Did they change Protean?

Yes, Protean was nerfed so that a Pokémon can only change its type once per switch-in, which affects Pokémon like Greninja that rely on this Ability to gain STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) with each of its attacks. This change was made in Gen 9, altering how Protean functions and impacting its overall effectiveness in battles.

Introduction to Protean

Protean is a unique Ability that allows a Pokémon to change its type to match the type of the move it is about to use, granting it STAB and making its attacks more powerful. However, with the nerf in Gen 9, Protean now only activates once per switch-in, requiring the Pokémon to be switched out and back in to change its type again.

How Protean Works

Protean always causes the user to become a single-type Pokémon, and because it activates prior to executing a move, the user will receive STAB on every move it uses (except Struggle and typeless Revelation Dance), regardless of the move’s type. This Ability is particularly useful for Pokémon that can learn a variety of moves with different types, as it allows them to adapt to different situations and gain an advantage in battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Protean still good?

Protean is still a solid Ability, especially given that you can run play rough and gain a dragon immunity and fighting resistance, just not nearly as good as it was before the nerf.

Q2: How does Protean work now?

Q3: Does Protean permanently change type?

The user’s new type remains in effect until changed again or until the user is switched out; negating or replacing the Ability does not change the user back to their original type.

Q4: Was Libero nerfed like Protean?

Libero was changed in Gen 9 to where a Pokémon can only change its type once per entry with this Ability, similar to the nerf that Protean received.

Q5: Why did they change Protean?

Protean was nerfed so that a Pokémon can only change its type once per switch-in, which affects Pokémon like Greninja that rely on this Ability to gain STAB with each of its attacks.

Q6: Is Ash Greninja or Protean better?

A Greninja with Protean changes its type, making an attack have STAB, which is generally considered better than Ash Greninja.

Q7: How did Protean get nerfed?

Q8: Why is Protean so good?

Because Protean activates prior to executing a move, the user will receive STAB on every move it uses (except Struggle and typeless Revelation Dance), regardless of the move’s type, making it a valuable Ability.

Q9: Can Froakie start with Protean?

No, but once you reach Saffron City, you can approach one of the scientists in the Pokémon fan club and unlock the hidden ability.

Q10: Does Greninja get Protean?

There are two different water safaris, one of which you will be able to get a Frogadier, which can evolve into a Greninja with Protean.

Q11: Is Protean legit?

Protean eGov Technologies is rated 3.7 out of 5, based on 132 reviews by employees on AmbitionBox, indicating that it is a legitimate company.

Q12: Is Protean better than Overgrow?

Protean has way more value than Overgrow, even with it nerfed the way it is, due to its ability to grant STAB on every move.

Q13: What is better Protean or Battle Bond?

A Greninja with Protean changes its type, making an attack have STAB, which is generally considered better than Battle Bond.

Q14: Is Protean good in Scarlet and Violet?

Protean is still better than Overgrow, as it allows for versatility, especially for a u-turn mon.

Q15: Did Libero get nerfed?