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No Image Available Visual representation of Curse in Pokémon
Pokémon Move Updated July 11, 2025

Curse in Pokémon

Curse in Pokémon boosts Attack and Defense but lowers Speed, or damages Ghost-types each turn. It’s a spooky trade-off for power!

Category

Pokémon Move

Use Case

A Ghost-type move that damages the target over time or reduces its HP each turn.

Variants

Regular, Special (varies by Pokémon)

Key Features

In Simple Terms

What it is
In Pokémon, "Curse" is a move that can be used in battles to weaken opponents or strengthen your own Pokémon, depending on the type of Pokémon using it. Think of it like a double-edged sword—it can either help you or hurt you, but it’s always a strategic choice.

Why people use it
Players love Curse because it’s a versatile move that can turn the tide of a battle. If used correctly, it can make your Pokémon tougher to defeat or slowly drain the opponent’s strength over time. It’s like setting a trap—you sacrifice a little now to gain a big advantage later.

Basic examples
  • A Ghost-type Pokémon using Curse will sacrifice some of its health to slowly drain the opponent’s health every turn. It’s like a ticking time bomb for the other Pokémon.
  • A non-Ghost Pokémon (like a Rock or Fighting type) using Curse will become slower but physically stronger. Imagine trading speed for brute force—like a tank moving slower but hitting harder.
  • In a long battle, Curse can wear down a tough opponent, making it easier to win even if your Pokémon isn’t the strongest. It’s like outlasting someone in a marathon by pacing yourself.
  • Technical Details

    What It Is


    Curse is a non-damaging Ghost-type move introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. It is categorized as a status move, meaning it primarily affects stat changes or conditions rather than dealing direct damage. The move behaves differently depending on whether the user is a Ghost-type Pokémon or a non-Ghost-type.

    How It Works


    When used by a Ghost-type Pokémon, Curse creates a unique condition where the user sacrifices 50% of its maximum HP to place a curse on the target. The cursed target loses 25% of its maximum HP at the end of every turn until it faints or is switched out. This effect persists even if the user faints.

    For non-Ghost-types, Curse functions as a stat-altering move. It lowers the user’s Speed by one stage but raises its Attack and Defense by one stage each. This variant does not involve HP sacrifice or a lingering condition.

    Key Components


  • HP Sacrifice (Ghost-type): Requires the user to lose half its max HP to activate the curse.
  • Lingering Effect: The curse remains active until the target is removed from battle.
  • Stat Modifications (Non-Ghost-type): Alters Speed, Attack, and Defense stats.
  • Type Dependency: The move’s behavior is entirely determined by the user’s primary type.

  • Common Use Cases


  • Ghost-types: Used as a high-risk, high-reward strategy to whittle down bulky opponents or stall teams.
  • Non-Ghost-types: Employed to bolster physical attackers’ durability and power at the cost of Speed.
  • Stall Tactics: Often paired with recovery moves or held items like Leftovers to mitigate HP loss.
  • Counterplay: Forces opponents to switch out cursed Pokémon, disrupting their strategy.