Struggle (move)

Struggle わるあがき Vain Struggle

Battles Type  Normal Category  Physical PP  1 (max. 1) Power  50 Accuracy  —% Priority  0 Makes contact Affected by Protect Not affected by Magic Coat Not affected by Snatch Not affected by Mirror Move Affected by King's Rock

Range Opponent Opponent Opponent Self Ally Ally 1 Random: Affects a random opponent

Availability Introduced  Generation I Not a TM, TR, HM, or Move Tutor move.

Contests Condition  Cool Appeal  4 ♥♥♥♥ Jam  0   A highly appealing move.

Super Contests Condition  Cool Appeal  3 ♥♥♥ A basic performance using a move known by the Pokémon.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Tough Appeal  4 ♥♥♥♥ Jamming  0   Quite an appealing move.

On Smogon's Movedex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX

Struggle (Japanese: わるあがき Vain Struggle) is a damage-dealing move introduced in Generation I.

It is a move that every Pokémon can use when none of its moves are usable, although no Pokémon can naturally learn it.

Effect

	This move effect may be in need of research. Reason: Is the target a randomly selected opponent in all kinds of battles? (Triple Battles, Horde Encounters, etc.) Self-inflicted recoil damage from Struggle from the previous turn can be countered only in Generation I or also in later generations? You can discuss this on the talk page.

Struggle inflicts damage, and the user takes recoil damage. Struggle is capable of striking a critical hit. In Double Battles, its target is a randomly selected opponent.

Struggle does not spend any PP. This move has a maximum PP value stored in the game data, but this is not shown to the player.

	Gen I	Gen II–III	Gen IV–IX
Accuracy	100%		—%
Recoil	½ of damage dealt	¼ of damage dealt	¼ of user's maximum HP
Type effectiveness	Normal-type damage Not very effective against Rock-type Pokémon Ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon STAB applies when used by a Normal-type Pokémon	Typeless damage Same damage against all types No STAB
PP	10	1

Struggle cannot be learned like other moves, but it will be automatically used by any Pokémon that is ordered to attack when it has no usable moves. A move may not be currently usable because:

• It ran out of PP.
• It is blocked by the moves Disable, Gravity, Heal Block, Imprison, Taunt, Throat Chop, or Torment, by the Ability Cursed Body, or by the user's held choice item or Assault Vest.
• It has a restriction that prevents it from being selected in the current circumstances, such as with Belch and Blood Moon.
• It is prohibited in the current game mode, such as Sky Battle.
• It is unavailable in the current game.

If a Pokémon is forced to use a single move by Encore but that move runs out of PP, Encore's effect ends; otherwise, if the move affected by Encore is unavailable for other reasons, it will use Struggle.

Struggle can hit through Wonder Guard. Struggle does not gain a boost from Reckless even though the user takes recoil damage. The user still takes recoil damage even if its Ability is Magic Guard or Rock Head.

Struggle cannot be called by Assist, Me First, Metronome, or Sleep Talk, copied by Mimic, Sketch, Transform, or Imposter, repeated by a Pokémon as a result of Encore, Copycat, or a held choice item, or forced by Instruct. It cannot be blocked by means such as Disable, Imprison, or Cursed Body, or prevented from use multiple times in a row by Torment.

Struggle is unaffected by a held Normal Gem, and does not consume it. Even if the user's moves have their types changed (such as from Electrify, Ion Deluge, Normalize, Pixilate, etc.), Struggle still deals typeless damage, and does not use or consume any type of Gem.

Struggle cannot gain or lose PP by any means, being unaffected by moves such as Grudge and Spite, or by items such as Ether or Leppa Berry.

If a Pokémon is forced to use Struggle, it will not be able to Mega Evolve, Ultra Burst, use a Z-Move, Dynamax, or Terastallize on the same turn, as the menu from which this option would be selected never appears. If a Dynamax Pokémon is forced to use Struggle, it will not turn into a Max Move.

Generation I

	This move effect may be in need of research. Reason: In Japanese Pokémon Stadium, does Struggle work like the later Pokémon Stadium? (Does it hit ghosts, and takes no recoil when knocking out an opponent?) You can discuss this on the talk page.

If the user of Struggle attacks first and knocks itself out due to recoil damage, the opponent will not attack or be subjected to recurrent damage during that round. If Struggle breaks a substitute, the user will take no recoil damage.

Self-inflicted recoil damage from Struggle from the previous turn can be countered if the opponent did not make a move on the following turn.

Struggle can be copied by Mirror Move.

In this generation, a Pokémon is permanently unable to use Struggle as long as any of its unused move slots has more than 0 PP in the internal game data. For instance, if a transformed Ditto uses Metronome or Mirror Move at least once in the gameplay, and this move is not in the first slot when used, then a glitch will increase the PP of Ditto's unused move slot. In all subsequent battles, if this Ditto is not transformed while Transform has 0 PP or is disabled, it will be unable to use Struggle nonetheless. This is not fixed by healing Ditto, but it can be fixed by using Metronome or Mirror Move a total of 256 times (possibly in multiple battles) in the same move slot while transformed, at which point the PP count will overflow to 0.

In Stadium, Struggle can hit Ghost Pokémon, and no recoil damage is taken if Struggle knocks out an opponent.

Generations II and III

The user will take recoil damage even if Struggle breaks a substitute.

Generation IV

Recoil damage is rounded down, but no less than 1.

Struggle now bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, unless the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

Struggle will activate a target's held Chilan Berry.

Struggle can no longer be copied by Mirror Move.

Despite having a base power of 50 in every generation, Struggle's power is not boosted by Technician in Generation IV.

Generation V onwards

Struggle's recoil calculation is now subject to standard rounding; for example, a Pokémon with 201 maximum HP using Struggle will have its recoil round down to 50, but 202 or 203 HP will round up to 51 recoil damage.

Struggle no longer activates the Chilan Berry.

Struggle's power is now boosted by Technician.

Generation VIII

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Category  Physical PP  1 Agile Strong Power  50  —  — Accuracy  —%  —%  —% Action speed modifier Self  0  —  — Target  0  —  — Additional effect Recoil  25%  —  —    ?  ?    ?  ? Never misses Damages the user by a percentage of its total HP

Struggle cannot be mastered.

Description

Games Description Stad Used only if the user runs totally out of PP. The user is hit with 1/4[sic] of the damage it inflicts. Stad2 Used only if the user is totally out of PP. The user is hit with 1/4 the damage it inflicts. GSC Used only if all PP are exhausted. RSE Used only if all PP are gone. Also hurts the user a little. FRLG An attack that is used only if there is no PP. It also hurts the user. ColoXD Used when all PP are gone. Also hurts the user a bit. DPPtHGSSPBR BWB2W2 An attack that is used in desperation only if the user has no PP. It also hurts the user slightly. XYORAS An attack that is used in desperation only if the user has no PP. This also damages the user a little. SMUSUMPE SwShBDSPLA This attack is used in desperation only if the user has no PP. It also damages the user a little. SV This attack is used in desperation only if the user has no remaining PP. It also damages the user a little.

Learnset

Struggle cannot be learned like other moves, but it will be automatically used by any Pokémon that is ordered to attack when it has no usable moves.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Struggle cannot be learned like other moves, but it will be automatically used when the Pokémon runs out of PP for its moves and the Pokémon attempts to use one of its moves. In the Rescue Team and Explorers series, the user receives recoil damage equal to ¼ of their maximum HP. It deals Normal-type damage, much like in Generation I core series games.

In Gates to Infinity recoil damage is 20% of max HP instead. When used by a Gigantic Pokémon, the move can damage nearby enemies in a 1 tile range around the user if used by a mobile Gigantic Pokémon, or enemies in the same room if used by stationary Gigantic Pokémon (such as Lugia and Ho-Oh).

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDRB - - 30 - 100% - Front Enemy No MDTDS - - 30 - 100% - Front Enemy No BSL - - 30 - 100% - Front Enemy No MDGtI 1 99 1 50 —% - Front Enemy No With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games: MD Rescue Team = Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. MD Time and Darkness = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. MD Sky = Pokémon Platinum. MD Adventure Squad = ??. MD Gates to Infinity = Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. MD Rescue Team DX = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Pokémon GO

Struggle
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids Power 35 Energy cost 0 Duration 2.2 seconds Damage window 1.2 - 2 seconds
Trainer Battles Power 35 Energy cost 100 Secondary effect ? Effect chance ?%
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility By Elite Charged TM By GO Snapshot As Shadow Pokémon As Purified Pokémon Formerly eligible None

Updates

Gyms & Raids

• July 30, 2016
  • Energy cost: 20 → 0
• February 16, 2017
  • Power: 15 → 35
  • Energy cost: 0 → 33
  • Duration: 1.695 → 2.2 seconds
  • Damage window: 0.8 - 1.5 → 1.2 - 2 seconds
• February 21, 2017
  • Energy cost: 33 → 0

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Struggle

★★
Attack power	34.5061
Charge time	0.66 seconds
Range type	Circular (self)
Number of hits	1
Number of projectiles	1
Critical hit rate	1.5%
Additional effect	Causes recoil

Description

Games Description MDRB Inflicts damage on the target. However, the user also takes damage one quarter of its maximum HP. MDTDS Inflicts damage on the target. But it also inflicts damage on the user in the amount of 1/4 of its maximum HP. BSL てきポケモンに ダメージをあたえる しかし じぶんも さいだいＨＰの １/４の ダメージをうける MDGtI It damages an enemy, but it also damages you. (If there's no move available, your move will be Struggle.) It damages nearby Pokémon. The user also takes damage. (If the Pokémon tries to use a move when it has no move available, the move will be Struggle.)* It damages even faraway Pokémon. The user also takes damage. (If the Pokémon tries to use a move when it has no move available, the move will be Struggle.)* SMD It damages an enemy, but it also damages you. If you have no moves available, your move will be Struggle. MDRTDX When you have no PP left, this move comes out instead. It damages an enemy, but it also damages you.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Graveler, Omanyte, and Caterpie Recoil
The user tackles the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Graveler tackles the opponent. After the attack, it takes recoil damage.
Yellow's Gravvy	Eradicate Raticate!		Debut
	Omanyte tackles the opponent. After the attack, it takes recoil damage.
Yellow's Omny	Eradicate Raticate!		Debut
	Caterpie tackles the opponent. After the attack, it takes recoil damage.
Yellow's Kitty	Eradicate Raticate!		Debut

In other generations

Core series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Side series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Spin-off series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD:Time, Darkness, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Trivia

• Struggle is the last Generation I move in index number order.
• Even though Struggle can only be accessed by the loss of all PP, it was given Contest, Super Contest, and Contest Spectacular stats.
• Struggle is one of two non-Shadow moves that cannot be copied by Sketch in any generation, the other being Sketch itself.
• In Generation I, Struggle was the only move that could not be called via Metronome, besides Metronome itself.
• Struggle has the lowest base power of all recoil-causing moves.
• Because it deals typeless damage, Struggle is the only damaging Normal-type move which can hit a Ghost-type opponent under normal circumstances, except in Generation I, where it deals Normal-type damage instead.
• Along with Barrage and Kinesis, Struggle is one of three moves introduced in Generation I that have not been featured in the animated series.
  • Of these moves, it was the only one to exist in Pokémon Sword and Shield prior to v1.2.0.
• Certain glitch Pokémon, including Generation IV hybrids, 'Ng'Mp, 'ゥ., and 4, ゥァ (DD), can learn Struggle by level up.
• Should a player hack Struggle onto a Pokémon, it will not be displayed correctly in Pokémon Stadium 2's lab (not the case for the previous game) and will be highlighted, as if it was a Generation II move. This does not happen when selecting a team for battle.
• In Pokémon Stadium, the move description erroneously states that Struggle inflicts recoil to the user equal to ¼ of the damage inflicted; the correct number in Generation I is ½.
• In Generation I, a glitch can occur making it impossible for a Pokémon to use Struggle if it has previously used Transform followed by either Metronome or Mirror Move. This renders the Pokémon completely unable to battle until its PP is restored.
• In the Raid Format of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, there is an optional rule called the Struggle Rule. If the Raid Boss Pokémon is unable to attack for two consecutive turns, this rule causes the Pokémon to select a random attack it has and use it even if the Pokémon does not have Energy attached to it that matches the cost of the attack.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 掙扎 Jāngjaat Mandarin 掙扎 / 挣扎 Zhēngzhá Dutch Spartel French Lutte German Verzweifler Greek Αγώνας Agúnas Italian Scontro Korean 발버둥 Balbeodung Brazilian Portuguese Insistência Serbian Opstanak Spanish Forcejeo* Combate* Thai ดิ้นรน

References

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.