Move Priority and Turn Order

Move priority decides which action goes first before Speed is compared. It is why a Quick Attack can move before a normal attack, why Protect can block a hit first, and why some support moves can act before damage is dealt.

How turn order works

The game checks priority first, then Speed inside the same priority bracket. That means Trick Room only reverses Speed order within a bracket; it does not make a low-priority move jump ahead of a higher-priority one. Standard priority moves include Quick Attack, Extreme Speed, Fake Out, Feint, and Helping Hand.

What changes priority

Prankster gives status moves +1 priority, Gale Wings gives Flying-type moves +1 priority at full HP, and Triage gives healing moves +3 priority. On the item side, Quick Claw can let a Pokemon move first, and Custap Berry does the same when HP is low. Abilities and items like Full Incense, Lagging Tail, and Stall force a Pokemon toward the end of the turn order instead.

Why priority matters

Priority is what makes Fake Out flinch before the target can move, what lets Feint break through protection moves, and what gives support teams a way to act before offensive pressure lands. Turn-order control matters as much as raw Speed.

Related mechanics

See accuracy and evasion for the other half of move resolution, and ability mechanics for the abilities that change priority.

FAQ

Does Trick Room change priority?

No. Trick Room reverses Speed order inside a priority bracket, but higher-priority moves still go first.

Can a slower Pokemon still move first?

Yes. Priority moves, Quick Claw, Custap Berry, and similar effects can let a slower Pokemon act before a faster one.

Why do people care about priority in doubles?

Because protect moves, redirection, and support actions often depend on acting before the opponent can attack.