25 Pokemon Attacks That Lower The User’s Stats

Highlights

• Pokemon strikes include strategic drawbacks, like stat reductions for customers, including complexity to battles.
• Strikes like Armor Cannon and Tera Blast provide excessive energy however come at the price of reducing person stats.
• Understanding transfer results, like with Make It Rain reducing person Particular Assault, is essential for profitable battles.

Battles within the Pokémon collection could seem a bit simplistic, particularly with titles like Pokemon Go, however they’re fairly accessible and an entire lot of enjoyable. On the identical time, there’s some delicate depth to Pokémon battling that the informal observer might not learn about. Nowhere is that this extra obvious than within the expansive slew of distinctive Pokemon strikes, which every have their very own perks, strengths, and (usually) weaknesses.

There are numerous unlucky RNG-based issues that may occur throughout fight, however there are additionally totally different methods to make use of. It’s not all the time so simple as firing off the strongest transfer one can muster at an opponent. Past simply coping with the correct matchups and counters, a few of these strikes instantly include a worth hooked up to their use in a single kind or one other.

These are the entire notable Pokemon strikes within the franchise which impose stat penalties on the person.

Up to date June 23, 2024 by Stephen LaGioia: Pokemon is full of an array of strikes that gamers can educate to their Pokemon, with extra complicated strikes being added. However even because the franchise expands and grows extra complicated, most strikes share a primary by means of line — maximize the benefit for its person whereas hindering the opponent. But, a rising lineup of strikes are introducing detriments to the customers themselves, including some strategic layers to fight.

With such an enormous listing of strikes, which typically change between generations, it may be powerful to pinpoint these probably tough strikes that decrease the person’s stats in Pokemon. What are they, and are they price it for the stat-reducing trade-off?

To higher reply that query, the next listing has been up to date to incorporate all of the strikes that all the time (or probably) debuff or decrease a Pokemon’s stats — with particular particulars.

Why Do Stat Reductions Matter In Pokemon?

Stat reductions are a giant a part of Pokemon, even when some gamers might not construct their staff across the mechanic. As gamers start to study extra about battling Pokemon, the extra they may understand that reducing an opponent’s stats can imply the distinction between victory and defeat.

There are all kinds of strikes discovered all through the Pokemon universe which are able to tweaking an opponent’s stats however there are additionally a handful that act as a direct detriment to their person. Some strikes are so highly effective that they’ve self-inflicted stat reductions simply to maintain issues “honest” as a trade-off of types.

It is necessary that gamers all the time perceive what their strikes do and if these strikes embrace a stat discount for the person or their goal. Those that are unaware {that a} transfer might decrease protection or assault for their very own Pokemon might find yourself struggling in battle. The excessive stats of sure Pokemon may very well be the direct motive they survive sure hits in battle and reducing these stats could make them weak to a savvy participant.

23

Tera Blast

Kind: Regular

This potent transfer is exclusive; not simply from its debuff potential, however due to the particular circumstances that shift this from a particular to a bodily transfer (when Terastallized). Particularly, it makes this swap if the person’s Assault stat is larger than its Particular Assault. One other situation comes into play to ensure that this to wreck to the person, which is why this will likely be positioned on the decrease tier of this listing.

The person’s Assault and Particular Assault stats are dragged down by one stage — however solely if the person has Terastallized into the Stellar sort (a perk launched in Scarlet and Violet that alters the Pokemon’s sort). Nonetheless, underneath these parameters, the transfer additionally offers super-effective harm towards different Terastallized targets.

On the identical time on this state, Tera Blast does impartial harm towards all different targets. It is a slightly messy and sophisticated transfer, however one which extra seasoned gamers ought to no-doubt have the ability to exploit.

22

Armor Cannon

Kind: Fireplace

This lethal blast of fireside energy is definitely one for veteran gamers to make the most of, so long as they’re ready for the “blowback” because it have been. Whereas this is likely one of the stronger Fireplace-type strikes within the sport, and boasts good Accuracy, Armor Cannon’s power comes at a price past the 5 PP wanted to make use of it.

Following these blazing projectiles, the transfer drops the person’s Protection and Particular Protection stats by one stage for each. Thus, gamers will need to guarantee Armor Cannon will ship a knockout punch, or at the very least near it, as they’re going to be left pretty weak after utilizing it.

21

Scale Shot

Kind: Dragon

Among the extra satisfying strikes in Pokemon are those who strike the goal a number of occasions — particularly after they have a randomized likelihood to bump that as much as a number of hits. Within the case of the lethal Dragon-type assault, an opponent will be hit as much as 5 occasions (15% likelihood), and will be hit twice on the low finish (35% likelihood) with this transfer.

This definitely makes its tepid energy degree appear much more spectacular. If the Pokemon holds the Potential Talent Hyperlink, the transfer will all the time strike its goal 5 occasions. Whereas there’s some randomness assigned to this transfer, the “debuff” threat is minimal and simpler to handle in comparison with most user-damaging strikes.

Assuming there aren’t any misses throughout this assault, the person’s Protection will likely be lowered by a stage. However on the brilliant aspect, their Velocity will likely be bumped up a stage. There are various components to contemplate with this one, although gamers trying to overwhelm and disrupt their opponents ought to give this persistent Dragon assault a strive.

20

Headlong Rush

Kind: Floor

Launched in Technology VII by means of Legends: Arceus, Headlong Rush is an impactful Floor-type transfer that depends on uncooked energy in the beginning. It is a good choice when trying to end off a foe rapidly in a pinch, although it’s one thing of a raffle.

It is because the transfer softens the person’s Defensive stats, and it extends this debuff for an entire three turns. That is shifted a bit for Technology IX, because it lowers each the participant’s Protection and Particular Protection stat by one stage every. Whereas it is a potent transfer to make certain, gamers could also be plowing headlong into hazard if it is abused.

19

Make It Rain

Kind: Metal

This current addition to the increasing lineup of Pokemon strikes is exclusive in that it is an efficient Particular transfer that paradoxically lowers the person’s personal Particular Assault. It does this solely by a single stat stage, fortunately, however it may nonetheless trigger some issues for opponents liberally utilizing their very own Particular strikes.

In comparison with lots of its ilk, this stat-lowering transfer is a reasonably protected guess, and a very good funding total. Not solely is it sturdy, however it has the additional advantage of giving the participant additional cash. Touchdown the hit yields cash scattered about for each strike, which resourceful gamers can then gather on the battle’s finish. Moreover, this quantity doubles if carrying an Amulet Coin.

18

Spin Out

Kind: Metal

Spin Out is a brand new addition to the interesting listing of Metal-type strikes. By means of a flashy airborne spin transfer that resembles a big Sonic the Hedgehog, the Pokemon — primarily Varoom/Revavroom — inflicts a great deal of harm on its goal.

Nonetheless, this comes at the price of reducing the person’s velocity by two stat levels. Gamers will need to be sure their lineup is not already sluggish, and can most likely need to save this for ending off targets.

17

Thoughts Blown

Kind: Fireplace

This fittingly-named Fireplace transfer from Extremely Solar and Extremely Moon (and past) is each satisfying to look at and enjoyable to make use of in battle. Although it can be slightly intense. The circumstances and statistics of this one are extra concerned than most, because the person absorbs harm equal to half of its max HP (rounded up).

This does not apply if the participant has Magic Guard, and the transfer cannot be used when a Pokemon is laced with Potential Damp. Gamers will need to make the most of some technique earlier than launching this one, as their Pokemon can rapidly discover a lot of their HP worn out. Opponents can then make the most of this, particularly if the person’s monster would not have a lot HP or is defensively weak.

This backlash remains to be felt even when their goal is protected, so situational consciousness is essential.

16

Overheat

Kind: Fireplace

This pyromancer’s fantasy is a transfer that first appeared in Technology III. It has a monstrous energy of 130, making it one of many deadliest Fireplace-type assaults within the collection. The draw back is that it drops the person’s Particular Assault by two total levels, making additional particular assaults a lot much less efficient.

Nonetheless, since that is meant extra to be a ultimate assault, the stat drops will be negligible if Overheat is timed correctly. It’s price mentioning that that is one among two strikes launched within the third era that might begin a development for a number of the deadlier assaults within the franchise.

15

Hyperspace Fury

Kind: Darkish

Gamers will not have to fret an excessive amount of in regards to the stat-reducing results of Hyperspace Fury as just one Pokemon is able to utilizing the transfer. This specific assault is a signature transfer from Hoopa Unbound, and no different Pokemon are allowed to make use of the transfer. If they fight, it can merely fail and specific that they are not able to utilizing it (even when they comprehend it). That is additionally true for the common types of Hoopa. Solely the Unbound kind can unleash this assault.

Hyperspace Fury has 100 energy and the additional advantage that it’ll undergo substitutes and all types of guards (besides semi-invulnerable flip states like Dig or Fly). In alternate for this assured harm, it can decrease Hoopa Unbound’s Protection stat by one stage.

14

Psycho Enhance

Kind: Psychic

That is one other transfer launched in Technology III that helped begin the lethal assault development. Psycho Enhance was an identical to Overheat till Technology VI when Overheat and different variants of this transfer had their energy dropped from 140 to 130 as a slight nerf.

This was seemingly accomplished to vary how simply the opposite strikes may very well be realized on account of their large distribution amongst numerous egg teams and Pokémon species. As Psycho Enhance cannot be realized as simply, it evaded this nerf, which permits it to face above the remaining when it comes to potential harm output.

13

Draco Meteor

Kind: Dragon

In Technology IV, a pair extra variants of those Particular Assault-dropping assaults have been launched. The flashier of the 2, Draco Meteor, is a Dragon-type particular transfer meant to name down utter annihilation onto the opponent.

Though not as highly effective as Psycho Enhance, this orbital strike has a base energy of 130, which is greater than sufficient to finish many foes. Dragon-type assaults hit a large number of different varieties for impartial harm, which makes it fairly versatile towards something besides Fairy-type Pokémon. Whereas it lowers the person’s Particular Assault by a pair levels, it is sometimes price this dropoff.

12

Leaf Storm

Kind: Grass

Alongside Draco Meteor, Leaf Storm entered the Pokémon world throughout Technology IV as a technique for Grass-types to shred their adversaries to ribbons. Encompassing the identical traits as its brethren, this assault stands out as it may be realized by extra Pokémon species than another variant of this transfer in the primary collection video games.

Earlier than this, the one Grass-type transfer that did even remotely related harm was Photo voltaic Beam at 120 energy. Although with an entire flip devoted to an apparent build-up, it rapidly grew to become out of date, making Leaf Storm the higher selection for many trainers. This transfer was nerfed in Gen VI, unlucky because it already held the detriment of reducing the person’s Particular Assault by two levels.

11

Fleur Cannon

Kind: Fairy

This can be a current iteration of the Particular Assault-decreasing powerhouse transfer. Becoming a member of the fray in Technology VII, it is the signature assault of the legendary Pokémon Magearna. It launches a cannonball of Fairy-type obliteration at any unfortunate sufficient to be in its means.

Paired with Magearna’s distinctive means, Soul-Coronary heart, it may be some of the overpowered assaults within the sport. Soul-Coronary heart raises Magearna’s Particular Assault stat by one stage every time it knocks out an adversary, which can lead to Fleur Cannon solely dropping the Pokémon’s Particular Assault stat by one stage versus two. This could permit a coach to spam Flear Cannon at foes for consecutive turns (upon a knockout) with solely a slight lower in energy.

10

Shut Fight

Kind: Combating

For sure, Combating-type Pokémon are inclined to concentrate on heavy bodily assaults. Machamp boasts a six-pack on its again (although which may be partly on account of its questionable 3D mannequin), simply to offer a benchmark for what gamers will likely be coping with right here.

As such, there are some very highly effective Combating-type STAB (Similar Kind Assault Bonus) strikes with which to make the most of that top Assault. Shut Fight is probably probably the most feared; a 120 base energy transfer that sees the person leap into the fray and unleash close-range blows with out guarding itself. This aggressive transfer comes with a price, although: after attacking, the person’s Protection and Particular Protection each fall by one stage.

9

Clanging Scales

Kind: Dragon

Like Deoxys’ Psycho Enhance and Magearna’s Fleur Cannon, this subsequent transfer is one other particular assault unique to only one Pokémon: Kommo-o. It’s slightly weaker at base 110, however this Dragon-type transfer has good accuracy and its penalty to be used isn’t (arguably) as heavy.

After rubbing its scales to supply a horrifying noise that strikes opposing Pokémon with soundwaves — sure, that’s the truth is what’s taking place right here — Kommo-o’s Protection drops by one stage. Apparently, the Pokemon sees a nasty self-inflicted friction burn when launching with this transfer.

8

Superpower

Kind: Combating

If there’s one factor Combating-types love, it’s barreling into battle at full velocity and making an attempt to deal as a lot harm as attainable with no regard for their very own security or the results. One would possibly say they’re the Arnold-Schwarzenegger of the Pokémon world, and it is laborious to not respect that.

This bodily transfer is simply as highly effective, correct, and PP-limited as Shut Fight, however it comes with a special downside. Whereas it additionally drops two stats by one stage every on use, this time it’s Assault and Protection that’s misplaced. Relying on the state of affairs, this may be higher or worse than Shut Fight’s downside.

7

Hammer Arm

Kind: Combating

Unleashed in Technology IV to the delight of Assault-oriented pokemon, Hammer Arm can smash foes into submission higher than most different Combating-type assaults with a staggering 100 base energy. The draw back is that it drops the person’s Velocity by one full stage.

Nonetheless, if one locations this assault into one of many 4 transfer slots of a Pokémon who doesn’t care about transferring first, it leads to an assault with no actual draw back. There are literally different assaults that improve in harm when their person’s velocity drops, like Gyro Ball, which may make Hammer Arm not solely an awesome ending transfer however one that may be utilized in additional complicated methods.

6

Ice Hammer

Kind: Ice

Ice Hammer is an obscure transfer that is not usually explored. One many followers might by no means have seen in motion and even heard of earlier than, the truth is. It’s solely realized (naturally) by Technology VII’s Crabominable (the evolution of Crabrawler).

It has the identical base energy as Hammer Arm (although it’s Ice-type as a substitute of Combating) and in addition suffers from the identical downside: it causes the attacker’s Velocity to fall. This isn’t essentially a nasty factor, although, as this outsized furry crustacean isn’t outperforming relating to velocity within the first place. It will probably even be helpful in a Trick Room capability.

5

Shell Smash

Kind: Regular

There’s an necessary caveat that must be talked about: Shell Smash is a Regular-type standing transfer, not a direct assault itself. One might make a case for together with it right here anyway, although, because it definitely raises the Pokémon’s attacking potential.

All aggressive gamers have felt the uncooked, seething energy of a Shell Smash-boosted sweep at one level or one other. Notorious as one of many best-boosting strikes ever, Shell Smash provides the person a plus-two in Assault, Particular Assault, and Velocity, making it a brilliant versatile and really, very scary transfer. The fee for doing so is that, like Shut Fight, it drops the Pokémon’s Protection and Particular Protection. Nonetheless, this isn’t an excessive amount of of a problem, and it’s simply circumvented by utilizing a White Herb merchandise.

4

V-Create

Kind: Fireplace

By way of pure base energy alone, V-Create is among the many strongest strikes in Pokémon historical past. This event-exclusive assault is normally accessible solely to Victini and Rayquaza, boasting an absurd 180 base energy. For reference, Self-Destruct has solely 20 extra base energy and the person immediately faints on utilizing it (although Explosion has 250).

In Victini’s fingers, STAB makes this bodily Fireplace-type assault 270 energy. Give the joyful little critter a Selection Band, and it may tear by means of the hardest Poké-hides like a scorching knife by means of butter and claims souls, hopes, and goals left and proper. That’s why they name it the Victory Pokémon: as a result of it may completely damage its foes with V-Create if given half an opportunity. On the flip aspect, although, it’s not a transfer that may be simply spammed: it drops the person’s defenses and Velocity by one stage.