BW/BW2 Gen V Pokemon Move Physics

SpaghettiWizard

SpaghettiWizard

You know, that Charizard girl.
Member
Hi everyone,

So, is it just me or did GAME FREAK get really particular with the way Pokemon moves interact this time around? I'm probably not even halfway through my White version and I've already noticed scenarios where moves of Type A that should never hit Type B are actually producing some other effect than "It doesn't affect [Insert Pokemon Name Here]...". I've also noticed instances where one of my Pokemon used Quick Attack and it didn't strike first, and there was no discernible reason why. My opponent wouldn't use Protect/Detect, Quick Block, etc., have a type advantage, and on top of all that it would be essentially the same level as my Pokemon, and it would just go first anyway. What's the deal with this?

The former issue I'm alright with for the most part, it's just puzzling. I have no problem with the type advantage/disadvantage structure as is, and I think it makes the game more realistic if a Braviary actually has a chance at being hit by a passing Mud Bomb. The latter issue, however, just makes no sense to me.

Thanks for listening,

~Brooke
 
I've also noticed instances where one of my Pokemon used Quick Attack and it didn't strike first, and there was no discernible reason why. My opponent wouldn't use Protect/Detect, Quick Block, etc., have a type advantage, and on top of all that it would be essentially the same level as my Pokemon, and it would just go first anyway. What's the deal with this?
Click to expand...
There are several scenarios to explain why. For example, there is an ability Prankster, which is on Pokemon like Cottonee/Whimsicott, that gives +1 more priority to any status move e.g. Leech Seed. That's usually the most common case.

If you can tell exactly what happened with as many details as you can I'm sure there is an easily explainable answer. The battle engine has not changed very much from Gen 4, except it's much more visual - you can actually see when an ability gets triggered, such as Intimidate, Mummy, or Sturdy.

Edit: Nice bio for a newcomer by the way.
 
Hyperbeem said:
Game mechanics in battle are the same, the opponent most likely had a higher speed within the +1 priority bracket, or used a move in a higher priority bracket.
Click to expand...

What would be the best place to look up said priority brackets? I usually use Bulbapedia or Serebii for all my information, but I thought I would ask in the event that there's a better source you may know about.

DNA said:
I've also noticed instances where one of my Pokemon used Quick Attack and it didn't strike first, and there was no discernible reason why. My opponent wouldn't use Protect/Detect, Quick Block, etc., have a type advantage, and on top of all that it would be essentially the same level as my Pokemon, and it would just go first anyway. What's the deal with this?
Click to expand...
There are several scenarios to explain why. For example, there is an ability Prankster, which is on Pokemon like Cottonee/Whimsicott, that gives +1 more priority to any status move e.g. Leech Seed. That's usually the most common case.

If you can tell exactly what happened with as many details as you can I'm sure there is an easily explainable answer. The battle engine has not changed very much from Gen 4, except it's much more visual - you can actually see when an ability gets triggered, such as Intimidate, Mummy, or Sturdy.

Edit: Nice bio for a newcomer by the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comment on my bio. :3 I recently re-did it on all my social websites, and they're all the same because copypasta makes it so much easier. X3

Anywho, I really noticed it in early gameplay-I had a Blitzle in my party for a while, and would use Quick Attack on Pokemon in Pinwheel Forest. Now that my memory is coming back to me, the Pokemon it happened with most often were Cottonee, Petlil, and Venipede, both wild ones and those owned by Trainers. For example, a few times my Blitzle would be at full health, no status conditions, using Quick Attack on a Venipede the same level or one lower (and my party was around level 15-20 at the time), and the Venipede would go first and use Pursuit or Protect. If I encounter any more scenarios before you get back to me, I'll let you know. :)
 
You're welcome. I'm pretty sure Bulbapedia has a page about priority, though.
Also thanks, I've updated it since then.
 
Here's the page regarding the priority of all moves. Most moves have +0 priority, which is standard, but if a move has higher priority, it'll always go before a move of lower priority regardless of Speed. (Pursuit normally has +0 priority, but if used on a target that is switching out, it'll have +7 instead, hitting before the switch-out.)
 
Shadow Arceus said:
You're welcome. I'm pretty sure Bulbapedia has a page about priority, though.
Also thanks, I've updated it since then.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info, I appreciate your help. :)

DNA said:
Here's the page regarding the priority of all moves. Most moves have +0 priority, which is standard, but if a move has higher priority, it'll always go before a move of lower priority regardless of Speed. (Pursuit normally has +0 priority, but if used on a target that is switching out, it'll have +7 instead, hitting before the switch-out.)
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate everyone being cool about it. :D
 
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