Damp

Summary

Damp is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

  • Prevents the use of the moves Self-Destruct and Explosion while the user is on the field
  • Stops the ability Aftermath from activating if the Pokémon with Aftermath is knocked out by a contact move
  • Activates when the user enters battle and remains active as long as the Pokémon with Damp is on the field
  • Can interrupt strategies that rely on self-inflicted KO moves for significant damage or advantageous trades

In Battle:

  • Provides defensive utility by neutralizing certain high-risk moves that can lead to double knockouts
  • Particularly useful against teams that employ self-destructing strategies or Pokémon with Aftermath
  • Can force opponents to reconsider their move choices, potentially disrupting their strategies
  • Works well with teams that rely on stalling or defensive plays, as it prevents opponents from using explosive moves to break through defenses

Pokémon with this Ability:

  • Golduck (hidden ability)
  • Quagsire (standard ability)
  • Poliwrath (hidden ability)
  • Seismitoad (standard ability)
  • Several other Water-type or Ground-type Pokémon

Competitive Use:

  • Less commonly seen in competitive play compared to other abilities, but valuable in specific matchups
  • Useful in formats where Self-Destruct and Explosion are more prevalent
  • Can be a niche pick for teams that want to ensure safety against explosive moves
  • Often chosen for defensive Pokémon that can capitalize on preventing these high-damage moves

Interesting Facts:

  • Damp was introduced in the same generation as Self-Destruct and Explosion gained more prominence due to their increased power
  • The ability's name reflects its function of "dampening" explosive moves
  • Has seen varied usage across different generations, depending on the prevalence of the moves it counters
  • In the Pokémon anime, the effects of Damp have been visually depicted as a barrier preventing explosions

Effects

Flavor Texts

Pokémon with the Damp ability

paras
Paras

Types: Bug, Grass

parasect
Parasect

Types: Bug, Grass

psyduck
Psyduck

Types: Water

golduck
Golduck

Types: Water

poliwag
Poliwag

Types: Water

poliwhirl
Poliwhirl

Types: Water

poliwrath
Poliwrath

Types: Water, Fighting

horsea
Horsea

Types: Water

seadra
Seadra

Types: Water

politoed
Politoed

Types: Water

wooper
Wooper

Types: Water, Ground

quagsire
Quagsire

Types: Water, Ground

kingdra
Kingdra

Types: Water, Dragon

mudkip
Mudkip

Types: Water

marshtomp
Marshtomp

Types: Water, Ground

swampert
Swampert

Types: Water, Ground

frillish
Frillish

Types: Water, Ghost

jellicent
Jellicent

Types: Water, Ghost

tadbulb
Tadbulb

Types: Electric

bellibolt
Bellibolt

Types: Electric