Fake Out
NormalPriority move that flinches the target. Only works on the user's first turn.
Technical data
- Type
- Normal
- Category
- physical
- Power
- 40
- Accuracy
- 100
- PP
- 10
- Priority
- 3
- Target
- adjacent
- Contact
- Yes
- Spread
- No
- Protect blocks
- Yes
- Wide Guard blocks
- No
Competitive value
Premier disruption and chip damage, denying an opponent's action on the turn it lands.
What this move does
Fake Out is a Normal-type physical attack. It has 40 base power, 100% accuracy, 10 PP and targets a single adjacent target. It has +3 priority, letting it move before most attacks. It makes contact, which matters for abilities and items that trigger on contact. Priority move that flinches the target. Only works on the user's first turn.
Premier disruption and chip damage, denying an opponent's action on the turn it lands.
When to consider it
Consider Fake Out when you need to move before the opponent to secure a knockout, flinch, or utility effect. Priority moves are especially valuable against fast threats and speed-control teams, but they can be blocked by Quick Guard and abilities like Queenly Majesty or Dazzling.
How to evaluate it in team building
In team building, Fake Out is usually a coverage or primary STAB option. It shines when your team already has speed control or when it patches a matchup hole. Compare it with alternative moves of the same type and category to decide whether the extra power, accuracy or side effect justifies the slot over a more defensive option.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes with Fake Out include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. Assuming priority always goes first without accounting for Quick Guard or Psychic Terrain. Spamming it predictably and letting the opponent switch into a resist. Not considering how redirectors like Follow Me and Rage Powder change targeting.
VGC interactions
Protect and Detect block this move. Quick Guard and Psychic Terrain can stop priority versions. These interactions are situational, so test them in the team builder and matchup analyzer before committing to the moveslot.
Related tools and guides
Use the tools below to test Fake Out in a full team context and compare it with alternative options.
VGC interactions
- Protect / Detect: blocks this move.
- Wide Guard: does not block this move.
- Follow Me / Rage Powder: spread moves are not redirected.
- Quick Guard: blocks this priority move.
Frequently asked questions
＋Is Fake Out good in VGC?
Premier disruption and chip damage, denying an opponent's action on the turn it lands.
＋Is Fake Out affected by Protect?
Yes, Fake Out is blocked by Protect and Detect.