In the main series Pokémon games, one stage of accuracy increases a move's base accuracy by a multiplier of 4/3 (approximately 1.33x). This means if a move has a base accuracy of 75%, a single stage increase will boost its effective accuracy to 100%.
Understanding Accuracy Stages
Accuracy and evasion are crucial mechanics in Pokémon battles, determining the likelihood of a move successfully hitting its target. These stats are modified by "stages," which are numerical increments or decrements that apply a specific multiplier to the base accuracy or evasion stat. Both accuracy and evasion stats can be raised or lowered by a maximum of six stages from their neutral (zero) position.
The Accuracy Stage Modifier
The effect of accuracy stages on a move's probability of hitting follows a specific formula. The base accuracy of a move is multiplied by a fraction determined by the number of accuracy stages.
Here's how accuracy modifiers work based on stages:
| Accuracy Stages | Multiplier (Fraction) | Multiplier (Decimal) |
|---|---|---|
| +6 | 9/3 (3/1) | 3.00 |
| +5 | 8/3 | 2.67 |
| +4 | 7/3 | 2.33 |
| +3 | 6/3 (2/1) | 2.00 |
| +2 | 5/3 | 1.67 |
| +1 | 4/3 | 1.33 |
| 0 (Neutral) | 3/3 (1/1) | 1.00 |
| -1 | 3/4 | 0.75 |
| -2 | 3/5 | 0.60 |
| -3 | 3/6 (1/2) | 0.50 |
| -4 | 3/7 | 0.43 |
| -5 | 3/8 | 0.38 |
| -6 | 3/9 (1/3) | 0.33 |
For more detailed information on accuracy and evasion mechanics in Pokémon, you can refer to resources like Bulbapedia.
Practical Examples
Let's illustrate how a one-stage accuracy increase impacts a move's effectiveness:
- Sleep Powder (75% Base Accuracy): If a Pokémon with Sleep Powder increases its accuracy by one stage, the calculation would be 75% * (4/3) = 100%. This means Sleep Powder would become a guaranteed hit.
- Stone Edge (80% Base Accuracy): With a one-stage accuracy boost, Stone Edge's effective accuracy would be 80% * (4/3) = 106.67%. Since accuracy cannot exceed 100%, it effectively becomes a guaranteed hit.
- Hydro Pump (80% Base Accuracy): Similar to Stone Edge, a single accuracy stage would make Hydro Pump effectively 100% accurate.
Factors Affecting Accuracy
Beyond accuracy stages, several other in-game factors can influence a move's hit rate:
- Evasion Stages: The opponent's evasion stages directly counter your Pokémon's accuracy stages. The final hit chance is calculated by multiplying the move's base accuracy by both the attacker's accuracy modifier and the defender's evasion modifier.
- Abilities: Certain Pokémon abilities, such as Compound Eyes (increases accuracy) or Sand Veil (decreases opponent's accuracy in a sandstorm), can alter accuracy.
- Items: Held items like the Wide Lens or Zoom Lens can provide a direct increase to a move's accuracy.
- Weather Conditions: Some weather effects, like hail, can lower the accuracy of specific moves (e.g., Blizzard outside of hail).
- Stat-Modifying Moves: Moves like "Hone Claws" increase the user's Attack and Accuracy by one stage, while "Sand-Attack" decreases the target's accuracy.
Understanding accuracy stages is key to strategic gameplay, allowing trainers to mitigate the risk of misses and ensure their crucial moves connect.
