Escape prevention
There are multiple forms of escape prevention in a Pokémon battle.
Effect
If a Pokémon is prevented from escaping, it must remain in battle, as there is no option to switch out or flee.
The trapped Pokémon can still switch out if it is holding a Shed Shell; uses U-turn, Volt Switch, or Baton Pass; or is hit by Whirlwind, Roar, Dragon Tail, or Circle Throw. Prior to Generation V, if a Pokémon that can't escape or the Pokémon that trapped it uses Baton Pass, the Pokémon (or its replacement) still can't escape; from Generation V onward, the effect can be passed only by the Pokémon that can't escape.
From Generation III onward, a Pokémon that can't escape can still flee or Teleport from a wild battle if it is holding a Smoke Ball or has the Ability Run Away.
Starting in Generation VI, Ghost-type Pokémon can switch out and flee regardless of the can't escape status.
Moves
A Pokémon can be trapped when struck by any of the following moves. A Substitute will block their effect from Generation III on.
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Abilities
A Pokémon can become trapped by any of the following Abilities.
| Name | Foes unaffected | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Arena Trap | Flying- and Ghost-type* Pokémon, levitating Pokémon, Pokémon affected by Magnet Rise, Telekinesis, or holding an Air Balloon | III |
| Magnet Pull | Non-Steel-type Pokémon, Ghost-type* Pokémon | III |
| Shadow Tag | Other Pokémon with Shadow Tag†, Ghost-type* Pokémon | III |
*: Ghost-type Pokémon are only immune from Generation VI on
†: Shadow Tag immunity only applies from Generation IV on
In the anime
The first instance of trapping appeared in Showdown in Pewter City, where Brock's Onix prevented Ash from recalling Pikachu through its use of Bind.
Although introduced prior to Whirlpool's debut, Mandi's Exeggutor used Psychic to create a whirlpool that trapped Ash's Krabby and prevented him from switching out in Round One - Begin!.
In From Ghost to Ghost, Morty's Haunter used Mean Look to prevent Ash's Cyndaquil from escaping the battle.
Nelson had his Misdreavus use Mean Look on an Entei to keep it from running away in Entei at Your Own Risk. Entei countered with Roar in order to flee.
In Gathering the Gang of Four!, Brandon had his Dusclops use Mean Look to prevent Ash from switching out his Charizard. He repeated this strategy in the next episode against Ash's Bulbasaur.
In Working on a Right Move!, Conway's Dusknoir used Mean Look to prevent Ash from switching out his Donphan.
Preventing the opponent from using the Pokémon they wanted was Lenora's main strategy in her battles against Ash in The Battle According to Lenora! and Rematch at the Nacrene Gym!. She would first have Herdier use Roar before switching in Watchog and trapping Ash's newly-brought out Pokémon with Mean Look.
In Battling as Hard as Stone!, Steven's Cradily used Ingrain, preventing itself from leaving the battle until it was knocked out.
In A Flood of Torrential Gains!, Ash's Gengar trapped Leon's Inteleon in battle by hitting it with G-Max Terror.
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This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games. |
