Redirection is one of the defining mechanics of VGC doubles. Moves like Follow MeFollow Memove+2 priority redirection. The user becomes the target of every single-target attack opposing Pokémon use this turn, protecting allies.Click to read more → and Rage Powder draw all single-target attacks to the Pokémon using them — protecting the partner from any damage that turn.
How it works
When a Pokémon uses Follow Me or Rage Powder, every single-target move from both opponents gets redirected to hit the user instead of its original target. Spread moves (like Earthquake or Rock SlideRock SlidemoveA Rock-type spread move with 75 base power and a 30% flinch chance on each target it hits.Click to read more →) still hit normally.
Key users in Reg M-A
- Clefable — Follow Me; Magic Guard makes it immune to passive chip (sand, burn, Leech SeedLeech SeedmovePlants a seed on the target that drains 1/8 of their max HP every turn, healing the Pokémon that planted it.Click to read more →) so it absorbs targeted hits without losing HP to the field
- Sinistcha — Rage Powder; pairs redirection with HospitalityHospitalityabilityRestores 25% of the partner's max HP when this Pokémon enters the field.Click to read more → healing on the partner, compressing two support roles into one slot
Why it matters
Redirection buys a partner Pokémon a completely free turn — to set up, use a move without fear of getting KO’d, or use ProtectProtectmoveA move that makes the user immune to all moves for one turn. Fails if used consecutively.Click to read more → themselves. It’s core to SetupSetupstrategySpending a turn to boost stats before sweeping — trading short-term damage for a snowballing advantage that wins the game.Click to read more → teams (protect the sweeper) and Control teams (protect the pivot) alike.