Can You Use Thunder Wave on Electric Pokémon?
The short, direct answer is: No, you cannot use Thunder Wave on Electric-type Pokémon. In Generation VI and all subsequent generations of Pokémon games, Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis, and therefore, immune to the effects of Thunder Wave. This immunity is a fundamental rule of the game, preventing moves like Thunder Wave from inflicting the paralysis status on them. This is a crucial detail for trainers to understand when strategizing and building their teams.
Understanding Thunder Wave and Paralysis
How Thunder Wave Works
Thunder Wave is a status move that does not inflict direct damage. Instead, its primary function is to inflict the paralysis status on the target. A Pokémon afflicted with paralysis suffers two major drawbacks:
* A 25% chance of being unable to attack during their turn.
* A reduction in their Speed stat by 50% (or 75% in Generations 1-6).
These effects can significantly hinder an opponent’s capabilities, making Thunder Wave a valuable move for controlling the pace of battles.
Evolution of Paralysis Immunity
Initially, in the earlier generations of Pokémon games, there were no type-based immunities to the paralysis status. Thunder Wave could paralyze almost any Pokémon, regardless of its type. However, this changed starting with Generation VI, where Electric-type Pokémon became completely immune to paralysis and thus, Thunder Wave’s effect on them. This change was implemented to introduce a better balance and strategic depth to the game.
Other Types and Paralysis
It’s important to note that besides Electric-types, other categories can also be immune to paralysis, directly or indirectly:
- Pokémon with the Ability Limber cannot be paralyzed by any means.
- Pokémon protected by a Substitute are immune to status conditions like paralysis, including those inflicted by Thunder Wave.
- Ground-type Pokémon are immune to Thunder Wave due to its inherent Electric typing as it is unable to hit them.
- Moves like Nuzzle can bypass these immunities and still paralyze the target.
The Role of Abilities
Lightning Rod
Abilities like Lightning Rod can change how certain Electric-type moves interact with Pokémon. A Pokémon with Lightning Rod is immune to all direct Electric-type attacks, including the paralysis effect of Thunder Wave. However, Lightning Rod triggers even when an Electric-type move does not affect it, meaning a Lightning Rod Pokémon will still have its Special Attack raised by one stage even when hit with Thunder Wave, while not being paralyzed. It is crucial to know that Lightning Rod does not redirect Thunder Wave, unlike actual Electric-type attacks.
Volt Absorb and Motor Drive
Abilities like Volt Absorb and Motor Drive grant immunity to Electric-type moves. Specifically, they also grant immunities to the effects of Thunder Wave. These abilities, however, don’t boost special attack like Lightning Rod, instead, they heal the Pokemon.
Thunder Wave: Is it Still Worth Using?
Despite not affecting Electric types, Thunder Wave remains a potent move for a variety of reasons.
- It is highly reliable with a 100% accuracy rate.
- It effectively cripples the speed of opposing Pokémon and can also make them unable to act due to paralysis.
- It remains an exceptional move for many competitive battles, especially when used by Pokémon with the Prankster ability which gives moves increased priority, making it faster than usual.
The usefulness of Thunder Wave is best when paired with a well-balanced team that can exploit the weaknesses of the paralyzed Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Electric Pokémon be paralyzed by any move?
No, Electric-type Pokémon are immune to being paralyzed by any move, regardless of the move’s type or effect.
2. Does Thunder Wave do damage?
No, Thunder Wave is a status move, and it does not inflict damage. Its effect is to cause the paralysis status.
3. What Pokémon are immune to Thunder Wave?
Ground-type and Electric-type Pokémon, along with those possessing abilities like Limber, or when behind a Substitute, are immune to the paralysis effect of Thunder Wave.
4. Does Lightning Rod redirect Thunder Wave?
No, the Lightning Rod ability does not redirect Thunder Wave. Instead, it only grants immunity to the paralyzing effect of the move and raises the user’s Special Attack stat, as it would for other Electric-type moves.
5. What are the best secondary types for Electric-type Pokémon?
Flying and Fairy are often considered excellent secondary types for Electric-types due to their offensive and defensive synergies, and resistances to common move types.
6. Is Nuzzle better than Thunder Wave?
In many ways, Nuzzle can be considered better than Thunder Wave. Although it does a small 20 damage, Nuzzle has the same paralyzing effect as Thunder Wave, and its accuracy is guaranteed.
7. What types are super effective against Electric Pokémon?
Ground-type attacks are super effective against Electric-type Pokémon, making them the ideal type for attacking Electric-type Pokemon.
8. What types are not very effective against Electric Pokémon?
Steel, Flying, and other Electric-type attacks are not very effective against Electric-type Pokémon.
9. Can Pokémon with Volt Absorb be paralyzed?
No, in recent generations, Pokémon with Volt Absorb are immune to the paralyzing effect of Thunder Wave, and get healed instead of being paralyzed.
10. Why does Thunder Wave sometimes fail?
Thunder Wave fails if the target is immune to the move’s effects or type. For example, it will fail when used on an Electric-type or a Ground-type Pokemon.
11. What are some of the best Electric-type moves?
Some of the strongest Electric-type moves include Catastropika, Thunder, Bolt Strike, Fusion Bolt, and Zing Zap.
12. Is Thunder Wave a good move to keep in my arsenal?
Yes, Thunder Wave is generally a useful move, particularly when used with the Prankster ability. However, its usefulness may decrease in very late-game scenarios.
13. Who are some of the best Thunder Wave users?
Some of the top Pokémon known for using Thunder Wave effectively include Thundurus, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar.
14. Does electric resist grass?
Yes, Grass resists Electric-type attacks.
15. Is Rock Super effective against Electric?
No, Rock-type is not super effective against Electric-type. Ground is the type that is both immune to Electric-type and is super effective against them.