To teach a Pokémon a second Charged Attack in Pokémon GO, you need to spend a specific amount of Stardust and Candy for that Pokémon from its summary screen. This action instantly unlocks an additional move slot, allowing your Pokémon to learn and utilize a second powerful attack in battles.
Unlocking a second Charged Attack is a crucial strategic enhancement in Pokémon GO, significantly boosting your Pokémon's versatility in Trainer Battles, Raids, and Gym Defense.
Understanding Charged Attacks
In Pokémon GO, Charged Attacks are powerful moves that a Pokémon uses after accumulating enough energy from Fast Attacks. Each Pokémon typically knows one Charged Attack by default. Unlocking a second one provides a substantial tactical advantage.
Steps to Unlock a Second Charged Attack
Adding a second Charged Attack to your Pokémon is a straightforward process:
- Select Your Pokémon: From your Pokémon storage, tap on the Pokémon you wish to teach a new Charged Attack.
- Access the Summary Screen: On the Pokémon's summary screen, scroll down to the "Attacks" section.
- Initiate New Attack: Look for the "NEW ATTACK" button located below the existing Charged Attack slot. Tap this button.
- Confirm Cost and Purchase: A confirmation screen will appear, displaying the required amount of Stardust and Candy. Confirm your decision to proceed.
- Learn New Attack: Upon confirmation, your Pokémon will immediately learn a second, random Charged Attack from its available move pool. For example, a Pokémon that previously only had a single Charged Attack might now be capable of using both Flamethrower and Thunderbolt, as mentioned in some training contexts, offering excellent type coverage.
Cost of a Second Charged Attack
The resources required to unlock a second Charged Attack vary significantly based on the Pokémon's species, evolution stage, and rarity. This process often requires a significant amount of Stardust, alongside Candy specific to that Pokémon.
Here's a general breakdown of the typical costs:
| Pokémon Type / Category | Stardust Cost | Candy Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Pokémon (e.g., Pichu, Togepi) | 10,000 | 25 |
| Most Common Pokémon | 50,000 | 50 |
| Evolved / Strong Pokémon (e.g., starters) | 75,000 | 75 |
| Legendary / Mythical Pokémon | 100,000 | 100 |
Note: These are general categories, and specific Pokémon may have different costs. Always check the "NEW ATTACK" button for the exact cost.
Strategic Advantages
Having two Charged Attacks offers numerous benefits in battle:
- Improved Type Coverage: Equip your Pokémon with attacks of different types to counter a wider range of opponents. This is particularly useful against Pokémon with dual types or common weaknesses.
- Shield Baiting: Use a Charged Attack that requires less energy to force your opponent to use their protective shields, saving your more powerful or type-advantageous attack for later.
- Enhanced Versatility: Adapt your battle strategy on the fly by having options for different situations, whether it's dealing massive damage, applying status effects (if applicable), or countering specific threats.
- Optimized for PvP Leagues: Crucial for success in the Pokémon GO Battle League, where every move can turn the tide of a battle.
Changing a Charged Attack
Once a second Charged Attack slot is unlocked, you can change either of the two Charged Attacks using a Charged TM (Technical Machine) or an Elite Charged TM. A regular Charged TM will teach a random new Charged Attack from the Pokémon's eligible move pool, while an Elite Charged TM allows you to choose a specific attack, including legacy moves.
