Electric-types are a Generation I classic that has been featured in Pokemon countless times, the series' mascot itself being an Electric-type. They have one of the best defensive fronts regarding type resistance in Pokemon since Ground-type is its only weakness. In addition, they are Super Effective against Water and Flying-type Pokemon and have been immune to Paralysis since Generation VI.

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Electric-types in competitive battles are usually Special Attackers, and they have many opportunities to leave an opponent paralyzed from contact or moves. Whenever Electric Terrain is active on the battlefield, they get an additional boost, and many have strong offensive movesets, which are hard to beat in matches. These are the best Electric-type Pokemon for competitive Pokemon.

Updated on April 7, 2023, by Taylor Pittman: Competitive players know that a new Pokemon generation means a new VGC format, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have rocked the scene. The open-world games introduce over 100 Pokemon, new moves, and type combinations to competitive players. Players can also experiment with Terastallizing and temporarily changing their Pokemons' types. The meta is ever-changing, but quite a few Pokemon stay in the top brackets during each Regional tournament. So, this list has been updated to include more of the best Electric-type Pokemon reflective of the recent VGC series.

Pawmot

Pawmot is an Electric-type rodent that was introduced in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and it manages to stand out among others of its kind. It makes for a fantastic wallbreaker with its high Speed, and its dual Fighting/Electric typing means it has the power to take down sturdier opponents. Players also don't have to worry about Status Condition inducing moves or hazards because of its ability, Natural Cure.

Pawmot has several options for potentially paralyzing any opponents with STAB (same type attack bonus) moves such as Nuzzle, Thunder Shock, and Spark. Its best Electric option is its signature move, Double Charge with a power of 120. Double Charge is interesting because it removes Pawmot's Electric-type status and can only be used by Electric-type Pokemon. However, an Electric Tera-type allows players to use Double Charge back to back.

Iron Hands

Iron Hands is a Paradox Pokemon from Pokemon Violet found in Area Zero or through the Union Circle trade. Despite its name, Iron Hands is a dual Electric/Fighting Pokemon with an uncanny resemblance to Hariyama. As with most Fighting-types, it packs a powerful punch with its Attack stat. It has a decent bulk from its defensive stats, but players can extend its field time with the move Drain Punch.

Drain Punch can also make up for the consequences of using Wild Charge, which has 1/4 recoil damage. The two moves are hard to withstand back to back. Additionally, a popular choice with Iron Hands is pairing its ability Quark Drive with the item Assault Vest. Assault Vest boosts its Sp. Def by 50%, and Quark Drive will add another 30% increase. So, Iron Hands becomes even bulkier and works well as a tank for most teams.

Sandy Shocks

Sandy Shocks is said to be an ancient relative of Magneton found in Area Zero in Pokemon Scarlet. With a unique typing as a dual Electric/Ground Pokemon, it loses its 4X weakness to Ground-types. High Speed stats and the move Volt Switch make it a good Pivot lead against most non-offensive opponents. Sandy Shocks can also be used to set up Stealth Rocks as an entry hazard when it first hits the field.

A combination of Ground and Electric STAB moves means it is likely dishing out OHKOs. The move Gravity gives its strongest Electric-type move, Zap Cannon, a small boost in accuracy for those who want to take their chances with it. Because of its Ground-typing, it also has offensive moves like Earth Power and Earthquake giving it good type coverage.

Luxray

Luxray is an Electric-type Pokemon from Generation IV that has become a classic. Luxray, unlike other Electric-types, is more physically offensive versus using Sp. Atk. This trade-off comes with it having a lower speed. Nevertheless, it can be crucial to a competitive team because of its ability Intimidate. Intimidate immediately cuts the Attack stat of the opponents as soon as Luxray enters the field. It's got good STAB moves, so it is leaving damage in its wake. If it uses Electric Terrain, Luxray, and its allies receive a power increase on Electric-type moves and can no longer be affected by Sleep-inducing moves.

Luxray has a dark aura from its appearance, which may or may not be related to its decent Dark-type moves like Crunch and Thief. Still, its best move is Wild Charge, quickly followed by Thunder. However, Thunder lacks accuracy, so it is a risky play. It also has Spark, which can potentially give its target Paralysis. Luxray may be a bit of an oddball for Electric-types, but it maintains its solid weakness resistance and is a solid attacker.

Zapdos

Zapdos is more common in the Pokemon VGC, although its typing seems a bit of a paradox. Electric/Flying dual typing leaves it vulnerable to more types, fellow Electric-types being one. This Generation I Legendary is known for its Speed and its Sp. Atk, and when it enters battle, it dominates the battlefield. Zapdos has incredibly powerful Electric or Flying STAB options such as Discharge, Thunder Shock, Drill Peck, and Pluck.

It also has access to the moves Detect, Roost, and Light Screen, all of which are supportive moves. Zapdos's Speed means players can set up the field to their liking before the opponent even makes their first move. Those who like to use TMs can also teach Brave Bird and Hurricane to get even more good Flying-type moves. Defensively its bulk is pretty solid, though it does leave room for improvement with his Defense stat. Of course, being a Flying-type entry, hazards like Stealth Rock are particularly detrimental to it. Regardless, Zapdos makes for an ideal partner Pokemon and is better in Double Battles than Singles.

Thundurus

Thundurus is one of the three Forces of Nature Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation V. Each one represents some natural occurrence in the world, like earth, wind, or fire. Thundurus is another Electic/Flying-type Pokemon though its Attack stat makes it a noteworthy offensive choice.

Thundurus' ability, Prankster, is helpful because it gives priority to non-damaging moves, so it's perfect for setting up any Status Condition moves like Paralysis, Poison, and Burns for passive damage. Its Speed and Sp. Atk stats are showrunners and allow players to take full advantage of STAB moves such as Volt Switch, Thunder Punch, and Thunder. Thundurus can also use other Special moves outside its typing, like Hidden Power or Focus Blast.

Regieleki

Regieleki is through and through an Electric-type Glass Cannon. Glass Cannons are Pokemon with impressive Attack stats but not-so-good Defense. The electric type was introduced in Generation VIII and is the fastest Pokemon to date. Because of its Speed, it is perfect for support setups such as Screens using Light Screen and Reflect. Thunder Wave is an excellent way to stall an opponent with Paralysis, or Regieleki can be used to set up Rain teams with the move Rain Dance. Its most useful move is Volt Switch since it can hit its target and then immediately retreat off the field. Players should consider using that move a lot since its Defense stats are slim to none.

However, its weak Defense is most definitely outshone by its Attack stats because it's most likely delivering an OHKO, meaning players can worry less about it taking damage. Outside its Electric moves, it also has fantastic Normal-type options such as Hyper Beam, Giga Impact, and Round. Players can use two strategies with Regieleki: a lead to set up supportive moves or an elusive hard hitter.

Magnezone

Magnezone is an Electric/Steel-type Pokemon from Generation IV. Hands down, its typing and resistances are amazing. It is resistant to more types than it is weak to, and it's got a good defense stat. Magnezone will not be going anywhere soon while it's on the field. Additionally, its ability Sturdy prevents it from being knocked out by OHKO moves. Players can take advantage of all this by hitting their opponents with many Special moves to see what a Sp. Atk of 130 can do for them.

Its STAB moves include Electric ones like Electro Ball and Wild Charge, but it also has Steel options like Heavy Slam, Iron head, and Flash Cannon. Speaking of Steel, another potential ability it has is Magnet Pool. Magnet Pool prevents any Steel-type Pokemon from leaving the field, so they will be forced to endure any abuse that players send their way. Overall, Magnezone is a powerful choice on any team.

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