The November 2022 release of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet has refreshed the Pokémon franchise, which had been relatively quiet after the success of Arceus at the beginning of the year. Now, with so many new Pokémon to discover, players have been in deep discussion about how the new games have changed this up and what these changes mean for both competitive and casual players.
Gen IX introduces 23 new Pokémon to the universe, many of which embody exclusive abilities. With no lack of advantageous new abilities introduced in the two new games, success will come easily for those who have study them closely.
10 Well Baked Body
Dachsbun is the embodiment of a Dachshund and a well-baked loaf of bread, which inspired this adorable but fierce Pokémon’s ability, Well Baked Body. Taking on the Team Star’s fire crew is a cinch for Dachsbun whose time in the oven means it can handle any degree of heat.
Well Baked Body means that Dachsbun, the sole Pokémon with this ability, takes no damage from Fire-type moves. In fact, if hit with a Fire-type move, Dachsbun’s defense stat is raised by two levels. Judging from this cute Pokémon’s appearance, opponents will never suspect their fire-type moves won’t incinerate it, making Well Baked Body one of the best new abilities of this gen.
9 Electromorphosis
From the moment Bellibolt was introduced in Iono’s promotional video for Scarlet and Violet, a video that sparked many funny tweet reactions about Pokémon Violet and Scarlet’s release, it was clear it would be one of the best electric types introduced in Generation IX. Sure enough, trainers have discovered just how powerful Bellibolt is since the game’s release, power that is bolstered thanks to its exclusive new ability Electromorphosis.
When Bellibolt is hit with an attack, its next electric-type move gets a boost in attack power. Considering how tanky Bellibolt can be, with great defense and HP at its disposal, this ability gives it an edge in battle. Helping Bellibolt be as rounded in stats as it is in appearance, Electromorphosis is one of the best new abilities in Pokémon.
8 Earth Eater
Don’t be fooled by Orthworm’s docile appearance; this Generation IX Pokémon is a strong battler with a new ability that will render many attacks useless. Ability Earth Eater means Orthworm is completely unaffected by ground-type moves, instead healing a fourth of its max HP when hit with ground-type attacks.
While Orthworm isn’t one of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet’s best new Generation IX designs it’s a Pokémon worth pursuing once completing its titan quest. Its incredibly high defense combined with its useful ability against ground-types makes it a strong battle partner. Be sure to catch the Titan Orthworm right after the battle to acquire the largest version of this strong Pokémon with one of the best new abilities of Generation IX.
7 Purifying Salt
Purifying Salt is the signature Ability of Nacli’s evolutionary line, an ability that aligns well with these rock-salt-inspired Pokémon that are reminding many players of creatures from Minecraft. This new ability offers a great advantage against ghost-type attacks and status conditions.
Acting as a protective layer of purifying salt on the Pokémon, this ability halves the damage taken from ghost-type moves and prevents any status conditions from affecting Nacli, Naclstack, and Garganacl. When taking on gym leader Ryme, the self-proclaimed MC of RIP, this ability will come in handy, rendering Ryme’s ghost-type moves nearly useless. Purifying salt is an awesome new ability introduced in Generation IX that’s sure to serve trainers well.
6 Armor Tail
Even Quick Attack and Extreme Speed, moves that always take priority, will have no chance against Faraigiraf’s ability Armor Tail. This ability makes opposing Pokémon unable to use priority moves so Faraigiraf will almost always make the first move in battle.
Gen 2 Pokémon Girafarig finally got an evolution in Generation IX, Faraigiraf, to whom this ability is exclusive. In addition to Armor Tail, this Pokémon has a new ability Cud Chew, allowing it to eat one berry twice in battle. With a new evolution, appearance, and abilities, Faraigiraf is a great new partner in Scarlet and Violet, and the user of one the best new abilities of Generation IX.
5 Sharpness
Unlike many of Generation IX’s new abilities, Sharpness affects multiple Pokémon, new and old. Gallade, Samurott, Kleavor, and Veluza benefit from this ability which boosts the strength of slicing moves by 50%.
Boosting 14 moves such as Slash, X-Scissor, and Ariel Ace, Sharpness is the perfect new ability for spiky Pokémon. It makes perfect sense that Pokémon like Samurott and Kleavor, whose design centers around their sharp exterior, would have an advantage using moves that slice the opponent. This new ability help these Pokémon designs seem more meaningful to their strengths in battle, making Sharpness one of the best new abilities introduced this gen.
4 Cud Chew
Why eat a Pokéberry once when you can savor it and eat it twice? This is the mindset of Pokémon with the new ability Cud Chew, which allows Pokémon to do just that.
Paldean Tauros and Fairgifraf know how to make the most of Pokéberries. This is incredibly useful when using some of the most rare berries in the game like Maranga Berries, which can help turn the tides of battle by boosting the user’s special defense. While it’s a little gross imagining Pokémon regurgitating and eating the same berry twice, Cud Chew is a great new ability in battle.
3 Commander
While Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet’s funniest glitches are amusing, one of the funniest moments in the mainline story is inspired by the new ability Commander. Tatsugiri is the only Pokémon that can use this ability with its partner Dondozo.
In a double battle alongside Dondozo, Tatsugiri will use its ability Commander to jump into its ally’s mouth and command it from within. This raises Dondozo’s Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by two stages, a fantastic boost in battle. Commander is a unique new ability of Generation IX and one of the best for players who enjoy double battles.
2 Toxic Debris
Glimmet and Glimora are cool new crystal plant Pokémon introduced in Generation IX, but they’re among the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Because they are only found in one location across Paldea, in the Great Crater. Not only do these Pokemon offer unique new designs, but a brand-new ability that sets them apart from other rock-type Pokémon.
When either of these Pokémon are hit with a physical move, toxic spikes are scattered across the opposing side of the battlefield. They can be layered twice, meaning every Pokémon that is exposed to them will be badly poisoned. Without having a make a move, this ability allows Glimmet and Glimora this great advantage in battle. One of the best new abilities that will surely be given to other poison rock types in the future, Toxic Debris is a stand-out.
1 Thermal Exchange
Pokémon Frigbac, Arctibax and Baxcalibur are strong Dragon/Ice types, but their icy exterior means they don’t stand up well to fire. Their new ability Thermal Exchange doesn’t prevent fire from hurting them, but being hit with a fire attack will boost their attack stat, giving them a competitive edge.
Scarlet and Violet make the logistics of battling with friends easier than ever, but players know to be aware of super-effective type matchups which can make a battle go sideways quickly. While Frigbac’s evolutionary line will always be weak to fire, taking on fire damage will boost its attack stat. Helping the user take out any fiery threats, this new ability is a game-changer and one of the best new abilities of Generation IX.