Can Charizard Learn Thunder Punch? Exploring the Possibilities

Charizard, a popular and powerful Pokémon, is known for its fiery attacks and dragon-like appearance. As the final evolution of one of the original starter Pokémon, alongside Venusaur and Blastoise, Charizard holds a special place in the hearts of many trainers. While it may resemble a dragon, it doesn't possess the Dragon typing, unless it undergoes Mega Evolution into Mega Charizard X, which replaces its Flying type with Dragon. This article explores the question of whether Charizard can learn the Electric-type move Thunder Punch.

Understanding Thunder Punch

Thunder Punch is a special Electric-type attack that involves the user punching the target with an electrified fist. The move not only inflicts damage but also has a 10% chance of paralyzing the opponent. In Pokémon Contests, Thunder Punch can be used as the first move of a combination, causing Fire Punch and Ice Punch to score double the normal appeal if used in the next turn.

The animation of Thunder Punch typically involves the user's fist becoming surrounded by yellow sparks, which may grow into a ball of electrical energy. Several Pokémon are known to use Thunder Punch with distinct visual effects. For example, Electabuzz's fist glows yellow or white with sparks of electricity surrounding its arm or antennae, while Electivire may have one or both fists surrounded by yellow electricity. Other Pokémon like Infernape, Dusknoir, Dragonite, Exploud, Mega Charizard X, Pikachu, and Pangoro also exhibit similar electrical effects when using Thunder Punch.

Charizard's Movepool

To determine if Charizard can learn Thunder Punch, it's essential to examine its movepool across different Pokémon games. The movepool of a Pokémon refers to the set of moves it can learn through various methods, such as leveling up, breeding, or using Technical Machines (TMs).

Level-Up Moves

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Charizard learns moves at specific levels. Similarly, in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Charizard learns moves by leveling up and also upon evolution, regardless of level. Examining these level-up learnsets is crucial to see if Thunder Punch is included.

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Egg Moves

Egg moves are moves that a Pokémon can learn through breeding. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Charizard can learn egg moves via breeding or picnics. Details and compatible parents can be found on the Charizard gen 9 learnset page.

TM Compatibility

Technical Machines (TMs) are items that can teach a Pokémon a specific move. In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, Thunder Punch is TM23. Checking if Charizard is compatible with TM23 in these games will confirm whether it can learn Thunder Punch through this method.