- The X Precision object completely eliminated aiming and evasion checks in the first generations.
- This effect allowed instant KO moves to be infallible as long as the user was faster.
- Unlike standard 100% accuracy attacks, this state avoided the critical 1/256 failure.
If you've ever felt frustrated when a perfectly aimed attack missed in classic Pokémon games, you're not alone. It turns out there's a fascinating technical mystery surrounding the X-Item Accuracy that completely changes the rules of battle, making luck irrelevant.
This phenomenon is not a simple stat boost, but rather behaves like a direct attack on the game's code, allowing moves that would normally be a total risk to become lethal tools to wipe out any enemy team.
The actual operation of the X Precision
In the early installments of the series, specifically in the first generation, using an X Precision didn't do what many expected. Instead of increasing precision, the game simply skipped all aim and evasion checks. This meant the attack became "precise as Swift," ensuring the move always hit, no matter how elusive the opponent.
The craziest thing is that even moves we claim have 100% accuracy, like Tackle or Tail Alert, actually have a 255/256 hit chance. This results in a small 0,4% error rate , causing them to occasionally miss. However, when using X Accuracy, this margin of error disappears completely, granting absolute and true accuracy.
Lethal synergy with instant KO moves
The true power of this bug is revealed when combined with attacks like Fissure, Guillotine, or Horn Drill. In the first generation, these moves only connected if the attacking Pokémon was faster than the target. Adding X Accuracy to the equation means the attack never misses , allowing you to defeat much higher-level Pokémon with ease.
This combination was so overpowered that it essentially allowed you to breeze through the Elite Four , except perhaps against Lance if you didn't have a powerful ice attack. It was precisely because of this imbalance that the mechanics were changed in later generations, preventing instant KO moves from affecting opponents of a higher level than the user.
Comparisons and technical curiosities
- The Swift case: This move is programmed to ignore accuracy and evasion, although there is debate about whether it can miss on the 1/256. However, X Accuracy mimics this behavior on any attack.
- Limitations: Despite being infallible, attacks powered by X Precision (except Swift or Redemption) cannot hit an opponent using Fly or Excavator.
- Extreme cases: Some players took advantage of this to use moves with ridiculous accuracy, such as the HM02 attack, transforming it into a machine of destruction with a very high base power and neutral damage.
It's interesting to note that this behavior wasn't exclusive to the first installment, as evidence suggests it was also present in the second generation . The effect is so drastic that the game ignores any evasion-based defense, making combat a matter of speed and brute force.
In short, the use of X Precision in the old games transformed the combat mechanics by overriding the game engine's hit checks, allowing even the riskiest attacks to be completely infallible and facilitating victory against any opponent through the strategic use of instant KO moves and speed.