Discover how to make Smeargle typeless with this advanced Pokemon Scarlet and Violet strategy guide
Understanding Smeargle’s Unique Sketch Ability
The introduction of The Indigo Disk DLC has brought Smeargle back into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, restoring access to its signature Sketch technique that enables unprecedented move combinations.
With the Painter Pokemon’s return to mainstream Pokemon games, trainers can now experiment with Sketch’s remarkable capacity to duplicate virtually any move in the game’s extensive library. This exclusive ability positions Smeargle as the ultimate customization tool for creative battle strategies.
Sketch functions by permanently replacing itself with the last move used by the opponent during battle. This mechanic allows for otherwise impossible move combinations that can manipulate fundamental game mechanics in surprising ways, making Smeargle a favorite among experimental players.
The Typeless Revelation Dance Technique
Reddit researcher WhiteFox1992 pioneered a method to create genuinely typeless damage, referencing the historical “???-type” classification used for Curse in earlier Pokemon generations. This breakthrough demonstrates Smeargle’s unique potential for type manipulation.
The technique requires a precise sequence: First, use Sketch to acquire Conversion from Porygon, then obtain Double Shock from Pawmot, and finally learn Revelation Dance from Oricorio. This carefully orchestrated process transforms Smeargle’s type dynamics fundamentally.
Here’s how the type transformation works: Conversion changes Smeargle to Electric-type, Double Shock removes this typing entirely, and Revelation Dance then references the now-absent primary type to deliver completely typeless damage. The move’s damage calculation adapts to the user’s non-existent type classification.
Verification of true typeless status comes from neutral damage output against Rock, Steel, and Ghost-type Pokemon, along with the absence of Normal Gem activation. This confirms the move operates outside conventional type effectiveness systems.
Practical Applications and Limitations
While this typeless approach theoretically neutralizes type disadvantages, creating a universal damage option, its practical implementation faces significant hurdles. Smeargle’s statistical limitations present the primary obstacle to competitive viability.
The core issue lies with Revelation Dance being a Special move with 90 base power, while Smeargle possesses a dismal base Special Attack stat of just 20. Even with perfect IVs and maximum EV investment, the damage output remains insufficient against most fully-evolved Pokemon.
Common mistakes include attempting this strategy without proper move sequence planning and underestimating the statistical constraints. Players should secure all required moves in the correct order before attempting battles, and avoid using this as a primary damage strategy in competitive formats.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Mystery Gift codes (January 2026)
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet type chart: Strengths, weaknesses, resistances & vulnerabilities
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Mass Outbreak event: Current Outbreak & what’s next?
Advanced Optimization Strategies
For trainers determined to maximize this technique’s potential, strategic EV training offers partial mitigation of Smeargle’s statistical weaknesses. Investing 252 EVs in Special Attack and utilizing a Modest nature can elevate damage output significantly, though it remains suboptimal for serious competitive play.
Item selection becomes crucial for optimization. While Normal Gem doesn’t activate with typeless moves, items like Life Orb or Choice Specs can provide substantial damage boosts. Alternatively, Focus Sash ensures Smeargle survives at least one hit to execute its strategy.
Advanced players can incorporate this technique into support-oriented Smeargle builds, combining typeless Revelation Dance with utility moves like Spore, Sticky Web, or Memento. This transforms Smeargle into a versatile tactical Pokemon rather than a primary attacker.
While not tournament-viable, this creative application of Smeargle’s unique capabilities demonstrates the depth of Pokemon’s mechanical systems and provides an engaging project for experimental players.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Pokemon Scarlet & Violet player explains how to get “useless” typeless Smeargle Discover how to make Smeargle typeless with this advanced Pokemon Scarlet and Violet strategy guide