Move-of-the-Week Discussion #8: Struggle Bug

[winstein]

In Pokemon, there are a lot of different moves used by different Pokémon. However, there are certain moves we don't normally see being used, heard about, or used in a meaningful manner. On the other hand, there are moves we see that are famous or used often. In this type of discussion, we shall discuss the ins-and-outs of the move of the topic, and there will be some base questions that will help you. Every Saturday, a different move will be discussed.

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This week's move is related to insects, because every Pokemon mentioned in this list are under the Bug Egg Group, or are Bug-types themselves. It is interesting to note that some of the not-yet-evolved insect-based Pokemon don't get this move, mainly larva and pupa ones like Caterpie and Metapod. This move also states that the user resists while using this move. The move is introduced in Generation 5, but is quite weak (30 BP), but its effect will always activate (unless Sheer Force is applied). Basically, when it hits, the target's Special Attack is reduced by one stage. It's important to note that this move also hits adjacent targets like Growl and Leer, so it basically increases the Special endurance of your team. Because this move is considered an attack, Taunt can't prevent it, though Sucker Punch might. As a TM, this move is easily available to teach, due to how TMs work in Generation 5.

Here are the usual possible questions about this move (though you could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):

• How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move?
• What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
• How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
• Realistically, would there be any advantage or disadvantage associated with using this move? If yes, what kind of advantage/disadvantage would they have when they use it?
• Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
• How would this move be used in competitive battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions:

• What does Struggle Bug/Insect Opposition/Insect Resistance mean in this move's context?
• How does this move relate to real life?

Here are the current users of this move (put in Spoiler since there are so many to list):

Spoiler

• Butterfree
• Beedrill
• Paras & Parasect
• Venonat & Venomoth
• Scyther & Scizor
• Pinsir
• Mew
• Ledyba & Ledian
• Spinarak & Ariados
• Pineco & Forretress
• Gligar & Gliscor
• Shuckle
• Heracross
• Beautifly & Dustox
• Surskit & Masquerain
• Nincada, Ninjask & Shedinja
• Volbeat & Illumise
• Trapinch, Vibrava & Flygon
• Anorith & Armaldo
• Kricketot & Kricketune
• Wormadam & Mothim
• Vespiquen
• Skorupi & Drapion
• Yanmega
• Sewaddle, Swadloon & Leavanny
• Venipede, Whirlipede & Scolipede
• Dwebble & Crustle
• Karrablast & Escavalier
• Joltik & Galvantula
• Shelmet & Accelgor
• Durant
• Larvesta & Volcarona
• Genesect

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The Pokemon World Forum Staff

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Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:

• Move-of-the-Week Discussion #1 - Quash
• Move-of-the-Week Discussion #2 - Gravity
• Move-of-the-Week Discussion #3 - Soak
• Move-of-the-Week Discussion #4 - Pain Split
• http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f313/move-week-discussion-5-eruption-138144/
• http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f313/move-week-discussion-6-reflect-type-138447/
• http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f313/move-week-discussion-7-worry-seed-138656/

 

[Takaki]

In terms of a competitive sense this move is entirely useless.

If a Pokemon did this move I'm really unsure of what it would look like. Accelgor used it in the anime and it seemed more of a defensive mechanism than an attack.

 

[Infinity Mk-II]

I... really don't understand this move. It is too weak to be an attack, but an special-oriented growl is too pointless of an status move as well. (Because the best way to deal with special threats at that point of the game is either with your own bulk or taking them down, not "declawing" them which I feel is more relevant later in the game where using these things is unthinkable)
And it is what the bug leader uses. Then again, I don't like Burgh anyway.
Perhaps it could be worth using a bit if there were ANY double or triple battles in-game, specially early on like that. But there aren't.


On to the concept... I can't really picture WHAT is this move doing. Seems like the user would be doing something like in struggle, just attacking with little thought... but it's special for some reason? It also says the user is "resisting"... but that lowers the opponent's stat?

The closest I could think of are urticating hairs of some animals like tarantulas that they can shake off to make attackers back away. Seeing the pokémon that learn it naturally, that's not it, as no hairs are involved... but I guess it could be a fantasy analogue?


In any case, it feels like a move taken right out of Gen I Bug Types.

 

[Takaki]

@Infinity Mk-11; Watch the anime episode The Mighty Accelguard to the Rescue! .

 

[Infinity Mk-II]

@Infinity Mk-11; Watch the anime episode The Mighty Accelguard to the Rescue! .

The anime takes its own liberties, and relies far too much on simplifying animations for moves as glowing things.
I preffer to analyze the move's concept and come up with my own vision, aiding myself on how is it depicted in-game if anything.


Anyway, another real-life analogue I can think of are pheromones/allomones used as self-defense mechanism by some things. Though these don't really have an immediatelly damaging effect on their predators, I can see how it could be an status move and affect a more abstract stat as the special attack. Animals that do this also suit better the natural learners of this move, at least Leavanny.

 

[KarlG]

As a Bug Master, I am obliged to answer this question. (self-proclaimed that is)

Struggle Bug looks like the insect writhes to get out of its spot, sending miniature shockwaves toward the opponent. Its 30 in base damage because... well, it's miniature shockwaves.