Best Electric Type Pokemon

Picking the best Electric type Pokemon starts with a short list of problems. Electric type Pokemon hit Flying and Water for double damage, and only one type, Ground, hits them for double damage back.

The type gets remembered for its cute faces, the mice and the sheep. For players who keep them around, though, it also holds a dragon with a turbine for a tail and a tiger that embodies the speed of lightning. (We remain closer to the sheep.)

This list ranks 15 of the 69 Electric type Pokemon by how many different players named each one as their favorite or best Electric type. Let's get into the countdown:

Best Electric Type Pokemon

#15

Magneton

Magneton is a cluster of three Magnemite, and Magnemite in turn seems to be based on the objectification of electromagnetism, one of the four fundamental interactions of nature. The three are likely linked through strong electromagnetic force. Its newest Pokedex entry, from Hisui, reads like a complaint: its powerful magnetism destroys the writer's research equipment, and the entry calls it the source of much vexation. (We have said the same about our printer. The printer did not evolve.)

Magnemite evolves into it at level 30, and it evolves into Magnezone with a Thunder Stone. It is the only Steel type on this list, and its Special Attack, the stat behind special moves like Thunderbolt, is 120. Every Pokemon has an ability, a passive effect that works on its own in battle, and Magneton's Sturdy leaves it with 1 HP when a hit would knock it out from full HP. Its other ability, Magnet Pull, stops Steel type opponents from fleeing or switching out. Its hidden ability (a rarer ability some Pokemon can have), Analytic, makes its moves 1.3× as strong when it moves last in a turn.

#14

Electabuzz

Electabuzz seems to be based on the Japanese oni, a horned hairy ogre that wears tiger skin as clothing and sometimes has powers of thunder and lightning. The best known of them, Raijin, is a god of lightning. Electabuzz also has a tail like a tiger's, and its horns may be based on Tesla coils. Its Pokedex entry says it feeds on electrical energy, and that during sudden showers it climbs tall trees and waits for lightning to strike. (We also stand outside in storms holding things we should not. Our insurance has notes.)

Elekid evolves into it at level 30, and it evolves into Electivire when traded while holding an Electirizer. That makes it the pre-evolution of the Electivire at number nine, and both made the list on their own. Its Speed, which decides who attacks first in a turn, is 105, and its Special Attack is 95. Its ability, Static, gives it a 30% chance of paralyzing any Pokemon that touches it, and its hidden ability, Vital Spirit, keeps it from falling asleep.

#13

Mareep

Mareep is based on a sheep, and its yellowish wool might be inspired by the Golden Fleece of Greek and Roman mythology. Its Electric type is likely a reference to how wool is able to build up static charges, and the whole line may take its idea from the title of the sci-fi novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Being an electric sheep may also be a pun on the words "lamb" and "lamp". Its Pokedex entry warns that you will want to pet it because it is cute, but if you use your bare hand, you will get a painful shock. (We have read that twice and still want to pet it.)

It evolves into Flaaffy at level 15 and stands 0.6 m tall. Its base stat total of 280 is the lowest on this list, and its Speed is 35. Its ability is Static, and its hidden ability, Plus, raises its Special Attack to 1.5× when an ally has Plus or Minus, which pairs it with Minun at number 12.

It mostly gets named along with the rest of its family, Flaaffy and Ampharos included.

#12

Minun

Minun appears to be based on a cheerleading mouse, chipmunk or rabbit, and it could also be the incarnation of a negative electric charge. Its category is Cheering Pokemon, and its Pokedex entry says it loves to cheer on its partner in battle and gives off sparks while it does so, with more sparks if its partner is in trouble. (A support role with modest stats. We have been this person in group projects.)

It does not evolve, and only Mareep and Pikachu have a lower base stat total on this list. Its Speed is 95. Its ability, Minus, raises its Special Attack to 1.5× when an ally has Plus or Minus. Its hidden ability, Volt Absorb, takes Electric moves aimed at it and heals it for a quarter of its max HP instead.

Most players who pick it admit it is weak, and they usually name Plusle in the same breath.

#11

Lanturn

Lanturn appears to be based on an anglerfish, more specifically the footballfish, although it shares some similarities with dolphins. Its category is Light Pokemon, the same as Ampharos, and its Pokedex entry says it flashes a bright light that blinds its prey, which creates an opening for an electrical attack. (A fish that hits you with the high beams first. We have shared a road with this fish.)

Chinchou evolves into it at level 27. Its HP of 125 is the highest on this list, and it is the only Water type among the 15. Its ability Volt Absorb takes Electric moves aimed at it and heals it for a quarter of its max HP, and its hidden ability, Water Absorb, does the same with Water moves. Its other ability, Illuminate, doubles the wild encounter rate, which helps nobody in a battle.

It gets called the best Electric type more than once, and the players who say so usually point to its type combination.

#10

Manectric

Manectric has traits of a canine and of the raijū, an elemental lightning creature that can take on the shape of various mammals, including a blue wolf wrapped in lightning bolts. Its Mega Evolution (a stronger form it takes for the rest of a battle) may draw inspiration from a maned wolf, and its snout resembles a crocodile clip. (A dog with a jumper cable for a face. We would still pet it, which is how we learn things.) Its Pokedex entry says it rarely appears before people and is said to nest where lightning has fallen.

Electrike evolves into it at level 26. Its Speed and Special Attack are both 105. Its abilities are Static and Lightning Rod, which pulls single-target Electric moves toward it and absorbs them, raising its Special Attack one stage (a stage is one step up or down for a stat during a battle). Its hidden ability is Minus, the same as Minun's.

Electivire

Electivire may be based on an oni, a horned ogre that sometimes has powers of thunder and lightning and often wore yellow tiger skin loincloths with black stripes. Its shaggy look may also come from the Namahage, demons portrayed by men wearing oni masks and straw capes. Its design and its ability are similar to an electric motor, the mark on its back resembles a socket, and its tails look like cables. (It is a wall outlet that lifts weights. We are a little scared of it.)

Electabuzz evolves into it when traded while holding an Electirizer, and its Pokedex entry admits as much: its evolution was induced by an unusual item, and its tails can unleash an electric current measuring 20,000 volts. It weighs 138.6 kg, and its Attack of 123 is second only to Zekrom's on this list. That ability, Motor Drive, absorbs Electric moves aimed at it and raises its Speed one stage.

Several players call it the best Electric type outright.

Raikou

Raikou is partially based on a tiger, and its long upper fangs resemble those of Smilodon, the saber-toothed cat. Its legend ties it to the Brass Tower: Raikou represents the lightning that struck the tower, while Entei represents the fire that burned it and Suicune the rain that put it out. One of its earlier designs had a drum on its back, which may hint at Raijin, a Japanese god of lightning and thunder who carries taiko drums to create the sound of thunder. (A tiger with a drum kit. We would not live in the apartment below.)

Its Pokedex entry says it embodies the speed of lightning, and its Speed of 115 is second only to Jolteon's on this list. It is one of three legendary Pokemon here, with Zapdos and Zekrom. Its ability, Pressure, makes any move that targets it cost one extra PP (PP is how many times a move can be used). Its hidden ability, Inner Focus, keeps it from flinching, which is when a Pokemon loses its turn after being hit first.

Zekrom

Zekrom and its counterpart, Reshiram, appear to be based on the concept of yin and yang in Taoism, and its Japanese category name is Black Yin Pokemon. Its design was made to be tough and masculine, to contrast Reshiram's light and graceful one. Its tail, the center point of its design, is based on an electric turbine, and the crest on its head seems to be based on a thundercloud. Its Pokedex entry says that if people lose the righteousness in their hearts, their kingdoms will be razed by Zekrom's lightning. (A strict landlord. We have rented from worse.)

Its base stat total of 680 is the highest on this list, and so is its Attack of 150. It stands 2.9 m tall and weighs 345 kg, and it is the only Dragon type of the 15. It has a single ability and no hidden ability. That ability, Teravolt, lets its moves get past any ability on the target that would weaken or block them.

Zapdos

Zapdos seems to be based on the Native American legend of the thunderbird, a spirit of thunder, lightning and rain that took the form of a giant bird. It may also be based on the lightning bird, a bird created from wherever lightning hits the earth, and its long beak may come from woodpeckers or hummingbirds. Of the three legendary birds of Kanto, Zapdos represents summer. Its Pokedex entry says that when it rubs its feathers together, lightning will fall immediately after. (Summer, thunderstorms and a bird that sets them off. We already sweat enough.)

Its Special Attack of 125 is the highest on this list, and its Speed is 100. Its ability is Pressure, and its hidden ability is Static. Its Flying half matters more than either one, because Ground moves cannot touch a Flying type, and Ground is the only type that hits Electric for double damage.

Luxray

Luxray resembles the sphinx, which has a lion's body and a humanoid head, and an adult male lion. The star on the end of its tail may be a reference to the constellations Leo and Leo Minor, or to an electric spark, and it may also be based on a lynx. Its category is Gleam Eyes Pokemon, and its Pokedex entry says that when its two eyes shimmer with gold, it can see through anything. The same entry says they form packs, each with one male as leader. (We cannot see through anything. We cannot find our glasses, which are on our head.)

Luxio evolves into it at level 30. Its Attack is 120 and its Speed is 70. Its abilities are Rivalry, which makes its attacks 1.25× as strong against a Pokemon of the same gender and 0.75× as strong against the opposite gender, and Intimidate, which lowers the opponent's Attack one stage the moment it enters battle. Its hidden ability, Guts, raises its Attack to 1.5× when it has a major status ailment such as a burn or poison.

Ampharos

Ampharos resembles a sheared sheep, since its line loses wool with each evolution. It also shares traits with a lighthouse, such as its height, its stripes and the beacon on the top, and the two also share a name. Its Pokedex entry says its tail shines bright and strong and has been prized since long ago as a beacon for sailors. (A sheep with a day job at the harbor. We respect the commute.)

Flaaffy evolves into it at level 30. Its Special Attack is 115, while its Speed is 55. Its ability is Static, and its hidden ability is Plus, which shares the Minun pairing with Mareep. Mega Ampharos gains a Dragon type, a wooly mane and a wooly tail, which suggests it may be based on a Chinese dragon.

Several players call it the best Electric type outright, and at least one says it wins by a mile.

Raichu

Raichu has legs and a long tail that resemble those of a jerboa or kangaroo rat. Atsuko Nishida, who worked on the original Raichu, was also asked to design Alolan Raichu, and she built that one around a bread motif to play up its cuteness. Its two Mega Evolutions, Mega Raichu X and Mega Raichu Y, resemble their assigned letters. Its newest Pokedex entry says it can discharge bursts of electricity exceeding 100,000 volts, enough to incapacitate a Copperajah with a single strike. (A mouse that drops an elephant. We have trouble with jars.)

Pikachu evolves into it with a Thunder Stone. Its Speed is 110, and its Attack and Special Attack are both 90 (Attack powers physical moves, Special Attack powers special ones). Its ability is Static, and its hidden ability is Lightning Rod.

Several players name it their favorite Electric type outright, and at least one holds it against Pikachu for overshadowing it.

Jolteon

Jolteon shares characteristics with dogs, cats and foxes, like most Eeveelutions, and it may also have been inspired by the raijū, the embodiment of lightning in animal form from Japanese mythology. Its extremely high speed may draw on cheetahs, the fastest land animal. Its spiked fur may come from the sharp corners of cartoon lightning bolts, or from porcupines and the myth that they can shoot out their quills. Its Pokedex entry says it bristles its fur into needlelike points when enraged, and that one can hear electricity crackle in its breath when it exhales. (Crackling breath. We have tried mints.)

Eevee evolves into it with a Thunder Stone. Its Speed of 130 is the highest on this list, and its Special Attack is 110. Its ability, Volt Absorb, heals it when an Electric move hits it, and its hidden ability, Quick Feet, raises its Speed to 1.5× when it has a major status ailment.

The players who pick it tend to bring up that Speed first.

Pikachu

Pikachu was originally a daifuku-like creature with ears sticking out, and its black ear tips are remnants of that first concept. It was not meant to be a mouse until Game Freak CEO Satoshi Tajiri made the decision to base it on one. Its cheek pouches, added to make it cuter, were inspired by squirrels, which store food in their cheeks, and its stripes were added to fill the empty space on its back, since the back is always visible during battle. (The stripes are filler. We feel seen.) Its Pokedex entry says it roasts tough berries with an electric shock before eating them.

Pichu evolves into it with high friendship (a hidden measure of how much a Pokemon likes its trainer), and it evolves into Raichu with a Thunder Stone. Its base stat total of 320 is the second lowest on this list, ahead of only Mareep. Its ability is Static, and its hidden ability is Lightning Rod. It is also popularly known as the mascot of the Pokemon franchise.

More players named it as their favorite Electric type than any other. A few of those votes come with a Light Ball attached, a held item credited with making it one of the strongest Electric types.

Conclusion

Electric type Pokemon take double damage from one type, Ground, and Zapdos is the only entry here that avoids it, since Ground moves cannot touch its Flying half. Lanturn's Water half and Zekrom's Dragon half leave the weakness where it was. Magneton has it worse, because Ground hits Steel for double damage too, which stacks into four times the damage.

The Thunder Stone also runs through the top of the list. Jolteon and Raichu both evolve with one, and Pikachu is the one that uses it to become Raichu. (We relate most to Mareep. Lowest stats here, still invited.)

If your favorite didn't make it, the full list of Electric type Pokemon has all 69, and the type chart shows what each pairing covers.

Electric Type Pokemon FAQ

What is the best Electric type Pokemon?

Pikachu. More players name it as their favorite Electric type than any other.

How many Electric type Pokemon are there?

There are 69 Electric type Pokemon in the National Pokedex.

Is Zapdos weak to Ground moves?

No. Zapdos is an Electric and Flying type, and Ground moves cannot touch a Flying type, so Zapdos takes no damage from them.

Best Electric Type Pokemon

Best Electric Type Pokemon

Magneton

Electabuzz

Mareep

Minun

Lanturn

Manectric

Electivire

Raikou

Zekrom

Zapdos

Luxray

Ampharos

Raichu

Jolteon

Pikachu

Conclusion

Electric Type Pokemon FAQ

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