A grab attack or grab is a move that bypasses counter attacks and blocks. By default, it is performed by simultaneously pressing the Y and B buttons on most controllers or the A and B buttons on the Wii Remote with the Nunchuk. Grabs are indicated by a green glow around the user.
When a grab hits, a short cinematic attack animation plays before a Phase Shift. Despite what some attack animations may suggest, multiple hits that succeed the initial grab animation is still counted as a single attack.
All Pokémon are capable of performing a short-ranged standard grab attack, providing a way to hit opponents who are blocking.
Properties[]
Grabs have generally fast startup, hitting the opponent within a few number of frames. Attempting to block a grab results to the defender being hit anyway as grabs are unblockable. If the grab misses its target, the user suffers a considerable amount of end lag. Additionally, it also does increased damage to an opponent performing a counter attack. Successfully grabbing an opponent at any time during the counter attack process will score a critical hit and increase the user's Synergy Gauge by a small amount.
On the other hand, grabbing an opponent performing a normal attack will make the grab fail and net the opponent a critical hit. The outcome however is dependent on the timing of the grab - if it hits early during a normal attack's startup frames, both players will be staggered. An exception to this are grab crushes, moves that will always beat a grab attack.
A standard grab attack can only be done while on the ground and on grounded opponents. A knocked down Pokémon cannot be grabbed until its invincibility frames wear off. As such, a common strategy involves grabbing the opponent just before they wake up. However, more experienced players may be aware of this and use a normal attack instead.
List of Grabs[]
Command Grabs []
Command grabs are Pokémon moves that have grab-like properties. These moves have added effects and exclusive to a certain Pokémon. Burst attacks that are classified as grabs behave slightly differently as they can only be dodged with proper spacing or being airborne.
Pokémon | Move Input | Name | Additional Effect |
---|---|---|---|
2A | Hex | A disjointed grab that deals more damage if the target has more debuffs. | |
8A | Seismic Toss | Can hit grounded or airborne opponents. | |
2A | Dream Eater | Absorbs some of the opponent's HP and increases Synergy Gauge. | |
midair R ~ A | Acrobatics | Powers up if Synergy Gauge isn't full. Causes a Synergy Burst Enhanced status on self. Can grab airborne opponents. | |
midair R ~ hold A | Acrobatics: Forward Throw | Can grab airborne opponents. Throws the opponent forward. | |
2A | Sand Tomb | Plays an extra cutscene if it causes a Critical Hit. The charged version can grab airborne opponents. | |
f.A or 6A | Hypnosis | Leaves the opponent stunned for a short time. | |
f.A or 6A | Submission | Homes to the opponent. Gains counter properties when enhanced. | |
b.4A ~ Y | Telekinesis | Tosses the opponent in the air, allowing combos to be performed. | |
f.A or 6A | Nuzzle | Has slightly longer range. Evades low-positioned attacks. | |
b.4A | Electroweb | Can catch grounded and aerial opponents. Inflicts a speed debuff on them as well. | |
8A | Giga Drain | Disjointed grab that absorbs some of the foe's HP and Synergy Gauge. | |
2A | Leaf Storm | Catches airborne opponents then slows down the user. | |
2A ~ Y + B | Bug Bite | Absorbs the opponent's HP and increases Synergy Gauge. Steals status effects from opponent. It can also grab airborne opponents. |
Trivia[]
- Most grabs come out on the 11th frame while others are slightly slower, coming out on the 15th frame.