Move Selection Guide
Choose the best moves for any situation
Move Categories
Understanding different types of moves is the foundation of building effective movesets. Each category serves a specific purpose in battle.
STAB Moves
EssentialSame Type Attack Bonus - 50% damage boost
Coverage Moves
Very ImportantMoves that hit types your STAB cannot
Status Moves
SituationalUtility moves for support and control
Priority Moves
Role-DependentMoves that always go first
🔍 Selection Factors
When choosing moves, consider these key factors that determine effectiveness in different scenarios.
Power vs Accuracy
Balance between damage output and reliability
High risk, high reward
Reliable and consistent
Powerful but lowers Sp. Attack
Physical vs Special
Match move type to your Pokémon's better attacking stat
For high Attack Pokémon
For high Sp. Attack Pokémon
Unpredictable but spread stats
🎯 Type Coverage Strategy
Coverage Analysis
Good coverage means your moves can hit as many different types effectively as possible. Here's how to build comprehensive coverage:
🎯 Popular Coverage Combinations
⚡ EdgeQuake (Earthquake + Stone Edge)
Classic coverage combo that hits most types for neutral or super-effective damage. Only Breloom resists both moves.
🧊 BoltBeam (Thunderbolt + Ice Beam)
Excellent special coverage combo. Only Magnezone, Lanturn, and Thick Fat Pokémon resist both moves effectively.
🏆 Role-Based Movesets
Different roles require different move priorities. Tailor your moveset to your Pokémon's intended function.
Sweeper
Wall/Tank
Support
Lead
🧠 Advanced Concepts
🎭 Surprise Factor
Unexpected moves can catch opponents off-guard and secure crucial knockouts.
⏱️ Speed Tiers & Priority
Consider speed relationships when selecting moves, especially priority moves.
+2 Priority
Extreme Speed
+1 Priority
Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet
Normal
Most moves
🔄 Move Synergy
Some moves work better together than the sum of their parts.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
❌ Avoid: Running four attacking moves on every Pokémon. Utility moves often provide more value than marginal coverage.
❌ Avoid: Using low-accuracy moves in crucial situations. Reliability often trumps raw power.
❌ Avoid: Neglecting STAB moves for coverage. The 50% damage boost is usually worth more than super-effective coverage.
❌ Avoid: Using physical moves on special attackers (or vice versa) without good reason.
🎯 Testing Your Movesets
Practical Evaluation
🤔 Ask Yourself:
- • Can I handle the top 10 most common threats?
- • Do I have reliable damage output?
- • Can I break through common walls?
- • Do I have answers to setup sweepers?
- • Is my moveset predictable or surprising?
🧪 Battle Testing
The best way to evaluate movesets is through actual battles. Take notes on what works and what doesn't, then adjust accordingly.
Next Steps
Master move selection to create devastating movesets for any situation: