In the vast and ever-evolving world of Pokémon Go, trainers are constantly seeking ways to enhance and optimize their gameplay.
One such tool at their disposal is the Fast TM, or Fast Technical Machine.
But what exactly is a Fast TM in Pokémon Go, and how does it function within the game?
What is a Fast TM in Pokemon Go?
A Fast TM is a valuable item that allows players to change the Fast Move of their Pokémon.
Unlike Charged Moves, which are powerful attacks that require energy to be accumulated before use, Fast Moves are attacks that a Pokémon can use rapidly in battle, serving as their primary means of dealing damage and generating energy.
The ability to alter a Pokémon’s Fast Move is crucial, as it directly influences their effectiveness in battle, their ability to earn energy quickly, and their capacity to counter specific opponents.
Acquiring a Fast TM is not a straightforward task, as it is considered a rare item in Pokémon Go.
Typically, players can obtain Fast TMs through participating in high-level Raid Battles, completing specific Research Tasks, or earning them as rewards during certain in-game events.
Given their scarcity, it is vital for trainers to use Fast TMs judiciously, ensuring they are applied to the most strategic and beneficial Pokémon in their collection.
Understanding the Mechanics of Fast TMs
How Fast TMs Work
The mechanics of using a Fast TM in Pokémon Go are straightforward but require a keen understanding of your Pokémon’s move pool.
When you use a Fast TM on a Pokémon, it will randomly learn a different Fast Move from its available move pool, ensuring a degree of unpredictability in the outcome.
It is important to note that the new move cannot be the same as the Pokémon’s current move, and some Pokémon may have more than two available Fast Moves, adding an extra layer of complexity to the process.
Choosing the Right Pokemon
Selecting the right Pokémon to use a Fast TM on is a critical decision that should not be taken lightly.
Trainers should consider the Pokémon’s role in battle, its current and potential moves, and how those moves interact with its opponents.
Pokémon with a diverse move pool may benefit more from the use of a Fast TM, as they have a greater chance of learning a move that significantly enhances their battle performance.
Strategic Use of Fast TMs
When to Use a Fast TM
Deciding when to use a Fast TM in Pokémon Go is as crucial as choosing the right Pokémon.
Trainers should take into account the current meta-game, which includes the most prevalent and powerful Pokémon in battles, as this can greatly influence the effectiveness of a move change.
Using a Fast TM during a period of meta stability, where the dominant Pokémon and moves are well established, can result in a more predictable and beneficial outcome.
Maximizing Battle Effectiveness
To maximize the effectiveness of a Fast TM, trainers should aim to change a Pokémon’s Fast Move to one that not only deals substantial damage but also generates energy quickly.
This combination is key to charging up Charged Moves swiftly, allowing the Pokémon to unleash powerful attacks more frequently in battle.
Understanding the balance between damage output and energy generation is paramount for making the most out of a Fast TM.
Advanced Strategies for Using Fast TMs
Timing and Meta Changes
One of the more advanced strategies in utilizing Fast TMs effectively is understanding and predicting shifts in the game’s meta.
The Pokémon Go landscape is continually changing, with Niantic frequently introducing new Pokémon, moves, and balance changes. Keeping a finger on the pulse of these shifts can give savvy trainers a significant advantage.
When a new Pokémon or move becomes dominant, having a stockpile of Fast TMs can allow for quick adaptation, ensuring your team remains competitive.
Conversely, if a nerf is incoming to a popular and powerful move, using a Fast TM to switch out of it before the change hits can save a Pokémon from losing its battle prowess.
Synergy with Charged TMs
Fast TMs should not be considered in isolation. They are most powerful when used in conjunction with Charged TMs, which allow trainers to change a Pokémon’s Charged Move.
By altering both the Fast and Charged Moves of a Pokémon, trainers can completely redefine its role in battle, tailoring it to specific needs or strategies.
For instance, a Pokémon could be transformed from a generalist with a balanced move set to a specialist designed to counter specific threats in the meta.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Wasting Fast TMs
Due to their rarity, one of the biggest mistakes trainers can make is wasting Fast TMs.
Using a Fast TM on a Pokémon without a clear strategy or understanding of its potential move pool can lead to disappointment and a wasted resource.
Before using a Fast TM, trainers should research and ensure that the potential outcomes align with their battle goals.
Ignoring Individual Values (IVs) and Levels
Another common pitfall is using Fast TMs on Pokémon without considering their Individual Values (IVs) and levels.
A Pokémon’s IVs and level play a significant role in determining its overall strength and effectiveness in battle.
Using a Fast TM on a low-level Pokémon with poor IVs is often a wasted effort, as the Pokémon will likely be outperformed by higher-level and better-IV’d counterparts, regardless of its moveset.
Insider Tips to Mastering Fast TMs
Resource Management
Effective use of Fast TMs also involves prudent resource management.
Trainers should prioritize using Fast TMs on Pokémon that are already near their maximum potential in terms of level and IVs. This ensures that the Fast TM’s impact is maximized, contributing to a noticeable improvement in battle performance.
Community and Research
Leveraging the Pokémon Go community and online resources can provide trainers with valuable insights into the optimal use of Fast TMs.
Community-driven tier lists, battle simulations, and discussions can highlight which Pokémon and movesets are currently performing well, guiding trainers on where to best invest their Fast TMs.
Practice and Experimentation
Finally, mastery of Fast TMs comes with practice and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to try new strategies and move combinations, learning firsthand how different moves perform in various battle scenarios.
Over time, this experiential knowledge becomes invaluable, allowing trainers to make more informed decisions and use their Fast TMs more effectively.
Final Thoughts on Fast TMs in Pokémon Go
Fast TMs are a powerful resource in Pokémon Go, offering trainers the ability to adapt and optimize their Pokémon for the ever-changing battle landscape.
By understanding the mechanics of Fast TMs, strategically choosing when and on which Pokémon to use them, and avoiding common pitfalls, trainers can maximize their effectiveness in battle.
With the insights and strategies provided in this article, Pokémon Go players are now better equipped to master the art of using Fast TMs, ensuring they are always ready to face whatever challenges the game throws their way.
