Hidden Abilities (HAs) have had a massive impact on the Pokémon metagame, transforming certain Pokémon from forgettable to formidable. Introduced in Pokémon Black & White, Hidden Abilities are alternative abilities that Pokémon typically don’t have in the wild. Some of these abilities have completely reshaped competitive battles and in-game strategies, making previously overlooked Pokémon into viable or even top-tier threats. Here are some of the most game-changing Hidden Abilities in Pokémon history.
1. Speed Boost – Blaziken
Before Pokémon Black & White, Blaziken was powerful but outclassed by other Fire-type starters like Infernape. That changed when it received Speed Boost, an ability that increases its Speed at the end of every turn. This turned Blaziken into a terrifying sweeper, allowing it to outspeed most threats after just one turn. It was so powerful that Blaziken became the first starter Pokémon ever banned to Uber Tier in competitive play.
2. Protean – Greninja
Greninja was already fast and had a strong movepool, but its Hidden Ability, Protean, made it one of the most unpredictable Pokémon in the game. Protean changes Greninja’s type to match the move it is using, effectively giving it STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) on every move while also allowing it to adjust its typing defensively. This ability helped Greninja dominate competitive play for multiple generations.
3. Imposter – Ditto
Before Pokémon Black & White, Ditto was mostly used for breeding. But its Hidden Ability, Imposter, changed everything. Instead of needing to use Transform manually, Ditto now instantly transforms into its opponent upon entering battle, copying their stats, moves, and typing. This made Ditto an essential counter to setup sweepers, drastically increasing its relevance in competitive play.
4. Gale Wings – Talonflame (Pre-Nerf)
Talonflame became a top-tier threat thanks to Gale Wings, which gave all of its Flying-type moves priority. This meant it could use Brave Bird or Roost before almost anything else. Talonflame became a staple in competitive battles, especially against slower threats. However, Game Freak nerfed Gale Wings in Pokémon Sun & Moon, making it work only when Talonflame was at full HP, significantly reducing its dominance.
5. Prankster – Sableye & Whimsicott
Prankster gives priority to status moves, which completely redefined Pokémon like Sableye and Whimsicott. Sableye became an excellent wall with moves like Will-O-Wisp and Recover, while Whimsicott became an annoying disruptor with moves like Substitute, Encore, and Leech Seed. Prankster continues to be one of the most influential abilities in the game, making these Pokémon defensive and utility powerhouses.
6. Magic Bounce – Espeon & Mega Sableye
Before Hidden Abilities, Espeon wasn’t very relevant competitively. However, Magic Bounce changed that by reflecting status moves like Stealth Rock, Toxic, and Spikes back at opponents. This made Espeon a strong anti-hazard Pokémon. Mega Sableye also gained Magic Bounce, making it an incredible wall in Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire.
7. Shadow Tag – Gothitelle & Mega Gengar
Shadow Tag prevents opponents from switching out, which can completely ruin an opponent’s strategy. This ability was already dangerous on Wobbuffet, but it became even scarier when Gothitelle and Mega Gengar got it. These Pokémon could trap key threats and eliminate them, disrupting entire teams. Because of how oppressive Shadow Tag was in competitive play, Mega Gengar and Gothitelle were eventually banned to Ubers.
8. Moxie – Gyarados & Salamence
Moxie boosts a Pokémon’s Attack every time it knocks out an opponent. This ability turned Pokémon like Gyarados and Salamence into terrifying sweepers. After a single KO, they could snowball into an unstoppable force, forcing opponents to play extremely cautiously. Paired with Dragon Dance, Moxie made these Pokémon some of the most feared threats in battle.
9. Unaware – Clefable & Quagsire
Unaware allows Pokémon to ignore opponents’ stat boosts, which makes it a fantastic counter to setup sweepers. Clefable and Quagsire became top-tier defensive Pokémon because they could completely shut down opponents who relied on moves like Swords Dance, Dragon Dance, or Calm Mind. This ability reshaped the metagame by ensuring that no setup sweeper could dominate too easily.
10. Technician – Breloom & Scizor
Technician boosts the power of moves with 60 base power or less by 50%, making Pokémon like Scizor and Breloom incredibly strong. Scizor’s Bullet Punch became one of the best priority moves in the game, while Breloom’s Mach Punch and Bullet Seed made it a serious offensive threat. These Pokémon have remained staples in competitive play thanks to Technician.
11. Drizzle – Politoed & Drought – Ninetales
Before Pokémon Black & White, weather teams relied on abilities from legendary Pokémon like Kyogre and Groudon. But when Politoed received Drizzle and Ninetales received Drought, it made rain and sun teams viable in normal play. Rain teams with Swift Swim Pokémon became dominant, while sun teams gained new relevance. These abilities completely shifted the balance of power in competitive play.
12. Regenerator – Tangrowth & Slowbro
Regenerator restores ⅓ of a Pokémon’s HP when it switches out, making Pokémon like Tangrowth, Slowbro, and Amoonguss incredibly difficult to wear down. This ability gave bulky Pokémon incredible longevity, making them some of the best defensive pivots in the game.
Final Thoughts
Hidden Abilities have changed Pokémon battles forever, elevating many Pokémon from weak or underwhelming to some of the strongest in the game. Whether by making a Pokémon a dominant sweeper (Blaziken with Speed Boost), an annoying stall breaker (Espeon with Magic Bounce), or a game-breaking trapper (Mega Gengar with Shadow Tag), Hidden Abilities have reshaped the metagame in countless ways. With every new generation, Game Freak continues to introduce new abilities that redefine how Pokémon are played.
Which Hidden Ability do you think changed the game the most? Let us know!
Leave a Reply