what does no guard do in pokemon

2 min read 16-04-2025

The Pokémon world is filled with strategic depth, and abilities play a crucial role in shaping battles. Among these abilities, No Guard stands out as a unique and potentially game-changing power. This guide will delve into what No Guard does in Pokémon, its strategic implications, and the Pokémon that possess this intriguing ability.

Understanding the No Guard Ability

No Guard is an ability that ignores accuracy and evasion stats. This means that moves used by a Pokémon with No Guard, or against a Pokémon with No Guard, will always hit and always land. Let's break down what this practically means:

Guaranteed Hits: Moves that normally have a chance to miss (due to low accuracy or the opponent's high evasion) will always connect. This eliminates the risk of a crucial attack failing.
No Evasion: Moves that typically have a chance to be evaded (like a Pokémon with high evasion stats) will always hit. This makes Pokémon with high evasion stats vulnerable against No Guard.
Both Offensive and Defensive: The impact of No Guard affects both the Pokémon possessing it and the Pokémon facing it. This dual impact makes it a uniquely powerful ability.

How No Guard Impacts Strategy

The implications of No Guard are significant for both offensive and defensive strategies:

Offensive Strategies with No Guard

Reliable Damage: No Guard ensures your attacks land, eliminating the frustration of missed hits and maximizing damage output. This is particularly useful for powerful but inaccurate moves.
Guaranteed Status Conditions: Moves like Spore or Thunder Wave, which have a chance of missing, are guaranteed to affect the target if the attacker has No Guard. This can cripple opponents quickly.

Defensive Strategies Against No Guard

Increased Risk: While your attacks will always land, your opponent's will as well, so be prepared for increased incoming damage. You lose the chance for evasion to mitigate damage.
Predictability: Understanding the opponent's strategy is crucial. No Guard removes the element of surprise through evasion.

Pokémon with the No Guard Ability

Several Pokémon possess the No Guard ability, making them valuable assets in competitive battling:

Metang: A popular choice due to its high offensive stats and bulkiness. The reliability of its attacks makes it a formidable force.
Hitmontop: Its high evasion stat is completely negated by an opponent possessing No Guard, but this becomes an advantage when it uses No Guard.

And many more! Checking the Pokédex for specific Pokémon is always recommended to ensure you are aware of the best strategy to employ when facing them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does No Guard affect all moves?

A: Yes, No Guard affects all moves, regardless of their accuracy or the target's evasion.

Q: Can No Guard be countered?

A: Not directly. However, strategic choices like using priority moves or focusing on speed can sometimes mitigate its effect.

Q: Is No Guard a good ability?

A: It depends on your strategy and the Pokémon using it. No Guard offers incredible offensive potential but comes with increased defensive vulnerability.

Conclusion: Mastering the No Guard Advantage

The No Guard ability dramatically changes the dynamics of Pokémon battles. By understanding its impact and utilizing it effectively, you can gain a significant advantage in competitive play. Remember, while No Guard guarantees hits, careful strategic planning and consideration of your opponent's strengths and weaknesses are crucial to success. Happy battling!