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I have always thought a special attack was any any move that was the same type as the pokemon but then I found that the elemental punches were always special attack no matter what pokemon they're on so now I'm confused as to what is special and what is physical…

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Why was this down voted? It's a good question...

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A special move is one in which the user does not necessarily have to make contact with its opponent in order to deal damage. - Bulbapedia

A physical move is one in which the user uses its physical strength or solid projectiles in order to damage its foes. - Bulbapedia

A special move is a move like Flamethrower, where the user does not make contact with the target. A physical move is a move like Hammer Arm, where the user does make contact with the target.


Also, a move that is the same type as the pokemon using it is called a S.T.A.B. (Same Type Attack Bonus) move.

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Just as a side-note STAB bonus is 1.5x, for example, with a Charizard(non-Dragon) Dragon Puse has a base power of 90, with Dragonite(Dragon type) its base power is 90x1.5, or 135