Skull Bash (move)

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ロケットずつきRocket Headbutt
Type Normal
Category Physical
PP 10(max.16)
Power 130
Accuracy 100%
Priority 0
Range
OpponentOpponentOpponent
SelfAllyAlly
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-dealingNormal-typemove introduced inGeneration I. InGeneration II, it was thesignature move ofSquirtle's evolutionary line, but other Pokémon could still inherit it viabreeding. It isTM40 in Generation I andTM146 inPokémon Legends: Z-A.

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 usesMirror 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, andflinching will pause but not disrupt the duration of Skull Bash.

InStadium, 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'sDefense by one level.

If aPower 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

GamesDescription
StadIn the first turn, the attacker tucks in its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
Stad2In the first turn, the attacker tucks its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
GSC1st turn: Prepare
2nd turn: Attack
RSETucks in the head, then attacks on the next turn.
FRLGThe user raises itsDefense in the 1st turn, then attacks in the 2nd turn.
ColoXDRaises defense, then attacks on the next turn.
DPPtHGSSPBRThe 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.
SVThis move can't be used. It's recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can't be remembered.
ZAThe user boosts its Defense stat for a short time by tucking its head in, then attacks by ramming into targets. This move takes some time to carry out.


Learnset

Byleveling up

#PokémonTypesEgg GroupsLevel
IIIIIIIVVVIVIIVIII
0007SquirtleMonsterWater 135404031313131453636
0008WartortleMonsterWater 139454536363637595050
0009BlastoiseMonsterWater 142555539393940755656
0056MankeyFieldField29
0057PrimeapeFieldField30
0119SeakingWater 2Water 21
0319Sharpedo
Water 2Water 248505050XY
51ORAS
51
0689Barbaracle
Water 3Water 31, 651, 651
0713AvaluggMonsterMineral1, 601, 6051
0787Tapu Bulu
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered5870
0797Celesteela
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered5370
0844SandacondaFieldDragon1
Bold indicates a Pokémon gainsSTAB 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.


Bybreeding

#PokémonTypesEgg GroupsEgg Move
IIIIIIVVVIVIIVIII
0001Bulbasaur
MonsterGrass
0029Nidoran♀MonsterFieldHGSS
0104CuboneMonsterMonster
0111Rhyhorn
MonsterFieldHGSS
0118GoldeenWater 2Water 2
0324TorkoalFieldFieldHGSS
0369Relicanth
Water 1Water 2
0399BidoofWater 1Field
0459Snover
MonsterGrassHGSS
0529DrilburFieldField
0626BouffalantFieldField
0833ChewtleMonsterWater 1
Bold indicates a Pokémon gainsSTAB 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.


ByTM

#PokémonTypesEgg GroupsCompatibility
IIX
0004CharmanderMonsterDragon
0005CharmeleonMonsterDragon
0006Charizard
MonsterDragon
0007SquirtleMonsterWater 1
0008WartortleMonsterWater 1
0009BlastoiseMonsterWater 1
0015Beedrill
BugBug
0019RattataFieldField
0020RaticateFieldField
0023EkansFieldDragon
0024ArbokFieldDragon
0025PikachuFieldFairy
0026RaichuFieldFairy
0026Raichu
Raichu
Alolan Form

FieldFairy
0027SandshrewFieldField
0028SandslashFieldField
0029Nidoran♀MonsterField
0030NidorinaNo Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0031Nidoqueen
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0032Nidoran♂MonsterField
0033NidorinoMonsterField
0034Nidoking
MonsterField
0035ClefairyFairyFairy
0036ClefableFairyFairy
0037VulpixFieldField
0038NinetalesFieldField
0039Jigglypuff
FairyFairy
0040Wigglytuff
FairyFairy
0046Paras
BugGrass
0047Parasect
BugGrass
0052MeowthFieldField
0053PersianFieldField
0054PsyduckWater 1Field
0055GolduckWater 1Field
0056MankeyFieldField
0057PrimeapeFieldField
0058GrowlitheFieldField
0059ArcanineFieldField
0060PoliwagWater 1Water 1
0061PoliwhirlWater 1Water 1
0062Poliwrath
Water 1Water 1
0063AbraHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0064KadabraHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0065AlakazamHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0066MachopHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0067MachokeHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0068MachampHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0072Tentacool
Water 3Water 3
0073Tentacruel
Water 3Water 3
0077PonytaFieldField
0078RapidashFieldField
0079Slowpoke
MonsterWater 1
0079Slowpoke
Slowpoke
Galarian Form
MonsterWater 1
0080Slowbro
MonsterWater 1
0080Slowbro
Slowbro
Galarian Form

MonsterWater 1
0083Farfetch'd
FlyingField
0084Doduo
FlyingFlying
0085Dodrio
FlyingFlying
0086SeelWater 1Field
0087Dewgong
Water 1Field
0094Gengar
AmorphousAmorphous
0095Onix
MineralMineral
0096DrowzeeHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0097HypnoHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0101ElectrodeMineralMineral
0104CuboneMonsterMonster
0105MarowakMonsterMonster
0105Marowak
Marowak
Alolan Form

MonsterMonster
0106HitmonleeHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0107HitmonchanHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0108LickitungMonsterMonster
0111Rhyhorn
MonsterField
0112Rhydon
MonsterField
0113ChanseyFairyFairy
0114TangelaGrassGrass
0115KangaskhanMonsterMonster
0116HorseaWater 1Dragon
0117SeadraWater 1Dragon
0118GoldeenWater 2Water 2
0119SeakingWater 2Water 2
0120StaryuWater 3Water 3
0121Starmie
Water 3Water 3
0122Mr. Mime
Human-LikeHuman-Like
0123Scyther
BugBug
0124Jynx
Human-LikeHuman-Like
0125ElectabuzzHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0126MagmarHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0128TaurosFieldField
0130Gyarados
Water 2Dragon
0131Lapras
MonsterWater 1
0133EeveeFieldField
0134VaporeonFieldField
0135JolteonFieldField
0136FlareonFieldField
0137PorygonMineralMineral
0139Omastar
Water 1Water 3
0141Kabutops
Water 1Water 3
0143SnorlaxMonsterMonster
0147DratiniWater 1Dragon
0148DragonairWater 1Dragon
0149Dragonite
Water 1Dragon
0150MewtwoNo Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0151MewNo Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0196EspeonFieldField
0197UmbreonFieldField
0199Slowking
MonsterWater 1
0199Slowking
Slowking
Galarian Form

MonsterWater 1
0214Heracross
BugBug
0227Skarmory
FlyingFlying
0233Porygon2MineralMineral
0319Sharpedo
Water 2Water 2
0335ZangooseFieldField
0362GlalieFairyMineral
0373Salamence
DragonDragon
0376Metagross
MineralMineral
0397Staravia
FlyingFlying
0398Staraptor
FlyingFlying
0470LeafeonFieldField
0471GlaceonFieldField
0474Porygon-ZMineralMineral
0505WatchogFieldField
0530Excadrill
FieldField
0538ThrohHuman-LikeHuman-Like
0545Scolipede
BugBug
0560Scrafty
FieldDragon
0590Foongus
GrassGrass
0591Amoonguss
GrassGrass
0623Golurk
MineralMineral
0638Cobalion
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0639Terrakion
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0640Virizion
No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0647Keldeo
Keldeo
All forms

No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0649Genesect
Genesect
All forms

No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0652Chesnaught
FieldField
0660Diggersby
FieldField
0673GogoatFieldField
0676Furfrou
Furfrou
All forms
FieldField
0689Barbaracle
Water 3Water 3
0700SylveonFieldField
0701Hawlucha
FlyingHuman-Like
0713AvaluggMonsterMineral
0713Avalugg
Avalugg
Hisuian Form

MonsterMineral
0801Magearna
Magearna
All forms

No Eggs DiscoveredNo Eggs Discovered
0863PerrserkerFieldField
0865Sirfetch'dFlyingField
0870FalinksFairyMineral
0877Morpeko
FieldFairy
0931Squawkabilly
Squawkabilly
All forms

FlyingFlying
0932NacliMineralMineral
0933NaclstackMineralMineral
0934GarganaclMineralMineral
0943MabosstiffFieldField
0967Cyclizar
FieldField
Bold indicates a Pokémon gainsSTAB 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

#PokémonTypesEgg GroupsObtained with
0111Rhyhorn
MonsterFieldIsland Scan -Blush MountainSM
Bold indicates a Pokémon gainsSTAB 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 theSkull Bash status condition on the first turn and boosts the user's Defense (this boost only lasts in the charging phase prior toSuper Mystery Dungeon). The user unleashes the move on the next turn. In theRescue Team andExplorers 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 aPokémon Tower in theAdventure Squad series.

GameBase
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
RangeTargetCuts
corners
MDRB10-15-100%-FrontEnemyNo
MDTDS10-15-100%-FrontEnemyNo
BSL10-15-100%-FrontEnemyNo
SMD37991530100%-FrontEnemyNo
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

Pokémon GO

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

 Skull Bash
Charged Attack
Gyms &Raids
Power130
Energy cost100
Duration3.1 seconds
Damage window1.8 - 2.3 seconds
Trainer Battles
Power130
Energy cost75
Secondary effect 1 Defense
Effect chance100%
Max Battles
PowerLevel 1: 250
Level 2: 300
Level 3: 350
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
BlastoiseRaichuLaprasSnorlaxRhyperiorBouffalantBarbaracle
ByElite Charged TM
ByGO Snapshot
AsShadow Pokémon
AsPurified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Super Smash Bros. series

Pikachu usesSkull Bash as its side special fromSuper 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. Pichucannot legitimately learn Skull Bash in the main games, however.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Skull Bash
★★★★★
Attack power31.90544
Charge time1.44 seconds
Range typeDash
Number of hits4
Number of projectiles1
Critical hit rate1.5%
Additional effectRaises the user's Defense

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Skull Bash isBlastoise's second move asSquirtle. The user dashes forward damaging and stunning all enemies hit for .5s. After reaching level 7 asWartortle, it is replaced by eitherSurf orRapid Spin.

Description

GamesDescription
MDRBThe user gains the Skull Bash status, causing it to attack strongly on the next turn. It is not possible to link this move.
MDTDSGives 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
MDGtIUNUSED
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii UCharge it to increase the power and distance.*
SMDYou 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 aWonder Tile.*


In animation

Pokémon animated series


Magmar

Scyther

Squirtle

Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Used InNotes
CharmanderCharmander runs at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Ash's CharmanderPokémon Scent-sationDebut
SquirtleSquirtle 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 SquirtleThe Kangaskhan KidNone
Tierno's SquirtleSummer of Discovery!None
MagmarMagmar hurtles itself at the opponent and hits it with its head.
Blaine's MagmarVolcanic PanicNone
ScytherScyther 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 ScytherA Way Off Day OffNone
DragoniteDragonite flies up and strikes the opponent with its head at high speed.
Drake's DragoniteEnter the DragoniteJapanese version only
EeveeEevee runs at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a white aura. It then strikes the opponent with its head.
Gary's EeveeThe Rivalry RevivalNone
RaticateRaticate charges at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by golden streaks. It then slams its head into the opponent.
Cassidy's RaticateThe Fortune HuntersNone
BlastoiseBlastoise 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 ParkOne Trick Phony!None
Gary's BlastoiseCan't Beat the Heat!None
Sid's BlastoiseDestiny DeoxysNone
Siebold's BlastoiseMega Evolution Special INone
Tierno's BlastoiseValuable Experience for All!None
A Sailor's BlastoiseA Glaring Rivalry!None
Neesha's BlastoiseI Choose You!None
SharpedoSharpedo swims at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a bright white aura. It then slams its body into the opponent.
Multiple wild SharpedoSharpedo Attack!None
WartortleWartortle jumps at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Tierno's WartortleGood Friends, Great Training!None

Pokémon Origins


Blastoise


The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Used InNotes
BlastoiseBlastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's BlastoiseFile 4: CharizardDebut

Pokémon Generations


Dragonite

Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Used InNotes
BlastoiseBlastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's BlastoiseThe ChallengerDebut
DragoniteDragonite slams its head into the opponent.
Lance's DragoniteThe ChallengerNone

In the manga

Ash & Pikachu


Blastoise


The user slams its head into the opponent.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Chapter Used InNotes
BlastoiseBlastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Gary's BlastoiseOne Half Of A Poké BallDebut

The Electric Tale of Pikachu


Squirtle


The user tucks its head in, then rams the target with it.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Chapter Used InNotes
SquirtleSquirtle slams headfirst into the opponent with great force.
Ash's SquirtleThe Indigo FinalsDebut

Pokémon Adventures


Onix

Sandaconda
The user tucks its head in, then rams the target.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Chapter Used InNotes
OnixOnix floats into the air and curls its body around. It then fires itself at the opponent with huge speed and power.
Brock's OnixOnix Is On!Debut
SandacondaSandaconda rams the opponent with its head.
Raihan's SandacondaThump!! The Gazing SageNone
  • Green'sBlastoise,Blasty, was revealed to know Skull Bash on the official website, but he has never been shown using the move.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters


Blastoise


The user slams their head at the opponent.
PokémonMethod
UserFirst Chapter Used InNotes
BlastoiseBlastoise tucks its head, then quickly pokes it out of the body.
Blue's BlastoiseThe Pokémon Banana League (Part 1)Debut
SquirtleSquirtle flies in the air and slams its head at the foe.
A wild SquirtleTake Me to the Dragon Palace!None

In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

In other languages

LanguageTitle
ChineseCantonese火箭頭錘Fójin Tàuhchèuih*
火箭頭鎚Fójin Tàuhchèuih*
火箭頭擊Fójin Tàuhgīk*[specify]
Mandarin火箭頭錘 / 火箭头锤Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí*
火箭頭槌Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí*
CzechHlavový náraz
DanishSkalle*
DutchSchedelbeuk
FinnishKallolytty (S01)
Pääpusku (Gold and Silver series)
FrenchCanadaCoud'Krâne*
EuropeCoud'krâne
GermanSchädelwumme
GreekΚρανιοκόπημαKraniokópima
Hindiस्कल बैशSkull Bash*
सख्त खोपरीSakht Khopri
IndonesianTandukan Kepala Roket*
Sundulan Roket
ItalianCapocciata
Korean로켓박치기RokesbakchigiIX+
로케트박치기RoketeubakchigiII,IVVIII
PolishCios Głową*
Rakietowy Taran*
PortugueseBrazilQuebra-crânio (games, animated series, TCG)
Quebracrânio (manga)
Golpe de Cabeça (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
PortugalEsmaga Crânios
RussianЛобовой ТаранLobovoy Taran*
Удар ЧерепомUdar Cherepom
SerbianUdar Lobanjom
SpanishCabezazo
SwedishDanskskalle*
Nickstöt*
Huvudattack*
Thaiพุ่งหัวจรวดPhung Hua Charuat
TurkishKafatası Darbesi
VietnameseTên Lửa Húc Đầu
Variations of the moveSkull Bash
Skull Bash
Electro Shot


Generation ITMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation IHMs
0102030405
Generation IXTMs
SV
001002003004005006007008009010011012013014015016017018019
020021022023024025026027028029030031032033034035036037038
039040041042043044045046047048049050051052053054055056057
058059060061062063064065066067068069070071072073074075076
077078079080081082083084085086087088089090091092093094095
096097098099100101102103104105106107108109110111112113114
115116117118119120121122123124125126127128129130131132133
134135136137138139140141142143144145146147148149150151152
153154155156157158159160161162163164165166167168169170171
Added inSV2.0.1
172173174175176177178179180181182183184185186
187188189190191192193194195196197198199200201
Added inSV3.0.0
202203204205206207208209210211212213214215
216217218219220221222223224225226227228229
ZA
001002003004005006007008009010011012013014015016017018019
020021022023024025026027028029030031032033034035036037038
039040041042043044045046047048049050051052053054055056057
058059060061062063064065066067068069070071072073074075076
077078079080081082083084085086087088089090091092093094095
096097098099100101102103104105106107
Added inZA2.0.0
108109110111112113114115116117118119120121122123124125126
127128129130131132133134135136137138139140141142143144145
146147148149150151152153154155156157158159160
This article is part ofProject Moves and Abilities, aBulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.