Who Can Learn Defog Pokémon Platinum: A Comprehensive Guide

Defog in Pokémon Platinum is more than just a move; it’s a necessity. Discover who can learn this vital technique, and enhance your gameplay with insight from LEARNS.EDU.VN. Dive into the strategies and advantages of using Defog, while exploring its competitive impact. Unlock your potential in Pokémon Platinum with this game-changing utility move.

1. Understanding Defog in Pokémon Platinum

Defog is a Flying-type move introduced in Generation IV. It serves a dual purpose: during battle, it lowers the target’s evasion stat, making it easier to hit them with subsequent attacks. Outside of battle, it clears away fog in certain areas of the game, most notably the Great Marsh in Pokémon Platinum. This ability is crucial for exploration and catching rare Pokémon.

1.1 The Mechanics of Defog

Defog operates with a base power of 0 and 100% accuracy. In battle, it not only reduces the target’s evasion but also removes any entry hazards like Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web from both sides of the field. This makes it a valuable move for both offensive and defensive strategies.

1.2 Why Defog is Essential in Pokémon Platinum

In Pokémon Platinum, visibility is key. The Great Marsh is a prime example where fog severely limits your vision. Without Defog, navigating this area becomes a frustrating experience, hindering your ability to find and catch rare Pokémon like Croagunk, Skorupi, and Carnivine.

2. Pokémon That Can Learn Defog via TM70

Defog is primarily learned through TM70 in Pokémon Platinum. The TM can be obtained in the Great Marsh after saving the first area. Several Pokémon can learn Defog via TM70, significantly improving their utility both in and out of battle.

2.1 Flying-Type Pokémon

Flying-type Pokémon are the most common recipients of Defog, fitting thematically and strategically. Here are some notable examples:

  • Pidgey Line: Pidgey, Pidgeotto, and Pidgeot can learn Defog, making them useful early-game options.
  • Spearow Line: Spearow and Fearow also gain access to Defog, providing another Flying-type option with decent Attack stats.
  • Zubat Line: Zubat, Golbat, and Crobat can learn Defog, adding utility to these often-used Pokémon.

2.2 Bug-Type Pokémon

Several Bug-type Pokémon can learn Defog, offering unexpected utility:

  • Butterfree: This early-game Bug/Flying type can use Defog to support your team.
  • Beedrill: This Bug/Poison type can learn Defog, making it a unique choice.
  • Venomoth: With its Bug/Poison typing and access to Defog, Venomoth gains extra utility.
  • Scyther and Scizor: These Bug/Steel types are powerful attackers that can also use Defog.
  • Yanma and Yanmega: These Bug/Flying types benefit from Defog’s utility.
  • Mothim: This Bug/Flying type adds another option for Defog users.
  • Vespiquen: This Bug/Flying type provides a unique defensive option with Defog.

2.3 Dragon-Type Pokémon

Dragon-type Pokémon, known for their power, can also learn Defog:

  • Dragonite: This pseudo-legendary can learn Defog, providing a powerful and versatile option.
  • Salamence: Another powerful Dragon/Flying type that can utilize Defog.
  • Latias and Latios: These legendary Dragon/Psychic types can add Defog to their movepool.
  • Flygon: This Ground/Dragon type can learn Defog, offering good coverage.

2.4 Normal-Type Pokémon

Normal-type Pokémon with Flying dual-types are also eligible:

  • Farfetch’d: A unique Normal/Flying type that can use Defog.
  • Hoothoot and Noctowl: These Normal/Flying types can learn Defog, offering a different approach.
  • Togetic and Togekiss: These Normal/Flying types offer good support options with Defog.
  • Taillow and Swellow: These Normal/Flying types are fast attackers that can also use Defog.
  • Chatot: This Normal/Flying type can learn Defog, adding to its versatility.

2.5 Other Notable Pokémon

  • Charizard: This Fire/Flying type is a classic choice that can learn Defog.
  • Aerodactyl: This Rock/Flying type adds a fast and powerful option for using Defog.
  • Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres: These legendary birds can all learn Defog.
  • Mew: This mythical Pokémon can learn any TM, including Defog.
  • Shiftry: This Grass/Dark type can learn Defog, offering unique type coverage.
  • Tropius: This Grass/Flying type can use Defog to support your team.
  • Piplup, Prinplup, and Empoleon: These Water/Steel types can learn Defog, adding utility.
  • Starly, Staravia, and Staraptor: These Normal/Flying types can use Defog effectively.
  • Drifloon and Drifblim: These Ghost/Flying types can learn Defog, offering unique support.
  • Honchkrow: This Dark/Flying type can use Defog to disrupt the opponent’s strategy.
  • Giratina: This Ghost/Dragon type, in both Altered and Origin Formes, can learn Defog.
  • Arceus: This Normal type legendary Pokémon can learn Defog, making it an invaluable asset to your team.
  • Mantine: This Water/Flying type provides utility with Defog and good defensive stats.
  • Skarmory: This Steel/Flying type uses Defog to clear hazards.

Here’s a table summarizing Pokémon that can learn Defog via TM70 in Pokémon Platinum:

Pokémon Type Notes
Pidgey Normal/Flying Early-game option
Pidgeotto Normal/Flying Mid-game option
Pidgeot Normal/Flying Late-game option
Spearow Normal/Flying Another Flying-type option
Fearow Normal/Flying Decent Attack stat
Zubat Poison/Flying Common cave Pokémon
Golbat Poison/Flying Evolves into Crobat
Crobat Poison/Flying High Speed stat
Butterfree Bug/Flying Early-game Bug-type
Beedrill Bug/Poison Another Bug-type option
Venomoth Bug/Poison Access to Sleep Powder
Farfetch’d Normal/Flying Unique Normal/Flying type
Scyther Bug/Flying Evolves into Scizor
Scizor Bug/Steel Strong physical attacker
Aerodactyl Rock/Flying High Speed stat
Articuno Ice/Flying Legendary bird
Zapdos Electric/Flying Legendary bird
Moltres Fire/Flying Legendary bird
Dragonite Dragon/Flying Pseudo-legendary Pokémon
Mew Psychic Can learn any TM
Hoothoot Normal/Flying Nighttime Pokémon
Noctowl Normal/Flying Evolves from Hoothoot
Togetic Normal/Flying Evolves into Togekiss
Xatu Psychic/Flying Access to Magic Bounce (Hidden Ability in later gens)
Yanma Bug/Flying Evolves into Yanmega
Murkrow Dark/Flying Evolves into Honchkrow
Gligar Ground/Flying Evolves into Gliscor
Delibird Ice/Flying Unique Ice/Flying type
Mantine Water/Flying Good Special Defense
Skarmory Steel/Flying High Defense stat
Lugia Psychic/Flying Legendary Pokémon
Ho-Oh Fire/Flying Legendary Pokémon
Beautifly Bug/Flying Special Attacker
Dustox Bug/Poison Special Defender
Shiftry Grass/Dark Unique type combination
Taillow Normal/Flying Guts Ability
Swellow Normal/Flying High Speed
Wingull Water/Flying Early-game Water/Flying type
Pelipper Water/Flying Drizzle Ability
Masquerain Bug/Flying Intimidate Ability
Ninjask Bug/Flying Speed Boost Ability
Vibrava Ground/Dragon Evolves into Flygon
Flygon Ground/Dragon Ground/Dragon type
Tropius Grass/Flying Unique Grass/Flying type
Salamence Dragon/Flying Pseudo-Legendary
Latias Dragon/Psychic Legendary
Latios Dragon/Psychic Legendary
Piplup Water Starter Pokémon
Prinplup Water Evolves from Piplup
Empoleon Water/Steel Evolves from Prinplup
Starly Normal/Flying Early-game Normal/Flying type
Staravia Normal/Flying Evolves from Starly
Staraptor Normal/Flying Evolves from Staravia
Mothim Bug/Flying Special Attacker
Vespiquen Bug/Flying Defender with unique moves
Drifloon Ghost/Flying Early-game Ghost/Flying type
Drifblim Ghost/Flying Evolves from Drifloon
Honchkrow Dark/Flying Special Attacker
Stunky Poison/Dark Evolves into Skuntank
Skuntank Poison/Dark Unique type combination
Chatot Normal/Flying Unique design
Finneon Water Evolves into Lumineon
Lumineon Water Weak stats
Togekiss Normal/Flying Serene Grace
Yanmega Bug/Flying Speed Boost
Gliscor Ground/Flying Evolves from Gligar
Giratina Ghost/Dragon Legendary
Arceus Normal Mythical, can be any type

3. How to Teach Defog to Your Pokémon

Teaching Defog is a straightforward process. First, you need to obtain TM70 from the Great Marsh. Once you have it, select the TM from your bag and choose the Pokémon you want to teach the move to. Keep in mind that only Pokémon compatible with TM70 can learn Defog.

3.1 Finding TM70 in the Great Marsh

To find TM70, head to the Great Marsh and speak to the NPC. This TM is essential for clearing fog and teaching your Pokémon the Defog move.

3.2 Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Defog

  1. Obtain TM70: Acquire TM70 in the Great Marsh.
  2. Open Your Bag: Navigate to your bag in the game menu.
  3. Select TM70: Find TM70 in your bag and select it.
  4. Choose a Pokémon: The game will display a list of Pokémon in your party that can learn Defog.
  5. Confirm Learning: Select the desired Pokémon and confirm that you want to teach it Defog.
  6. Replace Move (If Necessary): If the Pokémon already knows four moves, you’ll need to replace one to learn Defog.

4. Strategies for Using Defog in Battle

Defog is more than just a utility move; it’s a tactical asset. In battle, it can shift the momentum by removing entry hazards and lowering the opponent’s evasion.

4.1 Removing Entry Hazards

Entry hazards like Spikes, Stealth Rock, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web can severely cripple your team as Pokémon switch in and out. Defog instantly removes these hazards, providing a clean slate. This is particularly useful in competitive battles where hazard stacking is a common strategy.

4.2 Lowering Evasion

While the primary use of Defog is hazard removal, the secondary effect of lowering the target’s evasion can be strategically advantageous. Pokémon with high evasion, such as those using Double Team, can become much easier to hit after a single use of Defog.

4.3 Team Synergies

Defog works best when combined with other strategic moves and abilities. For example, using Defog to clear hazards and then setting up your own entry hazards can create a significant advantage. Pokémon with abilities that benefit from increased accuracy, such as Hustle, can also benefit from Defog’s evasion-lowering effect.

5. Competitive Viability of Defog

In competitive Pokémon battles, Defog is a staple move. Its ability to remove entry hazards makes it invaluable in a meta where hazard control is crucial.

5.1 Hazard Control

Entry hazards are a cornerstone of many competitive teams. Stealth Rock, in particular, is almost ubiquitous due to its effectiveness against Flying-type Pokémon and those with the Levitate ability. Defog provides a reliable way to neutralize these hazards, ensuring your team isn’t constantly taking unnecessary damage.

5.2 Evasion Reduction in Competitive Play

While not its primary function, the evasion reduction provided by Defog can be useful against teams that rely on moves like Double Team to boost their evasiveness. However, in most competitive scenarios, the hazard removal aspect is the main draw.

5.3 Notable Competitive Pokémon with Defog

  • Latias and Latios: These legendary Pokémon are popular choices for competitive teams due to their high stats and versatile movepools. Defog adds to their utility, making them valuable support Pokémon.
  • Empoleon: This Water/Steel type is a bulky Pokémon with good offensive presence. Defog allows it to support the team while still being a threat.
  • Staraptor: With its high Attack and Speed, Staraptor can use Defog to support the team before launching powerful attacks.
  • Skarmory: A Defensively strong Steel/Flying type that can use Defog to clear hazards.

6. Exploring Locations Obscured by Fog

Fog in Pokémon Platinum isn’t just a battle mechanic; it’s an environmental obstacle. The most notable location obscured by fog is the Great Marsh, a sprawling area filled with rare Pokémon.

6.1 The Great Marsh

The Great Marsh is a unique area in Pokémon Platinum where visibility is severely limited by fog. This makes it challenging to navigate and find specific Pokémon. Using Defog outside of battle clears the fog, allowing you to see further and more easily locate Pokémon.

6.2 Rare Pokémon in Foggy Areas

Several rare Pokémon can be found in the Great Marsh, including:

  • Croagunk: A Poison/Fighting type that evolves into Toxicroak.
  • Skorupi: A Poison/Bug type that evolves into Drapion.
  • Carnivine: A Grass type with a unique design.
  • Other Pokémon: Various other Pokémon can be found in the Great Marsh, making it a worthwhile area to explore.

6.3 Tips for Navigating the Great Marsh

  • Use Defog: Always use Defog to clear the fog and improve visibility.
  • Follow the Paths: Stick to the main paths to avoid getting lost.
  • Use Binoculars: Utilize the binoculars scattered throughout the Great Marsh to scout for rare Pokémon.
  • Patience is Key: Finding specific Pokémon in the Great Marsh can take time, so be patient and persistent.

7. Other Field Moves Similar to Defog

While Defog is unique in its ability to clear fog and remove hazards, other field moves serve similar purposes, enhancing exploration and gameplay.

7.1 HM01 Cut

Cut allows you to slice through small trees that block your path. It’s essential for accessing new areas and finding hidden items.

7.2 HM03 Surf

Surf enables you to travel across bodies of water, opening up vast new areas to explore. Many rare Pokémon and items are only accessible via Surf.

7.3 HM04 Strength

Strength allows you to move large boulders that block your way. It’s necessary for completing certain puzzles and accessing hidden areas.

7.4 HM06 Rock Smash

Rock Smash allows you to break small rocks that obstruct your path. It’s useful for finding hidden items and accessing new areas.

7.5 HM08 Rock Climb

Rock Climb allows you to scale steep cliffs, opening up vertical exploration. It’s necessary for reaching certain high-altitude areas and finding rare Pokémon.

8. Integrating Defog Into Your Team Composition

When building your team, consider how Defog can complement your overall strategy. Choosing the right Pokémon to learn Defog can provide both tactical advantages and strategic flexibility.

8.1 Defensive Teams

For defensive teams, a Pokémon with Defog can provide hazard control, ensuring your bulky Pokémon aren’t worn down by entry hazards. Empoleon and Skarmory are excellent choices for defensive teams due to their bulk and access to Defog.

8.2 Offensive Teams

For offensive teams, a fast Pokémon with Defog can quickly remove hazards, allowing your sweepers to come in without taking unnecessary damage. Staraptor and Crobat are good options for offensive teams due to their speed and offensive capabilities.

8.3 Balanced Teams

For balanced teams, a versatile Pokémon with Defog can provide both hazard control and offensive presence. Latias and Latios are ideal choices for balanced teams due to their high stats and versatile movepools.

9. Advantages of Using Defog

Defog offers several advantages both in and out of battle, making it a valuable asset for any Pokémon Platinum player.

9.1 Improved Visibility

Clearing fog in areas like the Great Marsh makes exploration much easier and more enjoyable.

9.2 Hazard Control

Removing entry hazards in battle provides a significant strategic advantage, ensuring your team isn’t crippled by passive damage.

9.3 Evasion Reduction

Lowering the opponent’s evasion can make it easier to hit them with subsequent attacks, particularly useful against evasion-based strategies.

9.4 Versatility

Many Pokémon can learn Defog, allowing you to integrate it into a variety of team compositions.

10. Disadvantages of Using Defog

Despite its many advantages, Defog also has some drawbacks to consider.

10.1 Opportunity Cost

Using Defog in battle consumes a turn, which could be used for a more offensive or defensive move.

10.2 Predictability

Opponents may anticipate your use of Defog, allowing them to set up hazards again or take advantage of your support move.

10.3 Limited Distribution

While many Pokémon can learn Defog, some key Pokémon cannot, limiting your options for hazard control.

11. Expert Tips for Mastering Defog

Mastering Defog requires understanding its nuances and integrating it effectively into your overall strategy. Here are some expert tips to help you get the most out of this versatile move.

11.1 Timing is Key

Use Defog strategically to maximize its impact. Avoid using it when your opponent has no hazards set up or when you need to make an immediate offensive play.

11.2 Scouting

Scout your opponent’s team to identify potential hazard setters. This allows you to anticipate when you’ll need to use Defog.

11.3 Team Synergy

Build your team with Defog in mind, choosing Pokémon that benefit from hazard control and can capitalize on the evasion reduction.

11.4 Practice

Practice using Defog in different scenarios to develop a feel for its effectiveness and learn how to integrate it seamlessly into your battle strategy.

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Defog

Even experienced players can make mistakes when using Defog. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

12.1 Overreliance

Don’t become too reliant on Defog. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on offense or defense rather than constantly clearing hazards.

12.2 Wasting Turns

Avoid using Defog when there are no hazards to remove or when your opponent is about to set up a powerful attack.

12.3 Ignoring Opportunity Cost

Always consider the opportunity cost of using Defog. Could you be doing something more impactful with that turn?

12.4 Neglecting Team Composition

Don’t choose a Defog user solely for hazard control. Ensure they also contribute to your team’s overall strategy and have good synergy with other Pokémon.

13. Defog in Different Game Modes

Defog’s utility varies depending on the game mode you’re playing. Understanding these differences can help you optimize your strategy.

13.1 Story Mode

In story mode, Defog is primarily useful for clearing fog in areas like the Great Marsh. Its strategic value in battles is less critical but can still be helpful against opponents who use evasion-boosting moves or entry hazards.

13.2 Competitive Battles

In competitive battles, Defog is invaluable for hazard control. Its strategic value is significantly higher due to the prevalence of entry hazards in competitive teams.

13.3 Battle Tower

In the Battle Tower, Defog can be useful for dealing with AI opponents who use entry hazards or evasion-boosting moves. However, the AI’s unpredictable behavior means you need to use Defog strategically and adapt to the situation.

14. The Role of Abilities in Conjunction with Defog

Certain abilities can synergize well with Defog, enhancing its effectiveness and providing additional strategic options.

14.1 Keen Eye

Keen Eye prevents your Pokémon’s accuracy from being lowered, ensuring that Defog always hits its target.

14.2 Inner Focus

Inner Focus prevents your Pokémon from flinching, ensuring they can use Defog even when facing opponents with moves like Fake Out.

14.3 Levitate

Levitate makes your Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves, providing additional defensive utility and allowing them to switch in more safely to use Defog.

14.4 Magic Bounce

Magic Bounce reflects status moves back at the opponent, preventing them from setting up hazards in the first place. While not directly synergizing with Defog, it can reduce the need for hazard control.

15. Defog and Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can affect the effectiveness of Defog and influence your decision to use it.

15.1 Rain

Rain boosts the power of Water-type moves and weakens Fire-type moves. This can influence your decision to use Defog, depending on your team composition and the opponent’s strategy.

15.2 Sun

Sun boosts the power of Fire-type moves and weakens Water-type moves. This can also influence your decision to use Defog, depending on the weather and your team’s strengths and weaknesses.

15.3 Sandstorm

Sandstorm damages non-Rock, Ground, or Steel-type Pokémon each turn. This can make hazard control even more critical, increasing the value of Defog.

15.4 Hail

Hail damages non-Ice-type Pokémon each turn. Similar to Sandstorm, this can make hazard control more important, increasing the value of Defog.

16. The Psychology of Using Defog

Understanding the psychological impact of using Defog can give you a competitive edge.

16.1 Mind Games

Using Defog can create mind games with your opponent. They may hesitate to set up hazards again, fearing you’ll just remove them.

16.2 Momentum Shift

Successfully removing hazards can create a momentum shift in your favor, putting pressure on your opponent and forcing them to react to your actions.

16.3 Tilt

Repeatedly removing hazards can frustrate your opponent, potentially leading them to make mistakes or play more aggressively.

17. Frequently Asked Questions About Defog

Here are some frequently asked questions about Defog in Pokémon Platinum.

17.1. What Does Defog Do?

Defog clears away fog in the overworld and lowers the target’s evasion stat by one stage, in battle. It also removes entry hazards from both sides of the field.

17.2. Where Can I Find TM70 (Defog)?

TM70 (Defog) can be found in the Great Marsh.

17.3. Which Pokémon Can Learn Defog in Platinum?

Many Flying-type, Bug-type, and Dragon-type Pokémon can learn Defog via TM70. Check the comprehensive list in section 2.

17.4. Is Defog a Good Move?

Yes, Defog is a valuable move for hazard control and evasion reduction, making it useful in both story mode and competitive battles.

17.5. How Does Defog Affect Evasion?

Defog lowers the target’s evasion stat by one stage, making them easier to hit with subsequent attacks.

17.6. Can Defog Remove Stealth Rock?

Yes, Defog removes Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web from both sides of the field.

17.7. Is Defog Useful in the Great Marsh?

Yes, Defog clears the fog in the Great Marsh, improving visibility and making it easier to find rare Pokémon.

17.8. What Are the Best Pokémon to Teach Defog To?

Latias, Latios, Empoleon, Staraptor, and Skarmory are all excellent choices for learning Defog due to their high stats and versatile movepools.

17.9. Can the AI Predict When I Will Use Defog?

The AI in Pokémon games can be unpredictable, but it may anticipate your use of Defog if you consistently use it after they set up hazards.

17.10. How Can I Counter Defog?

You can counter Defog by setting up hazards again after your opponent uses it or by preventing them from using it in the first place with moves like Taunt.

18. The Future of Defog in the Pokémon Series

Defog’s role in the Pokémon series has evolved over time, with its availability and utility varying across different games.

18.1 Generation V and Beyond

In subsequent generations, Defog’s availability as a TM has been inconsistent. In some games, it’s only available through breeding or as a move tutor move, making it more difficult to obtain.

18.2 Changes to Hazard Mechanics

Changes to hazard mechanics in later generations have also impacted Defog’s value. For example, the introduction of Heavy-Duty Boots, which negate the effects of entry hazards, has reduced the need for hazard control in some cases.

18.3 Continued Relevance

Despite these changes, Defog remains a valuable move in the Pokémon series, particularly in competitive battles. Its ability to remove hazards and lower evasion ensures it will continue to be a strategic asset for many players.

19. Additional Resources for Learning More About Defog

To further enhance your knowledge of Defog, here are some additional resources you can explore.

19.1 Pokémon Databases

Websites like Bulbapedia and Serebii.net provide comprehensive information about Defog, including its effects, availability, and compatible Pokémon.

19.2 Competitive Battling Forums

Forums like Smogon University offer in-depth discussions about Defog’s strategic value in competitive battles, including team compositions and usage tips.

19.3 YouTube Tutorials

Many Pokémon content creators on YouTube have created tutorials and guides on using Defog effectively.

19.4 Streaming Platforms

Watching competitive Pokémon battles on platforms like Twitch can provide valuable insights into how experienced players use Defog in real-time situations.

20. Conclusion: Mastering Defog for Pokémon Platinum Success

Defog in Pokémon Platinum is a versatile and valuable move that can significantly enhance your gameplay. Whether you’re exploring the foggy depths of the Great Marsh or battling competitively against other players, mastering Defog is essential for success.

20.1 Key Takeaways

  • Defog clears fog in the overworld and removes entry hazards in battle.
  • Many Flying-type, Bug-type, and Dragon-type Pokémon can learn Defog via TM70.
  • Defog is a staple move in competitive Pokémon battles for hazard control.
  • Certain abilities and weather conditions can synergize well with Defog.
  • Understanding the psychology of using Defog can give you a competitive edge.

20.2 Final Thoughts

By understanding the mechanics, strategies, and nuances of Defog, you can elevate your Pokémon Platinum experience and become a more skilled and strategic player. So, choose your Defog user wisely, practice your timing, and dominate the battlefield.

Ready to take your Pokémon Platinum skills to the next level? At LEARNS.EDU.VN, we offer a wealth of resources, including in-depth guides, strategic tips, and expert advice. Whether you’re looking to master specific moves like Defog or build the ultimate competitive team, LEARNS.EDU.VN has you covered.

Don’t let your Pokémon journey be shrouded in fog. Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to clear your path to victory.

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Pidgey soars high with the ability to learn Defog, enhancing its utility in your team.

Croagunk lurks in the Great Marsh, a prime location where Defog clears the way for easier exploration.

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