Favorite DAMAGE DEALING moves
5.) U-Turn - Excellent pivot move. Though more common in Singles than Doubles, U-Turn can provide a quick getaway whilst dealing damage at the same time. This can create interesting momentum and can even provide opportunity to trick up your opponent with a sudden switch. The reason why U-Turn ranks higher than similar moves such as Volt Switch or Parting Shot is because it is a much more widely available move and has no type immunities that would otherwise block the move.
4.) Earthquake - A staple of offense since the early days of competitive battle. A powerful Ground-Type move that targets the entire field. Ground has historically been one of the more popular types in competitive battle— both in offense and defense. And while there may be more optimal moves nowadays, none have been as reliable and longstanding as Earthquake. Its biggest drawback is that it will target your own teammate, but this can be easily mitigated by proper planning.
3.) Rock Slide - A Rock-Type attack that targets the opposing Pokemon on the field, with a chance to make them flinch. The fact that this move has the opportunity to flinch both of the opponent’s Pokemon is what set this move so high above the rest. And unlike Earthquake, this move cannot be blocked by type immunity. In fact, this move can be used in tandem with Earthquake, as it is super-effective against Flying and Ice, two types that are either immune or resist Ground.
2.) Knock Off - A Dark-Type attack that doubles in power when the target is holding an item, knocking it out of their hold and rendering it useless for the duration of the battle. As held items provide such a crucial part of competitive battle, the ability to heavily punish your opponent and remove it can be critical to the outcome of a match.
1.) Fake Out - I already explained this. In a tier of both status and offense, there is a reason that Fake Out was one of the only offensive moves to make the list. It is that good of a move.
