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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.


201 abilities.

Is Affected by Weather | Affects the Weather | Affects Wild Appearances | Alters Damage Taken | Alters Damage Done | Damages the Foe | Affects Status Effects | Causes Status Effects | Restores HP | Has a Field Effect | Harms the User | Draws Moves | Raises Stats | Affects the Foe's Stats | Prevents Stat Lowering | Traps the Foe | Enhances a Type | Related to Held Items | Misc.

Is Affected by Weather

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
ChlorophyllBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in sunshine.Oddish, BellsproutNintendo
Dry SkinReduces HP if it is hot. Water restores HP.Croagunk, ParasectNintendo
Flower GiftPowers up party Pokémon when it is sunny.CherrimNintendo
ForecastThe Pokémon transforms with the weather.CastformChanged Nintendo
HydrationHeals status problems if it is raining.Seel, ManaphyNintendo
Ice BodyThe Pokémon regains HP in a hailstorm.Snorunt, WalreinNintendo
Leaf GuardPrevents status problems in sunny weather.Hoppip, TangrowthNintendo
OvercoatProtects the Pokémon from damage from weather.Sewaddle, ReuniclusNintendo
Rain DishThe Pokémon gradually recovers HP in rain.LotadNintendo
Sand ForceBoosts certain moves' power in a sandstorm.Drilbur, LandorusNintendo
Sand RushBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in a sandstorm.Herdier, ExcadrillNintendo
Sand VeilBoosts the Pokémon's evasion in a sandstorm.Sandshrew, CacturneNintendo
Snow CloakRaises evasion in a hailstorm.Swinub, FroslassNintendo
Solar PowerBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers HP in sunshine.Sunkern, TropiusNintendo
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Affects 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.Kyogre, PolitoedNintendo
DroughtThe Pokémon turns the sunlight harsh if it is in battle.Groudon, NinetalesNintendo
Sand StreamThe Pokémon summons a sandstorm in battle.TyranitarNintendo
Snow WarningThe Pokémon summons a hailstorm in battle.AbomasnowNintendo
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Affects Wild Appearances

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Arena TrapPrevents the foe from fleeing.Trapinch, DiglettNintendo
CompoundeyesThe Pokémon's accuracy is boosted.Butterfree, VenonatNintendo
Cute CharmContact with the Pokémon may cause infatuation.Skitty, ClefairyNintendo
HustleBoosts the Attack stat, but lowers accuracy.Togepi, DelibirdNintendo
IlluminateRaises the likelihood of meeting wild Pokémon.Volbeat, ChinchouNintendo
IntimidateLowers the foe's Attack stat.Gyarados, ArcanineNintendo
Keen EyePrevents the Pokémon from losing accuracy.Hoothoot, HitmonchanNintendo
No GuardEnsures the Pokémon and its foe's attacks land.MachopNintendo
Quick FeetBoosts Speed if there is a status problem.Poochyena, GranbullNintendo
Snow CloakRaises evasion in a hailstorm.Swinub, FroslassNintendo
StaticContact with the Pokémon may cause paralysis.Mareep, PikachuNintendo
StenchThe stench helps keep wild Pokémon away.GrimerNintendo
SynchronizePasses on a burn, poison, or paralysis to the foe.Ralts, EspeonNintendo
Vital SpiritPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.Mankey, VigorothNintendo
White SmokePrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.TorkoalNintendo
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Alters Damage Taken

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Battle ArmorThe Pokémon is protected against critical hits.Kabuto, DrapionNintendo
Dry SkinReduces HP if it is hot. Water restores HP.Croagunk, ParasectNintendo
DurableProtects the Pokémon from recoil damage.PossessordPF
FilterReduces damage from supereffective attacks.Mime Jr., Mr. MimeNintendo
Friend GuardReduces damage done to allies.Clefairy, Jigglypuff, HappinyNintendo
HeatproofWeakens the power of Fire-type moves.Bronzor, BronzongNintendo
LevitateGives immunity to GROUND but weakness to WIND.Gastly, CarnivineChanged Nintendo
Liquid OozeInflicts damage on foes using any draining move.Tentacool, GulpinNintendo
Magic GuardThe Pokémon only takes damage from attacks.ClefairyNintendo
Motor DriveRaises Speed if hit by an Electric-type move.ElectivireNintendo
MultiscaleReduces damage when HP is full.Dragonite, LugiaNintendo
OvercoatProtects the Pokémon from damage from weather.Sewaddle, ReuniclusNintendo
Rock HeadProtects the Pokémon from recoil damage.Geodude, MarowakNintendo
Sap SipperBoosts Attack when hit by a Grass-type move.Deerling, BouffalantNintendo
Shell ArmorThe Pokémon is protected against critical hits.Shellder, OmastarNintendo
Shield DustBlocks the added effects of attacks taken.Wurmple, VenomothNintendo
Solid RockPowers down super-effective moves.Camerupt, RhyperiorNintendo
SoundproofGives full immunity to all sound-based moves.Voltorb, LoudredNintendo
SturdyThe Pokémon is protected against 1-hit KO attacks.Pineco, BastiodonNintendo
TelepathyAnticipates an ally's attack and dodges it.Elgyem, MusharnaNintendo
Thick FatRaises resistance to FIRE-type and ICE-type moves.Munchlax, DewgongNintendo
Wonder GuardOnly super effective moves will hit.ShedinjaNintendo
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Alters Damage Done

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AdaptabilityPowers up moves of the same type.Eevee, Porygon-ZNintendo
AnalyticBoosts move power when the Pokémon moves last.Magnemite, BeheeyemNintendo
Aqua PhaseCan change the phase of Water-type moves to be super-effective.AquletalePF
BlazePowers up Fire-type moves in a pinch.Charmander, TorchicNintendo
CacophonyRaises the base power of sound moves.Magtie, MegaphonChanged Nintendo
Cutting EdgeBoosts the power of cutting moves. PF
DiurnalBoosts power to 125% during the day, but cuts to 75% at night.SearpentPF
Flash FireIts Fire-type moves power up if it's hit by one. Vulpix, RapidashNintendo
Iron FistBoosts the power of punching moves.HitmonchanNintendo
Mold BreakerMoves can be used regardless of abilities.Pinsir, RampardosNintendo
RecklessPowers up moves that have recoil damage.HitmonleeNintendo
Sheer ForceRemoves added effects to increase move damage.Timburr, DarmanitanNintendo
SniperPowers up moves if they become critical hits.Remoraid, SeadraNintendo
Super LuckHeightens the critical-hit ratios of moves.Murkrow, AbsolNintendo
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
TurboblazeMoves can be used regardless of Abilities.ReshiramChanged Nintendo
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Damages the Foe

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AftermathDamages the attacker landing the finishing hit.Drifloon, SkuntankNintendo
Bad DreamsReduces a sleeping foe's HP.DarkraiNintendo
BloodsuckerDrains the attacking Pokémon's HP on physical contact.PF
Iron BarbsInflicts damage to the Pokémon on contact.Ferroseed, FerrothornNintendo
Liquid OozeInflicts damage on foes using any draining move.Tentacool, GulpinNintendo
Rough SkinInflicts damage to the foe on contact.CarvanhaNintendo
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Affects Status Effects

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Early BirdThe Pokémon awakens quickly from sleep.Doduo, HoundourNintendo
Flare BoostPowers up special attacks when burned.Drifloon, DrifblimNintendo
GutsBoosts Attack if there is a status problem.Machop, TyrogueNintendo
HealerMay heal an ally's status conditions.Chansey, AudinoNintendo
HeatproofWeakens the power of Fire-type moves.Bronzor, BronzongNintendo
HydrationHeals status problems if it is raining.Seel, ManaphyNintendo
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
Leaf GuardPrevents status problems in sunny weather.Hoppip, TangrowthNintendo
LimberThe Pokémon is protected from paralysis.Ditto, PersianNintendo
Magma ArmorPrevents the Pokémon from becoming frozen.Slugma, CameruptNintendo
Marvel ScaleBoosts Defense if there is a status problem.MiloticNintendo
Natural CureAll status problems are healed upon switching out.Chansey, AltariaNintendo
ObliviousPrevents the Pokémon from becoming infatuated.Slowpoke, LickilickyNintendo
Own TempoPrevents the Pokémon from becoming confused.Spinda, SpoinkNintendo
Poison HealRestores HP if the Pokémon is poisoned.ShroomishNintendo
Quick FeetBoosts Speed if there is a status problem.Poochyena, GranbullNintendo
Shed SkinThe Pokémon may heal its own status problems.Ekans, MetapodNintendo
Shield DustBlocks the added effects of attacks taken.Wurmple, VenomothNintendo
SteadfastRaises Speed each time the Pokémon flinches.Riolu, GalladeNintendo
SynchronizePasses on a burn, poison, or paralysis to the foe.Ralts, EspeonNintendo
Tangled FeetRaises evasion if the Pokémon is confused.Chatot, PidgeottoNintendo
Toxic BoostPowers up physical attacks when poisoned.ZangooseNintendo
Vital SpiritPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.Mankey, VigorothNintendo
Water VeilPrevents the Pokémon from getting a burn.Wailmer, SeakingNintendo
Wonder SkinMakes status-changing moves more likely to miss.Skitty, SigilyphNintendo
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Causes Status Effects

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
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
Poison PointContact with the Pokémon may poison the foe.Nidoran, RoseliaNintendo
Poison Touch May poison targets when a Pokémon makes contact.Grimer, SeismitoadNintendo
StaticContact with the Pokémon may cause paralysis.Mareep, PikachuNintendo
StenchThe stench helps keep wild Pokémon away.GrimerNintendo
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Restores HP

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
BloodsuckerDrains the attacking Pokémon's HP on physical contact.PF
Dry SkinReduces HP if it is hot. Water restores HP.Croagunk, ParasectNintendo
Ice BodyThe Pokémon regains HP in a hailstorm.Snorunt, WalreinNintendo
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
Volt AbsorbRestores HP if hit by an ELECTRIC-type move.Chinchou, JolteonNintendo
Water AbsorbRestores HP if hit by a WATER-type move.Wooper, VaporeonNintendo
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Has a Field Effect

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Arena TrapPrevents the foe from fleeing.Trapinch, DiglettNintendo
CompoundeyesThe Pokémon's accuracy is boosted.Butterfree, VenonatNintendo
Cute CharmContact with the Pokémon may cause infatuation.Skitty, ClefairyNintendo
Flame BodyContact with the Pokémon may burn the attacker.Slugma, MagmarNintendo
HustleBoosts the Attack stat, but lowers accuracy.Togepi, DelibirdNintendo
IlluminateRaises the likelihood of meeting wild Pokémon.Volbeat, ChinchouNintendo
IntimidateLowers the foe's Attack stat.Gyarados, ArcanineNintendo
Keen EyePrevents the Pokémon from losing accuracy.Hoothoot, HitmonchanNintendo
Magma ArmorPrevents the Pokémon from becoming frozen.Slugma, CameruptNintendo
Magnet PullPrevents Steel-type Pokémon from escaping.Magneton, NosepassNintendo
No GuardEnsures the Pokémon and its foe's attacks land.MachopNintendo
PressureThe Pok�mon raises the foe's PP usage.Dusclops, MewtwoNintendo
Quick FeetBoosts Speed if there is a status problem.Poochyena, GranbullNintendo
Snow CloakRaises evasion in a hailstorm.Swinub, FroslassNintendo
StenchThe stench helps keep wild Pokémon away.GrimerNintendo
Sticky HoldProtects the Pokémon from item theft.Grimer, GastrodonNintendo
Suction CupsNegates moves that force switching out.Lileep, OctilleryNintendo
SwarmPowers up Bug-type moves in a pinch.Beedrill, ScytherNintendo
SynchronizePasses on a burn, poison, or paralysis to the foe.Ralts, EspeonNintendo
Vital SpiritPrevents the Pokémon from falling asleep.Mankey, VigorothNintendo
White SmokePrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.TorkoalNintendo
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Harms the User

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
ContraryMakes stat changes have an opposite effect.Spinda, SerperiorNintendo
DefeatistLowers stats when HP becomes half or less.Archen, ArcheopsNintendo
Dry SkinReduces HP if it is hot. Water restores HP.Croagunk, ParasectNintendo
HustleBoosts the Attack stat, but lowers accuracy.Togepi, DelibirdNintendo
KlutzThe Pokémon can't use any held items.BunearyNintendo
MoodyRaises one stat and lowers another.Bidoof, OctilleryNintendo
Paper ThinThin defenses provide no protection from attacks.PF
Slow StartTemporarily halves Attack and Speed.RegigigasNintendo
Solar PowerBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers HP in sunshine.Sunkern, TropiusNintendo
Weak ArmorPhysical attacks lower Defense and raise Speed.Magcargo, GarbodorNintendo
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Draws Moves

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Storm DrainThe Pokémon draws in all Water-type moves.Finneon, GastrodonNintendo
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Raises Stats

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Anger PointMaxes Attack after taking a critical hit.Tauros, PrimeapeNintendo
ChlorophyllBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in sunshine.Oddish, BellsproutNintendo
CompoundeyesThe Pokémon's accuracy is boosted.Butterfree, VenonatNintendo
ContraryMakes stat changes have an opposite effect.Spinda, SerperiorNintendo
DefiantWhen its stats are lowered its Attack increases.Purugly, BisharpNintendo
DownloadAdjusts power according to a foe's defenses.Porygon2, GenesectNintendo
Flare BoostPowers up special attacks when burned.Drifloon, DrifblimNintendo
Flower GiftPowers up party Pokémon when it is sunny.CherrimNintendo
FocusBoosts Sp. Atk if there is a status problem.MiravistelPF
GutsBoosts Attack if there is a status problem.Machop, TyrogueNintendo
Huge PowerRaises the Pokémon's Attack stat.MarillNintendo
HustleBoosts the Attack stat, but lowers accuracy.Togepi, DelibirdNintendo
JustifiedRaises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move.Cobalion, Terrakion, VirizionNintendo
Marvel ScaleBoosts Defense if there is a status problem.MiloticNintendo
MinusBoosts Sp. Atk if another Pok�mon has Plus.MinunNintendo
MoodyRaises one stat and lowers another.Bidoof, OctilleryNintendo
Motor DriveRaises Speed if hit by an Electric-type move.ElectivireNintendo
MoxieBoosts Attack after knocking out any Pokémon.Sandile, ScraftyNintendo
No GuardEnsures the Pokémon and its foe's attacks land.MachopNintendo
PlusBoosts Sp. Atk if another Pok�mon has Minus.PlusleNintendo
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
RivalryRaises Attack if the foe is of the same gender.Shinx, NidorinoNintendo
Sand RushBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in a sandstorm.Herdier, ExcadrillNintendo
Sand VeilBoosts the Pokémon's evasion in a sandstorm.Sandshrew, CacturneNintendo
Sap SipperBoosts Attack when hit by a Grass-type move.Deerling, BouffalantNintendo
Snow CloakRaises evasion in a hailstorm.Swinub, FroslassNintendo
Solar PowerBoosts Sp. Atk, but lowers HP in sunshine.Sunkern, TropiusNintendo
Speed BoostThe Pokémon's Speed stat is gradually boosted.Ninjask, YanmaNintendo
SteadfastRaises Speed each time the Pokémon flinches.Riolu, GalladeNintendo
Storm DrainThe Pokémon draws in all Water-type moves.Finneon, GastrodonNintendo
Swift SwimBoosts the Pokémon's Speed in rain.Goldeen, HorseaNintendo
Tangled FeetRaises evasion if the Pokémon is confused.Chatot, PidgeottoNintendo
Toxic BoostPowers up physical attacks when poisoned.ZangooseNintendo
UnburdenRaises Speed if a held item is used.DrifloonNintendo
Victory StarBoosts the accuracy of its allies and itself.VictiniNintendo
Weak ArmorPhysical attacks lower Defense and raise Speed.Magcargo, GarbodorNintendo
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Affects the Foe's Stats

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AmbushMay go first and lowers the foe's Defense.Bamboozl'PF
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Prevents Stat Lowering

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Big PecksProtects the Pokémon from Defense-lowering attacks.Pidove, SwannaNintendo
Clear BodyPrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.Tentacool, MetagrossNintendo
DefiantWhen its stats are lowered its Attack increases.Purugly, BisharpNintendo
Hyper CutterPrevents the ATTACK stat from being lowered.Krabby, GliscorNintendo
Keen EyePrevents the Pokémon from losing accuracy.Hoothoot, HitmonchanNintendo
White SmokePrevents the Pokémon's stats from being lowered.TorkoalNintendo
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Traps the Foe

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Arena TrapPrevents the foe from fleeing.Trapinch, DiglettNintendo
Magnet PullPrevents Steel-type Pokémon from escaping.Magneton, NosepassNintendo
Shadow TagPrevents the foe from escaping.WobbuffetNintendo
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Enhances a Type

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
AdaptabilityPowers up moves of the same type.Eevee, Porygon-ZNintendo
BlazePowers up Fire-type moves in a pinch.Charmander, TorchicNintendo
Flash FireIts Fire-type moves power up if it's hit by one. Vulpix, RapidashNintendo
NormalizeAll the Pokémon's moves become the Normal type.SkittyNintendo
OvergrowPowers up Grass-type moves in a pinch.Bulbasaur, ChikoritaNintendo
Sand ForceBoosts certain moves' power in a sandstorm.Drilbur, LandorusNintendo
ScrappyEnables moves to hit Ghost-type foes.Kangaskahn, MiltankNintendo
SwarmPowers up Bug-type moves in a pinch.Beedrill, ScytherNintendo
TorrentPowers up Water-type moves in a pinch.Squirtle, TotodileNintendo
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Related to Held Items

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
FriskThe Pokémon can check the foe's held item.Shuppet, StantlerNintendo
GluttonyEncourages the early use of a held Berry.Shuckle, LinooneNintendo
HarvestMay create another Berry after one is used.Exeggcute, TropiusNintendo
KlutzThe Pokémon can't use any held items.BunearyNintendo
PickpocketSteals an item when hit by another Pokémon.Nuzleaf, WeavileNintendo
PickupThe Pokémon may pick up items.Zigzagoon, MeowthNintendo
Sticky HoldProtects the Pokémon from item theft.Grimer, GastrodonNintendo
UnburdenRaises Speed if a held item is used.DrifloonNintendo
UnnerveMakes the foe nervous and unable to eat Berries.Masquerain, JoltikNintendo
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Misc.

NameGame TextExamplesOrigin
Alter TimeThis Pokémon always seems to move first, no matter what.BonzaiPF
AmbushMay go first and lowers the foe's Defense.Bamboozl'PF
AnticipationSenses a foe's dangerous moves.Barboach, ToxicroakNintendo
Aqua PhaseCan change the phase of Water-type moves to be super-effective.AquletalePF
Color ChangeChanges the Pokémon's type to the foe's move.KecleonNintendo
Cursed BodyMay disable a move used on the Pokémon.Froslass, JellicentNintendo
DampPrevents combatants from self-destructing.Psyduck, PoliwhirlNintendo
Element CycleCycles type based on natural weather elements at the start of battle.DeckadecuPF
ForewarnDetermines what moves a foe has.Smoochum, HypnoChanged Nintendo
Heavy MetalDoubles the Pokémon's weight.Aron, BronzongNintendo
Honey GatherThe Pokémon may gather Honey from somewhere.CombeeNintendo
IllusionComes out disguised as the Pokémon in back.Zorua, ZoroarkNintendo
ImposterIt transforms itself into the Pokémon it is facing.DittoNintendo
InfiltratorPasses through the foe's barrier and strikes.Zubat, WhimsicottNintendo
Light MetalHalves the Pokémon's weight.Scizor, RegisteelNintendo
Magic BounceReflects status-changing moves.Natu, EspeonNintendo
MultitypeChanges type to match the held Plate.ArceusNintendo
MummyContact with this Pokémon spreads this Ability.Yamask, CofagrigusNintendo
PressureThe Pok�mon raises the foe's PP usage.Dusclops, MewtwoNintendo
Run AwayEnables sure getaway from wild Pokémon.Rattata, DodrioNintendo
Serene GraceBoosts the likelihood of added effects appearing.Chansey, JirachiNintendo
SimpleThe Pokémon is prone to wild stat changes.Numel, BibarelNintendo
Skill LinkIncreases the frequency of multi-strike moves.ShellderNintendo
StallThe Pokémon moves after even slower foes.SableyeNintendo
TraceThe Pokémon copies the foe's ability.Ralts, PorygonNintendo
TruantThe Pokémon can't attack on consecutive turns.SlakothNintendo
UnawareIgnores any change in ability by the foe.BidoofNintendo
Zen ModeChanges the Pokémon's shape when HP is halved.DarmanitanNintendo
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