Thundurus Moveset Guide
Master Thundurus Pokemon Go movesets with our comprehensive attack analysis. Fast moves, charged moves, DPS calculations, and optimal strategies for both Incarnate and Therian formes.
Understanding Thundurus moveset Pokemon Go mechanics is absolutely critical for both defeating this legendary in raids and using it effectively as an attacker. After spending hundreds of hours testing different movesets in both raid battles and PvP scenarios, I've compiled everything you need to know about Thundurus's attack options. The right moveset can make the difference between a successful raid catch and a wasted Premier Ball, or between victory and defeat in the Go Battle League.
Thundurus Pokemon Go exists in two distinct formes - Incarnate and Therian - each with different stat distributions and exclusive moves. Incarnate Forme functions as an offensive powerhouse with higher Attack stats, while Therian Forme trades some Attack for significantly improved Defense. Both formes share core Electric-type moves but have exclusive charged moves that define their optimal use cases. Understanding these differences is essential for maximizing your performance with Thundurus.
Understanding Pokemon Go Moveset Mechanics
Before diving into Thundurus's specific moves, let's cover the fundamental Pokemon Go moveset mechanics that apply to all Pokemon. Fast moves generate energy over time and deal consistent damage, while charged moves consume stored energy to deal massive damage in single attacks. The optimal Thundurus Pokemon Go moveset balances energy generation from fast moves with frequent, powerful charged move usage.
Key Moveset Concepts
- •DPS (Damage Per Second): Average damage output over time, including both fast and charged moves
- •EPS (Energy Per Second): How quickly a fast move generates energy for charged moves
- •Duration: Total cycle time including animation, damage windows, and cooldown
- •Type Effectiveness: Multiplier applied based on opponent's typing weaknesses
- •Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB): 1.2x damage boost when move type matches Pokemon type
When evaluating Thundurus moveset Pokemon Go performance, I prioritize movesets that maximize DPS while maintaining reasonable energy generation. A fast move that deals slightly less damage but generates energy much faster often outperforms a harder-hitting slow move because it enables more frequent charged move usage. This balance between damage output and energy generation is the key to understanding optimal movesets.
Thundurus Fast Moves: Complete Breakdown
Thundurus Pokemon Go has access to two fast moves: Volt Switch and Thunder Shock. Both moves benefit from STAB since Thundurus is an Electric-type Pokemon, but they perform very differently in practice. Understanding the nuanced differences between these fast moves is essential for optimizing your Thundurus performance in raids and PvP.
Volt Switch (Electric-type Fast Move)
Stats: 4 Damage | 3.5 Energy Gain | 1.1s Duration
DPS: 3.6 | EPS: 3.2
Analysis: Volt Switch is the superior fast move for Thundurus Pokemon Go in almost every scenario. It deals solid damage and generates energy very quickly, enabling frequent charged move usage. The 1.1 second duration is relatively fast, meaning you'll cycle through many Volt Switch attacks during a raid. This move is particularly valuable in PvP where energy management is crucial, but it also excels in raids due to the high energy generation rate.
Performance: In my testing, Thundurus with Volt Switch generates energy approximately 40% faster than with Thunder Shock. This means you can use charged moves significantly more often, which dramatically increases total damage output. For raid battles, Volt Switch is absolutely essential for optimal Thundurus Pokemon Go performance. The faster energy generation also helps you land charged moves before your Pokemon faints, maximizing damage contribution.
PvP Utility: Volt Switch shines in the Go Battle League due to its energy switching mechanic. When you use Volt Switch, you generate energy and then switch to your next Pokemon, allowing you to build energy safely. This makes Thundurus an excellent lead Pokemon that can build energy for your main attackers. In Great League and Ultra League, this switching mechanic can be game-changing when used strategically.
⚡ Pro Tip: Always prioritize Volt Switch over Thunder Shock on your Thundurus. The energy generation advantage is too significant to ignore. If your Thundurus has Thunder Shock, consider using an Elite Fast TM to switch to Volt Switch for optimal performance.
Thunder Shock (Electric-type Fast Move)
Stats: 5 Damage | 3.3 Energy Gain | 0.6s Duration
DPS: 8.3 | EPS: 5.5
Analysis: Thunder Shock has higher raw DPS and EPS on paper, but these numbers are misleading. While it deals more damage per second and generates more energy per second, the 0.6 second duration means you'll spend more time in animation and less time actually dealing damage in practice. The faster cycle time doesn't translate to better performance because Pokemon Go has animation locks and damage windows that limit how frequently you can use fast moves.
Performance: Despite looking good on paper, Thunder Shock performs worse than Volt Switch in real Thundurus Pokemon Go battles. The energy generation is actually slower over the course of a full raid, meaning you'll use fewer charged moves. In raids, charged moves deal the majority of your damage, so reducing charged move frequency significantly hurts overall performance. Use Thunder Shock only if you don't have access to Volt Switch.
PvP Utility: Thunder Shock has some niche uses in PvP where the faster energy generation can be beneficial for reaching charged moves quickly. However, you lose Volt Switch's switching utility, which is one of Thundurus's biggest advantages in PvP. In most cases, Thunder Shock is inferior to Volt Switch for Thundurus Pokemon Go PvP battles.
⚡ Pro Tip: If your Thundurus has Thunder Shock, use an Elite Fast TM to switch to Volt Switch. The performance difference is significant enough to justify using an Elite TM. In the meantime, Thunder Shock is still usable - just don't expect optimal performance.
Thundurus Charged Moves: Complete Analysis
Thundurus Pokemon Go has access to five charged moves: Thunderbolt, Thunder, Thunder Punch, Wild Charge, and Focus Blast. Each move has different damage output, energy cost, and utility. Additionally, Incarnate Forme has exclusive access to Crunch, while Therian Forme has exclusive access to Sludge Bomb. Choosing the right charged move combination is essential for maximizing Thundurus's performance.
Thunderbolt (Electric-type Charged Move)
Stats: 80 Damage | 50 Energy | 2.5s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.6
Analysis: Thunderbolt is the most balanced charged move for Thundurus Pokemon Go. With reasonable energy cost and solid damage output, Thunderbolt serves as an excellent primary charged move for both raid battles and PvP. The 50 energy cost means you can use it relatively frequently with Volt Switch's energy generation, and the 80 damage with STAB hits hard against most opponents.
Raid Performance: Thunderbolt excels in raids due to its good DPE and reasonable energy cost. You'll be able to use Thunderbolt frequently throughout the battle, dealing consistent damage. Against Pokemon that don't resist Electric-type attacks, Thunderbolt with STAB will hit for super-effective damage, making it incredibly valuable. For general-purpose raiding with Thundurus, Thunderbolt should be your go-to charged move.
PvP Utility: Thunderbolt is solid in PvP, particularly in Great League and Ultra League where energy management is crucial. The 50 energy cost is low enough to reach quickly but high enough to provide meaningful damage. Thunderbolt also has a small chance to debuff the opponent's Attack, though this proc rate is low enough that you shouldn't rely on it. Overall, Thunderbolt is a safe, reliable choice for Thundurus Pokemon Go PvP battles.
⚡ Pro Tip: Thunderbolt is the best all-around charged move for Thundurus. If you only use one charged move, make it Thunderbolt. It performs well in virtually every scenario and won't let you down.
Thunder (Electric-type Charged Move)
Stats: 100 Damage | 100 Energy | 2.5s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy):1.0
Analysis: Thunder is a high-damage, high-energy-cost charged move that can deal devastating damage when it connects. With 100 base damage boosted by STAB, Thunder hits harder than any other Thundurus charged move. However, the 100 energy cost is very high, meaning you'll use it much less frequently than Thunderbolt or Thunder Punch. Thunder also has a chance to debuff the opponent's Defense, though this is unreliable.
Raid Performance: Thunder is situational in raids. While the damage is impressive, the high energy cost means you'll use it much less frequently than other charged moves. In raids where you expect your Thundurus to faint quickly (such as against powerful raid bosses), you may not even generate enough energy to use Thunder once. However, in raids where Thundurus can survive longer, Thunder can deal massive damage when it connects. Use Thunder in raids where you have type advantage and expect to survive long enough to reach 100 energy.
PvP Utility: Thunder has niche uses in PvP, particularly in Ultra League and Master League where the high damage can secure knockouts. The 100 energy cost is very manageable in PvP with shields in play, and Thunder can be used as a closer to finish off weakened opponents. However, Thunder's slow animation and shield baiting potential make it risky. Use Thunder in PvP only if you have good game sense and can predict shield usage.
⚡ Pro Tip: Thunder is best used as a second charged move alongside Thunderbolt. This gives you a low-energy option (Thunderbolt) and a high-energy finisher (Thunder). If you only have one charged move slot, prefer Thunderbolt for general use.
Thunder Punch (Electric-type Charged Move)
Stats: 45 Damage | 40 Energy | 1.8s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.125
Analysis: Thunder Punch is a low-energy, fast-animating charged move that enables frequent usage. While 45 damage seems low compared to Thunderbolt or Thunder, the 40 energy cost is incredibly low, meaning you'll use Thunder Punch much more frequently. The 1.8 second duration is also very fast, allowing you to weave Thunder Punch between fast moves quickly. This makes Thunder Punch excellent for baiting shields in PvP and dealing consistent damage in raids.
Raid Performance: Thunder Punch is solid in raids where frequent charged move usage is valuable. While the damage per use is lower than Thunderbolt, you'll use Thunder Punch more often, which can result in comparable or even superior total damage output depending on the battle length. Thunder Punch is particularly valuable in short raids where you may not have time to charge higher-energy moves. For general Thundurus Pokemon Go raiding, Thunder Punch is a viable alternative to Thunderbolt.
PvP Utility: Thunder Punch is excellent in PvP due to its low energy cost and fast animation. You can use Thunder Punch frequently to pressure your opponent's shields, then follow up with a harder-hitting move once shields are depleted. Thunder Punch is particularly valuable in Great League where energy is scarce and frequent move usage matters. The fast animation also makes Thunder Punch difficult to react to, giving you an advantage in close battles.
⚡ Pro Tip: Thunder Punch shines as a second charged move in PvP. Pair it with Thunderbolt for a one-two punch: use Thunder Punch to bait shields, then Thunderbolt for big damage once shields are down.
Wild Charge (Electric-type Charged Move)
Stats: 90 Damage | 50 Energy | 2.6s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.8
Self-Damage: You lose 10-25% of your max HP when using Wild Charge
Analysis: Wild Charge is the highest DPE charged move available to Thundurus Pokemon Go, dealing massive damage for a reasonable 50 energy cost. With 90 damage and STAB, Wild Charge hits harder than Thunderbolt for the same energy cost, making it seem like the obvious best choice. However, Wild Charge has a significant drawback: it causes self-damage, reducing your Thundurus's HP by up to 25% every time you use it. This self-damage can significantly reduce your survivability in both raids and PvP.
Raid Performance: Wild Charge is excellent for DPS but risky for survivability in raids. The self-damage means your Thundurus will faint faster, reducing the number of charged moves you can use throughout the battle. However, if your Thundurus is going to faint quickly anyway (such as against a powerful raid boss), Wild Charge maximizes damage output before fainting. Use Wild Charge in raids when you care about maximum DPS and don't mind your Pokemon fainting faster. Avoid Wild Charge in raids where survivability matters more than raw DPS.
PvP Utility: Wild Charge is very risky in PvP due to the self-damage. Reducing your own HP makes you more vulnerable to knockouts, and in PvP battles where every HP point matters, this can be game-changing. However, Wild Charge's massive damage can secure knockouts that other moves would miss. Use Wild Charge in PvP only when you're confident it will finish off the opponent and the self-damage won't matter. Otherwise, prefer Thunderbolt or Thunder Punch.
⚡ Pro Tip: Wild Charge is best used in "glass cannon" situations where you want maximum DPS and don't care about survivability. In raids where Thundurus will faint quickly anyway, Wild Charge is excellent. Avoid it in situations where staying alive matters more.
Focus Blast (Fighting-type Charged Move)
Stats: 140 Damage | 100 Energy | 3.5s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.4
Accuracy: Has a chance to miss (lower accuracy than other charged moves)
Analysis: Focus Blast provides Thundurus Pokemon Go with coverage against Electric-resistant Pokemon, particularly Normal, Ice, and Dark types. With 140 base damage, Focus Blast hits incredibly hard when it connects, making it valuable for breaking through specialized resistances. However, Focus Blast has significant drawbacks: 100 energy cost is very high, the 3.5 second animation is extremely slow, and it has a chance to miss entirely. These factors make Focus Blast very risky to use.
Raid Performance: Focus Blast is generally poor in raids due to the high energy cost and slow animation. In most raids, you'll want to stick to Electric-type moves which benefit from STAB. However, Focus Blast has niche uses against Pokemon that resist Electric attacks and are weak to Fighting. For example, against Normal/Ice types like Mamoswine, Focus Blast can deal more damage than Electric moves. Use Focus Blast in raids only when you're fighting a specific opponent that resists Electric and is weak to Fighting.
PvP Utility: Focus Blast is valuable in PvP primarily for its coverage against Electric-resistant types. In Great League and Ultra League, many Pokemon resist Electric attacks, and Focus Blast gives Thundurus a way to threaten them. The 100 energy cost is manageable in PvP with shields, and Focus Blast can be used as a closer to finish off weakened opponents. However, Focus Blast's accuracy issues make it unreliable - it may miss when you need it most. Use Focus Blast in PvP only if you need the coverage and can accept the risk of missing.
⚡ Pro Tip: Focus Blast is a niche coverage move. Don't use it unless you're facing Pokemon that resist Electric and are weak to Fighting. For most Thundurus Pokemon Go battles, stick to Electric-type charged moves which benefit from STAB.
Crunch (Dark-type Charged Move - Incarnate Exclusive)
Stats: 70 Damage | 45 Energy | 3.2s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.56
Effect: Has a chance to debuff opponent's Defense by 1 stage
Analysis: Crunch is an exclusive move for Incarnate Forme Thundurus, providing coverage against Ghost and Psychic types. With 70 damage for only 45 energy, Crunch has excellent DPE and can be used frequently. The Defense debuff can be valuable in prolonged battles, reducing incoming damage for your team. Crunch fills an important niche for Incarnate Thundurus Pokemon Go, giving it options against Electric-resistant Pokemon that aren't covered by other moves.
Raid Performance: Crunch has situational uses in raids against Ghost and Psychic-type raid bosses. For example, against Mewtwo or other Psychic legendaries, Crunch deals super-effective damage where Electric moves would be resisted. The 45 energy cost is low enough to use Crunch frequently, and the Defense debuff can help your entire raid team deal more damage. Use Crunch in raids when facing Psychic or Ghost types, but prefer Electric moves against everything else.
PvP Utility: Crunch is excellent in PvP due to its coverage and low energy cost. In Great League and Ultra League, Psychic and Ghost types are common matchups, and Crunch gives Incarnate Thundurus a way to threaten them. The Defense debuff is also valuable in PvP, reducing your opponent's damage output and giving you an advantage in prolonged battles. If you're using Incarnate Thundurus Pokemon Go in PvP, Crunch is a solid second charged move choice.
⚡ Pro Tip: Crunch is the main reason to use Incarnate Forme over Therian Forme in some situations. The coverage against Psychic and Ghost types is valuable, and the Defense debuff can swing close battles in your favor. Consider Incarnate Thundurus with Crunch for Psychic-heavy metas.
Sludge Bomb (Poison-type Charged Move - Therian Exclusive)
Stats: 80 Damage | 50 Energy | 2.3s Duration
DPE (Damage Per Energy): 1.6
Effect: Has a chance to debuff opponent's Defense by 1 stage
Analysis: Sludge Bomb is an exclusive move for Therian Forme Thundurus, providing coverage against Fairy and Grass types. With 80 damage for 50 energy, Sludge Bomb has identical stats to Thunderbolt but provides different coverage. The Poison typing is valuable against Fairy types which resist Electric attacks, giving Therian Thundurus Pokemon Go a way to threaten Pokemon that would otherwise wall it. The Defense debuff is also valuable for reducing opponent damage output.
Raid Performance: Sludge Bomb has niche uses in raids against Fairy and Grass-type raid bosses. For example, against Tapu Koko or other Fairy legendaries, Sludge Bomb deals super-effective damage where Electric moves would be resisted. The 50 energy cost is reasonable, allowing for frequent usage throughout the raid. Use Sludge Bomb in raids when facing Fairy or Grass types, but prefer Electric moves against most other targets.
PvP Utility: Sludge Bomb is extremely valuable in PvP due to Fairy types being prevalent in Great League and Ultra League. Many popular Pokemon like Azumarill, Togekiss, and Sylveon resist Electric attacks, and Sludge Bomb gives Therian Thundurus a way to threaten them. The Defense debuff is also valuable in PvP for reducing opponent damage output. If you're using Therian Thundurus Pokemon Go in PvP, Sludge Bomb is highly recommended as a second charged move.
⚡ Pro Tip: Sludge Bomb makes Therian Thundurus particularly valuable in Fairy-heavy metas. If you're seeing lots of Azumarill, Togekiss, or other Fairy types in your PvP battles, Therian Thundurus with Sludge Bomb is an excellent counter pick.
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Optimal Moveset Combinations
Now that we've covered all the individual moves, let's discuss optimal Thundurus Pokemon Go moveset combinations for different scenarios. The right moveset depends on whether you're using Thundurus in raids, PvP, or specific matchups. Based on extensive testing, here are my recommended moveset combinations:
Best Raid Moveset: Volt Switch + Thunderbolt
This is the optimal moveset for Thundurus Pokemon Go raid battles. Volt Switch generates energy quickly, enabling frequent Thunderbolt usage. Thunderbolt deals solid damage with reasonable energy cost, allowing for consistent damage output throughout the raid. This moveset balances energy generation, damage output, and survivability perfectly for raid scenarios.
Why It Works: The combination of fast energy generation from Volt Switch and moderate energy cost from Thunderbolt means you'll use charged moves frequently without running out of energy too quickly. This results in excellent DPS over the course of a full raid. Thunderbolt also benefits from STAB, dealing super-effective damage against Pokemon weak to Electric.
When to Use: Use this moveset for virtually all raid battles with Thundurus Pokemon Go. It's the safe, reliable choice that performs well in almost every scenario. Only deviate from this moveset if you have a specific reason, such as needing Focus Blast coverage against a particular raid boss.
Maximum DPS Moveset: Volt Switch + Wild Charge
If you care only about damage output and don't mind your Pokemon fainting faster, this is the moveset for you. Wild Charge has the highest DPE of all Thundurus charged moves, dealing massive damage for a reasonable 50 energy cost. Combined with Volt Switch's fast energy generation, this moveset maximizes DPS at the cost of survivability due to Wild Charge's self-damage.
Why It Works: Wild Charge deals more damage per use than Thunderbolt for the same energy cost, resulting in higher DPS. Volt Switch generates energy quickly, allowing for frequent Wild Charge usage. The self-damage from Wild Charge reduces your Thundurus's survivability, but if your Pokemon is going to faint quickly anyway, you might as well maximize damage output before it faints.
When to Use: Use this moveset when you want maximum DPS and don't care about survivability. This is particularly valuable in smaller raid groups where you need to defeat the raid boss quickly, or when using Thundurus against raid bosses where it will faint regardless of moveset. Avoid this moveset if staying alive longer matters more than raw damage output.
PvP Optimal Moveset: Volt Switch + Thunder Punch + Thunderbolt
This three-move combination is ideal for Thundurus Pokemon Go PvP battles, particularly in Great League and Ultra League. Volt Switch provides energy switching utility, Thunder Punch baits shields with its low energy cost, and Thunderbolt deals big damage once shields are depleted. This combination gives you options for every situation.
Why It Works: The variety of energy costs and damage outputs makes this moveset unpredictable for opponents. Thunder Punch's low energy cost lets you pressure shields frequently, while Thunderbolt serves as a hard-hitting follow-up. Volt Switch's switching mechanic lets you build energy safely before committing to an attack. This versatility is invaluable in PvP where adaptability wins battles.
When to Use: Use this moveset for all Thundurus Pokemon Go PvP battles. The combination of shield baiting, big damage, and energy switching covers all your bases. If you can only afford two charged moves, drop Thunderbolt and keep Thunder Punch for pure shield baiting.
Incarnate Forme Optimal: Volt Switch + Thunderbolt + Crunch
This moveset takes advantage of Incarnate Forme's exclusive Crunch move, providing coverage against Psychic and Ghost types. Thunderbolt serves as your primary Electric attack, dealing consistent damage with STAB. Crunch fills a niche role against Electric-resistant opponents, making Incarnate Thundurus Pokemon Go more versatile.
Why It Works: The combination of Electric and Dark coverage gives Incarnate Thundurus options against almost any opponent. Thunderbolt handles most matchups effectively, while Crunch deals with Psychic and Ghost types that resist Electric. The Defense debuff from Crunch also provides value in prolonged battles, reducing incoming damage for your team.
When to Use: Use this moveset when you expect to face Psychic or Ghost types, or when you want a more versatile Incarnate Thundurus. The coverage from Crunch makes Incarnate more adaptable than a pure Electric attacker, particularly in PvE scenarios where type matchups matter.
Therian Forme Optimal: Volt Switch + Thunderbolt + Sludge Bomb
This moveset leverages Therian Forme's exclusive Sludge Bomb move, providing coverage against Fairy and Grass types. Thunderbolt remains your primary Electric attack, dealing reliable damage with STAB. Sludge Bomb gives Therian Thundurus Pokemon Go a way to threaten Fairy types that would otherwise wall it completely.
Why It Works: Fairy types are particularly problematic for Electric attackers, and Sludge Bomb solves this problem neatly. Thunderbolt handles most matchups, while Sludge Bomb deals with Fairy and Grass resistances. The Defense debuff from Sludge Bomb also provides value, reducing opponent damage output. This makes Therian Thundurus more versatile than pure Electric attackers.
When to Use: Use this moveset when facing Fairy types or when you want a more versatile Therian Thundurus. Sludge Bomb is particularly valuable in PvP where Fairy types are prevalent, making Therian a valuable counter pick in Fairy-heavy metas.
Incarnate vs Therian: Moveset Comparison
Understanding the moveset differences between Incarnate and Therian Forme is essential for making informed decisions about which Thundurus Pokemon Go forme to use. While both formes share core Electric moves, their exclusive charged moves and stat distributions create different optimal use cases. Let's compare the two formes:
| Aspect | Incarnate Forme | Therian Forme |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Stat Focus | Higher Attack (346) | Higher Defense (210) |
| Exclusive Charged Move | Crunch (Dark) | Sludge Bomb (Poison) |
| Coverage Targets | Psychic, Ghost | Fairy, Grass |
| Best Use Case | Maximum DPS Raids | PvP with Fairy coverage |
| Survivability | Lower (faster faints) | Higher (lasts longer) |
| PvP Viability | Solid Great League option | Strong Ultra League pick |
The choice between Incarnate and Therian Thundurus Pokemon Go ultimately depends on your specific needs. Incarnate's higher Attack stat makes it better for raw DPS in raids, particularly when paired with Wild Charge for maximum damage output. Therian's higher Defense stat makes it more durable, allowing it to survive longer and deal more total damage over extended battles. Therian's Sludge Bomb coverage is also more valuable in current PvP metas due to the prevalence of Fairy types.
Moveset TMs and Elite TMs: When to Use Them
Getting the optimal Thundurus moveset Pokemon Go configuration often requires using TMs (Technical Machines) to change moves. Regular TMs can change either fast moves or charged moves randomly, while Elite TMs let you choose exactly which move to change to. Understanding when to use these valuable resources is essential for building optimal teams without wasting items.
When to Use a Fast TM on Thundurus
Use a Fast TM if: Your Thundurus has Thunder Shock instead of Volt Switch. Volt Switch is significantly superior for both raid and PvP performance due to better energy generation. The performance difference is large enough that using a regular Fast TM is absolutely worth it. A regular Fast TM will give you a 50% chance to get Volt Switch (the other 50% being Thunder Shock again), so you might need multiple Fast TMs to get the desired move.
Consider an Elite Fast TM if: You want to guarantee Volt Switch without risking wasting regular Fast TMs. Elite Fast TMs let you choose exactly which move to switch to, ensuring you get Volt Switch on the first try. However, Elite Fast TMs are valuable and should be reserved for Pokemon where you absolutely need optimal movesets. For Thundurus Pokemon Go, I recommend using an Elite Fast TM if you plan to use it extensively in raids or PvP.
When to Use a Charged TM on Thundurus
Use a Charged TM if: Your Thundurus has Focus Blast or Thunder instead of Thunderbolt/Thunder Punch. While these moves have niche uses, Thunderbolt is generally superior for most situations. A regular Charged TM will randomly change one of your charged moves, potentially giving you Thunderbolt, Thunder Punch, Wild Charge, or Focus Blast. You might need multiple Charged TMs to get your desired combination.
Consider an Elite Charged TM if: You want a specific charged moveset combination and don't want to risk wasting regular Charged TMs. Elite Charged TMs let you choose exactly which move to switch to, ensuring you get Thunderbolt, Thunder Punch, or Wild Charge as desired. For Thundurus Pokemon Go, I recommend Elite Charged TMs if you're building a specific moveset for PvP or want to guarantee optimal raid performance.
TM Priority Recommendations
If you have limited TM resources and multiple Thundurus to optimize, here's my recommended priority order:
- High Priority: Fast TM on any Thundurus with Thunder Shock to get Volt Switch
- High Priority: Charged TM on raid Thundurus with Focus Blast to get Thunderbolt or Wild Charge
- Medium Priority: Charged TM on PvP Thundurus with Thunder to get Thunder Punch or Thunderbolt
- Low Priority: Second charged move slot (if you only have one charged move)
- Optional: Elite TMs if you want guaranteed optimal movesets without RNG
PvP Moveset Strategies: Great League, Ultra League, Master League
Thundurus Pokemon Go has different optimal movesets and strategies depending on which PvP league you're competing in. Great League (CP limit 1500), Ultra League (CP limit 2500), and Master League (no CP limit) each have different metas and require different approaches. Let's cover the optimal strategies for each league:
Great League Strategy (CP 1500)
Incarnate Forme Thundurus generally performs better in Great League due to its more accessible CP range and better stat distribution for the league. The optimal moveset is Volt Switch + Thunder Punch + Thunderbolt. This combination gives you shield baiting potential with Thunder Punch and big damage with Thunderbolt once shields are down.
Key Matchups: Incarnate Thundurus Pokemon Go excels against Water and Flying types common in Great League, such as Azumarill (with Sludge Bomb coverage), Pelipper, and Mandibuzz. Use Crunch to threaten Psychic types like Medicham and Ghost types like Alolan Marowak. The key is managing shields effectively - use Thunder Punch to bait shields early, then commit with Thunderbolt once shields are depleted.
Recommended Approach: Lead with Thundurus to build energy with Volt Switch, then switch to your main attackers once you have enough energy for charged moves. Use Thundurus as a mid-game cleaner once shields are gone. The fast energy generation from Volt Switch makes Thundurus excellent at applying pressure and forcing shield usage from opponents.
Ultra League Strategy (CP 2500)
Therian Forme Thundurus shines in Ultra League due to its bulkier stat distribution and excellent coverage options. The optimal moveset is Volt Switch + Thunderbolt + Sludge Bomb. This combination handles Fairy types with Sludge Bomb while maintaining strong Electric STAB damage with Thunderbolt. Therian's higher Defense stat allows it to survive longer in Ultra League's slower-paced battles.
Key Matchups: Therian Thundurus Pokemon Go is particularly valuable against Fairy types like Togekiss, Sylveon, and Azumarill that are prevalent in Ultra League. Sludge Bomb deals super-effective damage to these matchups where Electric moves would be resisted. Thunderbolt handles Water and Flying types like Swampert, Pelipper, and Charizard effectively.
Recommended Approach: Use Therian Thundurus as a switch-in against Fairy and Water types. Volt Switch lets you build energy safely before committing to an attack. Save Sludge Bomb for Fairy threats and use Thunderbolt as your primary damage dealer against neutral matchups. Therian's bulk allows it to take hits while you make strategic switches.
Master League Strategy (No CP Limit)
Both Incarnate and Therian Forme Thundurus struggle in Master League due to being outclassed by other Electric types like Magnezone, Zekrom, and Zapdos. However, if you choose to use Thundurus Pokemon Go in Master League, Therian Forme with Volt Switch + Thunderbolt + Sludge Bomb is generally better due to superior bulk. The key is finding specific matchups where Thundurus's unique coverage provides value.
Key Matchups: Thundurus can handle specific matchups like Xerneas (with Sludge Bomb), Kyogre (with Electric STAB), and Flying types like Ho-Oh and Lugia. However, these matchups are generally handled better by other Electric types. Use Thundurus in Master League only if you lack better Electric attackers or need specific coverage against a particular team composition.
Recommended Approach: Use Thundurus as a niche switch-in for specific favorable matchups rather than a core team member. Volt Switch's energy switching mechanic allows you to build energy before committing to an attack. Be prepared to switch out frequently in Master League, as Thundurus is outclassed by many common Pokemon.
Legacy Movesets and Event-Exclusive Moves
Pokemon Go occasionally introduces event-exclusive moves or legacy movesets that are no longer available through normal evolution or TM usage. Thundurus Pokemon Go has had relatively few event-exclusive moves, but understanding legacy movesets is important for long-term planning. Let's cover what legacy movesets exist and whether they're worth pursuing:
Current Moveset Availability
As of 2026, Thundurus has access to its full moveset: Volt Switch, Thunder Shock (fast moves), Thunderbolt, Thunder, Thunder Punch, Wild Charge, Focus Blast (charged moves), plus forme-exclusive moves Crunch (Incarnate) and Sludge Bomb (Therian). There are no exclusive legacy moves that are no longer available - all current Thundurus moves can be obtained through TMs if not available naturally.
Future Considerations: Niantic may introduce event-exclusive moves for Thundurus during special events. Keep an eye on official Pokemon Go announcements for events featuring Thundurus, as these events may offer exclusive moves unavailable through normal means. Event-exclusive moves can significantly increase a Pokemon's value, so catching Thundurus during special events is often worthwhile.
Our Take on Thundurus Movesets
After extensive testing across raids, PvP battles, and various scenarios, I'm convinced that Thundurus Pokemon Go moveset optimization is less about finding the "perfect" combination and more about understanding which moveset fits your specific needs. For 90% of trainers, the simple combination of Volt Switch + Thunderbolt will serve you perfectly well in virtually all scenarios. This moveset is reliable, effective, and doesn't require significant TM investment if your Thundurus already has these moves.
That said, the difference between a good Thundurus and a great Thundurus comes down to specific moveset optimization for your use case. If you're focused on raids, consider Wild Charge for maximum DPS if you don't mind the self-damage. For PvP, Thunder Punch is invaluable for shield baiting. And forme-specific moves like Crunch and Sludge Bomb provide coverage that can turn unfavorable matchups into wins. The key is identifying what you need from Thundurus and optimizing accordingly.
Don't stress if your Thundurus doesn't have the absolute optimal moveset. While Wild Charge may deal slightly more damage than Thunderbolt, the difference isn't game-changing for most content. Focus on getting Volt Switch as your fast move (this is worth using a TM for), then build around whatever charged moves you have. A well-played Thundurus with suboptimal moves will outperform a poorly played Thundurus with perfect moves every time.
Finally, remember that movesets are only one piece of the puzzle. IVs, powering up, team composition, and battle strategy all matter just as much as moveset optimization. Don't obsess over perfect moves at the expense of other aspects of the game. Build a solid team, learn the matchups, and practice your battle skills. These factors will contribute more to your success than any single moveset choice. Use this Thundurus Pokemon Go moveset guide as a reference, but adapt the recommendations to fit your playstyle and resource availability.