Is Thunder Punch a Good Move? A Comprehensive Analysis
Thunder Punch, one of the original elemental punches alongside Ice Punch and Fire Punch, has a long and storied history within the Pokémon franchise. However, whether it’s a “good” move is a multifaceted question that depends heavily on the context: the specific game, the Pokémon using it, the metagame, and the intended strategy. In short, Thunder Punch is a situational move. It’s not universally amazing, nor is it universally terrible. It shines in specific scenarios where its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Its relatively low power is offset by its higher chance of being used multiple times in comparison to higher energy moves.
Thunder Punch: Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into specifics, let’s break down the general pros and cons of Thunder Punch:
Strengths:
- Coverage: Electric-type moves are super effective against Water and Flying types, which are incredibly common.
- Speed/Energy Cost: Thunder Punch typically has a lower energy cost/charge time compared to stronger Electric-type moves, allowing for more frequent use.
- TM Availability: In many games, Thunder Punch is available as a TM, making it more accessible than some exclusive moves.
- STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus): Pokémon with the Electric typing get a 50% damage bonus, further increasing the value of the move.
- Shield Baiting: In Pokemon Go, it is used to bait out any protection that another pokemon has.
Weaknesses:
- Base Power: Thunder Punch generally has a lower base power than other Electric-type attacks, like Thunderbolt or Thunder.
- Type Matchups: Electric-type attacks are not very effective against Grass, Dragon, and Electric types.
- Movepool Competition: Many Electric-type Pokémon have access to stronger, albeit slower, Electric attacks.
- Physical vs. Special Attack: In some generations, Thunder Punch is a physical move, which is less useful for Pokémon with high Special Attack stats.
Thunder Punch in Different Pokémon Games
The value of Thunder Punch varies dramatically based on the specific game:
Pokémon GO:
In Pokémon GO, Thunder Punch is a Fast Attack (or Charged Attack). It deals Electric-type damage. It’s generally valued for its relatively fast energy generation and decent damage per energy (DPE), but it is not the strongest Electric-type move available.
When is it good?
- Shield Baiting: As mentioned above, Thunder Punch’s fast charge time makes it excellent for baiting out opponent’s Protect Shields in PvP battles, which is a major advantage.
- Coverage: Providing crucial coverage against Water or Flying types.
- Specific Pokémon: Pokémon like Raichu benefit significantly from Thunder Punch due to its low energy cost and STAB bonus.
When is it bad?
- Against Resistances: Obviously, using it against Grass, Dragon, or Electric types is suboptimal.
- When a stronger Charged Attack is available: For Pokémon that have access to higher damage, more efficient Charged Attacks (like Wild Charge on Electivire), Thunder Punch is often outclassed.
Main Series Games (e.g., Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet):
In the main series games, Thunder Punch’s effectiveness hinges on a few key factors:
- Pokémon’s Stats: If a Pokémon has a high Attack stat but a lower Special Attack stat, Thunder Punch becomes more viable (assuming it’s a physical move in that generation).
- Movepool: What other Electric-type moves does the Pokémon have access to? Thunderbolt, with its higher power and accuracy, is often preferred if available.
- Competitive Metagame: What Pokémon are prevalent in the current meta? If Water and Flying types are common, Thunder Punch’s coverage becomes more valuable.
- Item Usage: Held items like Life Orb or Choice Band can significantly boost Thunder Punch’s damage output.
- Ability Combinations: Iron Fist and Thunder Punch can create devastating combos.
When is it good?
- Early Game: Thunder Punch can be a good move early on in the game, especially if your Electric-type Pokémon doesn’t have access to Thunderbolt yet.
- Pokémon with High Attack: Physical attackers like Electivire can make good use of Thunder Punch.
- Coverage in Competitive: A surprise Thunder Punch on a physical attacker can catch opponents off guard.
- Against bulky Water types: Thunder Punch can be an effective way of taking down bulky Water types that can take neutral hits from Electric special attacks, such as Tapu Fini.
When is it bad?
- Pokémon with Low Attack: Using Thunder Punch on a Special Attacker is almost always a bad idea.
- Against Resistances: Again, avoid using it against Grass, Dragon, or Electric types.
- When better moves are available: If you have access to Thunderbolt or other stronger Electric moves, those are usually better options.
Conclusion
Thunder Punch is not an inherently bad move, but it’s highly situational. It’s best used for coverage, shield baiting (in GO), or on physical attackers that lack access to better Electric-type options. It’s crucial to consider the Pokémon’s stats, the specific game you’re playing, and the current meta to determine whether Thunder Punch is a worthwhile move to teach. Don’t just slap it on any Electric-type – carefully weigh its pros and cons against the alternatives. Remember to constantly learn about the newest trends by consulting educational games resources, like the Games Learning Society found at GamesLearningSociety.org. It is also important to remember the competitive nature of the metagame, as well as the fact that your opponent is a human.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is Thunder Punch better than Thunder in Pokémon GO? It depends. Thunder has higher damage but takes longer to charge. Thunder Punch is faster but deals less damage. Thunder Punch is generally preferred for shield baiting, while Thunder is a riskier but potentially more rewarding option.
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Is Thunder Punch a good move for Ampharos? Historically, no. Ampharos is a special attacker, and Thunder Punch has often been a physical move. Thunderbolt is usually a much better option.
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What is the best Electric-type move overall? Thunderbolt is often considered the best due to its high power, accuracy, and decent PP.
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Can Charizard learn Thunder Punch? No, Charizard cannot naturally learn Thunder Punch. However, it could learn in older generations by using a tutor.
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Is Thunder Punch a good TM move? It depends on the Pokémon. If the Pokémon needs Electric-type coverage and doesn’t have better options, it can be a decent TM choice.
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What types is Thunder Punch effective against? Thunder Punch is super effective against Water and Flying types.
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What types resist Thunder Punch? Grass, Electric, and Dragon types resist Thunder Punch.
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Is Thunder Punch a physical or special move? It depends on the generation. In some generations, it is a physical move, while in others, it is a special move. Be sure to check the specific game you’re playing.
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What Pokémon benefit most from Thunder Punch in Pokémon GO? Raichu, due to its low energy cost and STAB bonus, and Pokémon that need a fast-charging move to bait shields.
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How does the ability Iron Fist affect Thunder Punch? The Iron Fist ability boosts the power of punching moves, including Thunder Punch, by 20%.
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What are the best held items to use with Thunder Punch? Life Orb, Choice Band, and Muscle Band can boost Thunder Punch’s damage output in the main series games.
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How does rain affect Thunder Punch’s accuracy? Rain does not affect Thunder Punch’s accuracy. However, rain does affect Thunder’s accuracy, making it 100% accurate during rain.
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Is Thunder Punch a good move for competitive battling? It can be, but it’s situational. It’s useful for coverage, especially against Water and Flying types, but other Electric-type moves may offer better damage output.
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What’s the difference between Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, and Fire Punch? They are all elemental punches that deal different types of damage: Electric, Ice, and Fire, respectively. Each has its own type matchups and advantages.
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Why is knowing type matchups important? Understanding type matchups is crucial for maximizing damage output and minimizing damage taken. Using super-effective moves can turn the tide of a battle.