Unlocking Potential: A Guide to Ability Capsules in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
So, you’re looking to fine-tune your Pokémon team in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, and you need an Ability Capsule. The straightforward answer is: You can buy Ability Capsules at Chansey Supply Shops after you’ve completed the main story and the post-game narrative. They’ll set you back 100,000 Pokédollars a pop. Now, let’s delve deeper into the intricacies of Abilities, Capsules, and Patches, and how to optimize your team for competitive battling or simply for enjoying the rich world of Paldea.
What are Ability Capsules?
Think of Ability Capsules as the key to minor adjustments for your Pokémon. They’re items that allow you to switch between a Pokémon’s two normal Abilities. This is crucial for Pokémon that have a choice between two different abilities. Perhaps you want your Arcanine to switch from Intimidate to Flash Fire, depending on the challenges you’re facing. That’s where the Ability Capsule comes in.
However, it’s important to note what Ability Capsules can’t do. They cannot grant a Pokémon its Hidden Ability. For that, you’ll need the rarer and much harder-to-obtain Ability Patch. And they also only work if the Pokemon has two normal abilities. If the Pokemon only has one, the Ability Capsule cannot be used.
Finding Chansey Supply Shops
Chansey Supply Shops are scattered throughout the Paldea region, primarily in larger towns and cities. These shops are easily identifiable by their distinct pink color scheme and the friendly Chansey stationed at the counter. Make sure you have completed the main story and the post-game story before attempting to purchase these at the shop.
Stocking Up
Once you’ve unlocked the ability to purchase them, Ability Capsules are always in stock at Chansey Supply Shops, so you don’t have to worry about them running out. Just ensure you have enough Pokédollars!
Ability Capsules vs. Ability Patches: Know the Difference
The difference between an Ability Capsule and an Ability Patch is fundamental. The Ability Capsule swaps between the two standard abilities a Pokemon can have. The Ability Patch unlocks a Pokemon’s Hidden Ability, a special, often more powerful, ability that isn’t usually accessible. This is a game-changer, transforming ordinary Pokémon into formidable powerhouses. Obtaining Hidden Abilities is key to creating truly competitive teams.
Unlocking Hidden Potential with Ability Patches
While Ability Capsules offer tactical adjustments, Ability Patches unlock a Pokémon’s true potential by granting it its Hidden Ability. This can dramatically alter a Pokémon’s strategic value, opening up new possibilities in battle.
Acquiring Ability Patches
Ability Patches cannot be bought. To get your hands on an Ability Patch, you’ll need to tackle 6-Star Tera Raids. These are incredibly challenging battles that require a well-prepared team and strategic coordination. Completing these Raids gives you a chance to get an Ability Patch, but the drop rate is very low.
Tera Raids: Your Gateway to Hidden Abilities
Tera Raids are a cooperative multiplayer experience where you team up with other players to defeat a powerful Terastallized Pokémon. 6-Star Tera Raids are unlocked after completing the main story, the post-game content, and several other Tera Raids.
FAQs: Mastering Abilities in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions to solidify your understanding of Abilities, Capsules, and Patches in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
1. Can I buy Ability Capsules anywhere before completing the game?
No, Ability Capsules become available for purchase only after you have completed the main story and the post-game content.
2. How much do Ability Capsules cost?
Ability Capsules cost 100,000 Pokédollars each. So, start saving those earnings!
3. What is the code for the Ability Capsule in Pokemon Scarlet?
There may be specific limited-time codes that offer free Ability Capsules. Keep an eye on official Pokémon announcements and promotional events for these codes. As of this writing, the code “T0KUSE1STUDY” may be active for an Ability Capsule. These codes are temporary, so it is important to keep an eye on official Pokemon announcements to ensure that the code is still valid.
4. Can Ability Capsules give my Pokémon its Hidden Ability?
No, Ability Capsules only allow you to switch between a Pokémon’s two standard Abilities. To obtain a Hidden Ability, you need an Ability Patch.
5. Where can I buy Ability Patches?
You can’t buy Ability Patches. They are obtained as rare rewards from completing 6-Star Tera Raids.
6. What are Tera Raids?
Tera Raids are cooperative battles against Terastallized Pokémon. 6-Star Tera Raids are the hardest variant. Completing these rewards with valuable items, including Ability Patches.
7. How do I unlock 6-Star Tera Raids?
To unlock 6-Star Tera Raids, you must complete the main story, the post-game content, and a certain number of lower-level Tera Raids. Eventually, you will unlock them!
8. What’s the drop rate for Ability Patches in 6-Star Tera Raids?
The drop rate for Ability Patches in 6-Star Tera Raids is very low.
9. Can I breed Pokémon with Hidden Abilities?
Yes, a Pokémon that has gained its Hidden Ability through an Ability Patch can pass down that ability through breeding, similar to Pokémon with naturally occurring Hidden Abilities.
10. Can starter Pokémon have Hidden Abilities?
Yes! If you do so with Scarlet or Violet, you’ll be rewarded with a set of Paldea starters with Hidden Abilities.
11. Can I get Hidden Abilities without using an Ability Patch?
No, you cannot find Pokemon with Hidden Abilities in the wild. The best way to acquire them is by using the Ability Patch.
12. Does the Ability Capsule work on every Pokémon?
The Ability Capsule can only be used on a Pokemon that belongs to a species that has two standard Abilities. For example, it can be used to change a Pidgey’s Ability from Keen Eye to Tangled Feet (or vice versa), but it cannot be used on a Pikachu (whose standard Ability is always Static).
13. How do I improve my chances of getting an Ability Patch?
Focus on consistently participating in 6-Star Tera Raids. Consider using meals or sandwiches that provide the Raid Power effect to increase the rewards you receive. Also, having a coordinated team to ensure raid completion is key.
14. Can I change my Annihilape ability to defiant?
Annihilape can have the Defiant ability. To change a Pokemon’s ability to defiant, players will need to use Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s Ability Patch items to trigger the change.
15. Can you get hidden abilities from starters scarlet and violet?
If you choose to do so with Scarlet or Violet, you’ll be rewarded with a set of Paldea starters with Hidden Abilities.
Mastering Abilities: A Competitive Edge
Understanding how to acquire and utilize Ability Capsules and Ability Patches is essential for both casual players and competitive trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It allows you to optimize your team’s abilities, strategically adapt to different challenges, and ultimately, become a more skilled Pokémon trainer. Games and learning intertwine, and understanding these nuances can greatly enhance the gameplay experience. The Games Learning Society researches these types of connections.
Conclusion
While the path to acquiring Ability Capsules and, especially, Ability Patches may require dedication and effort, the rewards are well worth it. With a strategic understanding of Abilities and how to manipulate them, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer any challenge in the Paldea region and beyond. Keep battling, keep exploring, and keep perfecting your team! For more on how games can transform learning and engagement, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.