Mastering Spore On Smeargle In Usum: A Step-By-Step Guide

In the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), obtaining the move Spore on Smeargle requires a strategic approach, as Smeargle can’t learn Spore naturally. Players must first find a Pokémon that knows Spore, such as Paras, Parasect, or Breloom, and then use Smeargle’s unique ability, Sketch, to copy the move. This involves initiating a battle with a Smeargle holding a Quick Ball or another fast-catching tool, ensuring it uses Sketch on the target Pokémon with Spore. Once Smeargle learns Spore, it becomes a valuable asset for competitive play, as Spore is a powerful sleep-inducing move. Success depends on careful planning, the right Pokémon encounters, and precise timing during battles.

Catching a Smeargle in USUM

Smeargle, with its unique ability to learn any move via Sketch, is a prized catch in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM). However, catching one isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Smeargle doesn’t appear in the wild like other Pokémon; instead, it’s encountered through a specific mechanic tied to the player’s actions. To catch a Smeargle, you must first understand its spawn condition: it appears when you enter a battle with a Pokémon that has the Ability "Own Tempo" or "Inner Focus" in the lead of your party. This triggers a 50% chance for Smeargle to photobomb the battle, replacing the wild Pokémon you were about to face.

Once Smeargle appears, the real challenge begins. Smeargle’s base catch rate is notoriously low, making it a frustrating target for trainers. To maximize your chances, use a Pokémon with False Swipe to weaken it without risking a knockout. Pair this with status conditions like sleep (induced by moves like Hypnosis or Spore) or paralysis to further reduce its evasiveness. Ultra Balls are your best bet for catching it, especially in tall grass or caves where the catch rate is slightly higher. Patience is key, as you may need to attempt this process multiple times before success.

The strategic placement of Own Tempo or Inner Focus Pokémon in your party is crucial. Pokémon like Wobbuffet, Clefairy, or Meditite are excellent choices due to their early availability and compatibility with these Abilities. Ensure your lead Pokémon meets the criteria before entering tall grass or caves, as these are the only areas where Smeargle can photobomb. Avoid using Repels, as they prevent wild encounters and, consequently, Smeargle’s appearance.

Catching Smeargle in USUM is a test of preparation and persistence. Unlike other Pokémon, its encounter relies on specific conditions rather than random chance. By leveraging the right Abilities, moves, and items, you can tilt the odds in your favor. Once caught, Smeargle’s ability to Sketch moves like Spore makes it a valuable asset for competitive play or breeding projects. The effort required to catch it only underscores its uniqueness in the Pokémon world.

Obtaining the Spore Move Tutor

In the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), Smeargle is a unique Pokémon that can learn any move it sees, making it a versatile asset in battles. However, obtaining the Spore move for Smeargle requires a specific approach, as it cannot learn this move through traditional leveling or TMs. The key lies in utilizing the Move Tutor, a feature that allows certain Pokémon to learn exclusive moves. To begin, players must first locate the Move Tutor who teaches Spore, which is found in the lush forests of the Alola region, specifically on Route 2. This tutor is available only after completing the main story, so ensure your progress aligns with this requirement.

The process of teaching Spore to Smeargle involves a strategic use of its signature move, Sketch. Sketch allows Smeargle to permanently copy the last move used by an opposing Pokémon in battle. To exploit this, players need to engage in a battle where a Pokémon with Spore is the opponent. A common choice is Paras or Parasect, both of which can naturally learn Spore. During the battle, allow the opposing Pokémon to use Spore, and then use Sketch with Smeargle to copy the move. This method requires patience and precision, as missing the opportunity to Sketch Spore means starting the process anew.

One critical aspect to consider is the timing and setup of the battle. Ensure Smeargle is healthy enough to withstand potential damage and that it is the first Pokémon in your party to act after the opponent uses Spore. Additionally, having a Pokémon with False Swipe or a similar move can help weaken the opponent without knocking it out, prolonging the battle until Spore is used. Once Smeargle successfully Sketches Spore, the move is permanently added to its moveset, making it a valuable addition for sleep-inducing strategies.

While this method is effective, it’s not without its challenges. Players must have access to a Pokémon that knows Spore and be prepared for the unpredictability of wild battles. For those without access to Paras or Parasect, trading with another player or using the Island Scan feature to find one is a viable alternative. The effort, however, is well worth it, as Spore becomes a game-changing move for Smeargle, offering unparalleled utility in both competitive and casual play. Mastery of this technique showcases a player’s understanding of USUM’s mechanics and their dedication to optimizing their team.

Using TR87 Spore TM

In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), Smeargle's ability to learn any move via Sketch makes it a versatile Pokémon, but obtaining specific moves like Spore requires strategic planning. One effective method is using TR87 Spore TM, a technical record that directly teaches the move. This approach bypasses the need for breeding or trading, offering a straightforward solution for competitive players or collectors.

To utilize TR87 Spore TM, first ensure you have access to the technical record. TR87 can be found in the wild as an item or purchased in certain in-game shops, depending on the game version. Once obtained, simply select the TM from your bag and use it on Smeargle. The move Spore will overwrite one of Smeargle's existing moves, so choose carefully if you’re preserving a specific moveset. This method is ideal for players who want immediate results without relying on RNG or external trades.

While TR87 Spore TM is convenient, it’s not without limitations. Technical records are finite resources, and using one on Smeargle means it’s unavailable for other Pokémon. Additionally, Spore is a powerful move, but its effectiveness depends on Smeargle’s role in your team. Pair it with a strategy that leverages sleep induction, such as a follow-up attacker or a stall-based team. For example, combining Spore with a Pokémon holding a Lagging Tail can maximize its utility in double battles.

A practical tip for maximizing TR87’s value is to save it until you’ve finalized Smeargle’s role in your team. Since Smeargle can Sketch any move, consider using TR87 only if Spore is essential to your strategy. Alternatively, if you have multiple Smeargle, experiment with different movesets before committing the TM. This ensures you’re not wasting a valuable resource on a move that might later be Sketched from another Pokémon.

In conclusion, TR87 Spore TM is a direct and efficient way to equip Smeargle with Spore in USUM. Its simplicity makes it a go-to option for players seeking quick results, but careful planning ensures it aligns with your team’s needs. By understanding its usage, limitations, and strategic potential, you can make the most of this technical record and elevate Smeargle’s performance in battles.

Breeding for Spore Ability

Breeding for the Spore ability on Smeargle in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM) requires strategic planning and a clear understanding of Pokémon inheritance rules. The Spore ability, exclusive to certain Pokémon like Paras and Parasect, cannot be directly passed to Smeargle through traditional breeding. Instead, you must leverage Smeargle's unique ability to learn any move via Sketch and combine it with a specific held item to mimic the Spore ability's effect. This approach bypasses the need for ability inheritance, focusing instead on move acquisition and item usage.

To begin, obtain a Smeargle with the Sketch move, which it learns naturally. Next, catch a Pokémon that knows Spore, such as Paras or Parasect. Ensure Smeargle and the Spore-knowing Pokémon are in your party, then engage in a battle where the target Pokémon uses Spore. Have Smeargle use Sketch during this turn to permanently learn the move. This method allows Smeargle to access Spore without breeding, making it a viable option for competitive play or in-game utility.

While this process avoids breeding complexities, it introduces a new challenge: maintaining Spore's functionality. Smeargle cannot naturally have the Spore ability, so the move's effectiveness relies on accurate execution and proper setup. Pair Smeargle with a Pokémon holding a Sleep Powder or a move like Hypnosis to increase sleep-inducing consistency. Alternatively, use a Choice Band or Life Orb to boost Smeargle's attacking power, compensating for the lack of a true Spore ability.

For advanced players, consider chaining this strategy with Smeargle's ability to hold the Ability Capsule, though this item does not directly affect move-based abilities. Instead, focus on maximizing Smeargle's utility by pairing Spore with moves like Dark Void or Sing for additional sleep-inducing options. This layered approach ensures Smeargle remains a versatile asset, even without the Spore ability. By combining move acquisition, item strategy, and tactical teamwork, you can effectively simulate the Spore ability on Smeargle in USUM.

Trading for Spore Smeargle

In the world of Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM), obtaining a Smeargle with the move Spore can be a game-changer for competitive battles and breeding projects. While Smeargle can learn Spore through Sketch, the move is not naturally available in the USUM games, making it a rare and sought-after asset. Trading becomes the most viable method to acquire this specific Smeargle, but it requires strategy, patience, and knowledge of the trading ecosystem.

Understanding the Trade Market

The first step in trading for a Spore Smeargle is understanding the market dynamics. Players often breed Smeargle with Spore in older generations (like Gen VI) and transfer them to USUM via Pokémon Bank. These Smeargle are highly valued because Spore cannot be relearned in USUM. When trading, be prepared to offer something of equal rarity or utility, such as a shiny Pokémon, a foreign Ditto with high IVs, or a Pokémon with an event-exclusive move. Researching current trade trends on platforms like Reddit’s r/pokemontrades or Discord groups can help you gauge what others are offering and requesting.

Crafting an Attractive Trade Offer

To successfully trade for a Spore Smeargle, your offer must stand out. If you lack rare Pokémon, consider investing time in breeding competitive-ready Pokémon with perfect IVs or egg moves. For example, a 6 IV foreign Ditto or a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability can be highly desirable. Alternatively, offering a service like hosting raids for rare Pokémon (e.g., Tapu Koko or Solgaleo) can sweeten the deal. Be clear and concise in your trade description, highlighting the value of your offer and why it’s worth the Spore Smeargle.

Avoiding Scams and Ensuring Legitimacy

Trading for a Spore Smeargle comes with risks, as some players may attempt to trade hacked or cloned Pokémon. Always verify the legitimacy of the Smeargle by checking its moveset, abilities, and origin game. A legitimate Spore Smeargle should have a Gen VI origin (XY or ORAS) and a valid nickname or OT (Original Trainer) name. Use tools like PKHeX or trade with trusted individuals to minimize the risk of receiving a hacked Pokémon. Remember, trading hacked Pokémon can lead to penalties, including bans from online features.

Long-Term Strategies for Self-Sufficiency

While trading is the quickest way to obtain a Spore Smeargle, consider building your own breeding setup for future needs. If you have access to older games like Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire, breed a Smeargle with Spore and transfer it to USUM via Pokémon Bank. This requires a copy of the older game, Pokémon Bank, and patience, but it ensures you have a legitimate Spore Smeargle for future trades or personal use. Additionally, networking with other breeders can provide opportunities for collaborative projects, reducing reliance on external trades.

By mastering the art of trading and understanding the value of a Spore Smeargle, you can secure this powerful tool for your USUM gameplay. Whether you’re aiming for competitive success or efficient breeding, a well-executed trade can save time and elevate your Pokémon experience.

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