
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move in the Pokémon games. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target. However, it cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon or those with certain abilities, such as Volt Absorb or Motor Drive. Thunder Wave can be used strategically in Pokémon contests and combinations to gain bonus appeal points. It has been a part of the game since Generation I, with its TM number varying across different generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of move | Electric |
| Damage | Non-damaging |
| Accuracy | 90% |
| Effect | Paralyzes the target |
| Affected by | Types (cannot usually affect Ground-type Pokémon) |
| Cannot affect | Pokémon with the ability Volt Absorb, Motor Drive or Lightning Rod |
| Cannot be used on | Targets that already have a non-volatile status condition |
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What You'll Learn

Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move
Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, and its effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as Normalize, which would make Ghost-type Pokémon immune to it. In certain games, like the Generation II core series, Thunder Wave has a 25% chance of failing when used by an in-game opponent outside of the Battle Tower.
The move can be strategically employed in Pokémon contests and combinations. For instance, using Charge in the previous turn before executing Thunder Wave as the second move grants the user two bonus appeal points. It can also be part of a Contest Spectacular combination, where using Hex and Smelling Salts in the subsequent turn results in three extra appeal points.
Thunder Wave is identified as TM73 in various games, including Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. It is also known as TM45 in Generation I, TM16 in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, TM14 in Pokémon Sword and Shield, and TM082 in Generation IX.
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It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move with 100% accuracy that paralyzes the target. It was introduced in Generation I and has been featured in various Pokémon games since. Thunder Wave takes into account the type of Pokémon it is targeting. For instance, it usually cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon or targets that already have a non-volatile status condition. It also cannot affect Pokémon with abilities like Volt Absorb, Motor Drive, or Lightning Rod.
However, there are certain conditions under which Thunder Wave can affect Ground-type Pokémon. For example, if a Ground-type Pokémon is holding a Ring Target, it can be affected by Thunder Wave. Additionally, in the Generation I handheld games, Thunder Wave could affect a target behind a substitute. In the Generation II core series games, when an in-game opponent outside of the Battle Tower used Thunder Wave, there was a 25% chance of the move failing.
Thunder Wave can be strategically employed in Pokémon contests and combinations to gain bonus appeal points. For instance, it can be used as the second move after "Charge" to gain 2 bonus appeal points. It can also be part of a Contest Spectacular combination, where using Hex and Smelling Salts in the subsequent turn results in three extra appeal points.
Thunder Wave's paralyzing effect is not applicable to Electric-type Pokémon as they are immune to paralysis. It is important to note that Thunder Wave's accuracy and effects may vary depending on the specific Pokémon game and its mechanics.
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It cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move that was introduced in Generation I. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target. However, it cannot affect Ground-type Pokémon. This is because Thunder Wave takes types into consideration. In addition to Ground-type Pokémon, Thunder Wave cannot affect targets that already have a non-volatile status condition. It also cannot affect Pokémon with the ability Volt Absorb, Motor Drive, or Lightning Rod.
There are, however, certain conditions under which Thunder Wave can affect Ground-type Pokémon. For example, if a Ground-type target is holding a Ring Target, it can be affected by Thunder Wave. This is because the move takes into account type changes. For instance, if Thunder Wave is affected by Normalize, it can affect Ground-type Pokémon but not Ghost-type Pokémon, which would become immune to it.
In the Generation I handheld games, Thunder Wave can affect a target behind a substitute. Additionally, 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.
Thunder Wave can be used as the second move in a Pokémon Contest combination. If the user has used Charge in the previous turn, they will gain 2 bonus appeal points. It can also be used as part of a Contest Spectacular combination, causing Hex and Smelling Salts to give 3 extra appeal points if used in the next turn.
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It can be used as the second move in a Pokémon Contest combination
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move introduced in Generation I. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target. Thunder Wave can be used as a strategic move in combination with other moves in a Pokémon contest.
When used as the second move in a Pokémon Contest combination, Thunder Wave can be effectively combined with Charge, which was used in the previous turn. This combination grants the user 2 bonus appeal points. This strategic use of Thunder Wave showcases its versatility beyond just causing paralysis, adding depth to Pokémon contests and encouraging trainers to think creatively about move combinations.
Thunder Wave is particularly effective against most Pokémon, except for Ground-type Pokémon, which are immune to its effects. This is because Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, and it cannot affect Pokémon with abilities like Volt Absorb, Motor Drive, or Lightning Rod. However, a Ground-type Pokémon holding a Ring Target can be affected by Thunder Wave, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of type interactions and move mechanics.
In addition to its use in combination with Charge, Thunder Wave can also be utilized as part of a Contest Spectacular combination. When followed by the moves Hex and Smelling Salts in the subsequent turn, Thunder Wave contributes to a powerful combination, resulting in an extra three appeal points. This showcases the importance of move sequencing and encourages trainers to think strategically about move combinations to maximize their Pokémon's performance in contests.
The effectiveness of Thunder Wave in contests extends beyond its direct impact on the judge's scoring. The paralysis inflicted by Thunder Wave can also hinder the opponent's Pokémon, reducing their ability to perform and potentially lowering their appeal points. This dual benefit of enhancing the user's appeal and impairing the opponent makes Thunder Wave a valuable move for trainers seeking a competitive edge in Pokémon contests.
Overall, Thunder Wave, when used as the second move in a Pokémon Contest combination, offers strategic advantages and showcases the complexity of move interactions in the Pokémon world. Its ability to synergize with other moves, exploit type weaknesses, and impact both the user's and opponent's performance makes it a versatile and impactful choice for trainers aiming to succeed in the nuanced arena of Pokémon contests.
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Thunder Wave cannot affect Pokémon with the ability Volt Absorb
Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move introduced in Generation I. It has 100% accuracy and paralyzes the target. Thunder Wave takes types into consideration, so it cannot usually affect Ground-type Pokémon or targets that already have a non-volatile status condition.
In addition to the above, Thunder Wave can no longer paralyze Electric-type Pokémon due to their immunity to paralysis. It is worth noting that Ground-type Pokémon holding a Ring Target can be affected by Thunder Wave.
Thunder Wave can be used as the second move of a Pokémon Contest combination, with the user gaining 2 bonus appeal points if Charge was used in the previous turn. It can also be part of a Contest Spectacular combination, causing Hex and Smelling Salts to give 3 extra appeal points if used in the next turn.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Thunder Wave is a non-damaging Electric-type move.
Thunder Wave paralyzes the target.
Other examples of status moves include Toxic and Wil-O-Wisp.
Prankster Grimmsnarl is one Pokémon that can use the Thunder Wave move.
Thunder Wave is a move in the Pokémon franchise that was introduced in Generation I.











































