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The equation behind how damage is calculated in battle within Pokemon GO is much less complex than the one used in the main series, games, such as in Pokemon Sword & Shield, however, the string of values can still be a bit daunting at first for those not familiar with longer equations. Thankfully, since each step is straightforward, it’s easy to break down and examine. Doing so will grant insight into the mobile game’s mechanics enough for most to plan their future battles better, which, in turn, will result in more victories.
The Equation That Calculates Damage In Pokemon GO
How To Calculate Damage Properly With This Equation
In order to calculate the damage properly, trainers should make sure to determine each value in the same order that one would perform any other mathematical equation. Before the explanation of each value, here’s a quick rundown of the order of operations:
Divide the Attack by the Defense Calculate the Modifier Multiply 0. 5 by the Power, then the result of dividing the Attack from the Defense, and then the Modifier Add 1 to the result of Step 3 to get the Damage (the number of HP that the opponent will lose)
The Breakdown Of All The Values In The Equation
What Attack Means
Attack is the Attack stat of the attacking pokemon.
What Defense Means
Defense is the Defense stat of the defending pokemon.
How To Calculate The Modifier
The Modifier is the most complicated part of the Damage equation, as determining it will require another string of calculations, albeit a very simple one that only involves orderly multiplication. Here’s each term examined:
Type: The factor representing type effectiveness (neutral effectiveness being 1) STAB: Means Same Type Attack Bonus and represents a value of 1 unless the attacker’s move matches its type, in which case it will become 1. 2 Weather: Represents a value of 1 unless the attacker’s move is influenced positively by the current weather condition, in which case it will become 1. 2 Friendship: Represents a value of 1 unless the attacking trainer is Friends with the opposing trainer, in which case it will become a value between 1. 03 and 1. 1, depending on the Friendship Level between the two trainers Dodged: Represents a value of 1 unless the attack is dodged, in which case it becomes 0. 25 Mega: Represents a value of 1 unless the user’s pokemon Mega Evolves, in which case it will be 1. 1 when using moves but 1. 3 if the moves are the same type as the attacker Trainer: Represents a value of 1 unless the player is battling another Trainer, in which case it becomes 1. 3 Charge: Represents a value only applicable to Charged Attacks, which will be a value between 1 and 0. 5, depending on the attacker’s performance in the battle minigame
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What Power Means
Power is the base power of the move used by the attacking pokemon.
Why There Is A +1 To The Damage Equation
After getting the sum of all the other calculations, trainers will need to add 1 to complete it. This ensures that regardless of all the other factors, an attack is always be guaranteed to deal at least 1 Damage. This is to potentially prevent a battle from becoming a stalemate.
Example Equation
Let’s say there’s a battle happening between two trainers, one with a Ho-oh and the other with a Lugia possessing 320 Defense. It is Ho-oh’s turn and they use the Charged Attack Fire Blast (Power 140) under normal conditions.
Attacker Information
Steps To This Specific Damage Equation
(Attack/Defense) 240/320 = 0. 75 (Modifier Calculations) 1 x 1. 2 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1 x 1. 3 x 1 = 1. 56 (Main Damage Calculations) 0. 5 x 140 x 0. 75 x 1. 56 = 81. 9 (Final Addition Step & Rounding) 81. 9 + 1 = 82. 9 = 83 The defending Lugia will lost 83 HP from Ho-oh’s Fire Blast
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