Skull Bash (move)

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Skull Bash
ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt
Skull Bash VIII.png
Skull Bash VIII 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Physical
PP  10 (max. 16)
Power  130
Accuracy  100%
Priority  0
Range
Opponent Opponent Opponent
Self Ally Ally
Normal: May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Tough
Appeal  1
Jam  4 ♥♥♥♥
Badly startles the Pokémon in front.
Condition  Tough
Appeal  1
Earn +3 if no other Pokémon has chosen the same Judge.
Condition  Tough
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
Affected by how well the previous Pokémon's move went.

Skull Bash (Japanese: ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt) is a damage-dealing Normal-type move introduced in Generation I. It was TM40 in Generation I. In Generation II, it was the signature move of Squirtle's evolutionary line, but other Pokémon could still inherit it via breeding.

Effect

Generation I

Skull Bash does nothing on the turn it is selected, other than say that the user lowered its head. On the following turn, Skull Bash will do damage, PP will be deducted from it, and it will count as the last move used. Once Skull Bash is selected, the user won't be able to switch out until it is disrupted or fully executed.

If Skull Bash is not fully executed, PP will not be deducted from it, and it will not count as the last move used. If the opponent uses Mirror Move during the turn that the user lowers its head, Mirror Move will copy the move that the user executed immediately before using Skull Bash (or fail if it can't).

Sleep, freeze, binding, and flinching will pause but not disrupt the duration of Skull Bash.

In Stadium, Mirror Move will copy Skull Bash on either of the turns it takes to execute.

Generation II to V

On the turn it is selected, Skull Bash will raise the user's Defense by one level.

If a Power Herb is held by the user, Skull Bash can be executed in one turn.

Generation VI

Skull Bash's power is changed from 100 to 130 and its PP changed from 15 to 10.

Generation IX

Skull Bash cannot be selected in a battle.

Description

Games Description
Stad In the first turn, the attacker tucks in its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
Stad2 In the first turn, the attacker tucks its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
GSC 1st turn: Prepare
2nd turn: Attack
RSE Tucks in the head, then attacks on the next turn.
FRLG The user raises its Defense in the 1st turn, then attacks in the 2nd turn.
ColoXD Raises defense, then attacks on the next turn.
DPPtHGSSPBR The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense in the first turn, then rams the foe on the next turn.
BWB2W2
XYORAS
The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense in the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSPLA
The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense stat on the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
SV This move can't be used. It's recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can't be remembered.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
0007 Squirtle WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1 35 40 40 31 31 31 31 45 36 36
0008 Wartortle WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1 39 45 45 36 36 36 37 59 50 50
0009 Blastoise WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1 42 55 55 39 39 39 40 75 56 56
0056 Mankey FightingIC Big.png Field Field 29
0057 Primeape FightingIC Big.png Field Field 30
0119 Seaking WaterIC Big.png Water 2 Water 2 1
0319 Sharpedo WaterIC Big.png
DarkIC Big.png
Water 2 Water 2 48 50 50 50XY
51ORAS
51
0689 Barbaracle RockIC Big.png
WaterIC Big.png
Water 3 Water 3 1, 65 1, 65 1
0713 Avalugg IceIC Big.png Monster Mineral 1, 60 1, 60 51
0787 Tapu Bulu GrassIC Big.png
FairyIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 58 70
0797 Celesteela SteelIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 53 70
0844 Sandaconda GroundIC Big.png Field Dragon 1
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
0001 Bulbasaur GrassIC Big.png
PoisonIC Big.png
Monster Grass
0029 Nidoran♀ PoisonIC Big.png Monster Field HGSS
0104 Cubone GroundIC Big.png Monster Monster
0111 Rhyhorn GroundIC Big.png
RockIC Big.png
Monster Field HGSS
0118 Goldeen WaterIC Big.png Water 2 Water 2
0324 Torkoal FireIC Big.png Field Field HGSS
0369 Relicanth WaterIC Big.png
RockIC Big.png
Water 1 Water 2
0399 Bidoof NormalIC Big.png Water 1 Field
0459 Snover GrassIC Big.png
IceIC Big.png
Monster Grass HGSS
0529 Drilbur GroundIC Big.png Field Field
0626 Bouffalant NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0833 Chewtle WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1
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 TM

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Compatibility
0004 Charmander FireIC Big.png Monster Dragon
0005 Charmeleon FireIC Big.png Monster Dragon
0006 Charizard FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Monster Dragon
0007 Squirtle WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1
0008 Wartortle WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1
0009 Blastoise WaterIC Big.png Monster Water 1
0015 Beedrill BugIC Big.png
PoisonIC Big.png
Bug Bug
0019 Rattata NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0020 Raticate NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0023 Ekans PoisonIC Big.png Field Dragon
0024 Arbok PoisonIC Big.png Field Dragon
0025 Pikachu ElectricIC Big.png Field Fairy
0026 Raichu ElectricIC Big.png Field Fairy
0027 Sandshrew GroundIC Big.png Field Field
0028 Sandslash GroundIC Big.png Field Field
0029 Nidoran♀ PoisonIC Big.png Monster Field
0030 Nidorina PoisonIC Big.png No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0031 Nidoqueen PoisonIC Big.png
GroundIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0032 Nidoran♂ PoisonIC Big.png Monster Field
0033 Nidorino PoisonIC Big.png Monster Field
0034 Nidoking PoisonIC Big.png
GroundIC Big.png
Monster Field
0035 Clefairy FairyIC Big.png Fairy Fairy
0036 Clefable FairyIC Big.png Fairy Fairy
0037 Vulpix FireIC Big.png Field Field
0038 Ninetales FireIC Big.png Field Field
0039 Jigglypuff NormalIC Big.png
FairyIC Big.png
Fairy Fairy
0040 Wigglytuff NormalIC Big.png
FairyIC Big.png
Fairy Fairy
0046 Paras BugIC Big.png
GrassIC Big.png
Bug Grass
0047 Parasect BugIC Big.png
GrassIC Big.png
Bug Grass
0052 Meowth NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0053 Persian NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0054 Psyduck WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Field
0055 Golduck WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Field
0056 Mankey FightingIC Big.png Field Field
0057 Primeape FightingIC Big.png Field Field
0058 Growlithe FireIC Big.png Field Field
0059 Arcanine FireIC Big.png Field Field
0060 Poliwag WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Water 1
0061 Poliwhirl WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Water 1
0062 Poliwrath WaterIC Big.png
FightingIC Big.png
Water 1 Water 1
0063 Abra PsychicIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0064 Kadabra PsychicIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0065 Alakazam PsychicIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0066 Machop FightingIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0067 Machoke FightingIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0068 Machamp FightingIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0072 Tentacool WaterIC Big.png
PoisonIC Big.png
Water 3 Water 3
0073 Tentacruel WaterIC Big.png
PoisonIC Big.png
Water 3 Water 3
0077 Ponyta FireIC Big.png Field Field
0078 Rapidash FireIC Big.png Field Field
0079 Slowpoke WaterIC Big.png
PsychicIC Big.png
Monster Water 1
0080 Slowbro WaterIC Big.png
PsychicIC Big.png
Monster Water 1
0083 Farfetch'd NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Field
0084 Doduo NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0085 Dodrio NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0086 Seel WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Field
0087 Dewgong WaterIC Big.png
IceIC Big.png
Water 1 Field
0094 Gengar GhostIC Big.png
PoisonIC Big.png
Amorphous Amorphous
0095 Onix RockIC Big.png
GroundIC Big.png
Mineral Mineral
0096 Drowzee PsychicIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0097 Hypno PsychicIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0101 Electrode ElectricIC Big.png Mineral Mineral
0104 Cubone GroundIC Big.png Monster Monster
0105 Marowak GroundIC Big.png Monster Monster
0106 Hitmonlee FightingIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0107 Hitmonchan FightingIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0108 Lickitung NormalIC Big.png Monster Monster
0111 Rhyhorn GroundIC Big.png
RockIC Big.png
Monster Field
0112 Rhydon GroundIC Big.png
RockIC Big.png
Monster Field
0113 Chansey NormalIC Big.png Fairy Fairy
0114 Tangela GrassIC Big.png Grass Grass
0115 Kangaskhan NormalIC Big.png Monster Monster
0116 Horsea WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Dragon
0117 Seadra WaterIC Big.png Water 1 Dragon
0118 Goldeen WaterIC Big.png Water 2 Water 2
0119 Seaking WaterIC Big.png Water 2 Water 2
0120 Staryu WaterIC Big.png Water 3 Water 3
0121 Starmie WaterIC Big.png
PsychicIC Big.png
Water 3 Water 3
0122 Mr. Mime PsychicIC Big.png
FairyIC Big.png
Human-Like Human-Like
0123 Scyther BugIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Bug Bug
0124 Jynx IceIC Big.png
PsychicIC Big.png
Human-Like Human-Like
0125 Electabuzz ElectricIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0126 Magmar FireIC Big.png Human-Like Human-Like
0128 Tauros NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0130 Gyarados WaterIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 2 Dragon
0131 Lapras WaterIC Big.png
IceIC Big.png
Monster Water 1
0133 Eevee NormalIC Big.png Field Field
0134 Vaporeon WaterIC Big.png Field Field
0135 Jolteon ElectricIC Big.png Field Field
0136 Flareon FireIC Big.png Field Field
0137 Porygon NormalIC Big.png Mineral Mineral
0139 Omastar RockIC Big.png
WaterIC Big.png
Water 1 Water 3
0141 Kabutops RockIC Big.png
WaterIC Big.png
Water 1 Water 3
0143 Snorlax NormalIC Big.png Monster Monster
0147 Dratini DragonIC Big.png Water 1 Dragon
0148 Dragonair DragonIC Big.png Water 1 Dragon
0149 Dragonite DragonIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 1 Dragon
0150 Mewtwo PsychicIC Big.png No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0151 Mew PsychicIC Big.png No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
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.


Special move

Generation VII

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0111 Rhyhorn GroundIC Big.png
RockIC Big.png
Monster Field Island Scan - Blush MountainSM
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

Skull Bash causes the user to gain the Skull Bash status condition on the first turn and boosts the user's Defense (this boost only lasts in the charging phase prior to Super Mystery Dungeon). The user unleashes the move on the next turn. In the Rescue Team and Explorers series, the move's damage is doubled at the end of damage calculation.

Being a two-turn move, this move cannot be linked. Skull Bash cannot be used in a Pokémon Tower in the Adventure Squad series.

Game Base
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
Range Target Cuts
corners
MDRB 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
MDTDS 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
BSL 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
SMD 37 99 15 30 100% - Front Enemy No
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

Pokémon GO

Skull Bash is a Charged Attack in Pokémon GO that has been available since July 9, 2019.

GO Normal.png Skull Bash
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 130
Energy cost 100
Duration 3.1 seconds
Damage window 1.8 - 2.3 seconds
Skull Bash GO.png
Trainer Battles
Power 130
Energy cost 75
Secondary effect GO boost arrow.png 1 Defense
Effect chance 100%
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
BlastoiseRaichuLaprasSnorlaxRhyperiorBouffalantBarbaracle
By Elite Charged TM
By GO Snapshot
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Super Smash Bros. series

Pikachu uses Skull Bash as its side special from Super Smash Bros. Melee onwards. Skull Bash can be charged up to inflict more damage and knockback, as well as launching Pikachu further sideways, making it usable for recovering.

Pichu uses Skull Bash as its side special. It is similar to Pikachu's, but can be charged longer and can deal even more damage and knockback, though hurts Pichu a little upon release. Pichu cannot legitimately learn Skull Bash in the main games, however.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

NormalIC RR.png Skull Bash
★★★★★
Attack power 31.90544
Charge time 1.44 seconds
Range type Dash
Number of hits 4
Number of projectiles 1
Critical hit rate 1.5%
Additional effect Raises the user's Defense
Skull Bash Rumble Rush.png

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Skull Bash is Blastoise's second move as Squirtle. The user dashes forward damaging and stunning all enemies hit for .5s. After reaching level 7 as Wartortle, it is replaced by either Surf or Rapid Spin.

Description

Doll Meowth III.png This article has information requiring translation. If you are able to translate Japanese and would like to help, please add the English translation to the section or sections in Japanese.
Games Description
MDRB The user gains the Skull Bash status, causing it to attack strongly on the next turn. It is not possible to link this move.
MDTDS Gives the user a Skull Bash status, which causes the Pokémon to charge power for 1 turn, then try a powerful attack on the next turn. It also boosts the Pokémon's Defense while charging. You can't link this move.
BSL ロケットずつきじょうたいになり ちからをため つぎのこうどうで いりょくのたかい こうげきを くりだす しかも ちからをためたターンは ぼうぎょがあがるぞ このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI IconKanji2MD.pngUNUSED
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U Charge it to increase the power and distance.*
SMD You tuck your head to boost your Defense and then damage an enemy on the next turn.*
You'll get the Skull Bash status condition, which lets you charge power to try a powerful attack on the next turn. It also boosts your Defense. The stat returns to normal when you go to the next floor or step on a IconTileSMD.pngWonder Tile.*


In animation

Pokémon animated series

Blaine Magmar Skull Bash.png
Magmar
Tracey Scyther Skull Bash.png
Scyther
Tierno Squirtle Skull Bash.png
Squirtle
Gary Blastoise Skull Bash.png
Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Charmander Charmander runs at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Ash's Charmander Pokémon Scent-sation Debut
Squirtle Squirtle runs and jumps at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head, or Squirtle jumps into the air, becomes surrounded by a silver aura, and slams its head into the opponent.
Ash's Squirtle The Kangaskhan Kid None
Tierno's Squirtle Summer of Discovery! None
Magmar Magmar hurtles itself at the opponent and hits it with its head.
Blaine's Magmar Volcanic Panic None
Scyther Scyther flies at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a golden orb with golden streaks around it. It then slams its head into the opponent.
Tracey's Scyther A Way Off Day Off None
Dragonite Dragonite flies up and strikes the opponent with its head at high speed.
Drake's Dragonite Enter the Dragonite Japanese version only
Eevee Eevee runs at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a white aura. It then strikes the opponent with its head.
Gary's Eevee The Rivalry Revival None
Raticate Raticate charges at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by golden streaks. It then slams its head into the opponent.
Cassidy's Raticate The Fortune Hunters None
Blastoise Blastoise slams its head into the opponent. Sometimes, its body becomes surrounded by a silver aura when using the attack; or, a white aura briefly flashes from Blastoise's body. It then charges at opponent and slams its head into them.
A Blastoise Jessie borrowed from the Battle Park One Trick Phony! None
Gary's Blastoise Can't Beat the Heat! None
Sid's Blastoise Destiny Deoxys None
Siebold's Blastoise Mega Evolution Special I None
Tierno's Blastoise Valuable Experience for All! None
A Sailor's Blastoise A Glaring Rivalry! None
Neesha's Blastoise I Choose You! None
Sharpedo Sharpedo swims at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a bright white aura. It then slams its body into the opponent.
Multiple wild Sharpedo Sharpedo Attack! None
Wartortle Wartortle jumps at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Tierno's Wartortle Good Friends, Great Training! None


Pokémon Origins

Blue Blastoise Skull Bash PO.png
Blastoise


The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Blastoise Blastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's Blastoise File 4: Charizard Debut


Pokémon Generations

Lance Dragonite Skull Bash PG.png
Dragonite
Blue Blastoise Skull Bash PG.png
Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Blastoise Blastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's Blastoise The Challenger Debut
Dragonite Dragonite slams its head into the opponent.
Lance's Dragonite The Challenger None


In the manga

Ash & Pikachu


The Electric Tale of Pikachu


Pokémon Adventures


  • Green's Blastoise, Blasty, was revealed to know Skull Bash on the official website, but he has never been shown using the move.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters


In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 火箭頭錘 Fójin Tàuhchèuih *
火箭頭鎚 Fójin Tàuhchèuih *
火箭頭擊 Fójin Tàuhgīk *
Mandarin 火箭頭錘 / 火箭头锤 Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí *
火箭頭槌 Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí *
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Hlavový náraz
Denmark Flag.png Danish Skalle*
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Schedelbeuk
Finland Flag.png Finnish Kallolytty (S01)
Pääpusku (Johto series)
French Canada Flag.png Canada Coud'Krâne*
France Flag.png Europe Coud'krâne
Germany Flag.png German Schädelwumme
Greece Flag.png Greek Κρανιοκόπημα Kraniokópima
India Flag.png Hindi सख्त खोपरी Sakht Khopri
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Sundulan Roket
Italy Flag.png Italian Capocciata
South Korea Flag.png Korean 로켓박치기 RokesbakchigiIX+
로케트박치기 RoketeubakchigiII, IVVIII
Poland Flag.png Polish Cios Głową*
Rakietowy Taran*
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Quebra-crânio (games, anime, TCG)
Quebracrânio (manga)
Golpe de Cabeça (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Esmaga Crânios
Russia Flag.png Russian Удар черепом Udar cherepom
Serbia Flag.png Serbian Udar Lobanjom
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Cabezazo* (EP076, EP098-present)
Megatope (EP034, JN113)
Embestida* (EP094, AG190)
Golpe de Cabeza* (EP059)
Embestida Final (EP026)
Spain Flag.png Spain Cabezazo
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Danskskalle*
Nickstöt*
Huvudattack*
Thailand Flag.png Thai พุ่งหัวจรวด
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Tên Lửa Húc Đầu


Generation I TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation I HMs
0102030405


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