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Does Trace Copy Hidden Abilities?

The answer, in short, is yes, Trace can copy hidden abilities in the Pokémon video game series. This is one of the primary reasons Trace is such a strategically valuable ability. It allows the Pokémon with Trace to adapt to the opponent’s potential strategies by mirroring their ability, even if that ability is not immediately apparent.

Understanding Trace and Hidden Abilities

To fully understand how Trace interacts with hidden abilities, let’s first define the key terms.

Trace: This ability, found on Pokémon like Gardevoir and Porygon, copies the ability of an opponent Pokémon upon entering the battle. This copy is immediate and permanent for the duration of the battle (unless altered by other abilities or moves).
Hidden Abilities: These are special abilities that are rarer and often more powerful than the standard abilities of a given Pokémon. They are typically obtained through special events, Max Raid Battles, or breeding. They are “hidden” because they are not displayed in the wild or readily accessible without specific methods.

How Trace Works in Practice

When a Pokémon with Trace enters the battle, it activates and targets an opponent Pokémon. The game checks the targeted opponent’s ability. If that opponent Pokémon possesses a standard or hidden ability, Trace copies it. The copied ability then functions exactly as if the Pokémon with Trace natively possessed it.

This means that a Pokémon with Trace could copy a powerful hidden ability like Protean (changes the user’s type to the type of the move it’s about to use), Regenerator (restores HP when switching out), or Magic Bounce (reflects status moves). This opens up tactical opportunities for the player to turn the opponent’s strength against them.

Strategic Implications

The ability to copy hidden abilities grants a significant advantage in battle. Here’s why:

Adaptability: Trace provides immediate adaptability to the opponent’s strategy. The ability to mimic powerful hidden abilities allows the user to counter the opponent’s planned maneuvers.
Information Gathering: Trace reveals the opponent’s ability, including whether they have a hidden ability. This knowledge is crucial for making informed decisions about moves and strategies throughout the battle.
Counterplay Potential: Copying a detrimental ability from the opponent can significantly hinder their strategy. For example, copying Defeatist (lowers Attack and Special Attack when HP falls below half) would cripple a weakened Archeops.

Examples in Competitive Play

Trace is a common sight in competitive Pokémon battling because of its strategic utility. Gardevoir, in particular, is often used for its access to Trace and its special attacking prowess. Imagine a scenario where a Gardevoir with Trace faces a Greninja with Protean. Upon entering the battle, Gardevoir copies Protean, allowing it to change its type with each move. This allows Gardevoir to potentially resist super-effective hits or deal super-effective damage itself, mirroring the strengths of Greninja.

Another example would be Trace copying Justified (raises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move) from a Pokémon like Lucario. While potentially risky, copying Justified could turn a predicted Dark-type attack into an Attack boost for the user.

Situations Where Trace Might Fail

While Trace is powerful, there are limitations:

Ability Suppression: Abilities like Gastro Acid (suppresses the effects of all other Abilities) and moves like Neutralizing Gas (suppresses the Abilities of all active Pokémon) can prevent Trace from activating.
Target’s Ability is Already Trace: Trace cannot copy another Pokémon’s Trace ability.
Illusion: Trace won’t copy the ability of a Pokémon using Illusion (takes the appearance of the last Pokémon in the party) until Illusion is broken. It will copy the ability of the Pokémon whose appearance is being mimicked.
No Ability: If the targeted Pokémon has no ability (due to the effect of a move like Skill Swap or Entrainment), Trace will fail to activate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if both Pokémon have Trace?

If two Pokémon with Trace face each other, the game will determine randomly which Trace activates first. The Pokémon whose Trace activates first will copy the other Pokémon’s ability, which will then be Trace. The second Pokémon’s Trace will then fail, as Trace cannot copy another Trace.

2. Can Trace copy abilities like Multitype or Zen Mode that change the Pokémon’s form?

Yes, Trace can copy abilities like Multitype (changes the Pokémon’s type based on the Plate it holds) and Zen Mode (changes Darumaka/Darmanitan’s form when HP drops below half). However, it will only copy the ability; it will not change the Pokémon’s form unless the necessary conditions for that ability are met (e.g., holding a Plate for Multitype, or dropping below 50% HP for Zen Mode).

3. Does Trace reveal the opponent’s hidden ability even if it fails to copy it?

Yes, even if Trace fails to copy an ability due to suppression or another reason, it will still reveal the opponent’s ability in the battle log. This provides valuable information for future turns.

4. Can Trace copy abilities that have specific activation conditions?

Yes, Trace can copy abilities with specific activation conditions. For example, if Trace copies Emergency Exit (switches the Pokémon out when HP drops below half) from Golisopod, the Pokémon with Trace will switch out when its HP falls below 50%.

5. What happens if the Pokémon with Trace switches out?

The copied ability remains active for the Pokémon with Trace even after switching out. When the Pokémon with Trace returns to battle, it will still have the copied ability.

6. Does Trace copy abilities that are only active during certain weather conditions?

Yes, Trace can copy weather-dependent abilities like Sand Rush (doubles Speed in Sandstorm) or Swift Swim (doubles Speed in Rain). However, the copied ability will only provide its benefit if the corresponding weather condition is active.

7. Can Trace copy abilities that are only active under specific terrains?

Yes, Trace can copy terrain-dependent abilities like Surge Surfer (doubles Speed on Electric Terrain). However, the copied ability will only provide its benefit if the corresponding terrain is active.

8. Does Trace work with abilities that trigger upon fainting?

Yes, Trace can copy abilities like Aftermath (damages the attacker when the user faints from a contact move) or Perish Body (inflicts Perish Song on any Pokémon that makes direct contact). The effect will trigger if the Pokémon with Trace faints from a contact move (for Aftermath) or is hit by a contact move (for Perish Body).

9. If the opponent switches out, does the Trace user lose the copied ability?

No, the Trace user retains the copied ability until they switch out themselves or the ability is changed by another effect (like Skill Swap).

10. Can Trace copy abilities that are unique to specific Pokémon?

Yes, Trace can copy abilities unique to specific Pokémon. For example, Trace can copy Schooling (allows Wishiwashi to change into School Form when above a certain HP threshold).

11. Does Trace prioritize copying hidden abilities over standard abilities?

No, Trace does not prioritize hidden abilities. It simply copies the ability of the targeted Pokémon, regardless of whether it’s a standard or hidden ability.

12. Can Trace copy Comatose (which makes the Pokémon always asleep)?

Yes, Trace can copy Comatose. The Pokémon using Trace will then be affected by being asleep.

13. How is Trace affected by abilities like Mold Breaker or Teravolt?

Abilities like Mold Breaker (nullifies abilities that would prevent a move from working) or Teravolt (similar to Mold Breaker) do not affect Trace’s ability to copy another Pokémon’s ability. However, if Trace copies Mold Breaker or Teravolt, it can then ignore certain abilities when using moves.

14. Can Trace copy Delta Stream, Desolate Land, or Primordial Sea to change the weather permanently?

No, these abilities are unique in that their weather effects last until another weather condition is activated. If Trace copies these abilities, they will function like normal weather abilities. If the Pokémon with the copied ability switches out, or another weather move/ability is used, the weather effect will end.

15. Does Trace work the same way in different Pokémon games?

The core functionality of Trace remains consistent across different Pokémon games. However, there might be minor variations in specific interactions or edge cases due to changes in game mechanics or ability definitions between generations. Always consult specific game guides for the most accurate information.

In conclusion, Trace is a powerful and versatile ability that can copy hidden abilities, providing a significant strategic advantage in Pokémon battles. Understanding its capabilities and limitations is crucial for effective team building and tactical decision-making.

Does trace copy hidden abilities?