Whirlwind
NormalWhirlwind is a Normal-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 20 PP. It has negative priority (-6), so it usually moves last.
Technical data
- Type
- Normal
- Category
- status
- Power
- —
- Accuracy
- —
- PP
- 20
- Priority
- -6
- Target
- adjacent
- 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-up36 Pokémon
Pidgeot Mega
Volcarona
Noivern
Staraptor Mega
Pidgeot
Staraptor
TM / HM24 Pokémon
Aerodactyl Mega
Pidgeot Mega
Aerodactyl
Pidgeot
Egg move (breeding)25 Pokémon
Aerodactyl Mega
Snorlax
Aerodactyl
Skarmory Mega
Snorlax Gmax
Rampardos
Skarmory
Pokémon that use this move
70 Pokémon, sorted by usage
Aerodactyl Mega
Pidgeot Mega
Snorlax
Volcarona
Noivern
Aerodactyl
Staraptor Mega
Skarmory Mega
Pidgeot
Snorlax Gmax
Rampardos
Staraptor
Skarmory
What this move does
Whirlwind is a Normal-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 20 PP. It has negative priority (-6), so it usually moves last. Whirlwind is a Normal-type status move. It targets a single adjacent target and has 20 PP. It has negative priority (-6), so it usually moves last.
A utility move whose value depends on the team's gameplan and the tempo it creates.
When to consider it
Consider Whirlwind 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, Whirlwind 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 Whirlwind 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 Whirlwind 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 Whirlwind 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 Whirlwind blocked by Protect?
Yes, Whirlwind is blocked by Protect and Detect.