The Ultimate Guide to Bulldoze in Pokémon
Bulldoze is a powerful Ground-type move introduced in Generation V that has become a staple in many trainers’ arsenals. With its ability to deal damage and lower the target’s Speed stat, it offers both offensive and strategic advantages in battles. This comprehensive guide will explore the details of Bulldoze, including its mechanics, Pokémon that can learn it, and effective strategies for utilizing it in various Pokémon games.
Bulldoze Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Ground |
| Category | Physical |
| Base Power | 60 |
| Accuracy | 100% |
| PP | 20 |
| Effect | Damages and lowers Speed by 1 stage |
| Z-Move Conversion | Tectonic Rage (Power 120) |
Mechanics of Bulldoze
Bulldoze has a unique dual function as both an attacking move and a speed control tool. When used, it inflicts damage on the target and, importantly, lowers the target’s Speed stat by one stage. This makes it particularly useful in competitive battles where speed can determine the outcome.
How Speed Reduction Works
The Speed stat can be lowered a maximum of six stages. Each stage reduces the Speed by approximately 25%, making repeated use of Bulldoze a viable strategy to ensure that your Pokémon outspeed opponents.
Additional Effects in Different Battle Formats
In Double Battles, Bulldoze affects all adjacent Pokémon, including both opponents and your ally. This can be strategically advantageous if you want to lower your opponent’s Speed while benefiting from the move’s effects on your own Pokémon. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, however, Bulldoze can only hit one target, similar to other moves in that game.
Terrain Interactions
Bulldoze’s effectiveness can be influenced by the battlefield. For example, when Grassy Terrain is in effect, Bulldoze’s damage is halved, making it crucial to consider the battlefield’s conditions before using this move.
Pokémon That Learn Bulldoze
Several Pokémon can learn Bulldoze through various means such as leveling up, TMs, or breeding. Below is a curated list of notable Pokémon that can learn Bulldoze:
By Level Up
| Pokémon | Type | Abilities | Level Learned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandshrew | Ground | Sand Veil, Sand Rush | 18 |
| Sandslash | Ground | Sand Veil, Sand Rush | 18 |
| Diglett | Ground | Sand Veil, Arena Trap | 16 |
| Dugtrio | Ground | Sand Veil, Arena Trap | 16 |
| Rhyhorn | Ground/Rock | Lightning Rod, Reckless | 10 |
| Garchomp | Dragon/Ground | Sand Veil, Rough Skin | 18 |
By TM
Bulldoze can also be taught via TM028 in various Pokémon games, including Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This makes it accessible for many Pokémon, expanding its usage in competitive play.
By Breeding
Certain Pokémon can inherit Bulldoze through breeding, allowing for strategic combinations and setups in battles.
Effective Strategies Using Bulldoze
Competitive Play
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Speed Control: Use Bulldoze on Pokémon with high attack stats to maintain offensive pressure while lowering your opponent’s Speed.
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Synergistic Teams: Pair Pokémon that can benefit from having their Speed lowered with those that have strong multi-hit moves or other setup moves.
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Double Battles: In a double battle format, utilize Bulldoze to lower the Speed of both opponents while maintaining your own team’s positioning and speed advantage.
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where turn order is crucial, using Bulldoze to lower an opponent’s action speed before they can attack can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
Terrain Considerations
Always be aware of the battlefield conditions. If Grassy Terrain is active, consider using Bulldoze strategically to avoid unnecessarily low damage output.
Technical Features Comparison Table
| Feature | Bulldoze | Other Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Base Power | 60 | Varies |
| Speed Reduction | Yes (1 stage) | Depends on move |
| Hit All Adjacent | Yes (in Double Battles) | Varies |
| Z-Move Potential | Yes (Tectonic Rage) | Varies |
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Conclusion
Bulldoze is a powerful and versatile move in Pokémon, capable of inflicting damage while strategically lowering the opponent’s Speed stat. With its introduction in Generation V, it has found a place in many competitive strategies across various Pokémon games. Understanding its mechanics, the Pokémon that can learn it, and effective strategies for using it can greatly enhance a trainer’s performance in battles.
FAQ
What is Bulldoze?
Bulldoze is a Ground-type move that deals damage and lowers the target’s Speed by one stage.
How does Bulldoze affect Speed?
When a Pokémon is hit by Bulldoze, its Speed stat decreases by one stage, which can significantly impact turn order in battles.
Which Pokémon can learn Bulldoze?
Many Pokémon can learn Bulldoze, including Sandshrew, Dugtrio, and Garchomp, either through leveling up, TMs, or breeding.
Is Bulldoze effective in double battles?
Yes, Bulldoze can hit all adjacent Pokémon in double battles, allowing for strategic speed control against both opponents.
What happens to Bulldoze’s damage in Grassy Terrain?
In Grassy Terrain, the damage dealt by Bulldoze is halved.
Can Bulldoze be used in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Yes, but it can only hit one target in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, unlike in other games where it can hit multiple targets.
How does Bulldoze compare to other Ground-type moves?
Bulldoze has a unique advantage due to its speed reduction effect, making it more strategic compared to other pure damage-dealing Ground-type moves.
What is the Z-Move equivalent of Bulldoze?
The Z-Move equivalent of Bulldoze is Tectonic Rage, which has a base power of 120.
Can I teach Bulldoze to any Pokémon?
Not all Pokémon can learn Bulldoze, but many can through leveling up or using TM028.
Is Bulldoze a good move for competitive play?
Yes, Bulldoze is highly regarded in competitive play for its dual functionality of dealing damage while controlling the speed of foes.
