What it does
Speed Swap exchanges the user's Speed stat with the target's. After the move, the user has the target's Speed and the target has the user's Speed. The effect resets when either Pokemon switches out.
The most impactful application: a slow user swaps with a fast threat. The slow user suddenly becomes the fastest thing on the field; the formerly fast threat is now slow-tier and gets outpaced by most of the field. The math matters here — the more extreme the Speed gap, the more the swap shifts who's moving first.
The swap is based on the actual calculated Speed value, meaning individual values, EVs, nature multipliers, and any field modifiers besides stat stage changes all transfer with it. A Choice Scarf does not transfer through Speed Swap — the item stays with its original holder. Only the raw stat value (EVs + IVs + nature) transfers. A stat stage (Tailwind, a Paralysis slow) also does not transfer.
Who runs it
Alakazam (76%) isn't using Speed Swap to boost itself — base 120 Speed is already excellent. The move is a targeted disabling tool: take the Speed away from a fast threat, leave it slow. The opponent's 135-Speed threat is now moving last; Alakazam's 120 (or whatever speed value it snatched) means it's faster still. In singles, swapping with a Speed-boosted or scarfed threat and then neutralizing it while it's stuck slow is clean game control.
Emolga (62%) has 85 base Speed and uses Speed Swap as a support play. Emolga identifies the fastest opposing threat, swaps Speed with it, and now Emolga is moving near-first while the threat lumbers around at 85. Unlike Tailwind or Choice Scarf, Speed Swap doesn't just boost your side — it simultaneously slows the opponent, making it a two-for-one speed control measure.
How to use it
Target the biggest Speed gap: Speed Swap's value scales with the difference between user and target Speed. Using it on a target with similar Speed wastes the move. Look for the fastest opposing threat — that's the right target. The more extreme the difference, the more control you gain.
In singles — lock out the threat's Speed advantage: When Alakazam uses Speed Swap on a fast threat, that threat is now slow until it switches out. If the threat doesn't want to leave the field — because it's setting up, or the team can't afford the pivot — you've effectively stolen its primary advantage for several turns.
In doubles — pick your target: Only one of the two opponents gets swapped. Choose the one with the highest Speed that's doing the most immediate damage, or the one your partner struggles with most. The Speed change affects all future turns that target stays in.
Tips & strategy
Switching resets the Speed: Once either the swapped-speed user or the slowed opponent switches out, that side's Speed reverts. The move's value is highest against opponents who want to stay in — setup sweepers or teams without pivot options. A team that switches freely gets the reset for free.
Trick Room interaction: Under Trick Room, the slowest Pokemon moves first. If you use Speed Swap to give a formerly-slow Pokemon high Speed, that Pokemon now moves last in Trick Room — the opposite of its intended effect. Before clicking Speed Swap, check whether Trick Room is active, and whether the Speed change would help or hurt you under those conditions.
Speed information: After Speed Swap, you can estimate the target's real Speed value based on what your Speed became. In doubles and singles alike, knowing an opponent's approximate Speed tier is useful for every subsequent turn's decision-making.