pokemon black 2 ice beam

The world of Pokémon Black 2 is a tapestry of strategic depth, where a trainer's success hinges not just on powerful Pokémon, but on the precise application of powerful moves. Among the vast arsenal of techniques available, Ice Beam stands out as a move of exceptional utility and impact. Its acquisition and strategic deployment are not merely a side quest but a significant milestone that can reshape a player's journey through the Unova region. This article explores the multifaceted role of Ice Beam in Pokémon Black 2, examining its acquisition, its pivotal role in key battles, and its enduring strategic value in both the main storyline and post-game challenges.

Acquiring the Frozen Power: The Path to Ice Beam

Unlike many core series games where Ice Beam is often a late-game prize or a move taught by a rare TM, Pokémon Black 2 offers a notably accessible path to this coveted technique. The key location is the Driftveil City Market. After obtaining the Coastal Charm from a musician in the Pokémon World Tournament venue, the player can present it to a specific vendor in the market. This vendor, in exchange for the charm, will part with TM13 – Ice Beam. This acquisition can occur relatively early, potentially before challenging the Driftveil Gym. This early availability is a crucial design choice, as it immediately opens up a world of strategic possibilities. Trainers are empowered to teach this potent Special Attack to a wide range of compatible Pokémon long before facing some of the region's most daunting threats, fundamentally altering the balance of power in numerous upcoming encounters.

A Strategic Keystone: Dominating Gym Leaders and the Elite Four

The strategic importance of Ice Beam becomes overwhelmingly clear when examining the roster of Unova's strongest trainers. Its utility is not situational; it is central to overcoming some of the game's most significant hurdles. The move's 90 base power and 100% accuracy, coupled with a 10% chance to freeze, make it a reliable and powerful tool. Its first major application is against the Driftveil City Gym Leader, Clay, whose Ground-type team is notoriously difficult for unprepared trainers. A well-timed Ice Beam can sweep through his Excadrill, Krokorok, and Palpitoad with ease, turning a potentially grueling battle into a swift victory.

This dominance extends to the latter stages of the game. The Unova Elite Four member Marshal, a master of Fighting-types, sees his team—consisting of Throh, Sawk, Mienshao, and Conkeldurr—become critically vulnerable to a strong Ice-type attack. Perhaps most famously, Ice Beam is the quintessential weapon against the legendary Dragon-type Pokémon that form the core of Champion Iris's team. From her Haxorus and Druddigon to her Archeops and Lapras, Ice Beam delivers super-effective damage to the majority of her lineup. Possessing a Pokémon that can reliably fire off Ice Beams is often the difference between a triumphant victory and a repeated defeat at the hands of the Champion.

Beyond the Story: Utility in Exploration and Post-Game

The value of Ice Beam transcends the linear path of the Gym Challenge. Throughout the Unova region, numerous wild Pokémon and trainer-owned Pokémon are Dragon, Flying, Ground, or Grass-type, all of which fall to Ice Beam's freezing might. This makes it an invaluable tool for efficient exploration and training. In the sprawling post-game areas like the Giant Chasm and the newly unlocked parts of Route 23, trainers encounter powerful Dragon-types like Dratini, Dragonite, and the legendary Kyurem. Here, Ice Beam transitions from a strategic advantage to an absolute necessity for capture and battle.

Furthermore, the move's utility in double and triple battles, featured in areas like the Pokémon World Tournament and the Battle Subway, should not be underestimated. Its ability to hit adjacent opponents in these formats allows a skilled trainer to control the battlefield, potentially neutralizing multiple threats with a single, well-positioned attack. This broad applicability ensures that a move slot dedicated to Ice Beam is rarely wasted, providing consistent return on investment throughout hundreds of gameplay hours.

Ideal Carriers: Choosing the Right Pokémon for the Job

While Ice Beam's TM can be taught to a surprisingly large number of Pokémon, its effectiveness is magnified when wielded by the right carrier. Several Pokémon available in Black 2 naturally excel with this move. Starmie, obtainable by surfing in Undella Bay, is a premier choice due to its excellent Special Attack, high Speed, and versatile typing that negates its Ice-type weakness. Its ability, Natural Cure, also makes it a resilient special sweeper. Lapras, found in the winter seas of Undella Bay, is a bulky alternative that can leverage its Water/Ice typing for STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) on Ice Beam, further amplifying its damage.

Other notable candidates include the Eeveelution Glaceon, though it requires specific evolution conditions, and Pokémon like Seismitoad or Jellicent, who can use it for crucial type coverage despite not receiving STAB. The choice often comes down to a trainer's team composition and needs: raw power and speed from Starmie, or defensive utility and STAB from Lapras. Each demonstrates how Ice Beam can be integrated into diverse team archetypes, from hyper-offensive to balanced defensive cores.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Classic Move

In Pokémon Black 2, Ice Beam is far more than just an entry in a move database. It is a strategic linchpin, a key that unlocks easier victories against major antagonists, and a versatile tool for comprehensive exploration. Its thoughtfully planned early acquisition in Driftveil City empowers the player, rewarding exploration and foresight. The game's roster of Gym Leaders and Elite Four members seems almost designed to highlight Ice Beam's destructive potential, particularly against the Dragon-type climax of the Pokémon League. When combined with capable Pokémon like Starmie or Lapras, it becomes a cornerstone of a championship-caliber team. In a game celebrated for its expansive content and challenging battles, securing and mastering Ice Beam is not just a recommendation; it is a fundamental strategy for any trainer aiming to conquer the Unova region and leave a lasting legacy as a Pokémon Master.

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