Items: In-Game & Competitive

The last, and probably most important aspect of the Pokemon World, as far as Competitive Play is concerned, are items. Now items in the beginning of the Games weren't as important. The only items you really used in the first two generations of games were healing items. There wasn't really a competitive world yet, and there weren't that many items that were meant to be held by Pokemon for additional power. You literally only had your potions, your map, your fishing rods, and your bike. That. Was. It.

But now, you can't play Pokemon, either in-game or competitive, without items. From Mega Stones to Choice Items to Berries, you can't play the newer Games for a minute without seeing or using an item. So we're going to take a look at the most used and important items, both for in-game and competitive play.

Key In-Game Items:

PokeBalls - We just have to mention them. It's key to use the appropriate PokeBall for the right situation, and save that Masterball for an important Legendary Pokemon.

TM/HMs - Even though they technically aren't an item, they are just as important. They allow you to boost your Pokemon's Moveset to increase its power.

Evolutionary Items - We're talking about stones, scales, and any other item that will allow your Pokemon to evolve. Evolutions have better stats, and help you along the way.

Recovery Items - Odds are your Pokemon won't last from one Pokemon Center to the next, so you need to have plenty of recovery health items to last along the way. And especially for the Elite Four!

Mega / Primal Stones - Now one of the most important items you can find, in both in-game and competitive play. Mega Evolutions are better versions, in most cases, of the original Pokemon.

Bike - It get's you to places quicker until you have and can use HM Fly. You need it.

Fishing Rods - Yes, they are still prominent. They aren't needed as much as they once were, but are still jsut as important in the goal of catching them all.

Map - It too still remains prominent, as each new region is new to everyone at first.

Oval Charm - Usually received once you finish the Regional Pokedex, and they help you get eggs in the daycare. More eggs mean more Pokemon.

Shiny Charm - Usually received once you finish the National Pokedex, and they increase your odds of finding rare Shiny Pokemon.

Key Competitive Items:

Berries - You wouldn't expect Berries to be that important in competitive Pokemon, but you would have no idea. The main reason why is because their is basically a berry for everything you need, but specifically the Sitrus Berry (Recover 1/4 HP when at 1/2 Total HP) and Lum Berry (Cures Status Condition) are seen quite often.

Air Ballon - Allows your Pokemon to float in air and avoid ground type moves. Very helpful to Pokemon who fear Earthquake.

Assault Vest - Boosts a Pokemon's Special Defense by x1.5. But forces only damaging attacks to be used, so you have to pick what Pokemon wisely.

Weakness Policy - It doubles the Pokemon's Attack and Special Attack, but, unfortunately, only after being hit by a super effective attack.

Choice Band, Specs, and Scarf - Multiples your Attack, Special Attack and Speed, respectiviely, by x1.5. But they too have a catch: you're locked into using only one move unless switched out.

Eviolite - Multiples a Pokemon, that can still evolve, Defense and Special Defense by x1.5. It makes bulky Pokemon that are not fully evolved, like Chansey, competitive monsters.

Focus Sash - Leaves a Pokemon with at least one hit point if a move was used that would've been a One-Hit Knockout. This lets your Pokemon have a second chance at applying more damage.

Leftovers - Your Pokemon will recover HP after every move, allowing your Pokemon to survive longer in battle.

Life Orb - Boosts your Pokemon's Move Power by x1.33, and the best thing is your not locked into moving just one move. You do lose 10% of your HP every move used, but it's a small price to pay.

Power Herb - Allows a two-turn attack to be used in one turn. It's a nice convenience, but it can only be used one.