In the vast world of Pokémon, some abilities often go unnoticed or underappreciated despite having significant potential in battles. While abilities like Intimidate or Levitate frequently steal the spotlight, there are several underrated Pokémon abilities that can turn the tide of a battle if used strategically. These abilities may not always get the same level of attention, but they provide unique advantages that can make a difference in the right hands.
1. Infiltrator
Infiltrator is an ability that allows the user to bypass Substitute and Light Screen/Reflect. While it may not always seem crucial, it can be a game-changer when facing defensive teams that rely on these moves for protection. Pokémon with Infiltrator can hit through substitutes, making it especially effective against stall teams or when your opponent tries to set up layers of defense. Pokémon like Drifloon and Sableye, with this ability, can easily bypass many common strategies, allowing them to apply offensive pressure with little hindrance.
2. Clear Body / White Smoke
Clear Body and White Smoke prevent the Pokémon from having their stats lowered by opposing moves or abilities. These abilities are often overshadowed by other stat-boosting or offensive abilities, but they are incredibly useful in competitive play. Moves like Intimidate or moves like Growl that lower Attack stats are rendered ineffective, allowing Pokémon with these abilities to maintain their offensive or defensive presence. Pokémon like Steelix or Swampert benefit from this, as it allows them to shrug off common debuffs and focus on what they do best.
3. Sap Sipper
Sap Sipper grants immunity to Grass-type moves and boosts the user’s Attack stat by one stage when hit by one. This ability is often overlooked, but it provides a unique form of offense and defense, especially against Grass-type attackers. It can turn an otherwise weak Grass-type move into a buff for the Pokémon with Sap Sipper. Pokémon like Sawsbuck and Amoonguss with this ability can become more formidable against opponents that rely on Grass-type moves. It can also deter Grass-types from attempting to attack, forcing them to switch out.
4. Regenerator
Regenerator allows a Pokémon to recover a third of its HP when it switches out of battle. Though this ability is gaining more recognition, it still remains relatively underrated in comparison to other abilities like Levitate or Prankster. The ability to recover health simply by switching out means that Pokémon with Regenerator can maintain their longevity throughout a battle. This makes Pokémon like Slowbro and Tangrowth more durable and allows them to act as pivots in battle, healing up while dealing significant damage or setting up status conditions. This ability shines in longer battles, where stamina plays a critical role.
5. Multiscale
Multiscale reduces damage taken by half when the Pokémon is at full HP. While this ability is fantastic for defensive playstyles, it is often overlooked because it relies on the Pokémon maintaining full health. However, the moment a Pokémon with Multiscale enters battle with a clean slate, it becomes incredibly difficult to take down in one hit, allowing it to set up or retaliate effectively. Dragonite, with Multiscale, is one of the most prominent users of this ability, but many trainers fail to appreciate just how much of a defensive advantage it provides, especially in situations where the opposing Pokémon relies on powerful moves to deal damage.
6. Flower Veil
Flower Veil protects Grass-type Pokémon from having their stats lowered by moves like Growl or abilities such as Intimidate. While this ability may seem niche, it is incredibly useful in doubles battles, where many strategies rely on stat debuffs to weaken opponents. Pokémon with Flower Veil, like Florges or Serena, can act as excellent support for their team, especially in protecting other Grass-types from stat reductions that could otherwise leave them vulnerable. It can also turn battles in your favor by making it more difficult for opponents to debuff your team, allowing you to set up with fewer interruptions.
7. Toxic Boost
Toxic Boost powers up the Attack stat of a Pokémon with a poisoned status condition. This ability is often overshadowed by other more common boosting abilities like Guts or Hustle, but it can be incredibly powerful when used effectively. Toxic Boost works exceptionally well when paired with a Pokémon that can easily poison itself or rely on Toxic Spikes or moves like Toxic to activate the boost. Pokémon like Zangoose, with this ability, can hit incredibly hard after being poisoned, allowing them to punish foes that don’t anticipate this turn of events.
8. Storm Drain
Storm Drain attracts all Water-type moves to the Pokémon with this ability and boosts its Special Attack stat by one stage. While many players focus on defensive abilities like Water Absorb or Dry Skin, Storm Drain can be more strategically useful. It makes Pokémon like Gastrodon or Cradily incredibly resilient to Water-type attacks while simultaneously boosting their own Special Attack. This ability can turn a potential disadvantage into an offensive advantage, making Storm Drain one of the most underrated abilities in the game, especially in doubles formats.
9. Rattled
Rattled boosts the user’s Speed stat by one stage every time it is hit by a Bug-, Ghost-, or Dark-type move. While it may not be as commonly seen as other abilities, Rattled can offer a surprising speed boost, especially when the Pokémon is facing teams that rely on these types of moves. Pokémon like Shuppet or Scraggy can use this ability to outpace opponents who think they have the advantage in type matchups. It’s an ability that rewards taking hits, and with proper team synergy, it can be very effective in catching opponents off-guard.
10. Unnerve
Unnerve prevents the opponent from using their held Berry during battle. While this ability might seem underwhelming, it can be a key factor when facing Pokémon that rely on Berries for healing or boosting their stats. For example, if an opponent’s Pokémon is holding a Citrus Berry or Sitrus Berry, Unnerve prevents them from using it, limiting their healing potential and forcing them to rely on other methods of recovery. This ability can disrupt many common strategies, particularly in competitive battles where Berry use is frequent, and it gives a slight edge to Pokémon with this ability.
Conclusion
While many Pokémon abilities are widely celebrated for their impact on battles, these underrated abilities can be just as effective when used correctly. Whether providing stat boosts, offering immunity to status conditions, or disrupting an opponent’s strategy, these abilities offer unique advantages that can help turn the tide of battle. In the competitive world of Pokémon, even the most overlooked abilities can be the key to victory when used strategically. So, the next time you’re building a team, don’t underestimate the potential of these lesser-known abilities—they might just surprise you with their power.
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