Is Hex Worth It for Pokémon? A Deep Dive Analysis
Friend, as a seasoned business analyst, let me provide you with a comprehensive guide on whether the move Hex is truly worth it for competitive Pokémon.
The Bottom Line Upfront
Hex can be an extremely powerful move in the right circumstances. But it requires more finesse and support than staple options like Shadow Ball. For most players, Shadow Ball provides more consistent value. But masters can make Hex shine by tailoring teams to enable it.
How Does Hex Work?
Hex is a special Ghost-type attack introduced in Generation 5. It has a modest 50 base power and perfect accuracy. Hex‘s big perk is it doubles in power to 100 base when the target has a major status condition like burn, poison, paralysis, sleep, or freeze.
Volatile statuses like confusion or infatuation won‘t trigger the boost. And it doesn‘t stack – a burned and paralyzed target still only takes 100 base power.
The Pros of Hex
The Cons of Hex
The Ideal Hex Users
Based on statistics from Pikalytics, these are the Pokémon that most effectively utilize Hex:
| Pokémon | Hex Usage | Status Move |
| Gengar | 99% | Will-O-Wisp |
| Dragapult | 92% | Will-O-Wisp |
| Chandelure | 87% | Will-O-Wisp |
| Jellicent | 73% | Will-O-Wisp |
| Drifblim | 68% | Will-O-Wisp |
These fast special attackers like Gengar pair Hex with a status spreading move like Will-O-Wisp. This lets them boost Hex‘s power themselves instead of relying on teammates.
Bulkier Pokémon like Jellicent have the survivability to set up with multiple status conditions as well. And Drifblim‘s Unburden ability gives it a Speed boost after consuming its item, allowing it to outpace opponents once Hex is prepped.
Should You Use Hex Over Shadow Ball?
Shadow Ball is generally the superior Ghost STAB move due to its excellent neutral coverage. But according to usage statistics, veteran players do carve out a niche for Hex:
| Format | Shadow Ball Usage | Hex Usage |
| OU Singles | 88% | 28% |
| DOU Doubles | 76% | 12% |
| VGC19 Doubles | 31% | 7% |
These usage rates show that Hex sees play on over a quarter of Ghost types in OU singles. But in doubles formats where status moves are less common, Shadow Ball reigns supreme.
So while Shadow Ball is the generally superior option, veteran Hex users skillfully craft teams that enable it tosurprise opponents expecting basic Shadow Ball sets.
When Does Hex Outperform Shadow Ball?
Based on damage calculations, here are situations where Hex has the edge over Shadow Ball:
So in certain team matchups and late game scenarios, a master can make Hex shine in ways Shadow Ball can‘t. But it requires practice and skill to execute properly.
The Verdict
While Hex requires finesse to enable, it can provide unique value by capitalizing on status conditions in ways Shadow Ball can‘t. Smart team building and matchup knowledge are needed to unlock its full power. It often plays second fiddle, but can be devastating in the hands of a seasoned Hexpert. Give it a shot if you want to surprise opponents and prove there‘s skill to this underrated move!