Game move errors

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Reason: missing some game images

In the games, there will occasionally be a Pokémon that knows a move it cannot know when owned by the player. It is unknown whether these are actual mistakes or not.

List of in-game Pokémon with moves they can't learn in the games

Artwork Name Move Game Notes Picture
149Dragonite.png Lance's Dragonite Barrier Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue
Pokémon Red and Blue
Lance's Dragonite knows Barrier in all Generation I games except Pokémon Yellow, although Dragonite cannot learn this move.
Lance Dragonite Barrier RGB.png
142Aerodactyl.png Lance's Aerodactyl Rock Slide Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal Lance's Aerodactyl knows Rock Slide in the Generation II games, although Aerodactyl could not learn this move until Generation III.
Lance Aerodactyl Rock Slide GSC.png
148Dragonair.png Winona's Dragonair Earthquake Pokémon Emerald Winona's Dragonair knows Earthquake in her second and third rematches in Pokémon Emerald, although Dragonair cannot learn this move until it evolves into a Dragonite.
171Lanturn.png Cooltrainer Dianne's Lanturn Earthquake Pokémon Emerald In Pokémon Emerald's Victory Road, Cooltrainer Dianne's Lanturn knows Earthquake, although Lanturn cannot learn this move.
Cooltrainer Lanturn Earthquake E.png
046Paras.png Battle Sims Paras Sleep Powder Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness In the "Healing status conditions" Battle Sim, the opposing Trainer's Paras knows Sleep Powder, although Paras cannot learn this move.
068Machamp.png Battle CD 07 Machamp Swords Dance Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness On Battle CD 07, the player's Pokémon is a Machamp that knows Swords Dance, although Machamp cannot learn this move. Battle CD 07 Machamp Swords Dance XD.png
158Totodile.png Battle Hall Totodile Brine Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver All Totodile in the Battle Hall know Brine,[1] although Totodile cannot learn this move. Battle Hall Totodile Brine PtHGSS.png
315Roselia.png Battle Hall Roselia Sludge Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver All Roselia in the Battle Hall know Sludge,[1] although Roselia cannot learn this move. Battle Hall Roselia Sludge PtHGSS.png
347Anorith.png Battle Hall Anorith Stone Edge Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver All Anorith in the Battle Hall know Stone Edge,[1] although Anorith cannot learn this move. Battle Hall Anorith Stone Edge PtHGSS.png
413Wormadam-Sandy.png School Kid Ann's Wormadam Leaf Storm Pokémon Black and White On Unova Route 12 in Pokémon Black and White, School Kid Ann's Sandy Cloak Wormadam knows the move Leaf Storm, although Sandy Cloak Wormadam cannot learn this move, only Plant Cloak Wormadam can; it should instead know Fissure. School Kid Ann Sandy Wormadam Leaf Storm BW.png
146Moltres.png En's Moltres Leer Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 In the downloadable Rotation Battle Tournament for PWT, En's Moltres knows Leer, although Moltres can only learn this move in Generation I (which cannot be transferred to Generation V). Rotation Battle Tournament En Moltres Leer B2W2.png
376Metagross.png Abel's Metagross Ice Beam Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 In the downloadable 2012: Masters Division Challenge for PWT, Abel's Metagross, due to an error, knows the illegal move Ice Beam. This error existed in the initial distribution of the tournament, which lasted from November 18 to November 20, 2012, where the tournament was replaced with an updated version where Metagross knew the correct move, Ice Punch. 2012 Masters Division Challenge Abel Metagross Ice Beam B2W2.png
282Gardevoir.png Gardevoir Fairy Wind Pokémon X and Y In the E3 trailer for Pokémon X and Y, Gardevoir used Fairy Wind, although Gardevoir cannot learn this move in the released version of the game. XY Prerelease Gardevoir Fairy Wind.png

In spin-off games

Artwork Name Move Game Notes Picture
118Goldeen.png Goldeen Splash Super Smash Bros.,
Super Smash Bros. Melee,
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Goldeen that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Splash, although Goldeen cannot learn this move in any game. Goldeen SSBB.png
172Pichu.png Pichu Skull Bash and Agility Super Smash Bros. Melee In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Pichu's side special is Skull Bash and its up special is Agility, although Pichu cannot learn these moves in any game. Pichu Skull Bash Melee.png
201Unown.png Unown Take Down Super Smash Bros. Melee In Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Unown that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Take Down, although Unown cannot learn this move in any game.
251Celebi.png Celebi Fly Super Smash Bros. Melee,
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Celebi that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Fly, although Celebi cannot learn this move in any game. Celebi SSBB.png
094Gengar.png Team Meanies Gengar Leer, Scratch, and Quick Attack Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team When this Gengar being escorted through Mt. Freeze and Murky Cave with the player, it knows Leer, Scratch, and Quick Attack—moves Gengar cannot learn in any game—as well as the legitimate move Taunt. These moves are the first four level-up moves of Absol or Sneasel in these games, the former being a Pokémon that helps the player in the journey up Mt. Freeze after defeating Articuno for the first time in Frosty Forest. Gengar Quick Attack PMD RB.png
384Rayquaza.png Rayquaza Dig Super Smash Bros. Brawl In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, one of Rayquaza's attacks is Dig, although Rayquaza cannot learn this move in any game. File:Rayquaza Dig SSBB.jpg
385Jirachi.png Jirachi Fly Super Smash Bros. Brawl In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Jirachi that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Fly, although Jirachi cannot learn this move in any game. Jirachi SSBB.png

Pokémon that know an illegal combination of moves

Artwork Name Moves Game Notes
009Blastoise.png Psychic Mason's Blastoise Mirror Coat and Haze Pokémon Stadium 2 Psychic Mason, the eighth Trainer in the Poké Cup Ultra Ball R-2, has a Blastoise that knows both Mirror Coat and Haze. While Blastoise can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Blastoise can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but there were no Pokémon in the Water 1 Egg Group or Monster Egg Group that could know both of these moves at the same time.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

026Raichu.png Lt. Surge's Raichu Surf and Reversal Pokémon Stadium 2 During his R-2 battle, Lt. Surge has a Raichu that knows both Surf and Reversal. While Raichu can know both of these moves individually, it cannot know both simultaneously. Raichu can only learn the Generation II move Reversal as an Egg move, whereas it can only learn Surf as a Move Tutor move as a Pikachu in Pokémon Stadium (Japanese) or international versions of Pokémon Stadium (English).
030Nidorina.png Twins Min and Lyn's Nidorina Charm and Body Slam Pokémon Stadium 2 Twins Min and Lyn, the second opponents in the Azalea Gym R-2, have a Nidorina that knows both Charm and Body Slam. While Nidorina can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Nidorina can only learn the Generation II move Charm as an Egg move, whereas it can only learn Body Slam as a Generation I TM.

Due to the Move Tutor for Body Slam in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Nidorina maintaining Charm as an Egg move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward.

036Clefable.png Boarder Claude's Clefable Charm, Mega Punch, and Mega Kick Pokémon Stadium 2 Boarder Claude, the seventh opponent in the Poké Cup Poké Ball R-2, has a Clefable that knows Charm, Mega Punch, and Mega Kick. While Clefable can know all three of these moves individually, it could not know all three simultaneously at the time. Clefable can only learn the Generation II move Charm as a Cleffa, whereas it can only learn Mega Punch and Mega Kick as Generation I TMs.

Due to the Move Tutors for Mega Punch and Mega Kick in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Cleffa maintaining Charm as a level-up move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward.

103Exeggutor.png Bruno's Exeggutor AncientPower and Explosion Pokémon Stadium 2 During his R-2 battle, Bruno has an Exeggutor that knows both AncientPower and Explosion. While Exeggutor can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Exeggutor can only learn the Generation II move AncientPower as an Egg move, whereas it can only learn Explosion as a Generation I TM.

Due to the Move Tutors for Explosion in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (as well as TM for Explosion from Generation IV onward) and Exeggutor maintaining AncientPower as an Egg move (as well as the Move Tutor for AncientPower in Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver), this combination is possible from Generation III onward.

021Spearow.png Battle Hall Spearow Quick Attack and Scary Face Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver All Spearow in the Battle Hall know both Quick Attack and Scary Face. While Spearow can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Spearow can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than Spearow or Fearow, that can learn Scary Face is Aerodactyl, which cannot learn Quick Attack.

Due to Archen and Archeops, Pokémon in the Flying Egg Group that can be male, learning both Quick Attack and Scary Face by level-up in Generation V, this combination is possible from Generation V onward.

096Drowzee.png Drowzee Assist and Barrier Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Battle Frontier opponents, except in the Battle Hall, may use a Drowzee that knows both Assist and Barrier. While Drowzee can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Drowzee can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Human-Like Egg Group Pokémon, other than Drowzee or Hypno, that can learn Assist are Spinda and the Chimchar family, which cannot learn Barrier.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

207Gligar.png Gligar Sand Tomb and Metal Claw Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Battle Frontier opponents, except in the Battle Hall, may use a Gligar that knows both Sand Tomb and Metal Claw. While Gligar can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Gligar can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than Gligar or Gliscor, that can learn Metal Claw are Scizor, the Nincada family and the Paras family, which cannot learn Sand Tomb.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

115Kangaskhan.png Kangaskhan Double-Edge and Circle Throw Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Battle Subway opponents may use a Kangaskhan that knows both Double-Edge and Circle Throw. While Kangaskhan can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Kangaskhan can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than Kangaskhan, that can learn Circle Throw are the Whismur family, which cannot know both Double-Edge and Circle Throw simultaneously; the Whismur family can only learn Circle Throw as an Egg move from Generation V onward, whereas they can only learn Double-Edge from a Generation III Move Tutor.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible for Kangaskhan in Generation VI.

576Gothitelle.png Gothitelle Mirror Coat and Miracle Eye Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Battle Subway opponents may use a Gothitelle that knows both Mirror Coat and Miracle Eye. While Gothitelle can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Gothitelle can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Human-Like Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Gothitelle family, that can learn Mirror Coat is Lopunny, which cannot learn Miracle Eye.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

047Parasect.png Walter's Parasect Bullet Seed and Leech Seed Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Walter, an opponent in the Bug Type Expert Tournament, has a Parasect that knows both Bullet Seed and Leech Seed. While Parasect can know both of these moves individually, it cannot know both simultaneously. Parasect can only learn Leech Seed as an Egg move from Generation V onward, whereas it can only learn Bullet Seed as a Generation III or IV TM.
169Crobat.png Janine's Crobat Hypnosis and Brave Bird Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 In the Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments, Janine has a Crobat that knows both Hypnosis and Brave Bird. While Crobat can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Crobat can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Crobat family, that can learn Hypnosis are the Hoothoot family, Sigilyph and the Pidove family, which cannot learn Brave Bird.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

306Aggron.png Byron's Aggron Head Smash and Dragon Rush Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 In the Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments, Byron has an Aggron that knows both Head Smash and Dragon Rush. While Aggron can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Aggron can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Monster Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Aggron family, that can learn Dragon Rush are the Charmander family, the Gible family and the Rhyhorn family, which cannot learn Head Smash.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

617Accelgor.png Burgh's Accelgor Guard Split and Spikes Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 In the Unova Leaders Tournament, Burgh has an Accelgor that knows both Guard Split and Spikes. While Accelgor can know both of these moves individually, it could not know both simultaneously at the time. Accelgor can only learn these moves as Egg moves, but the only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than Shelmet or Accelgor, that can learn Guard Split is Shuckle, which cannot learn Spikes.

Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg moves in Generation VI, this combination is possible in Generation VI.

Pokémon that know a move at an earlier level

Artwork Name Move Game Notes Picture
221Piloswine.png Pryce's Piloswine Fury Attack Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal Pryce's Piloswine knows Fury Attack at level 31, although Piloswine doesn't learn this move until level 33. Swinub does not learn the move at all, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Pryce Piloswine L31 Fury Attack GSC.png
137Porygon.png Poké Fan Rex's Porygon Recover Pokémon Stadium 2 Poké Fan Rex, the eighth Trainer in the Little Cup R-2, has a Porygon that knows Recover at level 5, although Porygon doesn't learn this move until level 20 in Generation II (28 in Generation I). Porygon is genderless, so cannot learn any level up moves through breeding.
275Shiftry.png Sidney's Shiftry Extrasensory Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald Sidney's Shiftry knows Extrasensory at level 48, although Shiftry doesn't learn this move until level 49 as a Nuzleaf. Seedot cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Sidney Shiftry L48 Extrasensory RSE.png
334Altaria.png Winona's Altaria Dragon Dance Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald During the initial battle, Winona's Altaria knows Dragon Dance at level 33, although Altaria doesn't learn this move until level 40. Swablu cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Winona Altaria L33 Dragon Dance RSE.png
509Purrloin.png Bianca's Purrloin Growl Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 During the capture tutorial, Bianca captures a wild Purrloin that knows Growl at level 2, although Purrloin doesn't learn this move until level 3. Tutorial Purrloin L2 Growl B2W2.png

Pokémon that know an illegal combination of moves for their level

Artwork Name Move Game Notes
066Machop.png Youngster Bernie's Machop Vital Throw and Counter Pokémon Stadium 2 Youngster Bernie, the first Trainer in the Little Cup R-2, has a level 5 Machop that knows both Vital Throw and Counter. While Machop can know both of these moves simultaneously, it could not know both simultaneously at level 5 at the time. Machop can only know the Generation II level-up move Vital Throw at level 5 by breeding, whereas it can only learn Counter as a Generation I TM.

Due to the Move Tutor for Counter in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Machop maintaining Vital Throw as level-up move, this combination is possible at level 5 from Generation III onward.

Similar examples that are not game move errors

Pokémon which can learn the move in a previous generation

Artwork Name Move Game Notes Picture
025Pikachu.png Pikachu Skull Bash Super Smash Bros. Brawl,
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U
From Super Smash Bros. Melee onward, Pikachu's side special is Skull Bash. Although Pikachu cannot learn this move in Generation III onward, it was available to teach Pikachu via TM40 in Generation I, making it a possible move at the release of Melee (during Generation II). File:Pikachu Skull Bash Brawl.png

References

Move errors in various Pokémon canons
Animated seriesMangaGameTCG


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