Thunderclap
ElectricThunderclap is a Electric-type special attack. It has 70 base power, 100% accuracy, 5 PP and targets a single adjacent target. It has +1 priority, so it acts before most moves.
Technical data
- Type
- Electric
- Category
- special
- Power
- 70
- Accuracy
- 100
- PP
- 5
- Priority
- 1
- Target
- adjacent
- Contact
- No
- Spread
- No
- Protect blocks
- Yes
- Wide Guard blocks
- No
Competitive value
Prized for its priority, letting the user act before faster threats or enabling support in key turns.
How to learn it
Pokémon that can learn or be taught this move, by method.
Level-up1 Pokémon
No Pokémon listed in the current dataset.
Pokémon that use this move
1 Pokémon, sorted by usage
No Pokémon listed in the current dataset.
What this move does
Thunderclap is a Electric-type special attack. It has 70 base power, 100% accuracy, 5 PP and targets a single adjacent target. It has +1 priority, letting it move before most attacks. Thunderclap is a Electric-type special attack. It has 70 base power, 100% accuracy, 5 PP and targets a single adjacent target. It has +1 priority, so it acts before most moves.
Prized for its priority, letting the user act before faster threats or enabling support in key turns.
When to consider it
Consider Thunderclap when you need to move before the opponent to secure a knockout, flinch, or utility effect. Priority moves are especially valuable against fast threats and speed-control teams, but they can be blocked by Quick Guard and abilities like Queenly Majesty or Dazzling.
How to evaluate it in team building
In team building, Thunderclap is usually a coverage or primary STAB option. It shines when your team already has speed control or when it patches a matchup hole. Compare it with alternative moves of the same type and category to decide whether the extra power, accuracy or side effect justifies the slot over a more defensive option.
Common mistakes
Common mistakes with Thunderclap include: Using it without a clear plan for the turns it creates. Forgetting that Protect and Detect can block it, wasting a key turn. Assuming priority always goes first without accounting for Quick Guard or Psychic Terrain. Spamming it predictably and letting the opponent switch into a resist. Not considering how redirectors like Follow Me and Rage Powder change targeting.
VGC interactions
Protect and Detect block this move. Quick Guard and Psychic Terrain can stop priority versions. These interactions are situational, so test them in the team builder and matchup analyzer before committing to the moveslot.
Related tools and guides
Use the tools below to test Thunderclap in a full team context and compare it with alternative options.
VGC interactions
- Protect / Detect: blocks this move.
- Wide Guard: does not block this move.
- Follow Me / Rage Powder: spread moves are not redirected.
- Quick Guard: blocks this priority move.
Frequently asked questions
＋Is Thunderclap good in ChampionsVGC?
Prized for its priority, letting the user act before faster threats or enabling support in key turns. It is blocked by Protect and Detect, which can waste a key turn if predicted.
＋Is Thunderclap blocked by Protect?
Yes, Thunderclap is blocked by Protect and Detect.