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Substitute (doll)

2026-03-04T06:49:51Z

Intc: /* In the TCG */

[[File:Substitute artwork.png|thumb|250px|Artwork of a substitute from {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}]]
The '''Substitute''' doll<ref group="lower-alpha">The decoy that replaces a Pokémon in battle is called a substitute, while the doll itself is referred to as a Substitute doll. Decorative items designed after this doll are typically named "Substitute Doll", formatted as a proper noun.</ref> (Japanese: '''みがわり{{ruby|人形|にんぎょう}}''' ''{{tt|Scapegoat|Substitute}} Doll'') is a decoy created by a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} from some of its own [[HP]] by using the moves {{m|Substitute}} or {{m|Shed Tail}}. The substitute takes damage in place of the user until it breaks.

Substitute dolls have also appeared in various media outside of the use of a move. In some media, instead of appearing as a doll, the decoy may take the form of the Pokémon who used the move or some other object.

==In the core series games==
===Appearance===
[[File:Substitute IX.png|thumb|250px|A substitute in {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}]]
In [[Generation]] I and [[Generation II]], the Substitute doll takes the appearance of the {{p|Rhydon}}-like [[List of Pokémon icons in Generations I and II|menu sprite]] that is used for various Pokémon.

In [[Generation III]], the generic sprites are no longer used, with the Substitute doll having its own unique appearance inspired by the original menu sprite. From Generation III onward, it has the appearance of a green and white plush doll that does not resemble any particular Pokémon.

In [[Generation VI]], the size of the substitute depends on the size of the Pokémon using it. For example, a substitute made by a {{p|Kyurem}} will be bigger than that of a {{p|Flabébé}}.

When a Pokémon is behind a substitute, it switches places with the doll to perform moves.

===Creation===
By decreasing its [[HP]] by 25% (rounded down) of its maximum HP when using [[Substitute_(move)|Substitute]], the user creates a substitute with the same amount of HP as it lost. When using [[Shed_Tail_(move)|Shed Tail]], the user decreases its HP by 50%, but the substitute still only has 25% of the user's maximum HP.

Substitute or Shed Tail fails if the user already has a substitute or if losing the required HP would cause the user to [[faint]]. Substitute or Shed Tail will fail if used by {{p|Shedinja}} (who only has 1 HP).

{{m|Snatch}} will steal the effect of Substitute when it is used.

===Effect===
If a Pokémon has a substitute and is attacked by another Pokémon, the substitute takes any [[damage]] instead. (This includes the damaging turns of {{m|Future Sight}} and {{m|Doom Desire}}.) All damage factors use the owner's current stats (including maximum HP) and other traits. Any damage not directly from another Pokémon's attack (such as [[recoil]] damage or ongoing [[status condition]]s) will ignore the substitute.

The substitute will break when it loses all of its HP. It will also disappear if its owner leaves the field. A substitute can be passed by {{m|Baton Pass}} with the HP it has remaining.

{{m|Tidy Up}} will remove all substitutes from both sides of the field.

====Interactions====
A substitute also protects its owner from certain effects caused by other Pokémon. (Most effects are not affected by their user's substitute.) A substitute protects from:
* any [[stat stage]]s being lowered;
* all [[status condition]]s ({{status|poison}}, {{status|burn}}, {{status|paralysis}}, {{status|freeze}}, and {{status|sleep}}) and {{status|confusion}} (with some exceptions in [[Generation I]]: [[#Generation I|see below]]);
* [[flinch]]ing;
* {{cat|trapping moves|trapping}} effects;
* and effects involving the owner's [[held item]].
This protection covers moves as well as some [[Ability|Abilities]] like {{a|Intimidate}} and {{a|Poison Touch}} and items like [[King's Rock]] and [[Sticky Barb]]; but not {{a|Synchronize}}, {{a|Pickpocket}}, or the [[Wonder Launcher]]'s {{DL|Wonder Launcher|Item Drop}}. [[#Unaffected moves|Certain moves ignore substitutes]]; most notably, starting in Generation VI, this includes almost all [[sound-based move]]s (the only exception being {{m|Howl}}, after it started to affect allies in Generation VIII). A Pokémon with {{a|Infiltrator}} can also successfully use any move except {{m|Transform}} or {{m|Sky Drop}} on a Pokémon behind a substitute (since [[Generation VI]]).

These status moves will also fail if the target has a substitute:
* {{m|Copycat}}, {{m|Gastro Acid}}, {{m|Heal Block}}, {{m|Lock-On}}, {{m|Mind Reader}}, {{m|Nightmare}}, {{m|Pain Split}}, {{m|Worry Seed}}
** Because they have a protected effect: {{m|Bestow}}, {{m|Embargo}}, {{m|Flatter}}, {{m|Psycho Shift}}, {{m|Switcheroo}}, {{m|Trick}}, {{m|Yawn}}, {{cat|trapping moves}}

{{m|Sky Drop}} will also fail if the target has a substitute. These damaging moves will not have any effect besides damage if the target has a substitute:
* {{m|Circle Throw}}, {{m|Dragon Tail}}, {{m|Fling}}, {{m|Smack Down}}
** Because they have a protected effect: {{m|Bug Bite}}, {{m|Clear Smog}}, {{m|Covet}}, {{m|Incinerate}}, {{m|Knock Off}} (damage can still double), {{m|Pluck}}, {{m|Smelling Salts}}, {{m|Thief}}, {{m|Wake-Up Slap}}, {{cat|trapping moves}}
(Some moves have changed regarding whether they fail or bypass a substitute; for those moves, refer to the list of {{DL||unaffected moves}} below.)

Creating a substitute will free its owner from [[bound|binding]], but it does not change any other conditions (e.g. a Pokémon that was [[drowsy]] can still fall asleep behind a substitute).

A substitute does not protect the owner from effects originating from itself. [[Berserk Gene]] and {{cat|Berries that may cause confusion|confusion-inducing Berries}} (such as [[Figy Berry]]) will confuse the owner of a substitute (except in [[Generation IV]]), and {{a|Effect Spore}} and other status condition-inducing Abilities will function normally.

{{m|Rage}}, {{m|Bide}}, {{m|Counter}}, {{m|Metal Burst}}, and {{m|Mirror Coat}} will not count damage done to a substitute (except in Generations I and II, see below). [[Enigma Berry]] and {{cat|damage-reducing Berries}} (such as [[Occa Berry]]) will not trigger if a move hits a substitute.

In Generations I and II (except the localized Generation I handheld games), {{cat|HP-draining moves}} always fail if the target is behind a substitute. Due to an oversight, in the localized Generation I handheld games only, HP-draining moves can hit a Pokémon's substitute, but do not drain any HP if they break the substitute. From Generation III onward, HP-draining moves except {{m|Dream Eater}} can successfully hit substitutes and drain HP from them. In Generation III and IV, Dream Eater fails if the target has a substitute; starting in Generation V, Dream Eater can also successfully hit a substitute (as long as the Pokémon behind it is asleep).

If a move's damage exceeds the substitute's HP, the extra damage won't be applied to the Pokémon behind the broken substitute. However if a substitute breaks in the middle of a [[multistrike move]], the move will continue hitting the Pokémon that was behind the substitute. If a substitute is broken by {{m|U-turn}} (or any damaging {{cat|Moves that switch the user out|move that switches the user}}) and the attacker is replaced by a Pokémon with {{a|Intimidate}}, the substitute will block Intimidate's effect before disappearing. If a Pokémon with a substitute switches out while targeted by {{m|Pursuit}}, the substitute will take the damage before it disappears. If a Pokémon with a substitute uses {{m|Baton Pass}} while surrounded by {{m|Toxic Spikes}}, the Pokémon switched in will not be {{status|poison}}ed, but if it is a [[grounded]] {{type|Poison}} Pokémon, the Toxic Spikes will be removed.

====Generation I====
{{incomplete|section|Check behavior in the {{jpn|Pokémon Stadium|Japanese Pokémon Stadium}}}}
In Generations I and II, the substitute retains its user's color palette. (For instance, a blue Pokémon would create a blue substitute.)

Also in Generations I and II, {{m|Rage}} counts damage to a substitute toward its effect.

;All effects below apply only to this generation.

The substitute's HP is 1 greater than the amount of HP lost by the user. If the user has exactly 25% of its maximum HP, it will create a substitute and immediately faint; this was fixed in Pokémon Stadium so that the user cannot create a substitute.

A substitute does not protect against any {{status|sleep}} effect; against direct {{status|paralysis}} effects ({{m|Stun Spore}}, {{m|Thunder Wave}}, and {{m|Glare}}); or against indirect {{status|confusion}} effects ({{m|Psybeam}} and {{m|Confusion}}). It fully protects against {{status|poison}}, {{status|burn}}, and {{status|freeze}} (as well as indirect paralysis and direct confusion).

If the substitute is hit by a {{cat|binding moves|binding move}} (e.g. {{m|Bind}}), the Pokémon behind the substitute still becomes [[bound]]. In the Western versions, {{cat|HP-draining moves}} can drain HP from a substitute.

{{m|Bide}} and {{m|Counter}} count damage to a substitute toward their effect.

If a Pokémon breaks a substitute with any of the following moves, their additional effects will be skipped for that turn:
* {{m|Hyper Beam}}: no recharge required
* {{m|Selfdestruct}} or {{m|Explosion}}: user's sprite will disappear but it will not lose HP or faint
* [[Recoil]] moves: no recoil damage will be taken
* {{m|Pay Day}}: no money will be scattered
* {{cat|HP-draining moves}}: will not restore HP
* {{m|Confusion}} and {{m|Psybeam}}: cannot confuse target
* [[Multistrike move]]s: ends immediately after the substitute breaks

Due to a glitch, if a Pokémon behind a substitute takes self-inflicted confusion damage, or [[crash damage]] from {{m|Jump Kick}} or {{m|High Jump Kick|Hi Jump Kick}}, the damage is applied to the opponent's substitute instead. (If the opponent does not have a substitute, no Pokémon or substitute takes damage.)

Some mechanics above are different in [[Pokémon Stadium]]:
* A substitute protects from any paralysis, sleep, or confusion effect (direct or indirect).
* HP-draining moves always miss if used on a Pokémon behind a substitute.
* If a Pokémon breaks a substitute with {{m|Explosion}} or {{m|Selfdestruct}}, it will faint as usual.

====Generation II====
In Generations I and II, the substitute retains its user's color palette. (For instance, a blue Pokémon would create a blue substitute.)

Also in Generations I and II, {{m|Rage}} counts damage to a substitute toward its effect.

From Generation II onward, multistrike moves may now continue even after breaking a substitute.

;All effects below apply only to this generation.

{{m|Protect}}, {{m|Detect}}, and {{m|Endure}} will fail if used by a Pokémon with a substitute.

The trapping moves {{m|Mean Look}} and {{m|Spider Web}} can affect a Pokémon with a substitute. The flinch effect of King's Rock can activate if an attack breaks a substitute (it will be blocked otherwise).

If a [[recoil]] move hits a substitute, the recoil damage will only be 1 HP. This is because the recoil damage is calculated from the damage the target took (not its substitute).

====Generation IV====
In this generation only, [[Shell Bell]] does not restore HP when a move hits a substitute, and {{cat|Berries that may cause confusion|confusion-inducing Berries}} (such as [[Figy Berry]]) will not {{status|confusion|confuse}} their holder if it has a substitute when triggered.

Additionally, due to an [[Rage glitch|oversight]], if a Pokémon with a substitute has used {{m|Rage}} and then selects a different move other than Substitute, it will no longer have the substitute, but this won't be visually communicated, and its rage will still be building. Due to this, if a Pokémon that already appears to have a substitute uses Substitute after technically losing it, it will get behind another substitute. This effect lasts until the Pokémon switches out or faints.

====Generation V====
In this generation only, {{a|Infiltrator}} cannot bypass a target's substitute.

In {{2v2|Black|White|2}} only, due to [[List of glitches in Generation V#Rough Skin Substitute glitch|a glitch]], if a Pokémon behind a substitute [[fainting|faints]] due to {{a|Rough Skin}} or a held [[Rocky Helmet]], the sprite of the Pokémon that was attacked will be replaced by a substitute.

====Generation VI onward====
[[Dynamax]] Pokémon cannot have a substitute. If a Pokémon Dynamaxes while it has a substitute, the substitute will disappear.

====Unaffected moves====
{{MoveResearch|
* Confirm if Roar/Whirlwind are blocked in Gen I
* Confirm Supersonic in Gen V
* Confirm if Mimic is blocked from Gen III onwards
* Which moves are unaffected in Generation VIII and IX?}}
Since [[Generation VI]], a Pokémon with {{a|Infiltrator}} can ignore a substitute with any move except {{m|Transform}} or {{m|Sky Drop}}.

Different moves are able to ignore substitutes in each generation. Moves marked with a '''✓''' in the following table can affect a Pokémon regardless of its substitute. (This applies to moves used by one Pokémon against another with a substitute; if a Pokémon with a substitute uses a move that affects itself, it receives the move's effect normally.)

{| class="roundtable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; background: #{{normal color light}}; border:5px solid #{{normal color}}; text-align:center"
|- style="background:#{{normal color light}}"
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Move}}
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Type}}
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Damage category|Cat}}
!colspan=7|{{color2|000|Generation|Generations}}
|- style="background: #{{normal color light}}"
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation I|I}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation II|II}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation III|III}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation IV|IV}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation V|V}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation VI|VI}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation VII|VII}}
{{movelist|Acupressure|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || {{No}}<ref name="Acupressure" group="A"/> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
{{movelist|After You|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Aromatherapy|Grass|cat=Status}}|| || || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Aromatic Mist|Fairy|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Attract|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Bestow|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Boomburst|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Bug Buzz|Bug|cat=Special}}|| || || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Chatter|Flying|cat=Special}}|| || || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Clanging Scales|Dragon|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Clangorous Soulblaze|Dragon|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Confide|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Conversion 2|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Curse|Ghost|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Defog|Flying|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Disable|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Disarming Voice|Fairy|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Echoed Voice|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Eerie Spell|Psychic|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Encore|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Fairy Lock|Fairy|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Foresight|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Gear Up|Steel|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Grass Whistle|Grass|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Growl|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Guard Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Haze|Ice|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Heal Bell|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Heart Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Helping Hand|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hold Hands|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyperspace Fury|Dark|cat=Physical}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyperspace Hole|Psychic|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyper Voice|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Imprison|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Instruct|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Leech Seed|Grass|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Magnetic Flux|Electric|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Mean Look|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Me First|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Metal Sound|Steel|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Mimic|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Miracle Eye|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Noble Roar|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Odor Sleuth|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Overdrive|Electric|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Pay Day|Normal|cat=Physical}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Parting Shot|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Perish Song|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Play Nice|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Powder|Bug|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Power Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Psych Up|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Reflect Type|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Relic Song|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Roar|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Role Play|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Round|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Screech|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sing|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sketch|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Skill Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Snarl|Dark|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Snore|Normal|cat=Special}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sparkling Aria|Water|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Spectral Thief|Ghost|cat=Physical}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Speed Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Spider Web|Bug|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Spite|Ghost|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Supersonic|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Swagger|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}<ref name="Swagger" group="A"/>||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Taunt|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Tickle|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Torment|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Transform|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Uproar|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Whirlwind|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
|}
{{reflist|group=A|refs=
<ref name="Acupressure">Acupressure will fail even if it targets the user in Generation IV only.</ref>
<ref name="Swagger">Swagger only raises the target's Attack; they are not confused.</ref>
}}

===Other appearances===
In the {{g|Dream World}}, a Substitute Doll item was obtainable in the [[Plain Catalogue]] in exchange for 200 [[Sitrus Berry|Sitrus Berries]].

In {{B2W2}}, the Plush Toy enemy in the [[Mystery Doors of the Magical Land Series]] in [[Pokéstar Studios]] is similar to a Substitute doll.

In [[Pokémon X and Y|Pokémon X, Y]], {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, a Substitute Cushion also appears as an [[List of Pokémon-Amie Décor items|obtainable Décor item]] in the [[Pokémon-Amie]] screen on the [[Player Search System|PSS]].

==In the side series games==
[[File:Substitute Fly PBR.png|thumb|150px|A substitute "levitating" in Pokémon Battle Revolution]]
Substitutes appear in the {{g|Stadium series}}, {{g|Colosseum}}, {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}}, and {{g|Battle Revolution}} in the same capacity as in the [[core series]].

In most {{pkmn|games}}, the decoy and the Pokémon will switch places when the Pokémon executes a move; in {{g|Battle Revolution}}, the battle animations play out as if the substitute was the one performing the move. It generally remains stationary, except when using moves like {{m|Fly}} or {{m|Bounce}}.

===Pokémon Stadium series===
In the {{g|Stadium series}}, substitutes have the appearance of a small cartoonish Rhydon doll.

In {{g|Stadium}}, [[glitch Pokémon]] appear as Substitute dolls. The color of the doll varies based on the player's ID and the glitch Pokémon's name, due to the game treating the glitch Pokémon's name as a [[nickname]], which causes Pokémon to change colors in the Stadium series.
{{-}}

==In the spin-off games==
[[File:Greninja SSB4 Substitute.png|thumb|250px|{{SSB|Greninja}} using {{sbw|Substitute}} in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]]]
===[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series]]===
The Substitute doll is associated with the Decoy, Cross-Eyed, and Substitute {{OBP|status condition|Mystery Dungeon}}s.

===[[Pokkén Tournament]]===
Substitute is the move used by {{p|Whimsicott}} when called as a Support Pokémon. It conjures up a set of three dolls that rotate around the Battle Pokémon, blocking incoming projectile attacks.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201129160613/http://wiki.shoryuken.com/Pokken_Tournament_DX/Projectile_Priority#Field_Phase_Whimsicott_Nullifications Pokken Tournament DX/Projectile Priority | Shoryuken Wiki!], archived November 29, 2020 on Internet Archive</ref> It also restores a little of the Battle Pokémon's HP.

===[[Pokémon GO]]===
A Substitute doll model exists in the internal data of Pokémon GO; however, its use is unknown, as {{m|Substitute}} is not a move available in the game.

===[[Pokémon: Magikarp Jump]]===
A Substitute Doll appears as a [[Pokémon: Magikarp Jump#Decorations|decoration]] in Pokémon: Magikarp Jump. While active, the player gains a +2 bonus to their max food number.

===[[Pokémon UNITE]]===
In Pokémon UNITE, Substitute is {{p|Greninja}}'s second move as {{p|Froakie}}. The user dashes while leaving behind a targetable decoy.

Substitute Dolls appear on their own as part of the {{DL|Theia Sky Ruins|Practice Area}} mode. Three Substitute Dolls are located throughout the stage. One is located in front of each team's base, and the last is on the far side of the middle of the top path. They can be attacked and shoved as though they are Pokémon. They are treated as being members of the opposing team, even though they are not displayed as such in splash and results screens. This means that moves that require targets that are opposing team members can be used on Substitute Dolls. The Dolls report the damage they have taken overall, the damage they have taken from basic attacks, the damage that they have taken from moves, the damage they are receiving per second, and the amount of time they spend under the effects of a hindrance. Substitutes have a large pool of HP, which can reset to full at certain points. The Substitute Dolls can be toggled on or off via the Practice Options menu, and disappear if they are set to off.

===[[Pokémon Café ReMix]]===
In Pokémon Café ReMix, {{p|Whimsicott}} has an alternate outfit based on the Substitute Doll. The outfit was obtainable during the [[Whimsicott's Substitute]] event available from April 1-13, 2023 by accumulating 180 points. A total of 9270 points were required to unlock all the four outfit upgrades.

In the game, if the Substitute outfit is selected for Whimsicott, it will appear like that around the Café, completely immobile, as well as when it's selected as the leader Pokémon to clear an order. Its icon also depicts the head of the Substitute doll in the puzzles. However, when the Café Skill is activated, Whimsicott wearing its standard uniform will appear during the animation.

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{Café color}}; border:3px solid #{{Café color dark}}; text-align:center; margin:auto;"
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; width:100px" | Pokémon
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Icon
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; width:100px" | Specialty
! colspan=2 style="background:#{{Café color light}}" | Café Skill
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Acquisition
|-
|style="background-color:#FEECBC;"|[[File:Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute.png|x70px]] {{p|Whimsicott}} Substitute
| [[File:CaféReMix0547Substitute.png|x40px]]
| [[File:Café ReMix Specialty Sweets.png|x40px]] Sweets
| [[File:Café ReMix Skill Replace Left.png|x40px]]
| style="text-align:left;"| Clears Pokémon icons and gimmicks to the left in a wave shape, then replaces Pokémon icons to the left with icons of the leader Pokémon.
| [[File:Café ReMix Team Point.png|x25px]] x 180 (9270 total)
|}
 
Additionally, a Substitute doll statue appears in the [[Pokémon Café ReMix#The Café|Square]] area of the Café as a decoration.
[[File:Café ReMix Café Square.png|300px|thumb|center|Square area in Pokémon Café ReMix.]]
 

<gallery>
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Event.png|Whimsicott's Substitute event in Pokémon Café ReMix.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Leah.png|Leah is confused about Whimsicott's Substitute outfit.
Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute outfit obtained.png|Substitute outfit obtained.
Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute Outfit grade up.png|Substitute outfit grade up.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Event progress.png|Whimsicott's Substitute event progress.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Leah 2.png|Whimsicott revealing itself before Leah after event is over.
</gallery>

===[[Super Smash Bros. series]]===
[[File:Substitute_Doll_Wii_U_trophy_SSB4.png|thumb|150px|Substitute trophy in [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]]]
{{sbw|Substitute}} is {{SSB|Greninja}}'s down special. The Substitute doll it summons resembles those from the core series games, though it can also summon a log. The move functions as a counter, attacking opponents who hit Greninja while it is posing.

There is a trophy of the Substitute doll in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]].

It is also a tour item in the Wii U version's Smash Tour. If a player uses it, any item that targets them will hit someone else instead for that turn.

====Trophy information====
''If it looks like a Pokémon and it gets attacked like a Pokémon, it's probably a- Oh, no, it could also be a Substitute Doll. This cute plush figure appears out of nowhere when a Pokémon uses the move Substitute. Is that a smile on its face or a grimace of determination? Only the doll knows, and it's not telling.''
{{-}}

==In animation==
[[File:Substitute doll anime.png|thumb|250px|A Substitute doll in {{aniseries|SM}}]]
===''Pokémon the Series''===
[[File:Banette reborn from a doll in JN144.png|thumb|left|A Substitute doll turning into a {{p|Banette}}]]
The move {{m|Substitute}} creates a copy of the user instead of the typical Substitute doll seen in the {{pkmn|games}}. Although they have never been shown in any depiction of the move so far, Substitute dolls have nonetheless been featured in several episodes of the {{pkmn|animated series}}.

===={{aniseries|XY}}====
In ''[[XY059|Under the Pledging Tree!]]'', a Substitute doll was one of the items offered to {{Ash}} by a market vendor in [[Coumarine City]].

===={{aniseries|SM}}====
A Substitute doll owned by {{an|Professor Kukui}} appeared in ''[[SM015|Rocking Clawmark Hill!]]'' and ''[[SM097|No Stone Unturned!]]''.

A Substitute doll appeared in {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}}'s room in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''.

===={{aniseries|JN}}====
A Substitute doll appeared in Ash's room in ''[[JN002|Legend? Go! Friends? Go!]]'', where {{AP|Pikachu}} was shown sleeping with it.

A Substitute doll appeared in a flashback in ''[[JN144|Getting to the Heart of it All!]]''. Being owned by a girl who'd one day grow up to be [[Nurse Joy]], it was accidentally left behind when her family moved and was eventually reborn as a {{p|Banette}}.

===Pokémon Origins===
In ''[[PO04|File 4: Charizard]]'', a {{p|Growlithe}} can be seen playing with a substitute plushie in [[Mr. Fuji]]'s [[Lavender Town#Lavender Volunteer Pokémon House|Pokémon House]].
{{-}}

==In the manga==
[[File:Enta Ninetales Substitute CBF.png|thumb|x220px|A Substitute doll in [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]]]]
===Phantom Thief Pokémon 7===
In ''[[P7-11|Into The Hands Of Evil?!]]'', {{OBP|Lily|Pokémon 7}}'s {{p|Leafeon}} used {{m|Substitute}} to create a copy of itself.

===Pokémon Adventures===
Unlike the {{pkmn|games}}, substitutes can appear as clones of the user, but more spectral and transparent, as shown by [[Pika|Red's Pikachu]] in ''[[PS028|Peace of Mime]]''.

===={{MangaArc|Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire}}====
A Substitute doll appeared in ''[[PAORAS21|Omega Alpha Adventure 21]]'' as one the many items that {{p|Hoopa}} pulled out of its ring while searching for a [[Diancite]] for {{adv|Ruby}}.

===={{MangaArc|Scarlet & Violet}}====
In [[PASV12]], {{adv|Scarlet}}'s {{p|Armarouge}} used Substitute to create a Substitute doll to take a hit for it.

===Pokémon Battle Frontier===
In [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]], the move {{m|Substitute}} causes the user to transform into a doll, similar to the one in the games.
{{-}}

==In the TCG==
[[File:RoboSubstitutePhantomForces102.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Team Flare made a robotic version of the Substitute doll, depicted on the card {{TCG ID|Phantom Forces|Robo Substitute|102}}.]]
The {{TCG ID|Phantom Forces|Robo Substitute|102}} is a [[Team Flare]] branded version of the Substitute doll. Its card was included in the {{TCG|Phantom Forces}} expansion. The team's symbol is printed on the substitute's body. Aside from being done in a blue and black color scheme, it also has a visor over its eyes based on [[Lysandre]]'s visor. The Robo Substitute is presumably also robotic in nature, judging from the name.

After being played, Robo Substitute is put onto the [[Bench]] as a {{TCG|Basic Pokémon}}. It only has 30 {{TCG|HP}}, does not have any attacks printed on it, and lacks the ability to retreat. However, knocking it out does not grant the opponent any prize cards, and Robo Substitute can be freely discarded from play. The last property can be used in lieu of retreating by discarding the card while it is the [[Active Pokémon]].

Substitute dolls appear in the artwork of the following cards

* [[Robo Substitute (Phantom Forces 102)]]
* [[Brigette (BREAKthrough 134)|<nowiki/>]][[Chansey (Lost Thunder 152)|Brigette (BREAKthrough 134)]]
* [[Mimikyu (Guardians Rising 58)|<nowiki/>]][[Chansey (Lost Thunder 152)|Mimikyu (Guardians Rising 58)]]
* [[Chansey (Lost Thunder 152)]]
* [[Meowth (Unbroken Bonds 147)]]
* [[Garbodor VMAX (Evolving Skies 101)]]
* [[Garbodor VMAX (Evolving Skies 101)|Garbodor VMAX (Evolving Skies 102)]]
* [[Impidimp (Fusion Strike 176)]]
* [[Minccino (Temporal Forces 136)|Minccino (Temporal Forces 182)]]
* [[Cinccino (Temporal Forces 137)|Cinccino (Temporal Forces 183)]]
* [[Purrloin (White Flare 55)|Purrloin (White Flare 136)]]
* [[Drifloon (MEP Promo 5)]]
* [[Drifblim (MEP Promo 6)]]
<gallery>
File:RoboSubstitutePhantomForces102.jpg
File:BrigetteBREAKthrough134.jpg|Brigette (Breakthrough 134)
File:MimikyuGuardiansRising58.jpg|Mimikyu (Guardians Rising 58)
File:ChanseyLostThunder152.jpg|Chansey (Lost Thunder 152)
File:MeowthUnbrokenBonds147.jpg|Meowth (Unbroken Bonds 147)
File:GarbodorVMAXEvolvingSkies101.jpg
File:GarbodorVMAXEvolvingSkies216.jpg
File:ImpidimpFusionStrike176.jpg|Impidimp (Fusion Strike 176)
File:MinccinoTemporalForces182.jpg|Minccino (Temporal Forces 136)
File:CinccinoTemporalForces183.jpg|Cinccino (Temporal Forces 137)
File:PurrloinWhiteFlare136.jpg|Purrloin (White Flare 136)
File:DrifloonMEPPromo5.jpg|Drifloon (MEP Promo 5)
File:DrifblimMEPPromo6.jpg|Drifblim (MEP Promo 6)
</gallery>

===Merchandise===
The Substitute doll has been featured on card sleeves for the {{PTCG}}.

'''Product image:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery
|background={{normal color}}
|border={{normal color dark}}
|image1=Substitute Sleeves.jpg
|caption1=Substitute Sleeves
|image2=Pokémon TCG Substitute & Squirtle Card Sleeves.png
|caption2=Substitute & [[Squirtle (Pokémon)|Squirtle]] sleeves
|image3=Pokémon TCG Substitute Deck Box.png
|caption3=Substitute & Squirtle deck box
|image4=Pokémon TCG Substitute Deck Box Inside.png
|caption4=Substitute & Squirtle deck box
|image5=Pokémon TCG Substitute Playmat.png
|caption5=Substitute & Squirtle playmat
|image6=We'reGoomy Playmat.jpg
|caption6=We're [[Goomy (Pokémon)|Goomy]] playmat
|image7=We'reGoomy 3RingBinder.jpg
|caption7=We're Goomy 3 Ring Binder
|image8=We'reGoomy Zip Binder.jpg
|caption8=We're Goomy Zip Binder
}}
 

==Official merchandise==
The Substitute doll has also been featured in several other products and clothes available at the official [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Center]] stores:
<gallery>
Whimsicott's Substitute Poké Plush Large Size 12.jpg|[[Whimsicott (Pokémon)|Whimsicott]]'s Substitute Poké Plush
Whimsicott's Substitute Relaxed Fit Crewneck T-Shirt.png|Whimsicott's Substitute Relaxed Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
Whimsicott's Substitute Socks.jpg|Whimsicott's Substitute Socks
Substitute Puzzle Full Image.png|Substitute Puzzle (100 pieces)
We'reGoomy Spiral Notebook 200 pages.jpg|We're Goomy Spiral Notebook
</gallery>

==Gallery==
===Game assets===
{{missing image|section|Missing the substitute images from Generations VIII, IX}}
{| style="margin: auto; border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color}}; {{roundy|20px}}"
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteG12f.png]][[File:SubstituteG12b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteG3f.png]][[File:SubstituteG3b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG4f.png]][[File:SubstituteG4b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG5f.png]][[File:SubstituteG5b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG6.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG7.png|x100px]]
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation I|Generations I}} and {{color2|000|Generation II|II}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation III}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation IV}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation V}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation VI}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}}, {{color2|000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon}}
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteLGPEf.png|x100px]][[File:SubstituteLGPEb.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:DW Substitute Doll.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:Spr B2W2 Gatekeeper Plush Toy.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:Amie Substitute Cushion Sprite.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}};"| [[File:Doll Substitute VI.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:Substitute artwork.png|x100px]]
|
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!}}
| A {{color2|000|Plain Catalogue|Substitute Doll}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Dream World|Dream World}}
| A {{color2|000|Mystery Doors of the Magical Land Series|Plush Toy}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2}}
| A {{color2|000|List of Pokémon-Amie Décor items|Substitute Cushion}} from {{color2|000|Generation VI}}
| A {{color2|000|Pokémon doll|Substitute Doll}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
| Artwork from {{color2|000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
|
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteStadium.png|x100px]] [[File:SubstituteStadium2.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstitutePMDF.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstitutePMD2F.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:GO000.png|x100px]]
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium|Stadium}} and {{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium 2|Stadium 2}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team|Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness|Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness}} {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky|and Sky}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon GO|GO}}
|}

===In-game appearances===
====Core series games====
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|genI=Substitute I
|genII=Substitute II
|genIII=Substitute III
|genIV=Substitute IV
}}
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|genV=Substitute V
|genVI=Substitute VI
|SMUSUM=Substitute VII
}}
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|LGPE=Substitute PE
|genVIII=Substitute VIII
|genIX=Substitute IX
}}

====Side series games====
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|Stad=Substitute Stadium
|Stad2=Substitute Stad2
|Colo=Substitute Colo
|XD=Substitute XD
}}
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|PBR=Substitute PBR
}}

====Spin-off series games====
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|PMDRB=Substitute PMD RB
|PMDTDS=Substitute PMD TDS
|PMDGTI=Substitute PMD GTI
|PSMD=Substitute PSMD 2
}}

==Trivia==
[[File:Sakurai used Substitute.jpg|thumb|200px|A substitute in place of Masahiro Sakurai]]
* [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Garbodor}}'s design contains a Substitute doll, amongst several other objects.
* During [[Nintendo Direct|Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Direct]] on April 8, 2014, a substitute plushie is seen in place of {{sbw|Masahiro Sakurai}} as he goes to showcase some of the Pokémon available from the {{i|Poké Ball}} and [[Master Ball]] items.
* The Substitute doll appears in the Japanese merchandise line, the FuniFuni Mascot Collection Part 2 (a gacha set). Because it is a secret rare, it is labelled as "???" in promotional material.
{{-}}

==In other languages==
{{Langtable|color={{normal color}}|bordercolor={{normal color dark}}
|zh_yue=替身 ''{{tt|Taisān|Substitute}}''
|zh_cmn=替身 ''{{tt|Tìshēn|Substitute}}''
|cs=Vějička (manga) Náhrada ([[DP142]], [[BW063]]) Dvojnický útok ([[DP095]]) Náhražka ([[M11]]) Nahrazení ([[The Official Pokémon Handbook]])
|da=Reserve
|nl=Kloon
|fr=Clonage
|de=Delegator
|el=Υποκατάσταση
|id=Menyamar Perasuk
|it=Sostituto
|ko=대타출동 ''{{tt|Daetachuldong|Substitute dispatch}}''
|pl=Zastępca
|pt_br=Substituição (games, animated series, manga) Clonagem (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
|ro=Substituirea
|sr=Izmena
|es_la=Sustitución ([[DP095]]) Sustituto ([[M11]], [[BW063]]) Señuelo{{tt|*|Same name for Follow Me}} ([[DP142]])
|es_eu=Sustituto
|vi=Hoán Đổi
}}

==Related articles==
* [[a:Category:Substitute doll|Images on the Bulbagarden Archives]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Project Moves and Abilities notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. trophies]]

[[fr:Clone]]
[[it:Sostituto (bambola)]]

Substitute (doll)

2026-03-04T06:33:57Z

Intc: /* In the TCG */

[[File:Substitute artwork.png|thumb|250px|Artwork of a substitute from {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}]]
The '''Substitute''' doll<ref group="lower-alpha">The decoy that replaces a Pokémon in battle is called a substitute, while the doll itself is referred to as a Substitute doll. Decorative items designed after this doll are typically named "Substitute Doll", formatted as a proper noun.</ref> (Japanese: '''みがわり{{ruby|人形|にんぎょう}}''' ''{{tt|Scapegoat|Substitute}} Doll'') is a decoy created by a {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} from some of its own [[HP]] by using the moves {{m|Substitute}} or {{m|Shed Tail}}. The substitute takes damage in place of the user until it breaks.

Substitute dolls have also appeared in various media outside of the use of a move. In some media, instead of appearing as a doll, the decoy may take the form of the Pokémon who used the move or some other object.

==In the core series games==
===Appearance===
[[File:Substitute IX.png|thumb|250px|A substitute in {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}]]
In [[Generation]] I and [[Generation II]], the Substitute doll takes the appearance of the {{p|Rhydon}}-like [[List of Pokémon icons in Generations I and II|menu sprite]] that is used for various Pokémon.

In [[Generation III]], the generic sprites are no longer used, with the Substitute doll having its own unique appearance inspired by the original menu sprite. From Generation III onward, it has the appearance of a green and white plush doll that does not resemble any particular Pokémon.

In [[Generation VI]], the size of the substitute depends on the size of the Pokémon using it. For example, a substitute made by a {{p|Kyurem}} will be bigger than that of a {{p|Flabébé}}.

When a Pokémon is behind a substitute, it switches places with the doll to perform moves.

===Creation===
By decreasing its [[HP]] by 25% (rounded down) of its maximum HP when using [[Substitute_(move)|Substitute]], the user creates a substitute with the same amount of HP as it lost. When using [[Shed_Tail_(move)|Shed Tail]], the user decreases its HP by 50%, but the substitute still only has 25% of the user's maximum HP.

Substitute or Shed Tail fails if the user already has a substitute or if losing the required HP would cause the user to [[faint]]. Substitute or Shed Tail will fail if used by {{p|Shedinja}} (who only has 1 HP).

{{m|Snatch}} will steal the effect of Substitute when it is used.

===Effect===
If a Pokémon has a substitute and is attacked by another Pokémon, the substitute takes any [[damage]] instead. (This includes the damaging turns of {{m|Future Sight}} and {{m|Doom Desire}}.) All damage factors use the owner's current stats (including maximum HP) and other traits. Any damage not directly from another Pokémon's attack (such as [[recoil]] damage or ongoing [[status condition]]s) will ignore the substitute.

The substitute will break when it loses all of its HP. It will also disappear if its owner leaves the field. A substitute can be passed by {{m|Baton Pass}} with the HP it has remaining.

{{m|Tidy Up}} will remove all substitutes from both sides of the field.

====Interactions====
A substitute also protects its owner from certain effects caused by other Pokémon. (Most effects are not affected by their user's substitute.) A substitute protects from:
* any [[stat stage]]s being lowered;
* all [[status condition]]s ({{status|poison}}, {{status|burn}}, {{status|paralysis}}, {{status|freeze}}, and {{status|sleep}}) and {{status|confusion}} (with some exceptions in [[Generation I]]: [[#Generation I|see below]]);
* [[flinch]]ing;
* {{cat|trapping moves|trapping}} effects;
* and effects involving the owner's [[held item]].
This protection covers moves as well as some [[Ability|Abilities]] like {{a|Intimidate}} and {{a|Poison Touch}} and items like [[King's Rock]] and [[Sticky Barb]]; but not {{a|Synchronize}}, {{a|Pickpocket}}, or the [[Wonder Launcher]]'s {{DL|Wonder Launcher|Item Drop}}. [[#Unaffected moves|Certain moves ignore substitutes]]; most notably, starting in Generation VI, this includes almost all [[sound-based move]]s (the only exception being {{m|Howl}}, after it started to affect allies in Generation VIII). A Pokémon with {{a|Infiltrator}} can also successfully use any move except {{m|Transform}} or {{m|Sky Drop}} on a Pokémon behind a substitute (since [[Generation VI]]).

These status moves will also fail if the target has a substitute:
* {{m|Copycat}}, {{m|Gastro Acid}}, {{m|Heal Block}}, {{m|Lock-On}}, {{m|Mind Reader}}, {{m|Nightmare}}, {{m|Pain Split}}, {{m|Worry Seed}}
** Because they have a protected effect: {{m|Bestow}}, {{m|Embargo}}, {{m|Flatter}}, {{m|Psycho Shift}}, {{m|Switcheroo}}, {{m|Trick}}, {{m|Yawn}}, {{cat|trapping moves}}

{{m|Sky Drop}} will also fail if the target has a substitute. These damaging moves will not have any effect besides damage if the target has a substitute:
* {{m|Circle Throw}}, {{m|Dragon Tail}}, {{m|Fling}}, {{m|Smack Down}}
** Because they have a protected effect: {{m|Bug Bite}}, {{m|Clear Smog}}, {{m|Covet}}, {{m|Incinerate}}, {{m|Knock Off}} (damage can still double), {{m|Pluck}}, {{m|Smelling Salts}}, {{m|Thief}}, {{m|Wake-Up Slap}}, {{cat|trapping moves}}
(Some moves have changed regarding whether they fail or bypass a substitute; for those moves, refer to the list of {{DL||unaffected moves}} below.)

Creating a substitute will free its owner from [[bound|binding]], but it does not change any other conditions (e.g. a Pokémon that was [[drowsy]] can still fall asleep behind a substitute).

A substitute does not protect the owner from effects originating from itself. [[Berserk Gene]] and {{cat|Berries that may cause confusion|confusion-inducing Berries}} (such as [[Figy Berry]]) will confuse the owner of a substitute (except in [[Generation IV]]), and {{a|Effect Spore}} and other status condition-inducing Abilities will function normally.

{{m|Rage}}, {{m|Bide}}, {{m|Counter}}, {{m|Metal Burst}}, and {{m|Mirror Coat}} will not count damage done to a substitute (except in Generations I and II, see below). [[Enigma Berry]] and {{cat|damage-reducing Berries}} (such as [[Occa Berry]]) will not trigger if a move hits a substitute.

In Generations I and II (except the localized Generation I handheld games), {{cat|HP-draining moves}} always fail if the target is behind a substitute. Due to an oversight, in the localized Generation I handheld games only, HP-draining moves can hit a Pokémon's substitute, but do not drain any HP if they break the substitute. From Generation III onward, HP-draining moves except {{m|Dream Eater}} can successfully hit substitutes and drain HP from them. In Generation III and IV, Dream Eater fails if the target has a substitute; starting in Generation V, Dream Eater can also successfully hit a substitute (as long as the Pokémon behind it is asleep).

If a move's damage exceeds the substitute's HP, the extra damage won't be applied to the Pokémon behind the broken substitute. However if a substitute breaks in the middle of a [[multistrike move]], the move will continue hitting the Pokémon that was behind the substitute. If a substitute is broken by {{m|U-turn}} (or any damaging {{cat|Moves that switch the user out|move that switches the user}}) and the attacker is replaced by a Pokémon with {{a|Intimidate}}, the substitute will block Intimidate's effect before disappearing. If a Pokémon with a substitute switches out while targeted by {{m|Pursuit}}, the substitute will take the damage before it disappears. If a Pokémon with a substitute uses {{m|Baton Pass}} while surrounded by {{m|Toxic Spikes}}, the Pokémon switched in will not be {{status|poison}}ed, but if it is a [[grounded]] {{type|Poison}} Pokémon, the Toxic Spikes will be removed.

====Generation I====
{{incomplete|section|Check behavior in the {{jpn|Pokémon Stadium|Japanese Pokémon Stadium}}}}
In Generations I and II, the substitute retains its user's color palette. (For instance, a blue Pokémon would create a blue substitute.)

Also in Generations I and II, {{m|Rage}} counts damage to a substitute toward its effect.

;All effects below apply only to this generation.

The substitute's HP is 1 greater than the amount of HP lost by the user. If the user has exactly 25% of its maximum HP, it will create a substitute and immediately faint; this was fixed in Pokémon Stadium so that the user cannot create a substitute.

A substitute does not protect against any {{status|sleep}} effect; against direct {{status|paralysis}} effects ({{m|Stun Spore}}, {{m|Thunder Wave}}, and {{m|Glare}}); or against indirect {{status|confusion}} effects ({{m|Psybeam}} and {{m|Confusion}}). It fully protects against {{status|poison}}, {{status|burn}}, and {{status|freeze}} (as well as indirect paralysis and direct confusion).

If the substitute is hit by a {{cat|binding moves|binding move}} (e.g. {{m|Bind}}), the Pokémon behind the substitute still becomes [[bound]]. In the Western versions, {{cat|HP-draining moves}} can drain HP from a substitute.

{{m|Bide}} and {{m|Counter}} count damage to a substitute toward their effect.

If a Pokémon breaks a substitute with any of the following moves, their additional effects will be skipped for that turn:
* {{m|Hyper Beam}}: no recharge required
* {{m|Selfdestruct}} or {{m|Explosion}}: user's sprite will disappear but it will not lose HP or faint
* [[Recoil]] moves: no recoil damage will be taken
* {{m|Pay Day}}: no money will be scattered
* {{cat|HP-draining moves}}: will not restore HP
* {{m|Confusion}} and {{m|Psybeam}}: cannot confuse target
* [[Multistrike move]]s: ends immediately after the substitute breaks

Due to a glitch, if a Pokémon behind a substitute takes self-inflicted confusion damage, or [[crash damage]] from {{m|Jump Kick}} or {{m|High Jump Kick|Hi Jump Kick}}, the damage is applied to the opponent's substitute instead. (If the opponent does not have a substitute, no Pokémon or substitute takes damage.)

Some mechanics above are different in [[Pokémon Stadium]]:
* A substitute protects from any paralysis, sleep, or confusion effect (direct or indirect).
* HP-draining moves always miss if used on a Pokémon behind a substitute.
* If a Pokémon breaks a substitute with {{m|Explosion}} or {{m|Selfdestruct}}, it will faint as usual.

====Generation II====
In Generations I and II, the substitute retains its user's color palette. (For instance, a blue Pokémon would create a blue substitute.)

Also in Generations I and II, {{m|Rage}} counts damage to a substitute toward its effect.

From Generation II onward, multistrike moves may now continue even after breaking a substitute.

;All effects below apply only to this generation.

{{m|Protect}}, {{m|Detect}}, and {{m|Endure}} will fail if used by a Pokémon with a substitute.

The trapping moves {{m|Mean Look}} and {{m|Spider Web}} can affect a Pokémon with a substitute. The flinch effect of King's Rock can activate if an attack breaks a substitute (it will be blocked otherwise).

If a [[recoil]] move hits a substitute, the recoil damage will only be 1 HP. This is because the recoil damage is calculated from the damage the target took (not its substitute).

====Generation IV====
In this generation only, [[Shell Bell]] does not restore HP when a move hits a substitute, and {{cat|Berries that may cause confusion|confusion-inducing Berries}} (such as [[Figy Berry]]) will not {{status|confusion|confuse}} their holder if it has a substitute when triggered.

Additionally, due to an [[Rage glitch|oversight]], if a Pokémon with a substitute has used {{m|Rage}} and then selects a different move other than Substitute, it will no longer have the substitute, but this won't be visually communicated, and its rage will still be building. Due to this, if a Pokémon that already appears to have a substitute uses Substitute after technically losing it, it will get behind another substitute. This effect lasts until the Pokémon switches out or faints.

====Generation V====
In this generation only, {{a|Infiltrator}} cannot bypass a target's substitute.

In {{2v2|Black|White|2}} only, due to [[List of glitches in Generation V#Rough Skin Substitute glitch|a glitch]], if a Pokémon behind a substitute [[fainting|faints]] due to {{a|Rough Skin}} or a held [[Rocky Helmet]], the sprite of the Pokémon that was attacked will be replaced by a substitute.

====Generation VI onward====
[[Dynamax]] Pokémon cannot have a substitute. If a Pokémon Dynamaxes while it has a substitute, the substitute will disappear.

====Unaffected moves====
{{MoveResearch|
* Confirm if Roar/Whirlwind are blocked in Gen I
* Confirm Supersonic in Gen V
* Confirm if Mimic is blocked from Gen III onwards
* Which moves are unaffected in Generation VIII and IX?}}
Since [[Generation VI]], a Pokémon with {{a|Infiltrator}} can ignore a substitute with any move except {{m|Transform}} or {{m|Sky Drop}}.

Different moves are able to ignore substitutes in each generation. Moves marked with a '''✓''' in the following table can affect a Pokémon regardless of its substitute. (This applies to moves used by one Pokémon against another with a substitute; if a Pokémon with a substitute uses a move that affects itself, it receives the move's effect normally.)

{| class="roundtable mw-collapsible" style="margin:auto; background: #{{normal color light}}; border:5px solid #{{normal color}}; text-align:center"
|- style="background:#{{normal color light}}"
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Move}}
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Type}}
!rowspan=2|{{color2|000|Damage category|Cat}}
!colspan=7|{{color2|000|Generation|Generations}}
|- style="background: #{{normal color light}}"
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation I|I}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation II|II}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation III|III}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation IV|IV}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation V|V}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation VI|VI}}
!style="min-width:20px"|{{color2|000|Generation VII|VII}}
{{movelist|Acupressure|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || {{No}}<ref name="Acupressure" group="A"/> || {{No}} || {{No}} || {{No}}
{{movelist|After You|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Aromatherapy|Grass|cat=Status}}|| || || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Aromatic Mist|Fairy|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Attract|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Bestow|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Boomburst|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Bug Buzz|Bug|cat=Special}}|| || || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Chatter|Flying|cat=Special}}|| || || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Clanging Scales|Dragon|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Clangorous Soulblaze|Dragon|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Confide|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Conversion 2|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Curse|Ghost|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Defog|Flying|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Disable|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Disarming Voice|Fairy|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Echoed Voice|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Eerie Spell|Psychic|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Encore|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Fairy Lock|Fairy|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Foresight|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Gear Up|Steel|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Grass Whistle|Grass|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Growl|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Guard Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Haze|Ice|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Heal Bell|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || {{Yes}} || {{Yes}} ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Heart Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Helping Hand|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hold Hands|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyperspace Fury|Dark|cat=Physical}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyperspace Hole|Psychic|cat=Special}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Hyper Voice|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Imprison|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Instruct|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Leech Seed|Grass|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Magnetic Flux|Electric|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Mean Look|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Me First|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Metal Sound|Steel|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Mimic|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Miracle Eye|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Noble Roar|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Odor Sleuth|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Overdrive|Electric|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Pay Day|Normal|cat=Physical}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Parting Shot|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Perish Song|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Play Nice|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Powder|Bug|cat=Status}}|| || || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Power Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Psych Up|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Reflect Type|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || || || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Relic Song|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Roar|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Role Play|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Round|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Screech|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sing|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sketch|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Skill Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Snarl|Dark|cat=Special}}|| || || || ||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Snore|Normal|cat=Special}}|| ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Sparkling Aria|Water|cat=Special}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Spectral Thief|Ghost|cat=Physical}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Speed Swap|Psychic|cat=Status}}|| || || || || || ||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Spider Web|Bug|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Spite|Ghost|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Supersonic|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Swagger|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}<ref name="Swagger" group="A"/>||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Taunt|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Tickle|Normal|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Torment|Dark|cat=Status}}|| || ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Transform|Normal|cat=Status}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}
{{movelist|Uproar|Normal|cat=Special}}|| || ||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{No}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
{{movelist|Whirlwind|Normal|cat=Status}}|| ||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}||{{Yes}}
|}
{{reflist|group=A|refs=
<ref name="Acupressure">Acupressure will fail even if it targets the user in Generation IV only.</ref>
<ref name="Swagger">Swagger only raises the target's Attack; they are not confused.</ref>
}}

===Other appearances===
In the {{g|Dream World}}, a Substitute Doll item was obtainable in the [[Plain Catalogue]] in exchange for 200 [[Sitrus Berry|Sitrus Berries]].

In {{B2W2}}, the Plush Toy enemy in the [[Mystery Doors of the Magical Land Series]] in [[Pokéstar Studios]] is similar to a Substitute doll.

In [[Pokémon X and Y|Pokémon X, Y]], {{pkmn|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, a Substitute Cushion also appears as an [[List of Pokémon-Amie Décor items|obtainable Décor item]] in the [[Pokémon-Amie]] screen on the [[Player Search System|PSS]].

==In the side series games==
[[File:Substitute Fly PBR.png|thumb|150px|A substitute "levitating" in Pokémon Battle Revolution]]
Substitutes appear in the {{g|Stadium series}}, {{g|Colosseum}}, {{g|XD: Gale of Darkness}}, and {{g|Battle Revolution}} in the same capacity as in the [[core series]].

In most {{pkmn|games}}, the decoy and the Pokémon will switch places when the Pokémon executes a move; in {{g|Battle Revolution}}, the battle animations play out as if the substitute was the one performing the move. It generally remains stationary, except when using moves like {{m|Fly}} or {{m|Bounce}}.

===Pokémon Stadium series===
In the {{g|Stadium series}}, substitutes have the appearance of a small cartoonish Rhydon doll.

In {{g|Stadium}}, [[glitch Pokémon]] appear as Substitute dolls. The color of the doll varies based on the player's ID and the glitch Pokémon's name, due to the game treating the glitch Pokémon's name as a [[nickname]], which causes Pokémon to change colors in the Stadium series.
{{-}}

==In the spin-off games==
[[File:Greninja SSB4 Substitute.png|thumb|250px|{{SSB|Greninja}} using {{sbw|Substitute}} in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]]]
===[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series]]===
The Substitute doll is associated with the Decoy, Cross-Eyed, and Substitute {{OBP|status condition|Mystery Dungeon}}s.

===[[Pokkén Tournament]]===
Substitute is the move used by {{p|Whimsicott}} when called as a Support Pokémon. It conjures up a set of three dolls that rotate around the Battle Pokémon, blocking incoming projectile attacks.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201129160613/http://wiki.shoryuken.com/Pokken_Tournament_DX/Projectile_Priority#Field_Phase_Whimsicott_Nullifications Pokken Tournament DX/Projectile Priority | Shoryuken Wiki!], archived November 29, 2020 on Internet Archive</ref> It also restores a little of the Battle Pokémon's HP.

===[[Pokémon GO]]===
A Substitute doll model exists in the internal data of Pokémon GO; however, its use is unknown, as {{m|Substitute}} is not a move available in the game.

===[[Pokémon: Magikarp Jump]]===
A Substitute Doll appears as a [[Pokémon: Magikarp Jump#Decorations|decoration]] in Pokémon: Magikarp Jump. While active, the player gains a +2 bonus to their max food number.

===[[Pokémon UNITE]]===
In Pokémon UNITE, Substitute is {{p|Greninja}}'s second move as {{p|Froakie}}. The user dashes while leaving behind a targetable decoy.

Substitute Dolls appear on their own as part of the {{DL|Theia Sky Ruins|Practice Area}} mode. Three Substitute Dolls are located throughout the stage. One is located in front of each team's base, and the last is on the far side of the middle of the top path. They can be attacked and shoved as though they are Pokémon. They are treated as being members of the opposing team, even though they are not displayed as such in splash and results screens. This means that moves that require targets that are opposing team members can be used on Substitute Dolls. The Dolls report the damage they have taken overall, the damage they have taken from basic attacks, the damage that they have taken from moves, the damage they are receiving per second, and the amount of time they spend under the effects of a hindrance. Substitutes have a large pool of HP, which can reset to full at certain points. The Substitute Dolls can be toggled on or off via the Practice Options menu, and disappear if they are set to off.

===[[Pokémon Café ReMix]]===
In Pokémon Café ReMix, {{p|Whimsicott}} has an alternate outfit based on the Substitute Doll. The outfit was obtainable during the [[Whimsicott's Substitute]] event available from April 1-13, 2023 by accumulating 180 points. A total of 9270 points were required to unlock all the four outfit upgrades.

In the game, if the Substitute outfit is selected for Whimsicott, it will appear like that around the Café, completely immobile, as well as when it's selected as the leader Pokémon to clear an order. Its icon also depicts the head of the Substitute doll in the puzzles. However, when the Café Skill is activated, Whimsicott wearing its standard uniform will appear during the animation.

{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{Café color}}; border:3px solid #{{Café color dark}}; text-align:center; margin:auto;"
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; width:100px" | Pokémon
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Icon
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; width:100px" | Specialty
! colspan=2 style="background:#{{Café color light}}" | Café Skill
! style="background:#{{Café color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Acquisition
|-
|style="background-color:#FEECBC;"|[[File:Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute.png|x70px]] {{p|Whimsicott}} Substitute
| [[File:CaféReMix0547Substitute.png|x40px]]
| [[File:Café ReMix Specialty Sweets.png|x40px]] Sweets
| [[File:Café ReMix Skill Replace Left.png|x40px]]
| style="text-align:left;"| Clears Pokémon icons and gimmicks to the left in a wave shape, then replaces Pokémon icons to the left with icons of the leader Pokémon.
| [[File:Café ReMix Team Point.png|x25px]] x 180 (9270 total)
|}
 
Additionally, a Substitute doll statue appears in the [[Pokémon Café ReMix#The Café|Square]] area of the Café as a decoration.
[[File:Café ReMix Café Square.png|300px|thumb|center|Square area in Pokémon Café ReMix.]]
 

<gallery>
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Event.png|Whimsicott's Substitute event in Pokémon Café ReMix.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Leah.png|Leah is confused about Whimsicott's Substitute outfit.
Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute outfit obtained.png|Substitute outfit obtained.
Café ReMix Whimsicott Substitute Outfit grade up.png|Substitute outfit grade up.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Event progress.png|Whimsicott's Substitute event progress.
Café ReMix Whimsicott's Substitute Leah 2.png|Whimsicott revealing itself before Leah after event is over.
</gallery>

===[[Super Smash Bros. series]]===
[[File:Substitute_Doll_Wii_U_trophy_SSB4.png|thumb|150px|Substitute trophy in [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]]]
{{sbw|Substitute}} is {{SSB|Greninja}}'s down special. The Substitute doll it summons resembles those from the core series games, though it can also summon a log. The move functions as a counter, attacking opponents who hit Greninja while it is posing.

There is a trophy of the Substitute doll in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U|Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]].

It is also a tour item in the Wii U version's Smash Tour. If a player uses it, any item that targets them will hit someone else instead for that turn.

====Trophy information====
''If it looks like a Pokémon and it gets attacked like a Pokémon, it's probably a- Oh, no, it could also be a Substitute Doll. This cute plush figure appears out of nowhere when a Pokémon uses the move Substitute. Is that a smile on its face or a grimace of determination? Only the doll knows, and it's not telling.''
{{-}}

==In animation==
[[File:Substitute doll anime.png|thumb|250px|A Substitute doll in {{aniseries|SM}}]]
===''Pokémon the Series''===
[[File:Banette reborn from a doll in JN144.png|thumb|left|A Substitute doll turning into a {{p|Banette}}]]
The move {{m|Substitute}} creates a copy of the user instead of the typical Substitute doll seen in the {{pkmn|games}}. Although they have never been shown in any depiction of the move so far, Substitute dolls have nonetheless been featured in several episodes of the {{pkmn|animated series}}.

===={{aniseries|XY}}====
In ''[[XY059|Under the Pledging Tree!]]'', a Substitute doll was one of the items offered to {{Ash}} by a market vendor in [[Coumarine City]].

===={{aniseries|SM}}====
A Substitute doll owned by {{an|Professor Kukui}} appeared in ''[[SM015|Rocking Clawmark Hill!]]'' and ''[[SM097|No Stone Unturned!]]''.

A Substitute doll appeared in {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|M20|Ash}}'s room in ''[[M20|I Choose You!]]''.

===={{aniseries|JN}}====
A Substitute doll appeared in Ash's room in ''[[JN002|Legend? Go! Friends? Go!]]'', where {{AP|Pikachu}} was shown sleeping with it.

A Substitute doll appeared in a flashback in ''[[JN144|Getting to the Heart of it All!]]''. Being owned by a girl who'd one day grow up to be [[Nurse Joy]], it was accidentally left behind when her family moved and was eventually reborn as a {{p|Banette}}.

===Pokémon Origins===
In ''[[PO04|File 4: Charizard]]'', a {{p|Growlithe}} can be seen playing with a substitute plushie in [[Mr. Fuji]]'s [[Lavender Town#Lavender Volunteer Pokémon House|Pokémon House]].
{{-}}

==In the manga==
[[File:Enta Ninetales Substitute CBF.png|thumb|x220px|A Substitute doll in [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]]]]
===Phantom Thief Pokémon 7===
In ''[[P7-11|Into The Hands Of Evil?!]]'', {{OBP|Lily|Pokémon 7}}'s {{p|Leafeon}} used {{m|Substitute}} to create a copy of itself.

===Pokémon Adventures===
Unlike the {{pkmn|games}}, substitutes can appear as clones of the user, but more spectral and transparent, as shown by [[Pika|Red's Pikachu]] in ''[[PS028|Peace of Mime]]''.

===={{MangaArc|Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire}}====
A Substitute doll appeared in ''[[PAORAS21|Omega Alpha Adventure 21]]'' as one the many items that {{p|Hoopa}} pulled out of its ring while searching for a [[Diancite]] for {{adv|Ruby}}.

===={{MangaArc|Scarlet & Violet}}====
In [[PASV12]], {{adv|Scarlet}}'s {{p|Armarouge}} used Substitute to create a Substitute doll to take a hit for it.

===Pokémon Battle Frontier===
In [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]], the move {{m|Substitute}} causes the user to transform into a doll, similar to the one in the games.
{{-}}

==In the TCG==
[[File:RoboSubstitutePhantomForces102.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Team Flare made a robotic version of the Substitute doll, depicted on the card {{TCG ID|Phantom Forces|Robo Substitute|102}}.]]
The {{TCG ID|Phantom Forces|Robo Substitute|102}} is a [[Team Flare]] branded version of the Substitute doll. Its card was included in the {{TCG|Phantom Forces}} expansion. The team's symbol is printed on the substitute's body. Aside from being done in a blue and black color scheme, it also has a visor over its eyes based on [[Lysandre]]'s visor. The Robo Substitute is presumably also robotic in nature, judging from the name.

After being played, Robo Substitute is put onto the [[Bench]] as a {{TCG|Basic Pokémon}}. It only has 30 {{TCG|HP}}, does not have any attacks printed on it, and lacks the ability to retreat. However, knocking it out does not grant the opponent any prize cards, and Robo Substitute can be freely discarded from play. The last property can be used in lieu of retreating by discarding the card while it is the [[Active Pokémon]].

Substitute dolls also appear in the artwork of the Basic Pokémon cards {{TCG ID|Unbroken Bonds|Meowth|147}} from {{TCG|Unbroken Bonds}}, {{TCG ID|Lost Thunder|Chansey|152}} from {{TCG|Lost Thunder}}, and {{TCG ID|Fusion Strike|Impidimp|176}} from {{TCG|Fusion Strike}}, as well as the {{TCG|illustration rare}} printings of {{TCG ID|Temporal Forces|Minccino|136}} and {{TCG ID|Temporal Forces|Cinccino|137}} from {{TCG|Temporal Forces}}.

<gallery>
File:MeowthUnbrokenBonds147.jpg|Meowth (Unbroken Bonds 147)
File:ChanseyLostThunder152.jpg|Chansey (Lost Thunder 152)
File:ImpidimpFusionStrike176.jpg|Impidimp (Fusion Strike 176)
File:MinccinoTemporalForces182.jpg|Minccino (Temporal Forces 136)
File:CinccinoTemporalForces183.jpg|Cinccino (Temporal Forces 137)
File:BrigetteBREAKthrough134.jpg|Brigette (Breakthrough 134)
File:MimikyuGuardiansRising58.jpg|Mimikyu (Guardians Rising 58)
File:DrifloonMEPPromo5.jpg|Drifloon (MEP Promo 5)
File:DrifblimMEPPromo6.jpg|Drifblim (MEP Promo 6)
</gallery>

===Merchandise===
The Substitute doll has been featured on card sleeves for the {{PTCG}}.

'''Product image:'''
{{TCGMerchGallery
|background={{normal color}}
|border={{normal color dark}}
|image1=Substitute Sleeves.jpg
|caption1=Substitute Sleeves
|image2=Pokémon TCG Substitute & Squirtle Card Sleeves.png
|caption2=Substitute & [[Squirtle (Pokémon)|Squirtle]] sleeves
|image3=Pokémon TCG Substitute Deck Box.png
|caption3=Substitute & Squirtle deck box
|image4=Pokémon TCG Substitute Deck Box Inside.png
|caption4=Substitute & Squirtle deck box
|image5=Pokémon TCG Substitute Playmat.png
|caption5=Substitute & Squirtle playmat
|image6=We'reGoomy Playmat.jpg
|caption6=We're [[Goomy (Pokémon)|Goomy]] playmat
|image7=We'reGoomy 3RingBinder.jpg
|caption7=We're Goomy 3 Ring Binder
|image8=We'reGoomy Zip Binder.jpg
|caption8=We're Goomy Zip Binder
}}
 

==Official merchandise==
The Substitute doll has also been featured in several other products and clothes available at the official [[Pokémon Center (store)|Pokémon Center]] stores:
<gallery>
Whimsicott's Substitute Poké Plush Large Size 12.jpg|[[Whimsicott (Pokémon)|Whimsicott]]'s Substitute Poké Plush
Whimsicott's Substitute Relaxed Fit Crewneck T-Shirt.png|Whimsicott's Substitute Relaxed Fit Crewneck T-Shirt
Whimsicott's Substitute Socks.jpg|Whimsicott's Substitute Socks
Substitute Puzzle Full Image.png|Substitute Puzzle (100 pieces)
We'reGoomy Spiral Notebook 200 pages.jpg|We're Goomy Spiral Notebook
</gallery>

==Gallery==
===Game assets===
{{missing image|section|Missing the substitute images from Generations VIII, IX}}
{| style="margin: auto; border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color}}; {{roundy|20px}}"
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteG12f.png]][[File:SubstituteG12b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteG3f.png]][[File:SubstituteG3b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG4f.png]][[File:SubstituteG4b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG5f.png]][[File:SubstituteG5b.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG6.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteG7.png|x100px]]
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation I|Generations I}} and {{color2|000|Generation II|II}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation III}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation IV}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation V}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Generation VI}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}}, {{color2|000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon}}
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstituteLGPEf.png|x100px]][[File:SubstituteLGPEb.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:DW Substitute Doll.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:Spr B2W2 Gatekeeper Plush Toy.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:Amie Substitute Cushion Sprite.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}};"| [[File:Doll Substitute VI.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:Substitute artwork.png|x100px]]
|
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!}}
| A {{color2|000|Plain Catalogue|Substitute Doll}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Dream World|Dream World}}
| A {{color2|000|Mystery Doors of the Magical Land Series|Plush Toy}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2}}
| A {{color2|000|List of Pokémon-Amie Décor items|Substitute Cushion}} from {{color2|000|Generation VI}}
| A {{color2|000|Pokémon doll|Substitute Doll}} from {{color2|000|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}
| Artwork from {{color2|000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}
|
|- style="text-align: center"
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}; width:200px"| [[File:SubstituteStadium.png|x100px]] [[File:SubstituteStadium2.png|x100px]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstitutePMDF.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:SubstitutePMD2F.png]]
|style="{{roundy|48px}} border: 2px solid #{{normal color dark}}; background: #{{normal color light}}"| [[File:GO000.png|x100px]]
|- style="text-align: center; font-size: 80%"
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium|Stadium}} and {{color2|000|Pokémon Stadium 2|Stadium 2}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team|Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Darkness|Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness}} {{color2|000|Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky|and Sky}}
| A substitute from {{color2|000|Pokémon GO|GO}}
|}

===In-game appearances===
====Core series games====
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|genI=Substitute I
|genII=Substitute II
|genIII=Substitute III
|genIV=Substitute IV
}}
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|genV=Substitute V
|genVI=Substitute VI
|SMUSUM=Substitute VII
}}
{{Movegen
|type=Normal
|LGPE=Substitute PE
|genVIII=Substitute VIII
|genIX=Substitute IX
}}

====Side series games====
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|Stad=Substitute Stadium
|Stad2=Substitute Stad2
|Colo=Substitute Colo
|XD=Substitute XD
}}
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|PBR=Substitute PBR
}}

====Spin-off series games====
{{movegen
|type=Normal
|PMDRB=Substitute PMD RB
|PMDTDS=Substitute PMD TDS
|PMDGTI=Substitute PMD GTI
|PSMD=Substitute PSMD 2
}}

==Trivia==
[[File:Sakurai used Substitute.jpg|thumb|200px|A substitute in place of Masahiro Sakurai]]
* [[Gigantamax]] {{p|Garbodor}}'s design contains a Substitute doll, amongst several other objects.
* During [[Nintendo Direct|Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Direct]] on April 8, 2014, a substitute plushie is seen in place of {{sbw|Masahiro Sakurai}} as he goes to showcase some of the Pokémon available from the {{i|Poké Ball}} and [[Master Ball]] items.
* The Substitute doll appears in the Japanese merchandise line, the FuniFuni Mascot Collection Part 2 (a gacha set). Because it is a secret rare, it is labelled as "???" in promotional material.
{{-}}

==In other languages==
{{Langtable|color={{normal color}}|bordercolor={{normal color dark}}
|zh_yue=替身 ''{{tt|Taisān|Substitute}}''
|zh_cmn=替身 ''{{tt|Tìshēn|Substitute}}''
|cs=Vějička (manga) Náhrada ([[DP142]], [[BW063]]) Dvojnický útok ([[DP095]]) Náhražka ([[M11]]) Nahrazení ([[The Official Pokémon Handbook]])
|da=Reserve
|nl=Kloon
|fr=Clonage
|de=Delegator
|el=Υποκατάσταση
|id=Menyamar Perasuk
|it=Sostituto
|ko=대타출동 ''{{tt|Daetachuldong|Substitute dispatch}}''
|pl=Zastępca
|pt_br=Substituição (games, animated series, manga) Clonagem (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
|ro=Substituirea
|sr=Izmena
|es_la=Sustitución ([[DP095]]) Sustituto ([[M11]], [[BW063]]) Señuelo{{tt|*|Same name for Follow Me}} ([[DP142]])
|es_eu=Sustituto
|vi=Hoán Đổi
}}

==Related articles==
* [[a:Category:Substitute doll|Images on the Bulbagarden Archives]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Project Moves and Abilities notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. trophies]]

[[fr:Clone]]
[[it:Sostituto (bambola)]]