This article explains Abilities in Pokemon USUM (Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon), including Hidden Abilities. It covers how Abilities work, detailed rules, and more, so please use it as a reference.
Table of Contents
They are relevant in various game situations
There are various types of Abilities, from those that give an advantage in battle to those that make it easier to hatch Eggs on the field. Abilities related to battles are particularly important, so it's necessary to remember their effects well.
Set for each Pokemon species
Abilities are determined for each Pokemon species, and a Pokemon may have 1 to 3 Abilities set. If a Pokemon has multiple Abilities, one is randomly determined. Abilities can be checked on the status screen.
Abilities different from normal ones
Hidden Abilities are Abilities that cannot be obtained normally. The acquisition method is special and differs for each series. They are also sometimes called 'Hidden Abilities'.
Many have powerful effects
Hidden Abilities are often more powerful than regular Abilities. They play a powerful role when forming a party, making them important when selecting Pokemon.
How to obtain Pokemon with Hidden Abilities by series
Generation 5 (BW/BW2)
- Befriend in Pokemon Dream World and capture via Entree Forest (High Link)
- Receive from official distributions of Pokemon with Hidden Abilities
- Send using Pokemon AR Searcher (B2/W2)
- Capture Pokemon from Hidden Grottoes (B2/W2)
- Receive from in-game events
- Inherit from a parent
Generation 6 (XY/ORAS)
- Appear in rustling grass, bubbling water, or dust clouds. Encounter by raising the DexNav search level (OR/AS).
- When bringing over a Pokemon with a Hidden Ability using Pokemon Bank, or when hatching an Egg from such a Pokemon.
- Receive from official distributions of Pokemon with Hidden Abilities
- Capture in Friend Safari (XY)
- Capture in Horde Encounters
- Inherit from a parent
Generation 7 (SM)
- SOS Battles
- Obtain through trades with Trainers
Ability changes upon Mega Evolution
Some Pokemon change their Ability upon Mega Evolving. For example, Salamence has 'Intimidate', but Mega Salamence has 'Aerilate'. Depending on the Pokemon, this can significantly change strategies.
There is an item in Generation 6 to change Abilities
For Pokemon that have two possible regular Abilities, using an 'Ability Capsule' can change it to the other Ability.
Ability Capsule is a one-time use item
Once used, the 'Ability Capsule' is consumed, and it cannot be used to change to a Hidden Ability. It also cannot change a Hidden Ability to a regular Ability.
