Special Move Mechanics
Beyond the standard offensive and defensive moves, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire introduce and refine several special move mechanics that can turn the tide of battle. Mastering these techniques is crucial for competitive play and even for navigating challenging in-game encounters.
Mega Evolution
Mega Evolution is a temporary transformation that significantly boosts a Pokémon's stats, changes its ability, and sometimes even its type. This powerful mechanic can only be used once per battle per trainer.
- How to Mega Evolve:
- Your Pokémon must be holding its specific Mega Stone (e.g., Sceptilite for Sceptile, Blazikenite for Blaziken, Swampertite for Swampert).
- You must possess the Key Stone, obtained from Steven Stone after defeating Team Magma/Aqua at Southern Island (Omega Ruby) or after the events at the Mossdeep Space Center (Alpha Sapphire).
- During a battle, select the "Mega Evolve" option before choosing a move for the eligible Pokémon.
- Key Mega Stones Locations:
- Starter Mega Stones: Your chosen starter's Mega Stone is given to you by Steven Stone. The other two are available for purchase from a merchant in the Stone Emporium in Mauville City after completing the Delta Episode.
- Metagrossite: Obtained from Steven Stone after defeating him in the Pokémon League.
- Latiasite/Latiosite: Automatically obtained during the story on Southern Island.
- Many other Mega Stones are hidden throughout Hoenn. Use the Dowsing Machine (obtained from Brendan/May on Route 110) to locate invisible items, as many Mega Stones are found this way. Check areas like the Safari Zone (for Kangaskhanite) or Route 120 (for Manectite).
- Strategy Tip: Mega Evolution happens at the beginning of the turn, before any moves are executed. This means your Mega Evolved Pokémon will benefit from its new stats and ability immediately. Consider timing your Mega Evolution to counter an opponent's setup or to unleash a powerful attack.
Primal Reversion
Exclusive to Groudon and Kyogre, Primal Reversion is a form of ancient transformation that restores them to their true, more powerful states. Unlike Mega Evolution, it does not require a Key Stone.
- How to Achieve Primal Reversion:
- Groudon must hold the Red Orb.
- Kyogre must hold the Blue Orb.
- These Orbs are integral to the main story. The Red Orb is found in the Cave of Origin (Omega Ruby) and the Blue Orb is found in the Cave of Origin (Alpha Sapphire).
- Unique Abilities:
- Primal Groudon: Gains the ability Desolate Land, which creates extremely harsh sunlight. This nullifies Water-type attacks and prevents weather changes.
- Primal Kyogre: Gains the ability Primordial Sea, which creates heavy rain. This nullifies Fire-type attacks and prevents weather changes.
- Strategy Tip: Primal Reversion is permanent for the duration of the battle once the Pokémon is sent out holding its respective Orb. These abilities are incredibly potent, effectively removing the opposing weather condition and granting a massive defensive advantage against certain types.
Secret Power
Secret Power is a unique Normal-type move whose effect changes based on the terrain it's used on. This can be a versatile option for Pokémon that learn it, offering utility beyond simple damage.
- TM Location: TM94 (Secret Power) is given to you by Aarune in the Secret Base Guild in Mauville City after you've created your first Secret Base.
- Terrain Effects:
Terrain Effect Chance Tall Grass Puts the target to Sleep 30% Water Lowers the target's Attack 30% Caves/Buildings Lowers the target's Speed 30% Sand Lowers the target's Accuracy 30% Rock/Mountain Causes the target to Flinch 30% Snow/Ice (Mirage Spot) Freezes the target 10% - Strategy Tip: While the chance for a secondary effect is not 100%, the ability to inflict status conditions or stat drops based on your environment can be surprisingly useful, especially in trainer battles where you know the terrain beforehand. Consider teaching it to a Pokémon with high Attack or Special Attack to capitalize on its base power, or to a more supportive Pokémon for its status capabilities.