Winning battles in Pokémon GO is not only about having strong Pokémon. Knowing how and when to use Supereffective Charged Attacks can make a huge difference in raids, Gym battles, Team GO Rocket fights, and the GO Battle League. A well-timed Charged Attack that targets an opponent’s weakness deals significantly more damage, helping you finish battles faster while using fewer resources.
Many players simply tap the screen until a Charged Attack becomes available. However, experienced trainers understand that choosing the correct move is just as important as powering up a Pokémon. This guide explains how Supereffective Charged Attacks work, how to use them effectively, and how to build a stronger battle strategy.
What Are Supereffective Charged Attacks?
Charged Attacks are powerful moves that become available after filling the energy meter by using Fast Attacks. Every Pokémon can learn one or more Charged Attacks, and some can unlock a second Charged Attack using Stardust and Candy.
A Charged Attack becomes Supereffective when its move type is strong against the opponent’s Pokémon type. Instead of dealing regular damage, the attack receives a damage multiplier because it targets a weakness.
For example:
- Water attacks are strong against Fire Pokémon.
- Electric attacks are strong against Water and Flying Pokémon.
- Fighting attacks are strong against Normal, Rock, Ice, Dark, and Steel Pokémon.
- Ground attacks are strong against Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, and Steel Pokémon.
Learning Pokémon type matchups is the foundation of winning difficult battles.
How Charged Attacks Work
Every Charged Attack requires energy before it can be used. You generate this energy by repeatedly using Fast Attacks during battle.
The process is simple:
- Enter a battle.
- Use Fast Attacks to build energy.
- Wait until the Charged Attack button lights up.
- Tap the Charged Attack button.
- Complete the Charged Attack mini-game by swiping across the screen.
The better you perform during the mini-game, the more damage your Charged Attack will inflict.
How To Make Your Charged Attacks Supereffective
Using a Charged Attack alone does not guarantee extra damage. The move itself must have a type advantage over your opponent.
For example:
- A Charizard using Blast Burn against a Venusaur deals Supereffective damage because Fire is strong against Grass.
- A Swampert using Hydro Cannon against a Fire-type Pokémon also deals Supereffective damage because Water beats Fire.
- A Machamp using Dynamic Punch against a Tyranitar deals Supereffective damage because Fighting attacks counter both Rock and Dark types.
Always pay attention to the opponent’s typing before selecting your Pokémon.
Know Dual-Type Pokémon
Many Pokémon have two types, making battles more interesting.
A dual-type Pokémon may have:
- One weakness
- Multiple weaknesses
- Double weaknesses
- Resistances to certain moves
For instance, a Fire and Flying Pokémon is weak to Electric attacks, but it has a double weakness to Rock attacks. Using a Rock-type Charged Attack against such a Pokémon deals massive damage.
Understanding dual typings allows you to choose the most effective Charged Attack instead of relying on raw Combat Power.
Choose The Right Charged Attack
Some Pokémon can learn multiple Charged Attacks through TMs or by unlocking a second move.
Having different move types gives your Pokémon better coverage.
For example:
- A Pokémon with only Fire moves struggles against Water Pokémon.
- Giving it a secondary Ground or Dragon move may help cover difficult matchups.
A diverse move pool makes your team much more flexible during battles.
Best Places To Use Supereffective Charged Attacks
Supereffective Charged Attacks are useful in almost every battle mode.
Raids
Raid bosses often have predictable weaknesses. Bringing Pokémon with the correct Charged Attacks helps defeat bosses faster and increases your Premier Ball rewards.
Gym Battles
Gyms usually contain defenders with different types. Switching to Pokémon with Supereffective Charged Attacks helps clear gyms more efficiently.
Team GO Rocket
Rocket Leaders and Giovanni can be challenging because their Pokémon hit hard. Targeting their weaknesses lets you defeat them before they overwhelm your team.
GO Battle League
Player-versus-player battles reward smart strategy. Saving energy, baiting shields with cheaper Charged Attacks, and finishing opponents with powerful Supereffective attacks are common competitive tactics.
