Game move errors
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This article is incomplete. Please feel free to edit this article to add missing information and complete it. Reason: missing some game images |
In the games, there will occasionally be a Pokémon that knows a move it cannot know commonly referred to as an illegal move, when owned by the player. It is unknown whether most of these are actual oversights on the part of the developers.
Pokémon with unobtainable movesets in the core series games
Unobtainable for the generation
Unobtainable moves
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
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Lance's Dragonite | Barrier | Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue Pokémon Red and Blue |
Dragonite cannot know Barrier until Generation VI, in which a Dragonite based on Lance's that knows Barrier was distributed. |  |
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Lance's Aerodactyl | Rock Slide | Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal | Aerodactyl could not learn Rock Slide until Generation III. |  |
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Cooltrainer Dianne's Lanturn (Victory Road) | Earthquake | Pokémon Emerald |  | |
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Gentleman ピエール's Mawile (Trainer Hill 4F) | Comet Punch | Pokémon Emerald (Japanese) | In the Japanese version of Pokémon Emerald only, the layout of Trainer Hill can be customized by scanning e-Reader cards.
This Trainer and their Mawile will appear if and only if exactly seven such cards have been scanned, regardless of which cards they are, so that an eighth default Trainer needs to be added to fill out the roster with two Trainers per floor. |
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Battle Hall Totodile | Brine | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | 
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Battle Hall Roselia | Sludge | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | It was likely intended to be Sludge Bomb, a move which Roselia can know. | 
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Battle Hall Anorith | Stone Edge | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | Anorith's evolution, Armaldo, can learn Stone Edge. | 
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Ace Trainer Nick's Squirtle (Union Cave B2F) | Curse | Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | Squirtle can only learn Curse in Generation II, however, Pokémon from Generation II games cannot be transferred to Generation IV. This error is likely due to Nick's Squirtle retaining its moveset from Pokémon Gold and Silver, in which it could learn Curse. | |
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School Kid Ann's Sandy Cloak Wormadam | Leaf Storm | Pokémon Black and White | Only Plant Cloak Wormadam can learn Leaf Storm. Due to learning the move at the same level, this Wormadam should instead know Fissure. | 
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En's Moltres (PWT) | Leer | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | Moltres could only learn Leer in Generation I, and starting in Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, neither of which can be transferred to Generation V. | 
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Abel's Metagross | Ice Beam | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | From November 18 to 20, 2012, Metagross knew Ice Beam. After that, it was replaced with the correct move, Ice Punch.
This has been officially confirmed as an error, due to being based on a real-world Trainer. |
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Totem Wishiwashi's Ally Alomomola (Brooklet Hill) | Water Gun | Pokémon Sun and Moon | The Totem Wishiwashi can summon an ally Alomomola which knows Water Gun. | |
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Battle Royal Shuckle | Stockpile | Pokémon Sun and Moon (v1.0) | Starting in v1.1, this Shuckle instead knows Double Team. | |
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Battle Tree Kommo-o | Shell Smash | Pokémon Sun and Moon (v1.0) | Starting in v1.1, this Kommo-o instead knows Draco Meteor. | |
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Hiker Jim's Onix (Underground Path (Kanto Routes 7–8)) | Wrap | Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! | It was likely intended to be Bind, a move which Onix can know. | |
 
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1★ Wild Area News Drilbur → Excadrill | Hydro Pump (Max Geyser when Dynamaxed) |
Pokémon Shield (Available directly) Pokémon Sword |
For a portion of the first day of this round of the Wild Area News for April 28 to May 11, 2020, 1★ Drilbur raids originating from Shield came with the illegal move Hydro Pump. The same raids for the rest of the event's duration, or from Sword, came with the correct move, Scratch. Players who caught a Drilbur with Hydro Pump cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is forgotten; after doing so, it cannot be relearned.
These erroneous Drilbur otherwise function like other Drilbur, and can evolve into Excadrill with Hydro Pump. Additionally, while Dynamaxed, these Drilbur and Excadrill also have access to Max Geyser, which is typically unobtainable as neither can legitimately learn any Water-type attacks. |
 
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Pokémon GO Alolan Sandshrew → Alolan Sandslash | Poison Sting and/or Sand Attack | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point between that date, and the release of HOME v3.0.0 would cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred an Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash with any of these illegal moves cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash otherwise function like other Alolan Sandshrew and Sandslash. |
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Pokémon GO Alolan Vulpix → Alolan Ninetales | Ember, Will-O-Wisp, Fire Spin, Flamethrower and/or Fire Blast (Max Flare when Dynamaxed) |
Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point between that date, and the release of HOME v3.0.0 would cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred an Alolan Vulpix or Ninetales with any of these illegal moves cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales otherwise function like other Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales, with Alolan Vulpix from GO being able to evolve into an Alolan Ninetales with level-up moves that are otherwise only in Kantonian Vulpix's movepool, such as Flamethrower and Fire Blast. Additionally, while Dynamaxed, these Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales also have access to Max Flare, which is typically unobtainable as neither can legitimately learn any Fire-type attacks. However, both Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales can use Max Flare by using Weather Ball powered up into a Max Move if it is sunny, though this is considered an extension of Max Strike. |
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Pokémon GO Galarian Meowth → Perrserker | Feint | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Galarian Meowth transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterpart from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Galarian Meowth or Perrserker in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point between that date, and the release of HOME v3.0.0 would cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred an Galarian Meowth with any of these illegal moves cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Galarian Meowth otherwise function like other Galarian Meowth, with Galarian Meowth from GO being able to evolve into a Perrserker with Feint. |
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Pokémon GO Alolan Geodude → Alolan Graveler → Alolan Golem | Sand Attack | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) |
Alolan Geodude, Graveler and Golem transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
Due to being unable to be transferred out of Pokémon HOME, all Alolan Geodude, Graveler or Golem deposited in Pokémon HOME that had any illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves they can learn in their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020. |
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Pokémon GO Galarian Ponyta → Galarian Rapidash | Ember, Quick Attack, Fire Spin, Fire Blast and/or Flare Blitz | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point between that date, and the release of HOME v3.0.0 would cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred a Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash with any of these illegal moves cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash otherwise function like other Galarian Ponyta and Rapidash. Galarian Rapidash can only learn Flare Blitz after having been powered up fully and reaching the Best Buddy Buddy Level in Pokémon GO as a Galarian Ponyta prior to being transferred to Pokémon HOME, then evolving into Galarian Rapidash in Pokémon Sword and Shield. |
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Pokémon GO Galarian Farfetch'd → Sirfetch'd | Mirror Move*, Razor Leaf, Cut, Fury Attack, Agility, Slash and/or Air Slash | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Galarian Farfetch'd transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterpart from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Galarian Farfetch'd or Sirfetch'd in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point between that date, and the release of HOME v3.0.0 would cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred a Galarian Farfetch'd with any of these illegal moves cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Galarian Farfetch'd otherwise function like other Galarian Farfetch'd, with Galarian Farfetch'd from GO being able to evolve into a Sirfetch'd with an illegal moveset. |
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Pokémon GO Alolan Grimer → Alolan Muk | Sludge | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) |
Alolan Grimer and Muk transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.
Due to being unable to be transferred out of Pokémon HOME, all Alolan Grimer or Muk deposited in Pokémon HOME that had any illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves they can learn in their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020. |
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Psychic Corbin's Banette (Route 228) | Shadow Force | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | It was likely intended to be Phantom Force, a move which Banette can know. | 
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Dawn's Mr. Mime | Power Whip | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Second battle with Dawn (only used if the player picked Chimchar as their starter Pokémon). It was likely intended to be Power Swap, which Mr. Mime can know. | |
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Lucas's Milotic | Calm Mind | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | First battle with Lucas (only used if the player picked Chimchar or Piplup as their starter Pokémon). | |
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Morimoto's Flareon | Superpower | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Morimoto's Flareon knows Superpower, a move Flareon cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Morimoto's Ambipom | Ice Punch | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Morimoto's Ambipom knows Ice Punch, a move Aipom cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Roark's Tyranitar | Ice Punch, Fire Punch and/or Low Kick | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Roark may use a Tyranitar with at least one of these moves, which Tyranitar cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Volkner's Jolteon | Reflect | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In Volkner's rematch Gym battle, his Jolteon knows Reflect, a move Jolteon cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Roark's Torkoal | Earth Power | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Roark may use a Torkoal with Earth Power, a move Torkoal cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Gardenia's Venusaur | Earth Power | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Gardenia may use a Venusaur with Earth Power, a move Venusaur cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Gardenia's Roserade | Swift | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Gardenia may use a Roserade with Swift, a move Roserade cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Maylene's Lucario | Ice Punch | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Maylene may use a Lucario with Ice Punch, a move Lucario cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Crasher Wake and Byron's Scizor | Superpower | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Crasher Wake and Byron may use a Scizor with Superpower, a move Scizor cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Crasher Wake's Kingdra | Hurricane | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Crasher Wake may use a Kingdra with Hurricane, a move Kingdra cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Fantina's Shedinja | Leech Life | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Fantina may use a Shedinja with Leech Life, a move Shedinja cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Fantina's Gengar | Icy Wind | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Fantina may use a Gengar with Icy Wind, a move Gengar cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Byron's Moltres | Mystical Fire | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Byron may use a Moltres with Mystical Fire, a move Moltres cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Byron's Bronzong | Zen Headbutt | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Byron may use a Bronzong with Zen Headbutt, a move Bronzong cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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Byron's Metagross | Ice Punch | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In the Battle Tower, during a Master Class challenge, Byron may use a Metagross with Ice Punch, a move Metagross cannot know in these games due to movesets being replaced with standard level-up moves when transferred from Pokémon HOME. | |
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5★ Tera Raid Battle female Indeedee | Trick Room | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | In 5★ Tera Raid Battles, female Indeedee has an identical moveset to its male counterpart, which erroneously includes the move Trick Room, a move it cannot normally learn. If the move is forgotten, it cannot be relearned. When caught, female Indeedee with Trick Room are permitted to be traded online, and participate in the Battle Stadium.
This is currently the only instance of an error move obtainable by the player with no apparent attempts to correct it. Currently, Game Freak has not patched the game to replace Trick Room with an appropriate move, or blocked Female Indeedee with Trick Room from online use or official VGC tournaments. Additionally, while Female Indeedee 5★ raids were initially impossible to host online to other players (displaying an error message when attempting to join them), as of early December 2022, this appears to have been resolved, not by correcting the erroneous move, but by permitting other players to host them freely with Trick Room still present in the moveset. |
 
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Unobtainable combinations of moves
Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg Moves from Generation VI onward, all Egg Move combinations are possible from Generation VI onward.
| Artwork | Name | Moves | Game | Notes |
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Battle Hall Spearow | Quick Attack and Scary Face | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | The only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than Spearow or Fearow, that can learn Scary Face is Aerodactyl, which cannot learn Quick Attack.
Due to Archen and Archeops learning both Quick Attack and Scary Face by level-up in Generation V, this combination is possible from Generation V onward. |
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Battle Frontier Drowzee (except in the Battle Hall) | Assist and Barrier | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | The only Human-Like Egg Group Pokémon, other than Drowzee or Hypno, that can learn Assist are Spinda and the Chimchar family, which cannot learn Barrier. |
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Battle Frontier Gligar (except in the Battle Hall) | Sand Tomb and Metal Claw | Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | The only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than Gligar or Gliscor, that can learn Metal Claw are the Nincada family and the Paras family, which cannot learn Sand Tomb, and Scizor, which could not learn Sand Tomb until Generation VIII. |
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Battle Subway Kangaskhan | Double-Edge and Circle Throw | Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Monster Egg Group Pokémon, other than Kangaskhan, that can learn Circle Throw are the Whismur family, which cannot know both Double-Edge and Circle Throw simultaneously; the Whismur family can only learn Circle Throw as an Egg Move from Generation V onward, whereas they can only learn Double-Edge from a Generation III Move Tutor. |
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Battle Subway Gothitelle | Mirror Coat and Miracle Eye | Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Human-Like Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Gothitelle family, that can learn Mirror Coat is Lopunny, which cannot learn Miracle Eye. |
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Walter's Parasect | Bullet Seed and Leech Seed | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | Parasect can only learn Leech Seed as an Egg Move from Generation V onward, whereas it can only learn Bullet Seed as a Generation III or IV TM.
Due to the TM for Bullet Seed returning in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Parasect retaining Leech Seed as an Egg Move, this combination is legal from Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl onwards. |
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Janine's Crobat (Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments) | Hypnosis and Brave Bird | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Crobat family, that can learn Hypnosis are the Hoothoot family, Sigilyph, and the Pidove family, which cannot learn Brave Bird. |
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Byron's Aggron (Type Expert and World Leaders Tournaments) | Head Smash and Dragon Rush | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Monster Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Aggron family, that can learn Dragon Rush are the Charmander family, the Gible family and the Rhyhorn family, which cannot learn Head Smash. |
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Winona's Tropius | Leaf Blade and Curse | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Grass and Monster Egg Group Pokémon, other than Tropius, that can learn Leaf Blade are Victreebel, Bellossom, Grovyle and Sceptile, and the Snivy family, which cannot learn Curse. The Turtwig evolutionary family could learn Curse, but could not learn Leaf Blade until Pokémon Legends: Arceus. |
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Burgh's Accelgor (Unova Leaders Tournament) | Guard Split and Spikes | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | The only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than Shelmet or Accelgor, that can learn Guard Split is Shuckle, which cannot learn Spikes. |
Unobtainable combinations of moves and Abilities
| Artwork | Name | Moves | Game | Notes |
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Battle Royal Dome Zapdos | Air Cutter and Static | Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | All Zapdos in the Battle Royal Dome know Air Cutter and have a chance to have the Ability Static. Static is its Hidden Ability, and it can only learn Air Cutter from a Gen IV Move Tutor, before Hidden Abilities existed.
Due to the introduction of the Ability Patch in Generation VIII and the ability to transfer Zapdos that know Air Cutter to Gen VIII, this combination is legal from Gen VIII onwards. |
Moves known at an early level
Breedable, gendered Pokémon can learn a level-up move by breeding if both parents know it.
Because the Move Reminder allows moves to be taught at any level in Generation VII, all Pokémon can know any of their Generation VII level-up moves at any level. Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, all examples from Generation VI or earlier are legal at any level in Generation VII.
| Artwork | Name | Move | Level | Game | Notes | Picture |
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Pryce's Piloswine | Fury Attack | 31 | Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal | Piloswine does not learn Fury Attack until level 33, and Swinub cannot learn it. |  |
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Sidney's Shiftry | Extrasensory | 48 | Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald | Shiftry does not learn Extrasensory until level 49 as a Nuzleaf, and Seedot cannot learn it.
Due to Nuzleaf learning Extrasensory at level 36 in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Shiftry can know Extrasensory at level 48 from Generation VI onward. |
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Winona's Altaria (initial battle) | Dragon Dance | 33 | Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald | Altaria does not learn Dragon Dance until level 40, and Swablu cannot learn it.
Due to Altaria learning Dragon Dance at level 30 in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Altaria can know Dragon Dance at level 33 from Generation VI onward. |
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Norman's Linoone | Slash | 29 | Pokémon Emerald | Linoone does not learn Slash until level 41, and Zigzagoon cannot learn it. | |
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Bertha's Rhyperior (before Stark Mountain) | Rock Wrecker | 55 | Pokémon Platinum | Rhyperior does not learn Rock Wrecker until level 61, and Rhyhorn cannot learn it.
Due to Rhyperior learning Rock Wrecker at level 1 in Pokémon X and Y, Rhyperior can know Rock Wrecker at level 55 from Generation VI onward. |
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Wulfric's Cryogonal (first rematch in the Battle Chateau) | Confuse Ray | 40 | Pokémon X and Y | Cryogonal does not learn Confuse Ray until level 45, and is gender unknown. | |
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Gym Challenger Corvin's Dracozolt (Champion tournaments) | Bolt Beak | 58 | Pokémon Sword and Shield | Dracozolt does not learn Bolt Beak until level 63, and is is in the No Eggs Discovered Egg Group. | |
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AI Turo's Iron Valiant (first battle) | Spirit Break | 67 | Pokémon Violet | Iron Valiant does not learn Spirit Break until level 91, and is in the No Eggs Discovered Egg Group. |
Unobtainable at the game's release
Unobtainable moves
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
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Veteran Brenden's Hippowdon | Dig | Pokémon Platinum | In Victory Road after collecting the National Pokédex, Brenden's Hippowdon knows Dig, a move Hippowdon could not know until Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. | |
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Lysandre's Gyarados | Iron Head and Outrage | Pokémon X and Y | In all three battles with Lysandre in Pokémon X and Y, his Gyarados knows Iron Head and Outrage, two moves Gyarados could not know in these games until the release of Poké Transporter. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Meganium | Giga Drain | Pokémon Sun and Moon | All Meganium in the Battle Royal Dome know Giga Drain, a move Meganium could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Espeon | Telekinesis | Pokémon Sun and Moon | One Espeon in the Battle Royal Dome knows Telekinesis, a move Espeon could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Kangaskhan | Low Kick | Pokémon Sun and Moon | One Kangaskhan in the Battle Royal Dome knows Low Kick, a move Kangaskhan could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Gothitelle | Signal Beam | Pokémon Sun and Moon | One Gothitelle in the Battle Royal Dome knows Signal Beam, a move Gothitelle could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Mismagius | Icy Wind | Pokémon Sun and Moon | One Mismagius in the Battle Royal Dome knows Icy Wind, a move Mismagius could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Battle Royal Dome Carracosta | Superpower | Pokémon Sun and Moon | One Carracosta in the Battle Royal Dome knows Superpower, a move Carracosta could not know in these games until they became compatible with Pokémon Bank. | |
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Pokémon GO Alolan Vulpix → Alolan Ninetales | Quick Attack | Pokémon HOME (After transferring from Pokémon GO) Pokémon Sword and Shield |
Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME from November 11 to November 16, 2020, erroneously use the level-up learnset of their Kantonian counterparts from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, allowing them to learn the normally unavailable move Quick Attack. Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales in Pokémon HOME, Sword, or Shield with illegal moves had their moves replaced with moves from their level-up movepool on November 16, 2020, opening Pokémon HOME at any point after that date will cause HOME to search all Sword and Shield savefiles on the console and correct the illegal movesets.
Players who transferred an Alolan Vulpix or Ninetales with Quick Attack cannot trade or battle online with it unless that move is deleted. These erroneous Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales otherwise function like other Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales, with Alolan Vulpix from GO being able to evolve into an Alolan Ninetales. Alolan Vulpix and Ninetales were unable to learn Quick Attack until the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where both learn the move starting at level 5, however they cannot exit Legends: Arceus and retain that move, as Pokémon HOME stores unique movesets for each compatible game. If deposited into Pokémon Sword and Shield, it would gain four moves from its level-up movepool in Sword and Shield, losing access to Quick Attack. |
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Iono's Electrode | Sucker Punch | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | In her second battle, Iono's Electrode knows Sucker Punch. While it cannot learn this move in Scarlet and Violet, it can learn Sucker Punch via Move Tutor in Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Haxorus | Harden | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Haxorus encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Harden for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. While it cannot learn this move in Scarlet and Violet, it can learn Harden as an Egg Move in previous generations. | 
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Tinkaton | Charm | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tinkaton encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Charm for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5-6★ Tinkaton | Misty Terrain | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Tinkaton encountered in 5 or 6★ Tera Raid Battles can use Misty Terrain for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 4★ Forretress | Harden | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Forretress encountered in 4★ Tera Raid Battles can use Harden for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Greedent | Hone Claws | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Greedent encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Hone Claws for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Greedent | Iron Defense | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Greedent encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Iron Defense for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 3★ Seviper | Leer | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Seviper encountered in 3★ Tera Raid Battles can use Leer for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Mismagius | Light Screen | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Mismagius encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Light Screen for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 6★ Kilowattrel | Rain Dance | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Kilowattrel encountered in 6★ Tera Raid Battles can use Rain Dance for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 3★ Dreepy | Reflect | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Dreepy encountered in 3★ Tera Raid Battles can use Reflect for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Weavile | Reflect | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Weavile encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Reflect for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. While it cannot learn this move in Scarlet and Violet, it can learn Reflect by TM in previous generations. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 4★ Krokorok | Screech | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Krokorok encountered in 4★ Tera Raid Battles can use Screech for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 6★ Tauros | Screech | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Combat Form Tauros encountered in 6★ Tera Raid Battles can use Screech for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. | |
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Tera Raid Battle 5★ Dondozo | Stockpile | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Dondozo encountered in 5★ Tera Raid Battles can use Stockpile for the duration of the battle, however it does not retain this move if captured. |
Moves known at an early level
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Brock's Onix | Bind | Pokémon Yellow | Brock's Onix knows Bind at level 12, although Onix does not learn this move until level 15. Because breeding did not exist in the Generation I games, it was not possible to know this move at an early level in Generation I.
In Generation II, Onix learns Bind at level 10. Due to trading being possible between the Generation I and II games via Time Capsule, an Onix from Generation II at level 12 (or lower) that knows Bind can be traded to Pokémon Yellow. |
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Viola's Masquerain | Air Slash | Pokémon X and Y | In the first rematch in the Battle Chateau, Viola's Masquerain knows Air Slash at level 40. However, in Pokémon X and Y, Masquerain does not learn this move until level 47; Surskit cannot learn this move, so it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Masquerain learns Air Slash at level 38, making it possible to trade a Masquerain that knows Air Slash at level 40 (or lower) to Pokémon X and Y. |
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Gym Challenger Terry's Dracovish | Fishious Rend and Dragon Rush | Pokémon Sword and Shield | In the Champion tournaments, Terry's Dracovish knows Fishious Rend and Dragon Rush at level 57, although Dracovish does not learn these moves until level 63 and level 77, respectively. It cannot learn these moves at a lower level due to breeding because it is in the No Eggs Discovered Egg Group. However, an event Dracovish that knows Fishious Rend and Dragon Rush at Level 50 was later distributed. |
Errors in promotional material
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Gardevoir | Fairy Wind | Pokémon X and Y | In the E3 trailer for Pokémon X and Y, Gardevoir used Fairy Wind. | 
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Lapras | Scald | Pokémon X and Y | In the banner of Summer 2013 World Hobby Fair for Pokémon X and Y promotion, Lapras was seen using Scald. | 
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Mega Blaziken | Ice Punch | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | In pre-release screenshots for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire posted on the official Pokémon website, Mega Blaziken used Ice Punch. As a result, the official Japanese Pokémon site posted an apology and the images were removed. | 
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Pikachu | Return | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | In a trailer for Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl shown during a Pokémon Presents, a Pikachu can be seen that knows Return, a move which cannot be used in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. | 
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Unusable moves
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Ace Trainer Meagan's Delcatty (Route 228) | Feint Attack | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Starting in 1.1.3, this Delcatty instead knows Covet. | |
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Fantina's Banette | Snatch | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Only in rematches. Starting in 1.1.3, this Banette instead knows Payback. | |
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Ice Rider Calyrex | Aromatherapy | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | Ice Rider Calyrex could learn Aromatherapy by level-up in Scarlet and Violet, despite the move being unusable.
In 1.2.0, this was replaced by Psychic Terrain. |
Pokémon with unobtainable movesets in the side series games
Unobtainable for the generation
Unobtainable moves
Unobtainable combinations of moves
Due to mothers being able to pass down Egg Moves from Generation VI onward, all Egg Move combinations are possible from Generation VI onward.
| Artwork | Name | Moves | Game | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Picnicker Stacy's Bulbasaur (Little Cup R-2) | Razor Wind and Skull Bash | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The only Grass Egg Group or Monster Egg Group Pokémon that can learn Razor Wind, other than the Bulbasaur family, is the Totodile family, which cannot learn Skull Bash. Both moves are TM moves in Generation I, however, Bulbasaur cannot learn either move by TM.
This combination did not become possible in later generations due to Bulbasaur not maintaining Razor Wind as an Egg Move. |
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Cooltrainer Vince's Wartortle (Blackthorn Gym R-2) | Mirror Coat and Reflect | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Wartortle can only learn the Generation II move Mirror Coat as an Egg Move, whereas it can only learn Reflect as a Generation I TM.
Due to Pokémon of the same species being able to pass Egg Moves to each other in the Pokémon Nursery in Generation VIII and Wartortle that know Reflect being able to be transferred to the Generation VIII games from the Virtual Console releases of the Generation I games or Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, this combination is possible from Generation VIII onward. |
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Psychic Mason's Blastoise (Poké Cup Ultra Ball R-2) | Mirror Coat and Haze | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The only Water 1 Egg Group and Monster Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Blastoise family, that can learn Mirror Coat is Corsola, which cannot learn Haze. |
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Youngster Wyatt's Fearow (Poké Cup Master Ball R-2) | Tri Attack and Scary Face | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Fearow family, that can learn Scary Face is Aerodactyl, which cannot learn Tri Attack. |
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Lt. Surge's Raichu (Gym Leader Castle R-2) | Surf and Reversal | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Raichu can only learn the Generation II move Reversal as an Egg Move, whereas it can only learn Surf as a Move Tutor move as a Pikachu in the Japanese Pokémon Stadium or international versions of Pokémon Stadium.
Due to Raichu and its evolutionary relatives being made compatible with Surf and Reversal when they became TRs in Pokémon Sword and Shield, this combination is possible in Generation VIII. |
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Chuck's Sandslash (Gym Leader Castle R-2) | Metal Claw and Rock Slide | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Sandslash can only learn the Generation II move Metal Claw as an Egg Move in Pokémon Crystal, whereas it can only learn Rock Slide as a Generation I TM.
Due to the Move Tutor for Rock Slide in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Sandslash maintaining Metal Claw as an Egg Move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward. |
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Twins Min and Lyn's Nidorina (Azalea Gym R-2) | Charm and Body Slam | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Nidorina can only learn the Generation II move Charm as an Egg Move, whereas it can only learn Body Slam as a Generation I TM.
Due to the Move Tutor for Body Slam in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Nidorina maintaining Charm as an Egg Move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward. |
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Boarder Claude's Clefable (Poké Cup Poké Ball R-2) | Charm, Mega Punch, and Mega Kick | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Clefable can only learn the Generation II move Charm as a Cleffa, whereas it can only learn Mega Punch and Mega Kick as Generation I TMs.
Due to the Move Tutors for Mega Punch and Mega Kick in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Cleffa maintaining Charm as a level-up move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward. |
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Pryce's Tentacruel (Gym Leader Castle R-2) | Mirror Coat and Reflect | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Tentacruel can only learn the Generation II move Mirror Coat as an Egg Move, whereas it can only learn Reflect as a Generation I TM.
Due to Tentacruel learning Mirror Coat at level 1 and learning Reflect as a TM move in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, this combination is possible from Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! onward. |
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Youngster Bernie's Exeggcute (Little Cup R-2) | Mega Drain and AncientPower | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The only Grass Egg Group Pokémon that can learn Ancient Power, other than the Exeggcute family, are the Chikorita family and the Bulbasaur family, but the Chikorita family cannot learn Mega Drain and the Bulbasaur family cannot know both moves simultaneously—they can only know the Generation II move Ancient Power as an event Pokémon, but can only learn Mega Drain from a Generation I TM. This combination did not become possible in Generation IV due to Exeggcute not maintaining Mega Drain as an Egg move.
Due to Exeggcute learning Mega Drain by leveling up in Generation VIII and maintaining Ancient Power as an Egg Move, this combination is possible from Generation VIII onward. |
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Bruno's Exeggutor (Gym Leader Castle R-2) | AncientPower and Explosion | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Exeggutor can only learn the Generation II move AncientPower as an Egg Move, whereas it can only learn Explosion as a Generation I TM.
Due to the Move Tutor for Explosion in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Exeggutor maintaining AncientPower as an Egg Move, this combination is possible from Generation III onward. |
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Sabrina's Scizor (Gym Leader Castle R-2) | Reversal and Light Screen | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The only Bug Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Scizor family, that can learn Reversal are Heracross and Yanma, which cannot learn Light Screen.
Due to being made compatible with the TM for Light Screen in Generation V and Scizor maintaining Reversal as an Egg Move, this combination is possible from Generation V onward. |
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St. Performer Shuf's Murkrow (Under Colosseum in the Story Mode) | Confuse Ray and Perish Song | Pokémon Colosseum | The only Flying Egg Group Pokémon, other than Murkrow, that can learn Perish Song are the Swablu family, which cannot learn Confuse Ray. |
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Bodybuilder Okona's Machamp (Quick Battle) | Encore and Rolling Kick | Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | The only Human-Like Egg Group Pokémon, other than the Machamp family, that can learn Rolling Kick are Hitmonlee and Hitmontop, which cannot learn Encore. |
Moves known at an early level
Because the Move Reminder allows moves to be taught at any level in Generation VII, all Pokémon can know any of their Generation VII level-up moves at any level. Unless explicitly mentioned otherwise, all examples from Generation VI or earlier are legal at any level in Generation VII.
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Pika Cup Rental Gyarados | Hydro Pump, Leer, and Bite | Pokémon Stadium | The rental Gyarados knows Hydro Pump, Leer, and Bite at level 15. Although Gyarados can learn these moves at level 1 in Red, Green, and Blue, it can only be obtained at level 15 in Pokémon Yellow or in Generation II, where it learns these moves at a later level. Because no Move Reminder exists in Pokémon Red, Green, or Blue, it cannot be taught these moves. | |
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Little Cup Rental Magnemite | Supersonic and Lock-On | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The rental Magnemite knows Supersonic and Lock-On at level 5, although Magnemite does not learn these moves until level 11 (29 in Generation I) and level 27, respectively. It cannot learn these moves at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown.
Due to Magnemite learning Supersonic at level 4 in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Magnemite can know Supersonic at level 5 from Generation V onward. |
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PokéFan Janet's Magnemite (Little Cup R-2) | Lock-On | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Magnemite knows Lock-On at level 5, although Magnemite does not learn this move until level 27. It cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown. | |
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Little Cup Rental Voltorb, Youngster Bernie's Voltorb | Mirror Coat | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The rental Voltorb and the one owned by Youngster Bernie both know Mirror Coat at level 5, although Voltorb does not learn this move until level 41. It cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown. | |
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Little Cup Rental Staryu | Light Screen | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The rental Staryu knows Light Screen at level 5, although Staryu does not learn this move until level 43 (42 in Generation I). It cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown.
Due to Staryu learning Light Screen via TM16 in Generation III, Staryu can know Light Screen at level 5 from Generation III onward. |
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Little Cup Rental Porygon | Sharpen | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The rental Porygon knows Sharpen at level 5, although Porygon does not learn this move until level 24 in Generation II. While it can learn this move at level 1 in Generation I, it cannot be taught to a low enough level Porygon because no Move Reminder exists in Generation I. It cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown.
Due to Porygon learning Sharpen at level 1 in Generation IV, Porygon can know Sharpen at level 5 from Generation IV onward. |
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Poké Fan Rex's Porygon | Recover | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Poké Fan Rex, the eighth Trainer in the Little Cup R-2, has a Porygon that knows Recover at level 5, although Porygon does not learn this move until level 20 in Generation II (28 in Generation I). It cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown. | |
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Bandana Guy Noxy and Hunter Valen's Lombre (Pyrite Cave) | Uproar | Pokémon Colosseum | During the rematches, the Lombre owned by Bandana Guy Noxy and Hunter Valen each know Uproar at level 34 and level 37 respectively, although Lombre does not learn this move until level 43. Its pre-evolution, Lotad, cannot learn this move until Generation IV.
Due to Lotad and Lombre being able to learn Uproar via Move Tutor in Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, Lombre can know Uproar at level 34 and level 37 from Generation IV onward. |
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Cipher Peon Kass and Hunter Drovic's Baltoy | Cosmic Power | Pokémon Colosseum | In the Relic Cave and in Mt. Battle during the Cipher invasion, the Baltoy owned by Cipher Peon Kass and Hunter Drovic each know Cosmic Power at level 35 and level 36 respectively, although Baltoy does not learn this move until level 37. Baltoy cannot learn this move at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown.
Due to Baltoy learning Cosmic Power at level 31 in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Baltoy can know Cosmic Power at level 35 and level 36 from Generation V onward. |
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Hunter Meli's Linoone (Pyrite Cave, rematch) | Slash | Pokémon Colosseum | Meli's Linoone knows Slash at level 39, although Linoone does not learn this move until level 41. Zigzagoon cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Linoone learning Slash at level 32 in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Linoone can know Slash at level 39 from Generation VI onward. |
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Hunter Doken's Linoone (Pyrite Building, rematch) | Slash | Pokémon Colosseum | Doken's Linoone knows Slash at level 37, although Linoone does not learn this move until level 41. Zigzagoon cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Linoone learning Slash at level 32 in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Linoone can know Slash at level 37 from Generation VI onward. |
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Dakim's Marshtomp (first battle) | Muddy Water | Pokémon Colosseum | Dakim's Marshtomp knows Muddy Water at level 36, although Marshtomp does not learn this move until level 37. Mudkip cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding. |  |
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Cipher Peon Dioge's Masquerain (Realgam Tower, first battle) | Silver Wind | Pokémon Colosseum | Dioge's Masquerain knows Silver Wind at level 42, although Masquerain does not learn this move until level 47. Surskit cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Masquerain learning Silver Wind at level 40 and via TM62 in Generation IV, Masquerain can know Silver Wind at level 42 from Generation IV onward. |
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Bodybuilder Lona's Masquerain (The Under, first battle) | Stun Spore and Whirlwind | Pokémon Colosseum | Lona's Masquerain knows Stun Spore and Whirlwind at level 39, although Masquerain does not learn these moves until level 40 and level 53 respectively. Surskit cannot learn these moves, which means it cannot know them at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Masquerain learning Stun Spore at level 33 in Generation IV and Whirlwind at level 1 in Generation VI, Masquerain can know these moves at level 39 from those respective generations onward. |
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Cipher Peon Nore's Masquerain (Snagem Hideout, rematch) | Whirlwind | Pokémon Colosseum | Nore's Masquerain knows Whirlwind at level 52, although Masquerain does not learn this move until level 53. Surskit cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Masquerain learning Whirlwind at level 1 in Generation VI, Masquerain can know Whirlwind at level 39 from Generation VI onward. |
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Chaser Trus's Magneton | Zap Cannon and Tri Attack | Pokémon Colosseum | Trus's Magneton knows Tri Attack and Zap Cannon at level 40, although Magneton does not learn these moves until level 44 and level 62 respectively. It cannot learn these moves at a lower level due to breeding because its gender is unknown.
Due to Magneton learning Tri Attack at level 1 in Generation IV and Zap Cannon at level 1 in Generation VI, Magneton can know these moves at level 40 from those respective generations onward. |
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Hunter Aline's Metang | Iron Defense | Pokémon Colosseum | Aline's Metang knows Iron Defense at level 39, although Metang does not learn this move until level 44. Its pre-evolution, Beldum, cannot learn this move until Generation IV.
Due to Beldum and Metang being able to learn Iron Defense via Move Tutor in Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, Metang can know Iron Defense at level 39 from Generation IV onward. |
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Hunter Zalo's Metang (rematch) | Meteor Mash | Pokémon Colosseum | Zalo's Metang knows Meteor Mash at level 39, although Metang does not learn this move until level 50. Its pre-evolution, Beldum, cannot learn this move. |  |
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Bodybuilder Givern's Wigglytuff | Hyper Voice | Pokémon Colosseum | Givern's Wigglytuff knows Hyper Voice at level 43, although Wigglytuff does not learn this move until level 44 as a Jigglypuff. Its pre-evolved form, Igglybuff, cannot learn this move until Generation V.
Due to Igglybuff, Jigglypuff and Wigglytuff being able to learn Hyper Voice via Move Tutor in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Wigglytuff can know Hyper Voice at level 43 from Generation V onward. |
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Fun Old Man Berlo's Espeon (Mt. Battle Area 9, Battle Mode Singles) | Morning Sun | Pokémon Colosseum | Berlo's Espeon knows Morning Sun at level 50 minimum although Espeon does not learn this move until level 52. Eevee cannot learn this move, which means it cannot know it at a lower level due to breeding.
Due to Espeon learning Morning Sun at level 33 in Black 2 and White 2, Espeon can know Morning Sun at level 50 from Generation V onward. |
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Cipher Peon Petro's Metang | Iron Defense | Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Petro's Metang knows Iron Defense at level 39, although Metang does not learn this move until level 44. Its pre-evolution, Beldum, cannot learn this move until Generation IV.
Due to Beldum and Metang being able to learn Iron Defense via Move Tutor in Pokémon Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, Metang can know Iron Defense at level 39 from Generation IV onward. |
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Cooltrainer Noxon's Articuno | Sheer Cold | Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Noxon's Articuno knows Sheer Cold at level 64, although Articuno does not learn this move until level 85. It cannot know it at a lower level due to it being a Legendary Pokémon.
Due to Articuno learning Sheer Cold at level 1 in Generation VI, Articuno can know Sheer Cold at level 64 from Generation VI onward. |
Unobtainable combinations of moves for the current level
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Youngster Bernie's Machop | Vital Throw and Counter | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Youngster Bernie, the first Trainer in the Little Cup Round 2, has a level 5 Machop that knows both Vital Throw and Counter. While Machop can know both of these moves simultaneously if it is taught Counter as a TM in Generation I and transferred forward to Generation II to learn Vital Throw at level 31, this combination is impossible at level 5 because the only way Machop would be able to know Vital Throw at level 5 is by breeding, and Generation II moves cannot be traded back to Generation I for it to then learn Counter by TM.
Due to Machop being able to learn Counter as an Egg Move in Generation III and from the Move Tutor for Counter in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and Machop maintaining Vital Throw as a level-up move, this combination is possible at level 5 from Generation III onward. |
Unobtainable at the game's release
Moves known at an early level
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Pika Cup Rental Poliwrath | DoubleSlap | Pokémon Stadium | The Pika Cup rental Poliwrath knows DoubleSlap at level 12, although Poliwrath does not learn this move until level 25 as Poliwag or level 26 as Poliwhirl. While Poliwrath learns DoubleSlap at Level 1 in Generation I, it cannot be taught to a low enough level Poliwrath since no Move Reminder exists in Generation I and Poliwag evolves at Level 25.
In Pokémon Stadium 2, Poliwrath can be taught DoubleSlap at a low enough level from the Move Reminder and be traded back to Generation I. |
Discrepancies in spin-off games
In spin-off games, sometimes Pokémon will know moves they wouldn't be able to know in the core games.
Super Smash Bros. series
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Goldeen | Splash | Super Smash Bros. series | In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Goldeen that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Splash. | 
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Pichu | Skull Bash and Agility | Super Smash Bros. Melee Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
Pichu's side special is Skull Bash and its up special is Agility. Both moves are cloned from Pikachu, which can learn both moves in Generation I. | 
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Unown | Take Down | Super Smash Bros. Melee | In Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Unown that may emerge from a Poké Ball use Take Down. | |
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Celebi | Fly | Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl |
In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Celebi that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Fly. | 
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Rayquaza | Dig | Super Smash Bros. Brawl | In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, one of Rayquaza's attacks is Dig. | 
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Jirachi | Fly | Super Smash Bros. Brawl | In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Jirachi that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Fly. | 
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Snivy | Razor Leaf | Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U Super Smash Bros. Ultimate |
In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Snivy that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Razor Leaf. | 
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Moves that were possible at one point in the core series games
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Pikachu | Skull Bash | Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U |
From Super Smash Bros. Melee onward, Pikachu's side special is Skull Bash. Although Pikachu cannot know this move from Generation III to VI, it was available to teach Pikachu via TM40 in Generation I, making it a possible move at the release of Melee (during Generation II). | 
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Mewtwo | Teleport | Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U | From its debut in Super Smash Bros. Melee onward, Mewtwo's up special is Teleport. Although Mewtwo cannot know this move from Generation III to VI, it was available to teach Mewtwo via TM30 in Generation I, making it a possible move at the release of Melee (during Generation II). | 
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Former errors
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Venusaur | Earthquake | Super Smash Bros. series | In Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Venusaur that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Earthquake, which Venusaur couldn’t learn until Generation III. | |
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Bonsly | Tackle | Super Smash Bros. Brawl | In the Super Smash Bros. series, the Bonsly that may emerge from a Poké Ball uses Tackle. However, Bonsly was unable to learn Tackle until Pokémon Legends: Arceus. | 
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Team Meanies Gengar | Leer, Scratch, and Quick Attack | Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team | When this Gengar is being escorted through Mt. Freeze and Murky Cave with the player, it knows Leer, Scratch, and Quick Attack, as well as the legitimate move Taunt. These moves are the first four level-up moves of Absol or Sneasel in these games, the former being a Pokémon that helps the player in the journey up Mt. Freeze after defeating Articuno for the first time in Frosty Forest.
This was changed in the remake; it now has Shadow Ball, Sucker Punch, Hypnosis, and Dream Eater. |
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Pokémon Rumble series
| Artwork | Name | Move | Game | Notes | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Gift Togepi | Draining Kiss | Pokémon Rumble World | A Togepi acquired via a password knows Draining Kiss, although Togepi could not learn this move this move at the time.
Due to Draining Kiss being a TM in Pokémon Sword and Shield that Togepi can learn, this is now possible in the Generation VIII core series games. |
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Gift Froakie | Water Shuriken | Pokémon Rumble World | A Froakie acquired via a password knows Water Shuriken. | 
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Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, several Pokémon may learn moves that they cannot learn in the core series games. While it is possible to transfer some Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, their moves are not transferred.
As part of the August 19, 2016 server update, all moves of that type were removed from their respective Pokémon's move pools. However, later updates introduced additional cases where Pokémon can have moves that they cannot know in the core series games.
The following table lists moves that have been removed from the Pokémon's permanent move pools. Unlike most other legacy moves, and with the exception of Stomp for Hitmonlee, these moves cannot be learned using an Elite Fast TM or Elite Charged TM.
| Pokémon | Move | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Diglett | Mud Shot | Diglett obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Mud Shot as a Fast Attack. |
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Dugtrio | Mud Shot | Dugtrio obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Mud Shot as a Fast Attack. |
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Graveler | Mud Shot | Graveler obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Mud Shot as a Fast Attack. |
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Golem | Mud Shot | Golem obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Mud Shot as a Fast Attack. |
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Grimer | Acid | Grimer obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Acid as a Fast Attack. |
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Muk | Acid | Muk obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Acid as a Fast Attack. |
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Hitmonlee | Stomp | Hitmonlee obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Stomp as a Charged Attack. Currently, Hitmonlee can learn Stomp using an Elite Charged TM. |
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Koffing | Acid | Koffing obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Acid as a Fast Attack. |
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Weezing | Acid | Weezing obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Acid as a Fast Attack. |
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Chansey | Psybeam | Chansey obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Psybeam as a Charged Attack. |
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Staryu | Quick Attack | Staryu obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Quick Attack as a Fast Attack. |
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Starmie | Quick Attack | Starmie obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Quick Attack as a Fast Attack. |
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Porygon | Quick Attack | Porygon obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Quick Attack as a Fast Attack. |
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Shedinja | Bite | Due to an oversight, Shedinja obtained early on November 1, 2018, could have Bite as a Fast Attack. Shedinja's Fast Attack pool was changed shortly after its official release. |
Moves that were possible in previous generations
The following lists moves that could be learned in Generation I or II, but were not possible in the Generation VI games (the most recent games at the time of Pokémon GO's release).
| Pokémon | Move | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Seel | Water Gun | Seel obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Water Gun as a Fast Attack. Currently, Seel can only learn this move using an Elite Fast TM. |
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Gyarados | Dragon Breath | Gyarados can have Dragon Breath as a Fast Attack. |
Former errors
| Pokémon | Move | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Jigglypuff | Play Rough | Jigglypuff obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Play Rough as a Charged Attack, but could not know this move in core series games prior to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Currently, Jigglypuff can only learn this move in Pokémon GO using an Elite Charged TM. |
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Starmie | Psybeam | Starmie obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Psybeam as a Charged Attack, but could not know this move in the core series games prior to The Isle of Armor Expansion. |
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Omastar | Rock Throw | Omastar obtained prior to August 19, 2016, can have Rock Throw as a Fast Attack, but could not know this move in Generation III onward prior to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Omastar had previously been able to know Rock Throw through an event in Generation II, which is not transferable to later generations. Currently, Omastar can only learn this move in Pokémon GO using an Elite Fast TM. |
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Pichu | Quick Attack | Pichu obtained prior to February 16, 2017, can have Quick Attack as a Fast Attack, but could not know this move in the core series games prior to Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Currently, Pichu has no way of learning this move in Pokémon GO. |
Shadow and Purified Pokémon
Due to the mechanics behind Shadow Pokémon, the listed Pokémon will have Frustration as their Charged Attack as Shadow Pokémon and Return as their Charged Attack once purified, but these cannot learn either of these moves in the core series games.
As Frustration and Return have been traditionally moves that are available to all TM-compatible Pokémon and were TMs from Generation II to VII, all of the following Pokémon are either Pokémon that are incompatible with TMs in the core series games, or did not exist prior to Generation VIII.
| Pokémon | Moves | |
|---|---|---|
|
Weedle | Frustration Return |
|
Kakuna | |
|
Magikarp | |
|
Wobbuffet | |
|
Beldum | |
|
Ursaluna | |
Pokémon Quest
As most of these moves can be obtained by the player, the errors also apply to their evolved forms as well.
| Artwork | Name | Move | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Caterpie | Take Down and Lunge |  
|
|
Weedle | Lunge | 
|
|
Abra | Psybeam | 
|
|
Slowpoke | Ice Punch | 
|
|
Koffing | Lava Plume | 
|
|
|
Goldeen | Splash | 
|
|
Scyther | Lunge | 
|
|
Magikarp (Happenstance Island boss) |
Hyper Beam | 
|
|
|
Moltres | Lava Plume | 
|
|
Mew | Recover | 
|
See also
| Move errors in various Pokémon canons |
|---|
| Animated series • Manga • Game • TCG |
|
This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games. |
