What it does
Fickle Beam is a Dragon-type special move, 100% accuracy, with approximately a 30% chance to deal double its normal base power. When the double procs, damage jumps into range that can OHKO or 2HKO targets that would survive the standard hit. Without the proc, it's solid Dragon-type output, nothing more.
Dragon-type hits other Dragon-types super-effectively. Fairy-type is immune (0×). Steel resists Dragon (×0.5). For coverage calculation: if the opponent has Fairy-types, Fickle Beam is a dead slot against them; if Steel, the damage is halved.
The 100% accuracy means the damage uncertainty is only in whether the double proc happens — the move always connects. Plan around the standard damage tier; treat the double as a windfall, not an expectation.
Who runs it
Hydrapple at 80% usage. Grass/Dragon-type, so Fickle Beam gets full Dragon STAB. Hydrapple is bulkier and slower than typical sweepers — it's a sustained presence, not a burst attacker. Fickle Beam fits because it deals Dragon STAB every turn at 100% accuracy, with occasional bonus rounds on the double proc.
Supersweet Syrup (one of Hydrapple's abilities) lowers evasion for all opposing Pokémon when it switches in. That accuracy-reduction pressure synergizes with teammates' multi-hit moves and accuracy-dependent strategies.
How to use it
Point it at the threatening non-Fairy, non-Steel target and click it. The reliability of 100% accuracy is the whole point — no wasted actions on misses. Against targets that resist or are immune, swap to coverage instead.
In doubles, it's single-target. Prioritize the higher-threat opposing Pokémon; if the double procs, great — if not, you've still dealt consistent Dragon STAB damage.
Tips & strategy
Fairy immunity is total — zero damage, not just 'reduced.' Against Fairy-types, Fickle Beam is useless. Hydrapple has Grass-type moves for Steel targets. Know the type coverage gaps before going in.
The 30% double proc is a meaningful over-performance chance but not a consistent tool. Don't put yourself in situations where only a double proc saves the game — the probability is never in your favor often enough to plan around it.