Earthquake: Best Pokémon, Move Info & How To Use

Earthquake, a powerful Ground-type move, is a staple in any competitive Pokémon team because of its high damage output. Many Pokémon species can learn Earthquake, either through leveling up, using a TM (Technical Machine), or breeding. The Earthquake move is particularly effective against Pokémon with weaknesses to Ground-type attacks, such as Rock, Steel, and Electric types. Understanding which Pokémon can utilize Earthquake and how to incorporate them into your strategy is crucial for success in battles across various Pokémon games and competitive scenes.

Earthquake! Just hearing the name sends shivers down the spines of trainers and Pokémon alike. It’s not just a move; it’s a statement. A ground-shaking declaration of power that has cemented its place as a cornerstone of the Pokémon world. From its humble beginnings in Generation I to its continued dominance in the modern competitive scene, Earthquake has always been a force to be reckoned with.

Ground-type moves, in general, are the unsung heroes of the type chart. They’re not flashy like Fire-type moves, nor are they mysterious like Psychic-type moves, but they get the job done. They bring the raw, unadulterated power of the earth to bear against opponents, offering crucial coverage against some of the most threatening types in the game, like Electric, Fire, Steel, and Rock-types.

This blog post will explore the strategic depths of Earthquake, uncovering its secrets, highlighting its most proficient users, and showing just why this move continues to shake up the meta. We will also cover strategic importance, type matchups, and access methods, so buckle up, trainers, because we’re about to dig deep into the Earth-shattering world of Earthquake!

Key Pokémon Who Can Learn Earthquake

• Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! We’re talking about the heavy hitters – the Pokémon who can really make the ground tremble with Earthquake. But first, let’s clarify what we mean by “closeness rating.” For our purposes, the “closeness rating” is a totally-made-up-but-still-useful scale from 1 to 10 that measures how well Earthquake fits a Pokémon’s overall strategy and design. We’re focusing on Pokémon with a score of 7 or higher, meaning Earthquake is a genuinely excellent choice for them.*

Pokémon Spotlights:

• Groudon: Oh boy, where do we even start with this absolute unit? Groudon is the embodiment of Ground-type power. Not only does it have the type, but its lore screams Earthquake. Seriously, it literally expands continents! A closeness rating? This guy’s off the charts! Earthquake is not just a move for Groudon; it’s a statement. Its Primal Reversion form only amplifies this, making it a terrifying presence on the battlefield.
• Rhyperior: Imagine a walking tank made of rocks – that’s Rhyperior! This Ground/Rock type boasts an astonishing Attack stat, making Earthquake a truly devastating move. It’s like Rhyperior was born to use Earthquake. Smash! High Attack + STAB + Earthquake = Opponent gone. It’s simple math, folks.
• Excadrill: Now, for something a little different. Excadrill is all about speed and power. Its high Speed, especially under sandstorm conditions (thanks to its ability, Sand Rush), lets it outspeed many opponents and deliver a swift Earthquake. It’s like a mole rocket launching a Ground-type attack. Whoosh!
• Landorus (Therian Forme): This one’s a competitive superstar. Landorus (especially in its Therian Forme) is a Ground/Flying type, which seems contradictory but works amazingly well. Its offensive stats are superb, and Earthquake provides crucial coverage against threats like Steel-types. It’s a powerhouse, plain and simple. The fact that it floats in the air and still causes earthquakes is hilarious.
• Nidoking & Nidoqueen: These two are versatile powerhouses. Nidoking and Nidoqueen are known for their diverse movepools, and Earthquake is a reliable staple. They hit hard and offer great coverage. They are both reliably getting access to Earthquake, cementing their status as top-tier choices for utilizing this powerful Ground-type move.
• Garchomp: Ah, Garchomp, the pseudo-legendary speed demon. With its outstanding stats, Garchomp is a force to be reckoned with. Earthquake is a natural fit for its movepool, providing a powerful STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) option. This thing can sweep teams with the earthquake move.

Strategic Importance of Ground-Type Attacks

Okay, let’s dig into why Ground-type moves are the unsung heroes of the Pokémon battlefield! It’s not just about raw power; it’s about knowing your enemy and hitting them where it really hurts. Ground-type attacks bring a unique blend of offensive coverage and tactical depth to any team. Essentially, mastering Ground-type moves means mastering a significant chunk of the Pokémon metagame.

Type Effectiveness: Digging Up Advantages

Alright, let’s talk type matchups. Ground-type moves are super effective against Fire, Electric, Rock, and Steel types. Why is this a big deal? Picture this: Your opponent sends out a fiery Charizard. Instead of panicking, you switch in your trusty Groudon and Earthquake it into oblivion. Boom! That’s a huge advantage right there. Electric types? They literally can’t touch Ground types with their Electric moves (except with moves like Hidden Power that is another type), making it a safe switch-in. Rock and Steel types often boast high Defense, but Ground-type attacks bypass that, hitting them for massive damage. Learning these matchups is like having a cheat code for Pokémon battles!

• Fire: Many Fire-types have lower Defense stats, making them vulnerable to a powerful Ground-type move.
• Electric: Ground-types are immune to Electric-type attacks, providing a safe switch-in and a chance to retaliate.
• Rock: Rock-types often have high Defense but are generally weak to Ground-type attacks.
• Steel: Steel-types can be defensive powerhouses, but Ground-type moves can break through their defenses effectively.

Abilities & Items: The Ground Game Boosters

But wait, there’s more! Not everything is straightforward, which is what makes the Pokémon world amazing. What do we do when our Ground-type attack is useless?

Abilities:

• Levitate: This ability is the bane of Ground-type moves. Pokémon with Levitate, like Bronzong or Eelektross, are completely immune to Ground-type attacks. Playing around Levitate means either switching to a different move or using a different Pokémon altogether. You could also try to remove the ability via moves like Gastro Acid or Worry Seed. Playing around it can involve using moves that change the target’s ability or predicting the opponent’s switch-in to a Levitate user. Double battles open up options such as using a teammate’s move to target your own Pokémon, thus removing their Levitate ability and making them vulnerable to Earthquake!
• Other abilities to consider are things such as Bulletproof (negates moves like Bullet Seed), Overcoat (weather immunity), Magic Bounce (reflects status conditions).

Items:

• Soft Sand: This is your go-to item for boosting the power of Ground-type moves. Soft Sand is a held item that increases the power of Ground-type moves by 20%. It’s a simple but effective way to give your Earthquake that extra oomph! It is available in most Pokémon games, making it easily accessible for competitive and casual play.

By understanding these interactions, you can make smarter choices in battle and become a true Ground-type master!

Earthquake: A Deep Dive into the Move

Alright, let’s get down and dirty with the move we all know and love (or fear): Earthquake! This move is more than just a tremor; it’s a tactical nuke when used correctly. We’re talking about a move that can literally shake up the entire battlefield, so let’s dig into what makes it so special.

Move Attributes: Power, Precision, and Pervasiveness

At its core, Earthquake boasts a whopping 100 base power and 100% accuracy. That’s right, folks, it’s reliable. But here’s where it gets interesting: in double battles, Earthquake doesn’t discriminate. It hits all adjacent Pokémon, including your partner! It’s like a party where everyone gets a slice of cake, except the cake is a seismic event. This is where the strategic depth comes in, and where skilled players can really separate themselves from the pack.

Move Comparisons: Earth Power vs. Magnitude

Now, let’s compare Earthquake to its cousins. First up, Earth Power. This is the special attack equivalent of Earthquake, meaning it uses the user’s Special Attack stat instead of the Attack stat. Earth Power has a decent 90 base power and the same 100% accuracy. A key advantage of Earth Power is that it has a 10% chance to lower the target’s Special Defense stat, which is a nice bonus.

Next is Magnitude. Oh, Magnitude, you unpredictable rascal! Magnitude’s power varies from a measly 10 to a devastating 150, with corresponding accuracy varying as well. It’s like playing the lottery, sometimes you win big, sometimes you get a consolation prize. Earthquake is favored for its consistency, but for some, Magnitude’s unpredictability and raw power are appealing!

STAB: When Earthquake Gets a Boost

Finally, let’s talk about STAB, or Same-Type Attack Bonus. This is where things get really exciting! When a Ground-type Pokémon uses a Ground-type move like Earthquake, the move gets a 50% power boost. So, that 100 base power suddenly becomes 150! That’s why seeing a Groudon or a Landorus use Earthquake is enough to make opponents tremble.

Earthquake in Competitive Battling: Shaking Up the Meta

• Analyze Earthquake’s role in competitive Pokémon battles.

  • Earthquake isn’t just a move; it’s a statement in the competitive arena. It’s the equivalent of a sledgehammer in a world of scalpels, a raw power play that can reshape the entire landscape of a battle. You’ll see it from VGC all the way down to Smogon tiers – its influence can’t be ignored.

• Battle Formats:

  • Singles Battles: In the one-on-one duels of Singles, Earthquake is often a high-risk, high-reward play. It’s about predicting your opponent’s switch-ins and punishing them with a ground-shattering blow. Think of it as a sniper shot – precise and devastating.
  • Doubles Battles: Now, let’s crank up the chaos with Doubles! Here, Earthquake becomes a board-clearing tool. It hits both opponents, making it a fantastic option for applying pressure and controlling the field. But remember, it also hits your ally! This is where strategy kicks in – protect your partner with moves like Protect or find Pokémon with immunities to ground type moves.

• Team Compositions:

  • Flying-Type Allies: The classic combo! Pair your Earthquake user with Flying-types to create a potent offensive core. They are completely immune to Earthquake and your opponent will be forced to switch.
  • Levitate Users: Similar to Flying-types, Pokémon with Levitate abilities like Bronzong and Latias dodge the tremors of Earthquake, turning a potential liability into a strategic advantage.
  • Redirection Tactics: Ever heard of “Follow Me” or “Rage Powder”? These moves redirect attacks, including Earthquake, away from your ally. This can buy you a free turn to unleash an Earthquake without harming your partner. Amoonguss with rage powder, and Indeedee with follow me are fantastic options.

• Strategic Advantages:

  • Predicting Switch-Ins: Imagine your opponent has a Fire-type Pokémon. Knowing they’ll likely switch to a Water-type to resist your Fire attack, you can anticipate that switch and unleash an Earthquake as they come in for massive damage.
  • Exploiting Type Weaknesses: This is Pokémon 101, but it’s worth repeating. Knowing that Ground is super effective against Fire, Electric, Rock, and Steel is crucial. Capitalize on these matchups to sweep through teams.

• Competitive Strategies:

  • Offensive Teams: Earthquake is a staple on offensive teams. Its raw power helps break through walls and score quick KOs. Think of it as the nuke in your arsenal.
  • Balanced Teams: Even on more balanced teams, Earthquake provides valuable coverage. It can deal with threats that other moves might struggle with, acting as a reliable and versatile option.
  • Stall Teams: Believe it or not, Earthquake can even find a place on stall teams! It can be used to punish opponents who try to set up on you, preventing them from snowballing out of control. In this setting, it’s about control and attrition.

Obtaining Earthquake: Unleashing Tremors Across Generations

So, you’re ready to shake things up with Earthquake, huh? Awesome! But before you go picturing your Pokémon leveling cities, you gotta, you know, actually teach them the move. Luckily, there are a few ways to make your Pokémon the master of the ground! It’s kinda like sending them to “Earthquake University.” Let’s dig in!

TMs and TRs: Earthquake on Demand

Ah, TMs and TRs, the bread and butter of move learning! These handy items are your ticket to teaching Earthquake in most Pokémon games.

• TMs (Technical Machines): In older games, TMs were a one-time deal. Use it once, and poof, it’s gone! Think of it like a rare, single-use recipe. In these games, finding TM26 (usually the Earthquake TM) was a major quest. You might have to battle tough trainers, explore hidden caves (Victory Road, anyone?), or even solve some puzzles. A great example of this is in gen 1/3 where you obtain from Victory Road

• TRs (Technical Records): Introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, TRs are reusable! Hallelujah! This made life so much easier. Now you can teach Earthquake to multiple Pokémon without sweating bullets. TRs are generally found in the Wild Area via Max Raid Battles (TR10). Raid Battles are a great way to obtain many TRs and also battle/catch dynamax Pokemon.

The exact locations and methods to acquire these can vary wildly from game to game. I’d suggest consulting a reliable Pokémon guide or website specific to the game you’re playing. You can also find these guides on Youtube which often have visuals.

Move Tutors: The Earthquake Sensei

Sometimes, Earthquake isn’t available as a TM or TR in a specific game. That’s where Move Tutors come in! These wise old Pokémon masters can teach your Pokémon moves they wouldn’t normally learn through leveling up or TMs.

Move Tutors are often hidden in out-of-the-way locations, and they might ask for a specific item or require you to have a certain level of friendship with your Pokémon. It’s like they’re testing your dedication before sharing their knowledge!

Again, the availability and location of Move Tutors who teach Earthquake are highly game-dependent. Do a little research to find out if there’s an Earthquake tutor in your game of choice!

In other words, catching Earthquake is more than just having a strong Pokémon. It’s about knowing where to look, being resourceful, and maybe, just maybe, having a little bit of luck on your side! Happy shaking!

So, next time you’re building your dream team, don’t forget about the power of Earthquake! It might just be the shake-up your team needs to ground your opponents. Happy battling!