On the surface, the battle system in the Pokemon games seems simple enough: land hard-hitting moves against the opponent's weaknesses. With various strategies and team setups, however, finding the right moves can prove difficult.
One type of attack worth considering is a recoil move, which deals heavy damage while slightly damaging the user. These moves have some risk involved, obviously, but they outweigh the dangers of getting hit by an opponent's attack. In this way, taking the recoil damage may be the best way to avoid taking heavier damage. Of course, not all of these recoil moves are made equal.
10 Take Down
This move has been around since the very first game, but its age definitely shows. Though it has a decent base power of 90, it deals little damage due to it being a Normal-type move. Not only that, but its 85% accuracy also means it has a fair chance at missing entirely. Many Pokemon that learn Take Down also have access to better Normal-type moves anyway, or just better physical moves in general. Trainers are better off skipping out on this one.
9 Submission
Submission actually has less base power and accuracy than Take Down, but it gains an advantage by being a Fighting-type move. This allows it to deal super-effective damage against Normal, Rock, Ice, and Steel Pokemon. Still, it suffers greatly as an offensive option. Many Fighting-type moves deal greater damage and have less risk, such as Cross Chop and Close Combat. Jump Kick and High Jump Kick have a similar self-damaging mechanic, as well, but are much more reliable and powerful.
8 Volt Tackle
Overall, Volt Tackle is surprisingly strong, with 120 base power and a potential to cause paralysis. Compared to the other Electric recoil move, Wild Charge, this one seems like the clear victor. Unfortunately, it suffers from one major detail: only the Pikachu line can learn it.
While it isn't necessarily a bad move by any means, Raichu has a far more expansive special move pool, and Pikachu is far too frail to make good use of it when holding a Light Ball.
7 Head Charge
Head Charge, much like Volt Tackle, is limited in that it only belongs to one evolutionary line. Actually, Head Charge is even more limited, as only Bouffalant learns it. It is identical to another recoil move, Double Edge, in nearly every way. The only difference is that Head Charge deals a quarter of the damage given as recoil, as opposed to Double Edge dealing a third. For Bouffalant, at least, Head Charge is the obvious choice to pick for a powerful same-type attack.
6 Double Edge
As mentioned earlier, Double Edge and Head Charge are very similar. Both are Normal-type moves with a base power of 120. They also have 100% accuracy, meaning they always hit (barring changes to evasion and accuracy). Essentially, they are better versions of Take Down. However, Double Edge "edges" out by being more widely accessible. Even many non-Normal Pokemon learn this move by leveling up. While some better options for attack moves may exist in those cases, it remains a reliable option for the otherwise weaker Normal-type Pokemon.
5 Wood Hammer
Double Edge sets a standard for recoil moves beyond this point, as most of the remaining ones have the same base power and deal the same recoil. The only real difference is typing. In this way, Wood Hammer stands in as the Grass-type Double Edge.
Wood Hammer serves well as an unexpected attack option, especially on Pokemon like Mimikyu and Sudowoodo. Unfortunately, not very many Pokemon have access to this move. Some other physical Grass attacks serve as more reliable picks, anyway, like Leaf Blade and Power Whip.
4 Wild Charge
Wild Charge is one of the most powerful Electric-type attacks... at least, on the physical side of things. Although its base 90 power is a bit underwhelming, it serves well to cover weaknesses on the Pokemon that can learn it. Its availability as a TM/TR also allow it to go in many different Pokemons' movesets. Physically-oriented Electric Pokemon like Zebstrika and Electivire commonly run this move, as their same-type attack bonus adds some much-needed punch to the attack. Admittedly, an added effect such as paralysis would help make it a much better move.
3 Head Smash
In terms of base power, Head Smash is the most powerful recoil move in the game. Although it has lowered accuracy, its whopping base 150 power means it deals a devastating blow when it connects. Its Rock typing also allows it to hit Fire, Flying, Bug, and Ice Pokemon for super-effective damage. It is a much riskier move, however, as half of the damage dealt recoils on the user. It's not suitable to use against bulky opponents with high HP.
2 Brave Bird
Brave Bird has several advantages over the other recoil moves. For starters, it is a Flying-type move, letting it deal super-effective hits against common types like Grass and Fighting. Not only that, but it also appears in the learnset of many powerful Pokemon. Brave Bird is also one of the most powerful Flying-type moves in the game. It serves as a go-to option for anyone seeking to close out a KO against frail or slow opponents. The move is a basic, yet practical choice.
1 Flare Blitz
Flare Blitz has renown even outside of Pokemon, as it also features as a move used by Charizard in Super Smash Bros. Functionally, it works just like Double Edge and Brave Bird; however, its Fire typing deals massive damage to common types, even punching through the hefty Steel type. Not only that, but it has a small chance to leave the opponent with a burn. This deals even more damage to the opponent over time; it also halves their physical attack power. In this way, Flare Blitz serves as both an offensive and defensive move.