Pokémon GO's combat system hinges on the strategic use of Charged Attacks. These powerful moves can turn the tide of a battle, but understanding how they work is crucial for success in Raids, Gym battles, and Trainer Battles. This guide delves into the intricacies of Charged Attacks, answering common questions and providing tips to maximize their effectiveness.
What are Charged Attacks in Pokémon GO?
Charged Attacks are Pokémon's most potent moves. Unlike Fast Attacks, which build up energy over time, Charged Attacks require a specific amount of energy to unleash. This energy bar fills as your Pokémon uses Fast Attacks. The faster your Pokémon's Fast Attack, the quicker their Charged Attack will be ready. Different Pokémon have access to different Charged Attacks, each with its own strengths, weaknesses, and energy cost. Choosing the right Charged Attack can dramatically impact your battle performance.
How do I choose the best Charged Attacks for my Pokémon?
Selecting optimal Charged Attacks involves considering several factors:
- Type Effectiveness: Prioritize Charged Attacks that exploit your opponent's weaknesses. A Fire-type Charged Attack will be devastating against Grass-type Pokémon, for example.
- Energy Cost: Balance power with energy cost. A high-damage move that takes ages to charge might not be as useful as a slightly less powerful move that charges faster.
- Move Type: Consider the overall movepool of your Pokémon. Having a diverse range of types can be beneficial in different matchups.
- PvP vs. PvE: Optimal Charged Attack choices may differ between Player versus Player (PvP) battles and Player versus Environment (PvE) battles like Raids. In PvP, shielding strategies require careful consideration.
Remember, you can change your Pokémon's Charged Attacks using Charged TMs.
How do I use Charged Attacks effectively in battle?
Effective Charged Attack usage requires strategic timing and anticipation:
- Shield Management: In Trainer Battles, be mindful of your opponent's shields. Save your most powerful Charged Attacks for when your opponent doesn't have a shield remaining.
- Energy Management: Don't waste energy. If you're low on energy and a powerful Charged Attack is about to be ready, it might be beneficial to switch Pokémon.
- Opponent Type: Observe your opponent's Pokémon type and choose your Charged Attacks accordingly to maximize damage.
- Team Composition: Coordinate Charged Attacks with your teammates in Raids for optimal damage output. Having a team with diverse move types is crucial.
What are some of the best Charged Attacks in Pokémon GO?
There's no single "best" Charged Attack, as effectiveness depends heavily on the Pokémon using it and the opponent faced. However, some consistently powerful Charged Attacks include:
- Earthquake (Ground): Extremely high damage, effective against many common types.
- Hydro Pump (Water): Another high-damage option, particularly strong against Fire- and Ground-types.
- Flare Blitz (Fire): High damage, but it also damages the user.
- Thunderbolt (Electric): Reliable damage, especially effective against Flying- and Water-types.
- Psychic (Psychic): A good all-around Charged Attack with decent damage and energy cost.
This is not an exhaustive list, and the meta constantly evolves with updates.
How do I get Charged TMs to change my Pokémon's Charged Attacks?
Charged TMs are earned through various in-game activities, such as completing Research Tasks and battling in Raids. Keep an eye out for special events that often offer increased TM rewards.
Can I predict when a Charged Attack will be ready?
While there's no precise prediction, you can get a general idea by observing the energy bar filling up as your Pokémon uses its Fast Attack. The larger the energy bar, the closer you are to unleashing a Charged Attack.
By carefully considering these factors and practicing, you can master Charged Attacks and significantly improve your performance in Pokémon GO battles. Remember that experimentation and adaptation are key to success.
