Sky Attack (move)

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Sky Attack
ゴッドバード God Bird
Sky Attack IX.png
Sky Attack IX 2.png
Type  Flying
Category  Physical
PP  5 (max. 8)
Power  140
Accuracy  90%
Priority  0
  • Does not make contact
  • Affected by Protect
  • Not affected by Magic Coat
  • Not affected by Snatch
  • Affected by Mirror Move
  • Not affected by King's Rock
Range
Opponent Opponent Opponent
Self Ally Ally
Normal: May affect anyone but the user (long-range)
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Cool
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jam  0  
Affected by how well the appeal in front goes.
Condition  Cool
Appeal  1
Earn +3 if no other Pokémon has chosen the same Judge.
Condition  Cool
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
Affected by how well the previous Pokémon's move went.

Sky Attack (Japanese: ゴッドバード God Bird) is a damage-dealing Flying-type move introduced in Generation I. It is TM43 in Generation I. In Generation II, it was the signature move of Moltres, but other Pokémon could still inherit it via breeding.

Effect

Generations I and II

Sky Attack does nothing on the turn it is selected, other than say that the user is glowing. On the following turn, Sky Attack will deal damage, PP will be deducted from it, and it will count as the last move used. Once Sky Attack is selected, the user will not be able to switch out until it is disrupted or fully executed.

If Sky Attack is not fully executed, PP will not be deducted from it, and it will not count as the last move used. If the target uses Mirror Move during the turn that the user is glowing, Mirror Move will copy the move that the user executed immediately before using Sky Attack (or fail if it cannot).

Sleep, freeze, binding, and flinching will pause but not disrupt the duration of Sky Attack.

In Stadium, Mirror Move will copy Sky Attack on either of the turns it takes to execute.

Sky Attack has 140 base power.

Generation III

Sky Attack now has a 30% chance of causing the target to flinch. It also now has an increased critical hit ratio.

Generation IV

Sky Attack now displays "<Pokémon> became cloaked in a harsh light!" instead of "<Pokémon> is glowing!" If the user is holding a Power Herb, there will be no charge turn.

Generations V and VI

Sky Attack can hit non-adjacent opponents in Triple Battles.

Sky Attack is no longer affected by King's Rock.

Generation VII

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Sky Attack's power was increased from 140 to 200.

Generation VIII onwards

Sky Attack's power was changed back to 140.

Description

Games Description
Stad The strongest Flying-type attack. Energy is stored in the first turn, then fired the next turn.
Stad2 Strongest Flying-type attack. Stores energy in the first turn, then fires in the next.
GSC 1st turn: Prepare
2nd turn: Attack
RSEColoXD Searches out weak spots, then strikes the next turn.
FRLG A 2nd-turn attack move with a high critical-hit ratio. The foe may flinch.
DPPtHGSSPBR A second-turn attack move with a high critical-hit ratio. It may also make the target flinch.
BWB2W2 A second-turn attack move where critical hits land more easily. It may also make the target flinch.
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSPLA
A second-turn attack move where critical hits land more easily. This may also make the target flinch.
SV The user attacks the turn after using this move. This move has a heightened chance of landing a critical hit and may also make the target flinch.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
0018 Pidgeot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1
0022 Fearow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1
0083 Farfetch'd NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Field Flying 40
0144 Articuno IceIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 72
0145 Zapdos ElectricIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 72
0146 Moltres FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 60 73 85 78 78 1, 78 78 72 70 70 70
0146 Moltres
Moltres
Galarian Form
DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 70 70
0164 Noctowl NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0249 Lugia PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 99 99 99 99 90 90 90
0250 Ho-Oh FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 99 99 99 99 90 90 90
0334 Altaria DragonIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Dragon 59 70 77BW
64B2W2
1, 64XY
1, 59ORAS
1, 59 56 56 56
0468 Togekiss FairyIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Fairy 1 1 1 1 1 1
0519 Pidove NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 50 50 50 44
0520 Tranquill NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 59 59 59 56
0521 Unfezant
Unfezant
All forms
NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 66 66 66 66
0561 Sigilyph PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 51 50 50 55
0628 Braviary NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1 1
0628 Braviary
Braviary
Hisuian Form
PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1
0630 Mandibuzz DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying 1 1
0701 Hawlucha FightingIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Human-Like 48 48 56 56
0717 Yveltal DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 93 93 80
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
0021 Spearow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0083 Farfetch'd NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Field
0083 Farfetch'd
Farfetch'd
Galarian Form
FightingIC Big.png Flying Field
0084 Doduo NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0163 Hoothoot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0198 Murkrow DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0227 Skarmory SteelIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0276 Taillow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0731 Pikipek NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0821 Rookidee FlyingIC Big.png Flying Flying
0962 Bombirdier FlyingIC Big.png
DarkIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0973 Flamigo FlyingIC Big.png
FightingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
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/Move Tutor

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Compatibility
Tutor
0016 Pidgey NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0017 Pidgeotto NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0018 Pidgeot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0021 Spearow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0022 Fearow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0083 Farfetch'd NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Field
0084 Doduo NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0085 Dodrio NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0142 Aerodactyl RockIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0144 Articuno IceIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0145 Zapdos ElectricIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0146 Moltres FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0151 Mew PsychicIC Big.png No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0163 Hoothoot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0164 Noctowl NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0169 Crobat PoisonIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0176 Togetic FairyIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Fairy
0177 Natu PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0178 Xatu PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0198 Murkrow DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0225 Delibird IceIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 1 Field
0227 Skarmory SteelIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0249 Lugia PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0250 Ho-Oh FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0276 Taillow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0277 Swellow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0278 Wingull WaterIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 1 Flying
0279 Pelipper WaterIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 1 Flying
0333 Swablu NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Dragon
0334 Altaria DragonIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Dragon
0398 Staraptor NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0430 Honchkrow DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0441 Chatot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0468 Togekiss FairyIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Fairy
0472 Gliscor GroundIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Bug Bug
0519 Pidove NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0520 Tranquill NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0521 Unfezant
Unfezant
All forms
NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0528 Swoobat PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Field Flying
0561 Sigilyph PsychicIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0567 Archeops RockIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Water 3
0581 Swanna WaterIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Water 1 Flying
0628 Braviary NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0630 Mandibuzz DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0701 Hawlucha FightingIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Human-Like
0714 Noibat FlyingIC Big.png
DragonIC Big.png
Flying Dragon
0715 Noivern FlyingIC Big.png
DragonIC Big.png
Flying Dragon
0717 Yveltal DarkIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0722 Rowlet GrassIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0723 Dartrix GrassIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0724 Decidueye GrassIC Big.png
GhostIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0731 Pikipek NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0732 Trumbeak NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0733 Toucannon NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0741 Oricorio
Oricorio
All forms
FireIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying
0785 Tapu Koko ElectricIC Big.png
FairyIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0792 Lunala PsychicIC Big.png
GhostIC Big.png
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0804 Naganadel PoisonIC Big.png
DragonIC Big.png
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 III

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0277 Swellow NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying Purified Shadow PokémonXD
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 event

Generation V

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0018 Pidgeot NormalIC Big.png
FlyingIC Big.png
Flying Flying Pokémon Game Show Blue's PidgeotBW
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

The user gains the Sky Attack status condition on the first turn, and 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. Sky Attack cannot be used in a Pokémon Tower in the Adventure Squad series.

Sky Attack has an increased critical hit ratio only since Super Mystery Dungeon.

Game Base
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
Range Target Cuts
corners
MDRB 30 - 9 - 90% - Front Enemy Yes
MDTDS 50 - 6 - 90% - Front Enemy Yes
BSL 50 - 6 - 90% - Front Enemy Yes
SMD 37 50 12 30 100% - 10 tiles away (piercing) Enemy Yes
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Sky Attack is a Charged Attack that has been available since February 16, 2017.

GO Flying.png Sky Attack
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 80
Energy cost 50
Duration 2 seconds
Damage window 1.5 - 1.7 seconds
Sky Attack GO.png
Trainer Battles
Power 85
Energy cost 55
Secondary effect ?
Effect chance ?%
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
SpearowFearowHoothootNoctowlSkarmoryLugia SwellowAltariaHonchkrowChatotTranquillUnfezantPikipekTrumbeak
By Elite Charged TM
Moltres
By GO Snapshot
Smeargle
Smeargle
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Updates

Gyms & Raids
  • March 16, 2018
    • Power: 70 → 80
Trainer Battles
  • January 11, 2021
    • Power: 80 → 75
  • September 1, 2023
    • Energy cost: 45 → 50
  • September 3, 2024
    • Power: 75 → 85
    • Energy cost: 50 → 55

Pokémon Rumble Rush

FlyingIC RR.png Sky Attack
★★★★★
Attack power 27.09824
Charge time 1.22 seconds
Range type Dash
Number of hits 4
Number of projectiles 1
Critical hit rate 3%
Additional effect May flinch the foe
Sky Attack Rumble Rush.png

Pokémon Masters EX

Name Category State Base power Max power Target Effect tag Description Playable sync pair
Sync move
High-Flying Sky Attack Physical Default
6★ EX
200 240 An opponent The more the user's Speed is raised, the greater the power of this attack.
The sync buff is doubled the first time a sync move is used.
Skyla & Swanna

Description

Doll Meowth III.png 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 Sky Attack status, and it attacks strongly on the next turn. It is not possible to link this move.
MDTDS Gives the user a Sky Attack status, which causes the Pokémon to charge power for 1 turn, then try a powerful attack on the next turn. The attack may afflict the targeted enemy with a Cringe status. You can't link this move.
BSL ゴッドバードじょうたいとなって 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 いっていのかくりつで ひるみじょうたいにする このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI IconKanji2MD.pngUNUSED
SMD It damages an enemy on the next turn and could make it flinch. It has a high critical-hit rate.*
You'll get the Sky Attack status, which lets you charge power to try a powerful attack on the next turn. It could also make the enemy flinch. It has a high critical-hit rate.*


In the anime

Ash Noctowl Sky Attack.png
Noctowl
Antonio Tranquill Sky Attack.png
Tranquill
Alain Unfezant Sky Attack.png
Unfezant
Hau Decidueye Sky Attack.png
Decidueye
The user becomes cloaked in a harsh light and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Skarmory Skarmory's body glows white or orange and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Attila's Skarmory The Legend of Thunder! Debut
A wild Skarmory All Torkoal, No Play None
Altaria Altaria's body becomes surrounded in red flames and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Drake's Altaria Vanity Affair None
Murkrow Murkrow's body becomes surrounded by a white aura and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Paul's Murkrow Top-Down Training! None
Honchkrow Honchkrow's body becomes surrounded by a white aura and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Paul's Honchkrow Lost Leader Strategy! None
Togekiss Togekiss's body becomes surrounded by a white or light blue aura and it flies into the opponent at top speed. As it flies, a white trail of energy is left behind it.
Dawn's Togekiss Dawn of a Royal Day! None
Cynthia's Togekiss Whittle While You Work! None
Noctowl Noctowl's eyebrow tufts glow white and it flies into the air as it prepares for the attack. Then, its body becomes surrounded by a white aura and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Ash's Noctowl Working on a Right Move! None
Tranquill Tranquill flies up into the air, then turns around and flies straight down at the opponent. Its body then becomes surrounded in a clear aura with white energy around it and it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Antonio's Tranquill Reunion Battles In Nimbasa! None
Unfezant Unfezant's body becomes surrounded in an orange and gold sparkling aura and then it flies into the opponent at top speed.
Alain's Unfezant Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted! None
Decidueye Decidueye's body becomes surrounded by a gradually intensifying light blue aura. Once the aura flares up, Decidueye flies into the opponent at top speed. The longer Decidueye charges, the more damage it does.
Hau's Decidueye Battling on the Wing! None
Hawlucha Hawlucha's body becomes surrounded by a gradually intensifying light blue aura. Once the aura flares up, Hawlucha flies into the opponent at top speed.
Bea's Hawlucha Battle Three With Bea! None
Altaria Mega Altaria's body becomes surrounded by a gradually intensifying light blue aura. Once the aura flares up, Mega Altaria flies into the opponent at top speed.
Drasna's Altaria Taking Two For The Team! None


In the manga

Pokémon Adventures


Pokémon Pocket Monsters


In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

Trivia

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 神鳥猛擊 Sàhnníuh Máahnggīk *
高空攻擊 Gōuhung Gūnggīk *
Mandarin 神鳥猛擊 / 神鸟猛击 Shénniǎo Měngjí / Shénniǎo Měngjī *
高空攻擊 / 高空攻击 Gāokōng Gōngjí / Gāokōng Gōngjī *
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Vzdušný útok
Denmark Flag.png Danish Himmelangreb
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Luchtaanval
Finland Flag.png Finnish Taivashyökkäys
France Flag.png French Piqué*
Pique*
Germany Flag.png German Himmelsfeger
Greece Flag.png Greek Ουράνια Επίθεση
India Flag.png Hindi आसमानी हमला Aasmani Hamla
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Burung Dewa
Serangan Udara
Italy Flag.png Italian Aeroattacco
South Korea Flag.png Korean 불새 Bulsae
Poland Flag.png Polish Podniebny Atak
Portuguese Brazil Flag.png Brazil Ataque do Céu (games, anime, TCG, manga)
Ataque no Céu (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
Portugal Flag.png Portugal Ataque Aéreo
Romania Flag.png Romanian Atacul Ceresc
Serbia Flag.png Serbian Vazdušni Napad
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Ataque de Cielo (TLoT, AG101)
Ataque Celestial (DP040-DP131, BW039)
Ataque Aéreo (DP171-DP185)
Spain Flag.png Spain Ataque Aéreo
Thailand Flag.png Thai ก็อดเบิร์ด
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Tấn Công Trên Không*
Thần Điểu*



Variations of the move Sky Attack
PhysicalIC HOME.png Sky AttackFreeze Shock
SpecialIC HOME.png Ice Burn


Generation I TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation I HMs
0102030405


Project Moves and Abilities logo.png 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.