Cloud-Nine

Summary

Cloud Nine is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

• While a Pokémon with Cloud Nine is in battle, all effects of weather conditions (such as rain, sun, sandstorm, and hail) are negated.
• Although the weather itself remains active, its effects, such as damage from hail or sandstorm and boosts from sun or rain, do not occur.
• Functions identically to the ability Air Lock.

In Battle:

• Provides strategic utility by nullifying weather advantages, which can disrupt teams that rely heavily on weather-based strategies.
• Particularly effective against weather teams that use abilities like Swift Swim, Chlorophyll, or Sand Rush, as it prevents them from gaining speed boosts.
• Can be used to protect teammates from passive damage caused by weather conditions.
• Useful for teams that do not want to be hindered by opposing weather without committing to a weather-inducing strategy themselves.

Pokémon with this Ability:

• Psyduck (Hidden Ability)
• Golduck (Hidden Ability)
• Altaria (Hidden Ability)
• Lickitung (Hidden Ability)
• Lickilicky (Hidden Ability)
• Swablu (Hidden Ability)

Competitive Use:

• Cloud Nine is valuable in competitive play for teams looking to counter weather-based strategies without dedicating a team slot to a weather setter.
• It can provide an advantage against teams that rely on weather for speed boosts or additional damage, effectively neutralizing threats like Kingdra in rain or Excadrill in sandstorm.
• Commonly used on Pokémon that can switch in and negate weather effects, providing team support without needing to use a move.

Interesting Facts:

• Cloud Nine is conceptually linked to the idiom "on cloud nine," which means to be blissfully happy, possibly reflecting the carefree nature of the Pokémon that have this ability.
• Despite being identical in function to Air Lock, Cloud Nine is less common and is generally found on non-Legendary Pokémon.
• The ability's effect is not visually represented in battle, meaning players must keep track of its presence by observing the Pokémon with the ability.
• Cloud Nine has been featured in the anime, showcasing its ability to neutralize weather conditions, thereby emphasizing its strategic importance.