Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, the latest twin titles from Game Freak in the long-running catch em' up series, are out now. While the road to release may not always have been smooth, what with the controversies around a diminished Pokedex and re-used assets, Sword and Shield have launched to a warm critical reception.
Unlike most modern developers, Game Freak have a fondness for keeping quiet about their games' features, and letting players find the new systems and changes they've made on their own. One such system that returns in Sword and Shield is Hidden Ability Pokemon, which are special versions of Pokemon that can be caught with Abilities that they don't normally learn. As the name would suggest, these Pokemon are not exactly easy to find, so here's how to track them down.
Raiding in the Wild
Initially introduced in Pokemon's Fifth Generation, Black and White, Hidden Abilities are attached to almost all Pokemon in the post-#Dexit Pokedex. These abilities are in the code, but never available to the Pokemon in question unless they're captured in specific circumstances.
In previous games it was possible to run into Hidden Ability Pokemon through the regular course of the game, either by catching them in specific areas, or finding specific pre-programmed encounters. In Sword and Shield however, Hidden Ability Pokemon can only be found in Max Raid Battles, which can be started from Pokemon Dens in the Wild Area marked with a red light. Players can take part in these Raids supported by other players or AI companion, though the Pokemon caught within them aren't guaranteed to have their Hidden Ability unlocked, so expect to grind to find one.
Passing it on
Once players have acquired a Pokemon with its Hidden Ability unlocked, they're able to share that ability to future generations through the Breeding system. Breeding a Hidden Ability with another of its species, or with a handy Ditto, will give the resulting egg a chance of starting with the Hidden Ability.
It's worth noting that while almost all Pokemon will have a Hidden Ability, not all of them are even available as Max Raid encounters. This means that it's as yet impossible to gain the Hidden Ability of any of the starter Pokemon, as well as a few others such as Cramorant, Yamper, Boltund and fan-favorite Wooloo.
Pokemon Sword and Shield is out now for the Nintendo Switch.