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Super Duper Effective

From the onset, the game will tutor you about super and not very effective hits.

Combat in Pokémon Black & White is fast, a universal shortening of health bars means that when many creatures take a hit, they really take a hit.

Using Super Effective counters against specific enemies has always been a staple part of the Pokémon experience but it’s never been so crucial to cash in on the bonus. Likewise, it’s never been so crucial to avoid having your Pokémon whacked by something hitting for bonus damage.

Even around Level 30 and above a super effective attack can end a Pokémon’s life in one swift moment.

Three vs. Three

Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire were the first games to feature two vs. two encounters, and Black & White increases the number to three vs. three. These scraps take more getting used to however, with placement playing an important part.

The Pokémon in the center position (this will be the Pokémon listed second in your party) is able to direct an attack at any opposing Pokémon, while attacks that hit multiple opponents such as Surf will damage all opponents.

Meanwhile, Pokémon to the left and right are limited to damaging their rival position and the center. These battles are rare, but require extra thought in terms of placement, as you’ll want to try and keep your Pokémon in the blind zone of opponents capable of hitting them with Super Effective moves.

Rotation Battle

In-game, Rotation Battles are more common in Pokemon Black.

Like Three vs. Three battles, Rotation Fights are new to the series in Black & White. These scraps see both trainers unleash three Pokémon onto a dial that can be rotated left and right, hence the name.

Only one Pokémon is fighting at any given time in a Rotation Battle but both players can rotate the dial at the start of a turn so that a different Pokémon is made ‘active’ before both the active ‘mon unleash a pre-decided attack.

This leads to mind games that rival Vegas as players try to guess and second-guess whether there will be a rotation or whether to attack. Easily the most confusing addition, but if you ask us status changes like Sleep and Poison are king in these mental mash-ups.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Pokemon Company International
  • Platforms,
    DS
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    30 May 2011
  • Last Updated
    21 February 2021
  • Guide Author
    Daniel Chaviers

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How to become the greatest trainer Unova has ever known with our highly-detailed walkthrough of the main story and beyond. Pokemon trainers and collectors alike will appreciate our extensive lists of Pokemon and item location, ensuring nothing important goes under the Poke Radar!

Version 1.3

  • Concise & easy to understand explanations of advanced stat building systems - learn to raise a prize Pokémon.
  • Added TM names - find the items you want to find.
  • Expert strategies for defeating every single gym leader.
  • How to collect the various new Pokémon (including Legendary Pokémon)!
  • Thorough Route and Town guides detailing every collectable Pokemon and item.
  • Hidden secrets explained
  • How to raise a super squad of undefeatable Pokémon.
  • Encounter rates for every area of the game.
  • Hundreds of illustrative, high-quality screenshots.
  • Postgame areas explainned.
  • Expanded Training and Battling segments.

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