Battle Pointers: Advanced Trainer Info 2

Learn about Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB), move variety, hold items like Leftovers and Choice items, and priority moves in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.

This guide section explains advanced trainer information for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, focusing on battle mechanics.

Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB)

STAB means a Pokémon gets a damage bonus when using a move that matches one of its own types. For example, Milotic gets STAB with Scald (Water-type move) but not Ice Beam (Ice-type move). This mechanic encourages players to use Pokémon moves that align with their types. Dual-typed Pokémon benefit from STAB with both of their types, making them versatile. Generally, moves with STAB are preferable.

Variety is the Spice of Life

While STAB is beneficial, having moves of different types can be strategically advantageous. Since a Pokémon team can cover many types, using TMs or other methods to teach Pokémon moves of types they don't possess can help exploit weaknesses in opposing Pokémon, even without STAB. This is especially useful against Pokémon that are weak or double-weak to a certain type, allowing for double or quadruple damage. While not essential for the main quest, a diverse movepool enhances a trainer's options.

Hold Onto Your Hats

Most Pokémon should hold an item to gain benefits, unless they are using a move like Acrobatics (which powers up without a hold item). Pokémon cannot use consumable items like Potions or Poké Balls; these are only useful for trading. Beneficial hold items during the main quest include those that boost move power (e.g., Miracle Seed for Grass-types) or increase post-battle earnings (e.g., Amulet Coin, Lucky Egg). For competitive play, Leftovers are excellent for bulky Pokémon to recover HP over time. Offensive Pokémon might use Choice items (Band, Specs, Scarf) for a significant boost in power or speed, at the cost of being locked into a single move. Soul Dew is a powerful item for Latios and Latias, boosting their Special Attack and Defense, but it's banned in official tournaments and certain in-game facilities like the Battle Institute and Maison.

Priority Moves

Priority moves, such as Quick Attack, allow a Pokémon to attack first in battle, regardless of its Speed stat. If both Pokémon use priority moves of the same level, the faster Pokémon attacks first. However, not all priority moves share the same priority level; some status moves like Endure and Protect have higher priority than offensive moves like Quick Attack, and some moves have negative priority, causing them to act last. While less crucial in the main story, priority moves are important in player-vs-player battles, especially when a Pokémon is low on HP. Be aware of moves like Aqua Jet, Bullet Punch, and Sucker Punch. Certain Abilities can also influence priority; Prankster gives status moves increased priority, and Gale Wings boosts the priority of Flying-type moves.