Battle Flow: Pokemon Battles 3003 2

Learn the essential battle mechanics in Pokémon Sun and Moon, from choosing moves to understanding types and battle outcomes. Become a Pokémon Master!

Hey there! So you're diving into Pokémon Sun and Moon and want to get a handle on how battles work? Awesome! Whether you're facing off against a wild Pokémon or another trainer, the core mechanics are pretty much the same. Most of the time, it's just you and your Pokémon against theirs.

The Pokémon you send out first is always the one at the very top-left of your party. If that little guy faints, don't worry, your next Pokémon in line will jump into the fray.

Choosing Your Moves

Once you select 'Fight' during a battle, you'll get to pick one of your Pokémon's moves. Remember, each Pokémon can learn up to 4 moves. You can teach them new moves through leveling up, evolving, or by using special TM items. If your Pokémon is already at its move limit and tries to learn a new one, you'll have to choose between ditching an old move or skipping the new one.

Moves aren't just about dealing damage, though! Some can inflict status effects, while others do a bit of both. Every move has a PP (Power Point) value, which is basically how many times you can use it before it runs out. You'll need to visit a Pokémon Center to get those PP back.

Now, about Types – this is super important! Every Pokémon and every move has a Type, like Normal, Fire, Grass, or even Dark, Steel, and Fairy. Some Pokémon even have two Types! These Types play a huge role in how much damage is dealt, so it's worth checking out our Type Match-Up guide to get the full picture.

Battle Outcomes

After you've picked your move, the Pokémon with the higher Speed stat gets to go first. If it's a move that deals damage, it'll chip away at the opponent's HP. Once a Pokémon's HP hits 0, it faints and is out of the battle.

When you successfully faint an opponent's Pokémon (or catch a wild one), your Pokémon earn experience. Rack up enough experience, and they'll Level Up, boosting their stats and sometimes learning new moves or even evolving!

Battles against wild Pokémon end right after you defeat or catch them. But if you're battling another trainer, they might send out another Pokémon. Just like you, trainers can have up to 6 Pokémon, though many stick to around 3. The battle continues until one trainer has no Pokémon left. The winner gets experience and, if it was a trainer battle, some Poke Dollars (money) too!