Thundurus's Electric/Flying typing gives it an immunity to Ground. Only 2 weaknesses on top of that — it has plenty of safe switch-in opportunities. Prankster adds more value on top. It clears the crowded base-100 Speed benchmark. Known as the Bolt Strike Pokemon.
Thundurus's built around mixed offense. Sp. Atk leads the charge, Defense pays for it. Near-impossible to catch, worth 3 Attack EVs. Follows a slow 1.25M XP grind.
Quick as a flash, it materializes out of nowhere. It pulverizes foes into nothingness with showers of devastatingly powerful lightning bolts launched from the string of orbs on its tail.
Thundurus Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Thundurus takes extra damage from Ice and Rock. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 5 types, giving it decent defensive coverage. With 79 HP and balanced defenses, Thundurus can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
No breeding, no evolution. Thundurus is a Electric/Flying legendary with 580 base stat total that you obtain once and build around.
How to Evolve
Nothing fancy here. Thundurus builds around Covert Cloak for secondary effect immunity, Timid nature for the right stat lean, and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs. Prankster does its job quietly.
Best Build
Best Thundurus Moveset
- Thunder Wave
- Taunt
- Wildbolt Storm
- Electroweb
Recommended Teammates
Hard to wall, honestly. Thundurus threatens 10 types beyond its own STAB, with Ghost and Dark standing out. Pair that with Thunder and Wildbolt Storm and switchins need to think twice.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Thundurus's movepool balances level-up moves with TM options. Consistent STAB comes from Thunder and Wildbolt Storm, and coverage across 7 types keeps opponents from switching in for free. No major gaps here.
TMs define Thundurus's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Thunder and Fly, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it coverage across 9 types. That's where the options open up.
Hard to wall, honestly. Thundurus threatens 11 types beyond its own STAB, with Ghost and Fighting standing out. Pair that with Thunder and Fly and switchins need to think twice.
Thundurus doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from White, Ultra Moon, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Thundurus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Thundurus waits at a fixed spot in this game. Head to Coastlands Camp for a one-time encounter. No random spawns or encounter rates involved — it's a set battle at a known location.
Best Locations
No wild encounters for Thundurus in Sword & Shield. It's available in White, Ultra Moon, or Legends: Arceus and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Thundurus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sword & Shield.
Also found in:
You'll find Thundurus at Ultra Space Wilds as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations
Thundurus is a Legendary Pokemon rated A-Tier on our tier list. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a sweeper. Base 125 Sp. Atk is where it shines.
Thundurus doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Electric/Flying type with 580 BST.
Run Prankster on Thundurus. It's the ability that defines how you build around it and the main reason it holds a competitive niche. Thundurus also gets Defiant, but they don't compare. With base 111 Speed, Prankster gives Thundurus an edge before opponents can react.
Thundurus fills the sweeper role. It's a special attacker with base 125 Sp. Atk. Base 111 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. And it's enough bulk to take a hit or two.
Thundurus appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
Thundurus has appeared in 9 games since Black & White, spanning 5 generations. As a Legendary, it's typically a one-per-save encounter tied to the story or post-game content.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VBWDebut
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 VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A