Unleashing Hidden Potential: How to Get Secret Abilities in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

The key to unlocking a Pokémon’s Secret Ability in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet lies in the strategic use of Ability Patches. This rare and valuable item, obtainable through high-level Tera Raid Battles, grants your Pokémon access to its Hidden Ability, opening up new strategic possibilities and competitive edges. This article will delve into the intricacies of obtaining and utilizing Ability Patches, equipping you with the knowledge to maximize your Pokémon’s potential.

Understanding Hidden Abilities

Before diving into the acquisition process, it’s crucial to understand what a Hidden Ability actually is. Every Pokémon species has one or two standard Abilities, which are passive effects that influence battles in various ways. However, they also possess a Hidden Ability, an alternative Ability that is typically more powerful or offers a unique strategic advantage compared to their standard counterparts.

The Significance of Hidden Abilities

Hidden Abilities can significantly impact a Pokémon’s viability in competitive battles. They often provide crucial buffs, immunities, or altered move effects, changing a Pokémon’s role and enabling entirely new strategies. Examples include:

• Protean (Greninja): Changes the Pokémon’s type to that of the move it is using.
• Regenerator (Toxapex): Restores health upon switching out.
• Drought (Torkoal): Summons harsh sunlight upon entering battle.

These Hidden Abilities can drastically improve a Pokémon’s performance and open up new team-building possibilities.

Acquiring Ability Patches: The Raid Battle Route

The primary method of obtaining Ability Patches in Scarlet & Violet is through Tera Raid Battles, specifically 6-Star Raids and, less commonly, 5-Star Raids. These battles are challenging encounters against powerful Tera Pokémon, requiring strategic team composition and skillful execution.

Preparing for Tera Raid Battles

Successful Tera Raid Battles hinge on careful preparation. Here’s a breakdown of essential steps:

1. Unlock High-Level Raids: Progress through the main storyline and complete the post-game content to unlock 5-Star and 6-Star Raids. This typically involves defeating all Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and then participating in a post-game series of Academy Ace Tournament battles.

2. Build a Strong Raid Team: Select Pokémon with high attack stats, beneficial typings against the Tera Pokémon you’ll be facing, and support capabilities like healing or stat boosts. Consider common raid strategies and build accordingly.

3. Level Up and Train Your Pokémon: Maximize your Pokémon’s level to 100 and invest in Hyper Training to improve their IVs (Individual Values). Proper EV (Effort Value) training to maximize relevant stats (Attack, Special Attack, HP, Speed, etc.) is crucial for survival and damage output.

4. Gather Resources: Stock up on items like healing potions, PP restoring items, and berries that can cure status conditions.

Mastering the Raid Battle Mechanics

Tera Raid Battles have unique mechanics that require understanding to succeed:

• Tera Shield: The Tera Pokémon will eventually activate a shield, reducing damage taken and negating status conditions. Coordinate attacks with your team to break the shield quickly.
• Attack Cancellation: The Tera Pokémon will occasionally nullify the effects of attacks, including stat boosts. Be prepared for these interruptions and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Cheering: Utilize the cheer options (Heal Up, Go All Out, and Energize) to provide support to your team and boost your own Pokémon’s stats.
• Type Chart Knowledge: Have a firm grasp on the type chart to exploit the Tera Pokémon’s weaknesses.

Finding and Joining Raids

Tera Raid Battles appear randomly throughout the Paldea region. Check the in-game map for glowing Tera Raid symbols. You can also join raids hosted by other players online through the Poké Portal. 6-Star Raids offer the highest chance of dropping an Ability Patch, but they are significantly more difficult than lower-level raids. Look for raids with appropriate Tera Types to match your team’s strengths.

Using Ability Patches to Unlock Hidden Abilities

Once you’ve acquired an Ability Patch, using it is straightforward:

1. Open Your Bag: Access your inventory through the main menu.
2. Select the Ability Patch: Locate the Ability Patch in your bag.
3. Choose Your Pokémon: Select the Pokémon you want to grant its Hidden Ability.
4. Confirm the Transformation: Confirm your decision. The Pokémon’s Ability will be permanently changed to its Hidden Ability.

Important Considerations

• Irreversible Change: Changing a Pokémon’s Ability with an Ability Patch is permanent. There is no way to revert to the standard Ability once the change is made.
• Check Abilities First: Ensure you know what the Pokémon’s Hidden Ability is and that it aligns with your desired strategy before using the Ability Patch.
• Pokémon with One Ability: Some Pokémon only have one Ability. The Ability Patch will have no effect on these Pokémon.
• Egg Abilities: Pokémon hatched from eggs can potentially inherit their Hidden Ability from a parent with the Hidden Ability, making breeding a viable alternative to using an Ability Patch, especially for Pokémon with desirable IVs and natures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between an Ability Patch and an Ability Capsule?

Ability Patches change a Pokémon’s Ability to its Hidden Ability, whereas Ability Capsules switch between a Pokémon’s standard Abilities (if it has more than one). Ability Capsules do not grant access to Hidden Abilities.

2. Can I get Ability Patches from 7-Star Raids?

Yes, 7-Star Raids are another source of Ability Patches, often with an even higher drop rate than 6-Star Raids, though these events are limited-time and feature specific Pokémon.

3. Is there any other way to get Ability Patches besides raids?

Currently, Tera Raid Battles are the primary method. There are no confirmed alternative methods, such as finding them in the open world or receiving them as rewards for completing specific challenges. Future updates may introduce new acquisition methods.

4. Can I trade Ability Patches with other players?

No, Ability Patches cannot be traded with other players. You must acquire them yourself through Tera Raid Battles.

5. Does the Ability Patch work on Legendary Pokémon?

Yes, Ability Patches work on Legendary Pokémon, allowing you to unlock their Hidden Abilities, assuming they have one.

6. Can I use an Ability Patch on a Pokémon that already has its Hidden Ability?

No, the Ability Patch will not work on a Pokémon that already possesses its Hidden Ability. It is designed to unlock the Hidden Ability from a standard Ability.

7. How rare are Ability Patches in 6-Star Raids?

The drop rate for Ability Patches in 6-Star Raids is relatively low. It’s not guaranteed, and you might need to complete several raids before obtaining one. Persistence is key.

8. Does having more players in a Raid increase the chance of getting an Ability Patch?

No, the number of players in a raid does not affect the drop rate of Ability Patches.

9. What is the best Pokémon to use for 6-Star Raids to farm Ability Patches?

Pokémon with high damage output and beneficial typings against common Tera Types are ideal. Examples include Azumarill (with Huge Power), Iron Hands, Miraidon, and Koraidon. The “best” Pokémon depends on the specific Tera Type of the raid.

10. Can I influence the Tera Type of Pokémon appearing in raids?

The Tera Type of Pokémon in raids is randomly generated. You cannot directly influence it. However, certain events might feature specific Tera Types more frequently.

11. Does the held item “Amulet Coin” or “Lucky Egg” affect the drop rate of Ability Patches?

No, neither the Amulet Coin nor the Lucky Egg affects the drop rate of Ability Patches. They only influence the amount of money or experience gained after a battle.

12. Is there a limit to how many Ability Patches I can carry in my bag?

There is a limit to the number of items you can carry in your bag, but it’s a high limit, so it’s unlikely you’ll run out of space for Ability Patches unless your bag is already full of other items.

13. Can Pokémon inherit Hidden Abilities when breeding in Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, Pokémon can inherit Hidden Abilities when breeding. Female Pokémon with the Hidden Ability have an 80% chance of passing it down to their offspring. Male Pokémon with the Hidden Ability can also pass it down if breeding with a Ditto.

14. Are there any Pokémon that cannot have a Hidden Ability in Scarlet and Violet?

While rare, some Pokémon species might not have a Hidden Ability programmed into the game. Always research a Pokémon’s potential Hidden Ability before investing an Ability Patch.

15. If I change my mind after using an Ability Patch, can I get the original ability back?

No, changing a Pokémon’s Ability with an Ability Patch is permanent. There is no way to revert to the standard Ability once the change is made. Choose wisely!

By understanding the process of obtaining and utilizing Ability Patches, you can unlock the full potential of your Pokémon team and gain a significant advantage in battles. Good luck with your raiding adventures!