What does the Loaded Dice item do in VGC?

Loaded Dice guarantees that multi-hit moves will hit a minimum of 4 times, and also increases the likelihood of hitting 4–5 times for moves with 2–5 hit distributions. More importantly, Loaded Dice ensures that Population Bomb (Maushold) hits 8–10 times instead of its variable 1–10 hit range. Since each hit can independently break Focus Sash, Loaded Dice Population Bomb guarantees Sash and Sturdy are broken on the first hit and full damage follows.

Which Pokémon benefit most from Loaded Dice in VGC Regulation I?

The primary Loaded Dice users in VGC Regulation I are: Maushold (Population Bomb: 1–10 hits becomes 8–10 with Loaded Dice), Baxcalibur (Scale Shot: 2–5 hits becomes 4–5 with Speed boost per hit), Iron Bundle (Icicle Spear), Excadrill (Rock Blast in some sets), and Landorus-Therian (Rock Slide for flinch stacking). Maushold's Population Bomb is by far the most impactful use case.

Does Loaded Dice break Focus Sash?

Yes. Loaded Dice guarantees at least 4 hits with any multi-hit move. Focus Sash activates on the first hit that would KO the holder — but since multi-hit moves continue to hit after the Sash activates, the second hit knocks out the Focus Sash holder. Loaded Dice ensures this second hit always happens (minimum 4 hits means Sash is always broken, not just 75% of the time).

VGC Multi-Hit Move Item Guide

VGC Loaded Dice
Item Guide

Loaded Dice guarantees every multi-hit move lands at least 4 times — completely eliminating Focus Sash and Sturdy as defensive tools. With Population Bomb, 8–10 hits make any HP investment irrelevant: every Pokémon without a damage reduction ability is at risk.

4 hits

Min Hits Guaranteed

8-10

Pop Bomb Hits

100%

Focus Sash Break

Loaded Dice Mechanics Explained

Item Mechanics

Loaded Dice guarantees a minimum of 4 hits on any multi-hit move, and also shifts the probability distribution toward higher hit counts. For Population Bomb's 1–10 distribution, Loaded Dice locks it to 8–10 hits.

Focus Sash bypass: Focus Sash activates on the first KO hit, leaving the holder at 1 HP. But multi-hit moves continue after Sash activates — the second hit finishes the KO. Loaded Dice's guaranteed 4+ hits means Sash is 100% always broken. Sturdy works identically — it's bypassed on the second hit.

Key Users and Their Multi-Hit Moves

Maushold (Population Bomb)

8-10 hits

Normal distribution 1–10; Loaded Dice locks to 8–10. Normal-type spread; pairs with Friend Guard for output boost.

Best User

Baxcalibur (Scale Shot)

4-5 hits

Dragon-type with Speed +1 per hit; Loaded Dice gives reliable 4–5 hits = 4–5 Speed boosts per use.

Excadrill (Rock Blast)

4-5 hits

Rock spread move that penetrates Focus Sash consistently; excellent in sand teams.

Iron Bundle (Icicle Spear)

4-5 hits

Ice priority-adjacent fast move with Loaded Dice for consistent damage ceiling.

Calculate Multi-Hit Total Damage

Move Coverage Checker Team Weakness Analyzer

VGC Loaded Dice Item Guide

Loaded Dice Mechanics Explained

Key Users and Their Multi-Hit Moves

Calculate Multi-Hit Total Damage

VGC Loaded Dice
Item Guide