Skull Bash (move)

Skull Bash ロケットずつき Rocket Headbutt

Battles Type  Normal Category  Physical PP  10 (max. 16) Power  130 Accuracy  100% Priority  0 Makes 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 I TM40 in Generation I

Contests Condition  Tough Appeal  1 ♥ Jam  4 ♥♥♥♥ Badly startles the Pokémon in front.

Super Contests Condition  Tough Appeal  1 ♥ Earn +3 if no other Pokémon has chosen the same Judge.

Contest Spectaculars Condition  Tough Appeal  3 ♥♥♥ Jamming  0   Affected by how well the previous Pokémon's move went.

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

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

#	Pokémon		Types	Egg Groups		Level
						I	II	III	IV	V	VI	VII		VIII
												SMUSUM	PE	SwSh	BDSP
0007		Squirtle		Monster	Water 1	35	40	40	31	31	31	31	45	36	36
0008		Wartortle		Monster	Water 1	39	45	45	36	36	36	37	59	50	50
0009		Blastoise		Monster	Water 1	42	55	55	39	39	39	40	75	56	56
0056		Mankey		Field		Field	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		29
0057		Primeape		Field		Field	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	−		30
0119		Seaking		Water 2		Water 2	−	−	−	−	−	−	−	1	−	−
0319		Sharpedo		Water 2		Water 2			48	50	50	50XY 51ORAS	51		−	−
0689		Barbaracle		Water 3		Water 3						1, 65	1, 65		1
0713		Avalugg		Monster	Mineral						1, 60	1, 60		51
0787		Tapu Bulu		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered							58		70
0797		Celesteela		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered							53		70
0844		Sandaconda		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
						II	III	IV	V	VI	VII	VIII
											SMUSUM	SwSh	BDSP
0001		Bulbasaur		Monster	Grass	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0029		Nidoran♀		Monster	Field	−	−	✔HGSS	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0104		Cubone		Monster		Monster	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0111		Rhyhorn		Monster	Field	−	−	✔HGSS	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0118		Goldeen		Water 2		Water 2	−	−	−	✔	✔	✔	−	✔
0324		Torkoal		Field		Field		−	✔HGSS	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0369		Relicanth		Water 1	Water 2		✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0399		Bidoof		Water 1	Field			−	✔	✔	✔		✔
0459		Snover		Monster	Grass			✔HGSS	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
0529		Drilbur		Field		Field				✔	✔	✔	−
0626		Bouffalant		Field		Field				✔	✔	✔	✔
0833		Chewtle		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
						I
						TM40
0004		Charmander		Monster	Dragon	✔
0005		Charmeleon		Monster	Dragon	✔
0006		Charizard		Monster	Dragon	✔
0007		Squirtle		Monster	Water 1	✔
0008		Wartortle		Monster	Water 1	✔
0009		Blastoise		Monster	Water 1	✔
0015		Beedrill		Bug		Bug	✔
0019		Rattata		Field		Field	✔
0020		Raticate		Field		Field	✔
0023		Ekans		Field	Dragon	✔
0024		Arbok		Field	Dragon	✔
0025		Pikachu		Field	Fairy	✔
0026		Raichu		Field	Fairy	✔
0027		Sandshrew		Field		Field	✔
0028		Sandslash		Field		Field	✔
0029		Nidoran♀		Monster	Field	✔
0030		Nidorina		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0031		Nidoqueen		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0032		Nidoran♂		Monster	Field	✔
0033		Nidorino		Monster	Field	✔
0034		Nidoking		Monster	Field	✔
0035		Clefairy		Fairy		Fairy	✔
0036		Clefable		Fairy		Fairy	✔
0037		Vulpix		Field		Field	✔
0038		Ninetales		Field		Field	✔
0039		Jigglypuff		Fairy		Fairy	✔
0040		Wigglytuff		Fairy		Fairy	✔
0046		Paras		Bug	Grass	✔
0047		Parasect		Bug	Grass	✔
0052		Meowth		Field		Field	✔
0053		Persian		Field		Field	✔
0054		Psyduck		Water 1	Field	✔
0055		Golduck		Water 1	Field	✔
0056		Mankey		Field		Field	✔
0057		Primeape		Field		Field	✔
0058		Growlithe		Field		Field	✔
0059		Arcanine		Field		Field	✔
0060		Poliwag		Water 1		Water 1	✔
0061		Poliwhirl		Water 1		Water 1	✔
0062		Poliwrath		Water 1		Water 1	✔
0063		Abra		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0064		Kadabra		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0065		Alakazam		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0066		Machop		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0067		Machoke		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0068		Machamp		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0072		Tentacool		Water 3		Water 3	✔
0073		Tentacruel		Water 3		Water 3	✔
0077		Ponyta		Field		Field	✔
0078		Rapidash		Field		Field	✔
0079		Slowpoke		Monster	Water 1	✔
0080		Slowbro		Monster	Water 1	✔
0083		Farfetch'd		Flying	Field	✔
0084		Doduo		Flying		Flying	✔
0085		Dodrio		Flying		Flying	✔
0086		Seel		Water 1	Field	✔
0087		Dewgong		Water 1	Field	✔
0094		Gengar		Amorphous		Amorphous	✔
0095		Onix		Mineral		Mineral	✔
0096		Drowzee		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0097		Hypno		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0101		Electrode		Mineral		Mineral	✔
0104		Cubone		Monster		Monster	✔
0105		Marowak		Monster		Monster	✔
0106		Hitmonlee		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0107		Hitmonchan		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0108		Lickitung		Monster		Monster	✔
0111		Rhyhorn		Monster	Field	✔
0112		Rhydon		Monster	Field	✔
0113		Chansey		Fairy		Fairy	✔
0114		Tangela		Grass		Grass	✔
0115		Kangaskhan		Monster		Monster	✔
0116		Horsea		Water 1	Dragon	✔
0117		Seadra		Water 1	Dragon	✔
0118		Goldeen		Water 2		Water 2	✔
0119		Seaking		Water 2		Water 2	✔
0120		Staryu		Water 3		Water 3	✔
0121		Starmie		Water 3		Water 3	✔
0122		Mr. Mime		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0123		Scyther		Bug		Bug	✔
0124		Jynx		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0125		Electabuzz		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0126		Magmar		Human-Like		Human-Like	✔
0128		Tauros		Field		Field	✔
0130		Gyarados		Water 2	Dragon	✔
0131		Lapras		Monster	Water 1	✔
0133		Eevee		Field		Field	✔
0134		Vaporeon		Field		Field	✔
0135		Jolteon		Field		Field	✔
0136		Flareon		Field		Field	✔
0137		Porygon		Mineral		Mineral	✔
0139		Omastar		Water 1	Water 3	✔
0141		Kabutops		Water 1	Water 3	✔
0143		Snorlax		Monster		Monster	✔
0147		Dratini		Water 1	Dragon	✔
0148		Dragonair		Water 1	Dragon	✔
0149		Dragonite		Water 1	Dragon	✔
0150		Mewtwo		No Eggs Discovered		No Eggs Discovered	✔
0151		Mew		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		Rhyhorn		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.

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 animation

Pokémon animated series

Magmar Scyther Squirtle 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

• In The Ultimate Test, Nurse Joy commanded the Squirtle she had rented from the Pokémon League Admissions Exam instructor to use Skull Bash, but the move was used off-screen.
• In the English dub of Dueling Heroes, Ash commanded his Totodile to use Skull Bash, which it cannot legally learn. In the original Japanese version, Ash instead commanded Totodile to use Headbutt.

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

Blastoise
The user slams its head into the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Blastoise slams its head into the opponent.
Gary's Blastoise	One Half Of A Poké Ball		Debut

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

Onix Sandaconda
The user tucks its head in, then rams the target.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Onix floats into the air and curls its body around. It then fires itself at the opponent with huge speed and power.
Brock's Onix	Onix Is On!		Debut
	Sandaconda rams the opponent with its head.
Raihan's Sandaconda	Thump!! The Gazing Sage		None

• 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

Blastoise
The user slams their head at the opponent.
Pokémon	Method
User	First Chapter Used In		Notes
	Blastoise tucks its head, then quickly pokes it out of the body.
Blue's Blastoise	The Pokémon Banana League (Part 1)		Debut
	Squirtle flies in the air and slams its head at the foe.
A wild Squirtle	Take Me to the Dragon Palace!		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	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

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	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

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	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

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	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

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	Stadium (JP)	Stadium	Stadium 2	Colosseum	XD	Battle Revolution	Battrio	MD: Red and Blue	MD: Time, Darkness, and Sky	MD: Blazing, Stormy, & Light Adventure Squad	MD: GTI	SMD	MD: RTDX	Rumble	Rumble Blast	Masters EX

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, IV–VIII 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 Cabezazo* (EP076, EP098-present) Megatope (EP034, JN113) Embestida* (EP094, AG190) Golpe de Cabeza* (EP059) Embestida Final (EP026) Spain Cabezazo Swedish Danskskalle* Nickstöt* Huvudattack* Thai พุ่งหัวจรวด Vietnamese Tên Lửa Húc Đầu

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.