A Rotation Battle against Simisage, Simipour, and Simisear in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version
A Rotation Battle is a type of Pokémon battle introduced in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. It also appears in Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2 and the Generation VI games, but had been retired afterward.
Description[]
A Rotation Battle involves each player having three Pokémon actively participating at once, much like a Triple Battle. However, only the Pokémon in front is active during a Rotation Battle, while the second Pokémon is in the counterclockwise position and the third Pokémon in the clockwise position; from this, only the Pokémon in front is affected by moves, Abilities, and status condition.
Even though only one Pokémon can be in play at a time, the biggest difference from regular Pokémon battles is that the field can be rotated, sending either one of the other two Pokémon in front instead. Unlike the act of recalling a Pokémon or switching positions in a Triple Battle, the player can have their Pokémon use a move and rotate the field within the same turn. From this, the player has to predict which Pokémon their opponent will use as well as their move for the greatest chance at success. Rotation has a priority of +6.
Rotating does not cure status conditions such as Confusion, nor does it reset the counter of Abilities such as Slow Start. Pursuit does not affect the rotated Pokémon, and effects that prevent recalling are ineffective, like with Arena Trap. Consequently, other Abilities such as Natural Cure, whose effects are linked to switching, are also ineffective.
Appearances[]
Core series[]
Generation V[]
Rotation Battles are the preferred battle style in Pokémon Black Version, just as Triple Battles are for Pokémon White Version, so a majority of Rotation Battles in Pokémon White Version are Triple Battles instead. The only Rotation Battle in Pokémon White Version is fought against Ace Trainer Glinda at the Marvelous Bridge.
In Pokémon Black Version, the player can participate in a Rotation Battle against Ace Trainers Lou and Eileen in the Battle House at Opelucid City.
Generation VI[]
In the Generation VI games, Rotation Battles are of the five types of Pokémon battles in the Battle Maison. Morgan is the expert of Rotation Battles.