If you’re diving into the strategic side of Cobblemon, chances are you’ve come across the move Light Screen. This defensive move plays a key role in turning the tides of battle by halving the damage taken from special attacks for a few turns. But with a growing roster of Cobblemon, the question arises—who can actually learn Light Screen?
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)
Light Screen is a defensive move that reduces special damage for your team. It is especially useful in double battles and competitive play. A wide array of Cobblemon can learn it, particularly Psychic, Electric, and Fairy types, either through leveling up, TMs, or breeding. Knowing which Cobblemon have access to Light Screen is crucial for building a well-rounded team.
What is Light Screen in Cobblemon?
Light Screen is a non-damaging move originating from the core Pokémon games, and now implemented within Cobblemon, a Minecraft-based Pokémon-inspired mod. It sets up a reflective barrier that reduces special attack damage for your entire team for five turns. If paired with complementary moves like Reflect or abilities like Light Clay (which extends the duration), it becomes a vital asset in any battle strategy.
This move is ideal for stall teams, supportive roles, and teams that rely on high HP or sponge-type Cobblemon to absorb damage over time.
Why Using Light Screen Strategically Matters
Before diving into which Cobblemon can learn Light Screen, let’s understand why you’d want it in your arsenal:
- Reduces Special Damage: Light Screen cuts incoming special damage by 50% in double battles and 33% in single battles.
- Supports Fragile Cobblemon: Perfect for protecting low-defense or sweep-focused Cobblemon like Alakazam or Jolteon while they set up attacks.
- Synergizes with Other Defensive Techniques: Combine with Reflect, healing abilities, or status effect moves for a well-rounded defense.
Categories of Cobblemon That Typically Learn Light Screen
Light Screen isn’t a move available to just anyone. Instead, it tends to be particularly common among the following types:
- Psychic-types: Known for their affinity with special attacks and manipulation-based moves, many Psychic-type Cobblemon naturally learn Light Screen through level-up or TMs.
- Electric-types: Since Gen I, Electric-types like Pikachu and Magneton have had access to Light Screen, making them ideal dual-purpose attackers and support tanks.
- Fairy-types: These charismatic and crafty creatures often come with status-altering moves like Light Screen, enhancing their utility in battle.
Top Cobblemon That Can Learn Light Screen (as of current version)
Here’s a cross-section of notable Cobblemon who can learn Light Screen, either through leveling up or via TM manuals within Cobblemon. This list categorizes them based on accessibility and combat roles:
1. Alakazam (Psychic-type)
- Method: TM or level-up (varies based on evolution line)
- Role: Fast special sweeper with access to supportive moves
2. Jolteon (Electric-type)
- Method: TM-only
- Role: Speed-based attacker that can pivot into support
3. Mr. Mime (Psychic/Fairy-type)
- Method: Natural level-up
- Role: Dual-screen setup expert with Reflect and Light Screen access
4. Clefable (Fairy-type)
- Method: TM
- Role: Bulky support with healing and status effects
5. Luxray (Electric-type)
- Method: TM
- Role: Strong electric attacker that can pivot into supportive role
6. Mew (Psychic-type Mythical)
- Method: Learns nearly all TMs
- Role: Ultimate utility Cobblemon
7. Bronzong (Steel/Psychic-type)
- Method: Level-up or TM
- Role: Defensive wall, fantastic for dual-screen setup
How to Teach Light Screen in Cobblemon
In Cobblemon, moves such as Light Screen can be learned in multiple ways:
- Leveling Up: Some Cobblemon, especially Psychic-types, learn Light Screen as part of their natural progression. Keeping certain Cobblemon unevolved for longer can sometimes delay or accelerate this depending on the species-specific move-learning table.
- TMs (Technical Manuals): TMs are reusable items that can be applied to compatible Cobblemon. Keep an eye out in Pokémarts or loot chests for the TM for Light Screen.
- Breeding: In rare cases, specific Cobblemon can pass down moves like Light Screen through breeding chains. This requires in-depth knowledge of egg groups and parent Cobblemon movesets.
Combat Scenarios Where Light Screen Shines
Contrary to damage-dealing moves, Light Screen’s strength lies in subtle influence. Deploying it at the right moment can define a match’s outcome. Here are some scenarios where it becomes crucial:
- Facing a Special Sweeper: If your opponent is leading with powerful moves like Surf or Thunderbolt, Light Screen reduces their impact dramatically.
- Double Battles: Since Light Screen applies to the whole side in multi-Cobblemon battles, it becomes even more effective in this format.
- Stalling Strategies: When aiming for a poison or burn-based victory condition, defense-oriented builds use Light Screen to gain extra time.
Popular Builds Featuring Light Screen
Let’s look at two proven builds where Light Screen plays a central role:
1. Dual Screen Bronzong
Moves: Light Screen, Reflect, Stealth Rock, Explosion
Explanation: Offers layered team protection while laying hazards early. Once Bronzong has done its job, it can explode to give teammates a free pivot turn.
2. Support Mr. Mime
Moves: Light Screen, Reflect, Heal Pulse, Psychic
Explanation: Functions as a team medic and defensive buffer. Perfect for double battles thanks to its ability to sustain allied Cobblemon.
Tips for Maximizing Light Screen Efficiency
For trainers wanting to squeeze every advantage from Light Screen, consider the following advice:
- Use Light Clay: Equipping your screen-setter with a Light Clay increases duration from 5 turns to 8. This can make a massive difference.
- Sync with Volt Turn Strategy: Moves like U-turn and Volt Switch combined with Light Screen allow you to cycle through Cobblemon efficiently while protected.
- Stack with Reflect: Using both Light Screen and Reflect ensures that defenses cover both physical and special attacks, turning borderline matchups in your favor.
Conclusion: Light Screen is a Tool, Not a Crutch
While it’s tempting to spam defensive strategies like Light Screen, remember that timing and synergy are just as important. Not every Cobblemon is the right candidate to hold a TM or spend turns defending. However, used correctly, Light Screen can make otherwise fragile teams durable and empower slow setups by buying precious time.
So the next time you’re building a team in Cobblemon, consider which of your potential team members can learn Light Screen—you might just discover the shield your squad didn’t know it needed.
