Why doesn’t Taunt work on dark types?

Taunt does not work on Dark-type Pokémon because, as of Generation 7, Dark types are immune to moves affected by Prankster, which includes Taunt. This means that if a Pokémon with Prankster tries to use Taunt on a Dark-type Pokémon, the Taunt will fail, but Taunt used by a Pokémon without Prankster will still affect Dark-type Pokémon.

Understanding Taunt and Dark Types

Immunity to Prankster

To understand why Taunt does not work on Dark-type Pokémon when used by a Prankster Pokémon, it’s essential to grasp the mechanics of Prankster and Taunt. Prankster is an Ability that gives priority to status moves, making them more likely to hit first. However, Dark-type Pokémon are immune to the effects of Prankster, meaning any status move affected by Prankster, including Taunt, will not affect them.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Taunt in Pokémon? Taunt is a status move that prevents the targeted Pokémon from using status moves for a certain number of turns, making it a strategic move in battles.

2. Are Dark-type Pokémon immune to all status moves? No, Dark-type Pokémon are not immune to all status moves, just those affected by Prankster.

3. Can you use Taunt on a Dark-type Pokémon without Prankster? Yes, Taunt can be used on Dark-type Pokémon by Pokémon without Prankster, and it will affect them.

4. What other types are immune to Taunt? Besides Dark-type Pokémon being immune to Prankster-affected Taunt, Pokémon with Oblivious or under the effect of Aroma Veil cannot become taunted.

5. Does Taunt work on Pokémon with Substitute? Unlike most status moves, Taunt will affect a target with a Substitute.

6. Can Taunt be used as part of a Contest Spectacular combination? Yes, Taunt can be used as part of a Contest Spectacular combination, making certain moves more effective in the next turn.

7. Are Dark-type Pokémon immune to priority moves? Dark-type Pokémon are immune to opposing Pokémon’s moves that gain priority due to Prankster.

8. Can you Fake Out a Dark-type Pokémon? Yes, Dark-type Pokémon can be affected by Fake Out, as Fake Out is not a status move affected by Prankster in the context of immunity.

9. Is there an item that ignores Taunt? The Mental Herb can negate the effect of Taunt, as well as other status effects like Disable, Attract, and Encore.

10. Does Taunt block Z moves? No, Taunt does not block Z moves, as Z status moves are immune to Taunt’s effects.

11. Is Taunt worth using in Pokémon battles? Yes, Taunt is extremely useful if used correctly, as it can prevent opponents from using stat-upping moves or annoying status moves.

12. What ability ignores Taunt? Oblivious now prevents the Pokémon from being afflicted by Taunt.

13. What types are Dark-type Pokémon weak to? Dark-type Pokémon are weak to Bug, Fairy, and Fighting-type moves.

14. Can Prankster Taunt a Dark-type Pokémon? No, Prankster cannot make Taunt affect Dark-type Pokémon, as they are immune to Prankster-affected moves.

15. What is the strongest Dark-type Pokémon? Yveltal is considered one of the strongest Dark-type Pokémon, with high HP, Attack, and Special Attack stats, making it capable of dealing significant damage.