Lightning Rod (Ability)

Lightningrod (Japanese: ひらいしん Lightning Rod) is an Ability introduced in Generation III. Fifteen Pokémon can have this Ability.

Effect

In battle

Generations III and IV

Lightningrod forces all single-target Template:Type2 attacks in a double battle to strike the Pokémon with this Ability. In a single battle, it will only cause the Pokémon with this Ability to always be hit by Electric-type moves, no matter their accuracy. Note that Lightningrod cannot redirect Discharge, as it targets all Pokémon. Lightningrod cannot redirect an Electric-type Hidden Power.

If Follow Me is used while an Electric-type move is being used, and a Pokémon with Lightningrod is active, the Pokémon using Follow Me is hit instead.

Generation V

Along with its previous effects, Lightningrod also gives Pokémon immunity to all Electric-type attacks and raises the Pokémon's Special Attack by one stage whenever they are hit by one. If the Pokémon is Ground-type, its type-granted immunity will take place before the activation of the Ability's new effect and the Special Attack will not be raised unless it is holding a Ring Target. An Electric-typed Judgment is also not affected by this ability.

Outside of battle

In Pokémon Emerald, Trainers registered with the PokéNav's Match Call function will call more often if a Pokémon with Lightningrod leads the party.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, a Pokémon with Lightningrod draws in all Electric-type attacks used within the same room, and (like Generation V) takes no damage or side effects from the attack. Unlike the main series, Lightningrod will attract and neutralize the effect of Discharge.

Pokémon with Lightningrod

#	Pokémon		Types		First Ability	Second Ability	Hidden Ability
0025		Pikachu	Electric		Electric	Static	None	Lightningrod
0026		Raichu	Electric		Electric	Static	None	Lightningrod
0104		Cubone	Ground		Ground	Rock Head	Lightningrod	Battle Armor
0105		Marowak	Ground		Ground	Rock Head	Lightningrod	Battle Armor
0111		Rhyhorn	Ground	Rock	Lightningrod	Rock Head	Reckless
0112		Rhydon	Ground	Rock	Lightningrod	Rock Head	Reckless
0118		Goldeen	Water		Water	Swift Swim	Water Veil	Lightningrod
0119		Seaking	Water		Water	Swift Swim	Water Veil	Lightningrod
0145		Zapdos	Electric	Flying	Pressure	None	Lightningrod
0172		Pichu	Electric		Electric	Static	None	Lightningrod
0309		Electrike	Electric		Electric	Static	Lightningrod	Minus
0310		Manectric	Electric		Electric	Static	Lightningrod	Minus
0464		Rhyperior	Ground	Rock	Lightningrod	Solid Rock	Reckless
0522		Blitzle	Electric		Electric	Lightningrod	Motor Drive	Sap Sipper
0523		Zebstrika	Electric		Electric	Lightningrod	Motor Drive	Sap Sipper
Please note that abilities marked with a superscript are only available in the stated generation or later. For Generation III and IV games, ignore Hidden Abilities.

In the anime

File:Rhydon Lightningrod.png Rhydon
The user draws in Electric attacks.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	When Rhydon's opponent uses an electric attack, the attack changes direction and hits Rhydon's horn instead.
Unknown Trainer's Rhydon	Tag! We're it...!		Debut

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Rhydon
When the opponent uses an Electric-type attack, the user redirects the attack to itself.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	When the opponent uses an Electric-type attack, Electrike raises its tail in the air and can redirect the electric attack to hit its tail instead.
Wattson's Electrike	VS. Electrike II		Debut
	When the opponent uses an Electric-type attack, the attack is redirected to Rhydon's horn instead.
Blue's Rhydon	Activate: The Ultimate Attack		None

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

Rhyperior
When the opponent uses an Electric-type attack, the user redirects the attack to itself.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	When the opponent uses an Electric-type attack, the attack is redirected to Rhyperior's horn instead.
Saturn's Rhyperior	The Battle Rages On		Debut

Trivia

• In Riddle Me This, Pikachu is able to defeat Blaine's Rhydon by aiming its electric attack at the Rhydon's horn, with it being stated that the horn acts as a lightning rod, apparently allowing Pikachu to overcome Rhydon's normal immunity to Electric attacks, ironically working exactly the opposite way that the later Lightningrod Ability would. This also inspired the popular meme among Pokémon fans: AIM FOR THE HORN!

In other languages

Language Title Finnish Ukkosenjohdatin French Paratonnerre German Blitzfänger Greek Αλεξικέραυνο Hindi Bijli Ka Rod Italian Parafulmine Korean 피뢰침 Piroechim Portuguese Para-Raio Spanish Pararrayos

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.