Sheer-Cold Move Detail

Sheer Cold is an Ice-type move with a unique mechanic: it does not have a base power. Instead, it instantly causes the target to faint if it hits, functioning as a one-hit knockout (OHKO) move. Sheer Cold has an accuracy of 30%, making it highly unreliable in battle. Interestingly, its accuracy increases against lower-level Pokémon, with the chance to hit being calculated as (User Level - Target Level + 30)%. This move does not affect Ice-type Pokémon or those with the Ability Sturdy. Due to its game-changing potential, Sheer Cold is often banned in competitive play formats.

Details

Power: None
Accuracy: 30%
PP: 5
Priority: 0
Damage Class: Special
Generation: Generation-Iii

Effect

Inflicts damage equal to the target's max HP. Ignores accuracy and evasion modifiers. This move's accuracy is 30% plus 1% for each level the user is higher than the target. If the user is a lower level than the target, this move will fail. Because this move inflicts a specific and finite amount of damage, endure still prevents the target from fainting. The effects of lock on, mind reader, and no guard still apply, as long as the user is equal or higher level than the target. However, they will not give this move a chance to break through detect or protect.

Flavor Texts

ruby-sapphire: A chilling attack that causes fainting if it hits.
emerald: A chilling attack that causes fainting if it hits.
firered-leafgreen: The foe is attacked with ultimate cold that causes fainting if it hits.
diamond-pearl: The foe is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The foe instantly faints if it hits.
platinum: The foe is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The foe instantly faints if it hits.
heartgold-soulsilver: The foe is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The foe instantly faints if it hits.
black-white: The target is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The target instantly faints if it hits.
black-2-white-2: The target is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The target instantly faints if it hits.
x-y: The target is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The target faints instantly if this attack hits.
omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: The target is attacked with a blast of absolute-zero cold. The target faints instantly if this attack hits.
sun-moon: The target faints instantly. It’s less likely to hit the target if it’s used by Pokémon other than Ice types.
ultra-sun-ultra-moon: The target faints instantly. It’s less likely to hit the target if it’s used by Pokémon other than Ice types.
lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee: The target faints instantly. It’s less likely to hit the target if it’s used by Pokémon other than Ice types.
sword-shield: The target faints instantly. It’s less likely to hit the target if it’s used by Pokémon other than Ice types.