Icicle Spear (move)

Icicle Spear (Japanese: つららばり Icicle Needle) is a damage-dealing Ice-type multistrike move introduced in Generation III. Prior to Generation V, it was the signature move of Shellder, but other Pokémon could still inherit it via breeding.

Icicle Spear つららばり Icicle Needle

Battles Type  Ice Category  Physical PP  30 (max. 48) Power  25 Accuracy  100% Priority  0 Does not make contact Affected by Protect Not affected by Magic Coat Not affected by Snatch Affected by Mirror Move Affected by King's Rock

Range Opponent Opponent Opponent Self Ally Ally Normal: May affect anyone adjacent to the user

Availability Introduced  Generation III TM51 in Pokémon Sword and Shield TM187 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet TM149 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Contests Condition  Beauty Appeal  2 ♥♥ Jam  1 ♥ Startles Pokémon that made a same-type appeal.

Super Contests Condition  Beauty Appeal  2 ♥♥ Allows performance of the same move twice in a row.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Beautiful Appeal  1 ♥ Jamming  0   Effectiveness varies depending on when it is used.

On Smogon's Movedex: Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX

It is:

• TM51 in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
• TM187 in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
• TM149 in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Effect

Generation III

Icicle Spear inflicts damage, hitting the target 2-5 times per use. There is a 37.5% chance that it will hit 2 times, a 37.5% chance that it will hit 3 times, a 12.5% chance that it will hit 4 times, and a 12.5% chance that it will hit 5 times. Each strike made has an equal chance to be a critical hit.

Icicle Spear may continue attacking after breaking a substitute. Bide and Mirror Coat will only acknowledge the last strike of this move.

If the user is holding a King's Rock, each consecutive hit has an equal chance to cause the opponent to flinch.

Icicle Spear has a base power of 10.

Generation IV

Pokémon with the Ability Skill Link will always hit five times when using Icicle Spear unless it misses. Due to being now classified as a physical move, Icicle Spear is affected by Counter instead of Mirror Coat.

If the user is holding a Razor Fang, each consecutive hit has an equal chance to cause the opponent to flinch.

Generation V onwards

Icicle Spear's base power was increased to 25. There is now a 35% chance that it will hit 2 times, a 35% chance it will hit 3 times, a 15% chance it will hit 4 times, and a 15% chance it will hit 5 times. The average total base power is now 77.5.

If a Focus Sash activates before the last strike is dealt, the following strike will cause the defending Pokémon to faint. A Focus Band can still activate repeatedly to prevent fainting, but each chance is independent. Sturdy will activate with each hit if the defending Pokémon has a maximum HP of 1.

If the target has Weak Armor or Stamina, each strike will activate it.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Icicle Spear shoots a spread of five icicles in front of the user, with the center icicle aimed at the target. Multiple icicles can hit the same target.

Because Icicle Spear is classified as a long-range move, the user will move to its trainer's position before starting its wind-up; as such, it is more effective when used while the trainer is close to the target, allowing multiple icicles to hit.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A Category  Physical Accuracy  100% Standard Plus Move Power  25  30 Cooldown  6s Move wind-up time  20 frames Effect duration  —s Additional effect  —  —  — None

Description

Games Description RSE Attacks the foe by firing 2 to 5 icicles in a row. FRLG Sharp icicles are fired at the foe. It strikes two to five times. ColoXD Attacks target by firing 2 to 5 icicles in a row. DPPtHGSSPBR The user launches sharp icicles at the foe. It strikes two to five times in a row. BWB2W2 The user launches sharp icicles at the target. It strikes two to five times in a row. XYORAS SMUSUMPE SwShBDSPLA The user launches sharp icicles at the target two to five times in a row. SV The user attacks by launching sharp icicles at the target. This move hits two to five times in a row. ZA The user attacks by launching five sharp icicles in a single volley at targets. Champs The user attacks 2 to 5 times in a row.

Learnset

By leveling up

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII		IX
										SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP	SV
0028		Sandslash Alolan Form		Field		Field					1, Evo.	1, Evo.		Evo.
0090		Shellder		Water 3		Water 3	8FRLG	13	13	13	13	−	−	−
0091		Cloyster		Water 3		Water 3	−	−	−	−	−	1, Evo.	1, Evo.	Evo.
0582		Vanillite		Mineral		Mineral			1	1	1	24
0583		Vanillish		Mineral		Mineral			1	1	1	24
0584		Vanilluxe		Mineral		Mineral			1	1	1	24
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
						VIII	IX
						SwSh TM51	SV TM187	ZA TM149
0027		Sandshrew Alolan Form		Field		Field	✔	✔
0028		Sandslash Alolan Form		Field		Field	✔	✔
0037		Vulpix Alolan Form		Field		Field	−	✔
0038		Ninetales Alolan Form		Field		Field	−	✔
0086		Seel		Water 1	Field		✔
0087		Dewgong		Water 1	Field		✔
0090		Shellder		Water 3		Water 3	✔	✔
0091		Cloyster		Water 3		Water 3	✔	✔
0122		Mr. Mime Galarian Form		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔		✔
0124		Jynx		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0131		Lapras		Monster	Water 1	−	✔
0144		Articuno		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0151		Mew		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0160		Feraligatr		Monster	Water 1		−	✔
0215		Sneasel		Field		Field	−	✔
0220		Swinub		Field		Field	✔	✔
0221		Piloswine		Field		Field	✔	✔
0222		Corsola		Water 1	Water 3	✔
0222		Corsola Galarian Form		Water 1	Water 3	✔
0225		Delibird		Water 1	Field	✔	✔	✔
0354		Banette		Amorphous		Amorphous		−	✔
0361		Snorunt		Fairy	Mineral	−	✔	✔
0362		Glalie		Fairy	Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0364		Sealeo		Water 1	Field	✔
0365		Walrein		Water 1	Field	✔
0378		Regice		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0382		Kyogre		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	−	−	✔
0459		Snover		Monster	Grass	−	✔	✔
0460		Abomasnow		Monster	Grass	✔	✔	✔
0461		Weavile		Field		Field	✔	✔
0471		Glaceon		Field		Field	✔	✔	✔
0473		Mamoswine		Field		Field	✔	✔
0478		Froslass		Fairy	Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0491		Darkrai		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered		−	✔
0582		Vanillite		Mineral		Mineral	✔		✔
0583		Vanillish		Mineral		Mineral	✔		✔
0584		Vanilluxe		Mineral		Mineral	✔		✔
0613		Cubchoo		Field		Field	−	✔
0614		Beartic		Field		Field	✔	✔
0615		Cryogonal		Mineral		Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0646		Kyurem All forms		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0699		Aurorus		Monster		Monster	✔		✔
0712		Bergmite		Monster	Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0713		Avalugg		Monster	Mineral	✔	✔	✔
0713		Avalugg Hisuian Form		Monster	Mineral		✔	✔
0740		Crabominable		Water 3		Water 3		−	✔
0818		Inteleon		Water 1	Field	✔	✔
0864		Cursola		Water 1	Water 3	✔
0866		Mr. Rime		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔		✔
0872		Snom		Bug		Bug	✔	✔
0873		Frosmoth		Bug		Bug	✔	✔
0875		Eiscue		Water 1	Field	✔	✔
0881		Arctozolt		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0883		Arctovish		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0896		Glastrier		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	−
0898		Calyrex Ice Rider		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔	✔
0974		Cetoddle		Field		Field		✔
0975		Cetitan		Field		Field		✔
0996		Frigibax		Dragon	Mineral		✔	✔
0997		Arctibax		Dragon	Mineral		✔	✔
0998		Baxcalibur		Dragon	Mineral		✔	✔
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
						III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII	IX
										SMUSUM	BDSP	SV
0027		Sandshrew Alolan Form		Field		Field					✔		−
0086		Seel		Water 1	Field	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	−
0090		Shellder		Water 3		Water 3	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	−
0220		Swinub		Field		Field	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	−
0222		Corsola		Water 1	Water 3	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0996		Frigibax		Dragon	Mineral							✔
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 V

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0086		Seel		Water 1	Field	Dream World - Sparkling Sea
0220		Swinub		Field		Field	Dream World - Icy Cave
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.

Generation VII

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0220		Swinub		Field		Field	Island Scan - Tapu VillageUSUM
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.

Generation IX

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0996		Frigibax		Dragon	Mineral	Wild Tera Pokémon - Glaseado MountainSV
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
0091		Cloyster		Water 3		Water 3	Abram Burrows's Cloyster
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.

Generation VI

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Obtained with
0473		Mamoswine		Field		Field	Arash Ommati's Mamoswine
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

Icicle Spear inflicts damage, hitting the target 2-5 times per use. Each hit has a separate accuracy check, though the move will continue even when a hit fails. The move's critical-hit rate is reduced (2% in the Rescue Team, Explorers and Adventure Squad series).

Starting in Super Mystery Dungeon, if a Reviver Seed activates, the move will end.

Game Base Power Max Power Base PP Max PP Base Accuracy Max Accuracy Range Target Cuts corners MDRB 2 - 22 - 70% - Front Enemy Yes MDTDS 2 - 8 - 33.75% - Front Enemy Yes BSL 2 - 8 - 33.75% - Front Enemy Yes SMD 12 99 13 30 70% 98% Front Enemy Yes With some exceptions, Pokémon learnsets match those from the core series games: MD Rescue Team = Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. MD Time and Darkness = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. MD Sky = Pokémon Platinum. MD Adventure Squad = Pokémon Platinum. Super Mystery Dungeon = Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. MD Rescue Team DX = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Icicle Spear is a Charged Attack that was made available on January 16, 2022.

Icicle Spear
Charged Attack
Gyms & Raids Power 60 Energy cost 33 Duration 2.2 seconds Damage window 1.2-1.8 seconds
Trainer Battles Power 70 Energy cost 40 Secondary effect Effect chance %
Max Battles Power Level 1: 250 Level 2: 300 Level 3: 350
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility By Elite Charged TM By GO Snapshot As Shadow Pokémon As Purified Pokémon Formerly eligible None

Updates

Trainer Battles

• September 1, 2022
  • Energy cost: 35 → 40
• June 1, 2023
  • Power: 60 → 65
• December 2, 2025
  • Power: 65 → 70

Pokémon Masters EX

Name	Category	Move gauge cost	MP (uses)	Base power	Max power	Accuracy	Target	Effect tag	Description	Playable sync pair(s)
Icicle Spear	Physical	2	—	15	18	100%	An opponent	Multistrike	Attacks the target two to five times in a row.	Steven (Summer 2020) & Sandslash Bea (Palentine's 2022) & Vanilluxe Lorelei & Cloyster Brycen & Walrein Scottie/Bettie & Seel/DewgongEgg

Pokémon Rumble Rush

Icicle Spear

★★★★
Attack power	31.68497 (Hits 1-4), 56.4819 (Hit 5)
Charge time	0.5 seconds (Hits 1-4), 0.82 (Hit 5) seconds
Range type	Projectile
Number of hits	1
Number of projectiles	1
Critical hit rate	1.5%
Additional effect	None

Description

Games Description MDRB Inflicts damage on the target. It hits two to five times in succession. MDTDS Inflicts damage on the target using 2 to 5 attacks in a single turn. BSL てきポケモンに ２〜５かいれんぞくで ダメージをあたえる MDGtI UNUSED SMD MDRTDX It damages an enemy 2 to 5 times in a row.

In animation

Pokémon animated series

Shellder Vanillite Eiscue Cetitan
The user attacks by launching sharp icicles at the target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Used In		Notes
	Shellder fires sharp, thin, spear-shaped ice shards from its mouth at the opponent.
A Coordinator's Shellder	Old Rivals, New Tricks!		Debut
	Vanillite opens its mouth and the inside of it starts to glow light-blue. It then releases multiple sharp, thin, spear-shaped ice shards from its mouth at the opponent. As it does, a stream of cold air with white sparkles inside it is released as well.
Trip's Vanillite	Ash and Trip's Third Battle!		None
	Vanillish points the lower half of its body at the opponent and it starts to glow light-blue. Vanillish then spins around and fires multiple icicles from the bottom of its body at the opponent.
Cryogonal Man's Vanillish	The Mighty Accelguard to the Rescue!		None
Brycen's Vanillish	Caution: Icy Battle Conditions!		None
	Eiscue fires sharp, thin, spear-shaped ice shards from its face at the opponent.
A wild Eiscue	Grabbing the Brass Ring!		None
	Cloyster fires sharp, thin, spear-shaped ice shards from its mouth at the opponent.
Goh's Cloyster	Battling in the Freezing Raid!		None
	Frosmoth fires multiple sharp icicles at the opponent.
Lyla's Frosmoth	Chasing to the Finish!		None
	Cetitan fires five sharp icicles from its mouth, one at a time, at the opponent.
Grusha's Cetitan	Ice Battle! Cold-Eyed Grusha		None

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Shellder
The user attacks by launching sharp icicles at the target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Shellder releases four icicles from the black parts on its face above its mouth at the opponent.
Lorelei's Shellder	Bested by Banette		Debut
	Cloyster fires multiple icicles from its face at the opponent.
Arven's Cloyster	PASV25		None

In other generations

Core series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Side series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Spin-off series games

Generation I	RBY	Generation I (Japanese)	Generation I (international)	Generation II	Generation II (Japanese)	Generation II (international)	Crystal	Generation III	Generation III (Japanese)	Generation III (international)	RS	FRLG	FRLGE	Generation IV	Generation IV (Japanese)	Generation IV (international)	PtHGSS	HGSS	Generation V	BW	B2W2	Generation V (Japanese)	Generation V (international)	Generation VI	XY	ORAS	Generation VII	SMUSUM	LGPE	Generation VIII	SwSh	BDSP	Legends: Arceus	Generation IX	SV	Legends: Z-A	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Time and Darkness	MD: Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX	Champions

Trivia

• This move is unavailable to the player in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald and Pokémon Colosseum and XD without trading, as no Pokémon can learn it without breeding outside of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.

In other languages

Language		Title
Chinese	Cantonese	冰錐 Bīngjēui * 冰針 Bīngjām *
	Mandarin	冰錐 / 冰锥 Bīngzhuī * 冰針 Bīngzhēn *
Dutch		IJspegelspeer
French		StalactiteVIII+ StalagtiteIII–VII
German		Eisspeer
Greek		Παγολόγχη Pagolónchi
Hindi		आइसिकल स्पीयर 'Icicle Spear
Indonesian		Jarum Pilar Es* Jarum Es
Italian		Gelolancia
Korean		고드름침 Godoreum Chim
Polish		Strzała Lodu
Portuguese	Brazil	Lança Congelada (games, JN113–present, manga) Lança de Gelo (BW031–BW079)
	Portugal	Arpão de Gelo
Russian		Ледяная Пика Ledyanaya Pika
Serbian		Ledenice
Spanish	Latin America	Lanza de Hielo
	Spain	Carámbano
Thai		หอกน้ำแข็ง Hok Namkhaeng
Turkish		Buzul Mızrak
Vietnamese		Kim Băng * Băng Châm *[specify]

Variations of the move Bullet Seed
Bullet Seed • Icicle Spear

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.