Many species can have more than one possible Ability, and one of those options may change a matchup by granting immunity, recovery, speed, weather effects, or status protection. In competitive battles, predicting the opponent’s likely Ability prevents wasted turns and poor switches. Look at the species, format, team composition, and any information revealed in battle. If the Ability is unknown, choose a lower-risk move when possible rather than immediately using an attack that could be nullified. In casual story play, Ability prediction is less important, but knowing common defensive abilities still helps. Confirm rules for the generation because Ability options can change.
