Unveiling the Mystery of Hidden Power in Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
What is the Hidden Power Ability in Pokemon?
Hidden Power is a unique and intriguing Normal-type move in the Pokémon universe that defies its base typing. Introduced in Generation II, it’s a damage-dealing move whose actual type varies based on the individual values (IVs) of the Pokémon using it. Think of it as a chameleon move, capable of adopting different types to provide surprise coverage in battles. Unlike most moves, the Hidden Power type isn’t determined by the Pokémon’s inherent characteristics but by its underlying numerical stats. The base power of Hidden Power also varied in early generations, ranging from 30-70, but is standardized to 60 in Generation VI onward. This makes Hidden Power a versatile and, at times, indispensable move for trainers looking to exploit type matchups and cover their Pokémon’s weaknesses.
It’s important to distinguish Hidden Power from Secret Power. While both appear as Normal-type moves, they operate very differently. Secret Power always remains Normal-type, has a fixed base power of 70, and can cause status effects based on the battle location. In contrast, Hidden Power’s type changes based on a Pokémon’s IVs, and it’s primarily used for its potential to deliver super effective hits. Hidden Power was also a TM (TM10) from Generation II to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, meaning it could be taught to many Pokémon. However, it is not learnable in later generations, and in Generation VIII, it became the signature move of Unown.
Understanding Hidden Power’s Mechanics
How the Type is Determined
The magic behind Hidden Power lies in a Pokémon’s IVs. Each Pokémon has six IVs: Hit Points (HP), Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These values determine not only a Pokémon’s potential stats, but also the type of its Hidden Power. The exact calculations are complex and vary slightly between generations, but the basic idea is that the IVs are used in a specific algorithm to determine a Hidden Power type, which can be any type except Normal and Fairy.
Hidden Power’s Base Power
In generations II through V, the base power of Hidden Power was not fixed, and was also determined by the Pokémon’s individual values. In Generation II, it ranged from 31 to 70, and in Generations III to V, it ranged from 30 to 70. From Generation VI onward, Hidden Power’s base power was standardized to 60. This ensured the move’s damage output remained more predictable, and only the type varied.
The Utility of Hidden Power
Hidden Power’s primary usefulness comes from its potential to fill gaps in a Pokémon’s movepool. For instance, a Grass-type like Lilligant might benefit from a Hidden Power Fire to deal with Steel-types, which normally resist Grass-type attacks. This additional type coverage makes Hidden Power a critical strategic consideration for many competitive trainers. Likewise, a Pokémon lacking a strong super-effective move might benefit greatly from having the move.
STAB with Hidden Power
When using Hidden Power, a Pokémon only gets Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) on the move based on its actual type, not its listed Normal type. If your Pokémon is a Fire type, and your Hidden Power turns into a Fire type, you get STAB. However, a pure Normal-type Pokémon will never receive STAB for Hidden Power, since it can never become Normal.
Hidden Power in Different Games
Pokemon GO
In Pokémon GO, Hidden Power retains its unique properties. Although it appears as a Normal-type move, it can be any type save Fairy and Normal. Every Pokémon that has this move available will have a uniquely typed Hidden Power that cannot be changed via TM or by evolving the Pokémon, and the type is static for that Pokémon.
Legends Arceus
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Hidden Power has a unique twist. Instead of simply being a type based on a Pokémon’s IVs, the type is adjusted to be super effective against the opposing Pokémon. This version of Hidden Power is less about type coverage and more about ensuring a strong attack in any situation.
15 Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Power
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you better understand Hidden Power:
1. What is the difference between Hidden Power and Secret Power?
Hidden Power is a Normal-type move with a variable type and base power (based on generation and IVs), determined by a Pokémon’s hidden stats. It is used for type coverage and has a static base power (60). Secret Power, on the other hand, is always Normal-type, has a fixed base power of 70, and causes different status effects based on the location of the battle.
2. Is Hidden Power always a special move?
From Generation IV onwards, Hidden Power has consistently been a special move. However, in Pokémon Emerald (Generation III), whether the move is physical or special was dependent on its type, not the inherent move.
3. Is Hidden Power a good move?
Yes, Hidden Power can be an excellent move, particularly for Pokémon with shallow movepools or those that need type coverage. It is often crucial for special attackers that require type coverage on Pokemon they would be unable to hurt otherwise.
4. Can Hidden Power be Fairy-type?
No, Hidden Power cannot be Fairy-type. It can become any type except Normal and Fairy, with the other types being based on the users IVs.
5. Can you change the Hidden Power type?
No, the type of Hidden Power is fixed based on the Pokémon’s IVs. It cannot be altered by items or moves, making it a permanent characteristic of that Pokémon.
6. How does Hidden Power work in Pokemon GO?
In Pokémon GO, Hidden Power’s type is still determined uniquely per Pokémon, with each being set to one of the types other than Normal or Fairy and cannot be changed.
7. How can I obtain a Hidden Power type?
In most mainline games, the Hidden Power type is a characteristic of the Pokémon, so you get it upon obtaining the Pokémon. You can’t get it using a TM.
8. Is Hidden Power a TM?
Yes, Hidden Power was TM10 from Generation II up to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It cannot be taught by TM in later generations.
9. Can every Pokemon learn Hidden Power?
Generally, every Pokemon compatible with TMs was able to learn Hidden Power, meaning most Pokemon that could learn TMs, could also learn Hidden Power.
10. Is Hidden Power a STAB move?
Yes, Hidden Power can receive STAB if its actual type matches the Pokémon’s type. A Fire type with a Fire Hidden Power will get the bonus, a Fire type with an Ice Hidden Power will not get STAB on it.
11. How powerful is Hidden Power?
The power of Hidden Power has evolved through the generations. In Generations II-V, the base power varied (30-70) based on the Pokémon’s IVs. From Generation VI onwards, Hidden Power’s base power has been consistently 60.
12. Why is Hidden Power so good?
Hidden Power is valued for its unpredictability and versatility. It allows for type coverage on Pokémon that would otherwise lack it, such as Lilligant.
13. Is Hidden Power good on Togekiss?
Hidden Power can be beneficial on Togekiss, particularly for defensive coverage. Ground-type Hidden Power can be effective against Electric, Poison, Steel, and Rock attackers.
14. Does Hidden Power change with level?
No, Hidden Power’s type does not change with level. It’s permanently set at the time of the Pokemon’s generation based on its IVs.
15. Can a Pokemon learn 2 Hidden Abilities?
Pokemon can only have two normal Abilities and one Hidden Ability.
Conclusion
Hidden Power remains one of the most intriguing moves in the Pokémon franchise. Its capacity to adapt its type, driven by the underlying stats of the Pokémon using it, offers a strategic depth unmatched by most other moves. Whether you’re a competitive battler or a casual player, understanding Hidden Power is key to optimizing your team’s versatility and effectiveness. While it isn’t present in the newest generation of Pokemon, it’s a valuable piece of Pokémon history that has had a significant impact on the overall complexity of the franchise.