Move-of-the-Week Discussion #93: Thunder Fang

winstein

winstein

Mari-yo Puyo
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In Pokémon, there are lots of different moves used by different Pokémon. Every week, we shall focus the discussion on a different move, and there will be some base questions that would help you start this off. This week, Thunder Fang is chosen by @Marius;.

Generation 4's gift of Physical moves to previously Special types came across a problem: those without hands are at a disadvantage, for the elemental punches would only truly benefit them. So to solve this, we have the elemental fangs instead. Thunder Fang is one of them. Though they may be weaker, these moves provide a flinch chance in addition to the status they inflict, so you have an 19% chance of doing something. As an Electric move, Thunder Fang is learned by lots of Electric-types, as well as strong Pokémon who have strong jaws.

Here's the in-game description for this move:

Thunder Fang (XY) said:
Type: Electric (Physical)
Base Power: 65
Accuracy: 95%
PP: 15

The user bites with electrified fangs. This may also make the target flinch or leave it with paralysis.
Click to expand...

Here are the usual possible questions about this move:
  • How does certain Pokémon (who knows it) use this move? What kind of purpose would this move have for them (in the Pokémon World)?
  • How could this move be used to aid a profession in the Pokémon World?
  • Could this move realistically be used by any Pokémon who doesn't learn it normally? If yes, please explain your choices.
  • How would this move be used in battling, realistically or video game-wise?

Other questions (You could ask other critical questions beyond the listed):
  • For Pokémon that are not Electric-type, how do they give their bites an electric flavour?

Here are the current users for this move:
(Level-up)​
  • Arbok
  • Arcanine
  • Jolteon
  • Aerodactyl
  • Steelix
  • Snubbull & Granbull
  • Houndoom
  • Donphan
  • Raikou
  • Tyranitar
  • Exploud
  • Electrike & Manectric
  • Salamence
  • Shinx, Luxio & Luxray
  • Hippowdon
  • Drapion
  • Gliscor
  • Stoutland
  • Zekrom

    (Breeding)
  • Rhyhorn, Rhydon & Rhyperior
  • Houndour & Houndoom
  • Poochyena & Mightyena
  • Mawile
  • Lillipup, Herdier & Stoutland
  • Sandile, Krokorok & Krookodile
  • Druddigon
  • Durant
  • Deino, Zweilous & Hydreigon
  • Tyrunt & Tyrantrum

Thanks for reading, and happy discussing!

~ The General Pokémon Forum Staff


Previous Move-of-the-Weeks:

The user with the best post will receive the right to vote for next week's move on a Friday, as chosen by the mods of this section. The next move is based on criteria, as listed below.

Next Move Criteria: Introduced in Generation 6

Moves: Flying Press, Mat Block, Belch, Rototiller, Sticky Web, Fell Stinger, Phantom Force, Noble Roar, Ion Deluge, Forest's Curse, Petal Blizzard, Freeze-Dry, Disarming Voice, Parting Shot, Topsy-Turvy, Draining Kiss, Crafty Shield, Flower Shield, Grassy Terrain, Misty Terrain, Electrify, Play Rough, Moonblast, Boomburst, Fairy Lock, King's Shield, Play Nice, Confide, Diamond Storm, Steam Eruption, Hyperspace Hole, Water Shuriken, Mystical Fire, Aromatic Mist, Eerie Impulse, Venom Drench, Powder, Geomancy, Magnetic Flux, Happy Hour, Electric Terrain, Dazzling Gleam, Celebrate, Baby-Doll Eyes, Nuzzle, Hold Back, Infestation, Power-Up Punch, Oblivion Wing, Land's Wrath, Light of Ruin​
 
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Since the move has a chance of paralyzing the enemy, wild Pokemon might use it to cripple their prey/prevent them from running.

Edit- I just saw the question about how they give their bites the electric flavor. I came up with this.

As with many electric type moves learnt by non-electric mons, I figure they generate the electricity using static, which is created quite easily by shuffling your feet. It's probably even easier for those Pokémon that have fur.
 
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What intrigues me is why the Thunder Punch (or any other elemental punch) has more base power than Thunder Fang?
Thunder Punch has 75, while Thunder Fang has 65. I think being bitten by someone with sharp teeth would be more painful than being punched.
For non-electric Pokemons, they must have able to master how to electrically charge the atomic particles. But unlike the electric-type Pokemons, they could only do so in a limited way and one way is Thunder Fang. Also I assume, Thunder Fangs from non-electric types would be weaker since they do not have the capacity to discharge electricity naturally like the electric-type Pokemons.
 
cityvillain said:
What intrigues me is why the Thunder Punch (or any other elemental punch) has more base power than Thunder Fang?
Thunder Punch has 75, while Thunder Fang has 65. I think being bitten by someone with sharp teeth would be more painful than being punched.
For non-electric Pokemons, they must have able to master how to electrically charge the atomic particles. But unlike the electric-type Pokemons, they could only do so in a limited way and one way is Thunder Fang. Also I assume, Thunder Fangs from non-electric types would be weaker since they do not have the capacity to discharge electricity naturally like the electric-type Pokemons.
Click to expand...

Well, Thunder Fangs from non-electric types actually are weaker, because they don't get STAB. So, this makes sense.
 
Marius said:
cityvillain said:
What intrigues me is why the Thunder Punch (or any other elemental punch) has more base power than Thunder Fang?
Thunder Punch has 75, while Thunder Fang has 65. I think being bitten by someone with sharp teeth would be more painful than being punched.
For non-electric Pokemons, they must have able to master how to electrically charge the atomic particles. But unlike the electric-type Pokemons, they could only do so in a limited way and one way is Thunder Fang. Also I assume, Thunder Fangs from non-electric types would be weaker since they do not have the capacity to discharge electricity naturally like the electric-type Pokemons.
Click to expand...

Well, Thunder Fangs from non-electric types actually are weaker, because they don't get STAB. So, this makes sense.
Click to expand...

Right, thanks for pointing that out.
 
I can imagine Thunder Fang would be used as a way of slowing down prey.
 
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