Skull Bash

Skull Bash
Wartortle using Skull Bash in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions
First appearance	Pocket Monsters Red and Green Versions (1996)
Type	Normal
Category	Physical move
Power	100
Accuracy	100%
PP	15
Affects	Selected target
Secondary effect	Raises the user's defense
Contact	Yes
Affected by
Magic Coat	No
Magic Bounce	No
Bright Powder	Yes
Protect	Yes
Snatch	No
Mirror Move	Yes
King's Rock	Yes

Skull Bash is a Normal-type physical move which first appears in Pocket Monsters Red and Green Versions (released internationally as Pokémon Red and Blue Versions).

Game history

Pokémon series

In the core series, Skull Bash involves the Pokémon using the moves tucking in their head for one turn to build up power, and also increases their Defense. The next turn, the Pokémon unleashes Skull Bash, damaging their opponent.

Prior to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions, Squirtle and its two evolutions, Wartortle and Blastoise, were the only Pokémon who could learn Skull Bash through leveling up. In the Generation I titles, several Pokémon could learn Skull Bash via TM40. In the Generation II titles Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions and Pokémon Crystal Version, Skull Bash is not featured as a TM, and as such is a proper signature move of Squirtle and its two evolutions.

Super Smash Bros. series

Pikachu using Skull Bash in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Skull Bash was introduced in Super Smash Bros. Melee as both Pikachu's and Pichu's special move. When used, Pichu and Pikachu charge up an attack in which they fly across the screen to attack opponents with a headbutt. The move can be charged by holding down the special attack button, which increases the range and power of the move. Pichu's version of Skull Bash can charged for longer, allowing it to deal more damage and gain more distance, but like its other special moves, Pichu takes damage upon using the move.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, if Pikachu does land back on the stage after using Skull Bash, he is left in a helpless state. In subsequent installments, this no longer occurs, and Skull Bash takes less time to charge.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, two custom variants for this move are available to unlock for Pikachu. The first is Shocking Skull Bash, which deals multiple electric hits, the final hit dealing greater damage and knockback. The second move is Heavy Skull Bash, which does not travel as far but charges and travels faster, and deals more damage at the start of the attack.

Gallery

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  Pikachu using Skull Bash in Super Smash Bros. Melee

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  Pichu using Skull Bash in Super Smash Bros. Melee

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  Pikachu using Skull Bash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	ロケットずつき Roketto Zutsuki	Rocket Headbutt

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