'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Signature moves are some of the most beloved parts of the Pokemon franchise. Exclusive to a single Pocket Monster or evolutionary line, these moves are often much better than the average attack and even offer more utility at times. They typically play a large role in a critter's competitive viability.
Game Freak has even gone back and added new signature moves to older Pokemon in past generations. This can often broaden a creature's overall utility, making for more potential in competitive play.
Below, we have ranked the 10 best signature moves from the Pokemon franchise.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer
Ranking the 10 best signature attacks from the Pokemon franchise
10) Chilly Reception
Trending
Chilly Reception is a new move added for Slowking in Scarlet and Violet. This move makes the Pokemon tell a joke that is so bad it starts to snow. Afterwards, it switches out, allowing the player to send in another creature. This is the only move in the game that causes weather shifts when switching out battling monsters.
9) Secret Sword
Secret Sword is Keldeo's signature technique and functions similar to the Sacred Sword move. Rather than being physical, Secret Sword is special but hits the target's defense stat. This allows Keldeo to have a good physically damaging move, despite being a special attacker, allowing it to cleave through any type of monster. However, it is underwhelming that the form change it receives with this move is only cosmetic.
8) Geomancy
Geomancy is the signature move of Xerneas and the only signature move of a game's mascot that only increases the user's stats. It takes a turn to charge but greatly boosts Xerneas' Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed on the next turn. This move can be paired with the Power Herb to negate the turn it requires to charge.
7) Shadow Force
Shadow Force is a potent Ghost-type move signature to the Legendary Giratina. Unlike other two-turn evasion moves like Dig or Fly, Shadow Force cannot be negated with protection effects, and even removes them for the rest of the turn on hit. This move also has a base power of 120 and has a 100% base chance to hit.
6) Dragon Ascent
Dragon Ascent is the signature move of the beloved legend from the Hoenn region, Rayquaza. Added in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Dragon Ascent must be learned for Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. This attack is identical to Close Combat in terms of damage and self-debuffing but deals Flying-type damage instead of Fighting-type damage.
5) Photon Geyser
Photon Geyser is Necrozma's signature move added in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. This move could be paired with Necrozma's signature Z Crystal to allow it to reach its ultimate form with its signature Z-Move, The Light That Burns The Sky. This attack also deals whatever type of damage, physical or special, depending on which correlating stat of Necrozma's is higher.
4) Origin Pulse
Kyogre's signature move added in the sixth generation remakes, Origin Pulse is one of the best Water-type moves in the franchise. While it may only have an 85% chance to hit, it will always have more damage than its listed base damage due to Kyogre summoning rain whenever it is on the battlefield. This weather condition is known for boosting the damage of Water-type moves.
3) Sketch
Sketch is the Smeargle's signature move and is used to copy the move last used on the target. Doing this replaces Sketch entirely with the move it copied. This was used in competitive play to make Smeargle an absolute utility machine. After the fourth generation, Smeargle got its signature move nerfed, as Game Freak removed Sketch's ability to copy Dark Void.
2) Lunar Blessing
Lunar Blessing is the newest signature move added to Cresselia's roster in the Legends Arceus game. This move was reworked significantly from its debut title, going from healing Cresselia to healing it and its allies on the field. It also cures them of all status ailments like poison, burn, and paralysis, making it the best support move in the franchise.
1) Dark Void
Dark Void is arguably the most controversial move in the franchise's history. This move once had an 80% accuracy and hit both enemies on the field in a double battle. However, the move has seen substantial nerfs since its release to the point where it can now only be used by Darkrai, not Smeargle or any creature with Metronome. Darkrai is also banned from competitive play.
