Since Generation I, Electric has been one of the most popular Pokémon types—and not just because of the lovable mascot Pikachu. Electric-type Pokémon have high Special Attack, are only weak to Ground-type moves, and move as fast as the lightning that crackles around them.
Most Electric-type moves involve shooting lightning at opponents, but the games have proven time and again that there’s more than one way to do this. With each generation contributing new moves to the Electric-type move pool, which gave these powerful Pokémon the best new attacks? Excluding the overpowered Z-Moves and Max Moves, here’s a ranking of the most powerful Electric move introduced in each generation.
8 Gen VI: Parabolic Charge
This generation introduced a lot of Electric-type moves, but only two that did damage. Parabolic Charge ranks here because, of all the moves on this list, its base damage is the lowest. This attack’s usefulness is further limited by the fact that only three Pokémon can learn it: Helioptile, its evolution Heliolisk, and Dedenne.
Parabolic Charge does have the helpful secondary effect of restoring the user’s HP by half the damage done. It’s also a reliable move, with 100% accuracy and 20 PP. However, with only 65 base damage, it doesn’t stand up to some of the other massively powerful moves on this list.
7 Gen II: Zap Cannon
With a base power of 120 and a guaranteed paralysis, Zap Cannon makes up for its high damage with a very low accuracy. Though it has the potential to be devastating if it lands, its 50% base accuracy rating makes that a pretty big “if.”
Despite its huge capacity for damage, this move’s low accuracy makes it hard to use effectively. Even with items such as the Zoom Lens or X Accuracy, Zap Cannon is still a gamble. Additionally, it has only 5 PP, meaning that when it does miss, players don’t have many opportunities to try again.
6 Gen IV: Discharge
At 80, this move’s base power is a bit lower than most others on this list. However, it’s far more accurate at 100% and has a 30% chance to inflict paralysis. At 15 PP, Discharge also boasts a decent number of uses. The only downside comes in double or triple battles, since this move harms all adjacent Pokémon whether or not they’re on the player’s team.
Discharge is a handy move in any Electric-type roster and can help Trainers gain the upper hand. Yet, like Parabolic Charge, it ranks a bit lower because it doesn’t have the explosive power that features in later entries.
5 Gen I: Thunder
Another high-damage, low-accuracy move, Thunder hits more frequently than Zap Cannon, with a 70% accuracy rate. Though its potential for paralysis is 30% rather than guaranteed, its higher PP and greater likelihood to actually hit its target place it higher in this ranking.
Additionally, unlike Zap Cannon, Thunder can bypass accuracy checks if used during rain. However, under most circumstances, many players still find themselves crossing their fingers in tense battles, praying this move will hit. When relying on Thunder, it’s best to have the Pokémon equipped with this move hold an accuracy-boosting item such as the Wide Lens.
4 Gen V: Bolt Strike
Since it has a PP of only 5, Zekrom’s signature move allows for few uses, but they’re worth it. With its base power of 130, Bolt Strike deals devastating damage. Additionally, it has a 20% chance to paralyze its target. Though its accuracy may not match the top contenders on this list, Bolt Strike’s 85% chance to hit outranks both Thunder and Zap Cannon.
One drawback to this move is its rarity. A legendary Pokémon, Zekrom isn’t available in every game, making its signature move exclusive to versions in which it appears. However, players who want this Pokémon and this move can trade Zekrom from other games.
3 Gen III: Volt Tackle
With 120 base power, Volt Tackle outclasses Thunder with its damage potential. Its chance to paralyze is lower, at 10%. However, its 100% accuracy makes it more reliable. As the signature move of Pikachu’s evolutionary line, it makes these Pokémon powerful allies on any Trainer’s team.
Volt Tackle is also unique in how it is learned. When breeding for a Pichu, one parent must hold a Light Ball for the Pichu to hatch knowing Volt Tackle. Light Balls tend to be rare, but have a small chance to be held by wild Pikachu in most games. Considering this move’s power, tracking one down is worth it.
2 Gen VII: Plasma Fists
In addition to its high damage, Zeraora’s signature move also turns any Normal-type move into an Electric-type one. Since Electric-type Pokémon are resistant to moves of their own type, this can provide a defensive advantage.
However, even against foes with no Normal-type moves, Plasma Fists is an immensely powerful attack. With 100 base power and 100% accuracy, this move is capable of demolishing enemies. One downside, though, is Plasma Fists’ rarity. Since Zeraora is a mythical Pokémon only obtainable through events, many players may never get the chance to use its signature move.
1 Gen VIII: Aura Wheel
Like Volt Tackle, Morpeko’s signature move boasts high power and 100% accuracy—a rare thing for any damage-dealing move. Additionally, Aura Wheel raises its user’s Speed by one stage with every use. Unlike Volt Tackle, however, it doesn’t require any convoluted methods to acquire. Morpeko simply learns it at level 55.
Though Aura Wheel is only Electric-type when Morpeko is in Full-Belly Mode (its typing changes to Dark in Hangry Mode), this only serves to make it a more versatile attack. With its 110 base damage, Aura Wheel is one of the most useful Electric moves in the series as a whole.
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