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Pokémon: Sun & Moon

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Pokemon Stats

By
Vincent Lau

Bigger numbers are better of course.

When you look at your Pokemon’s Summary screen, you’ll see their stats on the top screen. While die-hard Pokemon fans know all there is to know, the novices among you may be wondering what these numbers all mean.

Key Stats

Stat Affects What it Means
HP Health HP is short for “Hit Points”. This is the total health of your Pokémon.
Attack Physical moves The higher this stat, the more damage your Pokémon will deal with physical moves.
Defense Physical moves The higher this stat, the less damage your Pokémon will receive from physical moves.
Sp. Attack Special moves The higher this stat, the more damage your Pokémon will deal with special moves.
Sp. Defense Special moves The higher this stat, the less damage your Pokémon will receive from special moves.
Speed Priority in battle The higher this stat, the higher the chance of your Pokemon acting first in battle

Physical or Special?

So far, so good, but how can you tell what’s a physical move and what’s a special move? Well, when you check a Pokemon’s moves (via the Summary screen or by pressing L+A during battle), you will see a specific Category icon above the move’s Power and Accuracy.

A red “crash” icon indicates that the move is physical-based, while a blue “spiral” icon indicates that the move is a special one. Or if the icon is a grey “yin-yang”, that means it’s a status move that’s neither physical or special.

From your perspective, on top of all the other considerations like STAB and Type coverage, you should also have your Pokemon specialise in physical or special moves depending on if their Attack or Special Attack stat is the highest. If they’re both just as high, no worries!

You also ought to consider your opponent when selecting a physical or special move. Just as some Pokemon have higher Attack or Special Attack, some have higher Defence or Special Defence. Trying to defeat "Chansey" IconChansey with special moves could take all day, but a physical move will end it in seconds.

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Guide Information
  • Publisher
    Nintendo
  • Platforms,
    DS
  • Genre
    RPG
  • Guide Release
    12 December 2016
  • Last Updated
    7 December 2020
  • Guide Author
    Vincent Lau, Cassie Sun

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Welcome to Alola, a region of tropical islands, filled with gorgeous natural beauty and Pokemon never seen before. Having recently moved to Alola, your journey begins soon afterwards. Your adventures will be filled with fascinating and colorful people with quirky island traditions and of course Pokémon. Delight in the mysteries of the brand new Alola region as your travels take you the length and breadth of the region and the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala are finally unveiled.

Our massive and comprehensive guide includes the following:

  • A full route and trial battle guide covering your journey from Pokémon novice to eventual Champion.

  • All dungeons and Rite of the Island challenges covered.

  • Detailed breeding and capture guide, including locations for every Pokémon as well as information on the new Alolan forms.

  • Gameplay strategies to maximise your team potential as well as details on Hyper Training.

  • Minigames and secrets uncovered.

  • An explanation of the brand new Rotom Pokédex and loads more!

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