Download
Download is a unique ability in the Pokémon series that adjusts a Pokémon's offensive capabilities by analyzing its opponent's defensive stats at the start of the battle. Specifically, when a Pokémon with the Download ability, such as Porygon-Z or Genesect, enters the battlefield, it assesses whether the opponent's Defense or Special Defense is lower. The Pokémon's corresponding offensive stat (Attack if the opponent's Defense is lower, or Special Attack if the opponent's Special Defense is lower) is then increased by one stage, effectively boosting its damage potential right from the beginning.
Download is particularly strategic as it can provide a significant early-game advantage by allowing the Pokémon to potentially secure knockouts more easily, depending on the opponent's defensive weaknesses. The boost is equivalent to a 50% increase in the affected stat, making it a formidable asset in competitive play. It encourages players to consider their opponents’ defensive stats when selecting Pokémon and moves.
Additionally, Download can be leveraged in double battles, where it
Effects
- When this Pokémon enters battle, its Attack or Special Attack, whichever corresponds to its opponents' weaker total defensive stat, rises one stage. In the event of a tie, Special Attack is raised. This ability also takes effect when acquired during a battle.
Flavor Texts
- diamond-pearl: Adjusts power according to the foe’s ability.
- platinum: Adjusts power according to the foe’s ability.
- heartgold-soulsilver: Adjusts power according to the foe’s ability.
- black-white: Adjusts power according to a foe’s defenses.
- black-2-white-2: Adjusts power according to a foe’s defenses.
- x-y: Adjusts power based on an opposing Pokémon’s stats.
- omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: Adjusts power based on an opposing Pokémon’s stats.
- sun-moon: Compares an opposing Pokémon’s Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever will be more effective.
- ultra-sun-ultra-moon: Compares an opposing Pokémon’s Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever will be more effective.
- lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee: Compares an opposing Pokémon’s Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever will be more effective.
- sword-shield: Compares an opposing Pokémon’s Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever will be more effective.
- the-indigo-disk: The Pokémon compares an opposing Pokémon's Defense and Sp. Def stats before raising its own Attack or Sp. Atk stat—whichever will be more effective.
Pokémon with the Download ability
Porygon
137 - Normal
Porygon2
233 - Normal
Porygon-Z
474 - Normal
Genesect
649 - Bug, Steel