Accuracy and Evasion

Accuracy decides whether a move hits. Evasion changes how hard it is to hit a target. Together they answer a simple battle question: does this move land or miss?

How hit checks work

Every move that targets another Pokemon goes through an accuracy check, even if the move is listed as 100% accurate. That is why a move like Spore can still miss if the user's accuracy is lowered or the target's evasion is raised. Some moves, such as Swift, Aerial Ace, and Aura Sphere, ignore normal accuracy checks.

What changes the hit chance

The game uses accuracy and evasion stages, plus ability and item modifiers. In modern games, those stages are capped between -6 and +6. No Guard makes moves involved with it hit, Compound Eyes raises the user's accuracy, Victory Star boosts allied move accuracy, and Wide Lens or Zoom Lens can improve reliability. On the other side, Bright Powder, Sand Veil, and Snow Cloak make moves less reliable.

Common accuracy tools

Lock-On and Mind Reader guarantee the next move will hit, unless the target is protected by a turn that cannot be targeted normally. Moves like Thunder, Fire Blast, Hypnosis, and Sleep Powder are the sort of moves where accuracy modifiers matter most.

Related mechanics

See move priority and turn order for when a move acts, and weather for field effects that can change accuracy or move reliability.

FAQ

Why can a 100% accurate move miss?

Because accuracy and evasion changes still apply. A 100% move is only guaranteed to hit when no modifiers interfere and the move is not blocked by other effects.

Can some moves never miss?

Yes. Some moves ignore normal accuracy checks entirely, so they are used when consistency matters more than power.

What is the point of evasion?

Evasion is a way to make the opponent's moves less reliable, although many players treat accuracy control as more dependable than evasion boosting.