Understanding Abilities and Hidden Abilities in Pokémon

At their core, Pokémon abilities are passive effects that influence battles and, in some cases, the overworld. They provide unique advantages and strategic depth to each Pokémon species. The crucial difference between a standard ability and a Hidden Ability lies in their accessibility and rarity. A standard ability is usually one of two potential options a Pokémon might have when you encounter it, and are more common. A Hidden Ability, however, is a rarer ability that a Pokémon normally wouldn’t possess. Hidden Abilities are not merely stronger versions of regular abilities; they often have completely different effects. Every Pokémon species can have a hidden ability, but not all of them actually benefit from them.

The Basics of Pokémon Abilities

What are Standard Abilities?

Every Pokémon has an ability and most have access to two different standard abilities. These abilities are fundamental to how a Pokémon performs in battle. Some abilities boost attack power, others provide defensive benefits, and still others inflict status conditions on the opposing Pokémon or even change the effects of certain moves. For example, a Pokémon with the ability “Intimidate” will lower an opponent’s attack stat upon entering the battle, creating an immediate advantage.

How do Standard Abilities Work?

These abilities are automatically active and do not require any user input. They passively influence battles, and their effects are continuous unless specifically negated by another ability or a move. Each Pokémon can only have one ability at a time, although you can switch between the two common abilities using an Ability Capsule.

Unveiling Hidden Abilities

What Makes Hidden Abilities Special?

Hidden Abilities, as the name suggests, are not initially obvious when encountering a Pokémon. They are often acquired through special encounter methods, such as breeding or Tera Raid Battles, and are rarer than standard abilities. Hidden Abilities add a layer of depth to Pokémon training and battling, often making a Pokémon more powerful or versatile.

How Do Hidden Abilities Differ?

The key distinction is that a Hidden Ability is an alternate ability, not a variation of the standard ones. A Pokémon with a Hidden Ability will only possess that Hidden Ability, and can’t switch back to any standard abilities using a capsule. The effects can be dramatically different, opening up new strategic possibilities for that specific Pokémon. An example of this would be Caterpie, a Pokemon with the ability Shed Skin, which evolves into Metapod with the same ability. If a Caterpie had its Hidden Ability slot instead of the standard ability, it would evolve into a Butterfree with Tinted Lens.

Obtaining Hidden Abilities

Getting your hands on Pokémon with Hidden Abilities can be a challenge. Methods vary by game generation but typically include:

• Breeding: A female Pokémon with a Hidden Ability has a 60% chance of passing it down to its offspring. If a Pokemon has a Hidden Ability when breeding with a Ditto there is also a 60% chance of it passing down, making Ditto a very useful Pokemon for breeding.
• Special Encounters: Some games have specific events or encounters where Pokémon can have a Hidden Ability, such as a Tera Raid battle.
• Ability Patches: These are rare items that can change a Pokémon’s standard ability into its Hidden Ability.
• Transferring: Some old Pokémon from earlier generations could have Hidden Abilities upon being transferred to newer games.

The Strategic Importance

When is a Hidden Ability Better?

Not all Hidden Abilities are created equal, but many provide a significant edge in battles. They can change the typing of moves, enhance damage output, or influence how an opponent can interact with your Pokémon. For instance, a Gliscor with its Hidden Ability, Poison Heal, can regenerate HP when poisoned, turning a disadvantage into an advantage. Some are more niche or not particularly advantageous, like Truant, which causes a Pokemon to only attack every other turn.

When Might Standard Abilities be Better?

In some instances, a standard ability might still be the optimal choice depending on your desired strategy. For example, a Pokemon with the ability “Flash Fire” will nullify Fire-type moves when hit with them. Whereas its Hidden Ability may offer less relevant boosts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can a Pokémon have both a standard ability and a Hidden Ability simultaneously?

No. Any Pokémon can only have one ability at a time. If it has a Hidden Ability, it will not have its standard ability.

2. How do I switch between a Pokemon’s two standard abilities?

You can use an Ability Capsule to switch between a Pokémon’s two standard abilities. You can only use these capsules to switch to the alternate standard ability, not a hidden ability.

3. Can a Pokémon lose its Hidden Ability when evolving?

No, the Hidden Ability will remain when a Pokemon evolves. A Pokemon can’t lose its hidden ability upon evolution.

4. Are Hidden Abilities always better than standard ones?

Not necessarily. Hidden Abilities can be more powerful but it depends on the Pokemon and the battle strategy. Sometimes, a standard ability can be more useful.

5. How rare are Hidden Abilities?

Hidden Abilities are much rarer than standard abilities. They usually need special methods like breeding, raiding or specific events in order to encounter them.

6. What is an Ability Patch and how do you use it?

An Ability Patch is a rare item that can change a Pokémon’s standard ability into its Hidden Ability. They can often be found through Tera Raid Battles.

7. Can starter Pokémon have Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Starter Pokémon have Hidden Abilities from Generation V onwards. These add to each starter Pokemon’s unique characteristics.

8. Can males pass down Hidden Abilities?

Yes, but females have a better chance of passing down Hidden Abilities with a 60% chance as opposed to the male’s 40% chance. If a Pokemon with a Hidden Ability breeds with a Ditto, the offspring also has a 60% chance of inheriting the Hidden Ability.

9. What does it mean for a Pokémon to have an “HA”?

HA is a common abbreviation for Hidden Ability.

10. Can Pokémon without Hidden Abilities get them?

Some Pokemon may not have Hidden Abilities and they are unable to get one. Other Pokemon however can acquire Hidden Abilities by using an Ability Patch.

11. Do any Pokemon have no weaknesses?

No Pokémon has no weaknesses. For a short while, Sableye and Spiritomb had no weaknesses, due to them being Dark/Ghost-type. However, with the introduction of Fairy-types, they have weaknesses like every other Pokemon.

12. Does Eevee’s ability change when it evolves?

Yes. Eevee’s abilities will change to a relevant ability for whichever evolution it makes. Normal abilities change into standard abilities, and Hidden Abilities will change into the evolved forms Hidden Ability.

13. What are some of the best Hidden Abilities?

Some strong Hidden Abilities include Poison Heal on Gliscor, Tinted Lens on Butterfree, Technician on Breloom, and Imposter on Ditto.

14. Why do people want hidden abilities?

Hidden Abilities offer new strategies and can make a Pokemon much more powerful, offering a powerful edge in battles.

15. Can you use a capsule to revert a Hidden Ability back to a standard one?

No, an Ability Capsule can only switch a Pokémon between its two standard abilities. It cannot change a Hidden Ability.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between abilities and Hidden Abilities is crucial for strategic Pokemon training and battles. While standard abilities are consistent, Hidden Abilities introduce an element of rarity and can significantly alter a Pokemon’s potential. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned trainer, mastering the use of both types of abilities will undoubtedly improve your overall success in the world of Pokémon.