Open the move’s details and check its category: it will be listed as Physical, Special, or Status. Don’t guess from the move’s type, name, or animation—category and type describe different things.
Where to check a move’s category
In Pokémon Scarlet, inspect the move’s information or details and read its category indicator. The indicator is the clue to whether the move is Physical, Special, or Status. The Pokémon Company’s RPG basics guide confirms that these three classes are identified by symbols.
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| 1 |
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The available official text does not establish a Scarlet-specific button sequence or describe the precise appearance of its category icons. Follow the move-details screen in your game rather than relying on a particular button combination or assuming another game’s icons look identical.
What Physical and Special mean in battle
| Category | Stats used for damage | What to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | The user’s Attack against the target’s Defense | Your Pokémon’s Attack and the opponent’s Defense |
| Special | The user’s Special Attack against the target’s Special Defense | Your Pokémon’s Special Attack and the opponent’s Special Defense |
| Status | Usually no direct damage; some effects deal passive damage based on factors unrelated to base stats | The move’s effect, rather than an Attack or Special Attack matchup |
These distinctions are described in The Pokémon Company International’s battling guide. That guide covers Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, so it supports the general category-and-stat distinction, not the exact Scarlet interface design.
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- New Pokémon to Discover - Learn new details about Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly—the three Pokémon from which you’ll choose your first partner—along with other wonderful new Pokémon, including the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon!
- The World of Pokémon Has Evolved - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an open-world experience that only the Pokémon series can deliver—one welcoming even to newcomers to the series.
- You can experience a new style of adventure, with a world that you’re free to explore at your leisure and not in an order dictated by the story. You will, of course, journey to hone your skills as a Pokémon Trainer, but many more discoveries and stories await you. Meet a variety of people and Pokémon, and adventure in the world of Pokémon the way you want to.
- A Deeper Experience with Multiplayer* Gameplay - Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet allow multiplayer gameplay with up to four players. Along with series staples, such as trading and battling Pokémon, you will be able to explore the various locations of the region in these games with other players. You can discover new Pokémon and explore unfamiliar areas with your friends and family, opening the door to an adventure more precious and fun than ever!
- Meet the characters - As one of the main characters, you’ll set off on your adventure. Your outfit will vary depending on whether you play Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Who knows what kind of story awaits you? For the first time in the series, one of two different professors will appear in your game depending on the version you choose to play.
Move type is not move category
Type—such as Fire or Water—is separate from category. A move’s type does not tell you whether it is Physical or Special, and an elemental effect, projectile animation, or apparent contact is not a reliable way to classify it. Read the category indicator instead.
When choosing between damaging moves, first match the move’s category to your Pokémon’s relevant offensive stat, then consider the opponent’s corresponding defensive stat. Type effectiveness and other battle modifiers also matter, but they are separate from the Physical/Special label.
Rank #2
- Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea
- Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure
Why the move description is not the category check
Descriptions can be imperfect. In a Scarlet and Violet notice, The Pokémon Company addressed wording for Dire Claw, Stone Axe, and Ceaseless Edge that said the moves aimed for a critical hit, although they did not change the user’s critical-hit ratio in Scarlet and Violet. That correction is about those descriptions; it is not a reason to disregard a move’s category indicator.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Action meets RPG in this new take on the Pokémon series
- Study Pokémon behaviors, sneak up on them, and toss a well-aimed Poké Ball to catch them
- Unleash moves in the speedy agile style or the powerful strong style in battles
- Travel to the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of old—and build the region’s first Pokédex
- Learn about the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, the key to this mysterious tale
Rank #3
- Only one code for a Hisuian Zoroark can be used in either the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. Upon purchase of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC, an email with your code will be sent to the email address registered to your Nintendo Account. From the in-game menu, go to the Poké Portal, then select Mystery Gift, select Get with Code/Password, and then enter your code.
- The Mystery Gift option can be found within the Poké Portal menu option in the X menu after you unlock the feature in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game. (This occurs after about 1 to 1.5 hours of gameplay, though individual gameplay time may vary.) An internet connection and a Nintendo Account is required to redeem the item in game. A Nintendo Switch Online membership is not required. Each item can only be redeemed once.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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