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As a status condition that has been around since Generation 1 of the main series of Pokemon games, Paralysis has been a great tool in the belt of many battle tacticians. Often appearing as a secondary effect on mostly Electric-type moves, this status condition can be of great use when trying to lockdown a tricky foe in any main series game from Pokemon Red & Blue to Pokemon Sword & Shield, despite slightly changing in effects over the years.
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In terms of said effects, Paralysis in Generation 8 titles, such as Pokemon Sword & Shield, reduces an afflicted pokemon's Speed stat by 50% as well as makes it so that there is a 25% chance that they won't be able to move on their turn. As such, trainers can give themselves a great advantage by afflicting foes with this status condition, though, it is important to note that this strategy won't work on all opponents.
Paralysis Through The Generations
Paralysis In Generation 1
At the start of the franchise, Paralysis makes it so that an afflicted pokemon has a 25% chance to be unable to move during its turn. However, as opposed to its modern effects, in Generation 1, Paralysis reduced an afflicted pokemon's Speed stat by 75%.
Paralysis In Generation 2
With the inclusion of the Normal-type status move, Baton Pass, some interesting things were noticed about Paralysis and the Speed debuff it causes. If a paralyzed pokemon uses Baton Pass, the pokemon that replaces it will not have its Speed stat affected, as it should be since that new pokemon is not paralyzed. However, if there are any changes to their Speed stat (like using Agility or another buff), the Paralysis effects that were affecting their predecessor will be calculated onto the new pokemon.
Paralysis In Generation 3, 4, & 5
The Baton Pass issue was addressed in Generation 3, however, there were no additional technical changes to how Paralysis worked in the Generation 3, 4, and 5 games. The only changes were to the actual animation of the effect that occurs when a pokemon is unable to move due to the 25% chance of immobility naturally caused by this status condition.
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Paralysis In Generation 6
Electric-type pokemon are now immune to being paralyzed, regardless of the move used on them that would usually inflict the status condition.
Paralysis In Generation 7
The Speed stat of a pokemon afflicted by Paralysis is reduced by 50% as opposed to 75% like how it was in every previous generation of the main series games, meaning that paralyzed pokemon will now have their Speed reduced to half its base value as opposed to reduced to a quarter of it.
Paralysis In Generation 8
Paralysis currently remains the same as it appeared in the Generation 7 games.
All Of The Causes Of Paralysis
Moves That Can Cause Paralysis In The Main Series Pokemon Games
| Move Name | Probability Of Causing Paralysis | Description |
| Buzzy Buzz | 100% | A Signature Move of Eevee |
| Fling | 100% | The user needs to be holding the Light Ball item |
| G-Max Volt Crash | 100% | Exclusive G-Max Move of Gigantamax Pikachu |
| Glare | 100% | A regular status move |
| Nuzzle | 100% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Psycho Shift | 100% | Only works if the user is paralyzed |
| Stoked Sparksurfer | 100% | Exclusive Z-Move of Alolan Raichu |
| Stun Spore | 100% | Pokemon with the Overcoat ability, holding Safety Goggles, and all Grass-types are immune to this move |
| Thunder Wave | 100% | A regular status move |
| Zap Cannon | 100% | A damage-dealing special move |
| G-Max Stun Shock | 50% | Exclusive G-Max Move of Gigantamax Toxtricity |
| G-Max Befuddle | 33.3% | Exclusive G-Max Move of Gigantamax Butterfree |
| Body Slam | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Bounce | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Discharge | 30% | A damage-dealing special move |
| Dragon Breath | 30% | A damage-dealing special move |
| Force Palm | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Freeze Shock | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Lick | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Secret Power | 30% | Only has a chance to paralyze targets if Electric Terrain is active or if there are no modifiers for terrain currently active |
| Spark | 30% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Splishy Splash | 30% | A Signature Move of Pikachu |
| Thunder | 30% | A damage-dealing special move |
| Bolt Strike | 20% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Thunder Fang | 10% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Thunder Punch | 10% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Thunderbolt | 10% | A damage-dealing special move |
| Thunder Shock | 10% | A damage-dealing special move |
| Volt Tackle | 10% | A damage-dealing physical move |
| Tri Attack | 6.67% | A damage-dealing special move |
Abilities That Can Cause Paralysis In The Main Series Pokemon Games
There are 3 abilities that can potentially cause an opponent to become paralyzed. The first is Static, which has a 30% chance to make opponents who use a contact move against the player paralyzed. This ability is only found on some Electric-type pokemon.
The next ability that can cause Paralysis is Effect Spore, which is exclusive to a few Grass-type pokemon. Those who make contact with a pokemon possessing this ability have a 10% chance of becoming paralyzed.
Finally, and most situationally, is the ability Synchronize, which is only ever found on a few Psychic-type pokemon. If a pokemon with this ability becomes paralyzed, its foe will also become afflicted with the same status condition.
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