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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV)
Switching Guide: When to Switch Pokemon
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Switching is an integral part of Competitive Ranked Battles. Read on to learn when to switch out your Pokemon in Gen 9 and what other ways you can get your Pokemon out of danger in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet (SV)!
| What Can We Learn From This Article? |
|---|
 Switching out Pokemon to regain an advantage |
| Patience and making good switching decisions |
| Attacks that switch out Pokemon |
List of Contents
How to Switch Effectively
Get A Pokemon Out Of A Disadvantageous Situation
| Case | Attacking Pokemon | Defending Pokemon | Turn Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
 Hydreigon
@ Focus Sash Uses Flash Cannon |
 Hatterene
@ Life Orb Uses Moonblast |
Hydreigon's Speed advantage and held item will allow it to attack Hatterene twice. Hydreigon Wins |
In this example, Hatterene's type advantage is a not a factor at all because of Hydreigon's coverage and Speed advantage. The Hatterene player's two options are to either correctly deduce Hydreigon's held item (OHKOing it if it is not holding a Focus Sash) or playing it safe and going for a defensive switch.
Position To Deal More Damage Than You Take
| Case | Attacking Pokemon | Defending Pokemon | Turn Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B |
Hydreigon
@ Focus Sash Uses Flash Cannon |
 Hariyama
@ Sitrus Berry Uses Fake Out |
Hariyama switches in, tanks a Flash Cannon and threatens with Fake Out and following up with Close Combat. Hariyama Wins |
By switching Hatterene out and switching in Hariyama, the defending player positions themselves to take the advantage away from the Attacking player. In this situation, the Hydreigon player must either switch out or lose Hydreigon.
Attackers Can Switch In On A Resisted Hit
Pokemon can switch into a resisted hit and take minimal damage and be in a position to threaten an opponent. Knowledge of a Pokemon's coverage and typing will help you find success in Pokemon Battles.
Switch When Stats Are Reduced
Switching a Pokemon out of the active position resets all stat changes to normal. It also removes the effects of status moves like Taunt or Encore. It is worth noting however, that switching out will not remove major status conditions such as Poison, Paralysis, or Burn. It will not refresh the amount of turns that your Pokemon stays asleep.
Clean Up Damaged Opponents With A Sweeper
Over the course of a Battle, Pokemon will incur damage. A Sweeper can come in late-game and knock out its opponent's remaining Pokemon.
When Should I Not Switch?
When Your Other Pokemon Cannot Tank Hits
Having fast and powerful Pokemon is useful for any battle, but having defensive Pokemon who can take damage will help your team out a great deal. But at times that you do not have access to one, it is sometimes not a bad idea to let a Pokemon faint. This allows another Pokemon to safely switch in without fear of taking incoming damage, at the cost of a teammate fainting.
It is good to weigh up your advantages and disadvantages when making decisions like this, and find a way to turn a disadvantageous situation into an advantageous one.
Switching-Related Game Mechanics
Moves That Switch A Pokemon Out
Use to Switch After Taking a Hit
Moves that switch a Pokemon out after dealing damage have the powerful advantage of being able to switch after seeing the opponent's move. This is good for scouting for information, as well as getting a fresh Pokemon into the battlefield safely. Using these moves offer the player stability mid to late-game, as the player will have an information advantage.
Entry Hazards
Use to Punish Opponents for Switching
While switching is a tactical move, there are ways to punish opponents for frequent switching. Setting Entry Hazards can deal incremental damage or other effects on Pokemon who enter the battlefield.
Entry Hazards are an integral part of competitive Single Battles, and are worth slotting into your Pokemon's moveset if they are built to battle in Single Battles.
List of Moves That Generate Entry Hazards
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching
What Can Force or Prevent Switching?
A number of different factors can force or prevent a Pokemon from switching, each with their own strategic purposes.
| Moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Whirlwind | Dragon Tail | Roar |
| Circle Throw | Ingrain | No Retreat |
| Anchor Shot | Spirit Shackle | Jaw Lock |
| Thousand Waves | Mean Look | Block |
| Abilities | ||
| Shadow Tag | Arena Trap | Magnet Pull |
| Items | ||
| Eject Button | Eject Pack | Red Card |
If Multiple Pokemon Switch, Who Switches First?
The Pokemon with the highest Speed will switch first, and go from fastest to slowest. In a Trick Room environment, the slowest Pokemon will switch first because turn order based on Speed is reversed.
Which Pokemon Switches In From A Roar or Whirlwind?
Pokemon switching in to replace a target hit with Roar or Whirlwind is chosen at random.
In Single and Double Battles, Trainers will have 2 Pokemon in the back, giving a 50-50 chance for each Pokemon to get forced into the active position. If there is only one Pokemon left, that Pokemon will be switched in.
Related Guides
Author
Switching Guide: When to Switch Pokemon
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