From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.

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

Learnset

By leveling up

By breeding

By TM

Special move

Generation VII

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0111				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.

Pokémon GO

Skull Bash is a Charged Attack in Pokémon GO that has been available since July 9, 2019.

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

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

Pokémon Origins

Pokémon Generations

In the manga

Ash & Pikachu

The Electric Tale of Pikachu

Squirtle
The user tucks its head in, then rams the target with it.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Squirtle slams headfirst into the opponent with great force.
Ash's Squirtle	The Indigo Finals		Debut

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

Side series games

Spin-off series games

In other languages

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