Does weakness apply to benched Pokemon?

Does Weakness Apply to BenchedPokémon?

In a Pokémon battle, understanding what happens when a Pokémon deals damage to another Pokémon with a weakness is crucial in determining the outcome of a match. In this regard, it is essential to know whether weakness applies to benched Pokémon. With this article, we seek to clarify this topic so that you can make accurate decisions in your battles, whether you are a long-time player or just embarking on your Pokémon-adventure.

Direct answer: Does weakness apply to benched Pokémon?

No, weakness does not apply to Benched Pokémon. According to the official Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG), when a Benched Pokémon receives damage, it does not apply Weakness or Resistance.

(Source: Vint AgeistheNewOld.com)

Therefore, when a Benched Pokémon is attacked, none of the Weakness attributes of the attacking Pokémon do not apply to the wounded Benched Pokémon.

Below is a summary of where Weakness and Resistance may apply in a Pokémon attack:

Attack is made on Weakness and/or Resistance apply
Active Pokémon Yes, in most cases, Weakness and Resistance apply
Benched Pokémon No, regardless of the type of battling Pokémon

How damages are applied to Benched Pokémon

In the first place, when a Benned Pokémon is attacked:

  1. The damage is calculated as usual, considering the attacking Pokémon’s speed and power.
  2. The damage is treated as normal damage, subject to any special effects cards may have (e.
    g., Burn, Chill, etc.).
    By default, the Benched Pokémon’s Weakness es and Resistance s are dismissed, as they do play no role in this direct damage application.

Comparison with Active Pokémon

However, when an Active Pikachu is attacked, Weaknes s and Resistance may engage, potentially affecting the HP loss. In contrast Benched Pokémon consistently ignore Weakness and can only take damage directly on their HP.

Common Misconceptions and Errors

To avoid confusion related to Benched Pokémon vs. Active Pokémon, double-check the following common cases:

  • Incorrect treatment of Benched Pokémon stats: Some players might imagine that Benched Pokémon apply Weakness and Resistance directly, as if they
    were the Active Pokémon when attacked. Remembering that Benched Pokémon inherently ignore Weakness and the like.
  • Potential miscalcussion of Burn or other debilitating effects: Don’t dismiss the possibility of Benches Pokémon falling prey to more general damage types (besides Weakness).

  • Mistaken damage calculation: Avoid mixing elements of Benched and Activate Pokémon in damage calculations;
    treat Benches Pokémon as a separate consideration.

In Game Examples

Here are various examples from the official and fan-made Pokémon content :

  • In the Original Pokémon games, the introduction of the Benched condition explicitly stated that it neither applies Weakness nor enhances Resistance.
  • Sun and Moon, a different scenario where a Benches Pokémon can still receive damaging effects (like Burn):

In conclusion, any damage applied to a non-Active Pokémon, generally referred to as Benching, is direct-HP-loss, not directly influenced by Weakness from the attacking Pokémon.

Keep in mind always:

  1. Non-Active Pokémon, your Benched ones, completely disregard Weakness.

  2. Damage calculation solely depends on the attacking unit’s stats.

In summary The article provides an overview where Weakness and Resistance aren’t applicable to Benchd Pokémon, focusing direct damage application excluding Weakness and Resistance conditions.

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