Lick (move)

Lick したでなめる Tongue Lick

Battles Type  Ghost Category  Physical PP  30 (max. 48) Power  30 Accuracy  100% Priority  0 Makes contact Affected by Protect Not affected by Magic Coat Not affected by Snatch Affected by Mirror Move Not affected by King's Rock

Range Opponent Opponent Opponent Self Ally Ally Normal: May affect anyone adjacent to the user

Availability Introduced  Generation I Not a TM, TR, HM, or Move Tutor move.

Contests Condition  Tough Appeal  1 ♥ Jam  4 ♥♥♥♥ Badly startles the Pokémon in front.

Super Contests Condition  Tough Appeal  0   Raises the score if the Voltage is low.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Cute Appeal  2 ♥♥ Jamming  3 ♥♥♥ Startles the last Pokémon to act before the user.

On Smogon's Movedex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX

Lick (Japanese: したでなめる Tongue Lick) is a damage-dealing Ghost-type move introduced in Generation I.

Effect

Generation I

Lick inflicts damage and has a 30% chance of paralyzing the target. Lick cannot paralyze Ghost-type Pokémon.

Generation II to V

Lick can now paralyze Ghost-type Pokémon.

Generation VI onwards

Lick's power is raised from 20 to 30.

Description

Games Description StadStad2 A Ghost-type attack. Has a one-in-three chance of leaving the target with paralysis. GSC An attack that may cause paralysis. RSEColoXD Licks with a long tongue to injure. May also paralyze. FRLG The foe is licked and hit with a long tongue. It may also paralyze. DPPtHGSSPBR The foe is licked with a long tongue, causing damage. It may also paralyze the target. BWB2W2 The target is licked with a long tongue, causing damage. It may also leave the target with paralysis. XYORAS SMUSUMPE SwShBDSPLA The target is licked with a long tongue, causing damage. This may also leave the target with paralysis. SV The user licks the target with a long tongue to inflict damage. This may also leave the target with paralysis.

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						I	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII		VIII		IX
												SMUSUM	PE	SwSh	BDSP	SV
0092		Gastly		Amorphous		Amorphous	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
0093		Haunter		Amorphous		Amorphous	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
0094		Gengar		Amorphous		Amorphous	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
0108		Lickitung		Monster		Monster	−	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1
0124		Jynx		Human-Like		Human-Like	18	1	1	1, 5	1, 5	1, 5	1, 5	6	1	1
0143		Snorlax		Monster		Monster	−	−	−	12	12	12	12	19	1	1	1
0209		Snubbull		Field	Fairy		19	19	13	13	13	13			13	13
0210		Granbull		Field	Fairy		19	19	13	13	13	13			13	13
0216		Teddiursa		Field		Field		8	7	1	1	1	1			1	1
0217		Ursaring		Field		Field		1, 8	1, 7	1	1	1	1			1	1
0238		Smoochum		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered		1	1	5	5	5	5		1	1
0263		Zigzagoon Galarian Form		Field		Field									6
0264		Linoone Galarian Form		Field		Field									1
0336		Seviper		Field	Dragon			7	7	7BW 1B2W2	9XY 7ORAS	6			6	6
0352		Kecleon		Field		Field			1	1	1	1	1			1
0446		Munchlax		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered				12	12	1, 12	1, 12		1	1	1
0463		Lickilicky		Monster		Monster				1	1	1	1		1	1
0511		Pansage		Field		Field					7	7	7
0512		Simisage		Field		Field					1	1	1
0513		Pansear		Field		Field					7	7	7
0514		Simisear		Field		Field					1	1	1
0515		Panpour		Field		Field					7	7	7
0516		Simipour		Field		Field					1	1	1
0631		Heatmor		Field		Field					1	1	1		1
0656		Froakie		Water 1		Water 1						10	10				10
0657		Frogadier		Water 1		Water 1						10	10				10
0658		Greninja All available forms		Water 1		Water 1						10	10				10
0725		Litten		Field		Field							8		6		6
0726		Torracat		Field		Field							1, 8		1		1
0727		Incineroar		Field		Field							1, 8		1		1
0862		Obstagoon		Field		Field									1
0901		Ursaluna		Field		Field											1
0901		Ursaluna Bloodmoon		Field		Field											1
0910		Crocalor		Field		Field											7
0911		Skeledirge		Field		Field											7
0926		Fidough		Field	Mineral											3
0927		Dachsbun		Field	Mineral											3
0942		Maschiff		Field		Field											4
0943		Mabosstiff		Field		Field											4
0965		Varoom		Mineral		Mineral											1
0966		Revavroom		Mineral		Mineral											1
0971		Greavard		Field		Field											3
0972		Houndstone		Field		Field											3
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

By breeding

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Egg Move
						II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII		IX
											SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP	SV
0086		Seel		Water 1	Field	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	✔
0088		Grimer		Amorphous		Amorphous	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔		✔	−
0143		Snorlax		Monster		Monster	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	−	✔	−
0209		Snubbull		Field	Fairy	✔	−	−	−	−	−		−	−
0446		Munchlax		Monster		Monster			✔	✔	✔	✔	−	✔	−
0506		Lillipup		Field		Field				✔	✔	✔	✔
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Lick deals damage and can leave the enemy paralyzed. This move is affected by the Muzzled status condition.

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDRB 4 - 22 - 100% - Front Enemy No MDTDS 4 - 20 - 100% - Front Enemy No BSL 4 - 20 - 100% - Front Enemy No MDGtI 2 99 20 99 95% 98% Front Enemy No SMD 2 99 20 99 95% 98% Front Enemy No With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games: MD Rescue Team = Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. MD Time and Darkness = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. MD Sky = Pokémon Platinum. MD Adventure Squad = ??. MD Gates to Infinity = Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. Super Mystery Dungeon = Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. MD Rescue Team DX = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Pokémon Conquest

	>

Stars: ★ Power: 14 Accuracy: 100%

Effect: Has a 30% chance of paralyzing the target.

Users:

Grid assumes the user is in the square marked by > facing to the right.
Orange squares indicate spaces that are hit.
Red squares indicate the knockback on hit Pokémon.
A blue square indicates the user's position after performing the move.

Pokémon GO

Updates

Gyms & Raids

• July 30, 2016
  • Power: 10 → 5
  • Energy boost: 7 → 6
• February 16, 2017
  • Duration: 0.5 → 1 seconds
• February 21, 2017
  • Duration: 1 → 0.5 seconds

Lick
Fast Attack
Gyms & Raids Power 5 Energy boost 6 Duration 0.5 seconds Damage window 0.2 - 0.5 seconds
Trainer Battles Power 3 Energy boost 3 Turns 1
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility By Elite Fast TM By GO Snapshot As Shadow Pokémon As Purified Pokémon Formerly eligible None

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Lick

★★
Attack power	26.14099
Charge time	0.5 seconds
Range type	Arc (melee)
Number of hits	1
Number of projectiles	1
Critical hit rate	1.5%
Additional effect	May paralyze the foe

Pokémon Masters EX

Name	Category	Move gauge cost	MP (uses)	Base power	Max power	Accuracy	Target	Effect tag	Description	Playable sync pair(s)
Lick	Physical	1	—	12	14	100%	An opponent	—	Has a chance (30%) of leaving the target paralyzed.	Agatha & Gengar (only before Mega Evolving) Helena (Hex Maniac) & Haunter Scottie/Bettie & Gastly/Haunter/GengarEgg

• Description prior to Version 2.10.0 (from June 28, 2021): Has a moderate chance of leaving the target paralyzed.

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Lick is Gengar's second move as Gastly. The user attacks forward in a line with their tongue, damaging enemies hit, and pulling them to the user. After evolving into Haunter at level 5, it is replaced by either Dream Eater or Hex.

Description

Games Description MDRB Inflicts damage on the target. It may also cause paralysis and prevent any attacks or moves. MDTDS Inflicts damage on the target. It may also afflict the targeted enemy with a Paralysis status condition. A Pokémon with the Paralysis status has slowed movement and is incapable of action. BSL てきポケモンに ダメージをあたえる いっていのかくりつで まひじょうたいにかえる まひじょうたいの ポケモンは わざがだせない Conq. Aggressively lick the enemy. It may also cause the target to flinch. MDGtI It damages an enemy. It could also cause the Paralysis status condition. With the Paralysis status, the enemy's Travel Speed goes down and it can't attack or use moves. SMD It damages an enemy. It could also cause paralysis.

In the anime

Gastly Gengar Lickilicky Haunter
The user licks the target with a long tongue to inflict damage. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Haunter extends its tongue and licks the opponent, usually causing paralysis.
Sabrina's Haunter	The Tower of Terror		Debut
Morty's Haunter	From Ghost to Ghost		None
Lon's Haunter	Scary Hospitality!		None
A wild Haunter	A Haunted House for Everyone!		None
	Gengar licks the opponent with its incredibly long tongue.
A giant Gengar	The Ancient Puzzle of Pokémopolis		None
Morty's Gengar	A Ghost of a Chance		None
	Gastly extends its long tongue and licks the opponent, to whom the saliva causes paralysis; or, Gastly extends its tongue to an incredible length and slaps the opponent with it.
Captain's Gastly	A Shipful of Shivers		None
Morty's Gastly	From Ghost to Ghost		None
	Kecleon extends its long tongue and licks the opponent, causing dizziness and confusion. It can also use its tongue to hold, catch, or throw objects.
Madison's Reddy	The Kecleon Caper		None
Alexa's Greeny	The Kecleon Caper		None
Harrison's Kecleon	Playing with Fire!		None
	Sableye licks the opponent with its slimy tongue leaving saliva on the target, which can cause confusion.
A wild Sableye	Ready, Willing, and Sableye		Sableye cannot legally learn Lick
	Lickitung licks the opponent with its long tongue, usually causing paralysis or dizziness. It can also use its tongue to push and hold things.
A wild Lickitung	Pikachu's Ghost Carnival		None
	Lickilicky extends its long tongue and licks the opponent or rubs its tongue all over the opponent's body, which leaves them confused or paralyzed.
Baron Alberto transformed as Lickilicky	The Rise of Darkrai		None
Baron Alberto's Lickilicky	The Rise of Darkrai		None
Unnamed Trainer's Lickilicky	If the Scarf Fits, Wear it!		None
Conway's Lickilicky	Working on a Right Move!		None

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Golbat Gengar Munchlax
The user licks the target with a long tongue to inflict damage. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Gengar licks the opponent with its tongue. On occasion, this will paralyze the opponent.
Agatha's Gengar	Muk Raking		Debut
	Munchlax licks the opponent with its tongue.
Diamond's Lax	Mirages of Mismagius I		None
	Golbat licks the opponent with its sticky tongue.
Petrel's Golbat	All About Arceus V		Golbat cannot legally learn Lick

• Maizie's Teddiursa was revealed to know Lick on the official website, but she was never shown using the move.

Pokémon Try Adventure

Kecleon
The user licks the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Kecleon sticks out its tongue and licks the opponent.
Haidoru's Kecleon	TA23		Debut

In other generations

Core series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Side series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Spin-off series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

Trivia

• Lick is the only Ghost-type move in Generation I that takes the type chart into account.
• In Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD, when a Pokémon uses Lick, it will show its tongue. Starting in Pokémon Battle Revolution, this no longer occurs.
• Lick is the only Ghost-type move that can cause paralysis.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 舌舔 Sihttím Mandarin 舌舔 Shétiǎn * 舔舌頭 Tiǎn Shétou * Czech Olíznutí Danish Smaske Dutch Lik Finnish Lipaisu (EP182) Kielihyökkäys (EP271) French Léchouille German Schlecker Greek Γλείψιμο Indonesian Jilat Italian Leccata Korean 핥기 Halgi Polish Lizanie Brazilian Portuguese Lambida (games, anime, TCG, manga) Lamber (The Official Pokémon Handbook) Serbian Lizanje Spanish Lengüetazo Swedish Slick Thai ลิ้นเลีย Vietnamese Liếm Láp

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.