Which Pokemon GO Movesets Were Changed?

There was not a Pokemon GO update from Niantic, but some server sided changes have been made that affected the Pokemon GO movesets for certain Pokemon.

This either eliminated or changed them from the line-up Trainers have been used to. This has been reported by Pokemon GO players that have compared the Game_Master file. Below are the changes made on August 19th:

Moves that was removed

• Weezing: Acid
• Gyarados: Dragon Breath
• Mew: Moonblast
• Kofing: Acid

Moves that were changed

• Gengar: Sludge Wave changed to Sludge Bomb
• Chansey: Psybeam changed to Hyper Beam
• Hitmonlee: Stomp changed to Brick Break
• Grimer: Acid changed to Poison Jab
• Mew: Hurricane changed to Blizzard
• Jigglypuff: Play Rough changed to Dazzling Gleam
• Seel: Water Gun changed to Lick
• Muk: Acid changed to Lick
• Starmie: Psybeam changed to Psychic
• Omastar: Rock Throw changed to Mud Shot
• Quick Attacks
• Starmie: Quick Attack changed to Tackle
• Porygon: Quick Attack changed to Zen Headbutt
• Staryu: Quick Attack changed to Tackle

Mud Shots changed to Mud Slap for:

• Dugtrio
• Digglett
• Graveler
• Golem

How the Pokemon GO movesets could affect the game

There is not a set agreement on just how these changes will affect the game, this is because the changes only affect the future Pokemon you obtain, and not the ones you currently have. Also, there are reports that eggs received prior to the patch, will hatch with the old movesets in place.

There is a thread on Reddit that discusses a general consensus about how the Pokemon GO moveset changes could have an impact on gameplay.

According to the thread, there are mixed emotions on Mud Shot being changed to Mud Slap. Redditor to_metrion stated that Mud Shots was a faster attack that deals less damage, compared to Mud Slap being a slower attack that deals higher damage over time. This made Mud Shot more practical for quick defeats, and Mud Slap is better as a defense. Mud Shots was likely a better move for Dugtrio in particular, but after the changes Golem has also become more of a defender.

Reddit user to_metrion also added that Gyarados is not a match for strong Dragonite’s anymore, even though removing Dragon Breath did not affect Gyarados’ best quick move.

Starmie had Psybeam changed to Psychic, and the Quick Attack to Tackle. Now, Psychic gives Starmie an upgrade, yet the best moveset remains the same. Its Hydro Pump continues to stay ahead of these two moves, with Water Gun being the quick move of choice.

Now, Redditor to_metrion is not thrilled over the change of Omastar’s Rock Throw switching to Mud Shot, which is considered one of its best moves. Rock Throw is what made it a decent match for Lapras, which has been taken away. Redditor conspire_pokemon_go added that STAB should have been included in the ground move.

Redditor kaitoyuuki states that Muk’s Acid changing to Lick did not affect it much. This is because Lick provides the same amount of charge power, half the attack time, doubling the rate of charging moves. Since Muk has Poison Jab, it’s ideal moveset hasn’t changed.

At this stage the changes only affect the game slightly. However, that could all change when trading becomes available. Those with old versions could find them very valuable.

What are your thoughts on the Pokemon GO movesets being changed? Do you think the game will be affected differently than mentioned? Leave a comment below and let us know.