Basics of Pokemon Battles

Trainers and Pokemon have co-existed to engage in combat for centuries.  This style of conflict is referred to as Battling, and involves trust, strength, and cooperation by both Trainer and Pokemon.

Here's a basic explanation of how Pokémon battles work:

1. Battle Setup:
   • Typically, two Trainers each bring a team of Pokémon to battle, usually up to six Pokémon per Trainer.
   • Battles can be one-on-one, double (two Pokémon per Trainer at once), or multi-battles with more participants.
2. Turn-Based Combat:
   • Battles are turn-based.
   • Each Pokémon on a Trainer’s side chooses an action each turn, usually a move to perform.
   • Actions are often selected simultaneously, then resolved in an order based on Pokémon speed.
3. Moves and Actions:
   • Each Pokémon knows up to four moves they can use.
   • Moves can deal damage, cause status effects (like sleep or paralysis), raise or lower stats, or have other special effects.
   • Moves have Types (e.g., Fire, Water, Electric), which interact with the opponent's types for advantages or disadvantages.
4. Type Matchups:
   • Types have strengths and weaknesses against others, making moves more or less effective.
   • For example, Water moves are super effective against Fire types, dealing extra damage.
   • Effectiveness ranges: Super effective (×2 damage), not very effective (½ damage), or no effect (×0 damage).
5. Speed and Move Order:
   • The Pokémon with the higher Speed stat usually acts first.
   • Some moves or effects can change move order or allow multiple actions.
6. Damage Calculation and HP:
   • When a damaging move hits, the opponent loses HP (Hit Points).
   • HP starts full; if it reaches zero, the Pokémon faints and can't battle anymore.
   • The battle continues until all of one Trainer’s Pokémon have fainted.
7. Status Conditions and Effects:
   • Pokémon can be affected by statuses like paralysis, burn, poison, etc., which have various effects in battle.
   • Some conditions cause damage over time or reduce stats.
8. Switching Pokémon:
   • Trainers can choose to switch their active Pokémon for another from their team.
   • This can provide strategic advantage by exploiting type matchups or avoiding dangerous moves.
9. Winning the Battle:
   • The Trainer who knocks out all opposing Pokémon first wins.
   • Some battles have special goals or conditions (like time limits or faint limits).