Recovery means restoring a Pokémon’s HP through moves, held items, Abilities, draining attacks, weather effects, or team support. Reliable healing is valuable for defensive Pokémon because it lets them repeatedly check threats instead of surviving only once. Recovery also helps offensive Pokémon offset chip damage, but using a healing move costs a turn and can be punished by strong attacks or setup. The amount restored and the conditions vary by move and generation. When evaluating a defensive Pokémon, look at its recovery options alongside typing, defenses, Ability, and susceptibility to status or hazards.
