How to Get Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide

Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon, is a unique and often underestimated creature in Pokémon GO. While its CP doesn’t soar to the heights of meta-defining powerhouses, Smeargle carves out a special niche, particularly in themed cups and for specific strategic uses. Among the vast array of moves it can learn, the combination of Lock On as a fast move and Flying Press as a charged move stands out as exceptionally potent, especially in formats like the Smeargle Cup.

This guide will delve into why this moveset is so coveted and, most importantly, how to get Lock On and Flying Press on your Smeargle in Pokémon GO. We’ll break down the mechanics, the optimal strategies, and the steps you need to take to add this powerful Smeargle to your roster.

Why Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle is a Top Choice

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” What makes Lock On and Flying Press such a desirable combination for Smeargle?

• Flying Press: Unmatched Damage Potential: Flying Press is a Fighting-type charged move renowned for its exceptional damage per energy (DPE). It outclasses almost every other charged move in terms of raw power and speed of charging, especially those without self-debuffs. While Smeargle doesn’t benefit from Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) with Fighting-type moves, Flying Press’s sheer strength compensates for this. In fact, it often surpasses even STAB moves in terms of overall damage output.

• Lock On: Energy Generation King: Lock On is a fast move that, despite its minimal damage per turn (DPT), boasts incredible energy per turn (EPT). This rapid energy generation is crucial for Smeargle, allowing it to quickly charge up its powerful Flying Press. Interestingly, due to Smeargle’s high defense stat, Lock On’s damage is scaled down in mirror matches, making its energy generation even more valuable than its damage.

• Synergy in Smeargle Cups: In formats like the Smeargle Cup, where only Smeargle are permitted, Fighting-type moves become incredibly valuable. Flying Press excels in these scenarios, and when paired with Lock On, it creates a formidable combination. The fast energy gain from Lock On allows for frequent Flying Press usage, overwhelming opponents.

• Outperforming Counter Intuition: While Counter is another strong Fighting-type fast move, Lock On often outperforms it on Smeargle in mirror matches. This is because the energy advantage Lock On provides to fuel Flying Press outweighs the slightly higher damage output of Counter in this specific, bulky matchup. A Smeargle with Thunder Shock and Flying Press can even defeat a Counter and Cross Chop Smeargle in even-shield scenarios, highlighting the power of Flying Press and the importance of energy generation.

A Smeargle in Pokemon GO.

Alt text: A playful Smeargle, the Painter Pokemon, stands ready for battle in Pokemon GO, showcasing its unique ability to learn any move.

Step-by-Step Guide: Obtaining Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle

Now, let’s get to the practical steps on how to acquire this sought-after moveset for your Smeargle:

1. The Photobomb Method: Smeargle’s Unique Learning Mechanic: Smeargle learns moves through a unique photobomb mechanic. When you take a snapshot of a Pokémon, there’s a chance Smeargle will photobomb the picture. Upon exiting the snapshot session, Smeargle will appear on the map, and catching it will grant it a moveset copied from the Pokémon that photobombed. Smeargle copies the fast move and the charged move of the photobombed Pokémon.

2. The Pikachu Libre Connection: The key to getting Lock On and Flying Press on Smeargle lies with Pikachu Libre. Pikachu Libre is a special variant of Pikachu obtainable through GO Battle League rewards. Crucially, Pikachu Libre can learn both Thunder Shock (an easily obtainable fast move, though not Lock On) and Flying Press via regular Technical Machines (TMs).

3. Setting up Pikachu Libre for Photobombing:

   • Obtain a Pikachu Libre: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to reach Rank 20 in the GO Battle League to encounter Pikachu Libre as a reward encounter.
   • TM Pikachu Libre to Learn Flying Press: Use a Charged TM on your Pikachu Libre until it learns Flying Press. Pikachu Libre already knows Thunder Shock as a fast move, making one part of the moveset ready. Unfortunately, Pikachu Libre cannot learn Lock On.

4. The Trading and Photobomb Chain (For Lock On): This is where the process becomes slightly more involved to get the optimal Lock On and Flying Press combination. Since Pikachu Libre cannot learn Lock On, we need to leverage another Pokémon that can learn Lock On to photobomb onto Smeargle. However, this is not directly possible. Direct photobombing of Lock On and Flying Press from a single Pokemon is not achievable through legitimate gameplay methods currently.

5. Focusing on Flying Press First (Easier Method): If obtaining both Lock On and Flying Press proves too challenging, focusing on getting Flying Press with an easier-to-obtain fast move like Thunder Shock is a highly viable and effective alternative.

   • Photobomb Pikachu Libre: Take snapshots of your Pikachu Libre that knows Flying Press and Thunder Shock. Keep taking snapshots until Smeargle photobombs. Catch the photobombing Smeargle. It will inherit Thunder Shock and Flying Press from Pikachu Libre.

6. Trading for a Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle (If Possible): If you know someone who has managed to obtain a Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle (perhaps through very lucky move learning before moveset changes or through older game mechanics – which is highly unlikely through legitimate modern methods), trading might be your only avenue to get this specific combination. However, it’s important to note that directly obtaining Lock On + Flying Press Smeargle through current in-game methods is extremely improbable and relies on legacy movesets or misunderstanding of current game mechanics.

7. Persistence is Key: Photobombing for a specific moveset can take time and patience. Smeargle photobombs are not guaranteed with every snapshot, and the moveset it copies is determined by the Pokémon in the photo. Keep taking snapshots of your Pikachu Libre (or the desired Pokemon for other movesets) consistently to increase your chances.

Alternative Smeargle Movesets and Usage Scenarios

While Lock On and Flying Press is a top-tier moveset, Smeargle’s versatility extends beyond this combination. Here are some other notable movesets and scenarios where Smeargle can shine:

• Smeargle Cup (No Fighting Moves Variant): In variations of the Smeargle Cup that ban Fighting-type moves, Smeargle can still be incredibly effective. Optimal charged moves shift to options like Techno Blast (Normal) (highest DPE), Frenzy Plant, Body Slam, Icy Wind, Lunge, Flame Charge, and Skull Bash. Optimal fast moves in this format include Lock On, Thunder Shock, Mud Shot, Psycho Cut, and Dragon Breath.

• 500 CP Cups: Smeargle’s maximum CP at level 51 (493 CP) makes it almost perfectly suited for 500 CP cups. Lock On and Flying Press remain strong options in this format, capable of even overpowering threats like Bronzor. For anti-Wobbuffet/Wynaut strategies in 500 CP cups, Shadow Ball paired with Lock On or Shadow Claw can be considered.

• Battling Rockets: Smeargle can be surprisingly useful against Team GO Rocket grunts and leaders. A moveset of Lock On paired with a low-energy charged move (35 energy cost) like Night Slash can exploit NPC battle mechanics. The pauses after charged moves and switches in NPC battles, combined with Lock On’s energy generation, allow Smeargle to effectively lock down and defeat certain Rocket opponents.

Conclusion: Embrace Smeargle’s Unique Potential

While directly obtaining a Lock On and Flying Press Smeargle through current legitimate methods is highly unlikely, aiming for a Thunder Shock and Flying Press Smeargle via Pikachu Libre photobombing is a very achievable and powerful alternative. Smeargle, with its unique move-copying ability, offers a fascinating layer of strategy to Pokémon GO. Whether you’re aiming for Smeargle Cup dominance, tackling 500 CP challenges, or finding creative solutions for Rocket battles, understanding how to leverage Smeargle’s movesets is key to unlocking its hidden potential.

Keep experimenting, keep photobombing, and good luck adding a powerful Smeargle to your Pokémon GO team!