A notable part of the Pokémon game series is the sheer amount of options players have when it comes to the Pokémon they can collect and use. A variety of different moves and stats also help to make each Pokémon unique. However, each Pokémon has a feature that can distinguish it both from other species and its own: Abilities.
Pokémon Abilities were not present in the games until the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Since then, Abilities have not only become a mainstay feature but have also become more diverse and accessible to players, such as Pokémon Sword and Shield's Ability Patch simplifying attainment of Hidden Abilities.
While a Pokémon's design or stats can be part of its appeal, having a desirable or fun Ability can be the reason players gravitate toward one Pokémon over another. A Pokémon like Bidoof, for example, is not especially rare and does not have the most intricate design. Still, a player might have fun with Bidoof's Moody Ability, which randomly increases and decreases stats each turn, and decide to keep one on their team. Some Abilities can even safeguard a Pokémon's weaknesses, helping players combat tough opponents using the Pokémon that they like.
Abilities Can Make Pokémon Competitively Viable
By having Abilities, Pokémon that previously added little to a competitive strategy can become a key part of a team. Prior to the implementation of Abilities, a Pokémon like Gen. 2's Politoed could only offer as much benefit as its moves and stats could afford. With the Ability Drizzle, however, it can immediately create rainy weather upon entering battle, thereby facilitating other Pokémon whose moves or Abilities activate in rain.
Alternatively, a Pokémon such as the popular Garchomp has the potential to have one of many different Abilities, making them even more viable for competitive play. With the Ability Rough Skin, for instance, players can rely on Garchomp's defensive prowess to steadily decrease its opponent's health. Additionally, Mega-Garchomp's Sand Force Ability can make its already high offensive presence even stronger.
Abilities that give Pokémon new or multiple uses can help to make a more fun experience for players. While an Ability does not have the same immediate appeal as a visual design, fans of Pokémon can quickly discover which species are their favorites due to this aspect. The variety of added features such as this may even have re-ignited some fans' interest in the series as a whole.
