Pokémon Stats

Master Pokémon stats in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon! Learn about HP, Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, and Speed, and how to identify physical vs. special moves.

Hey there! So, you're diving into Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon and want to get a handle on what makes your Pokémon tick? Let's break down the core stats. Think of these as your Pokémon's fundamental abilities that determine how well they perform in battle.

Here's a quick rundown of what each stat means:

• HP (Hit Points): This is basically your Pokémon's health bar. The higher it is, the more damage they can take before fainting.
• Attack: This stat boosts the power of your Pokémon's physical moves. If your Pokémon has a high Attack stat, it'll hit harder with moves like Tackle or Close Combat.
• Defense: This stat reduces the damage your Pokémon takes from physical moves. A high Defense means physical attacks from opponents won't hurt as much.
• Sp. Atk (Special Attack): This boosts the power of your Pokémon's special moves. Think moves like Flamethrower or Psychic – they rely on this stat.
• Sp. Def (Special Defense): This stat reduces the damage your Pokémon takes from special moves. If an opponent is using a special move, a high Sp. Def will lessen the impact.
• Speed: This determines who goes first in battle. If your Pokémon has a higher Speed stat than the opponent's, yours will usually attack before theirs does. It's all about getting that first strike!

Now, a super important thing to figure out is whether a move is physical or special. This isn't always obvious, but the game gives you a clear clue! When you're looking at a Pokémon's moveset (either on the Summary screen or by pressing L+A during a battle), check the icon next to the move's name. You'll see a specific Category icon:

• A red crash icon means the move is physical.
• A blue spiral icon means the move is special.
• A gray yin-yang icon means it's a status move, which doesn't directly deal damage and isn't physical or special.

So, how do you use this info? First, look at your Pokémon's stats. Does it have a higher Attack or Sp. Atk? You'll want to focus on moves that match its highest attacking stat. If both Attack and Sp. Atk are pretty even, you've got more flexibility! Finally, always consider your opponent. If you're facing a Pokémon with a super high Defense stat (like Blissey), using physical moves might take ages. Switching to special moves could be way more effective, and vice-versa if they have high Sp. Def.

Understanding these stats and move categories is key to building a strong team and winning battles. Keep an eye on these details, and you'll be dominating in no time!