History Main / ChainLightning

* The Lightning Reed in ''VideoGame/PlantsVsZombies 2: It's About Time'' can fire a weak electric shock (1/2 damage) that can target adjacent rows, and will chain to nearby zombies for 1/4 damage. Extremely useful against Zombie chickens, which attack in [[ZergRush huge numbers]] and take one hit to die from anything (even the chained lightning will kill them instantly).

A LightningGun may have this ability. Not to be confused with the song by Music/SteelyDan, or the other song by Music/{{Rush}}.

* ''VideoGame/Hades'' some of the boons you get from Zeus give your attacks this effect

[[caption-width-right:322:[[JustForPun Shocking!]]]]

* The [[LightningGun Arc Projector]] Heavy weapon in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'' shoots beams of lightning that upon hitting your will travel to another enemy. Irritatingly, it must be charged up by holding the trigger before it fires.

* The Arc Cannon for Titans in ''VideoGame/{{Titanfall}}'' can obliterate mooks and pilots alike if the weapon is charged enough.

* The Arc Cannon for Titans in ''VideoGame/Titanfall'' can obliterate mooks and pilots alike if the weapon is charged enough.

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* The Zaguruzemu spell in ''Manga/ZatchBell'' had this as one of its many effects.
[[/folder]]

* In ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'', Ghidorah does this against fighter jets and Ospreys while attacking D.C.

* In ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Judge]] uses one of these against a crowd of shoppers in a mall, though he is interrupted before killing them.

* ''Tabletopgame/SpheresOfPower'' has the Chain Blast blast shape, allowing you do give this any destructive blasts. [[NonIndicativeName Even for blasts that aren't electrical in nature.]]

[[folder:Toys]]
* ''Toys/{{BIONICLE}}'': the Makuta have Chain Lightning abilities, as do the Rahkshi of Chain Lightning that they can spawn. In ''BIONICLE Heroes'' for the DS, the fully upgraded Air [[LightningGun weapon]] will do this against multiple enemies.
[[/folder]]

* All ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic'' games have this. Succubi in the fifth game have a fire variant. It can't hurt other demons, which makes it safe to use
* A recurring spell in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series:
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', any enemy mage with this spell instantly becomes a [[DemonicSpiders Demonic Spider]]. For a few levels at least: it's the only spell whose damage doesn't increase with spellpower, so it rapidly drops off to 'ow that tickles'.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', an upgraded Chain Lightning spell is one of the easiest ways to clear the field of lower-level {{mooks}}, since even the ricochets do enough damage to kill them.
** Returns in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. It's now capable of friendly fire (if enabled), but it can cause a fair amount of damage to weak demons like Wraiths (especially if you couple it with a powerful staff).

* One of the weapons in the Nazi Zombies mode of ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty World at War'' did this.
* When you level up Spyro's lightning ability in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'', it gains the Chain Lightning ability.
* ''Franhchise/{{Castlevania}}''
** This was a soul in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow''.
** Also featured as one of Charlotte's spells in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin''.

** 3 features the Atomizer, a BFG Lightning Gun that will chain electricity once it upgrades to Level 2[[note]]The name of the upgrade is appropiately Arc Charger[[/note]].
* Starkiller in ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed'' and its sequel can fry multiple mooks with Force Lightning.
* ''VideoGame/BioshockInfinite'': an upgrade to the Shock Jockey vigor does this.

** Any weapon with the Shock mod. In ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankGoingCommando Going Commando]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal Up Your Arsenal]]'' only certain weapons can have it, while in ''[[VideoGame/RatchetDeadlocked Deadlocked]]'' it can be equipped to ''any'' weapon.
** The Shock Ravager/Lightning Ravager (an electricity whip that makes chain lightning in its upgraded form).
** The Tesla Spikes/Storm Spikes (tiny lightning rods that arc electricity between each other when you place two or more of them, and also get a chain lightning effect when the weapon upgrades).
* The Peace Maker in ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'''s sequels. Fires a small orb of electricity that arcs upon impact and instantly kills nearly every enemy in sight. The Arc Wielder in the third game literally fires chain lightning.

* Hypercubes in ''VideoGame/Bejeweled'' fire one of these to destroy every gem on the screen.

* ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'': the Nemesis Whip can do this.
* The Thunder Dancer from ''VideoGame/MegaManX 8'' functioned like this.

* ''VideoGame/KingsBounty'' has the Lightning spell, which initially only strikes one target.
* One of ComicBook/{{Storm}}'s signature powers in ''VideoGame/XMenLegends'' and ''VideoGame/MarvelUltimateAlliance''.
* ''VideoGame/DungeonCrawl'' has Chain Lightning spell, which is very powerful.
* In ''VideoGame/DungeonDefenders'', the [[SquishyWizard Apprentice and Adept]] can summon a Lightning Tower that follows this trope to a T.
* ''VideoGame/DestroyAllHumans'': Crypto's [[ThingOMatic Zap-O-Matic]] can do this after an upgrade or two.

* The Thunder Laser in ''VideoGame/RayCrisis'' does this, and you can lock onto additional enemies after firing it.
* ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': The Emitter class of weapons is essentially this as a starship weapon. It's a fairly good backup PD weapon if you don't have (enough) proper PD weapons.

** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', the Overload ability can be upgraded to this. There's also the "Arc Pistol," a downsized version of the Arc Projector.

* From ''VideoGame/InFamous'', Cole [=McGrath=]'s basic lightning can do this after some upgrading, but it's more prominent with Evil Cole's Arc Lightning.
* Tesla Tanks and Tesla Troopers gains this after promoted to heroic level in ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''.

* [[AvertedTrope Conspicuously absent]] for the longest time in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes''. By now, it's become a staple of the later-coming Electric powersets (Electric Melee's ''Chain Induction'' (a rare example of a melee attack doing this), Electric Control's ''Jolting Chain'' and ''Synaptic Overload'' and the Incarnate power ''Ion Judgment''), but is still missing from the earliest one, Electric Blast.

* There's a skill in VideoGame/DragonNest that's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin named]] this.
* The Thunderstrike from ''VideoGame/HeavyWeapon'' is this. Upgrading it causes it to hit more enemies and do more damage.
* In ''VideoGame/QuakeIV'', the LightningGun does this after being upgraded by a technician.

* One of the {{smart bomb}}s in ''Lightning Fighters'', the Dragon Laser, unleashes a fire dragon that behaves like this.
* The Plasma Laser in ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}} II'' and ''IV''.
* The Witch's Enhanced Magic Missile and Elemental Bomber's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Chain Lightning]] in ''VideoGame/DungeonFighterOnline''.
* The [[MeaningfulName appropriately-named]] Thunderbird Pro Energy Drive in ''VideoGame/PN03''.
* Present by name in both ''VideoGame/GuildWars'' and [[VideoGame/GuildWars2 its sequel]].
* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateII'' lets your wizards fry opponents with this. [[VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal The expansion]] added a mace that randomly triggers this effect when it hits an enemy.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'': The [[PhysicalGod Son of Osiris]], an upgraded version of the Egyptian's standard Pharaoh, uses this to zap enemy formations; it's good for killing columns of myth units. The ''Titans'' expansion pack gives the Atlanteans the Man O' War, a jellyfish that does the same against naval flotillas.
* In ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' activating Volibear's ultimate causes chain lightning to appear when he hits someone.
** The item Statikk Shiv builds up charges whenever its holder moves or attacks, unleashing chain lightning from the target of the first attack made that passes 100 charges.
* ''VideoGame/Vigilante8 Second Offense'' has this as Lord Clyde's special weapon.

* Batman can use the Remote Electric Charge gun in ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamKnight'' to do this to a group of mooks.
* In ''Videogame/DeadSpace3'', if you combine a tesla core with a certain weapon tip, you can create your very own chain lightning gun.
* Naturally, this is an ability for a Sith Inquisitor who chooses the Lightning Sorcerer path in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''
* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', Ice/Lightning Archmages have this as their primary attacking skill. It is even explicitly called "Chain Lightning."
* The Electric Melee powerset in ''VideoGame/CityOfVillains'' featured a power called "Chain Induction" which had a chance of doing this if other enemies were close enough to the first one hit.
* In ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein2009'', an upgrade for the Tesla Gun granted it this ability.

* ''VideoGame/DustAnElysianTail'': Combining the Dust Storm with Fidget's lightning projectiles produces this effect. Great for racking up combos without sending enemies flying off screen.

* ''Webcomic/BobAndGeorge'': George [[http://bobandgeorge.com/archives/070117 fries an entire horde of ninjas]] this way so he can have a moment to talk with his superhero friends.
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': One of the favored attacks of Vaarsuvius.

[[folder:Web Original]]
* The thundaspark move from ''Literature/{{Phaeton}}'' does this.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* Botanica from ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' has a very powerful chain lightning attack that single-handedly took out a squad of tank drones.
* ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'': [[WrenchWench Maggie Weston's]] E-Frame has a Chain Lighting gun as its AceCustom modification.
[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
%%* The Zaguruzemu spell in ''Manga/ZatchBell'' had this as one of its many effects.
%%[[/folder]]

%%* In ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'', Ghidorah does this against fighter jets and Ospreys while attacking D.C.

%%* In ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Judge]] uses one of these against a crowd of shoppers in a mall, though he is interrupted before killing them.

%%* ''TabletopGame/IronKingdoms'': This is [[TheFederation Cygnar's]] shtick aside from being [[MoreDakka shooty]], from warcaster to infantry level.

%%* ''Tabletopgame/SpheresOfPower'' has the Chain Blast blast shape, allowing you do give this any destructive blasts. [[NonIndicativeName Even for blasts that aren't electrical in nature.]]

%%[[folder:Toys]]
%%* ''Toys/{{BIONICLE}}'': the Makuta have Chain Lightning abilities, as do the Rahkshi of Chain Lightning that they can spawn. In ''BIONICLE Heroes'' for the DS, the fully upgraded Air [[LightningGun weapon]] will do this against multiple enemies.
%%[[/folder]]

%%* ''VideoGame/BrutalLegend'' features an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] modification named Chain Lightning that has this effect. The Drowning Doom's Lightning Rod unit has a double-team ability that does this too.
%%* All ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic'' games have this. Succubi in the fifth game have a fire variant. It can't hurt other demons, which makes it safe to use
%%* A recurring spell in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series:
%%** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', any enemy mage with this spell instantly becomes a [[DemonicSpiders Demonic Spider]]. For a few levels at least: it's the only spell whose damage doesn't increase with spellpower, so it rapidly drops off to 'ow that tickles'.
%%** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', an upgraded Chain Lightning spell is one of the easiest ways to clear the field of lower-level {{mooks}}, since even the ricochets do enough damage to kill them.
%%** Returns in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. It's now capable of friendly fire (if enabled), but it can cause a fair amount of damage to weak demons like Wraiths (especially if you couple it with a powerful staff).

%%* One of the weapons in the Nazi Zombies mode of ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty World at War'' did this.
%%* When you level up Spyro's lightning ability in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'', it gains the Chain Lightning ability.
%%* ''Franhchise/{{Castlevania}}''
%%** This was a soul in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow''.
%%** Also featured as one of Charlotte's spells in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin''.

%%** 3 features the Atomizer, a BFG Lightning Gun that will chain electricity once it upgrades to Level 2[[note]]The name of the upgrade is appropiately Arc Charger[[/note]].
%%* Starkiller in ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed'' and its sequel can fry multiple mooks with Force Lightning.
%%* ''VideoGame/BioshockInfinite'': an upgrade to the Shock Jockey vigor does this.

%%** Any weapon with the Shock mod. In ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankGoingCommando Going Commando]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal Up Your Arsenal]]'' only certain weapons can have it, while in ''[[VideoGame/RatchetDeadlocked Deadlocked]]'' it can be equipped to ''any'' weapon.
%%** The Shock Ravager/Lightning Ravager (an electricity whip that makes chain lightning in its upgraded form).
%%** The Tesla Spikes/Storm Spikes (tiny lightning rods that arc electricity between each other when you place two or more of them, and also get a chain lightning effect when the weapon upgrades).
%%* The Peace Maker in ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'''s sequels. Fires a small orb of electricity that arcs upon impact and instantly kills nearly every enemy in sight. The Arc Wielder in the third game literally fires chain lightning.

%%* Hypercubes in ''VideoGame/Bejeweled'' fire one of these to destroy every gem on the screen.

%%* ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'': the Nemesis Whip can do this.
%%* The Thunder Dancer from ''VideoGame/MegaManX 8'' functioned like this.

%%* ''VideoGame/KingsBounty'' has the Lightning spell, which initially only strikes one target.
%%* One of ComicBook/{{Storm}}'s signature powers in ''VideoGame/XMenLegends'' and ''VideoGame/MarvelUltimateAlliance''.
%%* ''VideoGame/DungeonCrawl'' has Chain Lightning spell, which is very powerful.
%%* In ''VideoGame/DungeonDefenders'', the [[SquishyWizard Apprentice and Adept]] can summon a Lightning Tower that follows this trope to a T.
%%* ''VideoGame/DestroyAllHumans'': Crypto's [[ThingOMatic Zap-O-Matic]] can do this after an upgrade or two.

%%* The Thunder Laser in ''VideoGame/RayCrisis'' does this, and you can lock onto additional enemies after firing it.
%%* ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': The Emitter class of weapons is essentially this as a starship weapon. It's a fairly good backup PD weapon if you don't have (enough) proper PD weapons.

%%** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', the Overload ability can be upgraded to this. There's also the "Arc Pistol," a downsized version of the Arc Projector.

%%* From ''VideoGame/InFamous'', Cole [=McGrath=]'s basic lightning can do this after some upgrading, but it's more prominent with Evil Cole's Arc Lightning.
%%* Tesla Tanks and Tesla Troopers gains this after promoted to heroic level in ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''.

%%* [[AvertedTrope Conspicuously absent]] for the longest time in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes''. By now, it's become a staple of the later-coming Electric powersets (Electric Melee's ''Chain Induction'' (a rare example of a melee attack doing this), Electric Control's ''Jolting Chain'' and ''Synaptic Overload'' and the Incarnate power ''Ion Judgment''), but is still missing from the earliest one, Electric Blast.

%%* There's a skill in VideoGame/DragonNest that's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin named]] this.
%%* The Thunderstrike from ''VideoGame/HeavyWeapon'' is this. Upgrading it causes it to hit more enemies and do more damage.
%%* In ''VideoGame/QuakeIV'', the LightningGun does this after being upgraded by a technician.

%%* One of the {{smart bomb}}s in ''Lightning Fighters'', the Dragon Laser, unleashes a fire dragon that behaves like this.
%%* The Plasma Laser in ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}} II'' and ''IV''.
%%* The Witch's Enhanced Magic Missile and Elemental Bomber's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Chain Lightning]] in ''VideoGame/DungeonFighterOnline''.
%%* The [[MeaningfulName appropriately-named]] Thunderbird Pro Energy Drive in ''VideoGame/PN03''.
%%* Present by name in both ''VideoGame/GuildWars'' and [[VideoGame/GuildWars2 its sequel]].
%%* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateII'' lets your wizards fry opponents with this. [[VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal The expansion]] added a mace that randomly triggers this effect when it hits an enemy.
%%* ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'': The [[PhysicalGod Son of Osiris]], an upgraded version of the Egyptian's standard Pharaoh, uses this to zap enemy formations; it's good for killing columns of myth units. The ''Titans'' expansion pack gives the Atlanteans the Man O' War, a jellyfish that does the same against naval flotillas.
%%* In ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' activating Volibear's ultimate causes chain lightning to appear when he hits someone.
%%** The item Statikk Shiv builds up charges whenever its holder moves or attacks, unleashing chain lightning from the target of the first attack made that passes 100 charges.
%%* ''VideoGame/Vigilante8 Second Offense'' has this as Lord Clyde's special weapon.

%%* Batman can use the Remote Electric Charge gun in ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamKnight'' to do this to a group of mooks.
%%* In ''Videogame/DeadSpace3'', if you combine a tesla core with a certain weapon tip, you can create your very own chain lightning gun.
%%* Naturally, this is an ability for a Sith Inquisitor who chooses the Lightning Sorcerer path in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''
%%* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', Ice/Lightning Archmages have this as their primary attacking skill. It is even explicitly called "Chain Lightning."
%%* The Electric Melee powerset in ''VideoGame/CityOfVillains'' featured a power called "Chain Induction" which had a chance of doing this if other enemies were close enough to the first one hit.
%%* In ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein2009'', an upgrade for the Tesla Gun granted it this ability.

%%* ''VideoGame/DustAnElysianTail'': Combining the Dust Storm with Fidget's lightning projectiles produces this effect. Great for racking up combos without sending enemies flying off screen.

%%* ''Webcomic/BobAndGeorge'': George [[http://bobandgeorge.com/archives/070117 fries an entire horde of ninjas]] this way so he can have a moment to talk with his superhero friends.
%%* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': One of the favored attacks of Vaarsuvius.

%%[[folder:Web Original]]
%%* The thundaspark move from ''Literature/{{Phaeton}}'' does this.
%%[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Western Animation]]
%%* Botanica from ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' has a very powerful chain lightning attack that single-handedly took out a squad of tank drones.
%%* ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'': [[WrenchWench Maggie Weston's]] E-Frame has a Chain Lighting gun as its AceCustom modification.
%%[[/folder]]

%%* [[AvertedTrope Conspicuously absent]] for the longest time in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes''. By now, it's become a staple of the later-coming Electric powersets (Electric Melee's ''Chain Induction'', Electric Control's ''Jolting Chain'' and ''Synaptic Overload'' and the Incarnate power ''Ion Judgment''), but is still missing from the earliest one, Electric Blast.

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
* The Zaguruzemu spell in ''Manga/ZatchBell'' had this as one of its many effects.
[[/folder]]

* In ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'', Ghidorah does this against fighter jets and Ospreys while attacking D.C.

* In ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Judge]] uses one of these against a crowd of shoppers in a mall, though he is interrupted before killing them.

* ''TabletopGame/IronKingdoms'': This is [[TheFederation Cygnar's]] shtick aside from being [[MoreDakka shooty]], from warcaster to infantry level.

* ''Tabletopgame/SpheresOfPower'' has the Chain Blast blast shape, allowing you do give this any destructive blasts. [[NonIndicativeName Even for blasts that aren't electrical in nature.]]

[[folder:Toys]]
* ''Toys/{{BIONICLE}}'': the Makuta have Chain Lightning abilities, as do the Rahkshi of Chain Lightning that they can spawn. In ''BIONICLE Heroes'' for the DS, the fully upgraded Air [[LightningGun weapon]] will do this against multiple enemies.
[[/folder]]

%%** There is also Chain Healing, which functions similar and does exactly what you think it does.

* ''VideoGame/BrutalLegend'' features an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] modification named Chain Lightning that has this effect. The Drowning Doom's Lightning Rod unit has a double-team ability that does this too.
* All ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic'' games have this. Succubi in the fifth game have a fire variant. It can't hurt other demons, which makes it safe to use
* A recurring spell in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series:
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', any enemy mage with this spell instantly becomes a [[DemonicSpiders Demonic Spider]]. For a few levels at least: it's the only spell whose damage doesn't increase with spellpower, so it rapidly drops off to 'ow that tickles'.
** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', an upgraded Chain Lightning spell is one of the easiest ways to clear the field of lower-level {{mooks}}, since even the ricochets do enough damage to kill them.
** Returns in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. It's now capable of friendly fire (if enabled), but it can cause a fair amount of damage to weak demons like Wraiths (especially if you couple it with a powerful staff).

* One of the weapons in the Nazi Zombies mode of ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty World at War'' did this.
* When you level up Spyro's lightning ability in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'', it gains the Chain Lightning ability.
* ''Franhchise/{{Castlevania}}''
** This was a soul in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow''.
** Also featured as one of Charlotte's spells in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin''.

** 3 features the Atomizer, a BFG Lightning Gun that will chain electricity once it upgrades to Level 2[[note]]The name of the upgrade is appropiately Arc Charger[[/note]].
* Starkiller in ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed'' and its sequel can fry multiple mooks with Force Lightning.
* ''VideoGame/BioshockInfinite'': an upgrade to the Shock Jockey vigor does this.

** Any weapon with the Shock mod. In ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankGoingCommando Going Commando]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal Up Your Arsenal]]'' only certain weapons can have it, while in ''[[VideoGame/RatchetDeadlocked Deadlocked]]'' it can be equipped to ''any'' weapon.
** The Shock Ravager/Lightning Ravager (an electricity whip that makes chain lightning in its upgraded form).
** The Tesla Spikes/Storm Spikes (tiny lightning rods that arc electricity between each other when you place two or more of them, and also get a chain lightning effect when the weapon upgrades).
* The Peace Maker in ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'''s sequels. Fires a small orb of electricity that arcs upon impact and instantly kills nearly every enemy in sight. The Arc Wielder in the third game literally fires chain lightning.

* Hypercubes in ''VideoGame/Bejeweled'' fire one of these to destroy every gem on the screen.

* ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'': the Nemesis Whip can do this.
* The Thunder Dancer from ''VideoGame/MegaManX 8'' functioned like this.

* ''VideoGame/KingsBounty'' has the Lightning spell, which initially only strikes one target.
* One of ComicBook/{{Storm}}'s signature powers in ''VideoGame/XMenLegends'' and ''VideoGame/MarvelUltimateAlliance''.
* ''VideoGame/DungeonCrawl'' has Chain Lightning spell, which is very powerful.
* In ''VideoGame/DungeonDefenders'', the [[SquishyWizard Apprentice and Adept]] can summon a Lightning Tower that follows this trope to a T.
* ''VideoGame/DestroyAllHumans'': Crypto's [[ThingOMatic Zap-O-Matic]] can do this after an upgrade or two.

* The Thunder Laser in ''VideoGame/RayCrisis'' does this, and you can lock onto additional enemies after firing it.
* ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': The Emitter class of weapons is essentially this as a starship weapon. It's a fairly good backup PD weapon if you don't have (enough) proper PD weapons.

** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', the Overload ability can be upgraded to this. There's also the "Arc Pistol," a downsized version of the Arc Projector.

* From ''VideoGame/InFamous'', Cole [=McGrath=]'s basic lightning can do this after some upgrading, but it's more prominent with Evil Cole's Arc Lightning.
* Tesla Tanks and Tesla Troopers gains this after promoted to heroic level in ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''.

* [[AvertedTrope Conspicuously absent]] for the longest time in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes''. By now, it's become a staple of the later-coming Electric powersets (Electric Melee's ''Chain Induction'', Electric Control's ''Jolting Chain'' and ''Synaptic Overload'' and the Incarnate power ''Ion Judgment''), but is still missing from the earliest one, Electric Blast.

* There's a skill in VideoGame/DragonNest that's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin named]] this.
* The Thunderstrike from ''VideoGame/HeavyWeapon'' is this. Upgrading it causes it to hit more enemies and do more damage.
* In ''VideoGame/QuakeIV'', the LightningGun does this after being upgraded by a technician.

* One of the {{smart bomb}}s in ''Lightning Fighters'', the Dragon Laser, unleashes a fire dragon that behaves like this.
* The Plasma Laser in ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}} II'' and ''IV''.
* The Witch's Enhanced Magic Missile and Elemental Bomber's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Chain Lightning]] in ''VideoGame/DungeonFighterOnline''.
* The [[MeaningfulName appropriately-named]] Thunderbird Pro Energy Drive in ''VideoGame/PN03''.
* Present by name in both ''VideoGame/GuildWars'' and [[VideoGame/GuildWars2 its sequel]].
* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateII'' lets your wizards fry opponents with this. [[VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal The expansion]] added a mace that randomly triggers this effect when it hits an enemy.
* ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'': The [[PhysicalGod Son of Osiris]], an upgraded version of the Egyptian's standard Pharaoh, uses this to zap enemy formations; it's good for killing columns of myth units. The ''Titans'' expansion pack gives the Atlanteans the Man O' War, a jellyfish that does the same against naval flotillas.
* In ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' activating Volibear's ultimate causes chain lightning to appear when he hits someone.
** The item Statikk Shiv builds up charges whenever its holder moves or attacks, unleashing chain lightning from the target of the first attack made that passes 100 charges.
* Nami from ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' has a [[MakingASplash watery variant]], which bounces from ally to an enemy and vice versa, healing allies and hurting enemies.
* ''VideoGame/Vigilante8 Second Offense'' has this as Lord Clyde's special weapon.

* Batman can use the Remote Electric Charge gun in ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamKnight'' to do this to a group of mooks.
* In ''Videogame/DeadSpace3'', if you combine a tesla core with a certain weapon tip, you can create your very own chain lightning gun.
* Naturally, this is an ability for a Sith Inquisitor who chooses the Lightning Sorcerer path in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''
* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', Ice/Lightning Archmages have this as their primary attacking skill. It is even explicitly called "Chain Lightning."
* The Electric Melee powerset in ''VideoGame/CityOfVillains'' featured a power called "Chain Induction" which had a chance of doing this if other enemies were close enough to the first one hit.
* In ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein2009'', an upgrade for the Tesla Gun granted it this ability.

* ''VideoGame/DustAnElysianTail'': Combining the Dust Storm with Fidget's lightning projectiles produces this effect. Great for racking up combos without sending enemies flying off screen.

* ''Webcomic/BobAndGeorge'': George [[http://bobandgeorge.com/archives/070117 fries an entire horde of ninjas]] this way so he can have a moment to talk with his superhero friends.
* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': One of the favored attacks of Vaarsuvius.

[[folder:Web Original]]
* The thundaspark move from ''Literature/{{Phaeton}}'' does this.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* Botanica from ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' has a very powerful chain lightning attack that single-handedly took out a squad of tank drones.
* ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'': [[WrenchWench Maggie Weston's]] E-Frame has a Chain Lighting gun as its AceCustom modification.
[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Anime & Manga]]
%%* The Zaguruzemu spell in ''Manga/ZatchBell'' had this as one of its many effects.
%%[[/folder]]

%%* In ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'', Ghidorah does this against fighter jets and Ospreys while attacking D.C.

%%* In ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Judge]] uses one of these against a crowd of shoppers in a mall, though he is interrupted before killing them.

%%[[/folder]]

%%* ''TabletopGame/IronKingdoms'': This is [[TheFederation Cygnar's]] shtick aside from being [[MoreDakka shooty]], from warcaster to infantry level.

%%* ''Tabletopgame/SpheresOfPower'' has the Chain Blast blast shape, allowing you do give this any destructive blasts. [[NonIndicativeName Even for blasts that aren't electrical in nature.]]

%%[[folder:Toys]]
%%* ''Toys/{{BIONICLE}}'': the Makuta have Chain Lightning abilities, as do the Rahkshi of Chain Lightning that they can spawn. In ''BIONICLE Heroes'' for the DS, the fully upgraded Air [[LightningGun weapon]] will do this against multiple enemies.
%%[[/folder]]

%%* ''VideoGame/BrutalLegend'' features an [[AnAxeToGrind axe]] modification named Chain Lightning that has this effect. The Drowning Doom's Lightning Rod unit has a double-team ability that does this too.
%%* All ''VideoGame/HeroesOfMightAndMagic'' games have this. Succubi in the fifth game have a fire variant. It can't hurt other demons, which makes it safe to use
%%* A recurring spell in the ''Franchise/DragonAge'' series:
%%** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'', any enemy mage with this spell instantly becomes a [[DemonicSpiders Demonic Spider]]. For a few levels at least: it's the only spell whose damage doesn't increase with spellpower, so it rapidly drops off to 'ow that tickles'.
%%** In ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'', an upgraded Chain Lightning spell is one of the easiest ways to clear the field of lower-level {{mooks}}, since even the ricochets do enough damage to kill them.
%%** Returns in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition''. It's now capable of friendly fire (if enabled), but it can cause a fair amount of damage to weak demons like Wraiths (especially if you couple it with a powerful staff).

%%* One of the weapons in the Nazi Zombies mode of ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty World at War'' did this.
%%* When you level up Spyro's lightning ability in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfSpyro'', it gains the Chain Lightning ability.
%%* ''Franhchise/{{Castlevania}}''
%%** This was a soul in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow''.
%%** Also featured as one of Charlotte's spells in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaPortraitOfRuin''.

%%** 3 features the Atomizer, a BFG Lightning Gun that will chain electricity once it upgrades to Level 2[[note]]The name of the upgrade is appropiately Arc Charger[[/note]].
%%* Starkiller in ''VideoGame/TheForceUnleashed'' and its sequel can fry multiple mooks with Force Lightning.
%%* ''VideoGame/BioshockInfinite'': an upgrade to the Shock Jockey vigor does this.

%%** Any weapon with the Shock mod. In ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankGoingCommando Going Commando]]'' and ''[[VideoGame/RatchetAndClankUpYourArsenal Up Your Arsenal]]'' only certain weapons can have it, while in ''[[VideoGame/RatchetDeadlocked Deadlocked]]'' it can be equipped to ''any'' weapon.
%%** The Shock Ravager/Lightning Ravager (an electricity whip that makes chain lightning in its upgraded form).
%%** The Tesla Spikes/Storm Spikes (tiny lightning rods that arc electricity between each other when you place two or more of them, and also get a chain lightning effect when the weapon upgrades).
%%* The Peace Maker in ''VideoGame/JakAndDaxter'''s sequels. Fires a small orb of electricity that arcs upon impact and instantly kills nearly every enemy in sight. The Arc Wielder in the third game literally fires chain lightning.

%%* Hypercubes in ''VideoGame/Bejeweled'' fire one of these to destroy every gem on the screen.

%%* ''VideoGame/GodOfWarIII'': the Nemesis Whip can do this.
%%* The Thunder Dancer from ''VideoGame/MegaManX 8'' functioned like this.

%%* ''VideoGame/KingsBounty'' has the Lightning spell, which initially only strikes one target.
%%* One of ComicBook/{{Storm}}'s signature powers in ''VideoGame/XMenLegends'' and ''VideoGame/MarvelUltimateAlliance''.
%%* ''VideoGame/DungeonCrawl'' has Chain Lightning spell, which is very powerful.
%%* In ''VideoGame/DungeonDefenders'', the [[SquishyWizard Apprentice and Adept]] can summon a Lightning Tower that follows this trope to a T.
%%* ''VideoGame/DestroyAllHumans'': Crypto's [[ThingOMatic Zap-O-Matic]] can do this after an upgrade or two.

%%* The Thunder Laser in ''VideoGame/RayCrisis'' does this, and you can lock onto additional enemies after firing it.
%%* ''VideoGame/SwordOfTheStars'': The Emitter class of weapons is essentially this as a starship weapon. It's a fairly good backup PD weapon if you don't have (enough) proper PD weapons.

%%** In ''VideoGame/MassEffect3'', the Overload ability can be upgraded to this. There's also the "Arc Pistol," a downsized version of the Arc Projector.

%%* From ''VideoGame/InFamous'', Cole [=McGrath=]'s basic lightning can do this after some upgrading, but it's more prominent with Evil Cole's Arc Lightning.
%%* Tesla Tanks and Tesla Troopers gains this after promoted to heroic level in ''VideoGame/CommandAndConquerRedAlert2''.

%%* [[AvertedTrope Conspicuously absent]] for the longest time in ''VideoGame/CityOfHeroes''. By now, it's become a staple of the later-coming Electric powersets (Electric Melee's ''Chain Induction'', Electric Control's ''Jolting Chain'' and ''Synaptic Overload'' and the Incarnate power ''Ion Judgment''), but is still missing from the earliest one, Electric Blast.

%%* There's a skill in VideoGame/DragonNest that's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin named]] this.
%%* The Thunderstrike from ''VideoGame/HeavyWeapon'' is this. Upgrading it causes it to hit more enemies and do more damage.
%%* In ''VideoGame/QuakeIV'', the LightningGun does this after being upgraded by a technician.

%%* One of the {{smart bomb}}s in ''Lightning Fighters'', the Dragon Laser, unleashes a fire dragon that behaves like this.
%%* The Plasma Laser in ''VideoGame/{{Raiden}} II'' and ''IV''.
%%* The Witch's Enhanced Magic Missile and Elemental Bomber's [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin Chain Lightning]] in ''VideoGame/DungeonFighterOnline''.
%%* The [[MeaningfulName appropriately-named]] Thunderbird Pro Energy Drive in ''VideoGame/PN03''.
%%* Present by name in both ''VideoGame/GuildWars'' and [[VideoGame/GuildWars2 its sequel]].
%%* ''VideoGame/BaldursGateII'' lets your wizards fry opponents with this. [[VideoGame/BaldursGateIIThroneOfBhaal The expansion]] added a mace that randomly triggers this effect when it hits an enemy.
%%* ''VideoGame/AgeOfMythology'': The [[PhysicalGod Son of Osiris]], an upgraded version of the Egyptian's standard Pharaoh, uses this to zap enemy formations; it's good for killing columns of myth units. The ''Titans'' expansion pack gives the Atlanteans the Man O' War, a jellyfish that does the same against naval flotillas.
%%* In ''VideoGame/LeagueOfLegends'' activating Volibear's ultimate causes chain lightning to appear when he hits someone.
%%** The item Statikk Shiv builds up charges whenever its holder moves or attacks, unleashing chain lightning from the target of the first attack made that passes 100 charges.

%%* ''VideoGame/Vigilante8 Second Offense'' has this as Lord Clyde's special weapon.

%%* Batman can use the Remote Electric Charge gun in ''Videogame/BatmanArkhamKnight'' to do this to a group of mooks.
%%* In ''Videogame/DeadSpace3'', if you combine a tesla core with a certain weapon tip, you can create your very own chain lightning gun.
%%* Naturally, this is an ability for a Sith Inquisitor who chooses the Lightning Sorcerer path in ''VideoGame/StarWarsTheOldRepublic''
%%* In ''VideoGame/MapleStory'', Ice/Lightning Archmages have this as their primary attacking skill. It is even explicitly called "Chain Lightning."
%%* The Electric Melee powerset in ''VideoGame/CityOfVillains'' featured a power called "Chain Induction" which had a chance of doing this if other enemies were close enough to the first one hit.
%%* In ''VideoGame/Wolfenstein2009'', an upgrade for the Tesla Gun granted it this ability.

%%* ''VideoGame/DustAnElysianTail'': Combining the Dust Storm with Fidget's lightning projectiles produces this effect. Great for racking up combos without sending enemies flying off screen.

%%* ''Webcomic/BobAndGeorge'': George [[http://bobandgeorge.com/archives/070117 fries an entire horde of ninjas]] this way so he can have a moment to talk with his superhero friends.
%%* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': One of the favored attacks of Vaarsuvius.

%%[[folder:Web Original]]
%%* The thundaspark move from ''Literature/{{Phaeton}}'' does this.
%%[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Western Animation]]
%%* Botanica from ''WesternAnimation/BeastMachines'' has a very powerful chain lightning attack that single-handedly took out a squad of tank drones.
%%* ''WesternAnimation/ExoSquad'': [[WrenchWench Maggie Weston's]] E-Frame has a Chain Lighting gun as its AceCustom modification.
%%[[/folder]]

%%[[folder:Live-Action TV]]

* The Amprex from ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'' is a Corpus-produced LightningGun whose beam of electricity chains between enemies if it hits one, making it a very effective crowd control weapon. Even if doesn't kill them in seconds, it's guaranteed to paralyse them.

* In ''Film/RaidersOfTheLostArk'', the Ark generates an effect that jumps from person to person upon being opened.

[[quoteright:322:[[VideoGame/WarCraft https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/Chain_Lightningx_7295.jpg]]]]

%%[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

[[folder:Film]]

%%[[folder:Live Action TV]]

* In ''Film/GodzillaKingOfTheMonsters2019'', Ghidorah does this against fighter jets and Ospreys while attacking D.C.

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* In ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'', [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Judge]] uses one of these against a crowd of shoppers in a mall, though he is interrupted before killing them.
[[/folder]]

* ''VideoGame/IntoTheBreach'': The lightning mech has a chain lightning weapon that damages enemies and allies alike, and with an upgrade can also travel through buildings, thankfully leaving them unharmed. It's entire team is built around getting enemies in place to be electrocuted, and making extra links for the chain.

* Lightning spell in ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}'' turns into this at higher levels, hitting an extra enemy for each level beyond the first. {{Nerf}}ed in the sequels.

%%* Lightning spell in ''VideoGame/{{Fable}}'' turns into this at higher levels. {{Nerf}}ed in the sequels.