Who is the Fastest Fake Out User?
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The title of the fastest Fake Out user is highly contested, as speed is relative based on a Pokémon’s base stat and individual training. However, looking purely at base Speed stats, Raichu is undeniably one of the top contenders. With a base Speed of 110, Raichu often outpaces many common Fake Out users and even some popular offensive threats like Mega Kangaskhan and Infernape. This high speed, combined with Fake Out’s priority, makes Raichu a formidable force in many battles. However, keep in mind that in actual battle, speed may vary significantly due to natures, individual values (IVs) and Effort Values (EVs) invested in specific stats. Other notable high-speed Fake Out users to consider would be Ambipom and Meowscarada, also having base speeds that allow them to consistently outspeed other Fake Out users. Speed is the key component when deciding who goes first within a given priority bracket such as the priority +1 provided by Fake Out.
Understanding Fake Out Mechanics
Before diving deeper, let’s clarify what makes Fake Out such a powerful move. It’s a Normal-type move with a priority of +1, meaning it will always go before any attack with a lower priority, like a basic attack. Fake Out also has the added effect of causing the target to flinch, preventing them from attacking on that turn unless they have an ability that prevents flinching. The drawback is that Fake Out can only be used on the first turn the user is on the field and after the first use, the Pokemon would need to switch in order to reuse it. However, this rule doesn’t apply to all Pokemon. For instance, Mega Kangaskhan, thanks to its ability, Parental Bond, can use it twice in a row.
Speed and Priority Interactions
When two Pokémon use moves with the same priority (like two Fake Outs), the Pokémon with the higher speed stat will attack first. This is why Raichu’s high base Speed is so important, granting it a considerable advantage.
Counters to Fake Out
While Fake Out is a strong tool, it’s not invincible. There are several ways to counter it:
- Protect: A simple yet effective way to avoid a Fake Out is to use Protect, which renders the Pokémon invulnerable to most attacks for a turn.
- Abilities: Abilities like Shield Dust and Own Tempo prevent the flinch from Fake Out.
- Ghost-types: Ghost-type Pokémon are immune to Normal-type moves such as Fake Out, making them excellent switch-ins.
- Quick Guard: This move can block any priority attack, including Fake Out.
Fake Out: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Fake Out out-prioritize Extreme Speed?
No, Extreme Speed has a higher priority than Fake Out. When two Pokemon use moves with the same priority such as two Fake Outs, the speed of each Pokémon will determine who attacks first. However, Extreme Speed has a priority of +2, which is higher than Fake Out’s +1, thus moving first regardless of speed.
2. Can a Dark-type be targeted by Fake Out?
Yes, a Dark-type Pokémon can be targeted by Fake Out. Dark-types are only immune to moves boosted by the Prankster ability, not to Fake Out.
3. Does Psychic Terrain stop Fake Out?
Psychic Terrain only protects grounded Pokémon from priority moves. It does not prevent a Fake Out user from using the move, but a grounded pokemon being targeted by Fake Out will be protected from it. For example, if a Hariyama uses Fake Out on a Staraptor, it will hit because Staraptor is not grounded. However, a Staraptor cannot use a priority move like Quick Attack on Hariyama if Hariyama is on the ground.
4. What does Trick Room do in relation to Fake Out?
Trick Room reverses the turn order based on speed, making slower Pokémon move first. Trick Room does not affect move priority. Fake Out will still be used before a slower move, even under Trick Room, but within the priority bracket the slower Pokemon will go first.
5. How long does Psychic Terrain last?
Psychic Terrain lasts for 5 turns normally. However, if a Pokémon holds a Terrain Extender when setting up the terrain, it will last for 8 turns.
6. What are Dark-type Pokémon weak to?
Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type attacks, taking 160% damage.
7. What does a Z-Fake Out do?
A Z-Fake Out is a powered-up version of Fake Out with increased damage and flinch, retaining its priority. However, like normal Fake Out, it cannot be used again until the Pokemon switches out.
8. Does Covert Cloak block Fake Out?
Yes, Covert Cloak prevents secondary effects of attacks such as the flinch from Fake Out.
9. Can you use Fake Out twice in a row?
Normally, Fake Out can only be used once upon entering the battlefield. However, if the user switches out and then back in, it can be used again. Mega Kangaskhan can use Fake Out twice in a row due to its ability, Parental Bond, not needing to switch out.
10. Does Fake Out beat Endure?
No, Endure has a higher priority than Fake Out. If you attack a Pokémon using Endure with Fake Out, your opponent will be left at 1 HP, and you will be unable to Fake Out again without switching out and back in.
11. Which Pokémon move leaves a target at 1HP?
Hold Back is a move that deals damage, but always leaves the target at 1 HP if it would have otherwise caused it to faint.
12. Does Quick Guard work on Fake Out?
Yes, Quick Guard protects your Pokémon from priority moves such as Fake Out. This can be a useful tool against a fast Fake Out user if you’re faster than the attacker.
13. Which goes first, Mach Punch or Fake Out?
Both Mach Punch and Fake Out have the same +1 priority. The faster Pokémon will move first. For example, a Hitmonchan with 257 speed using Mach Punch would go before a slower Weavile with 180 speed using Fake Out. If Hitmonchan had 180 speed and Weavile 257 speed, then Weavile would go first with Fake Out.
14. Is Jet Punch a punching move and its speed?
Jet Punch is a punching move that always moves first, meaning it has a higher priority than Fake Out. This makes it an effective way to counter Fake Out, although it’s still a fairly rare move.
15. Does Psychic Surge stop Prankster?
Yes, Psychic Surge, generated by Tapu Lele and others, stops Prankster boosted moves from affecting any grounded Pokémon. However, a move like Fake Out which does not use Prankster, is not affected. Psychic Terrain prevents priority moves from impacting the grounded target of the move. It does not block the usage of a priority move, only its effects if targeted on a grounded Pokemon.
Conclusion
While Raichu stands out as one of the fastest Fake Out users thanks to its high base Speed, many other Pokémon can utilize this priority move effectively. Understanding how Fake Out works, as well as the numerous ways to counter it, is crucial for success in battles. By being aware of the mechanics of the move and being able to adapt, you can ensure your team is well-prepared for any Fake Out threats they may encounter. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions, whether you’re using Fake Out or countering it.