Priority is a crucial concept in Pokemon battles that determines the order in which moves are executed. Each move has a hidden priority value, ranging from +5 to -7, with the majority of moves having a standard priority of 0. Moves with higher priority values are performed before moves with lower priority values, regardless of the Pokemon’s Speed stat. If two moves have the same priority value, the Pokemon with the higher Speed stat will go first.
Key Facts
- Priority is determined by the priority value assigned to each move. Most moves have a priority value of 0, but there are several moves that have different priority values.
- Moves with higher priority values are performed before moves with lower priority values. For example, a move with a priority value of +1 will be executed before a move with a priority value of 0.
- If two moves have the same priority value, the Pokemon with the higher Speed stat will go first.
- Some moves have negative priority values, which means they are performed after moves with positive priority values. These moves are usually related to protecting the user or disrupting the opponent.
- Certain moves, like Protect and Detect, allow the user to evade all attacks. These moves have a priority value of +4.
- Quick Claw is an item that can occasionally boost a Pokemon’s priority, allowing it to attack first. However, this does not affect the priority stages.
- Trick Room is a move that reverses the order of Pokemon’s Speed stats, making slower Pokemon move first. However, the priority stages remain the same.
Priority Values
Moves are classified into different priority brackets based on their priority values. The higher the priority value, the earlier the move will be executed. The following table lists the priority values and the corresponding moves:
| Priority Value | Moves |
|---|---|
| +5 | Helping Hand |
| +4 | Baneful Bunker, Burning Bulwark, Detect, Endure, King’s Shield, Magic Coat, Max Guard, Obstruct, Protect, Spiky Shield, Snatch |
| +3 | Crafty Shield, Fake Out, Quick Guard, Spotlight, Wide Guard |
| +2 | Ally Switch, Extreme Speed, Feint, First Impression, Follow Me, Rage Powder |
| +1 | Accelerock, Aqua Jet, Baby-Doll Eyes, Bide, Bullet Punch, Grassy Glide*, Ice Shard, Ion Deluge, Jet Punch, Mach Punch, Powder, Quick Attack, Shadow Sneak, Sucker Punch, Vacuum Wave, Water Shuriken |
| 0 | All other moves |
| -1 | Vital Throw |
| -2 | None |
| -3 | Beak Blast, Focus Punch, Shell Trap |
| -4 | Avalanche, Revenge |
| -5 | Counter, Mirror Coat |
| -6 | Circle Throw, Dragon Tail, Roar, Whirlwind, Teleport |
| -7 | Magic Room, Trick Room, Wonder Room |
- Grassy Glide has increased priority only if used in Grassy Terrain.
Special Priority
Certain moves and abilities have special priority that overrides the standard priority system. For example, the move Pursuit has a unique priority that allows it to hit an opponent that is switching out, even if the opponent’s move has a higher priority. Additionally, some abilities, such as Prankster and Gale Wings, can increase the priority of certain moves.
Effects that Block Priority Moves
Some moves and abilities can prevent priority moves from being used. For instance, the move Quick Guard can block priority moves, while the ability Dark-type immunity prevents Pokemon from being affected by priority moves that are boosted by Prankster.
Effects that can Break Priority
A few moves and abilities can make a Pokemon act outside of its normal priority. For example, the move After You allows the user to help the target Pokemon move immediately after the user, while the ability Quash suppresses the target Pokemon and makes its move go last.
Effects that Dictate Precedence within a Priority Bracket
Certain effects can force a move to go first or last within a priority bracket, regardless of the Pokemon’s Speed stat. For instance, the item Quick Claw gives a 20% chance for the Pokemon to go first within its priority bracket, while the item Full Incense always makes the Pokemon go last.
Conclusion
Priority is a complex and dynamic aspect of Pokemon battles that can significantly impact the outcome of a match. Understanding priority values, special priority moves, and effects that can alter priority is essential for strategic battling and achieving victory.
References
- Priority – Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia
- Speed Priority – Serebii.net Games
- Move Priority – Smogon University
FAQs
What is priority in Pokemon?
Priority is a mechanic in Pokemon battles that determines the order in which moves are executed. Moves with higher priority values are performed before moves with lower priority values, regardless of the Pokemon’s Speed stat.
What are the different priority values in Pokemon?
Priority values range from +5 to -7, with the majority of moves having a standard priority of 0. Moves with higher priority values are executed earlier than moves with lower priority values.
How does priority work if two moves have the same priority value?
If two moves have the same priority value, the Pokemon with the higher Speed stat will go first.
Are there any moves or abilities that can affect priority?
Yes, certain moves and abilities can increase or decrease the priority of moves. For example, the move Prankster increases the priority of status moves by one stage, while the ability Gale Wings increases the priority of Flying-type moves by one stage if the Pokemon has full HP.
Are there any moves that can block priority moves?
Yes, some moves and abilities can prevent priority moves from being used. For instance, the move Quick Guard can block priority moves, while the ability Dark-type immunity prevents Pokemon from being affected by priority moves that are boosted by Prankster.
Are there any moves or abilities that can break priority?
A few moves and abilities can make a Pokemon act outside of its normal priority. For example, the move After You allows the user to help the target Pokemon move immediately after the user, while the ability Quash suppresses the target Pokemon and makes its move go last.
Are there any items that can affect priority?
Yes, certain items can affect priority. For instance, the item Quick Claw gives a 20% chance for the Pokemon to go first within its priority bracket, while the item Full Incense always makes the Pokemon go last.
How can I use priority to my advantage in Pokemon battles?
Understanding priority values and how to manipulate them can give you a significant advantage in Pokemon battles. By using moves and abilities that increase priority, you can often strike first and deal damage before your opponent has a chance to react. Additionally, you can use moves and abilities that block or break priority to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.