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Can You Get Hidden Ability Fossils in Pokémon? A Deep Dive

Yes, you can get Hidden Ability (HA) Fossil Pokémon, but the methods vary wildly depending on the game generation. Obtaining these coveted Pokémon often involves trading, transferring from older games, special events, or utilizing specific in-game mechanics. Let’s explore how!

Fossil Pokémon and Hidden Abilities: A Generational Overview

Acquiring Hidden Ability Fossil Pokémon can be a complex endeavor, as it has changed over time and depended heavily on specific game versions and event distributions.

Generation V (Black, White, Black 2, White 2)

This is where Hidden Abilities were initially introduced. The primary source for HA Fossil Pokémon in Generation V was the Pokémon Dream World. After connecting your game to the Pokémon Global Link website and tucking a Pokémon into your PC Box, you could send it to the Dream World. Here, Pokémon could befriend other Pokémon with Hidden Abilities and transfer them to your game. Fossil Pokémon caught in the Dream World and sent to your Entree Forest would always have their Hidden Ability. This method is no longer directly accessible since the Pokémon Global Link service has been discontinued. However, you can still trade with someone who has a transferred HA fossil.

Generation VI (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire)

In Generation VI, HA Fossil Pokémon were primarily distributed through special events. These events typically involved receiving a specific Fossil Pokémon with its Hidden Ability directly through Mystery Gift. Availability was limited and often tied to specific timeframes or geographical locations.

Generation VII (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon)

Similar to Generation VI, HA Fossil Pokémon were primarily distributed via event distributions. There wasn’t a reliable in-game method to acquire them with their Hidden Abilities, making event Pokémon the primary source. For some older fossils (Gen 1), you can get regular abilities from the VC games.

Generation VIII (Sword, Shield)

Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced Max Raid Battles in the Crown Tundra DLC. Certain Max Raid dens had a guaranteed chance to spawn Fossil Pokémon with their Hidden Abilities, making this the most accessible method to date.

Generation IX (Scarlet, Violet)

As of this writing, the methods for obtaining HA Fossil Pokémon in Generation IX are somewhat limited and depend on bringing them forward from previous generations or waiting for event distributions. The introduction of Ability Patches provides an alternative, allowing you to change a Pokémon’s regular Ability to its Hidden Ability (and vice-versa).

General Methods to Acquire Hidden Ability Pokémon

Beyond Fossils, here’s a general summary of how to get hidden abilities in Pokemon games:

Ability Patch: This item can switch a Pokémon’s regular Ability to its Hidden Ability and vice-versa. This is a reliable, albeit potentially resource-intensive, method.
Breeding: Breeding, especially with a Ditto, is a viable method. Female Pokémon have a higher chance (60%) of passing down their Hidden Ability, while males only have a 20% chance.
Max Raid Battles (Sword/Shield): Specific raids can offer Pokémon with a higher chance of possessing their Hidden Abilities.
Friend Safari (X/Y): Friend Safaris can sometimes yield Pokémon with their Hidden Abilities.
Horde Encounters: Can give you Hidden Ability Pokémon.
Transferring from Older Games: As mentioned before, you can get Hidden Abilities from older games like V and VC.
Event Distributions: Keep an eye out for special events where Pokémon with Hidden Abilities are given away as Mystery Gifts.

FAQs: Hidden Abilities and Fossil Pokémon

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of acquiring Hidden Ability Fossil Pokémon:

1. Can I get Hidden Ability starters?

No, starter Pokémon generally cannot be obtained with their Hidden Abilities at the start of the game. These are usually released through special events or promotions.

2. Are Hidden Abilities always better than regular abilities?

Not necessarily. Some Hidden Abilities are less useful than the Pokémon’s regular abilities, and some can even be detrimental depending on the Pokémon and its role in battle.

3. Which Pokémon has the best Hidden Ability?

This is subjective and depends on your battling style. However, some highly regarded Hidden Abilities include Multiscale (Dragonite), Libero (Cinderace), Toxic Boost (Zangoose), and Protean (Greninja) .

4. Can Ditto pass down Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Ditto can pass down Hidden Abilities when breeding. However, if the other Pokémon is male, it has only a 20% chance of passing down the HA. If the other pokemon is female, it has a 60% chance of passing down the HA.

5. Can Legendary Pokémon have Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Legendary Pokémon can have Hidden Abilities. Acquiring these is often challenging, requiring participation in specific events.

6. How rare is it to get a Hidden Ability in the wild?

In general wild encounters, the chance of a Pokémon having its Hidden Ability is relatively low, starting at around 1/250. This chance increases with each badge you obtain in the game.

7. Can you change a Pokémon’s Ability to a Hidden Ability?

Yes, using an Ability Patch will change a Pokémon’s regular Ability to its Hidden Ability (and vice-versa).

8. What is the most breedable Pokémon?

While breeding can be used to pass down Hidden Abilities, the question of what the “most breedable” Pokémon is often discussed in a different context, focusing on compatibility for fan-created content. This is a humorous and unrelated topic.

9. Can you breed Hidden Abilities with Imposter Ditto?

Yes, you can breed Hidden Abilities with Imposter Ditto, but the Pokémon needs to be the same species as the child, or a species in its evolution line. Hidden Abilities can only be passed on by Pokémon of the same species as the child.

10. Do Hidden Abilities stay when evolving?

Yes, Hidden Abilities are retained upon evolution. A Pokémon will not lose its Hidden Ability when evolving.

11. What is Scorbunny’s Hidden Ability?

Scorbunny’s Hidden Ability is Libero, allowing it to change its type to the type of move it is about to use.

12. How do you increase your chances of getting Hidden Abilities in Pokémon?

One method involves using a Pokémon with the move Entrainment in horde encounters or Friend Safaris. By using Entrainment, you can check the ability of the opposing Pokémon.

13. Are Hidden Abilities powerful for competitive gameplay?

Hidden abilities can be a powerful advantage in Pokémon’s competitive gameplay.

14. What is the most powerful ability in Pokémon?

Some of the best abilities include Intimidate, Huge Power, Libero & Protean, Wonder Guard, and Speed Boost.

15. What are Max Raid Battles?

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Max Raid Battles are a cooperative battle mode where you team up with other players (or AI trainers) to defeat a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon. These battles offer various rewards, including chances to catch rare Pokémon, items, and, in some cases, Pokémon with their Hidden Abilities.

Conclusion

Obtaining Hidden Ability Fossil Pokémon can be a rewarding, albeit sometimes challenging, endeavor. By understanding the methods available in different generations and utilizing the tools at your disposal, you can significantly increase your chances of adding these rare and powerful Pokémon to your team. Explore the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover more about the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used as a tool for learning and development. Good luck on your quest to catch ’em all!

Can you get hidden ability fossils?