Why is Slaking’s Yawn Attack a Big Zero in Pokémon GO?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Slaking’s Yawn is a Normal-type fast move in Pokémon GO that inflicts zero damage. This seemingly bizarre design choice directly reflects Slaking’s defining characteristic from the core Pokémon games: its Truant ability. The ability forces Slaking to skip every other turn, essentially doing nothing. In Pokémon GO, this is translated into the Yawn attack, which builds energy for charge moves but deals no direct damage. It’s a clever, albeit frustrating, way to represent Slaking’s inherent laziness and limited offensive capabilities in a real-time battle system.
Understanding the Truant Ability and its Impact
The Truant ability is the core reason behind Slaking’s controversial design. While boasting impressive stats, comparable to pseudo-legendary Pokémon, the Truant ability severely limits its potential. In the main series games, Truant meant Slaking would attack one turn and loaf around the next. This made it predictable and easily countered in competitive battles.
In Pokémon GO, a direct adaptation of Truant wouldn’t work well with the real-time battle mechanics. Imagine tapping furiously, only to have your Pokémon stand around doing nothing half the time. Instead, Niantic opted for a more creative solution: Yawn, the 0-damage fast move. This move allows Slaking to participate in battles while still reflecting its inherent weakness. It’s a balancing act – giving Slaking a powerful presence while remaining true to its defining flaw.
Slaking’s Role in Pokémon GO
Despite its seemingly crippling limitation, Slaking can serve some purpose in Pokémon GO:
- Gym Defense: Slaking’s massive CP makes it an intimidating gym defender. Though its effectiveness is debatable, it can deter casual players from attacking.
- Charge Move Focus: Because Yawn does no damage, the focus shifts entirely to Slaking’s charge moves. Picking the right charge move is crucial. Play Rough, despite its type disadvantage against many common gym attackers, is often considered the best option due to its power and relatively low energy cost.
- Psychological Warfare: A high-CP Slaking sitting in a gym can be a psychological deterrent. Some players simply won’t bother fighting it, even if it’s an easy win.
Why Slaking Isn’t a Pseudo-Legendary
Slaking is often mistaken for a pseudo-legendary Pokémon because of its exceptional base stat total (670). However, pseudo-legendary Pokémon must have a base stat total of exactly 600. Despite its high stats, its crippling Truant ability, translated into the Yawn attack in Pokémon GO, keeps it from being truly dominant. This ability, along with its Normal-type typing, is the reason why many players find Slaking underwhelming despite its raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Slaking
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Slaking’s unique situation in Pokémon GO:
1. Should I keep Yawn on my Slaking?
Yes, you don’t have a choice! Yawn is Slaking’s only fast move in Pokémon GO. Your strategy should be built around understanding Yawn’s limitations and capitalizing on charge moves.
2. Is Slaking good in Pokémon GO?
Slaking is situationally useful. It’s not a top-tier attacker due to Yawn’s zero damage, but its high CP can make it a passable gym defender. Proper use depends on understanding its limitations and choosing a strong charge move like Play Rough.
3. What is the best moveset for Slaking in Pokémon GO?
Yawn and Play Rough is generally considered the best moveset for Slaking. Play Rough is a powerful charge move that deals significant damage.
4. Why is Slaking so weak with such high stats?
Slaking’s weakness stems from its Truant ability (Yawn in Pokémon GO). This ability forces it to do nothing (or very little) every other turn, negating its high attack stat.
5. What are the best counters to Slaking?
The best counters to Slaking are Fighting-type Pokémon with high attack stats. Terrakion, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Alakazam, Keldeo, Shadow Hariyama & Shadow Machamp are all effective options.
6. Is Slaking worth powering up?
Generally, no. There are far better Pokémon to invest Stardust and Candy in. Only power up Slaking if you specifically need a high-CP defender and are aware of its weaknesses.
7. Can Slaking be used in PvP battles?
Slaking is generally not recommended for PvP battles due to Yawn’s zero damage and predictable nature. There are more reliable and versatile Pokémon for trainer battles.
8. What other charge moves can Slaking learn?
Slaking can learn several charge moves, including Body Slam, Earthquake, and Hyper Beam. However, Play Rough is generally preferred due to its damage output and typing coverage.
9. Does Slaking’s IV matter?
Yes, but not as much for attack. Focus on high defense and HP IVs for a Slaking intended for gym defense. The attack IV is less critical since Yawn does no damage.
10. Why do people put Slaking in gyms?
Primarily for its high CP. A high-CP Slaking can deter casual players from attacking and potentially last longer in a gym. However, more experienced players can easily defeat it with the right counters.
11. How does weather affect Slaking’s Yawn attack?
Since Yawn is a Normal-type move, it is boosted by partly cloudy weather. However, since Yawn does no damage, the weather boost only affects the energy gain.
12. Is Slaking the strongest Normal-type Pokémon?
Statistically, yes. Slaking has the highest base stat total of any Normal-type Pokémon. However, its Truant ability (Yawn) significantly limits its practical strength.
13. Why can’t I put my Slaking in a gym?
Ensure your Slaking is fully healed and revived before placing it in a gym. If it’s fainted or has low HP, it cannot be placed.
14. What role does energy play when slaking uses Yawn?
Yawn’s primary function is to generate energy for Slaking’s charge moves. The faster it can build up energy, the more frequently it can use its damaging charge attack, which is the only way it can inflict any damage.
15. Can Slaking mega evolve?
As of now, Mega Slaking is not available in Pokémon GO.
Slaking’s existence in Pokémon GO is a fascinating case study in game design, demonstrating how a defining characteristic (the Truant ability) can be adapted into a unique and somewhat controversial mechanic (the Yawn attack). While not a top-tier attacker, understanding its limitations and strengths can allow you to use it strategically.
If you are interested in learning more about the educational side of gaming, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They offer a wide array of resources and research on the educational benefits of video games.