Why Does Destiny Bond Fail? The Definitive Guide
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Destiny Bond, that tantalizing Ghost-type move, promises to drag your opponent down to the depths of defeat with you. But all too often, trainers find themselves screaming at their screens as it frustratingly fails. Why? The core reason is simple: Destiny Bond only works if the user is knocked out by a direct attacking move before their next turn. There’s a whole host of conditions that can invalidate its effect, making it a deceptively complex move to use effectively. The timing has to be perfect for it to work as intended.
The Mechanics of Failure
The beauty (and the bane) of Destiny Bond lies in its very specific mechanics. It doesn’t trigger on residual damage, and it has a limited window of opportunity. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons why Destiny Bond might fail you:
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Indirect Damage: This is the biggest culprit. Destiny Bond never works if the user faints from indirect damage. This includes:
- Status Conditions: Poison, burn, paralysis damage.
- Weather Effects: Hail, sandstorm damage.
- Leech Seed.
- Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes damage.
- Delayed Damage Moves: Future Sight, Doom Desire.
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Priority Moves: If the user selects a positive-priority move after using Destiny Bond, the effect is immediately cancelled. This is because the move is considered to have been selected on the next turn.
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Turn Duration: Destiny Bond remains in effect only until the user’s next move is selected. If the user takes a hit after using destiny bond but then attacks the following turn before being attacked again, the Destiny Bond effect is lost.
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Multi-Strike Moves: If a multi-strike move such as Double Kick or Fury Swipes knocks out the user, Destiny Bond will trigger only if the final hit of the move is the one that causes the knockout.
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Dynamax/Terastallize: In modern Pokémon games featuring Dynamax or Terastallize mechanics, Dynamaxed or Terastallized Pokémon will not faint due to Destiny Bond. This makes Destiny Bond far less reliable in Max Raid Battles and certain competitive formats.
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User Moves First on the Same Turn: If your Pokémon uses Destiny Bond and then immediately faints on the same turn from the opponent’s move that you commanded your Pokémon to knock out (and if the opponent moved first), that will still activate Destiny Bond.
Mastering Destiny Bond: Strategy is Key
Despite its finicky nature, Destiny Bond can be a potent tool in the hands of a skilled trainer. It’s all about understanding the conditions that can invalidate it and playing accordingly. Here are some tips for using Destiny Bond effectively:
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Predict Your Opponent: The best time to use Destiny Bond is when you anticipate a powerful attack that will likely knock out your Pokémon. This requires a strong understanding of your opponent’s moveset and strategy.
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Consider Speed: A faster Pokémon is generally better suited for using Destiny Bond. If your Pokémon is slow, it’s more likely to be hit by indirect damage before it can be knocked out by a direct attack.
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Avoid Status Conditions: Keep your Pokémon free from status conditions like poison and burn. These can easily ruin your Destiny Bond strategy.
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Bait and Switch: Sometimes, the best way to set up a Destiny Bond is to use a weaker move first, baiting your opponent into using a powerful attack on the next turn.
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Mind Games: Destiny Bond can be a powerful psychological tool. Simply using it can sometimes force your opponent to switch out or play more cautiously.
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Z-Destiny Bond: Powered up by a Ghostium Z, Destiny Bond becomes Z-Destiny Bond. This forces the opponent’s moves to target the user, if possible. This can be useful in double battles for redirecting attacks to your user and guaranteeing it will be knocked out by a damaging move.
Destiny Bond: A Tool, Not a Crutch
Destiny Bond is not a guaranteed win. It’s a strategic tool that requires careful planning and execution. Understanding its limitations is just as important as understanding its potential. When used correctly, it can turn the tide of battle, but when used recklessly, it can leave you vulnerable. The Games Learning Society provides valuable insights into strategic game play, which can be applied to mastering moves like Destiny Bond. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Destiny Bond
1. Does Destiny Bond always fail if used successfully on the previous turn?
Yes, Destiny Bond’s effect lasts only until the user’s next move is selected. If you successfully used Destiny Bond on the previous turn (meaning your opponent fainted), the effect is no longer active on the current turn.
2. Does Destiny Bond work on Normal-types?
Yes, Destiny Bond works on Normal-types. Type matchups only affect direct attacking moves. Destiny Bond is not an attacking move.
3. Does Destiny Bond work on status moves?
No, Destiny Bond doesn’t work on status moves. Status moves don’t cause the user to faint. It only works if the user is knocked out by a direct attacking move.
4. What cancels Destiny Bond?
A few things cancel Destiny Bond. Selecting a positive-priority move after using it will cancel the effect. Being knocked out by indirect damage (poison, burn, weather, etc.) will prevent it from activating.
5. How often does Destiny Bond work?
Destiny Bond works until the user selects another move. This means it’s only active for the turn it’s used and the immediately following turn before the user attacks.
6. Does Destiny Bond only work if you go first?
No, Destiny Bond does not require you to go first. What matters is that your Pokémon is knocked out by a direct attack before it selects its next move.
7. Is there a way around Destiny Bond?
Yes, several ways exist to counter it:
- Use non-damaging moves to stall until Destiny Bond’s effect wears off (or it runs out of PP).
- Inflict status conditions (sleep, freeze, paralysis) to prevent the opponent from using it.
- Use moves that deal damage after the turn, such as Future Sight or Doom Desire, as well as inflicting poison or burn.
- Use Protect or Detect to avoid the opponent using Destiny Bond.
8. How do you make Destiny Bond go first?
Destiny Bond is a status move, so it can become a priority move with the Prankster ability. Some Pokémon also have access to moves that can grant priority.
9. Does Destiny Bond work if poisoned?
No, Destiny Bond will not activate if the user faints from poison (or any other form of indirect damage).
10. How many turns does Destiny Bond last?
Destiny Bond lasts for one turn – the turn it is used and the turn before the Pokémon’s next move is selected. It’s an extremely short-term effect.
11. Does Destiny Bond work on raids?
No, Destiny Bond does not work in raids. Dynamax/Terastallize Pokémon do not faint from Destiny Bond.
12. Does Destiny Bond work on the turn after?
Not exactly. It will remain active for the turn after it is used, but not the entire turn. It is active until the user selects their next move. If the Pokémon is hit after using the move, the user’s next move being selected means it is no longer in effect.
13. Does Destiny Bond work with Self-Destruct/Explosion?
If your last Pokémon uses Self-Destruct or Explosion, you automatically lose. Destiny Bond and Perish Song also fail when used by the last Pokémon.
14. Does Destiny Bond work on Dark-types?
Yes, Destiny Bond does work on Dark-types. The immunity to Prankster only applies to moves that directly target the Dark-type Pokémon. Destiny Bond is not affected by type matchup, and is not directly targeting a Pokemon.
15. Does Destiny Bond work on Wonder Guard?
Yes, Destiny Bond does work on Wonder Guard. Wonder Guard only affects direct Physical or Special moves. Destiny Bond is classified as an “other” move.