Signature move
A signature move (Japanese: 得意技 signature move) or signature attack is generally considered a move that can normally only be learned by a single Pokémon, evolutionary family, or group of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon within a given generation. However, no consistent definition has been offered by official media.
Starting in Pokémon Sword and Shield, because most Pokémon not in the regional Pokédex are unobtainable, some Pokémon apparently gain or lose their signature moves based on availability, even if that move would otherwise be non-exclusive (for example, Accelgor in Pokémon Sword and Shield is the only Pokémon that can learn Water Shuriken since Greninja is not present in those games).
Most signature moves are learned by leveling up. Despite being signature moves of a particular species, other Pokémon can still sometimes learn the move through other means. Some signature moves can also be inherited via breeding or are known by certain gift or event Pokémon. Additionally, Smeargle can learn most signature moves via its own signature move, Sketch.
Definition and usage
Since Generation VI, the term "signature move" is often used on Pokémon.com.[1][2][3][4][5] It is also mentioned in Pokémon Sword and Shield[6], the English release of Pokémon GO[7], and in Pokémon Quest[8].
While there is no consistent official definition, it is often implied that, contrary to general fan usage, signature moves may be moves that, at the time of their introduction, were only usable by a single species or certain related species. For instance, Sacred Fire is still referred to as Ho-Oh's signature move even after this move became available for Entei as well.[9][10] Conversely, there is no known official usage of the term to refer to moves that became available to a single species later than the move's introduction (such as Unown's Hidden Power).
Bolt Beak has also been mentioned as the signature move of Dracozolt and Arctozolt, and Fishious Rend as the signature move of Dracovish and Arctovish.[11] These Pokémon are related via their Fossils but not by Evolution. On the other hand, there is no known official usage of "signature move" to refer to moves usable by multiple Pokémon of the same evolutionary line (such as Volt Tackle, usable by Pichu, Pikachu, and Raichu) or by Pokémon of the same group of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (such as Sacred Sword, usable by the Swords of Justice).
List of Pokémon and their signature moves
Z-Moves
G-Max Moves
Shadow moves
| # | Pokémon | Move | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0144 | 
|
Articuno | Shadow Chill |
| 0145 | 
|
Zapdos | Shadow Bolt |
| 0146 | 
|
Moltres | Shadow Fire |
| 0249 | 
|
Shadow Lugia |
Shadow Blast |
True signature moves
Due to the nature of Smeargle's signature move Sketch, which allows Smeargle to copy and learn most other moves, only signature moves that cannot be sketched may be considered true signature moves.
This includes:
- All signature moves in Generation I, as Sketch had not been introduced yet.
- Sketch itself, introduced in Generation II, since it can only be learned by Smeargle and only other Smeargle can copy it.
- Chatot's Chatter, since its introduction in Generation IV, being the only signature move that could not be sketched until Generation IX.
- The partner Pikachu and Eevee's signature moves in Generation VII, as Sketch cannot be used in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the only games these moves can be used in.
- Melmetal's Double Iron Bash, since Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, as Sketch cannot be used in any of the games that Double Iron Bash can be used in from Generation VII onwards.
- In Generation VIII, all signature moves introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, as Sketch cannot be used in those games and those moves cannot be used in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, where Sketch is usable.
- In Generation IX, Dark Void, Hyperspace Fury, Tera Starstorm, and the Starmobile's signature moves, (Wicked Torque, Blazing Torque, Noxious Torque, Magical Torque, and Combat Torque), as these moves cannot be sketched in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the only games released for Generation IX so far.
Similarly, all exclusive Z-Moves, G-Max Moves, and Shadow moves can be considered truly exclusive moves, as Z-Moves and Shadow moves cannot be sketched, and Sketch cannot be used in Pokémon Sword and Shield, the only games where G-Max Moves can be used.
Notably, prior to Generation IX, Darkrai's Dark Void (since Generation VII) and Hoopa Unbound's Hyperspace Fury could be copied by Sketch, but could only be performed if used by Darkrai or Hoopa Unbound, or a Pokémon that had transformed into Darkrai or Hoopa Unbound, respectively.
Signature moves once known by other gift or event Pokémon
This is a list of signature moves that at one point, another Pokémon had the ability to acquire when obtained as a gift, or through event distributions:
- A Dratini that knows Extreme Speed is obtainable in Pokémon Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver after correctly answering a quiz in the Dragon's Den. Any Dratini received in this way is capable of passing down Extreme Speed since it is also an Egg Move for Dratini since HeartGold and SoulSilver. In Generation VIII, it became part of Dragonite's level-up learnset.
- An Egg will be given by the Day-Care Man in Pokémon Crystal that hatches into a random baby Pokémon that knows Dizzy Punch.
- A Skitty with Pay Day can be obtained from a special Egg after depositing 500 Pokémon in Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire from a Game Boy Advance game pak.
- After Lugia from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness has been purified, it learns Psycho Boost.
- In Generation III, Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise are the only Pokémon that can learn the moves Frenzy Plant, Blast Burn, and Hydro Cannon via Move Tutor, respectively. However, a Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile that also know these moves, can be obtained in Pokémon XD by defeating 100 opponents in Mt. Battle.
- A Darkrai with Roar of Time and Spacial Rend was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 10th movie.
- An Arceus with Roar of Time, Spacial Rend, and Shadow Force was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 12th movie.
- A Victini with Fusion Flare and Fusion Bolt was available as a special giveaway to commemorate the 14th movie.
- A Victini with Glaciate, Bolt Strike, and Blue Flare was available as a special giveaway to celebrate Christmas 2012.
- Prior to Generation VIII, no Pokémon could learn V-create outside of event distributions. Victini was the first to gain access to it and is most often associated with the move. However, later, a Rayquaza with V-create was available as the winner of a popularity poll held in Japan in 2011, making it no longer Victini's signature move, until it became part of Victini's level-up learnset in Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra.
Similar examples
There are several moves that are uniquely associated with certain Pokémon but are otherwise not considered signature moves.
- Although they are not always signature moves, some Pokémon are capable of learning only one move. These Pokémon are Ditto (Transform), Unown (Hidden Power), and Smeargle (Sketch). Transform is almost a signature move, as it is only learned by one other Pokémon, Mew. Some other Pokémon rely on a very limited signature set of moves, though these Pokémon generally cannot use TMs or TRs.
- Umbreon's Moonlight is a counterpart to Espeon's Morning Sun, though the former was never its signature move.
- Iron Tail is the only Steel-type move introduced in Generation II that was never a signature move, although it is heavily associated with Steelix.
Some moves are exclusive to groups of Pokémon that are not an evolutionary family or group of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
- Dracozolt and Arctozolt are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Bolt Beak, while Dracovish and Arctovish are the only known Pokémon capable of learning the move Fishious Rend.
- Delibird and its Paradox relative Iron Bundle are the only Pokémon to learn Present by level-up.
- Volcarona and its future Paradox relative Iron Moth are the only Pokémon to learn Fiery Dance. Interestingly, Volcarona's ancient Paradox relative, Slither Wing, cannot learn the move.
- Frenzy Plant can only be learnt by fully evolved Grass-type first partner Pokémon.
- Blast Burn can only be learnt by fully evolved Fire-type first partner Pokémon.
- Hydro Cannon can only be learnt by fully evolved Water-type first partner Pokémon.
- Prior to Generation VII, only first partner Pokémon and their evolutions could learn Grass Pledge, Fire Pledge, and Water Pledge.
Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise are often associated with the moves Solar Beam, Flamethrower, and Hydro Pump, respectively.
- In One Trick Phony!, Ash's Pokédex says Hydro Pump is Blastoise's special attack.
- In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Charizard's trophy says Flamethrower is its signature move.
- In Bulbasaur's Mysterious Garden, Ash's Pokédex says Solar Beam is Bulbasaur's most powerful attack.
There are several moves that appear to be designed with certain Pokémon in mind but were not signature moves in their debut generation.
- Meteor Mash share its type and theme with Metang and Metagross, but it was never their signature move, as the move is also learned by Clefairy in its debut.
- Aura Sphere appears to be associated with Lucario, called the "Aura Pokémon".
- Razor Shell was never a signature move of Oshawott's evolutionary line, although it uses a scalchop in its animation.
- Steamroller appears to be designed for the Venipede line, as they have the same type and the move is almost exclusive, but it is also learned by Golem in its debut.
- Heart Stamp appears to be designed for the Woobat line, but it can also be learned by the Smoochum line.
- Dual Chop shares its axe theme with the Axew line, but it initially could also be learned by Gabite and Garchomp.
- Electroweb appears to be designed for the Joltik line. They share the same type and spider theme, and the move was exclusive to the Joltik family before the release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 when it was made available to other species via Move Tutor.
- High Horsepower has the same type and theme as Mudbray and Mudsdale, but it was never their signature move, as the move is also learned by Snorlax and Golurk in its debut.
Teachable exclusive moves
The following are moves that can be learned only by a single Pokémon or evolutionary line via level up, but can be also taught to other Pokémon by TMs, HMs, TRs, Move Tutors, or via picnic.
Inheritable exclusive moves
The following are moves that can be learned only by a single Pokémon or evolutionary line via level up, but can also be inherited by other Pokémon via breeding. In Generation IX, Egg Moves are teachable via picnic, and are included in the above section.
Species-specific moves
The following is a list of moves that are specifically programmed for these Pokémon.
Other moves that work specifically for particular species that are not listed here are:
- Moves that are required for a Pokémon to evolve, a mechanic introduced in Generation IV.
- Evolution moves that a Pokémon will try to learn after evolving into another species, regardless of its level, starting in Generation VII.
- Moves that are required for a Pokémon to know so they could be upgraded into signature Z-Moves.
Similarly, Mega Gengar (except in Generation VI), Diglett, Dugtrio, Sandygast, and Palossand cannot be affected by the move Telekinesis, but a Pokémon that is transformed into one of these Pokémon can be affected.
| # | Pokémon | Move | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0025 |  |
Cosplay Pikachu |
Thunder Shock | This move replaces Cosplay Pikachu's other form's special move while changing into this form if it had no other moves. |
 |
Pikachu Rock Star |
Meteor Mash | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
 |
Pikachu Belle |
Icicle Crash | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
 |
Pikachu Pop Star |
Draining Kiss | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
 |
Pikachu Ph. D |
Electric Terrain | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
 |
Pikachu Libre |
Flying Press | Cosplay Pikachu will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
| 0128 | 
|
Tauros | Raging Bull | If the user is Paldean Tauros, the move's type changes depending on its form. Combat Breed's Raging Bull is Fighting-type, Blaze Breed's Raging Bull is Fire-type, and Aqua Breed's Raging Bull is Water-type. If used by a Pokémon other than Paldean Tauros, including Kantonian Tauros, who can also learn the move, the move is Normal-type. |
|
Tauros Paldean Form Combat Breed | |||
|
Tauros Paldean Blaze Breed | |||
|
Tauros Paldean Aqua Breed | |||
| 0172 |  |
Pichu | Volt Tackle | Pichu will hatch with that move if its parent was holding Light Ball in the Day Care or the Nursery. |
| 0384 |  |
Rayquaza | Dragon Ascent | Rayquaza can Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza if it knows this move, but only if it is not holding a Z-Crystal. |
| 0479 |  |
Rotom | Thunder Shock | This move replaces Rotom's other form's special move while changing into this form if it had no other moves. |
 |
Heat Rotom |
Overheat | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form. | |
 |
Wash Rotom |
Hydro Pump | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form. | |
 |
Frost Rotom |
Blizzard | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form. | |
 |
Fan Rotom |
Air Slash | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form. | |
 |
Mow Rotom |
Leaf Storm | Rotom will try to learn this move along with changing into this form or replace a special move of its other appliance form. | |
| 0491 |  |
Darkrai | Dark Void | Since Generation VII, this move will fail if it is not used by Darkrai, or any Pokémon transformed into one. |
| 0646 |  |
Kyurem | Glaciate | This move replaces Kyurem's Ice Burn or Freeze Shock while changing into this form. |
|
Kyurem | Scary Face | This move replaces Kyurem's Fusion Flare or Fusion Bolt while changing into this form. | |
 |
White Kyurem |
Ice Burn | This move replaces Kyurem's Glaciate or Freeze Shock while changing into this form. | |
|
White Kyurem |
Fusion Flare | This move replaces Kyurem's Scary Face or Fusion Bolt while changing into this form. | |
 |
Black Kyurem |
Freeze Shock | This move replaces Kyurem's Ice Burn or Glaciate while changing into this form. | |
|
Black Kyurem |
Fusion Bolt | This move replaces Kyurem's Fusion Flare or Scary Face while changing into this form. | |
| 0647 |  |
Keldeo | Secret Sword | This move changes Keldeo into Resolute Form. |
| 0648 |  |
Meloetta Aria Forme |
Relic Song | This move changes Meloetta into its Pirouette Forme. |
 |
Meloetta Pirouette Forme |
Relic Song | This move changes Meloetta into its Aria Forme. | |
| 0658 |  |
Ash-Greninja | Water Shuriken | If this move is used by Ash-Greninja, its power is increased and it always hits three times. |
| 0681 |  |
Aegislash | King's Shield | This move changes Aegislash into Shield Forme until it uses a damage-dealing move. |
| 0720 |  |
Hoopa Unbound |
Hyperspace Fury | This move will fail if it is used by a Pokémon other than Hoopa Unbound, or any Pokémon transformed into one. |
| 0800 |  |
Necrozma | Confusion | This move replaces Necrozma's Sunsteel Strike or Moongeist Beam while changing into this form. |
 |
Dusk Mane Necrozma |
Sunsteel Strike | Necrozma will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
 |
Dawn Wings Necrozma |
Moongeist Beam | Necrozma will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
| 0845 | 
|
Cramorant | Surf Dive |
After using Surf or Dive, Cramorant will change into Gulping Form if it has over 50% HP or into Gorging Form if it has less than or equal to 50% HP until it is hit by a damage-dealing move. |
| 0877 | 
|
Morpeko Full Belly Mode |
Aura Wheel | This move is Electric-type in Morpeko's Full Belly Mode and will fail if it is not used by Morpeko, or any Pokémon transformed into one. |
|
Morpeko Hangry Mode |
Aura Wheel | This move is Dark-type in Morpeko's Hangry Mode and will fail if it is not used by Morpeko, or any Pokémon transformed into one. | |
| 0888 | 
|
Zacian Hero of Many Battles |
Iron Head | Hero of Many Battles Zacian will learn Iron Head if it stops holding the Rusted Sword. |
|
Zacian Crowned Sword |
Behemoth Blade | Crowned Sword Zacian's Iron Head becomes Behemoth Blade when it holds a Rusted Sword. | |
| 0889 | 
|
Zamazenta Hero of Many Battles |
Iron Head | Hero of Many Battles Zamazenta will learn Iron Head if it stops holding the Rusted Shield. |
|
Zamazenta Crowned Shield |
Behemoth Bash | Crowned Shield Zamazenta's Iron Head becomes Behemoth Bash when it holds a Rusted Shield. | |
| 0898 |  |
Calyrex | Confusion | This move replaces Calyrex's Glacial Lance or Astral Barrage when changing into this form. |
|
Calyrex Ice Rider |
Glacial Lance | Calyrex will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
|
Calyrex Shadow Rider |
Astral Barrage | Calyrex will try to learn this move along with changing into this form. | |
| 0977 | 
|
Dondozo | Order Up | If the user has a Tatsugiri in its mouth via the Commander Ability, it will gain a stat boost based on Tatsugiri's form: |
| 1017 | 
|
Ogerpon | Ivy Cudgel | The move's type changes depending on Ogerpon's held mask: |
| 1024 | 
|
Terapagos Stellar Form |
Tera Starstorm | When used by Terapagos in its Stellar Form, Tera Starstorm becomes Stellar-type and targets both opponents in a Double Battle. |
In the spin-off games
Pokémon Quest
In Pokémon Quest, one of the available tips is labeled "Signature Moves", which reads as follows: "There are apparently some moves that only certain Pokémon can learn".
In animation
In the anime, it is uncommon for specific moves to be explicitly stated to be exclusive to a certain Pokémon species.
Although some moves were occasionally referred to as a Pokémon's "special attack" during the original series, in most of these cases, the move in question actually wasn't that Pokémon's signature move. A notable exception to this occurred in Holiday Hi-Jynx, where Lovely Kiss was correctly referred as the "special attack" of Jynx, as well as Spore correctly being referred to as the "special attack" of Parasect in The Problem with Paras.
In Go West Young Meowth, Meowth told the story of his past, where he mentioned that he learned to talk instead of master Pay Day, which he suggested was permanent. This came back in Meowth Rules!, where people of Golden Island expected him to create coins for them, which he failed to do. The concept was also mentioned during a quiz challenge in Classroom Training!, where Candice stated that Pay Day could only be learned by Meowth; in The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!, where Clemont identified Meteor Assault as a move only Sirfetch'd can learn; and in Pride of a Champion!, where Hop referred to Trick-or-Treat as Gourgeist's "unique move".
Pokédex entries
|
In the TCG
- Main category: Attack categories with 1 card
In the Pokémon Trading Card Game, there are thousands of Pokémon cards with their own unique attacks that are not shared with other cards.
According to the blurb of the Polar Frost Theme Deck, Lightning Strike is the signature attack of the Jolteon card from Majestic Dawn.[12] However, Lightning Strike is actually usable by several other cards, the earliest one being Raichu from Neo Revelation.
The term "signature attack" is not known to be officially used anywhere else in the context of the Pokémon Trading Card Game.
Trivia
- Signature moves have been casually mentioned a few times by NPCs in the Pokémon games in various contexts.
- In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the character who gives the Big Root to the player in Driftveil City claims that this item affects the signature move (Japanese: 得意な 技 signature move) of his Pokémon: "Trainer... If my Pokémon was with me, I would've challenged you for a battle. Instead, please accept this. It is...a Big Root! Have a Pokémon hold this, and it absorbs more HP from the target! This was a perfect item for my Pokémon's signature move..."
- This mention of "signature move" may have simply been in the general sense of "one's strongest move". However, in the usual definition (a move usable by a single species or evolutionary line), the only known signature moves affected by Big Root were introduced in later generations: Yveltal's Oblivion Wing, Pop Star Pikachu's Draining Kiss, and Ceruledge's Bitter Blade.
- In Pokémon X and Y, a maid from the Hotel Richissime claims to have a "signature move" (Japanese: 得意技 signature move) as well: "Our signature move is double-team cleaning!" (Japanese: 私たちの 得意技 ツープラトン クリーニング！)
- In the "Straight to the Top, Machop!" event in Pokémon GO, Professor Willow mentions a signature move (Japanese: 得意 specialty): "Its four arms react more quickly than it can think, so Machamp can execute several punches at once! Hoo-hah! That was the movie Machamp's signature move."
- This mention of "signature move" was introduced in the localization. The Japanese version of this dialogue does not refer to using a move or signature move.
- In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the character who gives the Big Root to the player in Driftveil City claims that this item affects the signature move (Japanese: 得意な 技 signature move) of his Pokémon: "Trainer... If my Pokémon was with me, I would've challenged you for a battle. Instead, please accept this. It is...a Big Root! Have a Pokémon hold this, and it absorbs more HP from the target! This was a perfect item for my Pokémon's signature move..."
See also
References
- ↑ A Look at the 2019 Oceania Pokémon VGC International Championships - Pokémon.com
- ↑ Galarian Articuno - Pokémon.com
- ↑ Regieleki - Pokémon.com
- ↑ Train Legendary Pokémon From the Crown Tundra for Ranked Battles and More - Pokémon.com
- ↑ Palkia (Origin Forme) | Pokémon Legends: Arceus Official Website
- ↑ "My partner's signature move invites you to a subzero world!" (Melony, referring to her Gigantamax Lapras's G-Max Resonance in Pokémon Sword and Shield)
- ↑ "Great work saving Apex Shadow Ho-Oh, <player>! It looks like it knows Sacred Fire, Ho-Oh's signature move—yet this one's Sacred Fire is somehow even more powerful!"
- ↑ A tip displayed on the loading screen in Pokémon Quest labeled "Signature Moves" reads: "There are apparently some moves that only certain Pokémon can learn".
- ↑ 2016 Pokémon Video Game Championship Series Preview - Pokémon.com
- ↑ A Guide to Training Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Pokémon.com
- ↑ Battle Tactics: Speed Control in Double Battles in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield - Pokémon.com
- ↑ "Plus, Jolteon charges in with a signature attack that rarely needs to hit twice—Lightning Strike!"
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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. |