False Swipe is one of the best Technical Machines out there. Yeah, I said it. I mean, it’s a Trainer’s dream because no matter the level of the Pokemon using it, it won’t knock out its opponent, instead leaving it with around 1 HP. Gone are the days of worrying whether you’re going to accidentally KO a ‘mon you’re trying to whittle down enough to catch. Especially if it’s a Shiny. Sound good to you? Here’s how to get the False Swipe TM in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
How to Get False Swipe TM in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
To get your hands on False Swipe in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you must first register 30 different types of Pokemon in your Pokedex. You’ve probably done this already but if not, it’s easier to do it now rather than later so that you can unlock the TM as soon as possible.
Related: How to Get Population Bomb in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Once you’ve registered 30 species, go to Mesagoza and then to either Naranja or Uva Academy (depending on whether you’re playing Scarlet or Violet). In the entrance hall, use one of the screens to travel to the Biology Lab and speak to Jacq, the school’s biology teacher.
(Credit: The Pokemon Company / Game Freak)
He will gift you three False Swipe TMs for filling out your Dex, and the recipe for it will also unlock at the Technical Move crafting machine at the Pokemon Center if you ever need to make more.
All Pokemon That Use False Swipe in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Unfortunately, you can’t teach False Swipe to every Pokemon in the Paldean Pokedex, only a select few. This means you’ll have to choose wisely when figuring out who’s going to learn the Technical Machine.
Here’s every Pokemon that can learn False Swipe in Gen 9:
- Tarountula
- Spidops
- Pawniard
- Bisharp
- Kingambit
- Meowth
- Persian
- Heracross
- Shroomish
- Breloom
- Slakoth
- Vigoroth
- Slaking
- Gible
- Gabite
- Garchomp
- Sneasel
- Weavile
- Baxcalibur
- Fomantis
- Lurantis
- Chewtle
- Drednaw
- Jolteon
- Ceruledge
- Kricketune
- Hawlucha
- Falinks
- Iron Valiant
- Chien-Pao
Some Pokemon learn False Swipe automatically via leveling up or already have it in their moveset:
- Scizor
- Scyther
- Gallade
- Axew
- Fraxure
- Haxorus
- Zangoose
Best Pokemon to Teach False Swipe in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
(Credit: The Pokemon Company / Game Freak)
Out of every Pokemon that can learn False Swipe in the Paldea region, Gallade is by far the most solid pick. This is because of its ability to inflict status afflictions to the opponent. It also has a high EV Attack stat right off the bat so if you bulk it up with Protein and/or Calcium too, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get a Pokemon down to 1 HP right away, making it prime for the catch.
Related: Where to Catch Flutter Mane in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
If you own Pokemon Violet (or have traded for one), version-exclusive Ceruledge is another good choice. Garchomp or Scizor work well too.
