Abilities Mastery

Pokemon Abilities Guide

Master the strategic use of Pokemon abilities to gain competitive advantages in battle

Popular Battle Abilities

Most used in competitive
Physical

Intimidate

Lowers opponent's Attack by 1 stage on switch-in

Arcanine, Gyarados, Salamence
Immunity

Levitate

Immune to Ground-type moves

Gengar, Rotom, Hydreigon

Sturdy

Survives OHKO with 1 HP if at full health

Found on: Skarmory, Forretress, Aggron

Swift Swim

Doubles Speed in rain

Found on: Kingdra, Ludicolo, Kabutops

Drought

Sets sun weather on switch-in

Found on: Ninetales, Torkoal, Groudon

Drizzle

Sets rain weather on switch-in

Found on: Politoed, Pelipper, Kyogre

Hidden Abilities

Hidden Abilities are special abilities that Pokemon can only obtain through specific methods.

How to Obtain:

  • • Max Raid Battles (Sword/Shield)
  • • Friend Safari (X/Y)
  • • Dream World (Gen 5)
  • • SOS Battles (Sun/Moon)
  • • Ability Patch item
  • • Breeding from parent with HA

Notable Hidden Abilities:

  • • Protean (Greninja) - Changes type to move's type
  • • Speed Boost (Blaziken) - +1 Speed each turn
  • • Contrary (Serperior) - Reverses stat changes
  • • Regenerator (Slowbro) - Heals 1/3 HP on switch
  • • Multiscale (Dragonite) - Half damage at full HP

Ability Categories

Offensive Abilities

Boost attack power or enable special offensive strategies

Huge PowerPure PowerAdaptabilityTechnicianSheer Force

Defensive Abilities

Reduce damage or provide immunities

Thick FatFilterSolid RockWonder GuardMagic Guard

Speed Abilities

Modify speed or priority

Speed BoostPranksterGale WingsQuick FeetUnburden

Weather Abilities

Set or benefit from weather conditions

DroughtDrizzleSand StreamSnow WarningChlorophyll