How to Know if a Pokémon Has a Hidden Ability
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
You can actually see which Hidden Ability your Pokémon has by looking at its Summary, which will show you whether or not it has one, but it won’t show you if it has been unlocked yet. To determine if a Pokémon has a Hidden Ability, you need to keep track of that information on your own, as the Summary only indicates the presence of a Hidden Ability, not its current state.
Understanding Hidden Abilities
Hidden Abilities are special passive effects that every species of Pokémon can have, impacting both the overworld and battles. These effects can range from useful, like Water Absorb that Vaporeon uses, to less important ones like Truant.
How to Get a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability
You cannot get Pokémon with Hidden Abilities in the wild, regardless of how lucky you are. You can only get them through specific methods such as using an Ability Patch or finishing Tera Raids.
Related FAQs
The following questions provide additional insights into Hidden Abilities:
- What Pokémon do not have a hidden ability? Pokémon like Aegislash, Arceus, Archaludon, Archen, Archeops, and Azelf are listed in the category of “Pokémon without Hidden Abilities“.
- How does hidden ability work in Pokémon Go? The Hidden Ability works by passing a Pokémon’s held item to the other Pokémon after it has used up its own, allowing for strategic battle advantages.
- Do Pokémon inherit hidden abilities? Breeding two Pokémon with normal abilities will never result in a Pokémon with a hidden ability; the female Pokémon must have its hidden ability for a 60% chance of passing it on.
- What is the chance for a Pokémon to have a hidden ability? Using an Ability Patch gives a Pokémon its hidden ability, but Ability Patches are rare, with only a 4.55% chance of getting one from a six-star Tera Raid battle.
- Can you breed two Dittos? No, Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto; they belong to the Ditto Egg Group, which cannot breed with each other.
- How do you increase your chances of getting hidden abilities in Pokémon? Using a Pokémon with Entrainment as the party leader and encountering Pokémon in horde battles or the safari can help identify and catch Pokémon with hidden abilities.
- Are hidden abilities better in Pokémon? Some hidden abilities are good, some are bad, and they often offer different strategic options rather than being objectively better.
- Who has the best hidden ability Pokémon? Pokémon like Ditto with Imposter, Bidoof with Moody, Gliscor with Poison Heal, and Breloom with Technician are notable for their hidden abilities.
- What is the best hidden power in Pokémon? Hidden Power Ice is particularly useful for Pokémon that struggle against Ground and Dragon types, such as Raikou, Manectric, and Jolteon.
- Do hidden abilities stay when evolving? Yes, Hidden Abilities are retained upon evolution; they are a separate category and do not change unless in specific circumstances, such as transferring a Generation 3 Pokémon to Generation 4.
- What are the chances of hatching a Pokémon with a hidden ability? If a female Pokémon or one bred with Ditto has a Hidden Ability, there’s a 60% chance its offspring will have the Hidden Ability.
- Is Ditto a failed Mew? There is speculation that Ditto might have been originally intended as a failed Mew clone, but this has not been confirmed by The Pokémon Company.
- What Pokémon cannot breed with Ditto? Pokémon in the No Eggs Discovered Group, including baby Pokémon, certain special form Pokémon, and most Mythical and Legendary Pokémon, cannot breed with Ditto.
- Can a Ditto pass down hidden abilities? Yes, Ditto can pass down hidden abilities, but the rate depends on whether Ditto is the male or female parent, with females having a higher chance.
- Is Hidden Power rare? Hidden Power is a useful but rare move in Pokémon, available to only a handful of Pokémon, making it a strategic choice in battles.
Conclusion
Hidden Abilities add a layer of depth and strategy to the Pokémon universe, offering unique effects that can significantly impact both overworld exploration and battles. Understanding how to identify, obtain, and utilize Hidden Abilities can enhance any Pokémon trainer’s experience and competitiveness.