Substitute creates a decoy using a portion of the user’s HP. While the decoy remains, many attacks and status moves affect the Substitute instead of the user. This can help a Pokémon block status, scout switches, safely set up, or take advantage of forced switches. The Substitute breaks after taking enough damage, and creating one costs health, so it is not always safe. Some moves, Abilities, sound-based attacks, and special effects can bypass or interact with Substitute differently depending on generation. Use it when the opponent is likely to switch, use status, or fail to break the decoy quickly.
