How does Return work in Pokémon?

How Does Return Work in Pokémon?

Return is a Normal-type move in the Pokémon franchise that has been a staple in many Pokémon battles. But, have you ever wondered how it actually works? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Return, its mechanics, and its effectiveness in battles.

Base Power and Friendship

One of the most significant factors that affect Return is the base power of the move. Return’s base power varies between 1 and 102, depending on the Pokémon’s friendship level. The higher the friendship level, the higher the base power of Return. This means that if your Pokémon has a high friendship level with its trainer, Return will deal more damage.

Here’s a breakdown of Return’s base power based on friendship level:

Secondary Effect

Return does not have a secondary effect, unlike some other moves in the Pokémon franchise. This means that it will only deal damage to the opponent and will not have any additional effects, such as lowering the opponent’s accuracy or causing a status condition.

Type-Based Damage

Like other moves in the Pokémon franchise, Return is affected by type-based damage. This means that the type of the move will interact with the type of the opponent to determine the amount of damage dealt. For example, if Return is used by a Fire-type Pokémon against a Grass-type opponent, it will deal more damage due to the type advantage.

STAB and Return

Return, like other moves in the Pokémon franchise, receives a STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) boost. This means that if the Pokémon using Return is the same type as the move (in this case, Normal-type), the move will deal more damage.

Table: STAB and Return

Gym and Raid Battles

Return is a viable option in both Gym and Raid battles. In Gym battles, Return can be used to deal significant damage to opponents, especially if your Pokémon has a high friendship level. In Raid battles, Return can be used to deal massive damage to the Raid Boss, especially if your Pokémon is at a high level.

GO Battle League

In the GO Battle League, Return is a decent option, especially against opponents with low HP. However, it’s not as effective as other moves, such as charged moves or multi-hit moves.

Can a Pokémon do 1000 damage with Return?

The answer is no, Return cannot deal 1000 damage. While it’s possible to get a high base power with Return, the maximum damage it can deal is capped at 102. Additionally, type-based damage and STAB bonuses will also affect the amount of damage dealt.

Conclusion

Return is a solid Normal-type move in the Pokémon franchise, but its effectiveness depends on various factors, such as the Pokémon’s friendship level, type, and opponent’s type. By understanding how Return works, you can make informed decisions about when to use it in battle.