You’re staring at a Gyarados. It’s terrifying, frankly. Then you remember that spark-y little guy in your back pocket and suddenly, the scales tip. In the world of competitive gaming—specifically Pokémon—understanding what is electric good against isn't just a basic tip; it’s the difference between a clean sweep and an embarrassing "Game Over" screen.
Electric moves are basically the glass cannons of elemental typing. They’re fast. They hit like a freight train. But if you don't know exactly where to aim that lightning bolt, you're going to see a lot of "It had no effect" messages popping up on your screen.
The Big Two: Water and Flying
Honestly, the core of Electric’s utility comes down to two specific matchups that have defined the meta since the Red and Blue days on the original Game Boy.
First, let's talk about Water types. Water is arguably the most common type in the entire franchise. Because there are so many Water-types—from the bulky Toxapex to the offensive heavyweights like Palafin—having a reliable Electric-type attacker is mandatory. Scientifically, it makes sense, right? Water conducts electricity. In-game, this translates to a 2x damage multiplier that can bypass high physical defense. If you're running a Jolteon or a Regieleki, you're basically the predator in a sea of very expensive fish.
Then there’s the Flying crowd. This is where things get interesting. Flying types are often used for pivot plays or to avoid Ground-type moves entirely. But lightning strikes the sky. Most Flying types, especially the "regional birds" like Corviknight or Talonflame, melt under a well-timed Thunderbolt.
The Nuance of Secondary Typing
It’s never that simple, though. You can't just spam Discharge and hope for the best.
Take Pelipper. It’s Water/Flying. If you use an Electric move against it, that 2x multiplier from Water and the 2x from Flying stack. That’s 4x damage. It’s essentially an instant knockout unless they’re holding a Focus Sash. But then you run into something like Quagsire or Gastrodon. They’re Water types, sure, but that secondary Ground typing makes them completely immune to Electric moves. You click Volt Switch, expecting a big hit, and instead, you lose your momentum and probably your Pokémon.
Why Electric is the King of Momentum
In high-level play, what is electric good against goes beyond just "doing damage." It’s about the move Volt Switch.
This move is the cornerstone of "Volt-Turn" strategies. You hit the opponent, do some chip damage, and immediately swap out to a counter. Because Electric is only weak to Ground, it’s a relatively safe offensive type to lead with. If your opponent doesn't have a Ground-type on their bench, you can effectively cycle through your team, racking up damage while staying one step ahead of their predicted moves.
- Speed Tiers: Electric types are notoriously some of the fastest in the game. Tapu Koko and Iron Valiant (while not pure Electric, it carries the moves) thrive here.
- Paralysis: The 10% or 30% chance to paralyze with moves like Thunderbolt or Discharge is a game-changer. Cutting an opponent's speed in half and giving them a 25% chance to "full par" and skip a turn? That wins tournaments.
- Hazards: Most Electric types don't care about the common "Sticky Web" hazard because they're either too fast or they hover.
The Ground-Type Wall
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Or the mole. Or the hippo.
Ground types are the hard stop. If you’re wondering what is electric good against, the answer is "everything except Ground." It’s a binary relationship. You either do great damage, or you do zero. This is why "coverage moves" are so vital. A good Electric-type user will almost always carry Hidden Power Ice (in older generations) or Tera Blast Ice/Grass (in Gen 9) to catch those Ground-types on the switch-in.
In the 2024 and 2025 VGC circuits, we saw a massive rise in Pokémon like Landorus-Therian and Ursaluna-Bloodmoon specifically because they shut down the Electric-type momentum. You have to play a game of cat and mouse. Do you click the Electric move, or do you predict the Ground switch and go for the coverage?
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Beyond the Console: Electric in Other Games
While Pokémon is the big one, the "Electric is good against Water/Metal" trope carries over into titles like Genshin Impact or Final Fantasy.
In Genshin, the "Electro" element creates "Electro-Charged" reactions when it hits Water (Hydro). This deals continuous damage over time and can stun-lock smaller enemies. It’s a crowd-control dream. In the Final Fantasy series, machines and robotic enemies are almost universally weak to "Thundara" or "Thundaga." If it has circuits, fry them.
The "Steel" Misconception
A lot of people think Electric is super-effective against Steel. It’s not.
Actually, Steel resists almost everything, but it takes neutral damage from Electric. This makes Electric moves a "soft counter" to Steel-types like Skarmory (who is also Flying, so it’s actually 2x) or Gholdengo. You aren't getting that red "Super Effective" text, but you aren't getting the "Not Very Effective" сопротивление either. In a game of inches, neutral damage against a Steel-type is often a win.
How to Maximize Electric Damage
If you're building a team today, don't just throw a Pikachu on there and call it a day. You need to look at the "Transistor" ability (Regieleki) or "Hadron Engine" (Miraidon). These abilities don't just make the moves hit; they amplify the base power of Electric moves to absurd levels.
- Electric Terrain: Setting the floor to Electric increases the power of Electric moves by 30%. It also prevents anyone from falling asleep. No Spore for you, Amoonguss.
- Choice Specs: This item locks you into one move but boosts your Special Attack by 50%. A Choice Specs "Thunder" in the rain is arguably the most powerful unboosted attack in the game.
- Magnet/Zap Plate: Use these if you want a 20% boost without being locked into a single move.
Real World Application: The Competitive Mindset
Look at the 2023 World Championships. Players weren't just using Electric moves for damage; they were using them to force switches. If you know your opponent has to switch to a Ground-type to soak up your Thunderbolt, you can predict that switch and use a move like "U-turn" or "Hydro Pump" to catch them coming in.
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That’s the "Expert" level of understanding what is electric good against. It’s not about the HP bar; it’s about controlling the board.
Practical Next Steps for Your Team
If you want to start winning more battles by leveraging Electric types, start here:
Identify the "Water Core" in the current meta. Right now, Dondozo and Urshifu-Rapid-Strike are everywhere. An Electric-type with high speed is your best friend.
Check your speed tiers. Your Electric-type needs to be faster than the common "Scarfed" (Choice Scarf) threats. If you aren't outspeeding them, you're just a frail target.
Master the "Double Switch." If you have an Electric-type out and you know a Ground-type is coming, don't just attack. Switch your Electric-type out for a Grass or Water-type at the same time they switch their Ground-type in. You keep the advantage.
Don't forget about Thunder Wave. Even if you can't KO an opponent, paralyzing their fastest Pokémon can win you the game ten turns later. It’s the ultimate utility move for a type that is built on speed and power.
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The meta changes, but the physics of the game stay the same. Water gets shocked. Birds get grounded. And if you play your cards right, your opponent will be the one feeling the jolt.
Next Steps for Mastery:
- Review your current roster and ensure you have at least one pivot move (Volt Switch or U-turn).
- Test the "Electric Terrain" strategy in a few casual matches to see how it shifts the damage output of your Special Attackers.
- Study the speed stats of the top 10 most used Ground-types to ensure your Electric lead can actually escape before getting hit by an Earthquake.