With every generation the battle mechanics change and Pokémon Sun and Moon is no exception.
Some of the changes to battle were documented weeks prior to the release of the game thanks to previous trailers and some observant viewers (sorry, Mega Kangaskhan). But now with the game released and some players having the game for over a week, most of these battle mechanic changes have been found.
Here’s a list of the changes to Pokémon battling in Sun and Moon that Smogon has found (with possibly more to come).
- Dark-type Pokémon are immune to moves that are enhanced by Prankster.
- Soul Dew has been nerfed, now only boosting Latias's and Latios's Dragon and Psychic moves by 20%.
- Burn only does 1/16 max HP (down from 1/8).
- Dark Void is now only 50% accurate and only usable by Darkrai.
- Sheer Cold can't KO Ice Pokémon , and is less accurate when used by a non-Ice-type.
- Paralysis only cuts Speed by 50%.
- Parental Bond's second hit does 25% what the first hit does.
- Gale Wings only activates when the user is at full HP.
- When a Pokémon Mega Evolves, it uses its new Speed stat as opposed to its old Speed stat. This also means that Mega Banette gets Prankster for the turn it Mega Evolves, but Mega Sableye doesn't get a Prankster boost if it Mega Evolves that turn!
For those not familiar with the competitive scene, the biggest changes here are that Dark Void cannot be learned by other Pokémon, like Smeargle. The reduced accuracy also doesn’t help the move that can put two Pokémon to sleep at once.
The nerf to burns is big as now Pokémon can outlast that status affliction longer. The aforementioned nerf to Parental Bond hurts Mega Kangaskhan’s strength but the change to how Mega Evolutions work is a big game-changer.
Although Mega Evolutions won’t be allowed in the VGC format in this upcoming season, fans of the mechanic will love to know that the that Pokémon uses its new Speed stat after Mega Evolving.
Essentially, Pokémon like Mega Beedrill, Mega Sharpedo etc… can now attack the turn it Mega Evolves instead of having to depend on Protect to get all its stats boosted.
While trainers are still testing out these new mechanics and discovering others, we want to know what change is the biggest in your mind. Sound off in the comments section below.
