Can Azumarill Learn Drain Punch? Delve into the world of Pokémon Sword and Shield to uncover the secrets of Drain Punch, a powerful Fighting-type move. This guide, brought to you by LEARNS.EDU.VN, explores Drain Punch’s effect, competitive usage, and, most importantly, whether Azumarill can harness its potential. Discover the strategies and insights needed to elevate your Pokémon battling skills, understand move compatibility, and learn about effective combat techniques.
1. Understanding Drain Punch: The Basics
Drain Punch is more than just a Fighting-type move; it’s a strategic tool that can turn the tide of battle. Let’s examine its key characteristics:
- Type: Fighting
- Category: Physical
- Power: 75
- Accuracy: 100%
- PP: 10
- Effect: The user attacks with an energy-draining punch, recovering HP equal to half the damage dealt to the target.
- Max Move: Max Knuckle (Power: 90)
- TM/TR: TM63
The self-healing aspect of Drain Punch makes it exceptionally valuable. It allows Pokémon to sustain themselves during prolonged battles, increasing their survivability and offensive pressure.
2. Pokémon That Can Learn Drain Punch
Identifying which Pokémon can learn Drain Punch is crucial for team building. Here’s a breakdown of how Pokémon acquire this move:
2.1. By Default
Some Pokémon naturally know Drain Punch from the moment they are caught or hatched:
- Hitmonchan
- Seismitoad
2.2. By Level Up
Certain Pokémon learn Drain Punch as they gain levels:
- Mienfoo
- Mienshao
- Marshadow
2.3. By TM/TR
TM63 (Drain Punch) can be taught to a wide array of Pokémon:
- Clefairy
- Clefable
- Jigglypuff
- Wigglytuff
- Gloom
- Vileplume
- Poliwrath
- Abra
- Kadabra
- Alakazam
- Galarian Slowbro
- Slowbro
- Gengar
- Hitmonchan
- Chansey
- Kangaskhan
- Mr. Mime
- Galarian Mr. Mime
- Jynx
- Mewtwo
- Mew
- Togetic
- Bellossom
- Galarian Slowking
- Slowking
- Blissey
- Treecko
- Grovyle
- Sceptile
- Lombre
- Ludicolo
- Sableye
- Regirock
- Jirachi
- Buneary
- Lopunny
- Mime Jr.
- Happiny
- Riolu
- Lucario
- Croagunk
- Toxicroak
- Togekiss
- Leafeon
- Gallade
- Uxie
- Mesprit
- Regigigas
- Audino
- Timburr
- Gurdurr
- Conkeldurr
- Seismitoad
- Maractus
- Scraggy
- Scrafty
- Trubbish
- Garbodor
- Reuniclus
- Accelgor
- Mienfoo
- Mienshao
- Golett
- Golurk
- Heatmor
- Pancham
- Pangoro
- Aromatisse
- Slurpuff
- Hawlucha
- Trevenant
- Incineroar
- Shiinotic
- Bewear
- Passimian
- Mimikyu
- Hakamo-o
- Kommo-o
- Buzzwole
- Guzzlord
- Marshadow
- Zeraora
- Grookey
- Thwackey
- Rillaboom
- Toxtricity
- Grapploct
- Impidimp
- Morgrem
- Grimmsnarl
- Mr. Rime
- Alcremie
- Indeedee
- Urshifu (Single-Strike Style)
- Urshifu (Rapid-Strike Style)
- Zarude
2.4. By Egg Move
Currently, no Pokémon learn Drain Punch through Egg Moves.
2.5. By Move Tutor
Unfortunately, Drain Punch is not available through Move Tutors in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
3. Can Azumarill Learn Drain Punch?
Now, to the core question: Can Azumarill learn Drain Punch? Unfortunately, Azumarill cannot learn Drain Punch in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Despite its potential synergy with Azumarill’s capabilities, it’s not part of its movepool through any means (TM, leveling, breeding, etc.).
3.1. Why This Matters
Understanding Azumarill’s limitations is essential for competitive play. While Drain Punch would offer excellent coverage and sustain, players must explore alternative strategies and move combinations to maximize its effectiveness. This includes using moves like Aqua Jet and Play Rough.
4. Drain Punch: Competitive Analysis
Drain Punch is a highly valued move in competitive Pokémon battles, offering a unique combination of offense and sustain:
4.1. Key Benefits
- HP Recovery: Restores HP equal to half the damage dealt, prolonging a Pokémon’s survival.
- Fighting-Type STAB: Powerful option for Fighting-type Pokémon, benefiting from the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB).
- Coverage: Provides coverage against various types, especially those weak to Fighting.
4.2. Strategic Use
- Sustained Offense: Allows Pokémon to maintain offensive pressure while recovering HP, reducing the need to switch out frequently.
- Wall Breaking: Effective against defensive Pokémon, wearing them down while keeping the user healthy.
- Late-Game Sweeping: Can help a weakened Pokémon recover HP and potentially sweep through the opposing team.
4.3. The Role of STAB
The Same-Type Attack Bonus, or STAB, is a mechanic in Pokémon battles that significantly enhances the power of a move. When a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, the move’s base power is increased by 50%. This bonus makes same-type moves much more effective and is a crucial factor in competitive play.
How STAB Works:
- Type Matching: If a Pokémon uses a move that is the same type as one of its own types, the move receives a STAB boost.
- Power Increase: The base power of the move is multiplied by 1.5 (or increased by 50%).
Example:
- Hitmonchan, a Fighting-type Pokémon, uses Drain Punch, which is also a Fighting-type move.
- Drain Punch has a base power of 75.
- With STAB, the effective power of Drain Punch becomes 75 * 1.5 = 112.5.
4.4. Significance in Competitive Battles:
- Damage Output: STAB significantly increases the damage output, making moves more threatening and efficient.
- Strategic Advantage: Pokémon with STAB moves can deal more damage with less effort, giving them a strategic edge.
- Move Selection: Trainers often prioritize moves that benefit from STAB to maximize their Pokémon’s offensive potential.
4.5. Importance of STAB for Drain Punch:
For Fighting-type Pokémon, Drain Punch becomes an even more valuable move due to STAB. The combination of damage and HP recovery, enhanced by STAB, makes it a staple in many competitive builds.
5. Competitive Alternatives for Azumarill
Since Azumarill cannot learn Drain Punch, let’s explore alternative moves and strategies to compensate:
5.1. Azumarill’s Strengths
- Huge Power Ability: Doubles Azumarill’s Attack stat, making it a formidable physical attacker.
- Fairy/Water Typing: Provides excellent defensive and offensive coverage.
5.2. Recommended Moveset
- Aqua Jet: A Water-type priority move that allows Azumarill to strike first.
- Play Rough: A powerful Fairy-type move that benefits from STAB.
- Belly Drum: Maximizes Azumarill’s Attack stat at the cost of half its HP.
- Knock Off: Removes the opponent’s held item and deals damage.
5.3. Strategy
- Belly Drum Setup: Use Belly Drum to drastically increase Azumarill’s Attack.
- Priority with Aqua Jet: Utilize Aqua Jet to outspeed opponents and deal significant damage.
- STAB with Play Rough: Employ Play Rough for powerful Fairy-type damage.
- Item Disruption: Use Knock Off to remove crucial items from the opponent.
5.4. Utilizing Aqua Jet
Aqua Jet is a Water-type priority move, meaning it allows the Pokémon using it to attack first, regardless of the opponent’s speed. This can be especially advantageous for Azumarill.
Benefits of Aqua Jet for Azumarill:
- Priority Attack: Aqua Jet ensures Azumarill can strike first, which is crucial for revenge killing or finishing off weakened opponents.
- Synergy with Huge Power: With Azumarill’s Huge Power ability, Aqua Jet becomes a significant threat, capable of dealing substantial damage despite its lower base power.
- Speed Control: Azumarill’s relatively low speed can be mitigated by using Aqua Jet, allowing it to reliably attack before faster opponents.
Competitive Use:
- Revenge Killing: Aqua Jet is excellent for revenge killing, allowing Azumarill to quickly eliminate threats that have already taken damage.
- Finishing Opponents: It can be used to finish off opponents with low HP, preventing them from setting up or recovering.
- Disrupting Strategies: Aqua Jet can disrupt opponents’ strategies by preventing them from setting up stat boosts or using specific moves.
5.5. The Importance of Play Rough
Play Rough is a Fairy-type move with a base power of 90 and 90% accuracy. It is a physical move, making it highly effective when used by Pokémon with high Attack stats like Azumarill.
Key Advantages of Play Rough:
- High Damage Output: Play Rough provides a substantial damage output, allowing Azumarill to deal significant damage to opponents.
- STAB Bonus: As a Fairy-type move used by a Fairy-type Pokémon, it benefits from the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB), increasing its power by 50%.
- Coverage: Fairy-type moves are super effective against Dragon, Dark, and Fighting-type Pokémon, providing valuable coverage against common threats.
Integrating Play Rough into Azumarill’s Strategy:
- Primary Attack: Play Rough serves as Azumarill’s primary attack, dealing consistent and high damage to a wide range of opponents.
- Type Advantage: It is particularly useful against Dragon-types, which are common in competitive play and often have high Special Defense, making physical attacks like Play Rough more effective.
- Reliable Damage: With a base power of 90, Play Rough provides reliable damage output, making it a dependable choice in various battle scenarios.
5.6. Maximizing Attack with Belly Drum
Belly Drum is a high-risk, high-reward move that maximizes the user’s Attack stat at the cost of half of their maximum HP. When used strategically, it can turn Azumarill into an offensive powerhouse.
Benefits and Risks:
- Maximized Attack: Belly Drum raises the user’s Attack stat to the maximum possible level, making subsequent attacks incredibly powerful.
- HP Sacrifice: The user loses half of their maximum HP, making them vulnerable to being knocked out.
Effective Use of Belly Drum with Azumarill:
- Strategic Timing: Use Belly Drum when Azumarill can survive the HP loss and is positioned to take advantage of the increased Attack.
- Support and Protection: Pair Azumarill with support Pokémon that can provide healing, redirection, or protection to mitigate the risks of Belly Drum.
- Priority Moves: Utilize priority moves like Aqua Jet to ensure Azumarill can strike first and capitalize on the Attack boost.
5.7. Disrupting Opponents with Knock Off
Knock Off is a Dark-type move with a base power of 65 (97.5 if the opponent is holding an item). It not only deals damage but also removes the opponent’s held item, which can be crucial for disrupting their strategy.
Advantages of Knock Off:
- Item Removal: Knock Off removes the opponent’s held item, which can cripple their setup, reduce their healing capabilities, or eliminate stat-boosting effects.
- Increased Damage: The move deals 50% more damage if the opponent is holding an item, making it a potent offensive option.
- Utility and Damage: Knock Off provides both utility (item removal) and damage, making it a versatile move.
How Knock Off Enhances Azumarill’s Strategy:
- Disrupting Setups: Knock Off can disrupt opponents who rely on specific items to set up strategies, such as Life Orb, Choice items, or Eviolite.
- Crippling Recovery: Removing items like Leftovers or Black Sludge can reduce the opponent’s recovery, making them easier to wear down.
- Offensive Advantage: The added damage from Knock Off can help Azumarill secure KOs, especially against Pokémon that are weakened or relying on their held item for survival.
6. Drain Punch Locations in Pokémon Sword and Shield
If you’re looking to teach Drain Punch to a compatible Pokémon, here’s where you can find it:
6.1. Purchase from Wyndon City Poke Mart
Drain Punch (TM63) is available for purchase at the Poke Mart in Wyndon City. Make sure you have enough Watts or PokéDollars to acquire it.
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8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is Drain Punch?
Drain Punch is a Fighting-type move that damages the target and restores the user’s HP by half the damage dealt.
Q2: Can Azumarill learn Drain Punch?
No, Azumarill cannot learn Drain Punch in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Q3: Where can I find Drain Punch in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
You can purchase TM63 (Drain Punch) at the Poke Mart in Wyndon City.
Q4: What are good alternative moves for Azumarill?
Recommended moves include Aqua Jet, Play Rough, Belly Drum, and Knock Off.
Q5: What makes Drain Punch a valuable move in competitive battling?
Drain Punch offers a combination of offense and sustain, allowing Pokémon to recover HP while dealing damage.
Q6: Which Pokémon can learn Drain Punch by leveling up?
Mienfoo, Mienshao, and Marshadow learn Drain Punch by leveling up.
Q7: What is STAB and how does it affect Drain Punch?
STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) increases the power of a move by 50% when used by a Pokémon of the same type. For Fighting-type Pokémon, Drain Punch benefits greatly from STAB.
Q8: How does Belly Drum work with Azumarill?
Belly Drum maximizes Azumarill’s Attack stat but costs half of its HP. It is a high-risk, high-reward strategy.
Q9: What is the effect of Knock Off?
Knock Off damages the target and removes their held item, disrupting their strategy.
Q10: Can Drain Punch be taught through Move Tutors?
No, Drain Punch is not available through Move Tutors in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
9. Leveling Up Mienfoo and Mienshao
Mienfoo and its evolution, Mienshao, are Fighting-type Pokémon that learn Drain Punch through leveling up. Here’s a detailed look at their level-up progression and strategies for effective training.
Mienfoo:
- Type: Fighting
- How to Obtain: Mienfoo can be found in various locations in Pokémon Sword and Shield, particularly in areas with Fighting-type Pokémon.
- Level-Up Moves: Mienfoo learns a variety of moves as it levels up, preparing it for its eventual evolution.
Mienshao:
- Type: Fighting
- Evolution: Mienfoo evolves into Mienshao starting at level 50.
- Enhanced Stats: Mienshao boasts improved stats, making it a formidable offensive presence.
Leveling Strategy:
- Training Locations: Focus on training Mienfoo in areas with high-level Pokémon to expedite its leveling process.
- Exp Candy: Use Exp Candy to boost Mienfoo’s level quickly, especially to reach the level 50 evolution threshold.
- Battle Strategy: Utilize Mienfoo’s and Mienshao’s Fighting-type moves to exploit weaknesses in opponents, particularly against Normal, Ice, Rock, Dark, and Steel-type Pokémon.
10. Drain Punch Move Details
| Move | Type | Category | Power | Accuracy | PP | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drain Punch | Fighting | Physical | 75 | 100% | 10 | User recovers HP equal to half the damage dealt to the target. |
| Max Knuckle | Fighting | Physical | 90 | – | – | Max Move: Raises the Attack stat of the user and its allies. |
11. The Competitive Edge of Hitmonchan
Hitmonchan, the Fighting-type Pokémon, is a notable user of Drain Punch, leveraging its unique abilities and movepool to gain a competitive edge.
Hitmonchan:
- Type: Fighting
- Abilities: Hitmonchan can have the abilities Keen Eye or Iron Fist, each providing different strategic advantages.
- Movepool: In addition to Drain Punch, Hitmonchan has access to a variety of elemental punches (Fire Punch, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch), providing excellent coverage.
Strategic Advantages:
- Iron Fist Ability: The Iron Fist ability increases the power of punching moves by 20%, further enhancing Drain Punch’s damage and recovery.
- Versatile Coverage: With access to elemental punches, Hitmonchan can cover a wide range of type matchups, making it a versatile team member.
- STAB Drain Punch: As a Fighting-type, Hitmonchan benefits from STAB when using Drain Punch, increasing its damage output and recovery potential.
Competitive Use:
- Offensive Pressure: Hitmonchan can apply constant offensive pressure with its powerful punches, forcing opponents to make strategic decisions.
- Sustained Battles: Drain Punch allows Hitmonchan to sustain itself during prolonged battles, maintaining its offensive presence while recovering HP.
- Adaptable Strategy: The combination of Iron Fist, elemental punches, and Drain Punch makes Hitmonchan an adaptable Pokémon capable of handling various threats.
Optimizing Hitmonchan’s Build
To maximize Hitmonchan’s potential, consider the following:
- Ability Selection: If using a punching-heavy build, Iron Fist is the preferred ability.
- Item Choice: Consider items like Life Orb to further boost damage output or Leftovers for additional recovery.
- Move Set: Combine Drain Punch with elemental punches to ensure comprehensive type coverage.
12. Seismitoad: A Dual-Type Drain Punch User
Seismitoad, the dual-type Water/Ground Pokémon, is another notable user of Drain Punch. Its unique typing and abilities make it a strategic choice for competitive battles.
Seismitoad:
- Type: Water/Ground
- Abilities: Seismitoad can have the abilities Swift Swim, Poison Touch, or Water Absorb, each offering different strategic benefits.
- Movepool: Seismitoad has access to a variety of Water, Ground, and Fighting-type moves, making it a versatile team member.
Strategic Advantages:
- Dual-Type Coverage: Seismitoad’s Water/Ground typing provides excellent coverage against common threats.
- Water Absorb Ability: The Water Absorb ability allows Seismitoad to heal HP when hit by Water-type moves, making it an excellent switch-in against Water-type attackers.
- STAB Drain Punch: As a Pokémon that can learn Drain Punch, Seismitoad can benefit from the move’s recovery while dealing damage.
Competitive Use:
- Defensive Pivot: Seismitoad can act as a defensive pivot, switching into Water-type moves and healing HP with Water Absorb.
- Offensive Pressure: With access to powerful Water and Ground-type moves, Seismitoad can apply offensive pressure while sustaining itself with Drain Punch.
- Adaptable Strategy: Seismitoad’s diverse movepool and abilities make it an adaptable Pokémon capable of fulfilling various roles in a team.
Maximizing Seismitoad’s Build
To optimize Seismitoad’s potential, consider the following:
- Ability Selection: Water Absorb is often the preferred ability for its defensive utility.
- Item Choice: Consider items like Leftovers for additional recovery or Life Orb for increased damage output.
- Move Set: Combine Drain Punch with Water and Ground-type moves to ensure comprehensive type coverage.
13. Understanding TM63 (Drain Punch) Availability
TM63, which contains Drain Punch, is a valuable asset for trainers looking to enhance their Pokémon’s movepool. Knowing how to obtain and use this TM effectively can significantly improve your competitive edge.
13.1. Acquisition of TM63
- Location: TM63 (Drain Punch) can be purchased at the Poke Mart in Wyndon City.
- Cost: The TM is available for purchase using either Watts or PokéDollars, depending on the game version.
- Availability: Check the Poke Mart’s inventory regularly, as stock may vary based on game progress.
13.2. Strategic Use of TM63
- Versatile Compatibility: TM63 can be taught to a wide range of Pokémon, making it a valuable tool for diversifying your team’s movepool.
- Targeted Training: Identify Pokémon that can benefit most from Drain Punch’s combination of damage and HP recovery.
- Move Replacement: Consider which existing moves can be replaced with Drain Punch to optimize your Pokémon’s coverage and strategic capabilities.
13.3. Considerations for Use
- Type Matchups: Evaluate how Drain Punch fits into your Pokémon’s type matchups and whether it provides significant advantages against common threats.
- Stat Allocation: Assess whether your Pokémon’s Attack stat is high enough to make Drain Punch an effective offensive option.
- Team Synergy: Consider how Drain Punch complements your team’s overall strategy and whether it enhances your ability to handle various battle scenarios.
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15. Conclusion: Mastering Pokémon Battles
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