Unlocking Potential: Giving Your Pokémon a Hidden Ability

Yes, you absolutely can give your Pokémon a Hidden Ability! The primary method for achieving this is by using an Ability Patch. This valuable item, introduced in Pokémon Sword & Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC, allows you to change a Pokémon’s regular ability to its Hidden Ability. It’s a game-changer, opening up new strategic possibilities for trainers. But before you jump in and start swapping abilities, there are some key factors to consider. Let’s dive deeper into the world of Hidden Abilities and how you can harness their power.

Delving into Hidden Abilities

Hidden Abilities are special, less common abilities that some Pokémon possess in addition to their standard abilities. Often, these abilities can dramatically alter a Pokémon’s battling style, making them incredibly valuable in competitive play. The Ability Patch is your golden ticket to unlocking this potential.

Obtaining and Using the Ability Patch

Ability Patches aren’t exactly handed out freely. They typically require a significant time investment to acquire. In recent games, they are often rewards for completing challenging Tera Raid Battles or can be purchased using Battle Points (BP) earned in the Battle Tower or similar facilities.

Once you have an Ability Patch, simply select it from your bag and use it on the Pokémon you wish to change. The game will then prompt you to confirm that you want to swap the Pokémon’s current ability for its Hidden Ability. Remember to choose wisely, as using an Ability Patch is a one-way process. The item will be consumed!

Hidden Ability FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand Hidden Abilities and how to get them:

1. Can I change a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability back to a regular ability?

The Ability Patch can also switch a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability back to a regular ability! This can be useful if you find that the Hidden Ability isn’t working well with your strategy or team composition. Consider that many players would consider it a waste of an Ability Patch.

2. How rare are Hidden Ability Pokémon in the wild?

Finding a Pokémon with its Hidden Ability in the wild is typically quite rare. The exact odds vary between games and encounter methods. Sometimes special events or specific locations will offer increased chances of encountering Pokémon with their Hidden Ability.

3. Can a Pokémon evolve into a Hidden Ability?

Yes, a Pokémon with its Hidden Ability will retain that Hidden Ability upon evolution. The Hidden Ability slot is preserved during the evolution process. In essence, if your pre-evolution has a Hidden Ability, so will its evolved form.

4. Can I transfer Hidden Abilities between different species through breeding?

No, you cannot pass down Hidden Abilities to different species through breeding. Only the mother Pokémon (or either parent when breeding with Ditto) can pass down its Hidden Ability to offspring of the same evolutionary family.

5. What are the chances of passing down a Hidden Ability through breeding?

When breeding a female Pokémon with its Hidden Ability, there’s an 80% chance that the offspring will inherit the Hidden Ability. If breeding with Ditto, either the male or female Pokémon with the Hidden Ability has a 60% chance of passing it down. The other way that Males can pass the Hidden Ability on is to breed with Ditto and then the male pokemon with the Hidden Ability has a 20% chance to pass on the Hidden Ability.

6. Can Ditto pass down Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Ditto can play a crucial role in breeding for Hidden Abilities. When breeding with a Pokémon that possesses a Hidden Ability, Ditto acts as the opposite gender and gives the same chance of passing down the Hidden Ability.

7. What is Ditto’s Hidden Ability?

Ditto’s Hidden Ability is Imposter. This ability allows it to transform into the opposing Pokémon upon entering battle, mimicking their appearance, type, moves, and stats.

8. What are some of the strongest Pokémon abilities, including Hidden Abilities?

Some of the strongest Pokémon abilities include:

• Intimidate: Reduces the Attack stat of opposing Pokémon upon entering battle.
• Huge Power: Doubles the Attack stat.
• Protean/Libero: Changes the Pokémon’s type to match the move it’s using.
• Speed Boost: Increases the Pokémon’s Speed stat each turn.
• Power of Scales (Multiscale): Halves damage when the Pokémon is at full HP.
• Wonder Guard: Allows the Pokémon to only be hit by super-effective attacks.

9. Can Starter Pokémon have Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Starter Pokémon can have Hidden Abilities. However, they are not typically available during the initial playthrough. Instead, they are often obtained through special events, distributions, or transferring Pokémon from other games.

10. How can I get a Starter Pokémon with its Hidden Ability?

Methods for obtaining Hidden Ability Starters vary. Sometimes, transferring a Starter from a previous game to Pokémon HOME will unlock a Mystery Gift containing the Starter with its Hidden Ability. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news for distribution events.

11. What are some Pokémon that do not have Hidden Abilities?

While most Pokémon have a Hidden Ability, there are exceptions. Some notable examples include Legendary Pokémon like Arceus, and certain other unique Pokémon introduced throughout the series. Aegislash, Archaludon, Archen, Archeops, Azelf are examples.

12. Is it possible to soft reset to get a Starter Pokémon with its Hidden Ability?

No, soft-resetting typically won’t help you obtain a Starter Pokémon with its Hidden Ability. These are usually acquired through specific distribution methods or transfers, not through random generation at the beginning of the game.

13. Are Hidden Abilities worth the effort to acquire?

Absolutely! Hidden Abilities can significantly enhance a Pokémon’s battling capabilities. They can provide crucial advantages in competitive battles, allowing for unique strategies and team compositions. A Hidden Ability can make the difference between victory and defeat.

14. Do Hidden Abilities remain upon evolution?

Yes, Hidden Abilities remain upon evolution. Once a Pokémon has a Hidden Ability, it will retain that Hidden Ability when it evolves. This makes it worth pursuing Hidden Abilities early in the game.

15. Can I breed for Hidden Abilities?

Yes, breeding is a viable method for obtaining Hidden Abilities. If the female Pokémon has a Hidden Ability, there’s an 80% chance the offspring will inherit it. Breeding with Ditto can also pass down Hidden Abilities.

Embracing the Power of Hidden Abilities

Unlocking the Hidden Ability of your favorite Pokémon can open up a whole new dimension of gameplay. It allows for greater strategic depth and customization, letting you tailor your team to your specific battling style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover the potential that lies within these special abilities.

Whether you’re a competitive battler or just enjoy collecting, Hidden Abilities offer a compelling goal to pursue in the world of Pokémon. Understanding how to obtain and utilize them is key to becoming a true Pokémon Master.

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