Tips for Pokémon Battling: Pokemon

Understand Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB): When a Pokémon uses a move whose Type matches one of its own Types, that move deals 50% more damage. If a Pokémon has two Types, it gains STAB from both. It is recommended that Pokémon carry at least one move with STAB, or one from each Type if they are dual-type.

Keep Your Team Varied: Aim to make your Pokémon party as diverse as possible. Filling your party with only one Type, like Fire-types, will make you struggle against Types that resist it, such as Water, Rock, and Ground-types. With up to 6 Pokémon in a party and Pokémon having up to two Types, you can represent 12 of the 18 Types. For missing types, teach your Pokémon moves of that Type via TMs or other means. While these moves won't get STAB, they can still inflict 2x or 4x damage if the opponent is weak to them.

Give Your Pokémon a Hold Item: Each Pokémon can hold one item. Useful items include berries that cure status conditions or items like the Silk Scarf that boosts the power of a particular Type of move. You can give items to hold via the Pokémon menu (select “Held Item”) or the Bag menu (select “Give to Pokémon”). Berries are consumed when used, but most other items remain unless a move like Fling is used.

Utilize Priority Moves: Moves that claim they “go first in battle” are Priority Moves. They go first regardless of the Pokémon’s Speed stat. For example, Quick Attack is a Priority Move. These moves normally inflict less damage but can be crucial for securing a KO, especially when both Pokémon are at critical health. If both Pokémon use a Priority Move, the one with the higher Speed stat goes first. Some moves, like Protect and Endure, have higher priority and normally always go first. Moves can also have negative priority, making the user go last.

Consider Sacrificing a Pokémon: In difficult matchups or against tougher opponents, it may be beneficial to let your current Pokémon faint. If your Pokémon is at critical health and likely to faint anyway, consider using its turn to heal or revive another Pokémon, inflict a status condition, or use a move like Self-Destruct or Explosion. Switching out is another option, but carries risks if the incoming Pokémon is not bulky or does not resist the opponent's attacks.