Lightning Rod (ability)
Effect
Lightning Rod forces all single-target Electric-type moves - used by any other Pokémon on the field - to target this Pokémon, and with 100% accuracy. This includes the status move Thunder Wave. The ability is most useful in double/triple battles.
When hit by the move, it deals no damage to the ability-bearer but raises its Special Attack by one stage. Stats can be raised to a maximum of +6 stages each.
Lightning Rod will activate for an Electric-type Hidden Power, but not Electric-type Judgment.
The ability is overridden by other Pokémon becoming the center of attention
from the moves Follow Me or Rage Powder.
Changes
In Generations 3-4, Lightning Rod did not increase Special Attack nor give immunity to Electric-type attacks. It also did not activate for Hidden Power.
In Generations 3-5, this ability's name was formatted as Lightningrod.
Game descriptions
| Ruby/Sapphire FireRed/LeafGreen Emerald |
Draws electrical moves. |
|---|---|
| Diamond/Pearl Platinum HeartGold/SoulSilver |
The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves. |
| Black/White Black 2/White 2 |
Draws in all Electric-type moves to up Sp. Attack. |
| X/Y O.Ruby/A.Sapphire |
Draws in all Electric-type moves to boost its Sp. Atk stat. |
| Sun/Moon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon |
The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves. Instead of being hit by Electric-type moves, it boosts its Sp. Atk. |
| Sword/Shield B.Diamond/S.Pearl |
The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves. Instead of being hit by Electric-type moves, it boosts its Sp. Atk. |
| Scarlet/Violet | The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves. Instead of taking damage from them, its Sp. Atk stat is boosted. |
Other languages
| English | Lightning Rod |
|---|---|
| Japanese | ひらいしん (Hiraishin) |
| German | Blitzfänger |
| French | Paratonnerre |
| Italian | Parafulmine |
| Spanish | Pararrayos |
| Korean | 피뢰침 |
| Chinese (Simplified) | 避雷针 |
| Chinese (Traditional) | 避雷針 |
Pokémon with Lightning Rod
# | Name | 2nd ability | Hidden ability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cubone | Rock Head | Battle Armor |
| Marowak | Rock Head | Battle Armor |
| Marowak Alolan Marowak |
Cursed Body | Rock Head |
| Rhyhorn | Rock Head | Reckless |
| Rhydon | Rock Head | Reckless |
| Sceptile Mega Sceptile |
— | — |
| Electrike | Static | Minus |
| Manectric | Static | Minus |
| Rhyperior | Solid Rock | Reckless |
| Blitzle | Motor Drive | Sap Sipper |
| Zebstrika | Motor Drive | Sap Sipper |
| Togedemaru | Iron Barbs | Sturdy |
| Pincurchin | — | Electric Surge |
Lightning Rod as a hidden ability
# | Name | Other abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Pikachu |
Static |
| Raichu |
Static |
| Goldeen |
Swift Swim Water Veil |
| Seaking |
Swift Swim Water Veil |
| Pichu |
Static |
| Plusle |
Plus |