Skull Bash (move)

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Skull Bash
ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt
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
I II III IV V VI VII VIII
0007 Squirtle Monster Water 1 35 40 40 31 31 31 31 45 36 36
0008 Wartortle Monster Water 1 39 45 45 36 36 36 37 59 50 50
0009 Blastoise Monster Water 1 42 55 55 39 39 39 40 75 56 56
0056 Mankey Field Field − − − − − − − − 29
0057 Primeape Field Field − − − − − − − − 30
0119 Seaking Water 2 Water 2 − − − − − − − 1 − −
0319 Sharpedo
Water 2 Water 2 48 50 50 50XY
51ORAS 		51 − −
0689 Barbaracle
Water 3 Water 3 1, 65 1, 65 1
0713 Avalugg Monster Mineral 1, 60 1, 60 51
0787 Tapu Bulu
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 58 70
0797 Celesteela
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 53 70
0844 Sandaconda 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
II III IV V VI VII VIII
0001 Bulbasaur
Monster Grass ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0029 Nidoran♀ Monster Field − − ✔HGSS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0104 Cubone Monster Monster ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0111 Rhyhorn
Monster Field − − ✔HGSS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0118 Goldeen Water 2 Water 2 − − − ✔ ✔ ✔ − ✔
0324 Torkoal Field Field − ✔HGSS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0369 Relicanth
Water 1 Water 2 ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0399 Bidoof Water 1 Field − ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0459 Snover
Monster Grass ✔HGSS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0529 Drilbur Field Field ✔ ✔ ✔ −
0626 Bouffalant Field Field ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
0833 Chewtle 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
I
TM40
0004 Charmander Monster Dragon ✔
0005 Charmeleon Monster Dragon ✔
0006 Charizard
Monster Dragon ✔
0007 Squirtle Monster Water 1 ✔
0008 Wartortle Monster Water 1 ✔
0009 Blastoise Monster Water 1 ✔
0015 Beedrill
Bug Bug ✔
0019 Rattata Field Field ✔
0020 Raticate Field Field ✔
0023 Ekans Field Dragon ✔
0024 Arbok Field Dragon ✔
0025 Pikachu Field Fairy ✔
0026 Raichu Field Fairy ✔
0027 Sandshrew Field Field ✔
0028 Sandslash Field Field ✔
0029 Nidoran♀ Monster Field ✔
0030 Nidorina No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered ✔
0031 Nidoqueen
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered ✔
0032 Nidoran♂ Monster Field ✔
0033 Nidorino Monster Field ✔
0034 Nidoking
Monster Field ✔
0035 Clefairy Fairy Fairy ✔
0036 Clefable Fairy Fairy ✔
0037 Vulpix Field Field ✔
0038 Ninetales Field Field ✔
0039 Jigglypuff
Fairy Fairy ✔
0040 Wigglytuff
Fairy Fairy ✔
0046 Paras
Bug Grass ✔
0047 Parasect
Bug Grass ✔
0052 Meowth Field Field ✔
0053 Persian Field Field ✔
0054 Psyduck Water 1 Field ✔
0055 Golduck Water 1 Field ✔
0056 Mankey Field Field ✔
0057 Primeape Field Field ✔
0058 Growlithe Field Field ✔
0059 Arcanine Field Field ✔
0060 Poliwag Water 1 Water 1 ✔
0061 Poliwhirl Water 1 Water 1 ✔
0062 Poliwrath
Water 1 Water 1 ✔
0063 Abra Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0064 Kadabra Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0065 Alakazam Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0066 Machop Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0067 Machoke Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0068 Machamp Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0072 Tentacool
Water 3 Water 3 ✔
0073 Tentacruel
Water 3 Water 3 ✔
0077 Ponyta Field Field ✔
0078 Rapidash Field Field ✔
0079 Slowpoke
Monster Water 1 ✔
0080 Slowbro
Monster Water 1 ✔
0083 Farfetch'd
Flying Field ✔
0084 Doduo
Flying Flying ✔
0085 Dodrio
Flying Flying ✔
0086 Seel Water 1 Field ✔
0087 Dewgong
Water 1 Field ✔
0094 Gengar
Amorphous Amorphous ✔
0095 Onix
Mineral Mineral ✔
0096 Drowzee Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0097 Hypno Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0101 Electrode Mineral Mineral ✔
0104 Cubone Monster Monster ✔
0105 Marowak Monster Monster ✔
0106 Hitmonlee Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0107 Hitmonchan Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0108 Lickitung Monster Monster ✔
0111 Rhyhorn
Monster Field ✔
0112 Rhydon
Monster Field ✔
0113 Chansey Fairy Fairy ✔
0114 Tangela Grass Grass ✔
0115 Kangaskhan Monster Monster ✔
0116 Horsea Water 1 Dragon ✔
0117 Seadra Water 1 Dragon ✔
0118 Goldeen Water 2 Water 2 ✔
0119 Seaking Water 2 Water 2 ✔
0120 Staryu Water 3 Water 3 ✔
0121 Starmie
Water 3 Water 3 ✔
0122 Mr. Mime
Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0123 Scyther
Bug Bug ✔
0124 Jynx
Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0125 Electabuzz Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0126 Magmar Human-Like Human-Like ✔
0128 Tauros Field Field ✔
0130 Gyarados
Water 2 Dragon ✔
0131 Lapras
Monster Water 1 ✔
0133 Eevee Field Field ✔
0134 Vaporeon Field Field ✔
0135 Jolteon Field Field ✔
0136 Flareon Field Field ✔
0137 Porygon Mineral Mineral ✔
0139 Omastar
Water 1 Water 3 ✔
0141 Kabutops
Water 1 Water 3 ✔
0143 Snorlax Monster Monster ✔
0147 Dratini Water 1 Dragon ✔
0148 Dragonair Water 1 Dragon ✔
0149 Dragonite
Water 1 Dragon ✔
0150 Mewtwo No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered ✔
0151 Mew 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
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.

 Skull Bash
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 130
Energy cost 100
Duration 3.1 seconds
Damage window 1.8 - 2.3 seconds
Trainer Battles
Power 130
Energy cost 75
Secondary effect 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

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

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

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 UNUSED
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 Wonder Tile.*


In the anime

Main series


Magmar

Scyther

Squirtle

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


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


Dragonite

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

Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV


Generation V Generation VI Generation VII

Side series games

Stadium Stadium 2 Colosseum XD
Battle Revolution

Spin-off series games

MD: Red and Blue SMD

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 *
Czech Hlavový náraz
Danish Skalle*
Dutch Schedelbeuk
Finnish Kallolytty (S01)
Pääpusku (Johto series)
French Canada Coud'Krâne*
Europe Coud'krâne
German Schädelwumme
Greek Κρανιοκόπημα Kraniokópima
Hindi सख्त खोपरी Sakht Khopri
Indonesian Sundulan Roket
Italian Capocciata
Korean 로켓박치기 RokesbakchigiIX+
로케트박치기 RoketeubakchigiII, IV–VIII
Polish Cios Głową*
Rakietowy Taran*
Portuguese Brazil Quebra-crânio (games, anime, TCG)
Quebracrânio (manga)
Golpe de Cabeça (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
Portugal Esmaga Crânios
Russian Удар черепом Udar cherepom
Serbian Udar Lobanjom
Spanish Latin America Cabezazo* (EP076, EP098-present)
Megatope (EP034, JN113)
Embestida* (EP094, AG190)
Golpe de Cabeza* (EP059)
Embestida Final (EP026)
Spain Cabezazo
Swedish Danskskalle*
Nickstöt*
Huvudattack*
Thai พุ่งหัวจรวด
Vietnamese Tên Lửa Húc Đầu


Generation I TMs
01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05 • 06 • 07 • 08 • 09 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20 • 21 • 22 • 23 • 24 • 25
26 • 27 • 28 • 29 • 30 • 31 • 32 • 33 • 34 • 35 • 36 • 37 • 38 • 39 • 40 • 41 • 42 • 43 • 44 • 45 • 46 • 47 • 48 • 49 • 50
Generation I HMs
01 • 02 • 03 • 04 • 05


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.
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