Lightning Rod (Ability)

Lightningrod ひらいしん
Lightning Rod
Flavor text
Generation III
Draws electrical moves.
Generation IV
The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves.
Generation V
Draws in all Electric-type moves to up Sp. Attack.
Generation VI
Currently unknown
Generation VII
Currently unknown
Generation VIII
Currently unknown
Generation IX
Currently unknown

Lightningrod (Japanese: ひらいしん Lightning Rod) is an Ability introduced in Generation III. Fifteen Pokémon can have this Ability.

Effect

In battle

Generations III and IV

Lightningrod forces all single-target Electric-type attacks and Thunder Wave to strike the Pokémon with this Ability in Double Battles, including those used by allies. In a Single Battle, it will cause the Pokémon with this Ability to always be hit by Electric-type moves. Lightningrod cannot redirect Discharge, as it targets multiple Pokémon. Lightningrod cannot redirect Electric-type Hidden Power or Judgment.

If another Pokémon becomes the center of attention, Electric-type moves will be directed to it instead of the Pokémon with Lightningrod.

Generation V

Along with its previous effects, Lightningrod also gives the Pokémon immunity to all Electric-type attacks, along with the paralyzing effect of Thunder Wave, and raises the Pokémon's Special Attack by one stage whenever they are hit by one. If the Pokémon is Ground-type, its type-granted immunity will take place before the activation of the Ability's new effect and the Special Attack will not be raised unless it is holding a Ring Target.

Lightningrod can redirect Electric-type Hidden Power.

Outside of battle

In Pokémon Emerald, Trainers registered with the PokéNav's Match Call function will call more often if a Pokémon with Lightningrod leads the party.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, a Pokémon with Lightningrod draws in all Electric-type attacks used within the same floor, and (like Generation V) takes no damage or side effects from the attack. Unlike the main series, Lightningrod will attract and neutralize the effect of Discharge.

Dungeon enemies that have the Ability Lightningrod can also negate the Lightningrod of the player's team member(s).

Pokémon with Lightningrod

# Pokémon Types First Ability Second Ability Hidden Ability
0025   Pikachu
Electric Electric Static None Lightningrod
0026   Raichu
Electric Electric Static None Lightningrod
0104   Cubone
Ground Ground Rock Head Lightningrod Battle Armor
0105   Marowak
Ground Ground Rock Head Lightningrod Battle Armor
0111   Rhyhorn
Ground Rock Lightningrod Rock Head Reckless
0112   Rhydon
Ground Rock Lightningrod Rock Head Reckless
0118   Goldeen
Water Water Swift Swim Water Veil Lightningrod
0119   Seaking
Water Water Swift Swim Water Veil Lightningrod
0145   Zapdos
Electric Flying Pressure None Lightningrod
0172   Pichu
Electric Electric Static None Lightningrod
0309   Electrike
Electric Electric Static Lightningrod Minus
0310   Manectric
Electric Electric Static Lightningrod Minus
0464   Rhyperior
Ground Rock Lightningrod Solid Rock Reckless
0522   Blitzle
Electric Electric Lightningrod Motor Drive Sap Sipper
0523   Zebstrika
Electric Electric Lightningrod Motor Drive Sap Sipper
Please note that abilities marked with a superscript are only available in the stated generation or later.
  • For Generation III and IV games, ignore Hidden Abilities.

In the anime

The user draws in Electric attacks.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  When Rhydon's opponent uses an electric attack, the attack changes direction and hits Rhydon's horn instead.
Unknown Trainer's Rhydon Tag! We're it...! Debut


In the manga

In the Be a Master!! Pokémon BW manga


In the Pokémon Adventures manga


In the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure! manga


Trivia

  • In Riddle Me This, Pikachu is able to defeat Blaine's Rhydon by aiming its electric attack at the Rhydon's horn, with it being stated that the horn acts as a lightning rod, apparently allowing Pikachu to overcome Rhydon's normal immunity to Electric attacks, ironically working exactly the opposite way that the later Lightningrod Ability would.

In other languages

Language Title
Mandarin Chinese 避雷針 Bìléizhēn
  Finnish Ukkosenjohdatin
  French Paratonnerre
  German Blitzfänger
  Greek Αλεξικέραυνο
  Hindi Bijli Ka Rod
  Italian Parafulmine
  Korean 피뢰침 Piroechim
  Portuguese Para-Raio
  Spanish Pararrayos


Move-drawing Abilities
LightningrodStorm Drain
Stat raising Abilities
JustifiedLightningrodMotor DriveRattledSap SipperStorm Drain
Abilities that alter type effectiveness
Dry SkinFlash FireHeatproofSap SipperLevitateLightningrodMotor DriveThick FatStorm DrainVolt AbsorbWater Absorb
  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.