learnsets

Learnset is a term used in video games to describe the complete set of moves, abilities, or techniques that a character, creature, or unit can acquire. Learnsets are defined by game data and can vary by species, form, evolution stage, game version, and regional variant. In many role-playing and creature-collection franchises, the learnset for a given species comprises moves learned by leveling up, moves learned through technical machines or their equivalents, moves taught by non-player characters, moves inherited through breeding, and special event moves. The concept helps determine a character's potential in battles and constraints for team-building.

Methods to obtain moves include leveling up, where moves are learned automatically at certain levels; items like TM/HM equivalents that teach a move; tutors or move tutors who provide moves upon request; breeding, where offspring can inherit moves from parents; events or promotions that grant unique moves; and evolution, where some moves become available or are replaced after evolving.

Learnsets may change between game releases, with moves added, removed, or altered in later generations, as well as across alternate forms, regional variants, or downloadable content. Wikis and databases curate per-species learnsets, often with filters by method, level, or version to support planning and analysis.

Impact: understanding a learnset informs strategy, breeding, and competitive viability. Accurate, up-to-date learnsets are essential for players and researchers, and community-maintained resources play a central role in documenting this dynamic data.