Gravitational Effects

Introduced as an in-depth battle mechanic within the fourth generation, the Gravitational Effects have been part of the game since the very beginning. In the battle, you have the ability to be both on the ground and in the air. Flying-types and Pokémon with Levitate are perpetually in the sky while the rest of the Pokémon are on the ground. However, there are numerous ways that change the status quo and allow for you and your opponents to either be grounded or propelled into the sky.

Gravity

The move Gravity is the move which pulled in the whole gravitational manipulation into battle strategies. This move works like a weather move and field effect and forces the Pokémon to be grounded for five turns. However, Gravity does not replace the weather nor other field effects. Instead, it works with them. While Gravity is in effect, all Flying-type Pokémon and Pokémon with the Levitate are grounded and no longer have their immunity to Ground-type moves. In addition to that, a variety of moves will be unable to be used and if they are in progress, those Pokémon will get grounded and the moves will not have any effect.

In addition to this, while Gravity is in effect, the Pokémon normally impervious to them will now be susceptable to Spikes, Toxic Spikes and Stealth Rock when they are sent into battle. Finally, Gravity also lowers the evasion for each of the Pokémon in the field by two stages.

Name Type Cat. PP Att. Acc. Effect
Gravity 5 -- 101 Gravity is intensified for five turns, making moves involving flying unusable and negating Levitation.

Iron Ball

The item Iron Ball also has this effect on the Pokémon holding it, allowing them to be hit by Ground-type moves if they are normally a Flying-type or have the ability Levitate. It also makes the Pokémon susceptable to the same Entry Hazards as when Gravity is in effect.

Picture Name Effect
Iron BallA Pokémon held item that cuts Speed. It makes Flying-type and levitating holders susceptible to Ground moves.

Air Balloon

The item Air Balloon also has an effect on the gravity, allowing the holder to float in the air, becoming invulnerable to Ground-type attacks until it has been hit by another attack. It is also affected by Gravity and becomes completely void, with it having no effect on the Pokémon holding it. This will make it as if the Pokémon has no item being held during the time Gravity is in effect. However, it will still be popped if the Pokémon is attacked during this period.

Picture Name Effect
Air BalloonIf held by a Pokémon it will float in the air. Will break if hit by an attack.

Various Moves

The following moves are moves which affect the balance of the game by bringing yourself and/or the opponent into the air or forcing them down to the ground. The aerial moves only work if Gravity is not in effect. If Gravity is used while the moves are in progress, the Pokémon are lowered to the ground and the move fails.

The following moves bring the user up into the air and will completely fail if Gravity is in effect.

Name Type Cat. PP Att. Acc. Effect
Bounce 5 85 85 The user bounces up high, then drops on the foe on the second turn. It may also paralyze the foe.
Fly 15 90 95 The user soars, then strikes on the second turn. It can also be used for flying to any familiar town.
Hi Jump Kick 10 130 90 The foe is attacked with a knee kick from a jump. If it misses, the user is hurt instead.
Jump Kick 10 100 95 The user jumps up high, then strikes with a kick. If the kick misses, the user hurts itself.
Splash 40 -- 101 The user just flops and splashes around to no effect at all...

The following moves bring the opponent up into the air and will completely fail if Gravity is in effect.

Name Type Cat. PP Att. Acc. Effect
Circle Throw 10 60 90 It throws the opponent in the air and drags out the next Pokémon. In case of a wild battle, the battle ends.
Telekinesis 15 -- -- It raises the opponent in the air with its psychic abilities. Attacks hit the opponent more easily for 3 turns.

The following moves bring both the user & opponent up into the air and will completely fail if Gravity is in effect.

Name Type Cat. PP Att. Acc. Effect
Sky Drop 10 60 100 It attacks by raising the opponent skyward on the first turn, then dropping them on the second. The opponent that has been raised cannot move.

The following moves knock the opponent down from the air and make them susceptable to Ground-type attacks.

Name Type Cat. PP Att. Acc. Effect
Smack Down 15 50 100 It attacks by throwing rocks or bullets at a flying opponent. The opponent is knocked down and falls to the ground.