Spikes
GroundSpikes is a Ground-type status move. It targets opponents-field and has 20 PP.
Technical data
- Type
- Ground
- Category
- status
- Power
- —
- Accuracy
- —
- PP
- 20
- Priority
- 0
- Target
- opponents-field
- Contact
- No
- Spread
- No
- Protect blocks
- Yes
- Wide Guard blocks
- No
Competitive value
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates.
How to learn it
Pokémon that can learn or be taught this move, by method.
Level-up17 Pokémon
Greninja Ash
Greninja Mega
Greninja Battle Bond
Skarmory Mega
Greninja
Overqwil
Klefki
Forretress
Skarmory
Qwilfish
Qwilfish Hisui
TM / HM107 Pokémon
Glimmora Mega
Greninja Ash
Greninja Mega
Heracross Mega
Chesnaught Mega
Garchomp Mega Z
Garchomp Mega
Glalie Mega
Scolipede Mega
Glimmora
Garchomp
Froslass Mega
Greninja Battle Bond
Skarmory Mega
Greninja
Meowscarada
Heracross
Scolipede
Roserade
Chesnaught
Orthworm
Garbodor
Glalie
Overqwil
Gliscor
Froslass
Klefki
Forretress
Garbodor Gmax
Skarmory
Qwilfish
Qwilfish Hisui
Diggersby
Move Tutor2 Pokémon
Decidueye Hisui
Qwilfish Hisui
Egg move (breeding)23 Pokémon
Greninja Ash
Greninja Mega
Chesnaught Mega
Greninja Battle Bond
Greninja
Chesnaught
Pokémon that use this move
108 Pokémon, sorted by usage
Glimmora Mega
Greninja Ash
Greninja Mega
Heracross Mega
Chesnaught Mega
Garchomp Mega Z
Garchomp Mega
Glalie Mega
Scolipede Mega
Glimmora
Garchomp
Froslass Mega
Decidueye Hisui
Greninja Battle Bond
Skarmory Mega
Greninja
Meowscarada
Heracross
Scolipede
Roserade
Chesnaught
Orthworm
Garbodor
Glalie
Overqwil
Gliscor
Froslass
Klefki
Forretress
Garbodor Gmax
Skarmory
Qwilfish
Qwilfish Hisui
Diggersby
What this move does
Spikes is a Ground-type status move. It targets opponents-field and has 20 PP. Spikes is a Ground-type status move. It targets opponents-field and has 20 PP.
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates.
When to consider it
Consider Spikes when your team needs the utility it provides rather than direct damage. Status moves define speed control, redirection, protection and disruption in VGC. Its value depends on whether your team can exploit the turns it creates. Check your team composition for Pokémon that benefit from the positioning or tempo it generates.
How to evaluate it in team building
In team building, Spikes competes with other support and disruption options for a limited number of moveslots. Ask whether your team has enough offense to justify a utility move, and whether you have the speed or bulk to use it safely. Many successful teams run one or two status moves that enable the rest of the roster, so treat it as part of your overall gameplan rather than an afterthought.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes with Spikes include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. Not considering how redirectors like Follow Me and Rage Powder change targeting.
VGC interactions
Protect and Detect block this move. 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 Spikes 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: no effect (non-priority).
Frequently asked questions
+Is Spikes good in ChampionsVGC?
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates. It is blocked by Protect and Detect, which can waste a key turn if predicted.
+Is Spikes blocked by Protect?
Yes, Spikes is blocked by Protect and Detect.