Why Abilities Are Close to Everything - The Regigigas Theorem

[@alexdehatter2151]

Legends Arceus: "No abilities." Regigigas: "So no Slow Start?" Legends Arceus: "One ability."

[@v1tr1us2]

Arceus “I love all my children equally.” Regigigas *exists* Arceus “I love most of my children equally.”

[@Ascera_exists]

Cherrim:

[@EvilApple567]

@@Ascera_exists Cherrim's form change is actually independent of its ability

[@RocketPropelledMexican]

Weezing-G in doubles: Don't worry I got you homie

[@MishKoz]

The fact that they specifically coded in Slow Start in a game with no abilities, where lore-wise it would actually make sense not to have it, must be a part of some multi-decade sick joke. I have to admire the dedication to the bit at this point.

[@koharuyuuki3162]

Gengar losing Levitate showed just how crippling losing a good ability can be

[@goGothitaLOL]

That one time when GF attempted to nerf Mega Gengar in Gen 7, they never reverse it after Megas are removed in Gen 8 onwards

[@akarinova]

Okay but tbf Gengar probably would’ve been UU/UUBL in gen 8 and 9 anyway, it was really only gen 7 it was a big blow

[@joaomacedo5849]

I mean, Gengar was already not very good in gen 5/6 OU, it would most likely have dropped to UU in gen 7 either way

[@gold_leader9288]

@@akarinovayou underestimate the need for ground immunity in OU, Gengar has great typing and 3 immunities. If it had levitate it would’ve been able to more reliably check Lando-t and a scarf set would reliably stop any Tapu and many of the other of the fairies bombarding gens 7 and 8 without concern of being revenge killed. I haven’t played much post DLC gen 9 but I could have seen levitate gengar being a huge threat to great tusk and being able to switch in to many threats like Tera-normal dragonite since that set often only had earthquake and espeed as attacking moves

[@akarinova]

@@gold_leader9288 I’m not underestimating it, it’s just Gengar was too frail and not strong enough for it’s low BP attacks by gen 8 In both gen 8 and 9, there were already better, faster, less frail ghost types, which didn’t give incentive to use Gengar over them (ex: Dragapult, Blacephalon, Gholdengo)

[@Thenootu]

Mega Sableye deserves recognition in the Magic Bounce segment for having just ok stats but getting banned to ubers in gen 6 just because it defined stall with its ability

[@Shnoz591]

It’s a typo in the chapters there is no magic bounce segment it’s magic guard

[@pretty_fly_for_a_jeskai]

Honestly normal Sableye was defined by Prankster as otherwise it was very midling. The typing helped but its not bulky or strong at all.

[@andreivaldez2929]

Was gonna say the same thing. Prankster Sableye was so fun to use and pretty cool as a glass cannon of sorts since it was still so frail.

[@telepaper1]

I feel like Mega Sableye is also amazing because it doesn't have to have Magic Bounce, sometimes keeping Prankster around is the move, meaning you can have two of the best abilities in the game on one slot

[@turkoositerapsidi]

Koffing/weezing toxic that easily. I hope freeze would be replaced by frostbite next generation. And give frostbiting status move to koffing/weezing, ice types and ghosts. That would be fun to stop good as gold with koffing/weezing.

[@rubenduenas5881]

Special shoutout to Rotom-Fan who's ability Levitate is practically useless when it's PART FLYING TYPE.

[@MegaShepardsPie]

No longer true with tera. Tera it into a pure Electric type and due to it having Levitate as its ability, it will lose its only weakness.

[@realmario979]

​@@MegaShepardsPieLook what they need to mimic a fraction of Elektross's power

[@enoyna1001]

whose

[@kikaioshin6700]

And also to the Cubone and Rhyhorn lines who get Lightning Rod even though they are Ground-type

[@Fabiocean2000]

@@kikaioshin6700 Still matters in doubles

[@timmyreobed5043]

Regenerator is such an amazing ability that even a more offensive variation of Toxapex and an outright offensive Pokemon like Mienshao still use Regenerator instead of their more offense oriented abilities

[@byzantine5761]

Fr, with how essential switching is in singles, regenerator giving you 33% HP every time you switch to a pivot/resist is insane, it has two benefits with one move, repositioning AND having a healthier mon for later

[@aprinnyonbreak1290]

@@byzantine5761 Plus it's just free upside for things like u-turn that you might be using anyways.

[@byzantine5761]

@@aprinnyonbreak1290 yeah, even without a move for recovery, damage is always amazing to be able to heal off

[@pat1r1ck]

me remebering toxapex being so op in gen 8: god i hated that thing

[@juliocarogallegos1003]

​@@byzantine5761o

[@ParTwo]

I will never forget the early crown tundra VGC metagame which was the only time in history that people needed to prepare for Regigigas, all because of Weezing's Neutralizing Gas. What a time.

[@darkness74185]

I feel like part of what made neutralizing gas so good was not just because it enabled the likes of Regigigas to not be a sitting duck, but also canceling out the opponent's potentially overbearing abilities, it's a duo that kills two bird with one stone

[@DjPrimeVideos]

​@@darkness74185this, can't intimidate, can't prankster, and mimikyu lost its disguise. Only 3 pokemon are immune to neutralizing gas

[@mr.cauliflower3536]

@@DjPrimeVideos that being?

[@DjPrimeVideos]

@@mr.cauliflower3536 the two calyrex formes and aegislash

[@rainpooper7088]

@DJPrimeAmvs Isn't Neutralizing Gas ineffective against *all* abilities that induce a form change *but* Disguise? So it's not just As One and Stance Change, but also stuff like Zen Mode, Multitype and Gulp Missile. Also Neutralizing Gas obviously doesn't neutralize itself when another Weezing comes in, so there's actually quite a few Pokémon it has no effect on.

[@amale441]

TFW even in a game without abilities, Regigigas has Slow Start

[@IgnitedQuils]

It’s crazy how even in PLA they still try to limit it that hard

[@bluebaron6811]

Don't forget that it didn't get Protect until Gen 8.

[@IschmarVI]

@@bluebaron6811 no protect and no rest.

[@sablehax4389]

Prankster is a great example of an ability making a Pokémon strong. Murkrow is somewhat viable because of it, and others like Sableye and Whimsicott wouldn’t be nearly as strong without it.

[@1stCallipostle]

Klefki would probably be "eh" as hell without it too. But it's managed to do quite some work with it Even though Grimmsnarl was clearly designed by someone who hates Klefki with a passion and wanted to replace it

[@sablehax4389]

@@1stCallipostle Definitely

[@Beast_the_smash_guy]

Thank you! I was waiting for him to mention it: nothing.

[@bigboyrox7]

Liepard is a good example. Limber isn't the best ability, yet it's come in handy during my current playthrough of black 2

[@Beast_the_smash_guy]

@bigboyrox7 Grimsnarl is probably the single best example in my opinion

[@cannondorf]

Defeatist is a perfect example of the Regigigas theorem

[@Wizard_Lizard_]

The most unnecessary ability of all time. Seriously, Archeops wouldn't be overbearing without the drawback. If Pokémon like Dragapult, Gholdengo, and Volcarona are perfectly fine in the devs eyes then why can't Archeops get a beneficial ability?

[@GravityIsFalling]

@@Wizard_Lizard_ Too high bst for a non pseudo… Don’t get mad at ME btw, this is undoubtedly the reason GF thinks defeatist is necessary

[@sephikong8323]

I recall when I wanted the Fossils to have access to Primo Resurgence like Kyogre and Groudon (as it thematically fits way more than Mega Evolution but a Mega would have been fine regardless) and I just wanted Primal Archeops to be Mono Flying/Ground Flying with Aerialate I just wanted for this thing to get it's revenge someday (and also, I think that Regigigas was prime candidate for a Primal form)

[@syan2240]

I really wish they'd give it a hidden ability that's at least a little better I've seen a romhack give it klutz (pokemon inclement emerald) And it made a big difference

[@cannondorf]

@@GravityIsFalling counterpoint: reuniclus

[@thebestgreattusk1996]

"If they're given abilities like Illuminate, they'll be good. And if you give Arceus their abilities, it will be untiered." Best quote ever.

[@autobotstarscream765]

I feel like Arceus could actually survive having Slow Start, as having 120 in Sp. Atk and all 3 defensive stats, along with the movepool to make it effective, means that unlike Regigigas, Slowceus can actually at least do _something._ Truant is still a death sentence, to the point that inflicting it on opponents has become the entire gimmick of Durant.

[@SomeAsian]

Theoretically Slow Start Arceus in Trick Room could go hard

[@jotarokujo3603]

​@SomeAsian that actually sounds awesome since you'd pretty much come out of trick room with your speed doubled and move first again.

[@michaelgum97]

Another boost related ability that I love is Simple. Doubling stat changes means fewer turns setting up Calm Minds or Bulk Ups. Swords Dance or Nasty Plot gives you +4 and Tail Glow straight up maxes your special attack.

[@dhanushs.s2093]

i believe only god and wierd cow has it so its not usable💀💀..... i didn't know the di*k bat had it💀.........

[@Greatbabyred]

belly drum for +24 attack

[@michaelgum97]

@@Greatbabyred If only.

[@Green24152]

​@@GreatbabyredI didn't know Drum gives +12. so it basically ALWAYS gives you +6 attack due to having double the limit?

[@bluebaron6811]

I think the funniest instances of this is when it ALMOST works. If Delibird has Hustle, it can OHKO all of the genies with Ice Punch, and Brave Bird hits like a truck. The bad news is that it's Delibird. If you want to be funny and have a Hustle sweeper, you always use Flapple.

[@Magmatic07]

Or possibly Durant.

[@obiwancannoli1920]

Or Liligant-Hisui

[@obiwancannoli1920]

Or 2 of the Squawkabilly

[@ferrucciocaracciuolo8139]

In gen 8 Deliberd has both fake out and ice shard and with is flying tipe he can team up with a lot of Ground tipes and he also can also use max Airstream to boost is his speed and his teamate speed in Dinamax,he can do 75% Hp on a max hp Lugia.

[@neduegeh5859]

Or Dracozolt

[@Swolekamania]

Gotta give an honourable mention to neutralising abilities. Cofagrigus' Mummy and Weezing-G's Neutralizing Gas can screw with so many opponents if used well.

[@toujounozomi3126]

Perhaps "meta-abilities". Wandering Spirit is useful, Trace steals but more importantly reveals abilities, Neutralizing Gas makes the aforementioned Regigigas viable, and Mold Breaker/Teravolt/Turboblaze say no to opposing, say, Unaware/Fur Coat/Magic Bounce.

[@GrimReaperNegi]

I feel like he needs a hidden ability, maybe, "Tantivy Start: Attack and Speed is doubled during the first two turns since sent out."

[@IgnitedQuils]

Greninja sort of fits the example of the Regigigas Theorem. It was decent up until it got Protean, then got even more busted due to Low Kick and Gunk Shot, which caused it to be banned in ORAS OU. It’s shown to be good in Gen 7 OU, but the Protean nerf in Gen 9 really held it back, also Battle Bond as it gets a one time +1 in its offensive stats. Hence why it dropped to UU. Cinderace is fine due to Court Change, its pure Fire typing (since Pyro Ball does not activate Libero), while Meowscarada is the fastest, has Sucker Punch, Flower Trick and STAB Knock Off.

[@blueyandicy]

Greninja... didn't exist before XY...

[@IdentifiantE.S]

@@blueyandicyYes but it’s just an exemple I think

[@tailsspin621]

​@@blueyandicycorrect, however Protean isn't greninja's normal ability. As a water starter, Greninja's only normal ability is torrent. If I recall correctly, it took a while for Game freak to make the gen 6 starters hidden abilities obtainable through legitimate means, meaning Protean Greninja wasn't legal to use.

[@Slimeonian]

@@tailsspin621no, you could get the hidden ability starters from the Friend Safari in the post game of X and Y

[@Hyperneosonic97]

@@tailsspin621 Not true. In X&Y, the Kalos Staters' hidden abilities were available, since you could capture wild Frogadier/Braixen/Quilladin with their hidden abilities in the Friend Safaris.

[@patrickjohnlanzaderas6171]

Would like to see a theory about why the format matters like how a mon is viable in 1v1 but is not really viable in 2v2 or vice versa

[@RandomGancho]

I agree. A video on what makes a strategy good in singles vs. doubles would be awesome.

[@Mewseeker]

The Pachirisu Theorem? :P

[@techknight3753]

The Murkrow Theorem

[@shawnli4746]

Call it the idiot's guide to VGC

[@jasonreed7522]

Slaking theorem? In singles its truant is easily exploitable, in doubles you can reliably change its ability with something like Entrainment or Skill Swap. Singles is also a lot more prone to gimmicky nonsense like fear and a lv1 whismicot with a sash, leachseed, and maybe endeavor. Not sure if any 1 pokemon can truly represent all the diffences between the 2 formats. (I'm not super into competitive so i don't know all edge cases and meta)

[@erickozfkay458]

The final battle in colosseum when slowking skill swapped with slaking really showed how OP it could be, still have nightmares about that fight

[@IschmarVI]

and then it used skill swap on one of your pokemon thus giving it Slaking's truant ability.

[@rizachan8892]

The only other pokemon that shared Regigias ability is actually Varoom xD Also imagine in a game where abilities doesn't even exist you were taken as an exception and got your horrible ability there Yup, that's Regigigas in PLA

[@Dhimo758]

xDDDDDDDD

[@NanoscopicSize]

I'm sure they gave the little car pokemon that hidden ability as a joke. It fits I guess.

[@Yoshixandir]

Lol they gave it to the car Pokémon. Referencing how a car won’t start like in the horror movies lol

[@UGMD]

Durant gets truant too for whatever reason

[@rizachan8892]

@@UGMD Durant gets Entrainment to pass Truant to something else and it got used few times

[@daruks_no.1_fan]

Whoever makes these cards deserves a raise. Perfection as always The only other theorem I can think of to do next is an item theorem: "the porygon 2 theorem" maybe? Just how an item can completely change a pokemons viability (eviolite, recovery items, choice items, etc)

[@peepoweird]

User-specific items like Thick Club for Marowak also

[@zememerr2329]

“We’re still waiting for that Trick Room ability” Don’t let the VGC players hear that, a Trick Room ability is just about the most broken thing you could have in a doubles meta

[@1stCallipostle]

Even in singles, I think it would be pretty disgustingly game defining to set for free. I mean you'd probably start seeing whole minimum speed teams that don't even set it themselves to profit off of their opponent setting it so regularly

[@Skullhawk13]

@@1stCallipostleI predict a chilly reception style move as a signature.

[@prof.reuniclus21]

What about if it makes itself and it’s partner lose 1/3 health every turn

[@jaders756]

If they ever did put that ability in, they’d need to introduce or update a move that can break rooms in a similar way to Brick Break or Steel Roller.

[@Vianyte]

That would be OP even if it were given to a lv 1 Magikarp.

[@redwings13400]

A lot of abilities are really strong because they let you get an effect without spending a turn on it. Turns in pokemon are really valuable resources, and a lot of the best abilities are just moves that ordinarily aren't amazing, but are free upon switch in. Intimidate is just growl, levitate is magnet rise, a ruinous power is the same thing as leer, drizzle is rain dance, tapus just have terrain abilities, regenerator is essentially recover. A lot of these top tier abilities are 'bad to ok' moves that don't require a turn to use, and because of that, these suddenly become game changing, ridiculously powerful effects that completely swing the tide of battle. One turn is really important in pokemon, and being able to save a turn on setup can be the difference between an untiered mon and an ou staple.

[@rokkraljkolesa9317]

if "ruinous power" means the abilities of the Treasures of Ruin, no it's not "the same thing as leer" Leer reduces the *Defense* of *adjacent **_opponents_* by one stage Vessel of Ruin reduces Special Attack, Sword reduces Defense, Tablets reduce Attack, and Beads reduce Special Defense by 25% of *all* pokemon other than pokemon with the same ability _while present on the field_ these are the XY Aura abilities but for stats, not Intimidate+

[@beep_the_foolish]

honestly this comment deserves way more attention because this is it. This is the reason why some abilities are so good. Pelipper is not an OU pokemon, but saving the turns required to set up rain is so important that it's worth having only 5 good pokemon in a team. Yeah pelipper isn't completely useless but without it's ability you'd never choose it over another OU-tier option.

[@beep_the_foolish]

you're correct, but also being needlessly pedantic. they said that ruinous power = leer because it's a quick and dirty way to explain the general idea of the abiltiy. It reduces their stats a comparable amount to -1 stage without needing to spend a turn using the move that would normally do that. which is the entire point of their comment. being completely accurate would just bog down the comment with unnecessary detail which makes it much harder to communicate the actual idea they want to explain. it was an intentional decision.

[@raylordofkhalah28]

funny thing: in hackmons, regigigas is one of the best normal types in the game, and some 2 of the most common abilities are simple (for no retreat) and scrappy (to hit ghosts with its stab) before chucking off whatever moves you chose. its a pretty great mon the SECOND it no longer has slow start, to the point it holds its own in THE most powerful metagame I know of

[@Fr0stySn00ze]

Surprised Speed Boost Ninjask and especially Blaziken weren't mentioned, but I guess Moody already covered stat boosting.

[@SwabcraftCreates]

One of the more notable ones too. Speed boost ninjask is hindered due to most ladders banning baton pass. Blaziken became a straight up uber too. They also missed defeatist as a bad ability for archeops. Unaware and simple were also left out. Plenty of others too. Swift swim. Sand Rush.

[@DarthFhenix55]

@@SwabcraftCreates He already talked about unaware in the Quagsire theorem.

[@toujounozomi3126]

Speed Boost, killstreak abilities (Moxie/Soul-Heart/Beast Boost)...

[@marethyumoros1741]

I feel like Kyogre and Groudon should be much more focused on. They don't just set normal weather, and in Groudon's case especially, a 4 times water weakness being nullified is massive.

[@AlldaylongRock]

I think Cloud Nine and Air Lock bypass Desolate Land. So there's some play around it. I think even Golduck was used to check Primal Groudon.

[@maxspecs]

That only applies to their Primal forms, and those are only relevant for Gen 6 and Showdown Anything Goes

[@marethyumoros1741]

@@maxspecs Yeah, that's true, but I still think it's very important to them as without it, I don't think they'll be banned to AG.

[@marethyumoros1741]

@@AlldaylongRock just the fact that GOLDUCK was used to check PRIMAL GROUDON in and of itself should tell you how incredible Desolate Land is, when you are willing to sacrifice a spot for it.

[@AlldaylongRock]

@@marethyumoros1741 normal Rayquaza could also check it. And i don't think having Ray in your team is that much of a sacrifice. You can easily run mixed sets on Rayquaza if you want to mega.

[@lpourmirza]

Magic bounce is an underrated ability, being able to reflect status moves and hazards is always useful

[@SimplifiedFinanceSiFi]

I love this "Why X is/isn't everything" series so much - even though I'm not even playing pokemon actively, let alone competetive. Great work!

[@aldolibreri791]

Don’t forget that Regigigis was commonly used with Weezing and G Weezing in early Gen 8 VGC because Weezing’s ability turned off Slow Start.

[@marcorossi2854]

That's its best appearance in any competitive tier at all basically

[@itsmesnacks]

it's at the end of the vid!

[@jaschabull2365]

Regigigas: *inhales from Galarian weezing's pipe like a bomb* That's the good stuff right there!

[@christopherballero866]

Just keep in mind: huge power, speed boost, moxie, levitate, weather, unaware, contrary, intimidate, prankster, protean/libero, battle bond, terrains, serene grace, adaptability, tough claws, arena trap, shadow tag, sturdy, etc. could all be in a list like this

[@sharpeylogic2907]

Kinda sad Hisuian Zoroark isn't mentioned in the Illusion section since it actually makes use of the ability well thanks to its immunity to Normal/Fighting/Ghost and stronger neutral STAB option in Hyper Voice vs Zoroark's Dark Pulse

[@shadowtitanx3962]

Ghost immunity as well.

[@nunyabiznes33]

​@@shadowtitanx3962Reverse Giratina

[@theboostedbaboon4586]

Yeah I was thinking the video might have been in production for a while. They've only been out a little over a month so maybe it wasn't solidified enough to comment on yet

[@waylander9265]

Correct me if I’m wrong but the Hisuian Pokémon aren’t legal in any of the competitive formats? The channel always looks at things from the viewpoint of competitive Pokémon, so since their not a part of tournaments they aren’t worth covering in a competitive PVP context

[@zadayaz]

@@waylander9265not the official vgc ones but theyre available in standard showdown singles formats (which this channel also covers, arguably more than vgc) now since pokemon home was released. that being said it is still early to speak definitely on them bcus of new toy syndrome and all that, iirc hisuian zoroark dropped to uu this month so its not like its ability makes it a staple, its just more viable than its unovan form

[@samuell8721]

These theorem videos are so great! Thank you FSG! If only They gave Regigigas Clear body instead of Slow Start, it will perform way better But when They even give Regigigas in a game without abilities like Legend Arceus Slow Start, you know that’s not gonna be happening

[@grantdaily9662]

They could give it Klutz and it'd perform phenomenally

[@shimogane2474]

they need something to troll around with, otherwise the working conditions on Game Freak are unbearable

[@emersonjeremiegarcia5438]

​@@grantdaily96629p

[@Kite403]

Just give it Pressure like any other Legendary

[@KHfanz]

The problem is once Slaking and Regigigas (both have the same Attk stat and stat total) are unshackled from their ability, they absolutely decimate. So they’d never be able to give them an actually GOOD ability, a less detrimental one alone would go a long way.

[@LuigiTheMetal64]

It sucks that Abilities went back to only work during battles in SV like in RS and FRLG. Abilities working also in the overworld since Emerald is a great thing as a way to get Pokémon from different ways.

[@PeterGriffin11]

I agree

[@shawnli4746]

Then what happened to illuminate and stench? They aren't in battle abilities so were they just removed?

[@johncordero1248]

​@@shawnli4746Stench gives moves a 10% chance to flinch if they don't cause flinching normally, it doesn't stack with Kings Rock. Illuminate is still useless.

[@retro-porygon]

They didn't remove all outside-battle effects. Flame body and Magma Armor for example, still halves hatching. The abilities that stopped working outside battles were the ones related to higher/lower encounter rate like compound eyes increase likelihood of pokémon holding items, intimidate decreasing chance of lower level pokémon or static increasing encounter rate with electric-type pokémon. This was likely done because of the sandwich mechanic and the fact that there's no longer tall grass encounters, though it would been better if they managed to adapt these old abilities with the new mechanics.

[@ShinyTillDawn]

The Pokémon company makes bad decisions with its newer games all the time.

[@genarftheunfuni5227]

Protean and Libero are also great examples, as without them, Greninja and Cinderace wouldn't have been the monsters they were back in their original generations. And after the nerf of only changing the type one per switch, they both have been severely affected, with Greninja losing more out of them all.

[@roidadadou5456]

A big shoutout to a less obvious case of the Regigigas Theorem: Mon with field abilities, like Run Away and Illuminate, which should have already been reworked to work in some ways in battle at this point.

[@sephikong8323]

Runaway should DEFINITELY allow to always evade trapping (and Pursuit but this move is never coming back is it ?)

[@sonnytapman]

@@sephikong8323 Runaway should dodge trapping, and Illuminate should be a doubles version of Compound Eyes, increasing accuracy for both you and your partner.

​@@sonnytapmanor an ability version of Bright Powder?

[@TheNorfAndOnly]

@Logically, yes, but that would SUCK to fight against. I’d probably just make it a reskin of Dazzling.

[@dvillines26]

yeah, Run Away should absolutely allow switching under any circumstance.

[@amazinglyshook]

This thumbnail is immaculate. Truly a masterpiece

[@aQrator]

I want to point out that, with terrastalization, Shedinja basically jumped to obscenely busted, being banned from natdex ubers, putting it on par with mega ray

[@mattnic001]

Shedinja is still super weak to hazards and any form of chip damage though. It's the reason even in BH that allows it to run sturdy that it is still only okay.

[@Green24152]

ah, tera electric balloon Shedinja?

[@TwiliPaladin]

Mold Breaker says hi

[@ES-dp6tw]

If you could add a new ability, what would you love to see? Mine personally, I'd add one called Parasitic, the effect of which bolsters both the damage and health gained from health-stealing moves.

[@Skullhawk13]

My homebrew would be “unstoppable” basically it means you can’t faint until turn is over, and your moves cannot be prevented or negated by ANYTHING. With the drawback of stall+no guard so while you’ll always hit, Your foe will too. Put it on a gimmick pokemon with 90 Base attack and highest BP move is also 90. Basically a tech option for making sure stuff like Terra Shedinja or W/E shenanigans might come up have a one stop answer.

[@thevioletbee5879]

Ooh, love these! Have you considered a video on the four move slot problem?

[@Earthboundmike]

Could probably use one on mons that don't even have 4 good moves.

[@thevioletbee5879]

@@Earthboundmike That’s a little obvious. Having Pokémon that could be great if they had access to more than 4 moves at a time could be cool.

[@furiouscorgi6614]

​@@Earthboundmikethat's movepool problem and Flareon theorem

[@xinf3ctdx]

⁠@@thevioletbee5879And that’s a little broad. Almost literally every Pokémon could be better with more than four moves.

[@thevioletbee5879]

@@xinf3ctdx But most are still viable. There’s gotta be at least some Pokémon that borders on useless, but could dominate if it had just one more move slot.

[@dii3218]

Gliscor gaining Poison Heal was such a boon for Volt-Turning, that thing can come in anytime, heal up and block status. one of my favorite mons 🖤

[@belmakandemir6963]

They really looked at regigigas in pla where there were no abilities and still went "oh yeah let's still nerf it with slow start lmao"

[@hera7884]

One of my favorite abilities is Gothitelle’s Shadow Tag. It’s literally Mean Look / Block / You Can’t Switch Out Sweetie on Auto Pilot

[@mylovelycrisis]

a theorem regarding abilities should also be proposed, named the aggron theorem, which states that typing heavily determines a pokemon's viability. the examples being aggron, hydriegon, stakataka, leavanny, and many more.

[@togakhan1274]

Intimidate also could be here. Probably the best ability in the entirety of Pokemon, even in singles. It's atleast top 5.

[@BlackZeroEX]

You could probably make an argument for top 3 if anything. Landorus T and Incineroar being legitimate menaces with those abilities (particularly Incineroar since it also had access to Snarl) and Arcanine with recent tournament apperances

[@Shnoz591]

Well incineroar isn’t that good in singles

[@bcs-xp4ee]

I think intimidate is a good ability in single but in doubles it’s hand down the best ability. In vgc every team has at least one intimidate Pokémon while many team even bring two intimidate mons.

[@ghostofmoredishesmorebitch1507]

Still think it's bullshit we don't have many ways to neuter special attackers but physical mons get all kinds of ways to be hit...I'd love to see poison drop special attack or an intimidate for the stat introduced on some meh pokes like houndoom etc that would make them at least interesting to match the amazing design

[@turbo8628]

​@@ghostofmoredishesmorebitch1507 freeze should reduce special attack and do damage like burn. Freeze as it stands is just awful.

[@goGothitaLOL]

There’s so many power boosting abilities, I’ll list the ones FSG didn’t mentioned: Guts Iron Fist (still only 1.2x) Technician Tinted Lens Rock Head (no recoil) Moxie Reckless Skill Link (guaranteed 5-hit multi-hit moves) Protean/Libero Pixilate/Refrigerate/Aerailate/Galvanize Strong Jaw Tough Claws Mega Launcher and Sharpness (the newest one) And all the ones he already mentioned (Sheer Force, Adaptability, Huge/Pure Power, Defiant/Competitive) Which one is your favorite?

[@megamegasaur]

Intrepid Sword.

[@megasean3000]

My favourite example of abilities being huge is GF giving Drizzle to Pelipper. Overnight, it rose from bottom of PU right up to OU. To my knowledge, no other fully evolved Pokemon has had this much of a drastic catapult to usage.

[@elneco4654]

I'd say Ninetales (being given Drought in the same generation no less) but that one probably was at a higher tier.

[@miikaroos3809]

​@@elneco4654Ninetales had Drought since Gen 5. You're probably thinking about Torkoal.

[@elneco4654]

@@miikaroos3809 Oh yeah you're right, it was Ninetales and Politoed, then Pelipper and Torkoal.

[@Skullhawk13]

they also buffed it's special attack at the same time tbf.

[@nicktime5841]

Why typings are almost everything the charizard theorem.

[@rehnhuang1529]

Tyrannitar theorem?

[@ShcoobyDoobyDoo]

@@rehnhuang1529charizard’s typing I feel hinders it more because of its 4x rock weakness

[@lava64_]

Featuring Tyranitar

[@DIAL5800]

@@ShcoobyDoobyDoocharizard just straight up dies to stealth rocks 😭

[@Wizard_Lizard_]

​​@@ShcoobyDoobyDooBut is Fire/Flying truly worse than Bug/Flying or Bug/Grass?

[@oORoOFLOo]

This series actually seems like a decent learning tool for any game designer

[@mgjvd]

Now we just need: Why typing/held items can be everything, the Avalugg and Pikachu theorem

[@1stCallipostle]

While Avalugg's typing is the main reason it's bad, I don't know that it would even be great if it were steel. The blatant lopside in it's defenses is still a blatant weakness for something slower than a wheelchair bound snail

[@-libertyprimev1-902]

It sucks Snowstorm (or whatever it was that replaces Hail in Gen 9) didn't boost SpDef cause that would've helped Avalugg a fair bit, maybe an Ability/Item in the next gen that gives the Pokemon SpDef instead of Def.

[@mgjvd]

@@1stCallipostle I mean blissey dies to a tackle too, and a steel type with so much defense and rapid spin + recover would be pretty good

[@Unison23]

I know it’s quite new but I would’ve liked to see even a mention of Gholdengo’s Good as Gold ability. I mean, being able to ignore status moves is ridiculously strong. Blocking Defog and status has basically made it one of the best OU Pokémon in this generation.

[@EresirThe1st]

Just a shame its design is so stupid because everything else about it is cool

[@avaluggglazer445]

​@@EresirThe1stString cheese man isn't stupid (Just the shiny version)

[@TwiliPaladin]

​@@EresirThe1stAs much as I hate Gholdengo for ruining OU, I have to agree with Avalugg Glazer. It's got a really funny design.

[@Blue0987]

Should we get another type of this series like:Why Held item are everything-Charizard theorum

[@oireal7261]

The Leftovers Theorem?

[@musiyevonchilla6769]

The Eviolite Theorem?

[@sphealthecowboy9611]

it would be named the Volcarona Theorem because it's more popular in competitive

[@shimogane2474]

The Gemstone Theorem

[@btu1734]

That would be cool but I would call it the volcorona theorem or the heavy duty boots theorem bc those are perfect examples of that theorem

[@TheZapdos]

Thanks for making the shoutout @FalseSwipeGaming! I wonder what other theorem wasn't made yet

[@mr.mustachealienedits4437]

Would love to see one on evolutions and how evolving isn’t everything (Dusclops and Porygon2 for example)

[@MrCrossmoss]

Dusknoir theorem. Maybe

[@kristophesiem5336]

I mean, those 2 are good because they can evolve

[@fudouakio4759]

That's only cause of eviolite

[@-libertyprimev1-902]

Yeah Eviolite Theorem would be a better name for it, but then the reasoning behind it is pretty obvious not needing an explanation. Maybe an Item Centric Theorem, pokemon can be completely changed by a single item.

[@Ritsuemaru]

​​@@-libertyprimev1-902the Pikachu theorem. Pikachu was the first instance of an item (light ball) elevating a pokemon beyond its normal means back in like gen 2. You can even use whole gens as examples like gems are banned in gen 5, mega stones in gen 6, and z crystals in gen 7.

[@paulh3892]

This was a really good video highlighting what a major game changing impact each Pokémon’s ability is. The mechanic is an excellent layer of complexity and team building.

[@WingedFish66]

Regenerator is yet another reason why Pursuit getting axed from the game was a massive mistake. With Pursuit, there was at least SOME potential drawback to constantly switching out, and the reward for doing so with Regenerator mons was mitigated with it. Now with Pursuit gone switching out to get the health back is 100% risk-free

[@autobotstarscream765]

Bring back Pursuit as a signature move for Ttar, and give it Jaw Lock.

[@Skullhawk13]

@@autobotstarscream765no pursuit should be every dark type. They’ve been struggling with ghost and fairy being so strong, All the good dark types are good in SPITE of it. Should also restrict U-turn to bug for the same reason.

[@Beast_the_smash_guy]

Some abilities I would've added Protein/Libero: Despite only given to two Pokémon, this ability caused one of them to get banned to Ubers *Greninja probably would've anyway* Prankster: Getting a +1 priority for status moves? Sign me up. Guarantees some kind of hindrance to your opponent, whether it's Haze Murkrow in VGC, Screens Grimsnarl, a priority tailwind for speed control, taunts to prevent setups. The list goes on and on. Photosynthesis/Quark Drive: While a new ability in gen 9, it makes already very good Pokémon insane. Look at the like of Walking Wake for the extremely high end of the spectrum. Set up sunny day, now your highest stat is increased, letting you spam powerful Hydro Steams. Oh? Setting up the sun/electric terrain not your thing, or your opponents removed it? No matter, here. Use your item slot as a booster energy to unlock it. This ability is a big reason why Flutter Main was banned. Defeatist: While 3 very insane abilities were mentioned, why was Archeops given this? My honorable mentions would be Sap Sipper, Flash Fire and Storm Drain: Similar to Levitate, gaining an immunity is always nice, however unlike Levitate, these give additional benefits. Sap Sipper getting a +1 attack and immunity to grass, Flash Fire increasing your own fire type moves' damage while making you immune to it, and Storm Drain healing you off water type attacks. Another would be 0 to Hero: Only given to one Pokémon, but it turned that decently good mon into an UBER ban. My final would be Commander. It turned a relatively weaker Tatsugiri into a doubles menace with Dondozo, giving it a ×2 omniboost, but at the cost of fighting 2 on 1. No problem, players found out Black Sludge+Endeavor with a U-turn will kill Tatsugiri in Donodozo's mouth, letting ot keep the ×2 omniboost, and bring out a teammate. The only reason it's an honorable mention is the fact it's a doubles only ability, similar to Friend Gaurd in that sense

[@PapaCriv]

Why typing is so important -The Leavanny Theorem.

[@mikew1120]

Another honorable mention is No Guard. In Gen 4, it allowed Machamp to run the infamous lead Machamp set now that a previously gimmicky Fighting stab in Dynamic Punch suddenly became a move to look out for. Couple that with perfectly accurate Stone Edge snd and other coverage moves, and you had to beware getting slugged by Machamp. Kinda wish No Guard was a bit more common.

[@IschmarVI]

One Punch Champ.

[@Green24152]

how many Pokemon learn OHKO moves, again?

[@chattychatotchannel]

Mega Audino being given healer instead of regenerator is another good example of this

[@Skullhawk13]

It’s clearly a doubles mega in intention but walls in doubles have to be hella busted to be viable

[@TwiliPaladin]

​@@Skullhawk13That's why it wasn't intended to be one. Mega Audino wasn't meant to be a wall, nor was it meant to be an attacker or a utility pokémon. It was built for active support.

[@Skullhawk13]

@@TwiliPaladin there's better support mons that don't cost a mega slot. even back then

[@SHMOUSEY86]

I mean there's only two inherent traits Pokemon have left to make a video like this on: Weight and Level. Weight wouldn't be too interesting, but could have some talks about moves like grass knot, heavy slam, and low kick. That video could also go over stuff like the float stone, as well as abilities like Heavy Metal and Light Metal, and just generally talk about how meaningless weight is in the Pokémon competitive landscape. Level, however is very interesting, and is an opportunity to go extremely in depth on the 50 vs 100 debate for competitive battle level caps. Could also talk about random levels for Pokémon in random battles.

[@devingryl5297]

That thumbnail is amazing!!!

[@sluggknight7130]

there is one ability you forgot, speed boost. That ability singlehandedly made blaziken stupidly op, even in ubers. It also makes scolipede probably the best batton pass user if we dont count z move eevee

[@ObjectorOfThings]

Espathra is Ubers cause Calm Mind, Speed Boost, and Stored Power

[@flamechomp5075]

If your Pokemon has a bad ability, remember what Evice taught us skill swap Slowking onto Slaking fixes that issue.

[@handerborte97]

The fact that Quagsire have been so good through many generations despite having not so good stats is really amazing. Unaware is an really good ability aswell

[@HoChiPro]

I remember when Regigigas dropped in the CT. People were making videos on how it wasn’t good. If Gigas and Weezing come back in the DLC for gen 9 there will be 2 mons with bad abilities and 2 mons that remove them. Wouldn’t be surprised if someone brought both Weezing and that lemur dude on the same team.

[@nichiyes26]

I have watched all of your theorem videos several times each. And seeing you uploaded a new one always makes my day. Like, these are at least as deep and thoughtful as most of the videos and lectures I saw in my decade of being in and then teaching college.

[@asuuki2048]

Let’s be honest, if the older Legendary Pokémon had abilities other than Pressure, they would be on top of the top. If Chi-Yu had Pressure, it would not be even half as good, lmao. But like the title says, abilities are ALMOST everything. Hence why Mewtwo, despite having Pressure and Unnerve, is still great.

[@aprinnyonbreak1290]

Regenerator Mewtwo, Filter Dialga, and Sheer Force Palkia wen?

[@1stCallipostle]

​@@aprinnyonbreak1290Moody Xerneas when

[@autobotstarscream765]

​@@1stCallipostle*Simple Xerneas

[@autobotstarscream765]

Shutting off opposing Berries has its benefits. 😎

[@MG-mq3zf]

@@autobotstarscream765 But, that's not what pressure does. You're thinking of unnerve. Pressure doubles move consumption.

[@Scutezo]

You are easily the best competitive pokemon channel and I love that not only are you guys doing more diverse video topics lately, butn they all have brilliant thumbnails (this is my favourite one so far). Keep it up fsg yall are an Uber tier channel

[@BobDFish]

And now we have Hadron Engine / Orichalcum Pulse which are both field condition abilities AND boosting abilities all at the same time. The two As One variants can also be seen this way. GF really has no shame in creating these monstrosities anymore.

[@bdt2002gaming]

Power creep moment

[@edgytoucan3444]

koraidon deserves it after the hate he faced

[@1stCallipostle]

​@@edgytoucan3444And he's still definitively the shittier of the two anyway.

[@assassinshadow2800]

at least Koraidon is "a little bit" more balance since it dont have STAB flameblizt to take advantage of the sun, and in the other hand, Miraidon get all the benefit, STAB + terrain boost + ability boost, and that is without item lul do GF know a thing or two about the definition of "game balancing"

[@bdt2002gaming]

@@assassinshadow2800 Kyogre = Miraidon basically

[@jamesw2831]

These theorem videos are amazing. I hope there are more of these coming

[@worldsboss]

Abilities were one of the best things to be introduced to the series imo.

[@mintyfresh1322]

The big theme of this video seems to be “why durability is basically everything.” Mons that can keep themselves useful throughout the game by staying healthy are automatically great, while mons that get at most a few chances to do well (like Regigigas, although it’s hard to get even that one chance) wind up being unplayable.

[@trooper8835]

I would love to see a theorem on typing.

[@itsukizy]

i think it’s worth noting one of the reasons gigas+weezing was so good was that weezing nullified intimidate, without intimidate gigas is a lot harder to deal with. it would still be good without its ability but at least in VGC, its underwhelming typing and movepool means it was reliant on dynamax giving it nuke moves like max strike.

[@juanca2567]

You forgot Defeatist from Archeops.

[@notchillstorm]

We gotta round it off with "Why typing might be everything, the Steel/Ice/Fairy Theorem" . Basically any Pokemon heavily hampered or boosted by its typing.

[@thel-iteralone4592]

"Restores a little HP when withdrawn from battle." Talk about a big understatement of an ability description.

[@deino4753]

Me before PLA came out: Regigigas is gonna be a beast. No abilities will make it busted. Game Freak: ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?

[@Giratina575]

Would love to see a video about good abilites that are locked to one specific pokemon such as queenly majesty

[@K9S8E2]

Let’s not forget how grassy surge pretty much made Rillaboom the next incineroar of starters cause of grassy glide and high horsepower

[@BlueBasD]

I really like this series so far and I would like to see. Why held items are so important - the nerfed weavile theorem.

[@aidlord23]

All the thumbnails for these theorem videos are some of the best I've ever seen never change.

[@njivwathomassilavwe2056]

I love Serperior and I'm so glad they gave it contrary to boost it's viability

[@taipaulsen4347]

Just wish it had better coverage

[@njivwathomassilavwe2056]

​@@taipaulsen4347if only it was in gen 9 with tera

[@IgnitedQuils]

At least it’s better than Meganium.

[@taipaulsen4347]

@@njivwathomassilavwe2056 yeah that be pretty good

[@aeleron0577]

Now the only theorem that is left is "why momentum is almost everything". Although I do not know who would be the representative of that. Maybe Gen 8 slowtwins? Or Genesect?

[@DeseanOmar]

What do you wager is next? The “Eviolite Theorem, Why Items Are Close to Everything?” or the “Hazards Theorem, Why Stealth Rocks Are Everything?”

[@farisibrahim1044]

they already did a video on stealth rock

[@romanb1615]

Really hope they do a cover on mienshao. Loved its offensive support role it would play in later generations and its use of u turn and regenerator to offset its frailty defense wise.

[@iwinha8495]

Can you do a video about NFE Pokemon that are better than / equal to their evolutions? Obviously Dusclops and Chansey come to mind, but another example could also be how Poliwhirl and Poliwrath are both RBY NUBL. You could also restrict Eviolite in your comparison should it bring too many Pokemon to compare

[@aprinnyonbreak1290]

Without eviolite it doesn't really happen. Poliwhirl in rby is the weird exception entirely because the Fighting type is purely detrimental. Clefairy is another weird exception, though it would also ALWAYS run Eviolite, because Friend Guard is a good ability

[@iwinha8495]

Great point! I was worried that with eviolite the amount of Pokemon they would have to talk about/research would exponentially increase, but didn't think about the fact that the amount of NFE Pokemon that are viable without it are close to 0. Just because they use eviolite doesn't change the fact that they have a usage rate (in my opinion anyway), they can always group a ton of them together if there's too many. Just an video idea I wanted to share

[@Saphir7615]

I like how the description of Renegerator says: "Restores a little HP when switching out." like Toxapex didn't just heal off all the damage it took.

[@Nameless_mixes]

I still think it’s a wasted opportunity for Dialga’s Hisuian form to not get an ability that sets up Trick Room (while Palkia’s Hisuian form would set up Gravity). That’d definitely be interesting to watch play out during restrict metas of VGC 🤔

[@ImplodingChicken]

What, no Prankster? The ability that made KLEFKI of all things into an Ubers staple? The ability that basically runs the VGC metagame? The ability that makes things like Murkrow viable? You gotta mention Prankster if you're talking about abilities that make or break a pokemon.

[@grrgrrgrr0202]

With Gigas, it is pretty clear that GF just underestimated how detrimental Slow Start would be. Personally, I think that the ability doesn't need to be changed, but that Gigas needs better stats. I'd go for: Atk: 230 Spd: 140 That way, he'd become an absolute monster after 5 turns, and his Atk would still be somewhat serviceable beforehand (it'd be roughly on par with base 92).

[@AkuTenshiiZero]

I always liked to use weird strategies nobody would see coming, I didn't win much but I enjoyed watching my opponent confidently send out their weather setter only to come face to face with my Cloud Nine Drampa, then panic when they hit his Assault Vest and forget what types he has. Great times.

[@tigerlover2853]

Regigigas should get Clear Body and have Slow Start removed, sadly it feels like it’s been cemented as it’s ability with Varoom getting Slow Start now.

[@omegon2540]

at this stage gamefreak probably cannot remember why they gave arhceops ,regigias and slacking their bad abilities yet still refuse to buff them regardless

[@Unk0wnHope]

Chapter 2 is titled Magic Bounce, but the chapter is about Magic Guard.

[@toujounozomi3126]

Some minor notes: - Enamorus, H-Zoroark: mentioned abilities, similarly finding use in fanmade singles formats. - Specific case of "situational boosts": Technician enabling multihit/priority moves, Sharpness boosting several physical threats and most recently found on passive hazard setters (Ceaseless Edge/Stone Axe being Sharpness boosted) - Unaware: one of the biggest ones, literally ignoring almost every setup sweeper besides one running... - Ability Negation: both an ability category and more evidence of how integral abilities are. Mold Breaker/Teravolt/Turboblaze deny the defensive effects of abilities such as Unaware/Magic Bounce/Good As Gold, and Weezing's Neutralizing Gas just shuts down *all abilities* (though that is also somewhat a 'field condition'). Even the rare Spore Toedscruel, with Mycelium Might turning it into the slowest Spore user, finds use against Magic Bounce/Good As Gold. -Magic Bounce (and Good as Gold): status moves are powerful. Naturally, throwing someone's own stealth rocks or taunt back at them is powerful. Good As Gold even denies, rather than punishes, Defog.

[@yuvalwh]

Another masterpiece video. You guys just dont disappoint!

[@alloutfallout1513]

They’re all masterpieces but it’s literally not possible for you to have finished the video already man 💀

[@peacelovemetal5197]

It's been out for 4 minutes bro and you posted this 3 minutes ago

[@cowgirltheworld]

do patrons get vids early?

[@Hoivey]

Small mistake, First section is called magic bounce instead of magic guard.

[@AevitosTrath]

How banned was Chatot actually?

[@pacoramon9468]

Trick Room ability would create the mot used pokémon since gen 2 Snorlax.

[@walkerpierce5446]

Imagine if Slow Start 1: Could Incramentally have its turns burned and not reset upon switching, 2: Increase Def and Sp. Def while it while it was active by 1.5x in addition to the regular drop in speed and attack.

[@dylanangsengsiatsass2688]

I mean, if the def and sp def gets lowered afterwards, then it would be balanced

[@ebilgaming]

Dont forget the ability that has defined competitive doubles pokemon in nearly every generation. Intimidate where inciniroar goes from a 0 use mon in doubles to the king of gen 7 and 8.

[@timothydalton2388]

Regigigas actually had some fun use in doubles with neutralizing gas removing its slow start

[@SaltyMaud]

Oh, that was briefly mentioned in the outro.