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Ability · Gen 4 · 15 Pokémon

Anticipation

On switch-in, this Pokemon shudders if any foe has a supereffective or OHKO move.

On switch-in, this Pokemon is alerted if any opposing Pokemon has an attacking move with a type that is super effective against this Pokemon, or any OHKO move. This effect considers Hidden Power to be its determined type, and every other move to be its original type.

Anticipation was introduced in Generation 4. 15 Pokémon and forms can have it (4 as a hidden ability).

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Best Pokémon with Anticipation

Ranked by usage in public Pokémon Showdown battles (Champions VGC first, then National Dex OU, SV OU and Champions Singles), with how many of each Pokémon's sets actually run Anticipation.

  1. Hatterene1. Hatterene#51 in Champions VGC · usually runs another ability
  2. Toxicroak2. Toxicroak#254 in Champions VGC · usually runs another ability
  3. Ferrothorn3. Ferrothorn#14 in National Dex OU · usually runs another ability

Pokémon with Anticipation

As a regular ability (11)

BarboachBarboachWhiscashWhiscashWormadamWormadamWormadam-SandyWormadam-SandyWormadam-TrashWormadam-TrashCroagunkCroagunkToxicroakToxicroakHatennaHatennaHattremHattremHattereneHattereneFlittleFlittle

As a hidden ability (4)

Ponyta-GalarGalarian PonytaRapidash-GalarGalarian RapidashEeveeEeveeFerrothornFerrothorn

Anticipation FAQ

What does Anticipation do?

On switch-in, this Pokemon is alerted if any opposing Pokemon has an attacking move with a type that is super effective against this Pokemon, or any OHKO move. This effect considers Hidden Power to be its determined type, and every other move to be its original type.

Which Pokémon have Anticipation?

15 Pokémon and forms can have Anticipation, 4 of them only as a hidden ability: Galarian Ponyta, Galarian Rapidash, Eevee, Barboach, Whiscash, Wormadam, Wormadam-Sandy and Wormadam-Trash and more.

Is Anticipation a hidden ability?

It depends on the Pokémon. Galarian Ponyta, Galarian Rapidash, Eevee and Ferrothorn have it as a hidden ability, while Barboach, Whiscash, Wormadam, Wormadam-Sandy and Wormadam-Trash can have it as a regular ability.

What are the best Pokémon with Anticipation?

By competitive usage, the most used Pokémon that can have Anticipation are Hatterene (#51 in Champions VGC), Toxicroak (#254 in Champions VGC) and Ferrothorn (#14 in National Dex OU).

Effect text from Pokémon Showdown (MIT); which Pokémon have it from Showdown's Pokédex, cross-checked against PokéAPI. Unofficial fan site.