Unusable Attacks

In Pokémon Sword & Shield, there are some moves that cannot be used, regardless of if they have been transferred in by a Pokémon that learned the move in a previous game. When you get a Pokémon with these moves, the game will tell you it's best to delete it.

List of Unusable Moves

Name Type Cat PP Base Power Accuracy Effect
10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt - ELECTRIC 1 195 101 The user, Pikachu wearing a cap, powers up a jolt of electricity using its Z-Power and unleashes it. Critical hits land more easily.
Acid Downpour Acid Downpour - POISON 1 -- 101 The user creates a poisonous swamp using its Z-Power and sinks the target into it at full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Acid Downpour Acid Downpour - POISON 1 -- 101 The user creates a poisonous swamp using its Z-Power and sinks the target into it at full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
All-Out Pummeling All-Out Pummeling - FIGHTING 1 -- 101 The user rams an energy orb created by its Z-Power into the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
All-Out Pummeling All-Out Pummeling - FIGHTING 1 -- 101 The user rams an energy orb created by its Z-Power into the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Assist Assist - NORMAL 20 -- 101 The user hurriedly and randomly uses a move among those known by ally Pokémon.
Baddy Bad Baddy Bad - DARK 15 80 95 The user acts bad and attacks the target. A wondrous wall of light is put up to weaken the power of the opposing Pokémon’s physical moves.
Barrage Barrage - NORMAL 20 15 85 Round objects are hurled at the target to strike two to five times in a row.
Barrier Barrier - PSYCHIC 20 -- 101 The user throws up a sturdy wall that sharply raises its Defense stat.
Bestow Bestow - NORMAL 15 -- 101 The user passes its held item to the target when the target isn't holding an item.
Bide Bide - NORMAL 10 -- 101 The user endures attacks for two turns, then strikes back to cause double the damage taken.
Black Hole Eclipse Black Hole Eclipse - DARK 1 -- 101 The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Black Hole Eclipse Black Hole Eclipse - DARK 1 -- 101 The user gathers dark energy using its Z-Power and sucks the target into it. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Bloom Doom Bloom Doom - GRASS 1 -- 101 The user collects energy from plants using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Bloom Doom Bloom Doom - GRASS 1 -- 101 The user collects energy from plants using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Bone Club Bone Club - GROUND 20 65 85 The user clubs the target with a bone. This may also make the target flinch.
Bouncy Bubble Bouncy Bubble - WATER 20 60 100 The user attacks by shooting water bubbles at the target. It then absorbs water and restores its HP by half the damage taken by the target.
Breakneck Blitz Breakneck Blitz - NORMAL 1 -- 101 The user builds up its momentum using its Z-Power and crashes into the target at full speed. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Breakneck Blitz Breakneck Blitz - NORMAL 1 -- 101 The user builds up its momentum using its Z-Power and crashes into the target at full speed. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Bubble Bubble - WATER 30 40 100 A spray of countless bubbles is jetted at the opposing Pokémon. This may also lower their Speed stat.
Buzzy Buzz Buzzy Buzz - ELECTRIC 20 60 100 The user shoots a jolt of electricity to attack the target. This also leaves the target with paralysis.
Camouflage Camouflage - NORMAL 20 -- 101 The user's type is changed depending on its environment, such as at water's edge, in grass, or in a cave.
Captivate Captivate - NORMAL 20 -- 100 If any opposing Pokémon is the opposite gender of the user, it is charmed, which harshly lowers its Sp. Atk stat.
Catastropika Catastropika - ELECTRIC 1 210 101 The user, Pikachu, surrounds itself with the maximum amount of electricity using its Z-Power and pounces on its target with full force.
Chip Away Chip Away - NORMAL 20 70 100 Looking for an opening, the user strikes consistently. The target's stat changes don't affect this attack's damage.
Clamp Clamp - WATER 15 35 85 The target is clamped and squeezed by the user's very thick and sturdy shell for four to five turns.
Clangorous Soulblaze Clangorous Soulblaze - DRAGON 1 185 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Kommo-o, attacks the opposing Pokémon with full force. This move boosts the user's stats.
Comet Punch Comet Punch - NORMAL 15 18 85 The target is hit with a flurry of punches that strike two to five times in a row.
Constrict Constrict - NORMAL 35 10 100 The target is attacked with long, creeping tentacles, vines, or the like. This may also lower the target's Speed stat.
Continental Crush Continental Crush - ROCK 1 -- 101 The user summons a huge rock mountain using its Z-Power and drops it onto the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Continental Crush Continental Crush - ROCK 1 -- 101 The user summons a huge rock mountain using its Z-Power and drops it onto the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Corkscrew Crash Corkscrew Crash - STEEL 1 -- 101 The user spins very fast and rams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Corkscrew Crash Corkscrew Crash - STEEL 1 -- 101 The user spins very fast and rams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Devastating Drake Devastating Drake - DRAGON 1 -- 101 The user materializes its aura using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Devastating Drake Devastating Drake - DRAGON 1 -- 101 The user materializes its aura using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Dizzy Punch Dizzy Punch - NORMAL 10 70 100 The target is hit with rhythmically launched punches. This may also leave the target confused.
Double Slap Double Slap - NORMAL 10 15 85 The target is slapped repeatedly, back and forth, two to five times in a row.
Dragon Rage Dragon Rage - DRAGON 10 -- 100 This attack hits the target with a shock wave of pure rage. This attack always inflicts 40 HP damage.
Egg Bomb Egg Bomb - NORMAL 10 100 75 A large egg is hurled at the target with maximum force to inflict damage.
Embargo Embargo - DARK 15 -- 100 This move prevents the target from using its held item for five turns. Its Trainer is also prevented from using items on it.
Extreme Evoboost Extreme Evoboost - NORMAL 1 -- 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Eevee, gets energy from its evolved friends and boosts its stats sharply.
Feint Attack Feint Attack - DARK 20 60 101 The user approaches the target disarmingly, then throws a sucker punch. This attack never misses.
Flame Burst Flame Burst - FIRE 15 70 100 The user attacks the target with a bursting flame. The bursting flame damages Pokémon next to the target as well.
Flash Flash - NORMAL 20 -- 100 The user flashes a bright light that cuts the target's accuracy.
Floaty Fall Floaty Fall - FLYING 15 90 95 The user floats in the air, and then dives at a steep angle to attack the target. This may also make the target flinch.
Foresight Foresight - NORMAL 40 -- 101 Enables a Ghost-type target to be hit by Normal- and Fighting-type attacks. This also enables an evasive target to be hit.
Freezy Frost Freezy Frost - ICE 10 100 90 The user attacks with a crystal made of cold frozen haze. It eliminates every stat change among all the Pokémon engaged in battle.
Frustration Frustration - NORMAL 20 -- 100 This full-power attack grows more powerful the less the user likes its Trainer.
Genesis Supernova Genesis Supernova - PSYCHIC 1 185 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Mew, attacks the target with full force. The terrain will be charged with psychic energy.
Gigavolt Havoc Gigavolt Havoc - ELECTRIC 1 -- 101 The user hits the target with a powerful electric current collected by its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Gigavolt Havoc Gigavolt Havoc - ELECTRIC 1 -- 101 The user hits the target with a powerful electric current collected by its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Glitzy Glow Glitzy Glow - PSYCHIC 15 80 95 The user bombards the target with telekinetic force. A wondrous wall of light is put up to weaken the power of the opposing Pokémon’s special moves.
Grass Whistle Grass Whistle - GRASS 15 -- 55 The user plays a pleasant melody that lulls the target into a deep sleep.
Guardian of Alola Guardian of Alola - FAIRY 1 -- 101 The user, the Land Spirit Pokémon, obtains Alola's energy using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force. This reduces the target's HP greatly.
Heal Block Heal Block - PSYCHIC 15 -- 100 For five turns, the user prevents the opposing team from using any moves, Abilities, or held items that recover HP.
Heal Order Heal Order - BUG 10 -- 101 The user calls out its underlings to heal it. The user regains up to half of its max HP.
Heart Stamp Heart Stamp - PSYCHIC 25 60 100 The user unleashes a vicious blow after its cute act makes the target less wary. This may also make the target flinch.
Heart Swap Heart Swap - PSYCHIC 10 -- 101 The user employs its psychic power to switch stat changes with the target.
Hidden Power Hidden Power - NORMAL 15 60 100 A unique attack that varies in type depending on the Pokémon using it.
Hydro Vortex Hydro Vortex - WATER 1 -- 101 The user creates a huge whirling current using its Z-Power to swallow the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Hydro Vortex Hydro Vortex - WATER 1 -- 101 The user creates a huge whirling current using its Z-Power to swallow the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Ice Ball Ice Ball - ICE 20 30 90 The user attacks the target for five turns. The move's power increases each time it hits.
Inferno Overdrive Inferno Overdrive - FIRE 1 -- 101 The user breathes a stream of intense fire toward the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies depending on the original move.
Inferno Overdrive Inferno Overdrive - FIRE 1 -- 101 The user breathes a stream of intense fire toward the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies depending on the original move.
Ion Deluge Ion Deluge - ELECTRIC 25 -- 101 The user disperses electrically charged particles, which changes Normal-type moves to Electric-type moves.
Jump Kick Jump Kick - FIGHTING 10 100 95 The user jumps up high, then strikes with a kick. If the kick misses, the user hurts itself.
Karate Chop Karate Chop - FIGHTING 25 50 100 The target is attacked with a sharp chop. Critical hits land more easily.
Let's Snuggle Forever Let's Snuggle Forever - FAIRY 1 190 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Mimikyu, punches the target with full force.
Light That Burns the Sky Light That Burns the Sky - PSYCHIC 1 200 101 This attack inflicts Attack or Sp. Atk damage— whichever stat is higher for the user, Necrozma. This move ignores the target's Ability.
Lucky Chant Lucky Chant - NORMAL 30 -- 101 The user chants an incantation toward the sky, preventing opposing Pokémon from landing critical hits for five turns.
Magnet Bomb Magnet Bomb - STEEL 20 60 101 The user launches steel bombs that stick to the target. This attack never misses.
Magnitude Magnitude - GROUND 30 -- 100 The user attacks everything around it with a ground-shaking quake. Its power varies.
Malicious Moonsault Malicious Moonsault - DARK 1 180 101 The user, Incineroar, strengthens its body using its Z-Power and crashes into the target with full force.
Me First Me First - NORMAL 20 -- 101 The user cuts ahead of the target to copy and use the target's intended move with greater power. This move fails if it isn't used first.
Meditate Meditate - PSYCHIC 40 -- 101 The user meditates to awaken the power deep within its body and raise its Attack stat.
Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom - GHOST 1 200 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Lunala, attacks the target with full force. This move can ignore the effect of the target's Ability.
Miracle Eye Miracle Eye - PSYCHIC 40 -- 101 Enables a Dark-type target to be hit by Psychic-type attacks. This also enables an evasive target to be hit.
Mirror Move Mirror Move - FLYING 20 -- 101 The user counters the target by mimicking the target's last move.
Mirror Shot Mirror Shot - STEEL 10 65 85 The user lets loose a flash of energy at the target from its polished body. This may also lower the target's accuracy.
Mud Bomb Mud Bomb - GROUND 10 65 85 The user launches a hard-packed mud ball to attack. This may also lower the target's accuracy.
Mud Sport Mud Sport - GROUND 15 -- 101 The user kicks up mud on the battlefield. This weakens Electric-type moves for five turns.
Natural Gift Natural Gift - NORMAL 15 -- 100 The user draws power to attack by using its held Berry. The Berry determines the move's type and power.
Needle Arm Needle Arm - GRASS 15 60 100 The user attacks by wildly swinging its thorny arms. This may also make the target flinch.
Never-Ending Nightmare Never-Ending Nightmare - GHOST 1 -- 101 Deep-seated grudges summoned by the user's Z-Power trap the target. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Never-Ending Nightmare Never-Ending Nightmare - GHOST 1 -- 101 Deep-seated grudges summoned by the user's Z-Power trap the target. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Nightmare Nightmare - GHOST 15 -- 100 A sleeping target sees a nightmare that inflicts some damage every turn.
Oceanic Operetta Oceanic Operetta - WATER 1 195 101 The user, Primarina, summons a massive amount of water using its Z-Power and attacks the target with full force.
Odor Sleuth Odor Sleuth - NORMAL 40 -- 101 Enables a Ghost-type target to be hit by Normal- and Fighting-type attacks. This also enables an evasive target to be hit.
Ominous Wind Ominous Wind - GHOST 5 60 100 The user blasts the target with a gust of repulsive wind. This may also raise all the user's stats at once.
Pika Papow Pika Papow - ELECTRIC 20 -- 101 The more Pikachu loves its Trainer, the greater the move’s power. It never misses.
Psycho Boost Psycho Boost - PSYCHIC 5 140 90 The user attacks the target at full power. The attack's recoil harshly lowers the user's Sp. Atk stat.
Psywave Psywave - PSYCHIC 15 -- 100 The target is attacked with an odd psychic wave. The attack varies in intensity.
Pulverizing Pancake Pulverizing Pancake - NORMAL 1 210 101 Z-Power brings out the true capabilities of the user, Snorlax. The Pokémon moves its enormous body energetically and attacks the target with full force.
Punishment Punishment - DARK 5 -- 100 The more the target has powered up with stat changes, the greater the move's power.
Pursuit Pursuit - DARK 20 40 100 The power of this attack move is doubled if it's used on a target that's switching out of battle.
Rage Rage - NORMAL 20 20 100 As long as this move is in use, the power of rage raises the Attack stat each time the user is hit in battle.
Razor Wind Razor Wind - NORMAL 10 80 100 In this two-turn attack, blades of wind hit opposing Pokémon on the second turn. Critical hits land more easily.
Refresh Refresh - NORMAL 20 -- 101 The user rests to cure itself of poisoning, a burn, or paralysis.
Return Return - NORMAL 20 -- 100 This full-power attack grows more powerful the more the user likes its Trainer.
Rock Climb Rock Climb - NORMAL 20 90 85 The user attacks the target by smashing into it with incredible force. This may also confuse the target.
Rolling Kick Rolling Kick - FIGHTING 15 60 85 The user lashes out with a quick, spinning kick. This may also make the target flinch.
Rototiller Rototiller - GROUND 10 -- 101 Tilling the soil, the user makes it easier for plants to grow. This raises the Attack and Sp. Atk stats of Grass-type Pokémon.
Sappy Seed Sappy Seed - GRASS 10 100 90 The user grows a gigantic stalk that scatters seeds to attack the target. The seeds drain the target’s HP every turn.
Savage Spin-Out Savage Spin-Out - BUG 1 -- 101 The user binds the target with full force with threads of silk that the user spits using its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Savage Spin-Out Savage Spin-Out - BUG 1 -- 101 The user binds the target with full force with threads of silk that the user spits using its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Searing Sunraze Smash Searing Sunraze Smash - STEEL 1 200 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Solgaleo, attacks the target with full force. This move can ignore the effect of the target's Ability.
Secret Power Secret Power - NORMAL 20 70 100 The additional effects of this attack depend upon where it was used.
Sharpen Sharpen - NORMAL 30 -- 101 The user makes its edges more jagged, which raises its Attack stat.
Shattered Psyche Shattered Psyche - PSYCHIC 1 -- 101 The user controls the target with its Z-Power and hurts the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Shattered Psyche Shattered Psyche - PSYCHIC 1 -- 101 The user controls the target with its Z-Power and hurts the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Signal Beam Signal Beam - BUG 15 75 100 The user attacks with a sinister beam of light. This may also confuse the target.
Silver Wind Silver Wind - BUG 5 60 100 The target is attacked with powdery scales blown by the wind. This may also raise all the user's stats.
Sinister Arrow Raid Sinister Arrow Raid - GHOST 1 180 101 The user, Decidueye, creates countless arrows using its Z-Power and shoots the target with full force.
Sizzly Slide Sizzly Slide - FIRE 20 60 100 The user cloaks itself in fire and charges at the target. This also leaves the target with a burn.
Sky Drop Sky Drop - FLYING 10 60 100 The user takes the target into the sky, then drops it during the next turn. The target cannot attack while in the sky.
Sky Uppercut Sky Uppercut - FIGHTING 15 85 90 The user attacks the target with an uppercut thrown skyward with force.
Smelling Salts Smelling Salts - NORMAL 10 70 100 This attack's power is doubled when used on a target with paralysis. This also cures the target's paralysis, however.
Snatch Snatch - DARK 10 -- 101 The user steals the effects of any attempts to use a healing or stat-changing move.
Sonic Boom Sonic Boom - NORMAL 20 -- 90 The target is hit with a destructive shock wave that always inflicts 20 HP damage.
Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike - GHOST 1 195 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Marshadow, punches and kicks the target consecutively with full force.
Sparkly Swirl Sparkly Swirl - FAIRY 5 120 85 The user attacks the target by wrapping it with a whirlwind of an overpowering scent. This also heals all status conditions of the user’s party.
Spider Web Spider Web - BUG 10 -- 101 The user ensnares the target with thin, gooey silk so it can't flee from battle.
Spike Cannon Spike Cannon - NORMAL 15 20 100 Sharp spikes are shot at the target in rapid succession. They hit two to five times in a row.
Splintered Stormshards Splintered Stormshards - ROCK 1 190 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Lycanroc, attacks the target with full force. This move negates the effect on the battlefield.
Splishy Splash Splishy Splash - WATER 15 90 100 The user charges a huge wave with electricity and hits the opposing Pokémon with the wave. This may also leave the opposing Pokémon with paralysis.
Spotlight Spotlight - NORMAL 15 -- 101 The user shines a spotlight on the target so that only the target will be attacked during the turn.
Steamroller Steamroller - BUG 20 65 100 The user crushes its target by rolling over the target with its rolled-up body. This may also make the target flinch.
Stoked Sparksurfer Stoked Sparksurfer - ELECTRIC 1 175 101 After obtaining Z-Power, the user, Alolan Raichu, attacks the target with full force. This move leaves the target with paralysis.
Subzero Slammer Subzero Slammer - ICE 1 -- 101 The user dramatically drops the temperature using its Z-Power and freezes the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Subzero Slammer Subzero Slammer - ICE 1 -- 101 The user dramatically drops the temperature using its Z-Power and freezes the target with full force. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Supersonic Skystrike Supersonic Skystrike - FLYING 1 -- 101 The user soars up with its Z-Power and plummets toward the target at full speed. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Supersonic Skystrike Supersonic Skystrike - FLYING 1 -- 101 The user soars up with its Z-Power and plummets toward the target at full speed. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Synchronoise Synchronoise - PSYCHIC 10 120 100 Using an odd shock wave, the user inflicts damage on any Pokémon of the same type in the area around it.
Tail Glow Tail Glow - BUG 20 -- 101 The user stares at flashing lights to focus its mind, drastically raising its Sp. Atk stat.
Tectonic Rage Tectonic Rage - GROUND 1 -- 101 The user burrows deep into the ground and slams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Tectonic Rage Tectonic Rage - GROUND 1 -- 101 The user burrows deep into the ground and slams into the target with the full force of its Z-Power. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Telekinesis Telekinesis - PSYCHIC 15 -- 101 The user makes the target float with its psychic power. The target is easier to hit for three turns.
Trump Card Trump Card - NORMAL 5 -- 101 The fewer PP this move has, the greater its power.
Twineedle Twineedle - BUG 20 25 100 The user damages the target twice in succession by jabbing it with two spikes. This may also poison the target.
Twinkle Tackle Twinkle Tackle - FAIRY 1 -- 101 The user creates a very charming space using its Z-Power and totally toys with the target. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Twinkle Tackle Twinkle Tackle - FAIRY 1 -- 101 The user creates a very charming space using its Z-Power and totally toys with the target. The power varies, depending on the original move.
Veevee Volley Veevee Volley - NORMAL 20 -- 101 The more Eevee loves its Trainer, the greater the move’s power. It never misses.
Wake-Up Slap Wake-Up Slap - FIGHTING 10 70 100 This attack inflicts big damage on a sleeping target. This also wakes the target up, however.
Water Sport Water Sport - WATER 15 -- 101 The user soaks the battlefield with water. This weakens Fire-type moves for five turns.
Wring Out Wring Out - NORMAL 5 -- 100 The user powerfully wrings the target. The more HP the target has, the greater the move's power.
Zippy Zap Zippy Zap - ELECTRIC 10 80 100 The user attacks the target with bursts of electricity at high speed. This move always goes first and results in a critical hit.