Is Thunder a Strong Move in Pokémon?
Yes, Thunder is undeniably a powerful move in the Pokémon universe, boasting a high base power of 110. However, its effectiveness is heavily nuanced due to its significant drawback: an accuracy rating of only 70%. This makes Thunder a high-risk, high-reward option, requiring trainers to carefully consider when and where to deploy it. While its raw power is alluring, the potential for it to miss, leaving your Pokémon vulnerable, can be a significant disadvantage. It’s a move that can dramatically swing a battle in your favor or result in a frustrating turn wasted, making its strategic use crucial. The move’s high power is further augmented by a 30% chance of paralyzing the target, adding another layer of strategic depth. While its power is certainly appealing, the question of whether Thunder is a truly “strong move” relies heavily on the specific context and the trainer’s willingness to gamble with its accuracy. Ultimately, it’s a potent but unreliable option, requiring trainers to weigh its potential payoff against its inherent risk.
The Pros and Cons of Using Thunder
The Appeal of Thunder’s Power
The main draw of Thunder is its impressive base power of 110. This is a significant amount of damage and can decimate opposing Pokémon, especially those weak to Electric-type moves. This sheer power makes Thunder a tempting option for trainers who prioritize offensive prowess, as a single hit can often be enough to knock out or severely weaken an opponent. The potential for this high damage output is a major reason trainers consider using Thunder, even with its inherent risks. Furthermore, the 30% chance of paralysis adds to its offensive capabilities, potentially crippling opponents and making them easier to defeat.
The Accuracy Drawback
However, the significant downside to using Thunder is its 70% accuracy. This means that for every ten times you use Thunder, on average, three of those attempts will miss. In crucial moments of a battle, such a high risk of missing can lead to critical losses, leaving your Pokémon vulnerable to counterattacks. This unreliability forces trainers to be strategic in their usage of Thunder, often requiring setting up conditions that make the gamble more worthwhile, such as boosting accuracy or forcing a switch. The lower accuracy is the single greatest factor that prevents Thunder from being a universally acclaimed move.
Strategic Use of Thunder
Due to its unreliable accuracy, Thunder is best used in specific scenarios. It is particularly useful against opponents who are doubly weak to Electric-type attacks such as Water/Flying types, where the high power is more likely to result in a KO. Trainers will also use Thunder in combination with abilities or items that boost accuracy, or in situations where the opponent is unlikely to dodge. Furthermore, some trainers may use status-inducing moves first to paralyze or put their opponent to sleep, making them less able to avoid thunder. Understanding these nuances can dramatically increase the effectiveness of this powerful move.
Comparing Thunder to Other Electric-Type Moves
Thunder vs. Thunderbolt
A common question is: “Which is stronger: Thunder or Thunderbolt?” While Thunder boasts a higher base power of 110 compared to Thunderbolt’s 90, Thunderbolt is often the more reliable choice. Thunderbolt’s 100% accuracy means that it will consistently hit its target, making it less risky than Thunder. Although Thunder packs a punch, the likelihood of it missing in a critical moment makes Thunderbolt the favored option for many players. The guaranteed damage of Thunderbolt usually surpasses the potential for higher damage from Thunder, due to it not wasting a crucial turn.
Thunder vs. Thunder Punch
Another point of comparison is Thunder Punch. While it has 100% accuracy, like Thunderbolt, it is a physical move, meaning that it is often less effective for special attackers. Pokémon who specialize in special attacks may find that Thunder, despite its accuracy flaws, provides better damage output. Furthermore, Thunder Punch is limited to a small number of Pokémon that can learn it, making it a less widely applicable option. In the end, Thunderbolt is a very strong choice for the vast majority of electric type users.
Thunder in Different Pokémon Games
Thunder in Main Series Games
In the main series Pokémon games, Thunder retains its core properties: high power and low accuracy. Its 110 base power and 70% accuracy remain consistent, emphasizing the high-risk, high-reward nature of using the move. In these games, trainers must carefully weigh the pros and cons, taking into account specific battles and the Pokémon’s stats.
Thunder in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, Thunder is a Charged Move that deals 100 damage in both Gym/Raid battles and GO Battle League. It costs 100 energy in Gym and Raid battles and only 60 energy in GO Battle League. While its power is still substantial, its energy cost is an important consideration in the fast-paced battles of Pokémon GO. The fact that it has the same energy cost as other similar moves can sometimes make using them a better choice, despite their lower power.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Thunder is a powerful but unreliable Electric-type move in Pokémon. Its high base power and the chance of paralysis make it a tempting option for offensive players. However, its 70% accuracy means that it can be a risky choice. Trainers must carefully consider their strategy and weigh the potential payoff against the risk of missing. In many cases, the more reliable Thunderbolt will be the preferred option. But, in specific scenarios where accuracy is less of a concern, or for Pokémon who cannot learn Thunderbolt, Thunder can be an extremely powerful move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Thunder
1. What is the base power of the move Thunder in Pokemon?
The base power of Thunder is 110.
2. What is the accuracy rating of the move Thunder in Pokemon?
The accuracy rating of Thunder is 70%.
3. Does Thunder have a chance to inflict a status effect?
Yes, Thunder has a 30% chance to paralyze the target.
4. How does Thunder compare to Thunderbolt in Pokemon?
Thunder is more powerful but less accurate than Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt has 100% accuracy and a base power of 90, making it more reliable.
5. How does Thunder compare to Thunder Punch in Pokemon?
Thunder Punch has 100% accuracy and is a physical move, while Thunder is a special move with 70% accuracy. They have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the Pokémon using them.
6. How much damage does Thunder do in Pokémon GO?
Thunder deals 100 damage in Pokémon GO, both in Gym/Raid battles and in GO Battle League.
7. How much energy does Thunder cost in Pokémon GO?
Thunder costs 100 energy in Gym/Raid battles and 60 energy in GO Battle League.
8. Is Thunder a good move for every Electric-type Pokémon?
No, due to its lower accuracy, Thunder is not a universally good move for every Electric-type Pokémon. Many special attackers will find Thunderbolt to be a much better choice due to its perfect accuracy.
9. When should you use Thunder in Pokemon battles?
Thunder is best used when a Pokémon has a high chance of landing the hit, such as after boosting accuracy, or when facing opponents doubly weak to electric, where the risk is worth the potential reward.
10. What types of Pokémon are weak to Thunder?
Thunder is super effective against Water and Flying-type Pokémon.
11. Are there any abilities or items that make Thunder more accurate?
Yes, abilities like Compound Eyes and items like the Wide Lens can boost the accuracy of Thunder.
12. How many PP does Thunder have?
Thunder has 10 base PP, which can be increased to 16 PP using PP Up items.
13. Is Thunder a Legacy move for any Pokémon?
Zapdos has the legacy move Thunder Shock, which is different from the move Thunder, and has nothing to do with the accuracy of Thunder.
14. What is the strongest Electric-type move?
The strongest electric type move is Bolt Strike with 130 base power. It is a signature move of Zekrom. Thunder is not the strongest, but its wide availability makes it a common choice.
15. Can any Pokemon learn the move Thunder?
Many electric and even some non-electric pokemon can learn the move Thunder by leveling up, TMs or TRs.