False Swipe is a Normal-type physical move in the Pokémon universe renowned for its unique ability to never knock out a wild Pokémon. Instead, it will always leave the target with at least 1 HP, making it an invaluable tool for trainers looking to catch Pokémon, especially rare or shiny ones. If you’re strategizing your team and want to include a reliable Pokémon for catching, understanding which Pokémon can learn False Swipe is crucial. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about False Swipe and the Pokémon that can master this essential move.
Understanding False Swipe: The Pokémon Catching Essential
First introduced in Generation 2, False Swipe stands out with its 40 base power, 100% accuracy, and a generous 40 PP (Power Points). As a physical move, it makes contact, which can be relevant for certain abilities and held items. But its defining characteristic is its effect: it always leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP. This effect is what makes False Swipe so incredibly useful for weakening Pokémon without risking a knockout during capture attempts.
| Feature | Description |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| **Move Type** | Normal |
| **Category** | Physical |
| **Power** | 40 |
| **Accuracy** | 100% |
| **PP** | 40 (Max 64) |
| **Contact** | Yes |
| **Primary Effect**| Leaves opponent with at least 1 HP |This move becomes even more potent when combined with status conditions like Paralysis or Sleep, further increasing your chances of a successful catch. For serious Pokémon collectors and shiny hunters, False Swipe is not just helpful; it’s often considered indispensable.
Pokémon That Learn False Swipe by Level Up
Several Pokémon naturally learn False Swipe as they level up, making them excellent candidates for your team if you’re planning on catching a lot of Pokémon. Here are some notable examples:
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Scyther and Kleavor: These Bug/Flying and Bug/Rock types respectively, learn False Swipe early in their levels. Scyther learns it at level 8, and its evolution Kleavor also starts with it at level 8. Their dual typing can be advantageous in various terrains.
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Scizor: Evolving from Scyther, Scizor, the Bug/Steel type, starts with False Swipe right from level 1. Its Steel typing gives it excellent resistances, making it a sturdy option for catching Pokémon.
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Zangoose: This Normal-type Pokémon learns False Swipe at level 29. As a pure Normal type, Zangoose benefits from STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) on False Swipe, making it slightly stronger than others when using this move.
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Gallade: The Psychic/Fighting type Gallade learns False Swipe at level 23. Its Fighting secondary type can be useful for dealing with Rock, Steel, and Ice-type Pokémon you might encounter while catching others.
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Leavanny: This Bug/Grass Pokémon learns False Swipe at level 1. Its early access to the move is great for trainers who want to start catching Pokémon early in their adventure.
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Axew, Fraxure, and Haxorus: The Dragon-type family, Axew, Fraxure, and Haxorus, all learn False Swipe. Fraxure and Haxorus start with it at level 1, while Axew learns it at level 6. Dragon types are generally powerful, and having False Swipe adds utility to their moveset.
These level-up learners are just a selection, but they highlight the variety of types and Pokémon that naturally acquire this move, fitting different team compositions and preferences.
False Swipe TM Compatibility: Expanding Your Options
The versatility of False Swipe is further enhanced by its availability as a Technical Machine (TM). In various Pokémon games, False Swipe has been available as TM54, TM94, and TM057. This TM compatibility significantly broadens the pool of Pokémon that can learn False Swipe, allowing you to teach it to Pokémon that don’t naturally learn it through leveling.
Here’s an extensive list of Pokémon that can learn False Swipe via TM in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, showcasing the sheer number of options available:
- Starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Charmander, Charmeleon
- Ground Types: Sandshrew, Sandslash, Alolan Sandslash, Gligar, Gliscor
- Normal and Steel Types: Meowth, Galarian Meowth, Persian, Perrserker, Slakoth, Vigoroth, Slaking, Magearna
- Electric Types: Jolteon
- Psychic and Dark Types: Mew, Sneasel, Hisuian Sneasel, Weavile, Chien-Pao, Kingambit
- Grass and Bug Types: Grovyle, Sceptile, Seedot, Nuzleaf, Shiftry, Shroomish, Breloom, Leavanny, Fomantis, Lurantis, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Hisuian Decidueye, Grookey, Thwackey, Rillaboom, Tarountula, Spidops, Ogerpon
- Water Types: Corphish, Crawdaunt, Empoleon, Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott, Hisuian Samurott, Chewtle, Drednaw, Froakie, Frogadier, Greninja, Ash-Greninja, Keldeo
- Fighting Types: Heracross, Breloom, Gallade, Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Hawlucha, Falinks, Urshifu, Sneasler, Iron Valiant, Iron Leaves
- Dragon Types: Gible, Gabite, Garchomp, Axew, Fraxure, Haxorus, Jangmo-o, Hakamo-o, Kommo-o, Baxcalibur
- Fire and Ghost Types: Charmander, Charmeleon, Ceruledge
- Fairy Types: Magearna, Zacian, Iron Valiant, Ogerpon
This list is extensive and includes Pokémon of various types and strengths. The TM access means you can strategically choose a Pokémon based on its other attributes – like type matchups, stats, or abilities – and then equip it with False Swipe.
Why False Swipe is Indispensable for Pokémon Catching
False Swipe’s primary appeal lies in its utility for catching Pokémon. Here’s why it’s so highly valued:
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Guaranteed Survival: By always leaving the target at 1 HP, it eliminates the risk of accidentally knocking out the Pokémon you’re trying to catch. This is particularly crucial when dealing with Pokémon that have low catch rates or are encountered in specific, possibly one-time, scenarios.
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Efficiency in Weakening: It efficiently weakens Pokémon without overdoing it. Other moves might inflict too much damage, making it harder to judge how much to attack before throwing a Poké Ball. False Swipe provides consistent and predictable weakening.
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Shiny Hunting and Rare Pokémon: For trainers dedicated to shiny hunting or capturing rare Pokémon, False Swipe is invaluable. It maximizes the number of attempts you can make to catch a Pokémon before it struggles, uses self-destructing moves, or runs away.
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Combo with Status Conditions: False Swipe works perfectly in tandem with status-inducing moves like Thunder Wave (Paralysis) or Hypnosis (Sleep). Paralyzed or sleeping Pokémon are significantly easier to catch. Weaken them with False Swipe and then inflict a status condition for the best capture chances.
Top Pokémon Recommendations for False Swipe Users
While many Pokémon can learn False Swipe, some are particularly well-suited for the role of a “catcher” Pokémon due to their stats, abilities, or movepools. Here are a few top recommendations:
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Gallade: With its high Attack stat and access to moves like Hypnosis and Thunder Wave, Gallade makes an excellent catcher. Its Psychic/Fighting typing also provides good offensive coverage.
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Scizor: Scizor’s Technician ability boosts the power of moves with base power 60 or less, making False Swipe slightly stronger. Its Steel/Bug typing gives it numerous resistances, and it can also learn status moves.
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Breloom: Breloom’s high Attack stat and access to Spore (a 100% accurate Sleep-inducing move) make it a top-tier catcher. Technician also boosts False Swipe.
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Parasect: While perhaps less statistically impressive, Parasect with Dry Skin or Effect Spore and access to Spore and False Swipe can be a very effective and thematic catcher Pokémon.
When choosing your False Swipe user, consider:
- Attack Stat: Higher Attack means False Swipe will be more effective in weakening Pokémon.
- Status Moves: Access to status moves like Sleep or Paralysis drastically increases catch rates.
- Typing and Resistances: A Pokémon with good type matchups and resistances will be more durable in battle while you are weakening and catching Pokémon.
In conclusion, False Swipe is a must-have move for any serious Pokémon trainer focused on completing their Pokédex or shiny hunting. Knowing what Pokémon can learn False Swipe – whether by leveling up or through TM – allows you to strategically build a team ready for any catching endeavor. Choose wisely, train diligently, and happy catching!
