A unique passive trait that gives Pokémon special advantages in battle. Abilities can influence move effects, alter weather conditions, or even modify a Pokémon’s stats under certain circumstances, thereby adding another layer of strategy for trainers.

An item that allows a Pokémon to change its ability to another standard ability, offering strategic flexibility in battle setups.

A special item that permanently changes a Pokémon’s ability, often unlocking hidden potential or creating new strategic opportunities.

A regional variant native to the Alola region. These forms typically have different typings and appearances, influenced by their unique environment.

A stat that influences the physical damage a Pokémon can inflict with its moves. Higher Attack means more powerful physical moves.

A competitive facility where trainers can rent and battle with various Pokémon, testing their skills in a controlled, draft-style environment.

A challenging post-game facility where trainers test their skills in various battle formats and modes. Success in the Battle Frontier demands excellent team building, deep knowledge of battle mechanics, and the ability to adapt to different competitive environments.

A competitive battle facility that presents escalating challenges and rewards, testing a trainer’s strategic skills to the limit.

A currency earned from battling in special facilities. BP can be traded for exclusive items, powerful moves, or other coveted rewards.

A facility where trainers face a series of battles under unique rules. Success here can yield rare items and accolades.

Consumable items that Pokémon can hold or be given to restore health, cure status conditions, or trigger specific battle effects. Berries are a crucial part of resource management, offering vital support during long journeys and tough battles.

The process by which trainers mate compatible Pokémon to produce an Egg, which will eventually hatch into a new Pokémon. Breeding is used to pass on desirable traits such as moves, abilities, and optimized stats from one generation to the next.

An enhancement to a move, ability, or stat, either temporarily during battle or through game updates, that improves performance.

The strongest trainer in a region, typically encountered after defeating the Elite Four. Overcoming the Champion is a major milestone in a trainer’s career.

A structured format of Pokémon battles where strategy, team composition, and knowledge of the metagame are essential for success in tournaments and online matches.

Special moves designed specifically for Pokémon Contests, where performance and style are judged rather than pure battle prowess.

An occurrence where a move deals extra damage. Critical hits can turn the tide of battle with one well-timed strike.

A stat that determines a Pokémon’s ability to resist physical attacks. A higher Defense stat reduces the damage taken from physical moves.

A battle format where two Pokémon from each side fight simultaneously. This mode demands precise coordination and strategy, as moves can affect multiple targets, requiring trainers to balance offense, defense, and support among their paired Pokémon.

A battle format in which each trainer uses two Pokémon simultaneously, requiring coordinated strategies and teamwork.

A mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield that allows Pokémon to temporarily grow in size and boost their stats during battles. Dynamax not only increases move power but also alters the visual dynamics of battles, providing a thrilling spectacle.

The initial form of a new Pokémon produced through breeding. Eggs require incubation—often by traveling a certain distance—during which the offspring develops, inheriting moves and traits from its parents.

Special moves that a Pokémon can only learn through breeding. These moves are inherited from the parent Pokémon and add unique strategic options.

A group of four top-tier trainers who challenge a player in the final stages of a region’s league. They represent the pinnacle of battle challenges in that region.

Points that Pokémon accumulate through battles which contribute to the growth of specific stats. By carefully choosing which Pokémon to battle, trainers can optimize EV distribution, customizing their team’s strengths to suit their battle strategies.

The deliberate distribution of Effort Values across a Pokémon’s stats, customized to enhance its performance in specific battle roles.

Special Pokémon distributed through in-game events or promotions. They often come with unique moves or traits not found in regular gameplay.

The process by which a Pokémon transforms into a more advanced form. Evolution typically results in enhanced stats, new abilities, and altered appearances. This transformation can be triggered by experience, friendship, or special conditions, providing strategic depth to team building.

Special stones such as Fire, Water, Thunder, and others used to trigger the evolution of certain Pokémon, often unlocking new forms and abilities.

A sequence of related Pokémon that evolve from one form to the next, with each stage typically showcasing improved stats and abilities.

An item that distributes experience points among all Pokémon in a trainer’s party, ensuring that even those not actively battling can level up.

Points earned by Pokémon after battles that contribute to leveling up. As Pokémon accumulate XP, they grow stronger, unlock new moves, and may eventually evolve, making XP a fundamental element of progression and competitive play.

Ancient Pokémon revived from fossils found during the game. They often possess unique stats and typings reflective of their prehistoric origins.

A measure of the bond between a trainer and their Pokémon. High friendship levels can unlock special evolutions, boost the effectiveness of certain moves, and even influence a Pokémon’s performance during critical battle moments.

A regional variant found in the Galar region, characterized by unique designs, different types, and sometimes altered move sets compared to the standard form.

A unique variation of Dynamax in which a Pokémon not only increases in size but also undergoes a dramatic change in appearance and gains access to exclusive G-Max moves. Gigantamax adds both strategic and aesthetic depth to competitive battles.

A term describing a Pokémon with very high offensive capabilities but low defenses, capable of dealing huge damage quickly yet vulnerable to counterattacks.

A specialized trainer in charge of a Pokémon gym. Defeating Gym Leaders earns badges and advances the trainer’s journey.

An item that a Pokémon can carry during battles, providing benefits like healing, stat boosts, or enhanced move effects. Held items can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in high-stakes competitive battles.

Special abilities that are not typically accessible through standard gameplay. These abilities can provide unexpected advantages in battle and are often highly sought after for their unique effects and potential to change the tide of combat.

The measure of a Pokémon’s health. HP determines how much damage a Pokémon can sustain in battle before fainting.

Hidden numerical values assigned to each Pokémon that determine their innate potential in various stats, such as HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. IVs are randomly generated and vary among Pokémon of the same species, making them a key factor in competitive battles.

Rare and exceptionally powerful Pokémon that often play a pivotal role in the game’s storyline. They boast unique designs, superior base stats, and special abilities, making them both highly desirable and challenging to capture.

A numerical representation of a Pokémon’s overall growth. Higher levels generally mean stronger stats and the ability to learn new moves.

The process of gaining experience points (XP) to increase a Pokémon’s level, thereby improving its stats and unlocking new moves.

A one-of-a-kind Poké Ball with a guaranteed 100% catch rate, ensuring the capture of any Pokémon regardless of its strength or rarity. Because of its unmatched efficiency, the Master Ball is typically saved for legendary or exceptionally difficult captures.

A temporary evolution that certain Pokémon can undergo during battle. Mega Evolution dramatically boosts a Pokémon’s stats and can change its abilities, offering a powerful tool for trainers looking to gain a strategic advantage in tough battles.

A special stone that enables a Pokémon to Mega Evolve during battle, temporarily boosting its stats and altering its appearance.

The prevailing competitive environment, including popular strategies, team compositions, and common tactics that evolve over time among players.

Actions performed by Pokémon during battles, ranging from physical attacks to status-altering techniques. Each move has its own power, accuracy, and effects, and the right move set is essential for overcoming diverse opponents.

An NPC or in-game feature that helps Pokémon relearn moves they may have forgotten, ensuring they can maintain an optimal moveset.

Non-player characters (NPCs) who offer to teach Pokémon special moves that are not learned through regular leveling or via TMs. Move Tutors expand the available move pool, allowing trainers to fine-tune their Pokémon’s battle strategy.

Moves that strike the opponent several times in one turn, providing an opportunity to inflict cumulative damage.

An in-game feature through which players can receive special items or Pokémon via events, promotions, or online distributions.

A rare subset of Legendary Pokémon that are typically available only through special events or distributions, often featuring unique lore and abilities.

An expanded Pokédex that catalogs all known Pokémon across every region, offering a comprehensive reference for enthusiasts.

A characteristic that affects the growth rate of a Pokémon’s stats by boosting one stat while lowering another. The right nature can help accentuate a Pokémon’s strengths, making it a crucial aspect of advanced team optimization and battle strategy.

A term used to describe a reduction in the power of a move, ability, or Pokémon—often implemented to maintain game balance.

A strategy involving the strategic switching of Pokémon to maintain momentum, often using moves like U-turn or Volt Switch to keep control of the battle.

A spherical device used by trainers to capture and store wild Pokémon. With different types available that offer varied capture rates and effects, choosing the right Poké Ball can be crucial for successfully expanding a trainer’s roster.

A feature in certain Pokémon games that allows players to send their Pokémon on island adventures, earning rewards and gathering items over time.

A service enabling players to move Pokémon between different game versions or generations, preserving their collection across titles.

An electronic encyclopedia that records detailed information on every Pokémon a trainer has encountered or caught. It includes data on types, abilities, habitats, evolutionary lines, and base stats, making it an indispensable tool for any aspiring trainer.

Creatures that inhabit the Pokémon world, ranging from the common to the rare. Each Pokémon possesses unique abilities, elemental types, and characteristics that determine their role in battles and in the story. Trainers catch, train, and evolve Pokémon to create diverse teams for different challenges.

A competition that emphasizes a Pokémon’s moves and presentation rather than direct combat, awarding points and ribbons based on performance.

A Pokémon that represents an evolved form, usually featuring enhanced stats, new abilities, and an altered appearance.

A measure of how many times a Pokémon can use a specific move before needing restoration, making move management a crucial strategy in battles.

A Pokémon that evolves into a more advanced form, generally possessing lower stats and fewer abilities than its evolved state.

A transformation similar to Mega Evolution, seen in certain Pokémon like Groudon and Kyogre, reverting them to an ancient, more powerful form.

An item that instantly increases a Pokémon’s level by one, providing a shortcut to higher stats without the need for extensive battles.

Damage a Pokémon takes as a backlash for using a powerful move. This risk-reward mechanic can influence move choices in battle.

Moves designed to restore a Pokémon’s HP or cure status conditions during battle, contributing to its longevity in prolonged fights.

A Pokédex that lists only the Pokémon native to a specific region, helping trainers focus on local species.

Alternate forms of Pokémon that have adapted to the specific environments of different regions, often featuring changes in type, appearance, or abilities.

Awards given to Pokémon for achievements in contests or battles, symbolizing milestones and marking exceptional accomplishments.

A recurring character who challenges the trainer, often providing a benchmark for progress and a personal storyline throughout the game.

A configuration of a Pokémon’s moves, ability, held item, and EV distribution, carefully chosen to maximize its effectiveness in battle.

A tactic where a Pokémon boosts its stats (using moves like Swords Dance or Dragon Dance) before launching a decisive offensive attack.

Variants of Pokémon that feature an alternate coloration compared to their standard forms. Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare and are highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts due to their unique and eye-catching appearance.

A technique where players quickly restart the game to trigger different outcomes, often used to obtain rare Pokémon or items.

A stat that determines the damage dealt by a Pokémon’s special moves. Pokémon with high Special Attack can deliver strong energy-based attacks.

A stat that measures how well a Pokémon can resist special moves. A high Special Defense helps mitigate damage from energy or elemental attacks.

A stat that determines the order of moves in battle. Pokémon with higher Speed typically attack before slower opponents.

A bonus applied when a Pokémon uses a move that matches its own type, increasing the move’s power. This bonus encourages trainers to use type-consistent moves, maximizing damage output during battles.

A battle strategy that involves using defensive moves and recovery options to prolong the battle, often relying on healing items and status moves to wear down opponents.

The initial Pokémon choice offered to trainers at the beginning of their journey, providing a foundation for the rest of their adventure.

Attributes that define a Pokémon’s capabilities in battle, including HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.

An increase in one or more of a Pokémon’s stats, which can occur naturally, via items, or through moves that temporarily enhance performance.

Negative conditions such as paralysis, sleep, burn, freeze, or poison that can impair a Pokémon’s performance in battle. Managing status conditions is vital, as they can drastically reduce a Pokémon’s effectiveness and alter battle strategies.

An advanced form of Pokémon Contest featuring tougher challenges, stricter judging criteria, and more prestigious rewards for exceptional performances.

A Pokémon built to deal massive damage quickly, often using high Speed and Attack stats to overpower opponents before they can react.

The strategic process of assembling a balanced group of Pokémon whose types, moves, and abilities complement each other. Effective team building considers factors such as type diversity, coverage against common opponents, and synergy in battle roles.

Technical Machines (TM) and Hidden Machines (HM) are items that teach Pokémon new moves. TMs are often reusable and can broaden a Pokémon’s move set, while HMs are typically single-use moves essential for overcoming environmental obstacles.

A dedicated individual who catches, trains, and battles with Pokémon. Trainers explore various regions, challenge gyms, and participate in tournaments, continually refining their strategies and building teams that balance offense, defense, and support.

A move that reverses the turn order based on Speed, allowing slower Pokémon to move before faster ones for a limited time.

A less common battle format where three Pokémon from each side take part simultaneously, adding extra layers of strategy and positioning.

An elemental category assigned to each Pokémon, such as Fire, Water, Grass, or Electric. Types determine the effectiveness of moves during battles; some moves are super effective while others may have reduced impact or no effect at all, making type matchups critical for competitive play.

A battle system that determines how well a move performs against a Pokémon based on its type. Moves can be super effective, not very effective, or neutral, making it essential for trainers to understand type interactions when planning their attacks.

A trait where certain Pokémon are completely immune to moves of specific types, giving them a significant defensive advantage.

Items like Mystic Water or Charcoal that boost the power of moves matching the item’s type, thereby enhancing offensive capabilities.

Exotic, otherworldly Pokémon with distinct designs and abilities, introduced as mysterious and powerful entities in later generations.

A portal that connects different dimensions, used to transport Ultra Beasts and integral to the lore surrounding these mysterious creatures.

Items like Protein, Iron, and Calcium that permanently boost a Pokémon’s base stats, offering a quick method to improve battle performance over time.

A defensive Pokémon designed to absorb damage and protect the team, usually featuring high Defense or Special Defense stats.

A Pokémon that specializes in breaking through defensive setups, often using powerful moves or type advantages to dismantle the opponent’s walls.

Environmental effects such as rain, sun, hail, and sandstorm that can influence battle dynamics, affecting move effectiveness and abilities.

An expansive, open-world area where trainers can freely explore, encounter a variety of wild Pokémon, and participate in dynamic in-game events.

An online trading feature where Pokémon are exchanged randomly with others worldwide, fostering community interaction and surprising exchanges.

Crystals that empower Z-Moves. Each Z-Crystal corresponds to a Pokémon type and is essential for unleashing a Z-Move in battle.

Special moves introduced in later generations that pack an extra punch. Z-Moves can only be used once per battle and are designed to dramatically shift the momentum in a trainer’s favor when deployed at the right moment.