False Swipe is a vital move for beating the main story of every Pokemon game since its creation.
The move is as impactful as a scratch or tackle, but has a unique mechanic where it’s guaranteed to leave an opponent with at least 1 HP. Though it’s mostly useless in trainer battles, this is an ideal option for catching wild Pokemon.
It’s a move that’s a must-have or almost any party before reaching the endgame phase. So here’s how to get False Swipe, how to use it, and the best options for users of the move.
In Pokemon Sword and Shield, False Swipe is attached to TM94, which is available for sale in the Motostoke Pokemon Center and can be purchased for just $10,000, making it affordable even at a very early stage in the game. Even if a player is lacking in funds, it’s not hard to scrounge up $10,000 in Pokemon Sword and Shield by picking up and selling random items from the Wild Area.
There is also a handful of Pokemon in Sword and Shield that can learn the move without the use of TM94. The best options for trainers include:
There are also a number of Pokemon from the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra without the use of TM94. That list of Pokemon includes:
Here are some of the best users of False Swipe in Pokemon Sword and Shield:
These Pokemon can all be caught in the primary Galar region and evolve without much trouble during the main game. Most of them will require TM94 in order to learn False Swipe but the good news is that TM94 is not a consumable item and can be used multiple times.
The list of Pokemon that are strong users of False Swipe expands greatly when considering DLC and other late-game-focused Pokemon. These are the ideal options for completing the National Pokedex and catching the crush of legendary Pokemon that come with the post-game portion of Sword and Shield:
Yes, False Swipe is capable of being a critical hit. However, as a normal-type move that does only 40 damage, its crits are not particularly fearsome. The good news is that even if the move lands as a critical hit, it will not kill the opposing Pokemon.
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