Does Hidden Power Get STAB? A Comprehensive Guide
The short and direct answer is: no, Hidden Power does not receive STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) based on the user’s type. Although Hidden Power changes type based on a Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values), it does not gain STAB bonus from matching the user’s typing. It only gets STAB if the move type matches its own. For example, if your Clefable has Hidden Power with an Electric typing, it will not receive STAB because Clefable is a Normal-type Pokémon. This is a crucial distinction, as the move’s flexible typing is useful for coverage, but it doesn’t benefit from the user’s type in the form of STAB.
Understanding STAB and Hidden Power
Before we delve deeper, let’s clarify what STAB and Hidden Power are.
Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB)
STAB is a mechanic in Pokémon battles that increases the power of a move when the move’s type matches the Pokémon’s type. Specifically, the base power of the move is multiplied by 1.5. This bonus is a core element of Pokémon battling strategy, rewarding Pokémon that use moves of their own type. For example, a Charizard using Flamethrower will deal more damage than a Gyarados using Flamethrower due to STAB.
Hidden Power
Hidden Power is a unique Normal-type move whose type and base power are determined by the individual values (IVs) of the Pokémon using it. In earlier generations, the base power of Hidden Power varied considerably based on IVs, but it has been standardized at 60 since Generation VI. The type can be any of the 18 different elemental types, making it versatile for coverage. This is a Special move in Generation IV onwards. However, in the Gen 3 games the move could be physical or special based on its typing.
For example if it was a poison type, it would be physical, but if it was ice it would be special.
How Hidden Power Works with Types
As mentioned earlier, Hidden Power’s type is determined by the user’s IVs, a complex combination of even and odd values across six stats. This means that the type of Hidden Power is set in stone for each Pokémon. Although, that Pokemon can breed and have offspring with different IVs and therefore a different hidden power type.
The key point here is that even if your Pokemon has a Hidden Power type of its own type, it will still not get STAB from it.
Important Note: A Clefable with a Hidden Power normal will not get the STAB bonus since Hidden power is considered a normal type move. It’s not a normal type move with a damage type that changes, it’s a normal type move that changes into another type.
Hidden Power: A Strategic Tool
Despite not benefiting from the user’s STAB, Hidden Power is a valuable move because it allows Pokemon with limited type coverage to hit enemies for super-effective damage. This is especially true in the case of special attackers who do not have the greatest access to coverage moves. For example, Electric-type Pokémon, which might struggle against Ground-types, often use Hidden Power Ice to circumvent this weakness. This makes Hidden Power a very useful tool for creating balanced teams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Hidden Power, providing further insights into its mechanics and uses.
1. How is Hidden Power’s type determined?
Hidden Power’s type is determined by a complex formula involving the user’s IVs (Individual Values). Each IV (HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed) is assessed to be either even or odd. This binary combination dictates which of the 18 types Hidden Power will take.
2. Is Hidden Power always a Special move?
From Generation IV onward, yes, Hidden Power is considered a Special move. However, in Generation III (Emerald), whether it’s physical or special depends on the type it takes, following the Physical/Special split by type introduced in that generation.
3. What is the base power of Hidden Power?
The base power of Hidden Power varies from 31 to 70 in Generation II and 30 to 70 in Generations III to V. From Generation VI onward, the base power is fixed at 60.
4. Can Hidden Power’s type or power be changed?
No, you cannot change your Hidden Power’s Type or Base Power after it has been determined. They depend on the Pokemon’s IVs, which are set when the Pokémon is generated. To get a specific type, you typically need to breed Pokémon.
5. Is Hidden Power useful for every Pokémon?
Not always. Hidden Power is most useful for Pokémon with limited coverage moves in their move pool, allowing them to hit opponents they otherwise struggle with.
6. Why is Hidden Power Ice so popular?
Hidden Power Ice is popular on many Special attackers because it provides coverage against Ground and Dragon-type Pokémon, two prevalent offensive types that many special attackers would struggle with.
7. Which Pokémon benefit most from Hidden Power?
Raikou, Manectric, Jolteon, and Zapdos are some of the many pokemon that can benefit from Hidden Power ice. Magnezone benefits from Hidden Power fire due to being able to trap Steel type Pokémon like Ferrothorn or Scizor who are weak to fire.
8. Is Secret Power the same as Hidden Power?
No, Secret Power and Hidden Power are completely different moves. Secret Power is more of a gimmick move whose added effect depends on the terrain in the battle. While Hidden Power is a versatile, type-changing move based on IVs.
9. How many PP does Hidden Power have?
Hidden Power has 15 PP (Power Points).
10. Can any Pokémon learn Hidden Power?
All Pokémon who are normally compatible with TMs can learn Hidden Power. It’s part of a shared TM pool with many common moves.
11. How do I guarantee a specific Hidden Power type?
To guarantee a specific Hidden Power type, you need to breed Pokémon with specific IV combinations. This can be a complex and time-consuming process, but tools like IV calculators can assist.
12. Is Hidden Power useful in Pokémon Go?
Hidden Power is also available in Pokémon GO, but it is a Normal type move. It is not always the best choice due to the limited moveset in the game.
13. Is a Hidden Ability always better than a regular Ability?
No, not always. While Hidden Abilities can be very powerful, their effectiveness varies. Some Pokémon have more useful regular abilities for certain strategies.
14. Does Hidden Power get any kind of bonus?
Yes, Hidden Power does get a boost from being super effective against a type, or doing extra damage with critical hits. It however does not get any kind of STAB bonus from the user’s type.
15. Is Hidden Power worth the effort?
For competitive players, the effort is often worthwhile due to the coverage and strategic versatility that Hidden Power can bring to their teams. The set base power of 60 is now also much better than in previous gens, where it was quite weak. For in game play, the move is also beneficial for coverage for trainers who find their teams struggling against certain types.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the nuances of Hidden Power, especially regarding its lack of STAB based on the user’s type, is crucial for effective Pokémon battling. It is a flexible coverage move whose type is based on a Pokémon’s IVs, and its usefulness comes from its ability to surprise opponents with unexpected type matchups. While the breeding process to obtain specific Hidden Power types can be tedious, the strategic advantages can make the effort worthwhile for serious trainers.