Skull Bash (move)

Skull Bash
ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt
Skull Bash VIII.png
Skull Bash VIII 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Physical
PP  10 (max. 16)
Power  130
Accuracy  100%
Priority  {{{priority}}}
Target
Foe Foe Foe
Self Ally Ally
May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Tough
Appeal  1
Jam  4 ♥♥♥♥
Badly startles the Pokémon in front.
Condition  Tough
Appeal  1
Earn +3 if no other Pokémon has chosen the same Judge.
Condition  Tough
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
Affected by how well the previous Pokémon's move went.

Skull Bash (Japanese: ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt) is a damage-dealing Normal-type move introduced in Generation I. It was TM40 in Generation I. In Generation II, it was the signature move of Squirtle's evolutionary line, but other Pokémon could still inherit it via breeding.

Effect

Generation I

Skull Bash does nothing on the turn it is selected, other than say that the user lowered its head. On the following turn, Skull Bash will do damage, PP will be deducted from it, and it will count as the last move used. Once Skull Bash is selected, the user won't be able to switch out until it is disrupted or fully executed.

If Skull Bash is not fully executed, PP will not be deducted from it, and it will not count as the last move used. If the opponent uses Mirror Move during the turn that the user lowers its head, Mirror Move will copy the move that the user executed immediately before using Skull Bash (or fail if it can't).

Sleep, freeze, binding, and flinching will pause but not disrupt the duration of Skull Bash.

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

Generation II to V

On the turn it is selected, Skull Bash will raise the user's Defense by one level.

If a Power Herb is held by the user, Skull Bash can be executed in one turn.

Generation VI

Skull Bash's power is changed from 100 to 130 and its PP changed from 15 to 10.

Generation IX

Skull Bash cannot be selected in a battle.

Description

Games Description
Stad In the first turn, the attacker tucks in its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
Stad2 In the first turn, the attacker tucks its head. The next turn, it head-butts at full steam.
GSC 1st turn: Prepare
2nd turn: Attack
RSE Tucks in the head, then attacks on the next turn.
FRLG The user raises its Defense in the 1st turn, then attacks in the 2nd turn.
Colo.XD Raises defense, then attacks on the next turn.
DPPtHGSSPBR The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense in the first turn, then rams the foe on the next turn.
BWB2W2
XYORAS
The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense in the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSPLA
The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense stat on the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
SV This move can't be used. It's recommended that this move is forgotten. Once forgotten, this move can't be remembered.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
0007     Monster Water 1 35 40 40 31 31 31 31 45 36 36
0008     Monster Water 1 39 45 45 36 36 36 37 59 50 50
0009     Monster Water 1 42 55 55 39 39 39 40 75 56 56
0056     Field Field 29
0057     Field Field 30
0119     Water 2 Water 2 1
0319    
 
Water 2 Water 2 48 50 50 50XY
51ORAS
51
0689    
 
Water 3 Water 3 1, 65 1, 65 1
0713     Monster Mineral 1, 60 1, 60 51
0787    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 58 70
0797    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 53 70
0844     Field Dragon 1
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


By breeding

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Egg Move
0001    
 
Monster Grass
0029     Monster Field HGSS
0104     Monster Monster
0111    
 
Monster Field HGSS
0118     Water 2 Water 2
0324     Field Field HGSS
0369    
 
Water 1 Water 2
0399     Water 1 Field
0459    
 
Monster Grass HGSS
0529     Field Field
0626     Field Field
0833     Monster Water 1
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


By TM

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Compatibility
0004     Monster Dragon
0005     Monster Dragon
0006    
 
Monster Dragon
0007     Monster Water 1
0008     Monster Water 1
0009     Monster Water 1
0015    
 
Bug Bug
0019     Field Field
0020     Field Field
0023     Field Dragon
0024     Field Dragon
0025     Field Fairy
0026     Field Fairy
0027     Field Field
0028     Field Field
0029     Monster Field
0030     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0031    
 
No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0032     Monster Field
0033     Monster Field
0034    
 
Monster Field
0035     Fairy Fairy
0036     Fairy Fairy
0037     Field Field
0038     Field Field
0039    
 
Fairy Fairy
0040    
 
Fairy Fairy
0046    
 
Bug Grass
0047    
 
Bug Grass
0052     Field Field
0053     Field Field
0054     Water 1 Field
0055     Water 1 Field
0056     Field Field
0057     Field Field
0058     Field Field
0059     Field Field
0060     Water 1 Water 1
0061     Water 1 Water 1
0062    
 
Water 1 Water 1
0063     Human-Like Human-Like
0064     Human-Like Human-Like
0065     Human-Like Human-Like
0066     Human-Like Human-Like
0067     Human-Like Human-Like
0068     Human-Like Human-Like
0072    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0073    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0077     Field Field
0078     Field Field
0079    
 
Monster Water 1
0080    
 
Monster Water 1
0083    
 
Flying Field
0084    
 
Flying Flying
0085    
 
Flying Flying
0086     Water 1 Field
0087    
 
Water 1 Field
0094    
 
Amorphous Amorphous
0095    
 
Mineral Mineral
0096     Human-Like Human-Like
0097     Human-Like Human-Like
0101     Mineral Mineral
0104     Monster Monster
0105     Monster Monster
0106     Human-Like Human-Like
0107     Human-Like Human-Like
0108     Monster Monster
0111    
 
Monster Field
0112    
 
Monster Field
0113     Fairy Fairy
0114     Grass Grass
0115     Monster Monster
0116     Water 1 Dragon
0117     Water 1 Dragon
0118     Water 2 Water 2
0119     Water 2 Water 2
0120     Water 3 Water 3
0121    
 
Water 3 Water 3
0122    
 
Human-Like Human-Like
0123    
 
Bug Bug
0124    
 
Human-Like Human-Like
0125     Human-Like Human-Like
0126     Human-Like Human-Like
0128     Field Field
0130    
 
Water 2 Dragon
0131    
 
Monster Water 1
0133     Field Field
0134     Field Field
0135     Field Field
0136     Field Field
0137     Mineral Mineral
0139    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0141    
 
Water 1 Water 3
0143     Monster Monster
0147     Water 1 Dragon
0148     Water 1 Dragon
0149    
 
Water 1 Dragon
0150     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
0151     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


Special move

Generation VII

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Obtained with
0111    
 
Monster Field Island Scan - Blush MountainSM
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Skull Bash causes the user to gain the Skull Bash status condition on the first turn and boosts the user's Defense (this boost only lasts in the charging phase prior to Super Mystery Dungeon). The user unleashes the move on the next turn. In the Rescue Team and Explorers series, the move's damage is doubled at the end of damage calculation.

Being a two-turn move, this move cannot be linked. Skull Bash cannot be used in a Pokémon Tower in the Adventure Squad series.

Game Base
Power
Max
Power
Base
PP
Max
PP
Base
Accuracy
Max
Accuracy
Range Target Cuts
corners
MDRB 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
MDTDS 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
BSL 10 - 15 - 100% - Front Enemy No
SMD 37 99 15 30 100% - Front Enemy No
With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games:

Pokémon GO

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

  Skull Bash
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 130
Energy cost 100
Duration 3.1 seconds
Damage window 1.8 - 2.3 seconds
 
Trainer Battles
Power 130
Energy cost 75
Secondary effect   1 Defense
Effect chance 100%
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
       
By Elite Charged TM
By GO Snapshot
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Super Smash Bros. series

Pikachu uses Skull Bash as its side special from Super Smash Bros. Melee onwards. Skull Bash can be charged up to inflict more damage and knockback, as well as launching Pikachu further sideways, making it usable for recovering.

Pichu uses Skull Bash as its side special. It is similar to Pikachu's, but can be charged longer and can deal even more damage and knockback, though hurts Pichu a little upon release. Pichu cannot legitimately learn Skull Bash in the main games, however.

Pokémon Rumble Rush

  Skull Bash
★★★★★
Attack power 31.90544
Charge time 1.44 seconds
Range type Dash
Number of hits 4
Number of projectiles 1
Critical hit rate 1.5%
Additional effect Raises the user's Defense

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Skull Bash is Blastoise's second move as Squirtle. The user dashes forward damaging and stunning all enemies hit for .5s. After reaching level 7 as Wartortle, it is replaced by either Surf or Rapid Spin.

Description

  This article has information requiring translation. If you are able to translate Japanese and would like to help, please add the English translation to the section or sections in Japanese.
Games Description
MDRB The user gains the Skull Bash status, causing it to attack strongly on the next turn. It is not possible to link this move.
MDTDS Gives the user a Skull Bash status, which causes the Pokémon to charge power for 1 turn, then try a powerful attack on the next turn. It also boosts the Pokémon's Defense while charging. You can't link this move.
BSL ロケットずつきじょうたいになり ちからをため つぎのこうどうで いりょくのたかい こうげきを くりだす しかも ちからをためたターンは ぼうぎょがあがるぞ このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI  UNUSED
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U Charge it to increase the power and distance.*
SMD You tuck your head to boost your Defense and then damage an enemy on the next turn.*
You'll get the Skull Bash status condition, which lets you charge power to try a powerful attack on the next turn. It also boosts your Defense. The stat returns to normal when you go to the next floor or step on a  Wonder Tile.*


In the anime

Main series

 
Scyther
 
Squirtle
 
Magmar
 
Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Charmander runs at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Ash's Charmander Pokémon Scent-sation Debut
  Squirtle runs and jumps at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head, or Squirtle jumps into the air, becomes surrounded by a silver aura, and slams its head into the opponent.
Ash's Squirtle The Kangaskhan Kid None
Tierno's Squirtle Summer of Discovery! None
  Magmar hurtles itself at the opponent and hits it with its head.
Blaine's Magmar Volcanic Panic None
  Scyther flies at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a golden orb with golden streaks around it. It then slams its head into the opponent.
Tracey's Scyther A Way Off Day Off None
  Dragonite flies up and strikes the opponent with its head at high speed.
Drake's Dragonite Enter the Dragonite Japanese version only
  Eevee runs at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a white aura. It then strikes the opponent with its head.
Gary's Eevee The Rivalry Revival None
  Raticate charges at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by golden streaks. It then slams its head into the opponent.
Cassidy's Raticate The Fortune Hunters None
  Blastoise slams its head into the opponent. Sometimes, its body becomes surrounded by a silver aura when using the attack; or, a white aura briefly flashes from Blastoise's body. It then charges at opponent and slams its head into them.
A Blastoise Jessie borrowed from the Battle Park One Trick Phony! None
Gary's Blastoise Can't Beat the Heat! None
Sid's Blastoise Destiny Deoxys None
Siebold's Blastoise Mega Evolution Special I None
Tierno's Blastoise Valuable Experience for All! None
A Sailor's Blastoise A Glaring Rivalry! None
Neesha's Blastoise I Choose You! None
  Sharpedo swims at the opponent and its body becomes surrounded by a bright white aura. It then slams its body into the opponent.
Multiple wild Sharpedo Sharpedo Attack! None
  Wartortle jumps at the opponent with its head down and strikes it with its head.
Tierno's Wartortle Good Friends, Great Training! None


Pokémon Origins

 
Blastoise


The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Blastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's Blastoise File 4: Charizard Debut


Pokémon Generations

 
Dragonite
 
Blastoise
The user tucks in its head and rams the foe with it.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
  Blastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Blue's Blastoise The Challenger Debut
  Dragonite slams its head into the opponent.
Lance's Dragonite The Challenger None


In the manga

Ash & Pikachu


The Electric Tale of Pikachu


Pokémon Adventures


  • Green's Blastoise, Blasty, was revealed to know Skull Bash on the official website, but he has never been shown using the move.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters


In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 火箭頭錘 Fójin Tàuhchèuih *
火箭頭鎚 Fójin Tàuhchèuih *
火箭頭擊 Fójin Tàuhgīk *
Mandarin 火箭頭錘 / 火箭头锤 Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí *
火箭頭槌 Huǒjiàn Tóuchuí *
  Czech Hlavový náraz
  Danish Skalle*
  Dutch Schedelbeuk
  Finnish Kallolytty (S01)
Pääpusku (Johto series)
French   Canada Coud'Krâne*
  Europe Coud'krâne
  German Schädelwumme
  Greek Κρανιοκόπημα Kraniokópima
  Hindi सख्त खोपरी Sakht Khopri
  Indonesian Sundulan Roket
  Italian Capocciata
  Korean 로켓박치기 RokesbakchigiIX+
로케트박치기 RoketeubakchigiII, IVVIII
  Polish Cios Głową*
Rakietowy Taran*
Portuguese   Brazil Quebra-crânio (games, anime, TCG)
Quebracrânio (manga)
Golpe de Cabeça (The Official Pokémon Handbook)
  Portugal Esmaga Crânios
  Russian Удар черепом Udar cherepom
  Serbian Udar Lobanjom
Spanish   Latin America Embestida Final (EP026)
Mega tope (EP034)
Embestida* (EP056)
Golpe de Cabeza* (EP059)
Cabezazo (EP098-present)
  Spain Cabezazo
  Swedish Danskskalle*
Nickstöt*
Huvudattack*
  Thai พุ่งหัวจรวด
  Vietnamese Tên Lửa Húc Đầu


Generation I TMs
01020304050607080910111213141516171819202122232425
26272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950
Generation I HMs
0102030405


  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.