Does Abra Learn Any Moves by Leveling Up? A Comprehensive Guide
The simple and direct answer is: No, Abra does not learn any moves by leveling up. This iconic Psychic-type Pokémon from the early generations of the game is unique in its complete dependence on evolution to gain offensive capabilities. This article will delve deeper into the peculiar case of Abra, exploring why it doesn’t learn moves through leveling, how it eventually gains attacks, and answer frequently asked questions about this fascinating Pokémon and its evolutions.
The Unique Case of Abra’s Movepool
Abra stands out due to its extremely limited move pool. Unlike most other Pokémon, which naturally learn a variety of moves as they gain experience and level up, Abra remains stuck with only one move: Teleport. This move is entirely non-offensive and only allows the Pokémon to flee from a battle. Therefore, raising Abra requires a different strategy than leveling up most Pokémon. You essentially have to rely on experience sharing, or switching it out as your other Pokémon fight, until you reach a specific evolution point.
This design choice makes Abra a unique challenge for trainers. It forces a strategic use of Exp. Share or constantly switching out Abra in battle so that it gains experience without directly fighting. However, this challenge is rewarded when it evolves into the more powerful Kadabra, and eventually Alakazam.
How Abra Gets Moves: The Evolution Path
Since Abra doesn’t learn moves by leveling up, how does it become a viable Pokémon? The key is evolution.
Evolution at Level 16
Abra evolves into Kadabra at level 16. This evolution is crucial because it is at this point, and only at this point, that it learns its first offensive move: Confusion. This is not an “evolution move” in the traditional sense that exists in later generations, but rather a specifically coded part of the evolution itself. In the earlier generations, if you evolve Abra at any other level it will miss out on this move.
Kadabra and Beyond
Kadabra learns a variety of Psychic-type attacks as it levels up, significantly increasing its battle capabilities. These include useful moves like Psybeam, Recover, and eventually Psychic. Kadabra can also be taught various TMs (Technical Machines) for moves like Dig, Seismic Toss, and Thunder Wave, offering a wider range of tactical options.
Ultimately, Kadabra evolves into Alakazam through trading (or other methods in later games). Alakazam boasts even greater power and learns a devastating range of moves, cementing its position as a formidable Psychic-type Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Abra and Its Evolutions
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify more nuances surrounding Abra and its evolution line:
1. What are Abra’s weaknesses?
Abra is weak against Bug-type, Dark-type, and Ghost-type Pokémon moves. Be mindful of these types when battling with or against an Abra, Kadabra, or Alakazam. It does resist Fighting-type and Psychic-type attacks.
2. Does Kadabra learn moves naturally?
Yes, Kadabra learns a variety of moves naturally as it levels up, including Confusion, Psybeam, Recover, and Psychic. It also can learn certain TM and TR moves depending on the specific game.
3. At what level should I evolve Abra?
You must evolve Abra exactly at level 16 in the older generations if you wish to have a Kadabra that knows Confusion. In games where level up evolution moves exist, then any evolution to Kadabra at any level will learn it.
4. What is Abra’s Hidden Ability?
Abra’s Hidden Ability is Magic Guard, which prevents it from taking damage from indirect sources such as poison, burn or entry hazards. It’s also known for its ability to teleport in its sleep, with the distance of the teleport increasing with how deeply it is sleeping.
5. Is Alakazam a strong Pokémon?
Yes, Alakazam is a very strong Psychic-type Pokémon. It has high Special Attack and Speed, making it a potent offensive threat. When mega evolving, its power is further amplified making it even more powerful in those scenarios.
6. Is Alakazam better than Kadabra?
Yes, Alakazam is generally considered better than Kadabra due to its superior stats and the fact that there are no unique level up moves it needs to miss out on. Evolving to Alakazam quickly is the more effective approach.
7. Can a traded Abra evolve into Alakazam?
Yes, a traded Abra will evolve into Kadabra at level 16. However, you need to trade Kadabra again to get Alakazam, which is required in many games.
8. Can Abra fall asleep?
Yes, Abra sleeps for 18 hours a day. It teleports itself to safety if it senses danger, even while it is sleeping.
9. Who can beat Abra?
The best Pokémon to use against Abra and its evolutions typically include strong Bug-type, Dark-type, and Ghost-type Pokemon. Mega Gengar, Shadow Gengar, and Pheromosa are examples of strong counters.
10. Can Abra be a girl?
Abra can be male or female, just like most Pokémon. The etymology of the name is separate from the Pokémon’s gender.
11. Why is Abra considered good?
Abra itself is not particularly “good” on its own due to its weakness. However, it evolves into very strong pokemon. Its evolutions are good revenge killers, possess good coverage, high speed and special attack stats. Its low defense means it should be switched in after a knock out or with moves like U-Turn or Volt Switch.
12. Is Kadabra a human?
There are Pokedex entries that imply that Kadabra was once a human that gained psychic abilities. The Pokémon lore often includes intriguing and strange aspects.
13. Can Kadabra learn Fire Punch?
Yes, Kadabra can learn Fire Punch and other elemental punches through move tutors or other methods. This can give it additional coverage.
14. Can Kadabra learn a sleep move?
No, Kadabra does not learn a sleep move.
15. Is it better to evolve Kadabra early or late?
It is better to evolve Kadabra as soon as possible, since Alakazam learns the same moves as Kadabra and has better stats.
Conclusion
Abra’s inability to learn moves through leveling is a unique and somewhat frustrating aspect of its design. However, this challenge makes its evolution into Kadabra and ultimately Alakazam all the more rewarding. Understanding Abra’s evolution path and move learning process is key to mastering this powerful Psychic-type Pokémon line. By strategically using Exp. Share, switching in and out, or any other tactics, trainers can successfully navigate the difficulties presented by Abra and unlock the potential of its evolutions.