
In the Pokémon universe, the move Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move that paralyzes the opponent, causing their speed to decrease and giving them a 25% chance of not being able to attack. Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis, meaning Thunder Wave cannot affect them. This is a form of natural-born immunity, as electricity and electrical attacks are inherently linked. Other examples of type-specific immunities include Fire-type Pokémon being immune to burning and Ice-type Pokémon being immune to freezing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect | Paralyzes the opponent |
| Accuracy | 100% in Generations 1-6, 90% in Gen VII |
| Electric-type immunity | Yes |
| Other immunities | Fire type: Burn immunity, Ice type: Frozen immunity, Steel and Poison type: Poison immunity (except with the Corrosion ability), Ghost type: Bound/Can't Escape immunity, Grass type: Powder/Spore move immunity |
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What You'll Learn

Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis from Thunder Wave
In addition to Electric-type Pokémon, those with the ability Limber or those behind a Substitute are also immune to paralysis from Thunder Wave. This move takes types into consideration and cannot usually affect certain types of Pokémon, such as Ground-type Pokémon. For example, in the Generation I handheld games, Thunder Wave could affect a target behind a substitute, but in the Generation II core series games, it had a 25% chance of failing when used by an in-game opponent outside of the Battle Tower.
The immunity of Electric-type Pokémon to paralysis from Thunder Wave is part of a broader pattern of type immunities in the Pokémon world. For instance, Fire-type Pokémon are immune to burning, Ice-type Pokémon are immune to freezing, and Grass-type Pokémon are immune to powder and spore moves. These immunities make sense within the context of the game's mechanics and have strategic implications for players.
While some players have argued that Electric-type immunity to paralysis is overpowered, others have pointed out that paralysis is not strictly related to electricity, and thus the immunity is consistent with other type immunities. The impact of this immunity on the competitive meta is unclear, as it coincides with other significant changes to game mechanics. However, it is worth noting that Game Freak has made adjustments to Thunder Wave's accuracy and the speed drop from paralysis over the years, suggesting they wanted to counter the potentially overpowered aspect of paralysis.
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Thunder Wave's accuracy was reduced from 100% to 90% in Gen VII
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move introduced in Generation I. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target. However, in Generation VII, Thunder Wave's accuracy was reduced from 100% to 90%. This change was made because Thunder Wave was an overused move in tournaments with no drawbacks. The reduction in accuracy added a layer of strategy to the game, making players think twice before using Thunder Wave.
Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, so it cannot usually affect Ground-type Pokémon. It will also take type changes into account, such as if Thunder Wave is affected by Normalize, which would make Ghost-type Pokémon immune to it. Electric-type Pokémon, for example, are immune to paralysis, so Thunder Wave cannot paralyze them.
In the Generation I handheld games, Thunder Wave can affect a target behind a substitute. In the Generation II core series games, when an in-game opponent outside of the Battle Tower uses Thunder Wave, the move has a 25% chance of failing.
The reduction in accuracy of Thunder Wave from 100% to 90% in Generation VII was likely a balancing decision by the game developers to ensure that other moves and strategies could be more competitive and that no single move was overly dominant. This change adds a layer of complexity and strategy to the game, encouraging players to diversify their moves and think more tactically during battles.
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Paralysis decreases a Pokémon's speed by 50%
Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis. This is due to the fact that paralysis is a status condition that primarily has negative effects, and the speed of a paralysed Pokémon is decreased by 50%. In the past, the speed of a paralysed Pokémon was decreased by 75%, but this has since been reduced to 50% in more recent versions of the game.
Paralysis has a 25% chance of causing full paralysis, which causes a Pokémon to lose its turn. The text that is shown when a Pokémon becomes paralysed has also changed over time to better reflect the condition. The original text, "
There are some moves and abilities that can protect Pokémon from paralysis or reduce its effects. For example, the moves Safeguard and Misty Terrain (for grounded Pokémon) will protect against status conditions for five turns. Additionally, the Ability Magic Guard prevented full paralysis in Generation IV, but it did not prevent the speed reduction that comes with paralysis.
While paralysis typically has negative effects, there are some benefits to having it in certain situations. For example, Pokémon with the Ability Quick Feet will have their Speed increased when paralysed, poisoned, or burned. Additionally, the base power of Facade is doubled when inflicted with any of these three status conditions.
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Thunder Wave cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move that paralyzes the target. Paralyzed Pokémon have a 25% chance of not being able to attack, and their speed is decreased by 50%. Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis and cannot be paralyzed by Thunder Wave. This is because paralysis is not something that is strictly related to electricity, unlike poisoning or freezing, which have always been strongly associated with a specific type.
Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, so it cannot usually affect Ground-type Pokémon. This is likely because Ground-type Pokémon are not associated with electricity in the same way that Electric-type Pokémon are. Additionally, Ground-type Pokémon are typically associated with the earth and may be more resistant to electric attacks as a result.
In the Pokémon games, type matchups are important for determining the effectiveness of moves. For example, Fire-type Pokémon are immune to burn, Ice-type Pokémon are immune to freezing, and Poison and Steel-type Pokémon are immune to poisoning. Similarly, Grass-type Pokémon are immune to Powder/Spore moves, such as Sleep Powder and Spore.
Ground-type Pokémon are known for their defensive capabilities and their resistance to electric-type moves. This is likely why Thunder Wave, an electric-type move, is not effective against Ground-type Pokémon. By taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of each type, players can strategize and choose the most effective moves in battle.
Overall, Thunder Wave cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon due to the nature of the move and the defensive capabilities of Ground-type Pokémon. This immunity showcases the intricate type matchups and strategies that are a key part of Pokémon battles.
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Thunder Wave can be affected by Normalize, making Ghost-type Pokémon immune
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move that was introduced in Generation I. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target Pokémon, decreasing its speed by 50% and giving it a 25% chance of not being able to attack. However, Thunder Wave cannot paralyze Electric-type Pokémon due to their immunity to paralysis. Pokémon with the ability Limber or those behind a Substitute are also immune to paralysis by Thunder Wave.
Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, so it cannot usually affect Ground-type Pokémon. For example, if Thunder Wave is affected by Normalize, it would make Ghost-type Pokémon immune to the move. Normalize is a Normal-type move that changes the target's move's type to Normal, introduced in Generation VI. It is a unique move that allows Pokémon that cannot learn Normal-type moves to have a chance to use them.
In the context of Thunder Wave, if Normalize is used on a Ghost-type Pokémon, it changes the type of Thunder Wave to Normal, making it ineffective against Ghost-type Pokémon. This is because Normal-type moves have no effect on Ghost-type Pokémon. By changing the type of Thunder Wave, Normalize essentially grants immunity to Ghost-type Pokémon that would otherwise be affected by the Electric-type move.
It is important to note that Thunder Wave and Normalize interact uniquely in this scenario. The effectiveness of Thunder Wave against Ghost-type Pokémon is altered by the presence of Normalize, showcasing the complex interactions between different move types and abilities in the Pokémon world. This strategic element adds depth to the gameplay and encourages players to consider type matchups and move interactions carefully.
In conclusion, Thunder Wave can be affected by Normalize, making Ghost-type Pokémon immune to it. This interaction highlights the intricate design of the Pokémon battle system, where move types, abilities, and status conditions intertwine to create a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Understanding these interactions is crucial for trainers to make strategic decisions and gain an edge in battles.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Electric-type Pokémon are immune to Thunder Wave.
Thunder Wave paralyzes the opponent, but Electric-type Pokémon are immune to paralysis.
Paralyzed Pokémon have a 25% chance of not being able to attack, and their speed is decreased by 50%.
Yes, Ground-type Pokémon are usually not affected by Thunder Wave.
Yes, Fire-type Pokémon are immune to burning, Ice-type Pokémon are immune to freezing, and Poison and Steel-type Pokémon are immune to poisoning.











































