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Special Abilities

For your convenience, this page lists all of Nintendo's Special Abilities, so you can make an informed decision about the best Special Ability for your pokémon. Also, on the rare occasion that we accept a new Special Ability, it'll be listed here...so, for PF Pokémon, this is truly the best reference!

Click on an ability's name for more detailed information.


200 abilities.

Protects you | Boosts your power | Harms the foe | Traps the foe | Changes the weather | 2-on-2 Battle-specific | Out of Battle | Harms you | Misc.

Protects you

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AnticipationSenses a foe's dangerous moves.Barboach, ToxicroakNintendo
Battle ArmorThe Pokémon is protected against critical hits.Kabuto, DrapionNintendo
Big PecksProtects the Pokémon from Defense-lowering attacks.Pidove, SwannaNintendo
Clear BodyPrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.Tentacool, MetagrossNintendo
Cursed BodyMay disable a move used on the Pokémon.Froslass, JellicentNintendo
DampPrevents combatants from self-destructing.Psyduck, PoliwhirlNintendo
DurableProtects the Pokémon from recoil damage.PF
Early BirdThe Pokémon awakens quickly from sleep.Doduo, HoundourNintendo
FilterReduces damage from supereffective attacks.Mime Jr., Mr. MimeNintendo
ForewarnDetermines what moves a foe has.Smoochum, HypnoChanged Nintendo
HeatproofWeakens the power of Fire-type moves.Bronzor, BronzongNintendo
HydrationHeals status problems if it is raining.Seel, ManaphyNintendo
Hyper CutterPrevents the ATTACK stat from being lowered.Krabby, GliscorNintendo
Ice BodyThe Pokémon regains HP in a hailstorm.Snorunt, WalreinNintendo
ImmunityPrevents the Pokémon from getting poisoned.Zangoose, SnorlaxNintendo
Inner FocusThe Pokémon is protected from flinching.Zubat, KadabraNintendo
InsomniaPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.Hoothoot, DrowzeeNintendo
Keen EyePrevents the Pokémon from losing accuracy.Hoothoot, HitmonchanNintendo
Leaf GuardPrevents status problems in sunny weather.Hoppip, TangrowthNintendo
LevitateGives immunity to GROUND but weakness to WIND.Gastly, CarnivineChanged Nintendo
Lightning RodThe Pokémon draws in all Electric-type moves.Rhydon, ManectricNintendo
LimberThe Pokémon is protected from paralysis.Ditto, PersianNintendo
Magic BounceReflects status-changing moves.Natu, EspeonNintendo
Magic GuardThe Pokémon only takes damage from attacks.ClefairyNintendo
Magma ArmorPrevents the Pokémon from becoming frozen.Slugma, CameruptNintendo
Motor DriveRaises Speed if hit by an Electric-type move.ElectivireNintendo
MultiscaleReduces damage when HP is full.Dragonite, LugiaNintendo
Natural CureAll status problems are healed upon switching out.Chansey, AltariaNintendo
ObliviousPrevents the Pokémon from becoming infatuated.Slowpoke, LickilickyNintendo
OvercoatProtects the Pokémon from damage from weather.Sewaddle, ReuniclusNintendo
Own TempoPrevents the Pokémon from becoming confused.Spinda, SpoinkNintendo
Poison HealRestores HP if the Pokémon is poisoned.ShroomishNintendo
Rain DishThe Pokémon gradually recovers HP in rain.LotadNintendo
RegeneratorRestores a little HP when withdrawn from battle.Audino, MienshaoNintendo
Rock HeadProtects the Pokémon from recoil damage.Geodude, MarowakNintendo
Rubber SkinGives full immunity to all ELECTRIC-type moves.RubbarvazPF
Run AwayEnables sure getaway from wild Pokémon.Rattata, DodrioNintendo
Sand VeilBoosts the Pokémon's evasion in a sandstorm.Sandshrew, CacturneNintendo
Shed SkinThe Pokémon may heal its own status problems.Ekans, MetapodNintendo
Shell ArmorThe Pokémon is protected against critical hits.Shellder, OmastarNintendo
Shield DustBlocks the added effects of attacks taken.Wurmple, VenomothNintendo
Snow CloakRaises evasion in a hailstorm.Swinub, FroslassNintendo
Solid RockPowers down super-effective moves.Camerupt, RhyperiorNintendo
SoundproofGives full immunity to all sound-based moves.Voltorb, LoudredNintendo
Sticky HoldProtects the Pokémon from item theft.Grimer, GastrodonNintendo
SturdyThe Pokémon is protected against 1-hit KO attacks.Pineco, BastiodonNintendo
Suction CupsNegates moves that force switching out.Lileep, OctilleryNintendo
TelepathyAnticipates an ally's attack and dodges it.Elgyem, MusharnaNintendo
Thick FatRaises resistance to FIRE-type and ICE-type moves.Munchlax, DewgongNintendo
Thick SkinProtects the Pokémon from super effective hits.PeipeltPF
UnawareIgnores any change in ability by the foe.BidoofNintendo
Vital FlowPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.PharaleohPF
Vital SpiritPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.Mankey, VigorothNintendo
Volt AbsorbRestores HP if hit by an ELECTRIC-type move.Chinchou, JolteonNintendo
Water AbsorbRestores HP if hit by a WATER-type move.Wooper, VaporeonNintendo
Water VeilPrevents the Pokémon from getting a burn.Wailmer, SeakingNintendo
White SmokePrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.TorkoalNintendo
Wind AbsorbRestores HP if hit by a WIND-type move.HurricroakPF
Wonder GuardOnly super effective moves will hit.ShedinjaNintendo
Wonder SkinMakes status-changing moves more likely to miss.Skitty, SigilyphNintendo
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Boosts your power

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AdaptabilityPowers up moves of the same type.Eevee, Porygon-ZNintendo
AnalyticBoosts move power when the Pokémon moves last.Magnemite, BeheeyemNintendo
Anger PointMaxes Attack after taking a critical hit.Tauros, PrimeapeNintendo
Aqua PhaseCan change the phase of Water-type moves to be super-effective.PF
BlazePowers up Fire-type moves in a pinch.Charmander, TorchicNintendo
CacophonyRaises the base power of sound moves.Changed Nintendo
ChlorophyllBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in sunshine.Oddish, BellsproutNintendo
CompoundeyesThe Pokémon's accuracy is boosted.Butterfree, VenonatNintendo
Cutting EdgeBoosts the power of cutting moves. PF
DefiantWhen its stats are lowered its Attack increases.Purugly, BisharpNintendo
DiurnalBoosts power to 125% during the day, but cuts to 75% at night.PF
DownloadAdjusts power according to a foe's defenses.Porygon2, GenesectNintendo
Flare BoostPowers up special attacks when burned.Drifloon, DrifblimNintendo
Flash FireIts Fire-type moves power up if it's hit by one. Vulpix, RapidashNintendo
Flower GiftPowers up party Pokémon when it is sunny.CherrimNintendo
FocusBoosts Sp. Atk if there is a status problem.PF
GluttonyEncourages the early use of a held Berry.Shuckle, LinooneNintendo
GutsBoosts Attack if there is a status problem.Machop, TyrogueNintendo
Hot TemperBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers Sp. Def when HP is low.PF
Huge PowerRaises the Pokémon's Attack stat.MarillNintendo
HustleBoosts the Attack stat, but lowers accuracy.Togepi, DelibirdNintendo
InfiltratorPasses through the foe's barrier and strikes.Zubat, WhimsicottNintendo
Iron FistBoosts the power of punching moves.HitmonchanNintendo
JustifiedRaises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move.Cobalion, Terrakion, VirizionNintendo
Marvel ScaleBoosts Defense if there is a status problem.MiloticNintendo
Mold BreakerMoves can be used regardless of abilities.Pinsir, RampardosNintendo
MoodyRaises one stat and lowers another.Bidoof, OctilleryNintendo
MoxieBoosts Attack after knocking out any Pokémon.Sandile, ScraftyNintendo
NocturnalThe user's ability to see at night raises its accuracy in darkness.PF
OvergrowPowers up Grass-type moves in a pinch.Bulbasaur, ChikoritaNintendo
PainBoosts Attack, but lowers Defense when HP is low.PhobainPF
PanicBoosts Defense, but lowers Attack when HP is low.DepanosPF
PranksterGives priority to a status move.Whimsicott, TornadusNintendo
Pure PowerBoosts the power of physical attacks.MedichamNintendo
Quick FeetBoosts Speed if there is a status problem.Poochyena, GranbullNintendo
RattledSome move types scare it and boost its Speed.Sudowoodo, WhismurNintendo
RecklessPowers up moves that have recoil damage.HitmonleeNintendo
RivalryRaises Attack if the foe is of the same gender.Shinx, NidorinoNintendo
Sand ForceBoosts certain moves' power in a sandstorm.Drilbur, LandorusNintendo
Sand RushBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in a sandstorm.Herdier, ExcadrillNintendo
Sap SipperBoosts Attack when hit by a Grass-type move.Deerling, BouffalantNintendo
Serene GraceBoosts the likelihood of added effects appearing.Chansey, JirachiNintendo
Sheer ForceRemoves added effects to increase move damage.Timburr, DarmanitanNintendo
Skill LinkIncreases the frequency of multi-strike moves.ShellderNintendo
SniperPowers up moves if they become critical hits.Remoraid, SeadraNintendo
Speed BoostThe Pokémon's Speed stat is gradually boosted.Ninjask, YanmaNintendo
SteadfastRaises Speed each time the Pokémon flinches.Riolu, GalladeNintendo
Super LuckHeightens the critical-hit ratios of moves.Murkrow, AbsolNintendo
SwarmPowers up Bug-type moves in a pinch.Beedrill, ScytherNintendo
Swift SwimBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in rain.Goldeen, HorseaNintendo
Tangled FeetRaises evasion if the Pokémon is confused.Chatot, PidgeottoNintendo
TechnicianPowers up the Pokémon's weaker moves.Meowth, PersianNintendo
TeravoltMoves can be used regardless of Abilities.ZekromChanged Nintendo
Tinted LensPowers up "not very effective" moves.Venonat, YanmegaNintendo
TorrentPowers up Water-type moves in a pinch.Squirtle, TotodileNintendo
Toxic BoostPowers up physical attacks when poisoned.ZangooseNintendo
TurboblazeMoves can be used regardless of Abilities.ReshiramChanged Nintendo
UnburdenRaises Speed if a held item is used.DrifloonNintendo
SimpleThe Pokémon is prone to wild stat changes.Numel, BibarelNintendo
Solar PanelsBoosts in sunshine, but lowers in rain.StegolarPF
Solar PowerBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers HP in sunshine.Sunkern, TropiusNintendo
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Harms the foe

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AftermathDamages the attacker landing the finishing hit.Drifloon, SkuntankNintendo
AmbushMay go first and lowers the foe's Defense.PF
Bad DreamsReduces a sleeping foe's HP.DarkraiNintendo
BloodsuckerDrains the attacking Pokémon's HP on physical contact.PF
Cute CharmContact with the Pokémon may cause infatuation.Skitty, ClefairyNintendo
Effect SporeContact may paralyze, poison, or cause sleep.Shroomish, ParasNintendo
Flame BodyContact with the Pokémon may burn the attacker.Slugma, MagmarNintendo
FrigidContact with the Pokémon may freeze the attacker. PF
IntimidateLowers the foe's Attack stat.Gyarados, ArcanineNintendo
Iron BarbsInflicts damage to the Pokémon on contact.Ferroseed, FerrothornNintendo
Liquid OozeInflicts damage on foes using any draining move.Tentacool, GulpinNintendo
PitifulThe Pokémon may cause the foe to flinch.PhantroughPF
Poison PointContact with the Pokémon may poison the foe.Nidoran, RoseliaNintendo
Poison Touch May poison targets when a Pokémon makes contact.Grimer, SeismitoadNintendo
PressureThe Pok�mon raises the foe's PP usage.Dusclops, MewtwoNintendo
RadioactiveDamages the foe by emitting radiation.AbominatomPF
Rough SkinInflicts damage to the foe on contact.CarvanhaNintendo
StaticContact with the Pokémon may cause paralysis.Mareep, PikachuNintendo
SynchronizePasses on a burn, poison, or paralysis to the foe.Ralts, EspeonNintendo
UnnerveMakes the foe nervous and unable to eat Berries.Masquerain, JoltikNintendo
WellpolishedLowers the foe's accuracy.ToucrismaPF
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Traps the foe

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Arena TrapPrevents the foe from fleeing.Trapinch, DiglettNintendo
Gravity PullPrevents the foe from escaping.PF
Magnet PullPrevents Steel-type Pokémon from escaping.Magneton, NosepassNintendo
Root TrapRoots trap the foe, unless they can be burned off.PF
Shadow TagPrevents the foe from escaping.WobbuffetNintendo
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Changes the weather

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Air LockEliminates the effects of weather.RayquazaNintendo
Cloud NineEliminates the effects of weather.Golduck, SwabluNintendo
DrizzleThe Pokémon makes it rain if it appears in battle.KyogreNintendo
DroughtThe Pokémon turns the sunlight harsh if it is in battle.GroudonNintendo
Sand StreamThe Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.TyranitarNintendo
Snow WarningThe Pokémon summons a hailstorm in battle.AbomasnowNintendo
TwilightThe Pokémon summons darkness in battle.StalkerPF
White OutThe Pokémon summons a hailstorm in battle.PF
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2-on-2 Battle-specific

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Friend GuardReduces damage done to allies.Clefairy, Jigglypuff, HappinyNintendo
HealerMay heal an ally's status conditions.Chansey, AudinoNintendo
MinusBoosts Sp. Atk if another Pok�mon has Plus.MinunNintendo
NeutralChanges charge into Plus or Minus at random.NeutriPF
PlusBoosts Sp. Atk if another Pok�mon has Minus.PlusleNintendo
Storm DrainThe Pokémon draws in all Water-type moves.Finneon, GastrodonNintendo
Victory StarBoosts the accuracy of its allies and itself.VictiniNintendo
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Out of Battle

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Honey GatherThe Pokémon may gather Honey from somewhere.CombeeNintendo
IlluminateRaises the likelihood of meeting wild Pokémon.Volbeat, ChinchouNintendo
PerfumeThe perfume helps attract wild Pokémon.SyruplePF
PickupThe Pokémon may pick up items.Zigzagoon, MeowthNintendo
StenchThe stench helps keep wild Pokémon away.GrimerNintendo
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Harms you

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
SimpleThe Pokémon is prone to wild stat changes.Numel, BibarelNintendo
Solar PanelsBoosts in sunshine, but lowers in rain.StegolarPF
Solar PowerBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers HP in sunshine.Sunkern, TropiusNintendo
DefeatistLowers stats when HP becomes half or less.Archen, ArcheopsNintendo
KlutzThe Pokémon can't use any held items.BunearyNintendo
Slow StartTemporarily halves Attack and Speed.RegigigasNintendo
TruantThe Pokémon can't attack on consecutive turns.SlakothNintendo
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Misc.

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AutorepairRecovers HP gradually but can't heal by organic means.SigmabotPF
Color ChangeChanges the Pokémon's type to the foe's move.KecleonNintendo
ContraryMakes stat changes have an opposite effect.Spinda, SerperiorNintendo
Dry SkinReduces HP if it is hot. Water restores HP.Croagunk, ParasectNintendo
Dusty SkinReduces HP if it is wet. HP is restored in darkness.PF
Element CycleCycles type based on natural weather elements at the start of battle.PF
ForecastThe Pokémon transforms with the weather.CastformChanged Nintendo
FriskThe Pokémon can check the foe's held item.Shuppet, StantlerNintendo
GrazeThe Pokémon rests to restore HP every two turns.PF
HarvestMay create another Berry after one is used.Exeggcute, TropiusNintendo
Heavy MetalDoubles the Pokémon's weight.Aron, BronzongNintendo
IllusionComes out disguised as the Pokémon in back.Zorua, ZoroarkNintendo
ImposterIt transforms itself into the Pokémon it is facing.DittoNintendo
Liar LiarThe Pokémon counteracts foe's last move's type.GaolahPF
Light MetalHalves the Pokémon's weight.Scizor, RegisteelNintendo
MalfunctionThe Pokémon may disobey its trainer.OmegabotPF
MultitypeChanges type to match the held Plate.ArceusNintendo
MummyContact with this Pokémon spreads this Ability.Yamask, CofagrigusNintendo
No AbilityThe Pokémon has no special ability.-none currently known-Nintendo
No GuardEnsures the Pokémon and its foe's attacks land.MachopNintendo
NormalizeAll the Pokémon's moves become the Normal type.SkittyNintendo
PickpocketSteals an item when hit by another Pokémon.Nuzleaf, WeavileNintendo
ScrappyEnables moves to hit Ghost-type foes.Kangaskahn, MiltankNintendo
StallThe Pokémon moves after even slower foes.SableyeNintendo
TraceThe Pokémon copies the foe's ability.Ralts, PorygonNintendo
TricksterThe Pokémon disguises as a random Pokémon.PrankstarPF
Truth TellThe Pokémon copies foe's last move's type.GaolahPF
Weak ArmorPhysical attacks lower Defense and raise Speed.Magcargo, GarbodorNintendo
Zen ModeChanges the Pokémon's shape when HP is halved.DarmanitanNintendo
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