Signature move
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A signature move (Japanese: 専用技 exclusive move) is a move that can normally only be learned by a single Pokémon, evolutionary family, or Legendary group.
Most signature moves are learned by leveling up. Despite being signature moves of a particular species, other Pokémon can still sometimes learn the move through other means. Some signature moves can also be inherited via breeding or are known by certain gift or event Pokémon. Additionally, Smeargle can learn most signature moves via its own signature move, Sketch.
List of Pokémon and their signature moves
Z-Moves
G-Max Moves
Shadow moves
| # | Pokémon | Move | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 144 | 
|
Articuno | Shadow Chill |
| 145 | 
|
Zapdos | Shadow Bolt |
| 146 | 
|
Moltres | Shadow Fire |
| 249 | 
|
Shadow Lugia |
Shadow Blast |
One-off signature moves
This is a list of signature moves that at only one point, another Pokémon had the ability to acquire:
- A Dratini that knows Extreme Speed is obtainable in Pokémon Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver after correctly answering a quiz in the Dragon's Den. Any Dratini received in this way is capable of passing down Extreme Speed since it is also an egg move for Dratini since HeartGold, and SoulSilver.
- An Egg will be given by the Day-Care Man in Pokémon Crystal that hatches into a random baby Pokémon that knows Dizzy Punch.
- A Skitty with Pay Day can be obtained from a special Egg after depositing 500 Pokémon in Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire from a Game Boy Advance game pak.
- After Lugia from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness has been purified, it learns Psycho Boost and Feather Dance.
- After Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres from Pokémon XD have been purified, they all learn Extrasensory.
- A Darkrai with Roar of Time and Spacial Rend was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 10th movie.
- An Arceus with Roar of Time, Spacial Rend, and Shadow Force was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 12th movie.
- A Victini with Fusion Flare and Fusion Bolt was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 14th movie.
- A Victini with Glaciate, Bolt Strike, and Blue Flare was available as a special giveaway to celebrate Christmas 2012.
- No Pokémon can learn V-create outside of event distributions. Victini was the first to gain access to it and is often associated with the move. However, later, a Rayquaza with V-create was available as the winner of a popularity poll held in Japan in 2011, making it no longer Victini's signature move.
Similar examples
These are moves that are similar to signature moves, but do not qualify for some reason or another.
Species specific moves
These moves are specifically programmed for these Pokémon.
| # | Pokémon | Move | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 025 |  |
Cosplay Pikachu |
Thunder Shock | This move replaces Cosplay Pikachu's other form's special move while changing into this form if it had no other moves |
| 025 |  |
Pikachu Rock Star |
Meteor Mash | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 025 |  |
Pikachu Belle |
Icicle Crash | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 025 |  |
Pikachu Pop Star |
Draining Kiss | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 025 |  |
Pikachu Ph. D |
Electric Terrain | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 025 |  |
Pikachu Libre |
Flying Press | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 172 |  |
Pichu | Volt Tackle | Pichu will hatch with that move if its parent was holding Light Ball in the Day Care or the Nursery |
| 384 |  |
Rayquaza | Dragon Ascent | Rayquaza can Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza if it knows this move, but only if it is not holding a Z-Crystal |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Normal Rotom |
Thunder Shock | This move replaces Rotom's other form's special move while changing into this form if it had no other moves |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Heat |
Overheat | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Wash |
Hydro Pump | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Frost |
Blizzard | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Fan |
Air Slash | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form |
| 479 |  |
Rotom Mow |
Leaf Storm | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form |
| 491 |  |
Darkrai | Dark Void | Since Generation VII this move will fail if it is not used by Darkrai |
| 493 |  |
Arceus | Judgment | This move changes type along with Arceus' form |
| 646 |  |
Kyurem Normal Kyurem |
Glaciate | This move replaces Kyurem's Ice Burn or Freeze Shock while changing into this form |
| 646 | |
Kyurem Normal Kyurem |
Scary Face | This move replaces Kyurem's Fusion Flare or Fusion Bolt while changing into this form |
| 646 |  |
Kyurem White Kyurem |
Ice Burn | This move replaces Kyurem's Glaciate or Freeze Shock while changing into this form |
| 646 | |
Kyurem White Kyurem |
Fusion Flare | This move replaces Kyurem's Scary Face or Fusion Bolt while changing into this form |
| 646 |  |
Kyurem Black Kyurem |
Freeze Shock | This move replaces Kyurem's Ice Burn or Glaciate while changing into this form |
| 646 | |
Kyurem Black Kyurem |
Fusion Bolt | This move replaces Kyurem's Fusian Flare or Scary Face while changing into this form |
| 648 |  |
Meloetta | Relic Song | This move changes Meloetta between Aria and Piruette Formes |
| 649 |  |
Genesect | Techno Blast | This move changes type along with Genesect's form |
| 658 |  |
Ash-Greninja | Water Shuriken | If this move is used by Ash-Greninja then it's power is risen and it always hits three times |
| 681 |  |
Aegislash | King's Shield | This move changes Aegislash into Shield Forme until it will use damage dealing move |
| 720 |  |
Hoopa Unbound |
Hyperspace Fury | This move will fail if it is not used by Hoopa Unbound Form |
| 741 |  |
Oricorio | Revelation Dance | This move changes type along with Oricorio's form |
| 773 |  |
Silvally | Multi-Attack | This move changes type along with Silvally's form |
| 800 |  |
Necrozma Normal Necrozma |
Confusion | This move replaces Necrozma's Sunsteel Strike or Moongeist Beam while changing into this form |
| 800 |  |
Dusk Mane Necrozma |
Sunsteel Strike | Necrozma will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 800 |  |
Dawn Wings Necrozma |
Moongeist Beam | Necrozma will try to learn this move along with changing into this form |
| 845 |  |
Cramorant | Surf Dive |
After using Surf or Dive Cramorant will change into Gulping Form if it has over 50% HP or into Gorging Form if it has less than or equal to 50% HP until hit by an damage dealing move |
| 877 |  |
Morpeko | Aura Wheel | This move changes type along with Morpeko's form |
| 888 |  |
Zacian Hero of Many Battles |
Iron Head | This move replaces Zacian's Iron Head while changing into this form |
| 888 |  |
Zacian Crowned Sword |
Behemoth Blade | This move replaces Zacian's Iron Head while changing into this form by holding Rusted Sword |
| 889 |  |
Zamazenta Hero of Many Battles |
Iron Head | This move replaces Zamazenta's Behemoth Bash while changing into this form |
| 889 |  |
Zamazenta Crowned Shield |
Behemoth Bash | This move replaces Zamazenta's Iron Head while changing into this form by holding Rusted Shield |
- Mega Gengar, Diglett, Dugtrio, Sandygast and Palossand cannot be affected by the move Telekinesis, but a Pokémon transformed into one of these Pokémon can be affected. If Mega Gengar is affected by Telekinesis before Mega Evolving or receives the effect via Baton Pass, the effect disappears; the other four will retain the effect if they obtain it via Baton Pass.
Teachable moves that are exclusive by level-up
- In Generation I, Squirtle and its evolutionary relatives are the only Pokémon to learn Skull Bash by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM40.
- In Generation I, Abra and its evolutionary relatives are the only Pokémon to learn Teleport by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM30.
- In Generation I, Machop and its evolutionary relatives are the only Pokémon to learn Submission by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM17.
- In Generation I, Gastly and its evolutionary relatives are the only Pokémon to learn Dream Eater by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM42.
- In Generation I, Hitmonchan is the only Pokémon to learn Counter by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM18.
- In Generation I, Mr. Mime is the only Pokémon to learn Substitute by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM50.
- In Generation I, Moltres is the only Pokémon to learn Sky Attack by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM43.
- Prior to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Goldeen and Seaking are the only Pokémon to learn Waterfall by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through HM from Generation II onward.
- Prior to Pokémon Yellow, Scyther is the only Pokémon to learn Double Team by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM32.
- In Pokémon Yellow, Pikachu is the only Pokémon to learn Thunderbolt by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn in through TM24.
- In Generation II, Grimer and Muk are the only Pokémon to learn Sludge Bomb by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM36.
- In Generation II, Unown is the only Pokémon to learn Hidden Power by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM10. Hidden Power is also the only move Unown can learn.
- Prior to Generation III, Diglett and Dugtrio are the only Pokémon to learn Dig by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM28.
- In Generation III, Sunflora is the only Pokémon to learn Bullet Seed by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM09.
- In Generation III, Nuzleaf is the only Pokémon to learn Torment by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM41.
- In Generation IV, Jynx and Smoochum are the only Pokémon to learn Avalanche by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM72.
- Buneary is the only Pokémon to learn Frustration by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM21.
- Lopunny is the only Pokémon to learn Return by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM27.
- In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Misdreavus is the only Pokémon to learn Pain Split by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through Move Tutor.
- Prior to Generation V, Vigoroth is the only Pokémon to learn Focus Punch by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM01.
- In Generation IV, Chimchar is the only Pokémon to learn Facade by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM42.
- In Generation V, Panpour and Simipour are the only Pokémon to learn Scald by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM55.
- In Generation V, Pansage is the only Pokémon to learn Grass Knot by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM86.
- In Generation V, Kadabra and Alakazam are the only Pokémon to learn Ally Switch by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM51.
- In Generation V, Emolga is the only Pokémon to learn Volt Switch by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM72.
- Joltik and Galvantula are the only Pokémon to learn Electroweb by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through Move Tutor in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
- Prior to Generation VI, Skarmory is the only Pokémon to learn Steel Wing by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM47 (Except in Generation V).
- Prior to Generation VI, Porygon-Z is the only Pokémon to learn Trick Room by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM92.
- Yveltal is the only Pokémon to learn Focus Blast by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM52.
- Prior to Generation VIII, Chatot is the only Pokémon to learn Confide by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM100.
- Prior to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Murkrow and Honchkrow are the only Pokémon to learn Quash by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM60.
- Prior to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Yveltal is the only Pokémon to learn Snarl by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM95.
- In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Audino is the only Pokémon to learn Secret Power by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM94.
- Since Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire and prior to Generation VIII, Snorunt and Glalie are the only Pokémon to learn Frost Breath by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM79.
- Prior to Generation VII, Hitmonlee is the only Pokémon to learn Mega Kick by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM05 and Move Tutor in Generation I and Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, respectively.
- Prior to Generation VII, Volbeat is the only Pokémon to learn Flash by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through HM05/TM70.
- Prior to Generation VII, Sawk is the only Pokémon to learn Rock Smash by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM94/HM06 in Generation V and VI.
- Prior to Generation VII, Lucario is the only Pokémon to learn Power-Up Punch by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it through TM98.
- In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Aerodactyl is the only Pokémon to learn Fly by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TM14.
- In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Hitmonlee is the only Pokémon to learn Blaze Kick by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TR41.
- In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Scraggy and Scrafty are the only Pokémon to learn Facade by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TM39.
- In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Incineroar is the only Pokémon to learn Darkest Lariat by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TR93.
- In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Corviknight is the only Pokémon to learn Steel Wing by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TM30.
- In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Rolycoly and its evolutionary relatives are the only Pokémon to learn Heat Crash by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TR88.
- Duraludon is the only Pokémon to learn Breaking Swipe by leveling up, but other Pokémon can learn it via TM99.
In the anime
In the anime, it is uncommon for specific moves to be explicitly stated to be exclusive to a certain Pokémon species.
Although some moves were occasionally referred to as a Pokémon's "special attack" during the original series, in most of these cases, the move in question actually wasn't that Pokémon's signature move. A notable exception to this was in Holiday Hi-Jynx, where Ash's Pokédex correctly referred to Lovely Kiss as the "special attack" of Jynx.
The concept was also mentioned during a quiz challenge in Classroom Training!, where Candice stated that Pay Day could only be learned by Meowth.
- Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise are often associated with Solar Beam, Flamethrower, and Hydro Pump.
- Although several Pokémon have been able to learn Sing since its introduction, the move is heavily associated with Jigglypuff due to the Jigglypuff in the anime.
- Electrode are most commonly seen using Explosion, with it being shown to use it most in the anime.
- In the anime, Steelix have been commonly seen to be using the move Iron Tail.
Trivia
- Although not always signature, some Pokémon are capable to learn only one move which are Ditto - Transform, Unown - Hidden Power, Smeargle - Sketch or rely on a very limited set of moves mostly by ones that cannot use TMs.
- Umbreon's Moonlight is a counterpart to Espeon's Morning Sun, though it never was its signature move.
- In Generation V, Sacred Sword was exclusively learned by the Swords of Justice, being a signature move of a Legendary group rather than an evolutionary family.
- Similarly, Fusion Flare andFusion Bolt are exclusively learned by Reshiram and White Kyurem, and Zekrom and Black Kyurem, respectively. Kyurem's forms are the result of absorbing Reshiram or Zekrom, and thus gain some of their traits and powers.
- Dracozolt and Arctozolt are the only Pokémon that can learn Bolt Beak while Dracovish and Arctovish are the only Pokémon that can learn Fishious Rend.
- Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise are often associated with Solar Beam, Flamethrower, and Hydro Pump respectivly.
- In Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden though Ash's Pokédex it is stated that Hydro Pump is Blastoise's special attack.
- In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Charizard's trophy states that Flamethrower is its signature move.
- In One Trick Phony! Ash's Pokédex states that Solar Beam is Bulbasaur's most powerful attack.
- The move Razor Shell isn't a signature of Oshawott's evolutionary line, although it uses shell of these Pokémon in its animation.
- Similarly, the move Steamroller is designed for Venipede family line basing on the same type and being almost exclusive.
- Suicune, being known as the "Aurora Pokémon", is associated with the move Aurora Beam.
- Lucario is may be associated with Aura Sphere because of being the "Aura Pokémon".
- The move Meteor Mash was temporary a signature of Beldum evolutionary line until Clefairy became legally available in FireRed and LeafGreen.
See also
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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. |
