In the world of Pokémon battles, choosing the right move can make all the difference between victory and defeat. One of the more unique and situational moves available is Fling. On the surface, it might seem like an odd choice after all, it requires the user to give up its held item. But under the right conditions, Fling can turn the tide of battle. So, is Fling a good move? The answer depends on several factors, including your battle strategy, the Pokémon using it, and the item being flung. Let’s take a deeper look at how Fling works and whether it’s a good move to include in your competitive or casual strategy.
Understanding How Fling Works
Basic Mechanics
Fling is a Dark-type move introduced in Generation IV. The key characteristic of Fling is that it deals damage based on the held item that is thrown. The Pokémon using the move literally hurls its held item at the opponent, and the base power of the move is determined by that item. After Fling is used, the held item is consumed or lost, which introduces a layer of risk.
- Power Range: The base power ranges from 10 to 130 depending on the item.
- One-Time Use: The move can’t be used again unless the Pokémon reacquires an item.
- Secondary Effects: Some items cause additional effects when flung, such as status conditions.
Item-Based Power Breakdown
Fling’s power is not fixed. Instead, it varies dramatically based on the item being held. Here are some examples of items and their associated base power when used with Fling:
- Iron Ball – 130 base power
- Hard Stone – 100 base power
- King’s Rock – 30 base power (also may cause flinch)
- Toxic Orb – 30 base power and causes poison
- Flame Orb – 30 base power and causes burn
- Light Ball – 30 base power
As you can see, certain items are highly beneficial when used with Fling not just for their power, but also for their secondary effects.
Strategic Uses of Fling
Inflicting Status Conditions
One of the most powerful uses of Fling is to apply a status effect to the opponent. For example, if a Pokémon flings a Toxic Orb or Flame Orb, it can badly poison or burn the target. This strategy can be highly effective against tanky or defensive opponents, whittling down their HP over time and limiting their offensive capabilities.
Disabling Held Items
Fling also removes the user’s item, which can be tactically advantageous. For example, using Fling with a harmful item like Iron Ball, which lowers the user’s Speed, can actually help by shedding a disadvantage. Likewise, Trick Room teams can use Fling in creative ways to disrupt the opponent’s tempo.
Triggering Abilities
Fling can also be used to trigger certain abilities or battle effects. For example:
- Unburden: Some Pokémon double their Speed when they lose their held item. Flinging the item can activate Unburden.
- Acrobatics: This move doubles in power when the user is not holding an item. Fling can set up Acrobatics by removing the item first.
This kind of synergy makes Fling a strong choice in certain combo-focused teams.
When Fling Falls Short
Single Use Only
The most significant drawback of Fling is that it’s a one-time move unless the Pokémon regains an item. This makes it situational and often unreliable over long battles. In high-stakes matches or competitive formats where consistency matters, this can be a disadvantage.
Item Management Issues
Because Fling depends so heavily on the held item, using it requires giving up potentially more useful passive effects. For example, instead of holding a Choice Band or Leftovers, you’re choosing to hold an item just to throw it once. This trade-off may not always be worth it.
Predictability
Experienced opponents may recognize the setup for a Fling strategy, especially if they see the held item. This predictability can reduce its effectiveness in serious competition.
Best Pokémon to Use Fling
Who Benefits the Most?
Not all Pokémon are ideal candidates for Fling. The best users typically have the following traits:
- High Speed to move first and apply status or damage quickly
- Synergy with abilities like Unburden
- A need to remove their held item for strategy
Some of the best Fling users include:
- Hawlucha: Great with Fling + Unburden + Toxic Orb combo
- Gliscor: Can use Fling with Toxic Orb and regenerate health with Poison Heal
- Sableye: Often used to disrupt opponents, and Fling helps with status application
- Weavile: High Speed and decent Attack make it a good Fling user with Iron Ball
Competitive Viability
In Singles Battles
In single battles, Fling is rarely seen in high tiers because of its one-time use and reliance on specific setups. However, it can be an effective surprise move or used as part of a larger strategy focused on status or tempo disruption.
In Doubles and VGC
Fling sees more creative use in doubles formats, especially where Unburden teams are viable. The ability to control field conditions quickly with a status effect can be game-changing, though again, it must be paired with a well-thought-out strategy.
Casual and Themed Teams
For players who enjoy using fun or thematic teams, Fling adds a unique flavor. It’s an unexpected move that can catch opponents off guard and is perfect for creative combinations.
So, is Fling a good move? The answer is: it depends. In the right hands, with the right team and item, Fling can be incredibly effective whether it’s used to inflict a crippling status condition, trigger an ability like Unburden, or deal surprising damage. However, its situational nature, one-time use, and reliance on item choice mean it’s not a go-to option for every team or every format. Casual players and creative strategists may find great value in Fling, while more competitive players might use it sparingly or only in specific builds. Ultimately, Fling rewards creativity, timing, and knowledge of mechanics making it a fun and challenging move for those willing to explore its potential.