Retaliate serves as a specialized physical attack within the Pokemon universe, functioning primarily as a high-stakes response to a teammate's defeat. Since its introduction in Generation V, this Normal-type move has occupied a unique niche in competitive formats, offering a potential base power that rivals some of the strongest ultimate moves without the typical drawbacks of recharge turns or self-damage. Understanding the mechanics of the Retaliate Pokemon move is essential for players looking to master the art of the "revenge kill."

The Core Mechanics of Retaliate

At its baseline, Retaliate is a physical move with a respectable 70 base power and 100% accuracy. These stats alone make it a reliable, albeit unremarkable, option for many Normal-type physical attackers. However, the true value of the move lies in its secondary effect: if an ally fainted on the turn immediately preceding the use of Retaliate, its power doubles to a staggering 140.

This 140-base power threshold is significant. For comparison, moves like Giga Impact or Hyper Beam share a similar power level but force the user to remain inactive for a turn. Retaliate, when triggered correctly, provides this massive burst of damage while allowing the user to continue attacking in subsequent turns. It is classified as a contact move, meaning it interacts with items like Rocky Helmet and abilities like Rough Skin or Iron Barbs.

Timing and Trigger Conditions

The activation window for Retaliate is strict. The move checks if a member of your party fainted during the previous turn. In Singles, this usually occurs after a teammate is knocked out and you switch in a new Pokemon. If the new Pokemon uses Retaliate on its first turn out, the power boost applies. In Doubles, the dynamic shifts slightly; if your partner Pokemon is knocked out mid-turn, the remaining Pokemon can immediately use a boosted Retaliate if its Speed stat allows it to move after the ally's faint, or on the very next turn.

It is important to note that the boost does not linger. If you switch in a Pokemon after a faint but choose to use a different move (like Dragon Dance or Protect), the Retaliate boost is lost for the following turn. The move effectively rewards immediate aggression.

Historical Evolution from Gen V to Gen IX

Retaliate was introduced in the Unova region (Pokemon Black and White) as TM67. It was famously showcased by Lenora, the Nacrene City Gym Leader, whose Stoutland utilized the move to devastating effect against unprepared challengers. This established Retaliate's reputation as a "gym leader killer," capable of wiping out a player's second Pokemon immediately after they managed to defeat the first.

Through subsequent generations, the move has seen varied availability:

  • Generation VI: Remained TM67 in X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire.
  • Generation VII: Lost its TM status, becoming accessible primarily through level-up and breeding.
  • Generation VIII: Returned as TM79 in Sword and Shield.
  • Generation IX: While not a TM in Scarlet and Violet at launch, it remains in the movepools of several prominent physical threats, maintaining its relevance in the current meta.

As of 2026, the move is often viewed through the lens of power creep. With the introduction of Terastallization, a Normal-Tera Retaliate from a high-attack Pokemon can reach damage levels that bypass traditional defensive checks.

Top Tier Users of the Retaliate Pokemon Move

While hundreds of Pokemon can learn Retaliate via technical machines or breeding, only a handful can truly capitalize on its 140-power potential. The most effective users generally possess high Attack stats, the Normal typing for STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), or abilities that synergize with the "fallen ally" theme.

Kingambit: The Ultimate Retaliator

In the current competitive landscape, Kingambit is arguably the most frightening user of Retaliate, even though it is a Dark/Steel type. Kingambit’s signature ability, Supreme Overlord, increases its Attack power for every ally that has fainted in the battle. When Kingambit enters the field as the last remaining Pokemon, its base Attack is already naturally high. If it uses Retaliate immediately after a teammate falls, the combination of the 140-power boost and the Supreme Overlord multipliers can result in a one-hit knock-out (OHKO) against even some resistant targets.

Slaking: Breaking the Truant Curse

Slaking has one of the highest Attack stats of all non-Legendary Pokemon, balanced only by its Truant ability, which prevents it from moving every other turn. Because Slaking is often used as a "hit-and-run" attacker, Retaliate fits its playstyle perfectly. A Choice Band-boosted Slaking using Retaliate (with STAB) can reach an effective power level that few Pokemon can survive. Since Slaking usually switches out after one attack anyway, the one-turn window for Retaliate is not a hindrance.

Stoutland and the Lillipup Line

Stoutland remains the poster child for this move. With the Scrappy ability, Stoutland can hit Ghost-type Pokemon with Retaliate, removing the primary defensive counter to the move. In lower-tier competitive brackets, Scrappy Stoutland with Retaliate is a premier revenge killer that forces opponents to play cautiously whenever they secure a knock-out.

Arcanine and Hisuian Arcanine

Arcanine's access to Retaliate provides it with a powerful neutral hitting tool. While Arcanine usually prefers Flare Blitz or Extreme Speed, Retaliate offers a higher damage ceiling for the specific turn it enters the battlefield. Hisuian Arcanine, with its massive physical presence, can use Retaliate to punish Water or Ground types that think they are safe switching in after a teammate's faint.

Strategic Application in Competitive Formats

Singles Strategy: The Revenge Pivot

In 6v6 or 3v3 Singles, Retaliate is often used as a "lure." A player might intentionally sacrifice a weakened Pokemon or use a move like Memento or Healing Wish to bring in a Retaliate user safely. The goal is to force a trade. If your opponent's sweeper has just taken out your support Pokemon, bringing in a Choice Scarf user with Retaliate can end their sweep instantly.

This strategy is particularly effective against offensive teams that rely on glass cannons. Since Retaliate has 100% accuracy, it is a more reliable revenge-killing tool than moves like Stone Edge or High Jump Kick, which carry the risk of missing at a critical moment.

Doubles Strategy: Mid-Turn Explosions

In VGC (Video Game Championships) and other Doubles formats, Retaliate becomes more complex. It is possible to trigger Retaliate on the same turn an ally faints. For example, if a faster ally uses Final Gambit (knocking itself out) or is targeted by both opponents and faints, a slower teammate can use Retaliate with the power boost in the same turn.

Players also use "Protect cycles" to bait opponents into KOing a slot, only to have the surviving partner unleash a 140-power Retaliate. However, the prevalence of Protect in Doubles means that an opponent can often stall out the Retaliate turn, resetting the power to 70 for the next round.

Damage Calculations and Comparison

To appreciate the impact of the Retaliate Pokemon move, consider its output compared to other standard options.

Example: Choice Band Adamant Stoutland (Max Attack) vs. Standard Defensive Great Tusk

  • Return (102 BP): Usually a 3HKO (Three-Hit Knock Out).
  • Retaliate (140 BP Boosted): Has a high chance to 2HKO, or even OHKO with minimal chip damage.

Compared to Facade, which is the other common high-power Normal move, Retaliate is more proactive. Facade requires the user to be status-afflicted (burned, paralyzed, or poisoned), which often cuts the Pokemon's longevity or Speed. Retaliate only requires a teammate to have fainted, which is an inevitable part of almost every Pokemon battle. This makes Retaliate a better fit for offensive teams that don't want to wait for a status condition to start dealing heavy damage.

Countering Retaliate

Despite its high power, Retaliate is not without its flaws. Success with this move requires prediction and an understanding of the opponent's defensive options.

  1. Ghost-Type Immunity: As a Normal-type move, Retaliate has zero effect on Ghost-type Pokemon. A savvy opponent will switch to a Ghost type like Gholdengo or Dragapult if they anticipate a Retaliate coming. This completely wastes the turn and the power boost.
  2. Rock and Steel Resistance: Rock and Steel types take 50% less damage from Normal moves. Pokemon like Garganacl or Archaludon can comfortably tank even a boosted Retaliate and retaliate themselves (pun intended) with body presses or other heavy hits.
  3. Intimidate and Burns: Since Retaliate is a physical move, its damage is halved by the Burn status and reduced by the Intimidate ability. Entering the field against an Incineroar often means your 140-power move feels like a 70-power move.
  4. Protect and Detect: Since the power boost only lasts for one turn, an opponent can simply use Protect to negate the attack. On the following turn, Retaliate returns to 70 base power, significantly reducing the pressure on the defender.

Acquisition and Training for Retaliate

For trainers looking to incorporate the Retaliate Pokemon move into their roster, the acquisition method depends on the specific game version. In the most recent titles, checking the Move Reminder at any Pokemon Center is the first step, as many physical attackers learn it naturally between levels 20 and 50.

When training a Pokemon for Retaliate, Speed is often the most critical stat. A revenge killer is only effective if it can move before the opponent's remaining Pokemon can react or switch. Therefore, Max Speed EVs (Effort Values) and a Jolly or Timid nature (depending on the attacker) are usually recommended. However, for bulkier attackers like Snorlax or Ursaluna, Retaliate can be used as a parting gift in a Trick Room setting.

Conclusion: Is Retaliate Worth a Move Slot?

Deciding whether to teach a Pokemon Retaliate depends on the overall team composition. It is rarely a primary attacking move because its consistency is low—outside of the "revenge turn," it is outclassed by moves like Body Slam (for paralysis) or Double-Edge (for raw, consistent power).

However, in a meta-game defined by frequent switching and high-damage trades, Retaliate provides an explosive insurance policy. It is a specialized tool that punishes opponents for taking KOs, potentially swinging the momentum of a battle back in your favor. For players who utilize "sack" strategies—where one Pokemon is sacrificed to gain a clean switch for a sweeper—Retaliate is one of the most effective ways to ensure that sacrifice was not in vain.

As the competitive landscape continues to evolve through 2026, the Retaliate Pokemon move remains a respected option for those who value the psychological and mathematical advantage of a well-timed revenge strike. It forces opponents to respect every faint, knowing that the next Pokemon through the ball could be packing a 140-power greeting.