If you’re new to Pokémon battles and trying out Pokémon Champions, you might not have used non-attack moves on your Pokémon before. While the usefulness of these moves varies, there’s a big variety of options available to teach your Pokémon, which can sometimes be overwhelming, even though having them at your disposal is great.
So, which non-attack moves should you focus on, and which ones are worth teaching your Pokémon? Depending on your strategy, there are a few moves that you’ll want to have on at least one Pokémon in your team.
### Essential Non-Attack Pokémon Moves
Competitive Pokémon battles are very different from casual matches when it comes to choosing the right moveset for your team. Non-attack moves often have higher priority, and some are so important they can decide whether you win or lose.
With these moves now accessible at the cost of some Victory Points (VP), you can build a team with a good balance tailored to your needs. If you’re just starting out, here are some key non-attack moves to consider:
| Move | Description |
|—————-|—————————————————————————————————————————————————————–|
| Protect | Almost every Pokémon should have this move. A well-timed Protect can be the difference between winning and losing. Anticipating the right moment to use it takes skill; having a turn to shield from damage is crucial at higher levels. |
| Fake Out | Priority moves always go first, but Fake Out stops this. It makes the opponent flinch, preventing them from executing their turn. Fake Out must be your first move, making it a valuable support move as you progress. |
| Tailwind | Speed determines the flow of battle, with the fastest Pokémon going first. When facing a faster opponent, Tailwind doubles your team’s speed for four turns, often allowing your Pokémon to attack first and take control of the match. |
| Recover | Not all Pokémon can learn it, but Recover lets you heal quickly. It’s especially useful in double battles, where healing can keep your Pokémon in the fight longer. A support Pokémon with Recover can be a reliable backup. |
| Perish Song | If unprepared, an opponent caught in Perish Song will have their Pokémon knocked out in three turns. To stop this, they need Pokémon with Soundproof, use Taunt, switch out before time runs out, or employ moves that prevent switching. |
| Substitute | Sacrifice a quarter of your HP to create a doll that takes your Pokémon’s place. Attacks and status moves targeting your Pokémon will hit the doll instead, which lasts until the HP is depleted. It’s a great way to protect against threats or ailments. |
| Will-O-Wisp | This move burns the target upon hitting. A burn causes chip damage over time and halves the physical attack of the affected Pokémon, which is very useful against large physical attackers. |
| Trick Room | Useful for slow Pokémon, Trick Room reverses the usual speed order, making the slowest Pokémon move first for five turns. This allows bulky or slow Pokémon to set up or deal damage more effectively. |
| Stat Boosting Moves | Moves like Swords Dance or Dragon Dance boost your Pokémon’s Attack, Speed, or other stats. With proper setup, these moves can lead to one-hit KOs, turning the tide of battle in your favor. |
Choosing the right non-attack moves can strengthen your team significantly, especially in competitive play, where timing and strategy are everything.