Move guide · Electric STAB

How to get Thunderbolt in Pokemon Yellow

Yellow gives you two clean routes to Thunderbolt: partner Pikachu learns it at level 26, and TM24 is the one-time Vermilion Gym reward from Lt. Surge. The move is Electric · Special · Power 95 · Accuracy 100% · 15 PP with a chance to paralyze—perfect mid-game STAB long before Thunder’s 70% accuracy.

Pikachu · Lv.26 TM24 · Surge Power 95 · 100% 50 TM learners Single-use TM Not sold in shops
Pikachu
Pikachu · level-up at 26
Lt. Surge
Lt. Surge · TM24 reward

Fast Answer

Level 26 on Pikachu, or TM24 after Surge

If you still run partner Pikachu, keep grinding to level 26—Thunderbolt is on the level-up list, so you can save the disc. If you need the move earlier on another mon, or Pikachu is boxed, beat Lt. Surge (Raichu Lv.28) for TM24. The disc is not restocked and not sold in Celadon; use it once. Ground answers for Surge live next door in Diglett’s Cave.

95Base power
100%Accuracy
26Pikachu level-up
50TM-compatible species

Two acquisition paths

Level-up vs TM24

Pikachu

Path A · Pikachu level-up

Level 26 No disc needed Yellow partner
  • Only Pikachu learns Thunderbolt by level in Yellow (level 26).
  • Partner Pikachu still refuses a Thunder Stone—level-up STAB is the main mid-game upgrade.
  • Electric learnset order around it: Thunder Wave (8) → … → Thunderbolt (26) → Agility (33) → Thunder (41).
  • Great if you already keep Pikachu for story, happiness, or the Bulbasaur gift.
Pikachu dex Is Pikachu good? Evolution rules
Lt. Surge

Path B · TM24 from Lt. Surge

Vermilion Gym Thunder Badge One disc
  • Defeat Lt. Surge to receive TM24 Thunderbolt with the Thunder Badge.
  • Yellow Surge is a single Raichu Lv.28 with Thunderbolt, Mega Punch, Mega Kick, and Growl.
  • Bring Ground (Diglett / Nidoking / Sandshrew)—Electric does zero, but watch Normal punches.
  • Solve the trash-can switches, keep bag space free, then teach the disc to someone who cannot level-up the move.
Full Surge guide Gym tool TM24 item page Map pin

Story timing

When you can reach TM24

Walkthrough S.S. Anne missables

Typical order before the disc: Cerulean story → Bill’s house / S.S. Ticket → board the Anne → HM01 Cut chain → Vermilion Gym unlock. Recommended fight band for Surge is about levels 25–29. After the badge, talk to Officer Jenny in Vermilion for the Squirtle gift.

Raichu

Gym reward gate

Raichu · Lv.28

Electric
  • Only mon on Yellow Surge’s team.
  • Carries Thunderbolt itself—Ground ignores it.
  • Mega Punch / Mega Kick punish frail Digletts; keep HP topped.
Thunder Badge

Badge + disc

Thunder Badge + TM24

  • TM24 is bundled with the badge reward event.
  • Gen 1 badge also gates outdoor Fly later and applies a Defense battle boost (see gym tool notes).
  • TMs are single-use in Yellow—confirm the recipient before teaching.
Diglett

Fast counter

Diglett’s Cave

  • Next to Vermilion—huge Diglett share around levels 15–22.
  • Immune to Thunderbolt; Dig at 19 for STAB damage.
  • Details and puzzle tips: beat Surge guide.

Disc value

Who should learn Thunderbolt?

Full move page Team Planner Damage calculators

Only Pikachu can skip the disc via levels. For everyone else, TM24 is the only legal in-game teacher. Favor mons that want reliable Electric coverage and will stay on the team.

Pikachu

Pikachu

Level-up 26Save the TM
  • Default story Electric. Train to 26 instead of burning TM24.
  • Use the disc only if you need Thunderbolt before 26 and refuse to wait.
Jolteon

Jolteon

TM onlyCeladon Eevee
  • Fast special attacker from the rooftop Eevee gift.
  • Excellent Thunderbolt recipient if you evolve toward Electric.
Gyarados

Gyarados

TM onlyCoverage
  • Water/Flying loves Electric coverage for other Water types.
  • Classic “teach Thunderbolt” story pick when Pikachu already has the move.
Lapras

Lapras

TM onlySilph gift
  • Bulky special sponge; Thunderbolt helps vs Water and Flying mid/late game.
  • Gift timing is later than Surge—plan the disc or wait for level-up Pikachu.
Snorlax

Snorlax

TM onlySpecial coverage
  • Normal type that still loves a 95-power special Electric option.
  • Often a late-game core on no-trade teams—strong disc candidate.
Zapdos

Zapdos

TM onlyPower Plant
  • Premier Electric flyer; Thunderbolt is accurate STAB while Thunder stays risky.
  • Catch route: legendary locations.

Compatibility

Thunderbolt learner list

Moves database Pokedex

Filter the full Yellow compatibility set. 50 shown. Sprites and names link into the live Pokedex.

# Pokemon Types Methods Level
025 Pikachu Electric Level-up · TM 26
026 Raichu Electric TM —
019 Rattata Normal TM —
020 Raticate Normal TM —
029 Nidoran♀ Poison TM —
030 Nidorina Poison TM —
031 Nidoqueen Poison / Ground TM —
032 Nidoran♂ Poison TM —
033 Nidorino Poison TM —
034 Nidoking Poison / Ground TM —
035 Clefairy Normal TM —
036 Clefable Normal TM —
039 Jigglypuff Normal TM —
040 Wigglytuff Normal TM —
052 Meowth Normal TM —
053 Persian Normal TM —
056 Mankey Fighting TM —
057 Primeape Fighting TM —
081 Magnemite Electric TM —
082 Magneton Electric TM —
088 Grimer Poison TM —
089 Muk Poison TM —
092 Gastly Ghost / Poison TM —
093 Haunter Ghost / Poison TM —
094 Gengar Ghost / Poison TM —
100 Voltorb Electric TM —
101 Electrode Electric TM —
108 Lickitung Normal TM —
109 Koffing Poison TM —
110 Weezing Poison TM —
111 Rhyhorn Ground / Rock TM —
112 Rhydon Ground / Rock TM —
113 Chansey Normal TM —
115 Kangaskhan Normal TM —
120 Staryu Water TM —
121 Starmie Water / Psychic TM —
122 Mr. Mime Psychic TM —
125 Electabuzz Electric TM —
128 Tauros Normal TM —
130 Gyarados Water / Flying TM —
131 Lapras Water / Ice TM —
135 Jolteon Electric TM —
137 Porygon Normal TM —
143 Snorlax Normal TM —
145 Zapdos Electric / Flying TM —
147 Dratini Dragon TM —
148 Dragonair Dragon TM —
149 Dragonite Dragon / Flying TM —
150 Mewtwo Psychic TM —
151 Mew Psychic TM —

Track it

Thunderbolt checklist

0 of 8 checked

Field notes

Quick tips

Special, not physical

In Gen 1, Electric hits the unified Special stat. Prefer special-oriented users; see the Special & crits guide.

Paralysis side effect

Thunderbolt can paralyze on contact. That soft control pairs well with setup or frail glass cannons on your side of the field.

Vs Thunder

Thunder is stronger (120) but only 70% accurate. Thunderbolt’s 100% accuracy is usually the better story STAB until you overlevel.

FAQ

Common Thunderbolt questions

How do I get Thunderbolt in Pokemon Yellow?

Either train partner Pikachu to level 26 for a free level-up, or defeat Lt. Surge in Vermilion Gym for TM24. There is no shop purchase for the disc.

What level does Pikachu learn Thunderbolt?

Level 26. Surrounding Electric/support levels include Thunder Wave at 8, Thunder at 41, and Light Screen at 50.

Can I buy TM24 in Celadon?

No. TM24 is a one-time gym reward. Other Electric options exist later (legendaries, gifts), but this disc is unique.

Should I use the TM on Pikachu?

Only if you need the move before level 26. Otherwise keep TM24 for a mon that never learns Thunderbolt by level-up.

Does partner Pikachu need Thunderbolt to beat Surge?

No—and Electric-vs-Electric is a poor plan. Use Ground immunity instead, then teach or level-up Thunderbolt after the badge.

Linked tools

Moves · ThunderboltFull effect text, matchups, and learner data in the live moves tool. Items · TM24Acquisition note, single-use rule, and item category context. Beat Lt. SurgeTrash cans, Diglett path, Raichu levels, Squirtle timing. All TMs & HMsFull machine atlas if you are collecting every disc. Is Pikachu good?Where level-up Thunderbolt sits in partner viability. Best teamNo-trade sixes that slot Electric coverage cleanly. Gym LeadersVermilion Gym overview, badge effects, counters. Team PlannerAssign Thunderbolt users next to HM slaves and gym answers. CalculatorsGen 1 damage estimates for Thunderbolt vs common walls.