Status condition

Status redirects here. For the move category, see status move.

Status conditions (Japanese: 状態異常 abnormal condition), also referred to as status problems or status ailments, affect a Pokémon's ability to battle. There are three kinds of status. The first are non-volatile, the second are volatile, and the third lasts while a Pokémon is in battle. The Pokérus is a similar but unrelated concept.

Non-volatile status

A non-volatile status condition is a status condition that remains outside of battle and after being switched out. A Pokémon can only be afflicted by one non-volatile status condition at a time. They can be cured by healing at a Pokémon Center, specific curative items, and other ways. If a Pokémon is affected by a non-volatile status condition, an icon will display the type of status condition (replacing the Pokémon's level in Generations I and II).

In Pokémon Conquest all status conditions disappear after battle. Furthermore, a non-volatile status condition can be replaced with another non-volatile status condition.

Burn

 
Ursaring is burned
Main article: Burn (status condition)

The burn condition (BRN) halves damage dealt by a Pokémon's physical moves (except for Pokémon with the Guts Ability, where this condition raises Attack by 50%). Additionally, at the end of a turn, the Pokémon loses 1/8 its maximum hit points (in Generation I or in the case of Pokémon with the Ability Heatproof, the Pokémon loses 1/16 of its maximum hit points). Normally Fire-type Pokémon and Pokémon with the Water Veil Ability cannot be burned; however, if a Pokémon is burned then has its type changed to Fire or its Ability changed to Water Veil, the burn will remain. All moves which can cause burn are Fire-type except for Tri Attack (Generation II onwards), Fling when the Flame Orb is held, Scald and Ice Burn. In Generation V, Pokémon glow red when afflicted with burn.

Freeze

 
Excadrill is frozen
Main article: Freeze (status condition)

The freeze condition (FRZ) causes a Pokémon to be unable to make a move. Damaging Fire-type moves used on a frozen Pokémon will remove the freeze status. From Generation II onward, freeze has a random, 20% chance to be cured on its own on the frozen Pokémon's turn. Consequently, the frozen Pokémon may thaw out on the turn of freezing; however, in Generation I, a frozen Pokémon never thaws without external aid. Pokémon cannot be frozen in sunny weather; contrary to popular belief, sunny weather does not cause a quicker thawing.

Ice-type Pokémon cannot be frozen by Ice-type moves; however, they can be frozen by Tri Attack and Secret Power. In Generation VI onward, Ice-type Pokémon cannot be frozen by any method. A frozen Pokémon can still use the moves Fusion Flare, Flame Wheel, Sacred Fire, Flare Blitz and Scald while frozen; these moves will thaw the user, thaw the opponent if possible, and deal damage to the opponent. All moves which cause freezing are Ice type except Tri Attack (Generation II onwards) and Secret Power (when used in snow or ice; Generation IV only). It is also the only non-volatile status which has no move that causes it 100% of the time. The only move to provide more than a 10% chance of freezing is Secret Power when used on snow or ice, which provides a 30% chance. In Generation V, Pokémon glow blue and stop moving when afflicted with freeze.

A frozen Sky Forme Shaymin will revert to its Land Forme.

Paralysis

 
Ursaring is paralyzed
Main article: Paralysis (status condition)

The paralysis condition (PAR) causes a Pokémon to be unable to attack ("fully paralyzed") a quarter of the time. Additionally, its Speed is reduced to 25% of its previous value (except for Pokémon with the Quick Feet Ability, where this condition raises the Speed by 50%). Many moves that cause paralysis are of the Electric type. Ground-type Pokémon can be paralyzed, but not by Electric-type moves or by the Battle Arcade. In Generation V, Pokémon glow yellow when afflicted with paralysis and their animation will be slowed significantly. As of Generation VI, Electric-type Pokémon can no longer be paralyzed.

Poison

 
Hawlucha is poisoned
Main article: Poison (status condition)

The poison condition (PSN) causes a Pokémon to lose 1/8 of its maximum hit points every turn (in Generation I, it loses 1/16). Normally Steel- and Poison-type Pokémon and Pokémon with the Immunity Ability cannot be poisoned; however, if a Pokémon is poisoned then has its type changed to Steel or Poison or its Ability changed to Immunity, the poison will remain. In addition, in Generation II, Steel-type Pokémon can be poisoned by Twineedle. A Pokémon with the Poison Heal Ability will gradually recover health instead when poisoned.

Prior to Generation V, a poisoned Pokémon also loses 1 hit point for every four steps taken while not in battle; in Generation IV, a Pokémon whose HP is reduced to 1 via poison outside of battle will have the poison status removed (while in previous generations its HP would reduce to zero, causing it to faint). All moves which can poison are of the Poison-type except Twineedle, Secret Power, and Fling (which poisons only if Poison Barb is held). In Generation V, Pokémon glow purple when afflicted with poison.

Badly poisoned

The badly poisoned condition is caused by Toxic and Poison Fang, as well as by Toxic Spikes after it is used twice. It is the same as Poison except its damage begins at 1/16 and grows an additional 1/16 every turn, taking 2/16 max hit points the second turn, then 3/16 the third turn, and 4/16 the fourth, and so on. In Generation I and Generation II, switching a Pokémon out of active battle would change the badly poisoned condition to normal poison. In Generation III and beyond, the "badly poisoned" effect will remain even after switching a Pokémon out of battle and back in, but the damage counter will be reset. After a battle is over, the "badly poisoned" status will become a normal poison. All moves which can badly poison are of the Poison-type except Fling (which badly poisons only if Toxic Orb is held). In Generation V, Pokémon glow purple when afflicted with bad poison.

Sleep

 
Heracross sleeping
Main article: Sleep (status condition)

A Pokémon that is asleep (SLP) is immobilized and can only use the moves Snore and Sleep Talk.

Sleep lasts for a randomly chosen duration of 1 to 7 turns in the handheld Generation I games, 1 to 3 turns in Pokémon Stadium and Generation V onwards,[1] and 1 to 5 turns in Generations II to IV (except the Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl). In the Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, the minimum and maximum sleep count is 1 turn higher, lasting 2 to 6 turns.[2] A Pokémon can inflict self-induced sleep using the move Rest, which will restore all of the Pokémon's health and remove any other non-volatile status condition. A disobedient Pokémon may also nap during battle. There are eleven moves that cause sleep.

In Generation I, a Pokémon that wakes up is not able to attack that same turn, but since Generation II, it is able to attack as soon as the sleep wears off. In Generation V only, a Pokémon's sleep counter is reset to its original amount when switched out; this also applies for self-induced sleep. From Generation V onwards, Pokémon close their eyes while sleeping and they move slower as well.

Volatile status

A volatile status is a status condition that will wear off when a Pokémon is switched out of battle or when a battle is over. Many volatile status conditions will also wear off after a number of turns have passed. A Pokémon can be affected by multiple volatile status conditions at a time. A volatile status condition is not indicated by an icon.

Confusion

See also: List of moves that confuse

The confused condition causes a Pokémon to hurt itself in its confusion 50% of the time. The damage is done as if the Pokémon attacked itself with a 40-power typeless physical attack (without the possibility of a critical hit).

Confusion wears off after 1-4 attacking turns. This means that turns recharging, such as after using Hyper Beam, and turns unable to attack, such as from paralysis, will not lower the remaining number of turns of confusion. However, a sleeping Pokémon may hurt itself in confusion if using a move such as Snore or Sleep Talk. Multi-turn attacks such as Fly and Dive require confusion to be checked both turns, further reducing the chance of a successful attack.

Pokémon with the Own Tempo Ability are immune to being confused. Confusion can be cured with Persim Berries, Touga Berries, the Yellow Flute, and, Generation II onwards, items that cure all status conditions such as Full Heals and Lum Berries; it is the only volatile status condition to be able to be cured by items that heal all status conditions.

Confusion is transferred by Baton Pass.

If a Pokémon that is confused is holding a Focus Sash manages to hit itself for all of its HP, it will activate the Focus Sash and survive with 1 HP.

A Ninja Boy on Route 211 erroneously states that confusion only wears off if the Pokémon is switched out.

In Pokémon Conquest, a confused Pokémon may move randomly, and if so, prevents the Pokémon from attacking, the Warrior using an item or activating a Warrior Skill. Confusion may wear off in the first turn.

In the anime, the depiction and symptoms of confusion has varied over the course of the show's long run:

  • In the original series of the anime, Pokémon showed no physical difference when confused. They would often get dizzy and miss their attacks as opposed to attacking themselves.
  • In the Advanced Generation series, Pokémon would get purple circles around their eyes as a sign of confusion and begin hurting themselves, or attacking their partner if in a Double Battle.
  • In the Diamond & Pearl series, Pokémon's eyes become swirls and a circle of Torchic run around the confused Pokémon's head, with the confusion causing its attacks to miss.
  • In the Best Wishes series, a Pokémon's eyes become stars and multiple stars spin around their head when they are confused.
  • In the XY series, the Pokémon's eyes become sunken or glassy, and it will begin thrashing around, attacking itself or its allies in Double Battles.

Appearance in the games

  This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Generation VI appearance

Curse

 
Suicune is hurt by the Curse

If a Ghost-type Pokémon uses Curse, the Pokémon it is used on loses ¼ of its maximum hit points every turn, and the user immediately loses half of their maximum hit points in exchange. A Pokémon afflicted by Curse cannot be healed except by switching out. If the victim of a Ghost-type Curse uses Baton Pass, the health-sapping effect is transferred to its replacement. Also, in Generation II, defeating the opponent will prevent the Pokémon it is used on taking damage from Curse on that turn.

 
Spiritomb being prevented from using items

Embargo

A Pokémon under the effect of Embargo is unable to use its held item and its Trainer cannot use items on it (including Wonder Launcher items) for five turns. A Pokémon under the effect of Embargo cannot use Fling.

Encore

Encore forces the Pokémon to repeat its last attack for 2-5 turns in Generation II, 4-8 turns in Generations III and IV, and 3 turns in Generation V and VI. In Generation V, if the Pokémon has Magic Coat active, the move will fail.

Flinch

See also: List of moves that cause flinching
 
Magmar flinching

The flinch status is a one-turn status that prevents a Pokémon from attacking. A Pokémon can only flinch if its opponent attacks first. A Pokémon who is holding a King's Rock or Razor Fang has a 10% of causing a target to flinch when using certain moves; in Generation II and III, any move that deals damage but does not have a secondary effect; in Generation IV, one of several moves on a list exclusive to the two items; in Generation V and Generation VI, any move that deals damage and does not already have a chance to flinch. Pokémon with the Inner Focus Ability are also immune to this. Most moves that cause flinching are physical moves. Pokémon with Steadfast still flinch, but gain Speed each time they do so.

It is known as "cringing" in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, Blue Rescue Team, Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness and Explorers of Sky. It is known as "flinching" from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity onward.

In Pokémon Conquest, a Pokémon that has flinched is unable to perform any actions (i.e. move around, use moves), along with its partner Warrior (i.e. use Warrior Skills, use items, link). Since battles in this game are turn-based, flinching does not require a first strike via an advantage in Speed or priority, unlike in the main series. The turn-based gameplay and the duration of flinching also makes consecutive flinching impairment impossible, unlike in the main series.

Heal Block

 
Blissey being prevented from healing

A Pokémon affected by Heal Block is prevented from healing for five turns. It cannot use Moonlight, Morning Sun, Roost, Recover, Heal Order, Rest, Soft-Boiled, Wish, Milk Drink, Slack Off, Synthesis, or Heal Pulse while it is under effect. It is unaffected by the healing effects of Wish, Ingrain, Aqua Ring, Leech Seed, and Heal Pulse.

In Generation IV and V, a Pokémon affected by Heal Block can use HP-draining moves and still inflict damage, but will not restore HP. In Generation VI, a Pokémon affected by Heal Block cannot use HP-draining moves, except Leech Seed.

Pokémon with the Ability Volt Absorb or Water Absorb will take damage, as opposed to healing, from Electric- or Water-type attacks respectively while Heal Block is in effect. A poisoned Pokémon with Poison Heal is neither healed nor damaged.

From Generation V onward, Leftovers and Shell Bell cannot heal Pokémon affected by Heal Block. In Generation VI, Black Sludge cannot heal Pokémon affected by Heal Block. Items such as Potions can still be used to heal the Pokémon.

Identification

 
Noctowl's Foresight identifying Gastly

The opponent's evasion modification will not affect the accuracy of a Pokémon that uses Foresight, Odor Sleuth, or Miracle Eye. In addition, a Normal- or Fighting-type move used by a Pokémon that has used Foresight or Odor Sleuth will affect Ghost-type Pokémon, and Psychic-type moves used by a Pokémon that has used Miracle Eye will affect Dark-type Pokémon.

Infatuation

 
Raichu is infatuated

A Pokémon that is infatuated cannot attack 50% of the time, even against Pokémon other than the one it is infatuated with. It is caused when Attract is used on an opponent of the opposite gender, may be caused when a Pokémon makes contact with a Pokémon of the opposite gender that has Cute Charm as its Ability, and is caused to the target of the infatuation when a Pokémon holding a Destiny Knot is infatuated.

Pokémon with the Oblivious Ability are immune to infatuation. Infatuation cannot be passed with Baton Pass. Infatuation will end as soon as either the affected Pokémon or the Pokémon it is attracted to is removed from the battle. It can also be removed by consuming a Mental Herb or an Eggant Berry, or by playing a Red Flute.

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, Infatuation prevents the Pokémon from doing anything for 5-6 turns, and causes linked moves to cease.

Nightmare

Nightmare only affects a sleeping Pokémon. The sleeping Pokémon loses ¼ of its maximum hit points every turn. If the sleeping Pokémon awakens, then the nightmare will no longer be in effect. If Baton Pass switches in a Pokémon that is not asleep (via Sleep Talk), then the nightmare will no longer be in effect.

Partially trapped

 
Gastrodon being trapped by Seviper's Wrap

When a Pokémon is hit by Magma Storm, Sand Tomb, Whirlpool, Wrap, Bind, Clamp, Infestation, or Fire Spin, it becomes partially trapped. Until Generation V, this lasted 2-5 turns unless a Grip Claw was held; in Generation V, partial trapping lasts 4-5 turns unless a Grip Claw is held. If the user of a partial trapping move is holding a Grip Claw, the move will last for 7 turns. A Pokémon can be only be affected by one partial trapping move at a time. If a Binding Band is held by the user, the damage done at the end of each turn will increase from 1/16 of the target's maximum HP to 1/8.

In Generation VI, partial trapping moves now deal 1/8 of the target's maximum HP at the end of each turn. In addition, holding a Binding Band increases this damage to 1/6 of the target's maximum HP. Furthermore, Ghost-type Pokémon are now immune to the trapping effect of these moves.

Generation I

In Generation I, partial trapping moves inflict damage for 2-5 turns. There is a 37.5% chance that they will last 2 turns, a 37.5% chance that they will last 3 turns, a 12.5% chance that they will last 4 turns, and a 12.5% chance that they will last 5 turns. Though technically only the first attack can be a critical hit, every attack during the duration will do the same amount of damage. During this turn duration, the target will be unable to attack, and if the user of the move attacks before the target when used, the target will be unable to attack during that round as well.

Damage done by a partial trapping move's continuing duration is done after recurrent damage. If the user switches out before the turn duration ends, the target will be unable to attack during that turn. If the target switches out before the turn duration ends, the partial trapping move will automatically be used against the incoming Pokémon, deducting an additional PP from the move. If at such a time the partial trapping move has 0 PP, it will still be used against the incoming Pokémon. After that use, due to a glitch, the current PP of the move will roll over to 63, and full PP Ups will be applied to it.

Even if the partial trapping move misses, it will negate the recharge turn normally required for Hyper Beam. Additionally, if the user of the partial trapping move attacks before the user of Hyper Beam during a recharge turn and the use of the partial trapping move misses, the user of Hyper Beam will automatically use Hyper Beam during that turn. As with the glitch above, if at such a time Hyper Beam has 0 PP, Hyper Beam will still be used, and afterwards its current PP will roll over to 63, and full PP Ups will be applied to it.

In-game, the target will get to select a move during each turn of the partial trapping move's duration, and will attack the incoming Pokémon with the selected move if the player switches before the duration is over.

In Pokémon Stadium, it is possible to select a move during each turn of the partial trapping move's duration. If the target switches out before the duration ends, the incoming Pokémon will not automatically be attacked. The partial trapping move will negate the recharge turn of Hyper Beam only if successful.

Generation II-IV

The target is now able to attack during a partial trapping move's duration, and can act normally. Instead, they inflict 1/16 of the target's maximum HP as damage for two to five turns upon use, in addition to the damage dealt when it is used. They also trap the target, preventing switching and escape. If a trapped Pokémon uses Rapid Spin, it will be freed.

If a wild Pokémon uses a partial trapping move on the player's Pokémon, the player may escape if the affected Pokémon has Run Away or is holding a Smoke Ball. However, these do not allow the player to switch the Pokémon out.

If the user of the partial trapping move is holding a Grip Claw, the duration will always be 5 turns. Also, if an affected Pokémon is holding a Shed Shell, it can switch out.

If the user of the partial trapping move switches out, the move's effects end.

Generation V

All partial trapping moves now last 4-5 turns unless a Grip Claw is held, which causes the moves to last 7 turns. The item Binding Band increases the damage dealt from 1/16 to 1/8 of the target's maximum HP while trapped.

Generation VI

All partial trapping moves now deal 1/8 damage instead of 1/16. In addition, if a Binding Band is held by the user, they will deal 1/6 instead. Ghost-type Pokémon are now immune to the trapping effect of these moves.

Perish Song

After three turns, all Pokémon who heard the Perish Song will faint, excluding Pokémon with the Soundproof Ability. Any Pokémon who heard it can avoid the effect of fainting if it is switched out before the three-turn count finishes. Baton Pass transfers the Perish Song countdown.

Seeding

 
A Solrock affected by Leech Seed

Seeding can only be caused by Leech Seed. Each turn, a seeded Pokémon loses 1/8 (1/16 in Generation I) of its maximum hit points. The opponent is healed by the same amount. Grass-type Pokémon cannot be seeded.

If a Pokémon affected by Leech Seed uses Baton Pass, Leech Seed is transferred to its replacement, even if it is Grass-type. If the user of Leech Seed switches out or faints, the health granted by the effect is applied to the new replacement. There is no requirement for the Pokémon to use the move again, or even to know it.

Unlike in the games, Leech Seed does not appear to restore the health of the Pokémon that used the attack in the anime.

Spooked

This status condition is inflicted by Pokémon with the Spookify Skill in Pokémon Shuffle. A spooked Pokémon takes 50% more damage from Ghost-type Pokémon.

Fighting, Poison, Ground, Rock, Bug, Steel, Grass, Ice, Dragon, and Dark-type Pokémon are immune to being spooked.

Taunt

A taunted Pokémon cannot use any non-damaging moves for three turns (two to four turns prior to Generation V). Pokémon using Substitute can still be afflicted with this status condition. Pokémon with Aroma Veil (or an ally with it) are also immune.

Telekinetic levitation

 
A group of people being telekinetically levitated

A Pokémon telekinetically levitated by Telekinesis is immune to Ground-type moves, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Arena Trap for three turns. In addition, all other moves, except one-hit knockout moves, hit the target regardless of accuracy and evasion; however, it does not allow moves to hit semi-invulnerable Pokémon.

The effect of Telekinesis is canceled when Gravity is used, the levitated Pokémon uses Ingrain, or the levitated Pokémon obtains an Iron Ball; Telekinesis cannot lift targets if Gravity is in effect, and will fail if used on a target that is rooted or holding an Iron Ball.

Torment

A tormented Pokémon cannot use the same move twice in a row. If the Pokémon is holding a choice item or only has one move remaining with PP, it is forced to use Struggle every second turn.

Trapped

 
Ash's Oshawott failing to return to its Poké Ball after being hit by Mean Look

A Pokémon successfully trapped by Mean Look, Spider Web, Block, Shadow Hold, Shadow Tag, Arena Trap, or Magnet Pull cannot switch until the Pokémon that used the move is defeated or switches. A Pokémon hit by Fairy Lock will only be trapped for the turn after its use. The trapped Pokémon can escape if it is holding a Shed Shell; uses U-turn, Volt Switch, or Baton Pass; or is successfully hit with Whirlwind, Roar, Dragon Tail, or Circle Throw. Prior to Generation V, if a Pokémon trapped by a move uses Baton Pass, the Pokémon brought out will be trapped instead; the effects of moves that prevent ordinary switching are no longer passed in Generation V. Being trapped also prevents fleeing. As of Generation VI, Ghost-type Pokémon are no longer affected by trapping moves and Abilities.

Volatile battle status

  The contents of this section have been suggested to be split into Battle status.
Please discuss it on the talk page for this section.

A volatile battle status will wear off when a Pokémon is taken out of battle or a battle is over. Many of these will also wear off after a number of turns pass. Since they aren't shown in battle as a status condition (having an icon) a Pokémon can be affected with multiple volatile battle statuses, volatile conditions and a non-volatile condition at the same time.

Aqua Ring

 
Swanna enveloped in a veil of water

When a Pokémon surrounds itself with a veil of water by using Aqua Ring, it restores 1/16th of its maximum HP every turn. This effect can be transferred by Baton Pass.

Bracing

 
Heracross bracing itself

When a Pokémon uses Endure, it braces itself so that whenever it takes damage that turn it will always survive with at least 1HP. The Focus Sash, Focus Band, and Ability Sturdy all have similar effects.

Center of attention

 
Clefairy drawing attention to itself

If a Pokémon becomes the center of attention by using Follow Me or Rage Powder, it forces opposing Pokémon to target the user for the rest of the turn, if it is a valid target for those moves. However, moves that target multiple Pokémon, such as Earthquake or Dazzling Gleam, will still affect all of its intended targets.

If another Pokémon on the same team is already the center of attention, the first Pokémon to become the center of attention takes priority.

This effect fades if the Pokémon that became the center of attention is knocked out, switched out, or brought into the air by Sky Drop; unless there were multiple Pokémon that were the center of attention on that side of the field, the opposing Pokémon that have not yet moved will then aim their moves at their original targets.

Defense Curl

 
Phanpy curls up, ready to use Rollout

Using Defense Curl causes the power of Rollout and Ice Ball to double for the Pokémon. This effect is not transferred by Baton Pass.

Glowing

A Pokémon readying Sky Attack becomes cloaked in light for one turn, in which it cannot act. This turn can be skipped with a Power Herb.

Rooting

 
Cradily planting its roots

When a Pokémon plants its roots by using Ingrain, it restores 1/16th of its maximum HP every turn but cannot switch out or flee, even if hit by a move that would force this such as Roar and Dragon Tail. If a Flying-type Pokémon or a Pokémon with Levitate is rooted to the ground, it is susceptible to Ground-type moves, Spikes and Toxic Spikes. The Pokémon cannot be affected by Magnet Rise and Telekinesis and they are removed if active upon rooting. This effect can be transferred by Baton Pass.

Magic Coat

 
Absol bouncing back an attack

A Pokémon shrouded with Magic Coat will reflect most status moves used against it or its side of the field back at the user during the turn it used the move. The Ability Magic Bounce reflects the same moves.

Magnetic levitation

 
Metagross levitating on magnetism

A Pokémon levitating on magnetism via Magnet Rise is immune to Ground-type attacks for five turns. Like Flying-type Pokémon and Pokémon with Levitate, the user is immune to the damage of Spikes and Toxic Spikes, and is unaffected by Arena Trap. Magnet Rise is completely negated by Gravity, Ingrain, and holding an Iron Ball.

This effect can be transferred by Baton Pass.

Minimize

A Pokémon that has used the move Minimize (or had the effect passed to it via Baton Pass) will be affected more harmfully by some moves.

From Generation II onward, Pokémon that have used Minimize will take double damage from Stomp. From Generation V onward, Pokémon that have used Minimize will also receive double damage from Steamroller. In Generation VI, Pokémon that have used Minimize will take double damage from Body Slam, Dragon Rush, Flying Press, and Phantom Force; also in Generation VI, all of these moves will always hit a target that has used Minimize.

Protection

A Pokémon that uses Protect or Detect will be impervious to attacks and negative status moves targeting them that turn except; if the protected Pokémon is hit by Feint, Shadow Force, Hyperspace Fury, Hyperspace Hole, or Phantom Force which can all hit through protection, the Pokémon's protection is removed for the rest of the turn.

Recharging

A Pokémon that successfully uses Hyper Beam, Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, Hydro Cannon, Giga Impact, Rock Wrecker, or Roar of Time must recharge during the next turn. While recharging, the Pokémon cannot perform an action.

Semi-invulnerable

Several two-turn moves have a turn where a Pokémon becomes semi-invulnerable, and most moves will miss regardless of accuracy, even moves that never miss. If a Pokémon has been taken aim at, the aimed Pokémon can still hit Pokémon during their semi-invulnerable turn. A Pokémon with No Guard can hit the Pokémon during their semi-invulnerable state, and a Pokémon with No Guard in the semi-invulnerable state can be hit by any Pokémon. In Generation I, semi-invulnerable Pokémon cannot avoid Swift, Transform, or Bide, but can avoid Bide in Pokémon Stadium.

Pokémon that use Fly, Bounce, or Sky Drop, or are targeted by Sky Drop fly or are flown up high, and are vulnerable to Gust, Smack Down, Sky Uppercut, Thunder, Twister, and Hurricane. If the move Gravity is used, these moves cannot be used and any Pokémon in the air return to the ground with their move cancelled; due to a glitch in Pokémon Black and White, if Gravity is used while Sky Drop is in effect, only the user will be returned to the ground—the target will be permanently stuck airborne.

Pokémon that have used Dig burrow underground, and can be hit by Earthquake, Magnitude, and Fissure.

Pokémon that have used Dive dive underwater, and can be hit by Surf and Whirlpool.

Pokémon that have used Shadow Force or Phantom Force suddenly disappear, and there is no move that can hit these Pokémon without aiming or No Guard.

Substitute

 
Accelgor launching a substitute

The Pokémon that uses Substitute uses up to ¼ of its total HP (rounded down) to make a substitute which will absorb hits until it "breaks" (damage the substitute has taken is equal to or greater than the HP used to make it).

Substitutes also prevent the opponent from lowering the user's stat stages. From Generation II onward, substitutes block the opponent from inflicting all status conditions. In Generation I, a substitute will only block certain status conditions under certain circumstances, and attacks like Thunder Wave and Spore will completely circumvent the substitute.

Substitutes can be transferred by Baton Pass.

Taking aim

 
Registeel taking aim at its opponent

When a Pokémon uses Mind Reader or Lock-On to take aim at a target, the user's next damage-dealing move will hit that target without fail, even if the opponent uses a move that offers a turn of semi-invulnerability, such as Fly. This effect can be Baton Passed.

Taking in sunlight

A Pokémon readying Solar Beam takes in sunlight for one turn, in which it cannot act. This turn can be skipped with a Power Herb or if used in harsh sunlight.

Withdrawing

A Pokémon readying Skull Bash withdraws it head for one turn, in which it cannot act. From Generation II onwards, this also boosts the Pokémon's Defense. This turn can be skipped with a Power Herb.

Whipping up a whirlwind

A Pokémon readying Razor Wind whips up a whirlwind for one turn, in which it cannot act. This turn can be skipped with a Power Herb.

Trivia

  • If a Pokémon under a status condition (such as a poisoned Cascoon) evolves, the condition will be kept even if the Pokémon gains a new type or Ability that would normally prevent it.

In other languages

Language Title
  French Problème de statut
  German Statusprobleme
  Italian Problema di stato
  Korean 상태 이상 Sangtae isang
  Spanish Problema de estado
  Vietnamese Tình trạng bất thường

References


Status conditions
BURNED FROZEN PARALYSIS POISONED
ASLEEP CONFUSION FLINCHING FAINTED


  This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.