Pokemon Sword and Shield

List of Contact Moves

Pokémon Sword and Shield Walkthrough Team

Last updated on: August 13, 2021 05:23 AM

★ Game8's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Wiki is live!
☆ Check out our competitive guides for Scarlet and Violet!
┣ Tier List / Doubles Tier List / Movesets / Rental Teams
┗ Competitive Battle Guide

Pokemon Sword and Shield List of Contact Moves.png

This is a list of all contact moves in Pokemon Sword and Shield, Isle of Armor, and the Crown Tundra DLC. Read on to learn more about these moves and their effects in battle.

List of Contents

List of Contact Moves
What are Contact Moves
Effects Involving Contact Moves
Moves
Abilities
Items
Related Links

List of Contact Moves

Move	Type	Effect
Accelerock		The target is smashed by the user at a high speed. This move always goes first.
Acrobatics		The user nimbly strikes the target. If the user is not holding an item, this attack inflicts massive damage.
Aerial Ace		The user confounds the target with speed, then slashes. This attack never misses.
Anchor Shot		The user entangles the target with its anchor chain while attacking. The target becomes unable to flee.
Aqua Jet		The user lunges at the target at a speed that makes it almost invisible. This move always goes first.
Aqua Tail		The user attacks by swinging its tail as if it were a vicious wave in a raging storm.
Arm Thrust		The user lets lose a flurry of open-palmed arm thrusts that hit 2-5 times in a row.
Assurance		If the target has already taken some damage in the same turn, this attack's power is doubled.
Astonish		The user attacks the target while shouting in a startling fashion. This may also make the target flinch.
Avalanche		The power of this attack move is doubled if the user has been hurt by the target in the same turn
Behemoth Bash		The user becomes a gigantic shield and slams into the target. This move deals twice the damage if the target is Dynamaxed.
Behemoth Blade		The user becomes a gigantic sword and cuts the target. This move deals twice the damage if the target is Dynamaxed.
Bind		Things such as long bodies or tentacles are used to bind and squeeze the target for four to five turns.
Bite		The target is bitten with viciously sharp fangs. This may also make the target finch.
Blaze Kick		The user launches a kick that lands a critical hit easier. This may leave the target with a burn.
Body Press		The user attacks by slamming its body into the target. The higher the user's Defense, the more damage it can inflict on the target.
Body Slam		The user drops its body onto the target, may leave the target with paralysis
Bolt Beak		The user stabs the target with its electrified beak. If the user attacks before the target, the power of this move is doubled.
Bounce		The user bounces up high, then drops on the target on the second turn. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Branch Poke		The user attacks the target by poking it with a sharply pointed branch.
Brave Bird		The user tucks in its wings and charges from a low altitude. This also damages the user quite a lot.
Breaking Swipe		The user swings its tough tail wildly and attacks opposing Pokémon. This also lowers their Attack stats.
Brick Break		The user attacks with a swift chop. It can also break barriers, such as Light Screen and Reflect.
Brutal Swing		The user swings its body around violently to inflict damage on everything in its vicinity.
Bug Bite		The user bites the target. If the user is holding a berry, the user eats it and gains its effect.
Bullet Punch		The user strikes the target with tough punches as fast as bullets. This move always goes first.
Circle Throw		The target is thrown, and a different Pokemon is dragged out. In the wild, this ends a battle against a single Pokemon
Close Combat		The user fights the target up close without guarding itself. This also lowers the user's Defense and Special Defense stats.
Counter		A retaliation move that counters any physical attack, inflicting double the damage taken.
Covet		The user endearingly approaches the target, then steals the target's held item.
Crabhammer		The target is hammered with a large pincer. Critical hits land more easily.
Cross Chop		Delivers a double chop with its forearms crossed. Critical hits lands easier
Cross Poison		A slashing attack with a poisonous blade that may also poison the target. Critical hits land more easily.
Crunch		The user crunches up the target with sharp fangs. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Crush Claw		The user slashes the target with hard and sharp claws. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Crush Grip		The target is crushed with great force. The more HP that target has left, the greater the power this move wil exert.
Cut		The target is cut with a scythe or claw.
Darkest Lariat		The user swings both arms and hits the target. Its stat changes don't affect this attack's damage
Dig		The user burrows, then attacks on the next turn.
Dive		Diving on the first turn, the user floats up and attacks on the next turn.
Double Hit		The user slams the target with a long tail, vines, or a tentacle. The move works twice in a row
Double Iron Bash		The user rotates, centering the hex nut in its chest, and then strikes with its arms twice in a row. This may also make the target flinch.
Double Kick		The target is quickly kicked twice in succession using both feet.
Double-Edge		A reckless, life-risking tackle in which the user rushes the target. This also damages the user quite a lot.
Dragon Ascent		After soaring upward, the user attacks its target by dropping out of the sky at high speeds, but it lowers its own Defense and Special Defense stats in the process
Dragon Claw		The user slashes the target with huge sharp claws.
Dragon Hammer		Inflicts damage by attacking the target by using its body like a hammer
Dragon Rush		The user tackles the target while exhibiting overwhelming menace. May make the target flinch
Dragon Tail		The target is knocked away, and a different Pokemon is dragged out. This ends a battle if you are against a wild Pokemon
Drain Punch		An energy-draining punch. The user's HP is restored by half the damage taken by the target
Draining Kiss		The user steals the target's HP with a kiss. The user's HP is restored by over half of the damage taken by the target
Drill Peck		A corkscrewing attack with a sharp beak acting as a drill.
Drill Run		The user crashes into its target while rotating its body like a drill. Critical hits land more easily.
Dual Chop		The user attacks its target by hitting it with brutal strikes. The target is hit twice in a row
Dual Wingbeat		The user slams the target with its wings. The target is hit twice in a row.
Dynamic Punch		The user punches the target with full, concentrated power. This confuses the target if it hits.
Endeavor		This attack move cuts down the target's HP to equal the user's HP
Extreme Speed		The user charges the target at blinding speed. This move always comes first
Facade		This attack moves doubles its power if the user is poisoned, burned or paralyzed
Fake Out		This attack hits first and makes the target flinch. It only works the first turn the user is in battle.
False Surrender		The user pretends to bow its head, but then it stabs the target with its disheveled hair. This attack never misses.
False Swipe		A restrained attack prevents the target from fainting. The target is left with at least 1 HP
Fell Stinger		When the user knocks out a target with this move, the user's Attack stat rises drastically
Fire Fang		The user bites with flame-cloaked fangs. This may also make the target flinch or leave it with a burn
Fire Lash		The user strikes the target with a burning lash. This also lowers the target's Defense stat
Fire Punch		A punch with a fiery fist. Will leave target with a burn.
First Impression		Although this move has great power, it only works the first turn the user is in battle
Fishious Rend		The user rends the target with its hard gills. If the user attacks before the target, the power of this move is doubled.
Flail		The user flails about aimlessly to attack. The less HP the user has, the greater the move's power
Flame Charge		Cloaking itself in flame, the user attacks. Then, building up more power, the user raises its Speed stat
Flame Wheel		The user cloaks itself in fire and charges at the target. This may also leave the target with a burn
Flare Blitz		The user cloaks itself in fire and charges the target. This also damages the user quite a lot. This may leave the target with a burn
Flip Turn		After making its attack, the user rushes back to switch places with a party Pokemon in waiting.
Fly		The user flies for on the first turn, then strikes the target on the next.
Flying Press		The user dives down onto the target from the sky. This move is Fighting and Flying-type simultaneously
Focus Punch		The user focuses its mind before launching a punch. This move fails if the user is hit before it is used
Force Palm		The target is attacked with a shock wave. This may also leave the target with paralysis
Foul Play		The user turns the target''s power against it. The higher the target's Attack stat, the greater this move's power
Fury Attack		The target is jabbed repeatedly with a horn or beak two to five times in a row.
Fury Cutter		The target is slashed with scythes or claws. This attack becomes more powerful if it hits in succession
Fury Swipes		The target is raked with sharp claw or scythes quickly 2-5 times in a row
Gear Grind		The user attacks by throwing steel gears at its target twice
Giga Impact		The user charges at the target using every bit of its power. The user can't move on the next turn
Grass Knot		The user snares the target with grass and trips it. The heavier the target, the hreater the move's power
Grassy Glide		Has high priority when used on Grassy Terrain.
Guillotine		A vicious, tearing attack with big pincers. The target faints instantly if this attack hits.
Gyro Ball		The user tackles the target with a high-speed spin. The slower the user compared to the target, the greater the move's power.
Hammer Arm		The user swings and hits with its strong, heavy fist. It lowers the user's Speed, however.
Head Charge		The user charges its head into the target, using its powerful guard hair. This damages the user a little.
Head Smash		The user attacks the target with a hazardous, full-power headbutt. This also damages the user terribly.
Headbutt		The user attacks the target with its head, making the target flinch.
Heat Crash		The user slams its target with its flame-covered body. The more the user outweighs the target, the greater the move's power.
Heavy Slam		The user slams into the target with its heavy body. The more the user outweights the target, the greater the move's power.
High Horsepower		The user fiercely attacks the target using its entire body.
High Jump Kick		The target is attacked with a knee kick from a jump. If it misses, the user is hurt instead.
Hold Back		The user holds back when it attacks, and the target is left with at least 1 HP.
Horn Attack		The target is jabbed with a sharply pointed horn to inflict damage.
Horn Drill		The user stabs the target with a horn that rotates like a drill. The target faints instantly if this attack hts.
Horn Leech		The user drains the target's energy with its horns. The user's HP is restored by half the damage taken by the target.
Hyper Fang		The user bites hard on the target with its sharp front fangs. This may also make the target flinch.
Ice Fang		The user bites with cold-infused fangs. This may also make the target flinch or leave it frozen.
Ice Hammer		The user swings and hits with its strong, heavy fist. It lowers the user's Speed, however.
Ice Punch		A punch with an icy fist. May leave the target frozen.
Infestation		The target is infested and attacked for four to five turns. The target can't flee during this time.
Iron Head		The user slams the target with its steel-hard head. This may also make the target flinch.
Iron Tail		The target is slammed with a steel-hard tail. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Jaw Lock		This move prevents the user and the target from switching out until either of them faints. The effect goes away if either of the Pokémon leaves the field.
Knock Off		The user slaps down the target's held item, and that item can't be used in that battle. The move does more damage if the target has a held item.
Lash Out		The user lashes out to vents its frustration toward the target. If its stats were lowered during the turn, the power of this move is doubled.
Last Resort		This move can be used only after the user has used all the other moves if knows in the battle.
Leaf Blade		The user handles a sharp leaf like a sword and attacks by cutting its target. Critical hits land more easily.
Leech Life		The user drains the target's blood. The user's HP is restored by half the damage taken by the target.
Lick		The target is licked with a long tougue, causing damage. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Liquidation		The user slams into the target using a full-force blast of water. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Low Kick		A powerful low kick that makes the target fall over. The heavier the target, the greater the move's power.
Low Sweep		The user makes a swift attack on the target's legs, which lowers the target's Speed stat.
Lunge		The user makes a lunge at the target, attacking with full force. This also lowers the target's Attack stat.
Mach Punch		The user throws a punch at blinding speed. This move always goes first.
Mega Kick		The target is attacked by a kick launched with muscle-packed power.
Mega Punch		The target is slugged by a punch thrown with muscle-packed power.
Megahorn		Using its tough and impressive horn, the user rams into the target with no letup.
Metal Claw		The target is raked with steel claws. This may also raise the user's Attack stat.
Meteor Mash		The target is hit with a hard punch fired like a meteor. This may also raise the user's Attack stat.
Multi-Attack		Cloaking itself in high enegy, the user slams into the target. The memory held determines the move's type.
Night Slash		The user slashes the target the instant an opportunity arises. Critical hits land more easily.
Nuzzle		This user attacks by nuzzling its electrified cheeks against the target. This also leaves the target with paralysis.
Outrage		The user rampages and atacks for two to three turns. The user then becomes confused.
Payback		The user stores power, then attacks. If the user moves after the target, this attack's power will be doubled.
Peck		The target is jabbed with a sharply pointed beak or horn.
Petal Dance		The user attacks the target by scattering petals for two to three turns. The user then becomes confused.
Phantom Force		The user vanishes somewhere, then strikes the target on the next turn. This move hits even of the target protects itself.
Plasma Fists		The user attacks with electrically charged fists. This move changes Normal-type moves to Electric-type moves.
Play Rough		The user plays rough with the target and attacks it. This may also lower the target's Attack stat.
Pluck		The user pecks the target. If the target is holding a Berry, the user eats it and gains its effect.
Poison Fang		The user bites the target with toxic fangs. This may also leave the target badly poisoned.
Poison Jab		The target is stabbed with a tentacle or arm steeped in poison. This may also poison the target.
Poison Tail		The user hits the target with its tail. This may also poison the target. Critical hits land more easily.
Pound		The target is physically pounded with a long tail, a foreleg, or the like.
Power Trip		The user boasts its strength and attacks the target. The more the user's stats are raised, the greater the move's power.
Power Whip		The user violently whirls its vines, or the like to harshly lash the target.
Power-Up Punch		Striking opponents over and over makes the user's fists harder. Hitting a target raises the Attack stat.
Psychic Fangs		The user bites the target with its psychic capabilities. This can also destroy Light Sceen and Reflect.
Quick Attack		The user lunges at the target at a speed that makes it almost invisible. This move always goes first.
Rapid Spin		A spin attack that can also eliminate such moves as Bind, Wrap, and Leech Seed. This also raises the user's Speed stat.
Razor Shell		The user cuts its target with sharp shells. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Retaliate		The user gets revenge for a fainted ally. If an ally fainted in the previous turn, this move's power is increased.
Revenge		This attack move's power is doubled if the user has been hurt by the opponent in the same turn.
Reversal		An all-out attack that becomes more powergul the less HP the user has.
Rock Smash		The user attacks with a punch. This may also lower the target's Defense stat.
Rollout		The user continually rolls into the target over five turns. It becomes more powerful each time it hits.
Sacred Sword		The user attacks by slicing with a long horn. The target's stat changes don't affect this attack's damage.
Scratch		Hard, pointed, sharp claws rake the target to inflict damage.
Seismic Toss		The target is thrown using the power of gravity. It inflicts damage equal to the user's level.
Shadow Claw		The user slashes with a sharp claw made from shadows. Critical hits land more easily.
Shadow Force		The user disappears, then strikes the target on the next turn. This move hits even if the target protects itself.
Shadow Punch		The user throws a punch from the shadows. This attack never misses.
Shadow Sneak		The user extends its shadow and attacks the target from behind. This move always goes first.
Skitter Smack		The user skitters behind the target to attack. This also lowers the target's Sp. Atk stat.
Skull Bash		The user tucks in its head to raise its Defense stat on the first turn, then rams the target on the next turn.
Slam		The target is slammed with a long tail, vines, or the like to inflict damage.
Slash		The target is attacked with a slash of claws or blades. Critical hits land more easily.
Smart Strike		The user stabs the target with a sharp horn. This attack never misses.
Snap Trap		The user snares the target in a snap trap for four to five turns.
Solar Blade		In this two-turn attack, the user gathers light and fills a blade wth the light's energy, attacking the target on the next turn.
Spark		The user throws an electrically charged tackle at the target. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Spectral Thief		The user hides in the target's shadow, steals the target's stat boosts, and then attacks.
Spirit Break		The user attacks the target with so much force that it could break the target's spirit. This also lowers the target's Sp. Atk stat.
Steel Roller		The user attacks while destroying the terrain. This move fails when the ground hasn't turned into a Terrain.
Steel Wing		The target is hit with wings of steel. This may also raise the user's Defense stat.
Stomp		The target is stomped with a big foot. This may also make the target flinch.
Stomping Tantrum		Driven by frustration, the user attacks the target. If the user's previous move has failed, the power of this move doubles.
Storm Throw		The user strikes the target with a fierce blow. This attack always results in a critical hit.
Strength		The target is slugged with a punch thrown at maximum power.
Struggle		This attack is used in desperation only if the user has no PP. It also damages the user a little.
Submission		The user grabs the target and recklessly dives for the ground. This also damages the user a little.
Sucker Punch		This move enables the user to attack first. This move fails if the target is not readying an attack.
Sunsteel Strike		The user slams into the target with the force of a meteor. This move can be used on the target regardless of its Abilities.
Super Fang		The user chomps hard on the target with its sharp front fangs. This cuts the target's HP in half.
Superpower		The user attacks the target with great power. However, this also lowers the user's Attack and Defense stats.
Surging Strikes		Attacks in three blows, each dealing a critical hit, allowing the user to bypass its opponent's stat changes.
Tackle		A physical attack in which the user charges and slams into the target with its whole body.
Tail Slap		The user attacks by striking the target with its hard tail. It hits the target two to five times in a row.
Take Down		A reckless, full-body charge attack for slamming into the target. This also damages the user a little.
Thief		The user attacks and steals the target's held item simultaneously. The user can't anything if it already holds an item.
Thrash		The user rampages and attacks for two to three turns. The user then becomes confused.
Throat Chop		The user attacks the target's throat, and resultant suffering prevents the target from using moves that emit sound for two turns.
Thunder Fang		The user bites with electrified fangs. This may also make the target flinch or leave it with paralysis.
Thunder Punch		The target is punched with an electrified fist. This may also leave the target with paralysis.
Thunderous Kick		Attacks and lowers the target’s Defense stat.
Triple Axel		A consecutive three-kick attack that becomes more powerful with each successful hit.
Triple Kick		A consecutive three-kick attack that becomes more powergul with each successful hit.
Trop Kick		The user lands an intense kick of tropical origins on the target. This also lowers the target's Attack stat.
U-turn		After making its attack, the user rushes back to switch places with a party Pokemon in wating.
V-create		With a hot flame on its forehead, the user hurls itself at its target. This lowers the user's Defense, Sp. Def, and Speed stats.
Vine Whip		The target is struck with slender, whiplike vines to inflict damage.
Vise Grip		The target is gripped and squeezed from both sides to inflict damage.
Vital Throw		The user attacks last. In return, this throw move never misses.
Volt Tackle		The user electrifies itself and charges the target. This also damages the user quite a lot. This attack may leave the target with paralysis.
Waterfall		The user charges at the target and may make it flinch.
Wicked Blow		Always deals a critical hit, allowing the user to bypass its opponent's stat changes.
Wild Charge		The user shrouds itself in electricity and smashes into its target. This also damages the user a little.
Wing Attack		The target is struck with large, imposing wings spread wide to inflict damage.
Wood Hammer		The user slams its rugged body into the target to attack. This also damages the user quite a lot.
Wrap		A long body, vines, or the like wraps and squeezes the target for 4-5 turns.
X-Scissor		The user slashes at the target by crossing its scythes or claws as if thet were a pair of scissors.
Zen Headbutt		The user focuses its willpower to its head and attacks the target. This may also make the flinch.

What are Contact Moves

Moves are defined as contact move if they physically touch another Pokemon when using a move and often trigger items and Abilities.

Most Physical Moves are contact moves save for a few exceptions; certain Special Moves also make contact while no Status Moves make contact.

Effects Involving Contact Moves

Moves

Move	Type	Effect
Baneful Bunker		In addition to protecting the user from attacks, this move also poisons any attacker that makes direct contact
Beak Blast		The user first heats up its beak, and then it attacks the target. Making direct contact with the user while heating up its beak results in a burn.
King's Shield		The user takes a defensive stance while it protects itself from damage. It also harshly lowers the Attack stat of any attacker who makes direct contact.
Obstruct		This move enables the user to protect itself from all attacks. Its chance of failing rises if it is used in succession. Direct contact harshly lowers the attacker's Defense stat.
Spiky Shield		In adddition to protecting the user from attacks, this move also damages any attacker who makes direct contact.

Abilities

Ability	Effect
Aftermath	Damages the attacker landing the finishing hit.
Cute Charm	Contact with the Pokemon may cause infatuation.
Effect Spore	Contact may poison or cause paralysis or sleep.
Flame Body	Contact with the Pokemon may burn the attacker.
Fluffy	Halves damage from contact moves, but doubles damage from Fire-type moves.
Gooey	Contact with the Pokemon lowers the attacker's Speed stat.
Iron Barbs	Inflicts damage to the Pokemon on contact.
Long Reach	The Pokémon uses its moves without making contact with the target.
Mummy	Contact with this Pokemon spreads this Ability.
Perish Body	Pokemon and the attacker will faint after 3 turns if you are hit by an attack that has direct contact with you.
Pickpocket	Steals an item when hit by another Pokemon.
Poison Point	Contact with the Pokemon may poison the attacker.
Poison Touch	May poison targets when a Pokemon makes contact.'
Rough Skin	Inflicts damage to the attacker on contact.
Static	Contact with the Pokemon may cause paralysis.
Tangling Hair	Contact with the Pokemon lower the attacker's Speed stat.
Tough Claws	Boost the power of contact moves.
Unseen Fist	Allows the Pokemon to bypass moves like Protect when it uses attacks which make direct contact.
Wandering Spirit	The Pokémon exchanges Abilities with a Pokémon that hits it with a move that makes direct contact.

Items

Ability	Effect
Protective Pads	An item to be held by a Pokémon. These pads protect the holder from effects caused by making direct contact with the target.
Rocky Helmet	An item to be held by a Pokemon. If the holder is hit, the attacker will also be damaged upon contact.
Sticky Barb	An item to be held by a Pokémon. It damages the holder every turn and may latch on to Pokémon that touch the holder.

List of All New Moves (Crown Tundra Updated)
Moves by Type
Fire	Water	Grass
Electric	Ice	Fighting
Poison	Ground	Flying
Psychic	Bug	Rock
Ghost	Dragon	Dark
Steel	Fairy	Normal
Moves by Category
Physical	Special	Status
Dynamax Moves
Max Moves	G-Max Moves
Moves by Effects
Stat-Boosting Moves	Stat-Reducing Moves	Status-Inflicting Moves
Moves that Never Miss	Moves that Set Entry Hazards	Moves that Ignore Abilities
High-Critical Hit Moves	Moves that Change Weather	Moves that Change Terrain
Multi-Target Moves	Moves that Restore HP	Redirection Moves
Multi-Hit Moves	One-Hit Knockout Moves	Trapping Moves
Moves that Make Contact	Moves that Do Not Make Contact	Moves that Block Attacks
Status Restoring Moves	Moves that Forces a Switch	Sound-Based Moves
List of Priority Moves

Comment

Post (0 Comments)

Author

Pokémon Sword and Shield Walkthrough Team

This article was created by Game8's elite team of writers and gamers.

We at Game8 thank you for your support.

In order for us to make the best articles possible, share your corrections, opinions, and thoughts about 「List of Contact Moves | Pokemon Sword and Shield」 with us!

When reporting a problem, please be as specific as possible in providing details such as what conditions the problem occurred under and what kind of effects it had.

Pokémon Sword and Shield Walkthrough & Guides Wiki
Moves
List of Contact Moves

Walkthrough Menu

All Pokemon Wikis

Latest News

Latest News

Events

Online Competitions

The Crown Tundra

The Crown Tundra DLC Front Page

Crown Tundra Story Guides

Crown Tundra Pokemon Lists

Crown Tundra New Features

Crown Tundra Maps

Crown Tundra New Items

Crown Tundra Updated Guides

Crown Tundra Tips & Tricks

How to Get Crown Tundra Pokemon

Obtainable via the Story

Non-Story Pokemon

The Isle of Armor

New Features

Tips & Tricks

Game Information

Maps

Isle of Armor

Hot Articles

Message Boards

Story Walkthrough

Main Story

Trainer Battles

Post Game Content

Advice for Finishing the Story

Pokedex

Pokemon in Sword and Shield

List of Pokemon by Type

How to Get Rare Pokemon

Wild Area

Guide to the Wild Area

Wild Area Maps and Obtainable Pokemon