Ability

Gyarados lowering Hydreigon's Attack stat with its Intimidate Ability

An Ability (Japanese: 特性 Ability) is a game mechanic introduced in Generation III that provides a passive effect in battle or in the overworld. Individual Pokémon may have only one Ability at a time. Prior to Generation VI, an Ability could not be changed after a Pokémon was obtained except by evolution—where the new Ability is determined by the former Ability—and form change. Not every Ability is entirely beneficial; some of them are hindering.

Abilities are functionally absent in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Terminology

Often in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, and also sometimes in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, this is written as "special ability" (in lowercase). Some examples:

• The descriptions of Role Play, Skill Swap, and Trace mention either "special ability" or "special abilities".
• In the placeholder text for a Pokémon with no Ability: "No special ability."
• Some non-player characters mention "special abilities".
  • A male NPC in the house south of Devon Corporation, in Rustboro City: "Every Pokémon has a special ability that it can use."
  • A female NPC in the first floor of Mossdeep City's Pokémon Center: "Depending on the special abilities of Pokémon, some moves might change or not work at all."
  • Cooltrainer Jennifer in Route 120: "Pokémon have many special abilities. If you want to become a first-class Trainer, learn about them.", "The special abilities of Pokémon will make battle styles change."
• In the easy chat system: "Sp. Ability"
• In the manual of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, about the Pokémon's summary: "Displays the special Ability of the Pokémon"

Sometimes in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, but more often in Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Generation IV, this is written as "ability" (in lowercase; without the word "special"). Some examples:

• The Pokémon's summary has an "Ability" field.
• The description of TM48 (Skill Swap) mentions "abilities".
• When Skill Swap is used in battle: "<Pokémon> swapped abilities with its opponent!"
• In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Generation IV games, the descriptions of Role Play, Skill Swap, Trace, and Worry Seed mention either "ability" or "abilities".
• In Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, said by the NPC who delivers TM48 (Skill Swap) in Canalave City: "You know how Pokémon have their own abilities? Well, the move Skill Swap exchanges the user’s ability with that of its target Pokémon."

From Generation V onwards, this is consistently written as "Ability" (starting with a capital letter).

Mechanics

Primal Kyogre activating its Ability, Primordial Sea in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Note the banner on the left.

Some species of Pokémon have multiple possible Abilities. The most Abilities any species or form has is three: two normal Abilities and one Hidden Ability. In most wild Pokémon encounters, the Pokémon's Ability will be one of its non-Hidden Abilities (each having an even chance of appearing if the species has two). Hidden Abilities were introduced in Generation V; they are relatively rare and usually require some type of special encounter.

In technical terms, a species' Abilities may be thought of as having separate slots, with an individual Pokémon's non-Hidden slot determined by its personality value. For example, an Eevee — with two non-Hidden Abilities — has Run Away for its first non-Hidden slot, Adaptability for its second, and Anticipation for its Hidden Ability slot. Vaporeon — with only one non-Hidden Ability — can be considered to have Water Absorb for both non-Hidden slots. When a Pokémon evolves, its Ability slot remains the same. This means that a Poochyena with Run Away will evolve into a Mightyena with Intimidate, while a Poochyena with Quick Feet will evolve into a Mightyena with Quick Feet.

Aside from Evolution, there are four ways for Pokémon to change Abilities in a permanent manner. First, if the Pokémon has different forms with different Abilities. Second, transferring a Pokémon from one generation of games to a later one in which the Ability in a given slot is different. Third, using the Ability Capsule, introduced in Generation VI, will change a Pokémon's non-Hidden Ability slot, but it will not work if the Pokémon's species has only one non-Hidden Ability. Fourth, using the Ability Patch, introduced in Generation VIII, will change a Pokémon's Ability slot from its non-Hidden Ability to its Hidden Ability if it has one, or starting in Generation IX, from its Hidden Ability slot to its first non-Hidden Ability slot. Aside from these methods, during battle, Pokémon may also change their Ability through Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion, and certain moves and Abilities can also change a Pokémon's Ability.

When Abilities were introduced in Generation III, some Pokémon only had one possible Ability. A number of these species were given a second Ability in a later generation. If a Pokémon whose species gained an Ability after Generation III is transferred to Generations IV or V, it will initially retain its original Ability; upon evolving, however, its Ability slot will be recalculated and its Ability may change. When a Pokémon is transferred to Generation VI or Generation VII, however, it will be locked into the appropriate slot for its current Ability.

Aside from in-battle effects, some Abilities also have effects outside of battle.

Hidden Abilities

Main article: Hidden Ability

A Hidden Ability is essentially a rare Ability that Pokémon normally do not have access to, introduced in Generation V. Most Pokémon encountered in the games will not have a Hidden Ability; but usually, there are special encounter methods where Pokémon can have a Hidden Ability. Certain event Pokémon and special in-game Pokémon may also have their Hidden Ability.

The Hidden Ability is implemented as a third slot, and a Pokémon with its Hidden Ability will retain its Hidden Ability slot upon evolution in the same way that its normal Abilities may change. For example, a Caterpie with its Hidden Ability of Run Away will have Shed Skin upon evolving once and Tinted Lens upon evolving into Butterfree. Prior to Generation VIII, it was not possible to change a Pokémon's Ability slot from a normal Ability to a Hidden Ability. Generation VIII introduced the consumable Ability Patch, which allows switching between a Pokémon's normal and Hidden Abilities.

When breeding with a Pokémon that has its Hidden Ability, its offspring have a chance of having their Hidden Ability as well.

Inheriting Abilities

Main article: Pokémon breeding → Inheriting Abilities

In Generations III and IV, Abilities could not be inherited by breeding. An Egg would simply randomly be born with one of its possible Abilities.

Since Generation V, it has been possible for female Pokémon to pass down their Ability. In Pokémon Black and White, if a female Pokémon has its Hidden Ability and is bred with a male Pokémon, it has a 60% chance of passing it down. In Black 2 and White 2, a female Pokémon bred with a male Pokémon has an 80% chance of passing down its Ability slot (regardless of whether it is a Hidden Ability or not). From Generation VI onward, a female Pokémon has an 80% (60% for Hidden Ability) chance to pass down its Ability slot, regardless of whether it is bred with a male Pokémon or Ditto.

Since Generation VI, it is possible for male and gender-unknown Pokémon (such as Magnemite) to pass down their Ability if bred with a Ditto, in which case it has a 60% chance to pass down its Hidden Ability. They cannot pass down a Hidden Ability when bred with any Pokémon other than Ditto. Ditto's Ability is always irrelevant to inheritance.

If an Egg does not inherit its Ability from a parent, it can only be born with one of its non-Hidden Abilities.

Ability-related effects

Various items, moves, and Abilities can affect a Pokémon's Ability, usually in battle.

Permanent changes

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Ability Capsule	Item		Permanently changes a Pokémon's Ability slot	VI
Ability Patch	Item		Permanently changes a Pokémon's non-Hidden Ability to its Hidden Ability	VIII

Protecting Abilities in battle

These items protect the holder's Ability from some effects in battle.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Ability Shield	Item		Protects the holder's Ability from being changed and from effects that bypass it	IX

Changing Abilities in battle

The following moves and Abilities can change a Pokémon's Ability in battle, giving it a different Ability. If a Pokémon's Ability is changed, its original Ability is restored when it switches out; if the original Ability has an effect triggered by switching, like Natural Cure, it will function properly.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Transform	Normal	Status	Copies the target Pokémon, including its Ability	I
Role Play	Psychic	Status	Replaces the user's Ability with the target's Ability	III
Skill Swap	Psychic	Status	Exchanges the Abilities of the user and the target	III
Trace	Ability		Copies an opposing Pokémon's Ability upon entering battle	III
Worry Seed	Grass	Status	Changes the target's Ability to Insomnia	IV
Entrainment	Normal	Status	Changes the target's Ability to match the user's	V
Mummy	Ability		Contact with the Pokémon changes the attacker's Ability to Mummy	V
Simple Beam	Normal	Status	Changes the target's Ability to Simple	V
Power of Alchemy	Ability		Copies the Ability of a defeated ally	VII
Receiver	Ability		Copies the Ability of a defeated ally	VII
Wandering Spirit	Ability		Contact with the Pokémon exchanges the Abilities of both Pokémon	VIII
Doodle	Normal	Status	Changes the Ability of the user and its ally to match the target's	IX
Lingering Aroma	Ability		Contact with the Pokémon changes the attacker's Ability to Lingering Aroma	IX

Suppressing Abilities

These moves and Abilities can suppress the effects of an Ability or Abilities. This effect wears off when it leaves battle.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Gastro Acid	Poison	Status	Suppresses the target's Ability	IV
Core Enforcer	Dragon	Special	Does damage and suppresses the target's Ability if it has already had its turn	VII
Neutralizing Gas	Ability		Suppresses the effects of all Pokémon's Abilities	VIII

Countering other Abilities

Hindering Abilities

These moves and Abilities have an effect that ignores most Abilities that hamper the success, damage, or effects of moves.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Mold Breaker	Ability		Moves ignore most Abilities	IV
Teravolt	Ability		Moves ignore most Abilities	V
Turboblaze	Ability		Moves ignore most Abilities	V
Light That Burns the Sky	Psychic	Special	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom	Ghost	Special	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
Moongeist Beam	Ghost	Special	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
Photon Geyser	Psychic	Special	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
Searing Sunraze Smash	Steel	Physical	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
Sunsteel Strike	Steel	Physical	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VII
G-Max Drum Solo	Grass	Varies	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VIII
G-Max Fireball	Fire	Varies	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VIII
G-Max Hydrosnipe	Water	Varies	Does damage and ignores most Abilities	VIII

Other

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Aura Break	Ability		The effects of "Aura" Abilities are reversed to lower the power of affected moves.	VI

Synergistic Abilities

The Abilities below interact beneficially with each other.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Minus/Plus	Ability		Boosts the Sp. Atk stat of the Pokémon if an ally also has one of these Abilities	III

Countering other Ability and move effects

These Abilities counter effects of other Abilities and moves.

Name	Category		Effect	Gen.
Clear Body	Ability		Prevents other Pokémon's moves or Abilities from lowering the Pokémon's stats	III
White Smoke	Ability		The Pokémon is protected by its white smoke, which prevents other Pokémon from lowering its stats.	III
Full Metal Body	Ability		Prevents other Pokémon's moves or Abilities from lowering the Pokémon's stats	VII
Propeller Tail	Ability		Ignores the effects of opposing Pokémon's Abilities and moves that draw in moves	VIII
Stalwart	Ability		Ignores the effects of opposing Pokémon's Abilities and moves that draw in moves	VIII

List of Abilities

# Name Description Gen. 1 Stench By releasing a stench when attacking, the Pokémon may cause the target to flinch. III 2 Drizzle The Pokémon makes it rain when it enters a battle. III 3 Speed Boost The Pokémon's Speed stat is boosted every turn. III 4 Battle Armor Hard armor protects the Pokémon from critical hits. III 5 Sturdy The Pokémon cannot be knocked out by a single hit as long as its HP is full. One-hit KO moves will also fail to knock it out. III 6 Damp The Pokémon dampens its surroundings, preventing all Pokémon from using explosive moves such as Self-Destruct. III 7 Limber The Pokémon's limber body prevents it from being paralyzed. III 8 Sand Veil Boosts the Pokémon's evasiveness in a sandstorm. III 9 Static The Pokémon is charged with static electricity and may paralyze attackers that make direct contact with it. III 10 Volt Absorb If hit by an Electric-type move, the Pokémon has its HP restored instead of taking damage. III 11 Water Absorb If hit by a Water-type move, the Pokémon has its HP restored instead of taking damage. III 12 Oblivious The Pokémon is oblivious, keeping it from being infatuated, falling for taunts, or being affected by Intimidate. III 13 Cloud Nine Eliminates the effects of weather. III 14 Compound Eyes The Pokémon's compound eyes boost its accuracy. III 15 Insomnia The Pokémon's insomnia prevents it from falling asleep. III 16 Color Change The Pokémon's type becomes the type of the move used on it. III 17 Immunity The Pokémon's immune system prevents it from being poisoned. III 18 Flash Fire If hit by a Fire-type move, the Pokémon absorbs the flames and uses them to power up its own Fire-type moves. III 19 Shield Dust Protective dust shields the Pokémon from the additional effects of moves. III 20 Own Tempo The Pokémon sticks to its own tempo, preventing it from becoming confused or being affected by Intimidate. III 21 Suction Cups The Pokémon uses suction cups to stay in one spot. This protects it from moves and items that would force it to switch out. III 22 Intimidate When the Pokémon enters a battle, it intimidates opposing Pokémon and makes them cower, lowering their Attack stats. III 23 Shadow Tag The Pokémon steps on the opposing Pokémon's shadows to prevent them from fleeing or switching out. III 24 Rough Skin The Pokémon's rough skin damages attackers that make direct contact with it. III 25 Wonder Guard Its mysterious power only lets supereffective moves hit the Pokémon. III 26 Levitate By floating in the air, the Pokémon receives full immunity to all Ground-type moves. III 27 Effect Spore Contact with the Pokémon may inflict poison, sleep, or paralysis on the attacker. III 28 Synchronize If the Pokémon is burned, paralyzed, or poisoned by another Pokémon, that Pokémon will be inflicted with the same status condition. III 29 Clear Body Prevents other Pokémon's moves or Abilities from lowering the Pokémon's stats. III 30 Natural Cure The Pokémon's status conditions are cured when it switches out. III 31 Lightning Rod The Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves. Instead of taking damage from them, its Sp. Atk stat is boosted. III 32 Serene Grace Raises the likelihood of additional effects occurring when the Pokémon uses its moves. III 33 Swift Swim Boosts the Pokémon's Speed stat in rain. III 34 Chlorophyll Boosts the Pokémon's Speed stat in harsh sunlight. III 35 Illuminate By illuminating its surroundings, the Pokémon prevents its accuracy from being lowered. III 36 Trace When it enters a battle, the Pokémon copies an opposing Pokémon's Ability. III 37 Huge Power Doubles the Pokémon's Attack stat. III 38 Poison Point Contact with the Pokémon may poison the attacker. III 39 Inner Focus The Pokémon's intense focus prevents it from flinching or being affected by Intimidate. III 40 Magma Armor The Pokémon's hot magma coating prevents it from being frozen. III 41 Water Veil The Pokémon's water veil prevents it from being burned. III 42 Magnet Pull Prevents Steel-type Pokémon from fleeing by pulling them in with magnetism. III 43 Soundproof Soundproofing gives the Pokémon full immunity to all sound-based moves. III 44 Rain Dish The Pokémon gradually regains HP in rain. III 45 Sand Stream The Pokémon summons a sandstorm when it enters a battle. III 46 Pressure Puts other Pokémon under pressure, causing them to expend more PP to use their moves. III 47 Thick Fat The Pokémon is protected by a layer of thick fat, which halves the damage taken from Fire- and Ice-type moves. III 48 Early Bird The Pokémon awakens from sleep twice as fast as other Pokémon. III 49 Flame Body Contact with the Pokémon may burn the attacker. III 50 Run Away Enables a sure getaway from wild Pokémon. III 51 Keen Eye The Pokémon's keen eyes prevent its accuracy from being lowered. It also ignores the target's stages in evasion. III 52 Hyper Cutter The Pokémon's prized, mighty pincers prevent other Pokémon from lowering its Attack stat. III 53 Pickup The Pokémon may pick up an item another Pokémon used during a battle. It may pick up items outside of battle, too. III 54 Truant Each time the Pokémon uses a move, it spends the next turn loafing around. III 55 Hustle Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat but lowers its accuracy. III 56 Cute Charm The Pokémon may infatuate attackers that make direct contact with it. III 57 Plus Boosts the Sp. Atk stat of the Pokémon if an ally with the Plus or Minus Ability is also in battle. III 58 Minus Boosts the Sp. Atk stat of the Pokémon if an ally with the Plus or Minus Ability is also in battle. III 59 Forecast The Pokémon transforms with the weather to change its type to Water, Fire, or Ice. III 60 Sticky Hold The Pokémon's held items cling to its sticky body and cannot be removed by other Pokémon. III 61 Shed Skin The Pokémon may cure its own status conditions by shedding its skin. III 62 Guts It's so gutsy that having a status condition boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat. III 63 Marvel Scale The Pokémon's marvelous scales boost its Defense stat if it has a status condition. III 64 Liquid Ooze The strong stench of the Pokémon's oozed liquid damages attackers that use HP-draining moves. III 65 Overgrow Powers up Grass-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low. III 66 Blaze Powers up Fire-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low. III 67 Torrent Powers up Water-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low. III 68 Swarm Powers up Bug-type moves when the Pokémon's HP is low. III 69 Rock Head Protects the Pokémon from recoil damage. III 70 Drought Turns the sunlight harsh when the Pokémon enters a battle. III 71 Arena Trap Prevents opposing Pokémon from fleeing from battle. III 72 Vital Spirit The Pokémon is full of vitality, and that prevents it from falling asleep. III 73 White Smoke The Pokémon is protected by its white smoke, which prevents other Pokémon from lowering its stats. III 74 Pure Power Using its pure power, the Pokémon doubles its Attack stat. III 75 Shell Armor A hard shell protects the Pokémon from critical hits. III 76 Air Lock Eliminates the effects of weather. III 77 Tangled Feet Boosts the Pokémon's evasiveness if it is confused. IV 78 Motor Drive The Pokémon takes no damage when hit by Electric-type moves. Instead, its Speed stat is boosted. IV 79 Rivalry The Pokémon's competitive spirit makes it deal more damage to Pokémon of the same gender, but less damage to Pokémon of the opposite gender. IV 80 Steadfast The Pokémon's determination boosts its Speed stat every time it flinches. IV 81 Snow Cloak Boosts the Pokémon's evasiveness in snow. IV 82 Gluttony If the Pokémon is holding a Berry to be eaten when its HP is low, it will instead eat the Berry when its HP drops to half or less. IV 83 Anger Point The Pokémon is angered when it takes a critical hit, and that maxes its Attack stat. IV 84 Unburden Boosts the Speed stat if the Pokémon's held item is used or lost. IV 85 Heatproof The Pokémon's heatproof body halves the damage taken from Fire-type moves. IV 86 Simple Doubles the effects of the Pokémon's stat changes. IV 87 Dry Skin Restores the Pokémon's HP in rain or when it is hit by Water-type moves. Reduces HP in harsh sunlight, and increases the damage received from Fire-type moves. IV 88 Download The Pokémon compares an opposing Pokémon's Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat — whichever will be more effective. IV 89 Iron Fist Powers up punching moves. IV 90 Poison Heal If poisoned, the Pokémon has its HP restored instead of taking damage. IV 91 Adaptability Powers up moves of the same type as the Pokémon. IV 92 Skill Link Maximizes the number of times multistrike moves hit. IV 93 Hydration Cures the Pokémon's status conditions in rain. IV 94 Solar Power In harsh sunlight, the Pokémon's Sp. Atk stat is boosted, but its HP decreases every turn. IV 95 Quick Feet Boosts the Speed stat if the Pokémon has a status condition. IV 96 Normalize All the Pokémon's moves become Normal type. The power of those moves is boosted a little. IV 97 Sniper If the Pokémon's attack lands a critical hit, the attack is powered up even further. IV 98 Magic Guard The Pokémon only takes damage from attacks. IV 99 No Guard The Pokémon employs no-guard tactics to ensure incoming and outgoing attacks always land. IV 100 Stall The Pokémon is always the last to use its moves. IV 101 Technician Powers up weak moves so the Pokémon can deal more damage with them. IV 102 Leaf Guard Prevents status conditions in harsh sunlight. IV 103 Klutz The Pokémon can't use any held items. IV 104 Mold Breaker The Pokémon's moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target. IV 105 Super Luck The Pokémon is so lucky that the critical-hit ratios of its moves are boosted. IV 106 Aftermath Damages the attacker if it knocks out the Pokémon with a move that makes direct contact. IV 107 Anticipation The Pokémon can sense an opposing Pokémon's dangerous moves. IV 108 Forewarn When it enters a battle, the Pokémon can tell one of the moves an opposing Pokémon has. IV 109 Unaware When attacking, the Pokémon ignores the target's stat changes. IV 110 Tinted Lens The Pokémon can use "not very effective" moves to deal regular damage. IV 111 Filter Reduces the power of supereffective attacks that hit the Pokémon. IV 112 Slow Start For five turns, the Pokémon's Attack and Speed stats are halved. IV 113 Scrappy The Pokémon can hit Ghost-type Pokémon with Normal- and Fighting-type moves. It is also unaffected by Intimidate. IV 114 Storm Drain The Pokémon draws in all Water-type moves. Instead of taking damage from them, its Sp. Atk stat is boosted. IV 115 Ice Body The Pokémon gradually regains HP in snow. IV 116 Solid Rock Reduces the power of supereffective attacks that hit the Pokémon. IV 117 Snow Warning The Pokémon makes it snow when it enters a battle. IV 118 Honey Gather The Pokémon may gather Honey after a battle. IV 119 Frisk When it enters a battle, the Pokémon can check an opposing Pokémon's held item. IV 120 Reckless Powers up moves that have recoil damage. IV 121 Multitype Changes the Pokémon's type to match the plate it holds. IV 122 Flower Gift Boosts the Attack and Sp. Def stats of the Pokémon and its allies in harsh sunlight. IV 123 Bad Dreams Damages opposing Pokémon that are asleep. IV 124 Pickpocket The Pokémon steals the held item from attackers that make direct contact with it. V 125 Sheer Force Removes any additional effects from the Pokémon's moves, but increases the moves' power. V 126 Contrary Reverses any stat changes affecting the Pokémon so that attempts to boost its stats instead lower them — and attempts to lower its stats will boost them. V 127 Unnerve Unnerves opposing Pokémon and makes them unable to eat Berries. V 128 Defiant If the Pokémon has any stat lowered by an opposing Pokémon, its Attack stat will be boosted sharply. V 129 Defeatist Halves the Pokémon's Attack and Sp. Atk stats when its HP drops to half or less. V 130 Cursed Body May disable a move that has dealt damage to the Pokémon. V 131 Healer Sometimes cures the status conditions of the Pokémon's allies. V 132 Friend Guard Reduces damage dealt to allies. V 133 Weak Armor The Pokémon's Defense stat is lowered when it takes damage from physical moves, but its Speed stat is sharply boosted. V 134 Heavy Metal Doubles the Pokémon's weight. V 135 Light Metal Halves the Pokémon's weight. V 136 Multiscale Reduces the amount of damage the Pokémon takes while its HP is full. V 137 Toxic Boost Powers up physical moves when the Pokémon is poisoned. V 138 Flare Boost Powers up special moves when the Pokémon is burned. V 139 Harvest May create another Berry after one is used. V 140 Telepathy The Pokémon anticipates and dodges the attacks of its allies. V 141 Moody Every turn, one of the Pokémon's stats will be boosted sharply, but another stat will be lowered. V 142 Overcoat The Pokémon takes no damage from sandstorms. It is also protected from the effects of powders and spores. V 143 Poison Touch May poison a target when the Pokémon makes contact. V 144 Regenerator The Pokémon has a little of its HP restored when withdrawn from battle. V 145 Big Pecks Prevents the Pokémon from having its Defense stat lowered. V 146 Sand Rush Boosts the Pokémon's Speed stat in a sandstorm. V 147 Wonder Skin Makes status moves more likely to miss the Pokémon. V 148 Analytic Boosts the power of the Pokémon's move if it is the last to act that turn. V 149 Illusion The Pokémon fools opponents by entering battle disguised as the last Pokémon in its Trainer's party. V 150 Imposter The Pokémon transforms itself into the Pokémon it's facing. V 151 Infiltrator The Pokémon's moves are unaffected by the target's barriers, substitutes, and the like. V 152 Mummy Contact with the Pokémon changes the attacker's Ability to Mummy. V 153 Moxie When the Pokémon knocks out a target, it shows moxie, which boosts its Attack stat. V 154 Justified When the Pokémon is hit by a Dark-type attack, its Attack stat is boosted by its sense of justice. V 155 Rattled The Pokémon gets scared when hit by a Dark-, Ghost-, or Bug-type attack Gen VIII onwards, which boosts its Speed stat. V 156 Magic Bounce The Pokémon reflects status moves instead of getting hit by them. V 157 Sap Sipper The Pokémon takes no damage when hit by Grass-type moves. Instead, its Attack stat is boosted. V 158 Prankster Gives priority to the Pokémon's status moves. V 159 Sand Force Boosts the power of Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-type moves in a sandstorm. V 160 Iron Barbs The Pokémon's iron barbs damage the attacker if it makes direct contact. V 161 Zen Mode Changes the Pokémon's shape when its HP drops to half or less. V 162 Victory Star Boosts the accuracy of the Pokémon and its allies. V 163 Turboblaze The Pokémon's moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target. V 164 Teravolt The Pokémon's moves are unimpeded by the Ability of the target. V 165 Aroma Veil Protects the Pokémon and its allies from effects that prevent the use of moves. VI 166 Flower Veil Ally Grass-type Pokémon are protected from status conditions and the lowering of their stats. VI 167 Cheek Pouch The Pokémon's HP is restored when it eats any Berry, in addition to the Berry's usual effect. VI 168 Protean Changes the Pokémon's type to the type of the move it's about to use. This works only once each time the Pokémon enters battle. VI 169 Fur Coat Halves the damage taken from physical moves. VI 170 Magician The Pokémon steals the held item from any target it hits with a move. VI 171 Bulletproof Protects the Pokémon from ball and bomb moves. VI 172 Competitive Boosts the Pokémon's Sp. Atk stat sharply when its stats are lowered by an opposing Pokémon. VI 173 Strong Jaw The Pokémon's strong jaw boosts the power of its biting moves. VI 174 Refrigerate Normal-type moves become Ice-type moves. The power of those moves is boosted a little. VI 175 Sweet Veil Prevents the Pokémon and its allies from falling asleep. VI 176 Stance Change The Pokémon changes its form to Blade Forme when it uses an attack move and changes to Shield Forme when it uses King's Shield. VI 177 Gale Wings Gives priority to the Pokémon's Flying-type moves while its HP is full. VI 178 Mega Launcher Powers up pulse moves. VI 179 Grass Pelt Boosts the Pokémon's Defense stat on Grassy Terrain. VI 180 Symbiosis The Pokémon passes its held item to an ally that has used up an item. VI 181 Tough Claws Powers up moves that make direct contact. VI 182 Pixilate Normal-type moves become Fairy-type moves. The power of those moves is boosted a little. VI 183 Gooey Contact with the Pokémon lowers the attacker's Speed stat. VI 184 Aerilate Normal-type moves become Flying-type moves. The power of those moves is boosted a little. VI 185 Parental Bond The parent and child attack one after the other. VI 186 Dark Aura Powers up the Dark-type moves of all Pokémon on the field. VI 187 Fairy Aura Powers up the Fairy-type moves of all Pokémon on the field. VI 188 Aura Break The effects of "Aura" Abilities are reversed to lower the power of affected moves. VI 189 Primordial Sea The Pokémon changes the weather to nullify Fire-type attacks. VI 190 Desolate Land The Pokémon changes the weather to nullify Water-type attacks. VI 191 Delta Stream The Pokémon changes the weather so that no moves are supereffective against the Flying type. VI 192 Stamina Boosts the Defense stat when the Pokémon is hit by an attack. VII 193 Wimp Out The Pokémon cowardly switches out when its HP drops to half or less. VII 194 Emergency Exit The Pokémon, sensing danger, switches out when its HP drops to half or less. VII 195 Water Compaction Boosts the Defense stat sharply when the Pokémon is hit by a Water-type move. VII 196 Merciless The Pokémon's attacks become critical hits if the target is poisoned. VII 197 Shields Down When its HP drops to half or less, the Pokémon's shell breaks and it becomes aggressive. VII 198 Stakeout Doubles the damage dealt to a target that has just switched into battle. VII 199 Water Bubble Lowers the power of Fire-type moves that hit the Pokémon and prevents it from being burned. VII 200 Steelworker Powers up Steel-type moves. VII 201 Berserk Boosts the Pokémon's Sp. Atk stat when it takes a hit that causes its HP to drop to half or less. VII 202 Slush Rush Boosts the Pokémon's Speed stat in snow. VII 203 Long Reach The Pokémon uses its moves without making contact with the target. VII 204 Liquid Voice Sound-based moves become Water-type moves. VII 205 Triage Gives priority to the Pokémon's healing moves. VII 206 Galvanize Normal-type moves become Electric-type moves. The power of those moves is boosted a little. VII 207 Surge Surfer Doubles the Pokémon's Speed stat on Electric Terrain. VII 208 Schooling When it has a lot of HP, the Pokémon forms a powerful school. It stops schooling when its HP is low. VII 209 Disguise Once per battle, the shroud that covers the Pokémon can protect it from an attack at the cost of 10% of its HP. VII 210 Battle Bond When the Pokémon knocks out a target, its bond with its Trainer is strengthened, and its Attack, Sp. Atk, and Speed stats are boosted. VII 211 Power Construct Cells gather to aid the Pokémon when its HP drops to half or less, causing it to change into its Complete Forme. VII 212 Corrosion The Pokémon can poison the target even if it's a Steel- or Poison-type. VII 213 Comatose The Pokémon is always drowsing and will never wake up. It can attack while in its sleeping state. VII 214 Queenly Majesty The Pokémon's majesty pressures opponents and makes them unable to use priority moves against the Pokémon or its allies. VII 215 Innards Out When the Pokémon is knocked out, it damages its attacker by the amount equal to the HP it had left before it was hit. VII 216 Dancer Whenever a dance move is used in battle, the Pokémon will copy the user to immediately perform that dance move itself. VII 217 Battery Powers up ally Pokémon's special moves. VII 218 Fluffy Halves the damage taken from moves that make direct contact, but doubles that of Fire-type moves. VII 219 Dazzling The Pokémon dazzles its opponents, making them unable to use priority moves against the Pokémon or its allies. VII 220 Soul-Heart Boosts the Pokémon's Sp. Atk stat every time another Pokémon faints. VII 221 Tangling Hair Contact with the Pokémon lowers the attacker's Speed stat. VII 222 Receiver The Pokémon copies the Ability of a defeated ally. VII 223 Power of Alchemy The Pokémon copies the Ability of a defeated ally. VII 224 Beast Boost Boosts the Pokémon's most proficient stat every time it knocks out a target. VII 225 RKS System Changes the Pokémon's type to match the memory disc it holds. VII 226 Electric Surge Turns the ground into Electric Terrain when the Pokémon enters a battle. VII 227 Psychic Surge Turns the ground into Psychic Terrain when the Pokémon enters a battle. VII 228 Misty Surge Turns the ground into Misty Terrain when the Pokémon enters a battle. VII 229 Grassy Surge Turns the ground into Grassy Terrain when the Pokémon enters a battle. VII 230 Full Metal Body Prevents other Pokémon's moves or Abilities from lowering the Pokémon's stats. VII 231 Shadow Shield Reduces the amount of damage the Pokémon takes while its HP is full. VII 232 Prism Armor Reduces the power of supereffective attacks that hit the Pokémon. VII 233 Neuroforce Powers up the Pokémon's supereffective attacks even further. VII 234 Intrepid Sword Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat when the Pokémon enters a battle for the first time. VIII 235 Dauntless Shield Boosts the Pokémon's Defense stat when the Pokémon enters a battle for the first time. VIII 236 Libero Changes the Pokémon's type to the type of the move it's about to use. This works only once each time the Pokémon enters battle. VIII 237 Ball Fetch If the Pokémon is not holding an item, it will fetch the Poké Ball from the first failed throw of the battle. VIII 238 Cotton Down When the Pokémon is hit by an attack, it scatters cotton fluff around and lowers the Speed stats of all Pokémon except itself. VIII 239 Propeller Tail Ignores the effects of opposing Pokémon's Abilities and moves that draw in moves. VIII 240 Mirror Armor Bounces back only the stat-lowering effects that the Pokémon receives. VIII 241 Gulp Missile When the Pokémon uses Surf or Dive, it will come back with prey. When it takes damage, it will spit out the prey to attack. VIII 242 Stalwart Ignores the effects of opposing Pokémon's Abilities and moves that draw in moves. VIII 243 Steam Engine Boosts the Speed stat drastically when the Pokémon is hit by a Fire- or Water-type move. VIII 244 Punk Rock Boosts the power of sound-based moves. The Pokémon also takes half the damage from these kinds of moves. VIII 245 Sand Spit The Pokémon creates a sandstorm when it's hit by an attack. VIII 246 Ice Scales The Pokémon is protected by ice scales, which halve the damage taken from special moves. VIII 247 Ripen Ripens Berries and doubles their effect. VIII 248 Ice Face The Pokémon's ice head can take a physical attack as a substitute, but the attack also changes the Pokémon's appearance. The ice will be restored when it snows. VIII 249 Power Spot Just being next to the Pokémon powers up moves. VIII 250 Mimicry Changes the Pokémon's type depending on the terrain. VIII 251 Screen Cleaner When the Pokémon enters a battle, the effects of Light Screen, Reflect, and Aurora Veil are nullified for both opposing and ally Pokémon. VIII 252 Steely Spirit Powers up the Steel-type moves of the Pokémon and its allies. VIII 253 Perish Body When hit by a move that makes direct contact, the Pokémon and the attacker will faint after three turns unless they switch out of battle. VIII 254 Wandering Spirit The Pokémon exchanges Abilities with a Pokémon that hits it with a move that makes direct contact. VIII 255 Gorilla Tactics Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat, but only allows the use of the first selected move. VIII 256 Neutralizing Gas While the Pokémon is in the battle, the effects of all other Pokémon's Abilities will be nullified or will not be triggered. VIII 257 Pastel Veil Prevents the Pokémon and its allies from being poisoned. VIII 258 Hunger Switch The Pokémon changes its form, alternating between its Full Belly Mode and Hangry Mode after the end of every turn. VIII 259 Quick Draw Enables the Pokémon to move first occasionally. VIII 260 Unseen Fist If the Pokémon uses moves that make direct contact, it can attack the target even if the target protects itself. VIII 261 Curious Medicine When the Pokémon enters a battle, it scatters medicine from its shell, which removes all stat changes from allies. VIII 262 Transistor Powers up Electric-type moves. VIII 263 Dragon's Maw Powers up Dragon-type moves. VIII 264 Chilling Neigh When the Pokémon knocks out a target, it utters a chilling neigh, which boosts its Attack stat. VIII 265 Grim Neigh When the Pokémon knocks out a target, it utters a terrifying neigh, which boosts its Sp. Atk stat. VIII 266 As One This Ability combines the effects of both Calyrex's Unnerve Ability and Glastrier's Chilling Neigh Ability. VIII 267 As One This Ability combines the effects of both Calyrex's Unnerve Ability and Spectrier's Grim Neigh Ability. VIII 268 Lingering Aroma Contact with the Pokémon changes the attacker's Ability to Lingering Aroma. IX 269 Seed Sower Turns the ground into Grassy Terrain when the Pokémon is hit by an attack. IX 270 Thermal Exchange Boosts the Attack stat when the Pokémon is hit by a Fire-type move. The Pokémon also cannot be burned. IX 271 Anger Shell When an attack causes its HP to drop to half or less, the Pokémon gets angry. This lowers its Defense and Sp. Def stats but boosts its Attack, Sp. Atk, and Speed stats. IX 272 Purifying Salt The Pokémon's pure salt protects it from status conditions and halves the damage taken from Ghost-type moves. IX 273 Well-Baked Body The Pokémon takes no damage when hit by Fire-type moves. Instead, its Defense stat is sharply boosted. IX 274 Wind Rider Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat if Tailwind takes effect or if the Pokémon is hit by a wind move. The Pokémon also takes no damage from wind moves. IX 275 Guard Dog Boosts the Pokémon's Attack stat if intimidated. Moves and items that would force the Pokémon to switch out also fail to work. IX 276 Rocky Payload Powers up Rock-type moves. IX 277 Wind Power The Pokémon becomes charged when it is hit by a wind move, boosting the power of the next Electric-type move the Pokémon uses. IX 278 Zero to Hero The Pokémon transforms into its Hero Form when it switches out. IX 279 Commander When the Pokémon enters a battle, it goes inside the mouth of an ally Dondozo if one is on the field. The Pokémon then issues commands from there. IX 280 Electromorphosis The Pokémon becomes charged when it takes damage, boosting the power of the next Electric-type move the Pokémon uses. IX 281 Protosynthesis Boosts the Pokémon's most proficient stat in harsh sunlight or if the Pokémon is holding Booster Energy. IX 282 Quark Drive Boosts the Pokémon's most proficient stat on Electric Terrain or if the Pokémon is holding Booster Energy. IX 283 Good as Gold A body of pure, solid gold gives the Pokémon full immunity to other Pokémon's status moves. IX 284 Vessel of Ruin The power of the Pokémon's ruinous vessel lowers the Sp. Atk stats of all Pokémon except itself. IX 285 Sword of Ruin The power of the Pokémon's ruinous sword lowers the Defense stats of all Pokémon except itself. IX 286 Tablets of Ruin The power of the Pokémon's ruinous wooden tablets lowers the Attack stats of all Pokémon except itself. IX 287 Beads of Ruin The power of the Pokémon's ruinous beads lowers the Sp. Def stats of all Pokémon except itself. IX 288 Orichalcum Pulse Turns the sunlight harsh when the Pokémon enters a battle. The ancient pulse thrumming through the Pokémon also boosts its Attack stat in harsh sunlight. IX 289 Hadron Engine Turns the ground into Electric Terrain when the Pokémon enters a battle. The futuristic engine within the Pokémon also boosts its Sp. Atk stat on Electric Terrain. IX 290 Opportunist If an opponent's stat is boosted, the Pokémon seizes the opportunity to boost the same stat for itself. IX 291 Cud Chew When the Pokémon eats a Berry, it will regurgitate that Berry at the end of the next turn and eat it one more time. IX 292 Sharpness Powers up slicing moves. IX 293 Supreme Overlord When the Pokémon enters a battle, its Attack and Sp. Atk stats are slightly boosted for each of the allies in its party that have already been defeated. IX 294 Costar When the Pokémon enters a battle, it copies an ally's stat changes. IX 295 Toxic Debris Scatters poison spikes at the feet of the opposing team when the Pokémon takes damage from physical moves. IX 296 Armor Tail The mysterious tail covering the Pokémon's head makes opponents unable to use priority moves against the Pokémon or its allies. IX 297 Earth Eater If hit by a Ground-type move, the Pokémon has its HP restored instead of taking damage. IX 298 Mycelium Might The Pokémon will always act more slowly when using status moves, but these moves will be unimpeded by the Ability of the target. IX 299 Hospitality When the Pokémon enters a battle, it showers its ally with hospitality, restoring a small amount of the ally's HP. IX 300 Mind's Eye The Pokémon ignores changes to opponents' evasiveness, its accuracy can't be lowered, and it can hit Ghost types with Normal- and Fighting-type moves. IX 301 Embody Aspect The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Teal Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Speed stat to be boosted. IX 302 Embody Aspect The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Hearthflame Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Attack stat to be boosted. IX 303 Embody Aspect The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Wellspring Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Sp. Def stat to be boosted. IX 304 Embody Aspect The Pokémon's heart fills with memories, causing the Cornerstone Mask to shine and the Pokémon's Defense stat to be boosted. IX 305 Toxic Chain The power of the Pokémon's toxic chain may badly poison any target the Pokémon hits with a move. IX 306 Supersweet Syrup A sickly sweet scent spreads across the field the first time the Pokémon enters a battle, lowering the evasiveness of opposing Pokémon. IX 307 Tera Shift When the Pokémon enters a battle, it absorbs the energy around itself and transforms into its Terastal Form. IX 308 Tera Shell The Pokémon's shell contains the powers of each type. All damage-dealing moves that hit the Pokémon when its HP is full will not be very effective. IX 309 Teraform Zero When Terapagos changes into its Stellar Form, it uses its hidden powers to eliminate all effects of weather and terrain, reducing them to zero. IX 310 Poison Puppeteer Pokémon poisoned by Pecharunt's moves will also become confused. IX

Alternatives

Generation II

Prior to Abilities' introduction, Generation II games already featured a mechanic similar to Pickup and Honey Gather uniquely available to a single Pokémon species: after each battle, a Berry held by a Shuckle can automatically transform into Berry Juice. No other Pokémon has this trait, and it hasn't been translated into an actual Ability in subsequent games.

Generation VIII

While Abilities are officially absent in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the effects of Flower Gift and Slow Start are nonetheless applied to Cherrim and Regigigas respectively. Plates are also available as Key Items to replicate Arceus's Multitype.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Main article: Mystery Dungeon game mechanics → Abilities

Abilities available in the core series games are also available in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. Some Abilities differ from their counterparts in the core series (e.g. Intimidate reduces the opposing Pokémon's Attack by 20%). Prior to Gates to Infinity, Pokémon with two Abilities would have both rather than just one. There are no Hidden Abilities in Mystery Dungeon games.

Pokémon Conquest

Main article: List of Abilities in Pokémon Conquest

While most Pokémon species in Pokémon Conquest have access to three Abilities (similar to the main series, Hidden Abilities included), many of these Abilities are different from the main series due to differences in the battle system. For example, Abilities like Cute Charm and Rivalry do not exist in Pokémon Conquest (due to the game's lack of a gender mechanic), while other Abilities utilize mechanics unique to Pokémon Conquest battles (like "Sprint", which increases the user's movement Range).

Like the main series, an individual Pokémon's Ability is dictated by its current species (i.e. evolutionary form) and may change during evolution.

Pokémon UNITE

In Pokémon UNITE, Abilities appear in a similar way to the main series. Every Pokémon with a Unite License uses one of their Abilities from the core series games as their Ability. A Pokémon's Ability can change when it evolves, such as Tyranitar having Guts as a Larvitar and Shed Skin as a Pupitar before gaining Sand Stream as a Tyranitar.

Abilities usually have effects that activate passively, be that when a certain condition is true, when the Pokémon performs a certain action, or when an action is done to that Pokémon. The effects of Abilties usually correlate to their main series counterparts, such as how Garchomp's Rough Skin deals damage to opponents who hit it with physical melee attacks. However, this is not always the case, as Mewtwo's Pressure only serves to enable its Mega Evolution instead of having an effect that lines up with its main series effect of reducing PP. Even if two Pokémon have the same Ability, the effects of the Ability differ between each Pokémon. For example, both Gardevoir and Mew have Synchronize, but Gardevoir's version inflicts any movement speed decreases and damage-over-time status conditions back on the attacker while Mew's version increases the movement speed of itself and its allies when Mew uses a move. Even so, often Abilities with the same name have similar effects since they are all adapted from the same Ability from the core series. Charizard, Cinderace, and Delphox all have Blaze for instance, and it always serves to increase their power when their health is low. However, each Pokémon's Blaze does so in a different way.

Abilities often have multiple effects aside from adapting the main series Abilities. These effects can fill gauges or give the Pokémon resources that contribute to the effectiveness of its other attacks and moves. Many Abilities that trigger as a result of something happening, such as Pikachu's Static activating when it takes damage, cannot trigger again until a cooldown period has passed.

In some cases,like with Zoroark's Illusion and Hoopa's Magician, an Ability's icon is visible along with the Pokémon's moves and is manually activated with a button press. These Abilities temporarily enter a cooldown state after being used, and cannot be used again until that cooldown concludes.

In the anime

Harrison's Kecleon activating Color Change

Abilities have been shown in the anime, but are usually only used in battles; however, sometimes they have an effect on the plot, such as Infernape's Blaze. Abilities sometimes work differently in the anime than they would in the games, such as Mold Breaker, which in the anime cancels out more Abilities than it would in the games.

Original series

The only Ability that was seen in the original series was Color Change, being used by Madison and Alexa's Kecleon in The Kecleon Caper. It was later used by Harrison's Kecleon in Playing With Fire!.

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire

The first Ability to be seen other than Color Change was Rough Skin, first seen in Sharpedo Attack!. It was used by a wild Sharpedo.

In Now That's Flower Power! a Kecleon used Color Change.

In A Poké-BLOCK Party!, Alanna's Whismur used its Soundproof Ability to stay awake and listen to Jigglypuff's song.

Colonel Hansen's Shedinja used Wonder Guard to protect itself against Spike Cannon by Misty's Corsola in The Princess and the Togepi.

Colonel Hansen's Shedinja activating Wonder Guard

Two Abilities were seen in Balance of Power, being used by Ash's Pikachu and Grovyle, using Static and Overgrow respectively.

Bart's Castform used Forecast in Unfair Weather Friends, turning into its Sunny and Rainy Form.

In The Garden of Eatin', Marcel's Vigoroth possessed Vital Spirit, which prevented it from falling asleep while fighting a Snorlax that kept using Yawn.

Both Drizzle and Drought were seen in Gaining Groudon and The Scuffle of Legends respectively by Kyogre and Groudon.

In It's Still Rocket Roll to Me!, Liza's Lunatone used Levitate.

In Eight Ain't Enough, Juan's Luvdisc used Swift Swim to increase its speed.

In Showdown At Linoone, Kimmy's Linoone, Tokin, used Pickup to steal and take items to its private stash, including May's Poké Balls.

In At the End of the Fray, Tyson's Hariyama used Thick Fat to halve the damage it took from Ash's Torkoal's Flamethrower.

In Rough, Tough Jigglypuff, Lisa Mitchum's Jigglypuff used Cute Charm whilst her father's Loudred used Soundproof to stop Jigglypuff's Sing from working.

Angela's Kecleon used Color Change in From Cradle to Save, while Brock's Bonsly used Rock Head.

In Pinch Healing!, a wild Wooper used Water Absorb.

In Once More With Reeling!, May's Blaziken used its Blaze Ability while Ash's Sceptile used Overgrow during their Contest Battle in the Terracotta Contest.

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl

Abilities proved important in the battles Paul and Ash had with Roark. During Paul's battle in Shapes of Things to Come!, his Elekid uses Static to paralyze Roark's Onix and Cranidos although the latter shakes it off with Mold Breaker. Paul also deliberately allows his Chimchar to take extra damage so that it can activate Blaze. After Ash's first match with Roark ends in defeat, Brock briefly lends him Sudowoodo in Wild in the Streets! because its Ability Rock Head makes it similar to Roark's Pokémon Onix, who also had the Ability. During Ash's rematch in O'er the Rampardos We Watched!, Pikachu also activates Static against Roark's newly evolved Rampardos and it is similarly ineffective.

In A Secret Sphere of Influence!, Officer Jenny's Stunky used Stench against Team Rocket.

Gardenia's Cherubi caught Ash by surprise during their first battle in The Grass Menagerie! when it was able to move very quickly with Chlorophyll.

In Tag! We're It...!, Ash and Paul found themselves at a disadvantage during their first Tag Battle in the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition because the Rhydon used by one of their opponents possessed Lightning Rod, rendering Pikachu's Electric-type attacks useless.

In Glory Blaze! Ash, Dawn, and Brock found Paul and his other Pokémon evidently abusing his Chimchar, repeatedly attacking it until it eventually collapsed from exhaustion. When confronted, Paul explained that Chimchar actually wanted the brutal training regimen; when they first met, Chimchar was being attacked by wild Zangoose and when pushed to the limit it activated Blaze and defeated all of the Zangoose with Flame Wheel. This incredible power was what drove Paul to capture Chimchar in the first place and the two have been trying to replicate the experience ever since with no success.

Swift Swim was an important part of Ash's Buizel going toe to toe with Maylene's Lucario in A Triple Fighting Chance!

Blaze returned in Chim - Charred! when Ash's Chimchar became enraged during a battle with Paul's Ursaring. It took considerable effort for Ash to return Chimchar to normal after it defeated Ursaring, causing Paul to leave the battle a draw. Paul told Ash that they would only battle again when and if Ash and Chimchar learned to control Blaze.

Ash's Monferno activating Blaze

In Battling the Generation Gap!, Lila's Delcatty activated his Cute Charm Ability while battling Dawn's Ambipom in the final round of the Celestic Contest.

Brock's Croagunk first used his Anticipation Ability in Losing Its Lustrous!. He often used it to find Team Rocket and chase them off on his own.

Two Darkrai have used Bad Dreams. One used it in The Rise of Darkrai and another in Sleepless in Pre-Battle!.

In A Shield with a Twist!, Fantina's Gengar possessed Levitate.

In Dealing with Defensive Types!, Byron's Bronzor used its Heatproof Ability to minimize damage from Ash's Chimchar's Flamethrower.

In Another One Gabites the Dust!, Jessie's Yanmega activated her Speed Boost Ability while performing in the Chocovine Contest.

In Pursuing a Lofty Goal!, Paul's Honchkrow used its Ability Super Luck.

In Sliding Into Seventh!, Jeremiah's Skuntank was known to have Stench as it Ability, but the Ability was activated off-screen.

In Evolving Strategies!, Paul's Magmortar used its Flame Body Ability to burn Ash's Pikachu. Paul's Ursaring also used its Guts Ability when Ash's Pikachu's Static activated.

An Arceus used Multitype in Arceus and the Jewel of Life.

In Challenging a Towering Figure!, Palmer's Rhyperior used Solid Rock to lessen the damage from Ash's Grotle's Energy Ball.

A wild Trapinch used its Arena Trap Ability in A Rivalry to Gible On!.

A wild Heatran used Flash Fire in Pokémon Ranger: Heatran Rescue!.

Volkner's Electivire used its Motor Drive Ability in The Eighth Wonder of the Sinnoh World! against Ash in their Gym battle. The same Ability was later used by Paul's Electivire in Battling a Thaw in Relations!.

In Casting a Paul on Barry!, Barry's Empoleon activated its Torrent Ability while battling Paul's Electivire in the third round of the Lily of the Valley Conference.

Paul's Aggron used its Rock Head Ability in Familiarity Breeds Strategy! to avoid damage from its Double-Edge attack. In the next episode, Paul's Froslass and Ninjask used Snow Cloak and Speed Boost, respectively.

Illusion was seen twice in Zoroark: Master of Illusions, being used by a Zoroark and Zorua.

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

A Hidden Ability was first seen in Saving Darmanitan From the Bell! by a Darmanitan using Zen Mode.

In A Rival Battle for Club Champ!, Trip's Tranquill activated Super Luck to easily defeat Ash's Oshawott and Tepig. Trip's Frillish later used Cursed Body.

In Here Comes the Trubbish Squad!, a wild Trubbish used its Ability Stench.

In A Night in the Nacrene City Museum!, Lenora's Watchog used its Illuminate Ability to reveal an invisible Yamask.

Ash's Sewaddle was revealed to have Swarm in A Connoisseur's Revenge! but he wasn't shown activating it. Cilan's Dwebble was shown using its Sturdy Ability in the same episode.

A wild Venipede used its Poison Point Ability to poison Ash in A Venipede Stampede!.

In Gotta Catch A Roggenrola!, Iris pointed out that Roggenrola had the Ability Sturdy, implying that Roggenrola would receive less damage than a Pokémon normally would.

Alder's Bouffalant activating Sap Sipper

Luke's Zorua often used Illusion to help Luke in making his movies. It was first seen in Movie Time! Zorua in "The Legend of the Pokémon Knight"!.

In The Club Battle Hearts of Fury: Emolga Versus Sawk!, Iris's Emolga used Static to help her win a battle against Stephan's Sawk.

In Enter Elesa, Electrifying Gym Leader!, Bianca's father's "Red Flash Darmanitan" used Zen Mode.

Three Darmanitan used Zen Mode in A Maractus Musical!.

In Scraggy and the Demanding Gothita!, a wild Garbodor used Stench.

In A Call for Brotherly Love!, Chili's Pansear used its Gluttony Ability.

In Battling the King of the Mines!, Ash's Boldore used its Sturdy Ability to stop a Horn Drill from working.

In The Clubsplosion Begins!, Edmund's Seismitoad used Swift Swim against Stephan's Sawk, but ended up losing.

In Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!, Alder's Bouffalant used Sap Sipper to negate Trip's Serperior's Solar Beam.

In The Road to Humilau!, Marlon's Jellicent used Cursed Body.

Ash's Leavanny first activated Swarm in Strong Strategy Steals the Show! during a battle against Stephan's Sawk.

In The Island of Illusions!, a Zoroark used Illusion.

In The Journalist from Another Region!, a Trainer's Slaking was shown to have Truant as its Ability.

In Survival of the Striaton Gym!, Morana's Abomasnow used its Snow Warning Ability. Cilan's Pansage was confirmed to have Gluttony as his Ability in the same episode.

Pokémon the Series: XY

Olympia's Meowstic activating Prankster

Clemont's Chespin used its Ability Overgrow in An Appetite for Battle! battling against a Delphox.

In Mega Evolution Special I, Siebold's Blastoise was shown to have Mega Launcher when Mega Evolved.

Both Dark Aura from Yveltal and Fairy Aura from Xerneas were seen in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Ramos's Jumpluff and Weepinbell were both shown to have Chlorophyll as their Ability in The Green, Green Grass Types of Home!.

Ash's Goodra used its Ability Hydration in Ash's Gym battle against Clemont in The Moment of Lumiose Truth!.

Ash's Fletchinder used its Flame Body Ability in A Not-So-Flying Start! to help hatch an Egg that his Hawlucha found.

Both of Olympia's Meowstic were seen using their respective Abilities in All Eyes on the Future!, with the male Meowstic having his Hidden Ability Prankster and the female one having Keen Eye.

Two Abilities were seen in Mega Evolution Special IV, both in a battle against Alain's Charizard. A Mega Venusaur used Thick Fat to halve the damage it took from a Flamethrower. Malva's Houndoom later used Flash Fire to absorb another Flamethrower.

In Dream a Little Dream from Me!, a Darkrai activated its Ability Bad Dreams.

Sawyer's Clawitzer was shown to have Mega Launcher as its Ability during its battle against Ash in A Full-Strength Battle Surprise!.

Wulfric's Abomasnow was shown to have Snow Warning as its Ability during its Gym battle against Ash in All Hail the Ice Battlefield!. His Avalugg was later shown to have Ice Body in the same episode.

In the Lumiose Conference, many Pokémon were seen activating their Abilities during battles. In A League of His Own!, Trevor's Mega Charizard Y was shown to have Drought as its Ability. In the following episode, the effects of three different Abilities were shown during the battle between Tierno and Sawyer; Tierno's Ludicolo was shown activating Swift Swim while Sawyer's Mega Sceptile and Aegislash were revealed to have Lightning Rod and Stance Change as their Abilities, respectively. In Analysis Versus Passion!, Sawyer's Slaking was shown to have Truant as its Ability. In Finals Not for the Faint-Hearted!, Alain's Tyranitar was shown activating Sand Stream.

Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon

Nanu's Krookodile activating Intimidate

Sophocles's Togedemaru used her Ability Lightning Rod in The Guardian's Challenge!, absorbing Ash's Pikachu's Thunderbolt to increase the power of her Zing Zap.

Jessie's Mimikyu has used Disguise frequently during battles in the series to absorb damage from the first blow taken, first seen in Loading the Dex!.

A wild Palossand activated its Ability Water Compaction in A Shivering Shovel Search! when it was hit by Lana's Popplio's Bubble Beam, allowing it to repair the damage done to its body by the attack.

DJ Leo's Alolan Dugtrio used its Ability Tangling Hair in Getting the Band Back Together! where it was able to grab and bind Jessie's Mimikyu and James's Mareanie.

An Ally Castform activated its Forecast Ability during its battle with Ash in the Lush Jungle in Currying Favor and Flavor!, changing into its Sunny Form.

Gladion's Silvally activated RKS System in Mission: Total Recall!, changing into a Dark type with the Dark Memory. It has since then activated the Ability on multiple other occasions.

Lusamine's Clefable activated Magic Guard in 10,000,000 Reasons to Fight! to cross a field of poison without taking damage.

Nanu's Krookodile activated Intimidate in both of its battles against Lycanroc in Tough Guy Trials! and Guiding an Awakening!.

Hapu's Mudsdale activated Stamina in its battle against Tupp, Rapp, and Zipp in That's Some Spicy Island Research! It was reactivated in A Grand Debut!.

Guzma's Golisopod activated Emergency Exit in its battle against Ash's Pikachu in The Dealer of Destruction!. It was later activated again in Getting Down to The Ire!.

Mohn's Zoroark activated Illusion in Chasing Memories, Creating Dreams! as it followed Gladion around.

Ilima's Mega Kangaskhan activated her Parental Bond Ability in her fight against Guzma's Scizor in Battling Besties!.

Acerola's Gengar, the Greedy Rapooh, activated its Cursed Body Ability in its fight against Kiawe's Marowak in The Battlefield of Truth and Love!. In the same episode, Snowy activated its Snow Cloak Ability in its fight against Gladion's Umbreon.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series

Rinto's Gallade activating Justified

Six Darmanitan used their Hidden Ability, Zen Mode, in Raid Battle in The Ruins!. One of them was caught by Goh.

In Destination: Coronation!, Visquez's Electrode activated its Hidden Ability Aftermath after being knocked out by Ash's Pikachu.

In Sobbing Sobble!, a Morpeko that James would later catch activated its Hunger Switch Ability against Team Rocket.

In Secrets of the Jungle, a wild Cramorant used its Gulp Missile Ability when Ash's Pikachu shocked it while stuck in its mouth.

In Searching for Chivalry!, Wikstrom's Aegislash activated its Stance Change during a battle against Ash and Goh.

In A Rollicking Roll…, multiple Gulpin belonging to Team Rocket activated their Sticky Hold Ability.

In Beyond Chivalry… Aiming to be a Leek Master!, Rinto's Gallade activated his Hidden Ability Justified after being struck by Ash's Sirfetch'd's Night Slash.

In Nightfall? Nightmares!, a Darkrai activated its Ability Bad Dreams.

In Detective Drizzile!, Gizmo's Kecleon activated her Ability Color Change.

In The Arceus Chronicles (Part 2), Saturn's Heatran activated its Ability Flash Fire.

In Battling as Hard as Stone!, Ash's Dracovish was revealed to possess the Ability Strong Jaw, which boosts the power of its Fishious Rend and Ice Fang.

In Bewitch, Battle, and Bewilder!, Cynthia's Togekiss activated its Ability Serene Grace to increase its chances to make Ash's Pikachu flinch with Air Slash. In the same episode, Cynthia's Roserade was burned by Ash's Gengar's Will-O-Wisp. In the next episode, Roserade was revealed to have used its Natural Cure Ability to heal itself upon being switched out.

In Valor: A Strategic Part of Battling!, Ash's Lucario was revealed to possess the Ability Inner Focus, which protected it from flinching against Cynthia's Togekiss.

In Just a Scone's Throw From Here!, a Cramorant from the Rocket Prize Master used Gulp Missile with Team Rocket's Arrokuda to attack Goh's Pokémon.

In A Flood of Torrential Gains!, Leon's Cinderace activated its Hidden Ability Libero to change its type to match the move it used. During the same episode, Ash's Gengar activated Cursed Body against Leon's Mr. Rime.

Ash's Talonflame constantly used its Flame Body Ability in Bearing Down Easy! to keep everyone warm from Beartic's attacks.

Pokémon Horizons: The Series

Amethio's Ceruledge activating Weak Armor

In The Future I Choose, Lucius's giant Arboliva activated its Seed Sower Ability to help a mass of planted Berries to grow into new trees.

In Kabu's Battle Training!, Kabu's Centiskorch used its Flash Fire Ability to negate Roy's Fuecoco's Ember.

In Charge! Galar Mine!, Amethio's Ceruledge used its Hidden Ability Weak Armor to lower its Defense and increase its Speed during its battle against Friede's Charizard.

In HZ042, a wild Palafin activated its Zero to Hero Ability to transform into its Hero Form and help out people in need. As thanks for protecting it from a group of photographers wanting to take a photo its transformation sequence, Palafin allowed Liko to witness said transformation.

In HZ043, Liko's Sprigatito activated her Overgrow Ability during her battle against Sidian's Garganacl.

In HZ050, Iono's Bellibolt activated its Electromorphosis Ability while battling against Dot's Quaxly.

In HZ055, Hassel's Baxcalibur activated its Thermal Exchange Ability while battling against Roy and Brassius.

In HZ056, Katy's Lokix activated its Swarm Ability after being poisoned by Rika's Clodsire's Poison Jab.

In HZ057, Raifort's Zoroark activated Illusion several times.

In the manga

Be the Best! Pokémon B+W

Pokémon Ranger's Zebstrika activating Lightningrod in Be the Best! Pokémon B+W

Monta's Roggenrola activated Sturdy in The Key to Triple Battles.

A Pokémon Ranger's Zebstrika and Monta's Excadrill activated Lightningrod and Sand Force in The Battle for More Friends!.

Dol's Bouffalant activated Sap Sipper in Challenge the Battle Subway!.

Monta's Watchog activated Illuminate in Let's Master Pokémon Capturing!.

Monta's Victini was unable to activate Victory Star in The Birth of the Best Pokémon Trainer! since the Serperior Cheren borrowed used Gastro Acid.

Movie adaptations

Darkrai activated Bad Dreams in The Rise of Darkrai.

Xerneas activated Fairy Aura in Diancie and the Cocoon of Destruction.

Pokémon Adventures

Ruby & Sapphire arc

Brawly's Makuhita activating Thick Fat in Pokémon Adventures

Parallel to their introduction in Generation III of the video games, Abilities were first introduced in the Ruby & Sapphire arc of Pokémon Adventures.

Wally's Kecleon activated its Color Change Ability in Tongue-Tied Kecleon.

Matt's Sharpedo and Amber's Carvanha both activated Rough Skin in Mowing Down Ludicolo. Ruby's Castform, Fofo, first activated Forecast in the same chapter.

During Sapphire's battle with Roxanne in Blowing Past Nosepass I, Roxanne's Nosepass proved superior to Rono. Worried that Rono would be defeated, Sapphire attempted to switch Rono out for Chic but was unable to. Roxanne explained that because her Nosepass has Magnet Pull, Steel-type Pokémon cannot switch out.

Ruby's first encounter with Abilities arrived in Stick This in Your Craw, Crawdaunt! II when he and Mr. Briney were attacked by a wild Crawdaunt. Peeko tried to defeat him with Quick Attack, but the Crawdaunt's Shell Armor prevented it from doing much damage at all. After Mr. Briney fell unconscious, Ruby had Kiki use Double-Edge and infatuate Crawdaunt with her Ability, Cute Charm.

Sapphire later struggled against a potent counter Ability when she faced Brawly in Mashing Makuhita. After Rono was quickly defeated by Brawly's Makuhita, Chic used Flamethrower against Makuhita, but it had little effect due to his Thick Fat Ability.

While on their way to Slateport City, Ruby and Sapphire were attacked by Courtney and Tabitha at the Abandoned Ship during Adding It Up with Plusle & Minun II. They escaped with the help of a wild Plusle and Minun after Ruby realized that their complimentary Abilities, Plus and Minus, greatly amplified their power when they fought together.

After Wattson is captured by the New Mauville generator, Sapphire devised a double battle strategy using his Electrike in Plugging Past Electrike II. While Electrike did not have the moves to defeat the generator itself, and the wild Donphan that Wattson and the Trick Master had originally intended to capture would be quickly eradicated by its powerful attacks, Electrike's Ability, Lightning Rod, would allow him to redirect the bolt away from Donphan, buying Donphan enough time to destroy the generator with Rollout.

Archie's Walrein activated Thick Fat during battle with Maxie's Camerupt in Walrein and Camerupt. Maxie's Camerupt activated Magma Armor during the same battle.

Groudon and Kyogre activated Drought and Drizzle, respectively, in The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon III.

Amber's Ninjask used Speed Boost in Can I Ninjask You a Question?.

Brawly's Machoke used Guts in The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon IX.

Sapphire's Lairon, Rono, and her Donphan, Phado, both activated Sturdy to survive against a Sheer Cold attack from Archie's Walrein in The Beginning of the End with Kyogre & Groudon X.

Norman's Spinda was revealed to have Own Tempo as his Ability in Rayquaza Redemption I, but Skill Swapped it with his Slaking's Truant Ability.

FireRed & LeafGreen arc

Red's Aero activating Rock Head in Pokémon Adventures

Ultima's Meganium and Typhlosion activated Overgrow and Blaze respectively in Old Ultima Puts Them to the Test.

Red's Gyara activated Intimidate at the start of Red and Blue's battle in Red and Blue Make Purple Opponents.

Red's Aero activated Rock Head while using Take Down in Double Dealing with Deoxys. In the same chapter, Blue's Rhydon activated Lightning Rod.

Red's Poli activated Damp in Put Your Beast Foot Forward. It was Skill Swapped by Organism No. 2 in Storming the Forretress for its Pressure ability.

Organism No. 2 activated Pressure in Don't Doubt Deoxys.

Blue's Alakazam copied Chuchu's Static with Role Play in Secrets from Sneasel.

Emerald arc

Lucy's Seviper used Shed Skin in Swanky Showdown with Swalot.

The Battle Factory's Golem used Rock Head, and the Battle Factory's Pinsir, Mawile, and Linoone were revealed to have Hyper Cutter, Intimidate, and Pickup respectively by Emerald's Pokédex in Pinsir Me, I Must Be Dreaming.

In Gotcha Where I Wantcha, Glalie, the rental Glalie that Noland used during his Battle Factory match against Emerald was revealed to have Inner Focus as its Ability by Emerald's Pokédex.

In Moving Past Milotic, Crystal's Starmie was revealed to have Natural Cure as its Ability.

In Just My Luck...Shuckle, Lucy's Shuckle and Milotic were revealed to have Sturdy and Marvel Scale respectively as their Abilitys by Emerald's Pokédex. Crystal's Rapidash was also revealed to have Run Away as his Ability by Emerald's Pokédex. Crystal's Blissey used Natural Cure in the same chapter.

Emerald's borrowed Phanpy had Pickup in A Dust-Up With Dusclops.

In Sneaky Like Shedinja, Greta's Shedinja was mentioned to have Wonder Guard as its Ability.

Ruby's Rara used Synchronize in Cunning Kirlia.

Ruby's Feefee used its ability Marvel Scale in Susceptible to Sceptile.

Diamond & Pearl arc

Cyrus's Magnezone activating Magnet Pull in Pokémon Adventures

Diamond's Lax had Pickup in Stagestruck Starly.

Roark's Onix used Rock Head in A Conk on Cranidos's Cranium.

A wild Stunky activated Stench in A Big Stink Over Stunky.

Saturn's Croagunk activated Anticipation in Crowded by Croagunk & Advanced on by Abra I.

A wild Hippowdon had Sand Stream in Bombastic Bibarel & Heroic Hippopotas.

Cyrus's Magnezone had Magnet Pull in Problematic Probopass and Mad Magnezone II.

Sird's Darkrai first used Bad Dreams in Startling Staraptor.

Diamond's Kit was revealed to have Own Tempo as its Ability in Well Met, Weepinbell but couldn't activate it since Sebastian's Weepinbell cancelled it out with Gastro Acid.

Cynthia's Spiritomb and Cyrus's Weavile both activated Pressure in Shunning Spiritomb.

Platinum arc

Platinum's Lopunny used her Cute Charm Ability in Getting the Drop on Gallade II to help her defeat Darach's Gallade.

The Battle Factory's Loudred was revealed to have Soundproof in Uprooting Seedot.

A Tyranitar belonging to the Battle Factory had Sand Stream in Outlasting Ledian. A Qwilfish belonging to the Battle Factory also used Poison Point in the same chapter.

Diamond's Rotom was confirmed to have Levitate in Unplugging Rotom (Heat, Wash, Mow, Fan, Frost).

Platinum's Cherrim activated Flower Gift in The Final Dimensional Duel X. In the same chapter, Diamond's Reg, the Lake guardians, Palkia, Dialga, Palmer's Cresselia, and Charon's Heatran all used Insomnia via Marley's Shaymin's Worry Seed.

HeartGold & SoulSilver arc

In All About Arceus IV, Arceus activated Multitype.

Black & White arc

N's Zorua activating Illusion in Pokémon Adventures

N's Zorua first used Illusion in Lost in the Big City.

Burgh's Whirlipede activated Poison Point in Big City Battles.

Several wild Darmanitan used their Hidden Ability Zen Mode in To Make a Musical.

Elesa's Zebstrika used Motor Drive in Battle on a Roller Coaster.

Brycen's Vanillish had Ice Body in The Cold Hard Truth.

Brycen's Beartic activated Snow Cloak in A Cold Reception. Drayden's Druddigon was also mentioned to have Sheer Force as its Ability.

N's Darmanitan activated its Hidden Ability Zen Mode in The Lesson Ends Here.

Marlon's Jellicent used Cursed Body in The Tournament Continues.

Black's Costa activated Solid Rock in One Way or Another, but Iris's Haxorus negated it with Mold Breaker.

Black 2 & White 2 arc

In Deduction Time, Hugh's Vibrava obtained Simple via a Team Plasma Grunt's Audino's Simple Beam.

X & Y arc

X's Élec activating Lightning Rod in Pokémon Adventures

Celosia's Aegislash activated Stance Change in Lucky Lucario Was Here.

X's Kangaskhan, Kanga and Li'l Kanga, activated Parental Bond as a Mega Kangaskhan in Charging After Electrike.

In Connecting with Gardevoir, Diantha mentioned that her Gardevoir has Trace as its Ability. In the same chapter, Gardevoir used Pixilate as a Mega Gardevoir.

X's Gengar, Garma, activated his Shadow Tag Ability as a Mega Gengar in Changing Gengar.

In Pyroar Breathes, X's Manectric, Élec, used his Lightning Rod Ability to drain Lysandre's machine's energy.

X's Mega Pinsir, Rute, used Aerilate in Zygarde Appears.

Xerosic's Malamar used Contrary in Chesnaught Protects.

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc

In Salamence Evolves, Zinnia's Salamence was mentioned to have Intimidate as its Ability. In the same chapter, Salamence used Aerilate as a Mega Salamence.

Groudon and Kyogre activated Desolate Land and Primordial Sea as Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre respectively in Groudon Returns.

Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc

Professor Kukui's Munchlax activated Thick Fat in The Announcement and the Prize.

Sun's Wishiwashi, Quarter, activated his Schooling Ability in Defeat and the Commander of the School of Fish.

Sun's Mimikyu, Penny, activated his Disguise Ability in A Photoshoot and the Abandoned Thrifty Megamart.

Gladion's Silvally activated its RKS System Ability in Destroy!! Results of the Training!.

Sword & Shield arc

In Zap!! A Rising Beam of Light, Casey's Scorbunny burned a Team Yell Grunt's Galarian Linoone. However, this ended up activating Linoone's Hidden Ability, Quick Feet. In the same chapter, a Team Yell Grunt's Thievul burned a Dynamaxed Gurdurr, activating his Ability, Guts. He was soon defeated and caught by Henry Sword.

In Gulp Gulp!! Pokémon, Casey's Kilo was mentioned to have its Hidden Ability, Propeller Tail. In the same chapter, Hop's Cramorant used its Ability, Gulp Missile.

In Chomp!! It's Dracovish, Marnie's Morpeko was shown to have the Ability Hunger Switch.

In Cracking!! Brilliant Tap-Dancing, Casey's Eiscue, Peta, activated its Ability Ice Face.

Scarlet & Violet arc

Scarlet's Tarountula was unaffected by Brassius's Petilil's Sleep Powder due to its Ability, Insomnia. In the same chapter, Brassius's Sudowoodo was able to survive a Lava Plume from Scarlet's Armarouge thanks to its Sturdy Ability, but it still fainted regardless due to receiving a burn from the attack.

Pokémon Battle Frontier

Enta's Vulpix activating Flash Fire in Pokémon Battle Frontier

Enta's Vulpix activated Flash Fire in Enta Arrives at the Battle Frontier!.

Enta's Feebas activated Swift Swim in Introducing the Frontier Brains!.

When Enta battled Lucy's Seviper with Zangoose in The Predestined Battle!, Zangoose activated Immunity to prevent itself from being poisoned.

Pocket Monsters BW: The Heroes of Fire and Thunder

Togari's Watchog activated Keen Eye in Justice Trainer Shin Appears!.

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

Electivire was shown to activate Motor Drive in Ash's imagination in PDP07 if Pikachu used Volt Tackle on it.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Adventure!

Saturn's Rhyperior activated Lightningrod to redirect Hareta's Luxio Electric-type moves to it.

Hareta's Riolu has Steadfast which activated after flinching from B-2's Drapion.

Hareta's Piplup has Torrent, which powered up its Water-type moves.

Hareta's Luxio activated Intimidate in A Novel Test!! on Candice's Regirock and Regice but Regirock's Clear Body prevented Intimidate from working. Regice and Registeel were revealed to have Clear Body in the same chapter but weren't shown activating it.

Hareta's Regigigas has Slow Start, which proved to be a disadvantage for Hareta.

Koya's Absol's Super Luck nearly defeated Hareta's Empoleon but a comeback with Empoleon's Surf would have given Hareta the win but the battle was interrupted by Mitsumi's Glaceon's Ice Beam.

Koya's Mamoswine activated Snow Cloak during a hailstorm.

Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!!

In PBK1, Shin's Bronzong had Heatproof to minimize the damage taken from Yū Shirogane's Infernape's Fire-type moves but Infernape's Blaze powered them back up.

Yū's Scizor received Heatran's Flash Fire Ability after Bronzong Skill Swapped them in PBK4. Yū's Bronzong had Levitate in that same chapter.

Yū's Regigigas had Slow Start in PBK7.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Norman's Slakoth activated Truant in I Won't Let You Lead.

Zorua and Zoroark activated Illusion in PMHGSS20.

Pocket Monsters XY: The Legend of the Pokémon Dragon King

Taichi's Ampharos has Static as its Ability.

In the TCG

Main article: Ability (TCG)

Abilities under the name of Abilities did not appear in the Trading Card Game until the Black & White expansion kicking off Generation V. However, this was merely a renaming of the longstanding Pokémon Powers. Pokémon Powers were very similar to Abilities, but were introduced much earlier, appearing in the very first Base Set during Generation I. In fact, some Abilities from the games originally appeared as Pokémon Powers.

With the introduction of the Expedition Base Set, Pokémon Powers were split into two groups: Poké-Powers and Poké-Bodies. Poké-Powers are special effects that the player must trigger or announce using. A Poké-Body's effect is a passive Ability that is always in effect. When Pokémon Powers were renamed to Abilities in Black and White, these distinctions were done away with.

Trivia

• Zygarde is the only Pokémon that has two standard Abilities but does not have a Hidden Ability.
• The unused Ability Cacophony was included in the coding for third-generation games as Ability #076 (Air Lock was #077). From the fourth generation, Cacophony was removed and Air Lock was renumbered as #076, with the new Abilities positioned from #077 onward.
• Generation III introduced the most Abilities, with a total of 76. Generation VI introduced the fewest, with a total of 27.
• In Generation III, there is an unused Ability placeholder labeled as "-------" with the description "No special ability".
• Every Ability introduced in Generation VIII is a signature Ability.
  • Out of them, Stalwart is the only one to have been given to a Pokémon that debuted after the Ability itself, being Archaludon's Hidden Ability.

In other languages

Language Title Chinese Cantonese 特性 Dahksing Mandarin 特性 Tèxìng 特技 Tèjì * Czech Schopnost Danish Specielle evne Egenskab Færdighed* Dutch Capaciteit Talent* Finnish Kyky Erikoisominaisuus Erkoiskyky French Canada Habileté spéciale* Europe Talent* Capacité spéciale* German Fähigkeit Hindi काबिलियत Kabiliyat Hungarian Képesség Indonesian Kemampuan Italian Abilità Korean 특성 Teukseong Malaysian Kebolehan Norwegian Evne* Ferdighet* Polish Umiejętność* Zdolność* Portuguese Brazil Habilidade Técnica (PS273) Característica (PS189) Portugal Poder* Habilidade Especialidade Russian Талант Talant* Способность Sposobnost'* Spanish Habilidad Swedish Förmåga Thai คุณสมบัติพิเศษ Khunsombat phiset Vietnamese Đặc tính Đặc trưng

See also

• Ability variations
• List of Pokémon by Ability
• List of Abilities in other languages
• Signature Ability
• Moves that affect Abilities
• Moves that ignore Abilities
• Ability-changing Abilities
• Abilities that ignore other Abilities

References

Pokémon individuality
Level • Stats • Friendship • Gender • Ability (Hidden Ability) • Nature • Characteristic Effort values • Individual values • Go Power • Effort level Condition • Performance • Affection • Memory

This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.