Lock-On (move)

Lock-On ロックオン Lock-On

Battles Type  Normal Category  Status PP  5 (max. 8) Power  — Accuracy  —% Priority  0 Does not make 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 II Not a TM, TR, HM, or Move Tutor move.

Contests Condition  Smart Appeal  3 ♥♥♥ Jam  0   Temporarily stops the crowd from growing excited.

Super Contests Condition  Smart Appeal  1 ♥ Earn +3 if two Pokémon raise the Voltage in a row.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Clever Appeal  3 ♥♥♥ Jamming  0   Causes the user to move earlier on the next turn.

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

Lock-On (Japanese: ロックオン Lock-On) is a non-damaging Normal-type move introduced in Generation II.

Effect

After the user has used Lock-On and until its effect ends (see table below), any accuracy check it makes against the same target will succeed; this means moves will not miss, even if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly. Although this effect means moves will not "miss", they can still fail for other reasons (such as being Protected, or Fake Out being used outside the first turn) or be redirected by move-drawing moves and Abilities. The damaging turn of Future Sight and Doom Desire counts as an accuracy check.

Lock-On will fail if the target is behind a substitute.

	Gen II	Gen III	Gen IV	Gen V+
Accuracy	100%	100%	—*	—*
Fails if effect is already active	✘	✘	✘	✔
Effect expires...	Next move against target	End of next turn	End of next turn	End of next turn
Effect ends when [who] leaves	Affected target	Target or user	Target or user	Target or user
Can be Baton Passed	✔ (target only)	✔ (either side)	✔ (either side)	✘

*: This move bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, unless the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

Generation II

In this generation only, this effect is implemented as a status attached only to the target, so any Pokémon who attacks the target next (not just the user) will receive the benefit of this effect. Also, when a move is used, this effect is checked after the following conditions: if Dream Eater is used against a non-sleeping target; if Protect or Detect is active; or if Dream Eater, Absorb, Mega Drain, Leech Life, or Giga Drain are targeting a Pokémon with a substitute. Therefore, if a move fails in those cases, Lock-On's effect will remain in place.

In this generation only, this effect will not allow the moves Earthquake, Fissure, or Magnitude to hit a Pokémon in the semi-invulnerable turn of Fly; the move will miss and Lock-On's effect ends. (Type immunity is checked before Lock-On's effect, so this mainly applies to Mew or a non-Flying-type Pokémon that calls Fly indirectly or via Mimic or Sketch.)

Generations III

Only one Pokémon at a time can have the effect of Lock-On or Mind Reader applied to a given target. If another Pokémon uses one of these moves on the same target, the effect will be overwritten for the previous Pokémon and be associated with the new Pokémon instead.

Lock-On can be used as the first move of a Pokémon Contest combination, causing Octazooka, Superpower, Thunder, Tri Attack, and Zap Cannon to score double the normal appeal if used in the next turn.

Generations IV

Like in Generation III, only one Pokémon at a time can have the effect of Lock-On or Mind Reader applied to a given target.

In this generation only, due to a glitch, if a move receives the effect of Lock-On while the target is under the effect of protection, the move will ignore the protection with inverted accuracy. This does not apply to OHKO moves.

Lock-On can also be used as part of a Contest Spectacular combination, causing a one-hit knockout move to give an extra three appeal points if used in the next turn.

Generation V

Starting in Generation V, multiple Pokémon can have the effect of Lock-On or Mind Reader on the same target. Lock-On will not fail if another Pokémon has used Lock-On or Mind Reader on the same target; it will only fail if the user already has the effect active on its current target.

Generation VII

If powered up by a Normalium Z into Z-Lock-On, the user's Speed stat is raised by one stage.

Description

Games Description Stad2 An attack that locks on to the target to ensure that the next attack will hit without fail. GSC Ensures the next attack will hit. RSE Locks on to the foe to ensure the next move hits. FRLG The user locks on to the foe, making the next move sure to hit. ColoXD Locks onto the target to ensure the next move hits. DPPtHGSSPBR The user takes sure aim at the foe. It ensures the next attack does not fail to hit the target. BWB2W2 The user takes sure aim at the target. It ensures the next attack does not fail to hit the target. XYORAS SMUSUMPE SwShBDSPLA The user takes sure aim at the target. This ensures the next attack does not miss the target. SV The user takes sure aim at the target. This ensures the user's next move does not miss that target.

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII		IX
											SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP	SV
0081		Magnemite		Mineral		Mineral	27	32	27	30BW 46B2W2	46XY 41ORAS	41	48	48	48
0082		Magneton		Mineral		Mineral	27	35	27	30BW 56B2W2	56XY 49ORAS	49	58	58	58
0137		Porygon		Mineral		Mineral	32	32	45	45	45	45	55	55	55
0223		Remoraid		Water 1	Water 2	11	11	6	6	6	6	24	24
0224		Octillery		Water 1	Water 2	−	−	−	−	−	−	24	24
0233		Porygon2		Mineral		Mineral	32	32	45	45	45	45	55	55	50
0299		Nosepass		Mineral		Mineral		46	67DP 73PtHGSS	73BW 50B2W2	50XY 43ORAS	43		43	43
0377		Regirock		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered		57	57	57	1, 57XY 55ORAS	55	60	60	60
0378		Regice		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered		57	57	57	1, 57XY 55ORAS	55	60	60	60
0379		Registeel		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered		57	57	57	1, 57XY 55ORAS	55	60	60	60
0462		Magnezone		Mineral		Mineral			27	30BW 56B2W2	56XY 49ORAS	49	58	58	58
0474		Porygon-Z		Mineral		Mineral			45	45	45	45	55	55	55
0476		Probopass		Mineral		Mineral			67DP 73PtHGSS	73BW 50B2W2	50XY 43ORAS	43		43	43
0599		Klink		Mineral		Mineral				51	50	50	36
0600		Klang		Mineral		Mineral				56	56	56	36
0601		Klinklang		Mineral		Mineral				60	60	60	36
0649		Genesect All forms		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered				11	11	11	77
0801		Magearna All forms		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered						−	−		42
0886		Drakloak		Amorphous	Dragon							6		6
0887		Dragapult		Amorphous	Dragon							6		6
0894		Regieleki		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered							60		60
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
						V	VI	VII
								SMUSUM
0524		Roggenrola		Mineral		Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0707		Klefki		Mineral		Mineral		✔	✔
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

Lock-On causes the user to gain the Sure Shot status condition, making the user's moves ignore accuracy and evasion checks. This status condition lasts for 11-12^RBTDS / 3^GtISMD turns.

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDRB - - 12 - —% - User User - MDTDS - - 7 - —% - User User - BSL - - 7 - —% - User User - MDGtI - - 13 50 —% - User User - SMD - - 13 30 —% - User User - 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 GO

In Pokémon GO, Lock-On is a Fast Attack that has been available since November 1, 2019.

Lock-On
Fast Attack
Gyms & Raids Power 1 Energy boost 6 Duration 0.3 seconds Damage window 0.17 - 0.3 seconds
Trainer Battles Power 1 Energy boost 5 Turns 1
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility By Elite Fast TM By GO Snapshot As Shadow Pokémon As Purified Pokémon Formerly eligible None

Description

Games Description MDRB Gives the user the Sure Shot status, making all its moves and attacks completely accurate. MDTDS Gives the user a Sure Shot status, which makes all moves and attacks completely accurate. BSL じぶんを ひっちゅうじょうたいにかえる ひっちゅうじょうたいのときは こうげきや わざが かならず めいちゅうする MDGtI You'll get the Sure Shot status, which makes your attack hit the enemy without fail. SMD MDRTDX You'll get the Sure Shot status, which makes your attacks and moves hit the enemy without fail.

In the anime

Main series

Regirock Registeel Effect
The user takes sure aim at the target. This ensures the user's next move does not miss that target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	The Braille pattern on Regirock's face glows red, and it releases a red ring at the opponent from its body. The red ring shoots at the opponent and grows smaller when it hits it, turning into a red target that sticks to the opponent. The next attack Regirock uses cannot miss and will curve should the target move.
Brandon's Regirock	Battling the Enemy Within!		Debut
	The Braille pattern on Registeel's face glows red and it releases a red ring at the opponent from its body. The red ring shoots at the opponent and grows smaller when it reaches the opponent, turning into a red target that sticks to the opponent. The next attack Registeel uses cannot miss and will curve should the target move.
Brandon's Registeel	Overjoyed!		None

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

Dragapult
The user takes sure aim at the foe. It ensures the next attack does not fail to hit the target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Dragapult focuses a target on the opponent. The next move Dragapult uses cannot miss.
Leon's Dragapult	Sky		Debut

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Porygon2
The user locks onto the opponent so the next move does not miss.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Porygon2 locks onto the opponent so the next attack it uses cannot miss.
The Pokémon Association's Porygon2	Forretress of Solitude		Debut

Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!!

Magnezone
The user locks onto the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Magnezone focuses on the opponent with its eye.
Unknown Trainer's Magnezone	PBK6		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, andSky	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, andSky	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, andSky	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, andSky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 鎖定 Sódihng Mandarin 鎖定 / 锁定 Suǒdìng French Verrouillage German Zielschuss Greek Κλείδωμα Στόχου Italian Localizza Korean 록온 Rogon Portuguese Brazil Mirar Portugal Mira Serbian Nišanjenje Spanish Fijar Blanco Thai ล็อคออน Vietnamese Khóa Mục Tiêu

Variations of the move Lock-On
Lock-On • Mind Reader

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.