Escape prevention

A Pokémon that can't escape is unable to switch out or flee as long as the Pokémon that trapped it is on the field.

Effect

A Pokémon that can't escape can still switch out if it is holding a Shed Shell; uses U-turn, Volt Switch, or Baton Pass; or is hit by Whirlwind, Roar, Dragon Tail, or Circle Throw. Prior to Generation V, if a Pokémon that can't escape or the Pokémon that trapped it uses Baton Pass, the Pokémon (or its replacement) still can't escape; from Generation V onward, the effect can be passed only by the Pokémon that can't escape.

From Generation III onward, a Pokémon that can't escape can still flee or Teleport from a wild battle if it is holding a Smoke Ball or has the Ability Run Away.

Starting in Generation VI, Ghost-type Pokémon can switch out and flee regardless of the can't escape status.

Moves

A Pokémon can be trapped when struck by any of the following moves.

Move Type Category Power Accuracy Notes Anchor Shot Steel Physical 80 100% Block Normal Status — —% Fairy Lock Fairy Status — —% Prevents all Pokémon on the field from switching out or fleeing during their next turn G-Max Terror Ghost Varies — —% Exclusive G-Max Move of Gigantamax Gengar Jaw Lock Dark Physical 80 100% Prevents the user and the target from switching out or fleeing Mean Look Normal Status — —% No Retreat Fighting Status — —% Raises the user's Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by one stage each. Prevents the user from switching out or fleeing Octolock Fighting Status — 100% At the end of each turn, the target's Defense and Special Defense are lowered by one stage each Shadow Hold Shadow Status — 80% Spider Web Bug Status — —% Spirit Shackle Ghost Physical 80 100% Thousand Waves Ground Physical 90 100%

In the anime

This section is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it. Reason: Add more information about this in the anime

Oshawott failing to return to his Poké Ball after being hit by Mean Look

This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.