the target’s Speed stat and has a chance to prevent them from attacking each turn.
• Poison: Introduced by moves such as Toxic and Poison Jab, Poison inflicts damage each turn, with Toxic causing increased damage each turn.
• Sleep: Induced by moves like Hypnosis and Sleep Powder, Sleep renders the target unable to move for a set number of turns.

Crucially, these are non-volatile or primary status conditions that apply their effects with an indicator next to the Pokémon’s health bar. These specific status ailments transform Hex from a 65 base power move into a devastating 130 base power attack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hex

To further clarify the intricacies of Hex and how to best leverage it in battle, consider these frequently asked questions:

What constitutes a “major” status condition for Hex?

A major or primary status condition, for the purpose of Hex, is one that is indicated by an icon next to the afflicted Pokémon’s name or HP bar and produces a static, non-moving icon, such as: BURN, PARALYSIS, POISON, or SLEEP. This distinction is crucial because other conditions that might impair a Pokémon (such as confusion or taunt) do not trigger Hex’s power-doubling effect.

Does confusion trigger Hex’s bonus damage?

No, confusion does not trigger Hex’s bonus damage. While confusion is a detrimental status, it’s considered a “minor” or “volatile” status condition and doesn’t meet the requirement for Hex’s doubled power. Confusion causes the target to have a 50% chance to hit itself instead of the designated target, but it does not synergize with Hex.

Does Hex work with secondary status effects such as stat drops?

No, Hex does not work with stat drops caused by moves like Growl or Screech. These are considered stat changes, and not status conditions, so they will not trigger the double damage. Only primary ailments such as Burn, Paralysis, Poison and Sleep activate Hex’s boost.

Is Dream Eater a better move than Hex?

The effectiveness of Dream Eater versus Hex depends on your team’s strategy. Dream Eater can only be used on sleeping foes, while Hex can be used on any of the 4 status conditions. If your team is built around causing status, like using Toxic Spikes, then Hex is a more reliable and impactful choice due to its broad usability. If, however, you need a recovery move on your team, Dream Eater might be better, but not necessarily if you are using it with the same pokemon using Hex since a large portion of status moves deal no damage.

How does Hex compare to Shadow Ball?

The best move between Hex and Shadow Ball depends on your needs and playstyle. Shadow Ball is a consistent, damaging move with a base power of 80. Hex is weaker initially at 65, but when triggered, Hex has a stronger base power of 130. In the absence of status conditions, Shadow Ball is the more powerful and reliable option. However, If you are using a status-heavy team, then Hex will be a more effective move.

Does Will-O-Wisp work well with Hex?

Will-O-Wisp is a great move to combo with Hex. Because Will-O-Wisp inflicts the Burn status, it will allow the user to take advantage of Hex’s power boost. A pokemon such as Chandelure who can learn both is a particularly deadly combination.

Does Hex’s damage double on a critical hit?

Yes, Hex’s doubled damage is also applied on a critical hit. In fact, bonus damage such as Sneak Attack in D&D and spells like Hex in other contexts will double on a critical hit. This can make for devastating damage when a status ailment is applied.

Is Hex a good move for Gengar?

Hex is an excellent move for Gengar, especially if you can consistently apply status conditions with a teammate or with moves that Gengar learns. Since Shadow Claw has less power and less energy gain than Hex, Hex is therefore optimal.

Does Hex work with the move Curse?

The move Curse does not work with Hex, since it does not inflict any primary status condition on the target. If however the user uses the move Nightmare and the target is asleep, then Hex will work because sleep is a primary status condition.

Does Hex only trigger the bonus damage once per affected pokemon?

No, Hex will do double damage for every attack that hits a Pokemon that is affected by a major status ailment, there is no limit. There are other game mechanics that are limited to apply to the first attack, but Hex is not one of them.

Can Hex be used with other moves like Eldritch Blast?

Yes, the Hex that is discussed in this article is from Pokemon. There is a different Hex used in the context of DnD that can be used with other moves, such as Eldritch Blast. If there is an attack roll then it will trigger the bonus damage from Hex.

Does Hex affect ability checks?

The Hex being referred to in this article is from Pokemon. In D&D, the Hex spell also has an ability that can inflict disadvantage on ability checks but does not synergize with other spell damage.

Does Hex affect weapon attacks?

In the D&D context, yes, If you are applying Hex to an opponent you can apply it to each weapon attack since there is an attack roll. Hex in Pokemon is just a move that does damage, not an effect on an opponent.

Does Hex work with Hellish Rebuke?

In D&D context, Hex does not apply to Hellish Rebuke. This is because Hellish Rebuke has a saving throw and not an attack roll, therefore it will not trigger the bonus damage from Hex.

Is Infernal Parade better than Hex?

In terms of damage output, Infernal Parade is not better than Hex; infernal parade is a move with a base power of 60 and doubles with status condition, making it a base power of 120. Hex has a base power of 65, but when it doubles, becomes a base power of 130, therefore making it a more effective move when activated.

Conclusion

Hex is a potent move that, when used strategically, can become a cornerstone of any offensive strategy. By understanding that only Burn, Paralysis, Poison, and Sleep trigger its bonus damage, players can maximize its power and dominate the competition. Utilizing status-inducing moves alongside Hex is essential for any team looking to exploit its full potential. It will be a matter of preference and team composition that determines if you should use Hex or another move. However, Hex has a high damage potential when it’s properly leveraged.