Ice-types can be an incredibly useful addition to any Pokemon party. First introduced in Gen I, Ice-type Pokemon were among some of the most versatile and powerful in the game. Quite a few other types have been introduced since then, but Ice-types have maintained their status among the most sought after in the series.
Every Generation has added its fair share of Ice-type moves to the overall movepool. As of right now, there exist some 37 Ice-type moves trainers can make use of. Each of them is unique in some way or another, but some are certainly better than others. As is the case with anything in Pokemon, every generation has its standouts. These are the best of the best in that regard.
7 Gen III – Ice Ball
Gen III didn’t do much for Ice-type moves with only half of the ones introduced actually worth mentioning. Even at that, they don’t holdup compared to moves introduced in previous and later generations.
Ice Ball does a minimal 30 damage, but it comes with some upside. The attack inflicts damage on the opposing Pokemon for five consecutive turns, doubling in power with each hit. Its power will reset should it be interrupted. Trainers can double Ice Ball’s power if they have the Pokemon using it utilize Defense Curl the turn before.
Just like Gen III, Gen II wasn’t the most beneficial for Ice-type moves. While Gen I had a plethora of useful moves introduced, Gen II didn’t do much to build off of that. Those same Gen I moves still carried the same weight they did in Gen II, so it didn’t really matter all that much.
Of the two new Ice-type moves introduced in Gen II, Powder Snow is the one that stands out. Dealing 40 damage and coming with a 10% chance of dealing the Freeze status aliment to its target, Powder Snow isn’t spectacular but can get the job done. The Ice-types that can learn it do so at very early levels, so it suits that phase of the game well.
6 Gen IV – Ice Fang
Gen IV introduced a couple of interesting Ice-type moves that are still prominent today. The most notable of the group being Ice Fang. Unlike most moves on this list, Ice Fang is available to a wide variety of Pokemon and not limited to just Ice-types themselves.
Ice Fang is a simple enough move. It does 65 damage with 95% accuracy and comes with some useful secondary effects. It has a 10% chance of freezing the opposing Pokemon and comes with a 10% chance of causing the target Pokemon to flinch if the user attacked first.
5 Gen VI – Freeze-Dry
Gen VI only added one new kind of Ice-type move to the series. Though it might not be the strongest of its kind, Freeze-Dry certainly has its own little quirks. Coming in with 70 damage and 100% accuracy, Freeze-Dry has a 10% chance of freezing the opposing Pokemon. But that’s not what makes this an enticing option for trainers.
When used on a Water-type, Freeze-Dry will ignore the normal type effective dynamic between Water and Ice. The move will register as being super effective, even during Inverse Battles. So while not particularity powerful, Freeze-Dry can still prove to be very useful where other Ice-type moves wouldn’t.
4 Gen I – Blizzard
Despite having been introduced to the series early on as a part of Gen I, Blizzard has remained one of the most consistent and powerful Ice-type moves that Pokemon has to offer. As iconic as Hydro Pump or Flamethrower, Blizzard packs just as much of a punch.
Gen VI nerfed Blizzard’s damage from 120 to 110. It was a minuscule change that didn’t do much to alter just how useful the move is in battle. The only downside to this move is its 70% accuracy. It’s a powerful move when it hits, but it can be incredibly inconsistent.
3 Gen V – Freeze Shock
Freeze Shock might very well be Gen V’s strongest Ice-type move, but it’s not something that any Ice-type Pokemon can make use of. The move is one of Black Kyurem’s signature so trainers shouldn’t expect to have Freeze Shock available to them without the legendary in their party.
With a massive 140 damage and 90% accuracy, Freeze Shock certainly stands above most other Ice-type moves. It comes with a 30% chance of inflicting the Paralysis status ailment as well as a caveat. Freeze Shock is only used the move after it is selected, similar to how attacks Like Hyper Beam work only in reverse. This can be circumvented with the use of a Power Herb.
2 Gen VIII – G-Max Resonance
The introduction of Dynamaxing has certainly helped Gen VIII stand out when compared to its predecessors. The new mechanic has been worked well in Galar’s lore, and leaves quite the impression when utilized in battle.
G-Max Resonance is exclusive to Gigantamax Lapras. After it’s used, the move sets-up Aurora Veil which reduces damage for five turns. The power of the move depends on what serves as its base, with Triple Axel, Blizzard, Freeze shock and Ice Burn being the strongest at 140 power.
1 Gen VII – Subzero Slammer
Gen VII introduced a ton of different Z-Moves that were as visually stunning as they were powerful. Ice-types got to make the most of this mechanic in the form of Subzero Slammer, an absolute monster of a move depending on what’s being used as a base.
Everything about Subzero Slammer depends on the move it’s based on. It’ll take on Physical or Special status depending on the move and its power varies with each applicable Ice-type attack. Freeze Shock and Ice Burn get the most out of it, dealing a whopping 200 damage. Blizzard, Ice Hammer and Sheer Cold come in a close second at 185 and 180 damage respectively.