Few Pokemon outrun Electrode without a Choice Scarf. Electric typing gives it solid coverage options. Only weak to Ground. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1. Known as the Ball Pokemon.
The stat bars tell the story: Speed carries everything and Attack's dead weight. But this Ball Pokemon still yields 2 Speed EVs per fight on a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It is dangerous. If it has too much electricity and has nothing to do, it amuses itself by exploding.
It stores an overflowing amount of electric energy inside its body. Even a small shock makes it explode.
Electrode Weakness
GoodGround-type moves hit Electrode for super-effective damage. Not many exploitable gaps in the Electric typing defensive chart. Electrode's Electric typing only leaves 1 gap to cover.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
Electrode is what Voltorb becomes. Breed it for Voltorb eggs (average hatch time). A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. The evolution from Voltorb pushed Electrode to 490 total stats. Speed saw the largest single gain at +50.
How to Evolve
Breed with Electrode to get Voltorb eggs (with patience) using 29 partners from the Mineral egg group.
Ditto only
Electrode leads with Focus Sash insurance. Even if it can't take a hit naturally, it'll survive long enough to deal early damage. Flexible EVs EVs go all-in on offense since bulk doesn't matter here.
Best Build
Best Electrode Moveset
- Explosion
- Thunder Wave
- Taunt
- Thunderbolt
Recommended Teammates
The level-up pool tells the story here. Electrode learns Self-Destruct and Explosion naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Normal and Rock coverage and more extends the reach beyond that.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Electrode tops out at moderate rates across 8 locations in mid-game routes. The encounters below are sorted by rate so you can see exactly what you're working with.
Where To Catch Electrode in HeartGold & SoulSilver
To get Electrode, start by catching Voltorb through walking and trade encounters at Lv. 17-46. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch VoltorbEFFORTLESSRoute 10HeartGoldGrassLv.17CommonMidRouteEFFORTLESSRoute 10SoulSilverGrassLv.17CommonMidRouteHARDTeam Rocket HQ - B1FSoulSilverInteract with PokemonLv.23LimitedMidHARDTeam Rocket HQ - B1FHeartGoldInteract with PokemonLv.23LimitedMidLEGENDARYOlivine CityHeartGoldIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Krabby)LEGENDARYOlivine CitySoulSilverIn-game tradeLimitedCityTrade for (give Krabby)- Step 2Electrode ✓HARDTeam Rocket HQ - B2FSoulSilverInteract with PokemonLv.23LimitedMidHARDTeam Rocket HQ - B2FHeartGoldInteract with PokemonLv.23LimitedMidCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FHeartGoldGrassLv.40RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 1FSoulSilverGrassLv.40RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 2FHeartGoldGrassLv.41RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - 2FSoulSilverGrassLv.41RareLateCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - B1FSoulSilverGrassLv.46RarePostCaveCHALLENGINGCerulean Cave - B1FHeartGoldGrassLv.46RarePostCaveor evolve from Voltorb (Step 1)
Electrode works as a pivot with 490 BST behind it. C-Tier on our list — a situational pick that fills a niche. That 150 base Speed does the heavy lifting.
Watch for Rhydon (Ground) when using Electrode. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Electrode's base 150 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Soundproof protects against sound-based moves — that's the one you want on Electrode. Aftermath is the hidden ability. Niche, but it has its uses. Static works too if your team needs something different.
Electrode is a physical attacker with base 50 Attack. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 150 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the pivot role.
Electrode appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Electrode appears in 20 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained a Hisuian form in Generation 8.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLAHisuian
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A