Whirlwind

Normal

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.

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 MegaPidgeot Mega
  • VolcaronaVolcarona
  • NoivernNoivern
  • Staraptor MegaStaraptor Mega
  • PidgeotPidgeot
  • StaraptorStaraptor

TM / HM24 Pokémon

  • Aerodactyl MegaAerodactyl Mega
  • Pidgeot MegaPidgeot Mega
  • AerodactylAerodactyl
  • PidgeotPidgeot

Egg move (breeding)25 Pokémon

  • Aerodactyl MegaAerodactyl Mega
  • SnorlaxSnorlax
  • AerodactylAerodactyl
  • Skarmory MegaSkarmory Mega
  • Snorlax GmaxSnorlax Gmax
  • RampardosRampardos
  • SkarmorySkarmory

Pokémon that use this move

70 Pokémon, sorted by usage

  • Aerodactyl MegaAerodactyl Mega
  • Pidgeot MegaPidgeot Mega
  • SnorlaxSnorlax
  • VolcaronaVolcarona
  • NoivernNoivern
  • AerodactylAerodactyl
  • Staraptor MegaStaraptor Mega
  • Skarmory MegaSkarmory Mega
  • PidgeotPidgeot
  • Snorlax GmaxSnorlax Gmax
  • RampardosRampardos
  • StaraptorStaraptor
  • SkarmorySkarmory

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.

Last updated: July 2026 · This entry is kept navigable while additional editorial context is being added.
All figures are estimated trends based on available data and do not guarantee competitive results. Matchups are situational. See our methodology for how these figures are calculated.