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Moves are skills that a Pokémon uses during battle. A Pokémon uses one move per turn. Prior to Generation VII, some moves (usually machine moves) could be used outside of battle in the overworld with special effects, usually to remove obstacles or explore. Pokémon can only know between one and four moves.
Every Pokémon has a set of moves (a movepool) that they are able to learn, usually related to its species and type. Moves can be learned by level up, by using a Machine Item, by learning from a move tutor, through evolution, and through breeding (egg moves). Moves can be deleted by a move deleter NPC, and moves can be remembered by a move reminder NPC. Some Pokémon have unique moves specific to their evolution line or themselves, known as signature moves or unique moves. Move order can be changed in game.
Moves have three categories: physical, special, and status. Moves that do not directly damage are status moves. Physical moves depend on the user's attack stat and the target's defense stat, and special moves depend on the user's special attack stat and the target's special defense stat. Prior to Generation IV, move category (physical / special) was dependent only on the move's type. Move priority and speed determine which order moves are used in battle. The number of times a Pokémon can use a move before healing is determined by the move's PP. If a Pokémon runs out of moves, it uses the move Struggle. Accuracy determines how often a move hits or misses. Some moves can target multiple Pokémon.
For a list of all machine items, go to Item Categories / All Machines
A Pokémon move is a skill used in battle to deal damage, apply effects, or change stats. Each Pokémon can know up to four moves at a time. Moves define most of what a Pokémon can do in battle, along with abilities and items.
Physical moves use the user's Attack stat and the target's Defense stat, while special moves use Special Attack and Special Defense. Status moves do not deal direct damage and instead change stats or apply effects. Certain Pokémon are better as physical or special attackers, or as physical or special defenders.
STAB means Same Type Attack Bonus. When a Pokémon uses a move that matches its type, the move gets a damage boost. This makes typing important for both offense and defense.
STAB stands for Same Type Attack Bonus. A move used by a Pokémon that matches its type usually gets a 1.5x damage boost. In some mechanics, that bonus can reach 2x.
Accuracy is the chance the move hits, shown as a percent. PP is the number of times a move can be used before it needs to be restored. PP can be restored with items or by healing. Low PP moves are sometimes more powerful or more specialized. Accuracy can be impacted by other in-battle circumstances such as items, abilities, and other moves.
PP Up increases a move max PP by a small amount, while PP Max raises it to the highest possible value. These items are used to get more uses out of important moves. They do not change move power.
Pokémon learn moves by leveling up, using machines, or visiting move tutors. Some moves are learned through evolution or breeding (egg moves). Some moves are learned through one method for one Pokémon but through another method for another Pokémon.
Priority changes turn order by making some moves act before others. Higher priority moves go first even if the user is slower. Priority is useful for finishing off faster opponents. Quick Attack is an example of a high-priority move.
Some moves always hit and ignore accuracy and evasion checks. Examples include Aerial Ace and Swift. These are reliable options against evasive opponents.