In Pokémon, Pursuit has 40 base power when used normally. If it hits an opposing Pokémon as that Pokémon switches out, its power doubles to 80 and it hits before the target leaves. Those figures are base power—not the number of HP the move removes.
What Pursuit’s damage numbers mean
Pokémon Database lists Pursuit as a Dark-type move with 40 base power, 100% accuracy and 20 PP. When its target switches out, the move’s power doubles to 80. The 80 figure is the result of doubling 40, not a guaranteed amount of HP damage. Pokémon Database’s Pursuit entry gives the move data and game-version descriptions.
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Actual HP loss depends on the damage formula and the battle: for example, the generation, the Pokémon using Pursuit and its target, their levels and relevant stats, type effectiveness, and other battle modifiers. Without a specific matchup and game version, there is no single accurate HP-damage number to give.
What happens when the target switches
When Pursuit hits an opposing Pokémon that is switching out, it resolves against that Pokémon before the switch completes and uses doubled power. This describes the switch interaction; it does not mean Pursuit always moves first in every situation. Pokémon Showdown’s move reference describes the competitive mechanics and notes that no accuracy check is made for Pursuit in this switch interaction.
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Interactions with pivot moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch depend on move order, so the switch effect should not be treated as an unconditional priority effect. Exact timing and accuracy details have also varied by generation. In Generation II, the cited move history describes the doubled hit occurring before the switch and including an accuracy check; later behavior differs. Bulbapedia’s move history covers those generation-specific changes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which games include Pursuit?
Pokémon Showdown labels Pursuit as past-generation only. Pokémon Database’s game descriptions say it cannot be used in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl or Scarlet and Violet, after appearing through Sword and Shield. Availability depends on the game; the move’s historical mechanics should not be assumed to apply unchanged across generations.
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Quick answer
- Ordinary use: 40 base power.
- Against an opposing Pokémon switching out: 80 base power when the switch effect applies; Pursuit hits before that Pokémon leaves.
- HP removed: varies by matchup and game, so 40 or 80 is not a fixed HP-loss figure.
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