Guides
Core Mechanics
Game Features
Collectibles & Special Pokémon
Progression & Walkthrough
Competitive Strategy
Advanced Strategy
Search PolishedDex
Search for Pokémon, moves, items, locations, and abilities
Search for Pokémon, moves, items, locations, and abilities
Strategic guide to Pokémon abilities in Polished Crystal. Learn about ability categories, competitive strategies, and the best abilities for different playstyles.
Abilities are innate passive effects that fundamentally shape a Pokémon's competitive viability. A single ability can transform an otherwise unremarkable Pokémon into a metagame staple or provide the crucial edge needed to execute specific team strategies.
In Pokémon Polished Crystal, abilities follow modern-series mechanics, enabling deeper strategy through damage amplification, defensive utility, speed manipulation, and field control.
Offensive abilities amplify damage output, enhance accuracy, or expand coverage options. These are essential for sweepers and wallbreakers.
Defensive abilities enhance survivability through mitigation, recovery, or stat control.
Speed control determines turn order and tempo.
Weather abilities define entire team archetypes.
Abilities that enable control, disruption, or resource generation.
Hidden Abilities provide alternate, often meta-defining options.
All mechanics in this guide are verified directly against Polished Crystal's engine logic and scripting. Source links reference the exact routines or data tables used in-game.