How is Needle Arm affected by rough skin in Generation 3?

Strickenatonce · February 18

So I have been playing through Pokemon Emerald again. I decided to run with a Cacturne this time around. I am curious as to how its signature move Needle Arm can cause rough skin to activate, especially considering (as far as my understanding goes) all grass moves in Generation 3 are considered special attacks. About the only thing that makes sense to me is, that it is calculated as special damage, while still being considered a move that makes physical contact. I know this may be incredibly irrelevant, but I would still love to know for my own curiosity.

Thanks!

Hey_PIKMIN · February 18

wait needle arm was in gen 3?

Strickenatonce · February 18

Yes, Needle Arm was introduced in Gen 3, but it was an exclusive move for Cacnea and Cacturne.

pikayou · February 18

Yeah though the majority of physical moves are contact and special moves aren't, there are notable outliers. Earthquake is physical and doesn't make contact, but even in the modern games Petal Dance is special and does.

Strickenatonce · February 18

So I was basically correct in my assumption? It’s a special attack that makes contact?

pikayou · February 18

Yeah you were completely right, contact isn't tied to being physical or special

Strickenatonce · February 18

That was an interesting way to have done it. Before I fell into this rabbit hole, I would have sworn that gen 3 was the first game to have special and non special damage, within every type. Kind of stuff I never used to pay attention to back when it first came out.

Hey_PIKMIN · February 18

wow I had no clue since I don't like cacnea

Strickenatonce · February 19

Whenever I go back and play through the old games, I will try and use a different team. So I have never actually used one before now. He is actually one of the strongest members I have now.

How is Needle Arm affected by rough skin in Generation 3?

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