How to Give Your Pokémon a New Attack in Pokémon GO
Pokémon in Pokémon GO can learn a Fast Attack and a Charged Attack. Sometimes you may want to change your Pokémon’s attacks to make them more effective in battle. Here are some tips on giving your Pokémon a new attack:
- Check movesets before evolving
When you evolve a Pokémon, it learns a random new attack. Before evolving, research the possible Fast and Charged moves that your Pokémon could learn to see if they are worth the evolution. Some moves are much more desirable than others.
- Use TMs
Technical Machines (TMs) can randomly change a Pokémon’s Fast Attack or Charged Attack. You can obtain TMs as rewards from Raid Battles, PvP Battles, and certain Field Research tasks. Use your TMs strategically only on Pokémon you battle with often.
- Take advantage of Community Day
During special Community Day events, evolving certain featured Pokémon will teach them an exclusive move. For example, evolving Charizard during the Charmander Community Day will teach it the Charged Attack Blast Burn. Plan to evolve to get these legacy moves.
- Check move rankings
Refer to various online resources that rank the top offensive and defensive moves to know the best attacks to give your Pokémon. Websites like PvPoke, GamePress, and Pokémon GO Hub offer rankings based on simulations.
- Compare STAB bonus
Pay attention to Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB). Attacks that match the Pokémon’s type get a +20% damage bonus. This makes STAB moves typically the best offensive options.
- Manage candies
You’ll need species-specific Candy to teach new attacks. Pinap Berries, Rare Candies, walking with your Buddy, and transferring extras are ways to earn more Candy.
- Purify Shadow Pokémon
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will change its Charged Attack. The new attack is randomly selected, so purifying multiple Shadow Pokémon of the same species gives you chances at different moves.
With a bit of planning and resources, you can change your Pokémon’s attacks. Pick the right moveset for their role and watch your battle prowess improve!