Climber

Summary

Climber is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation IX.

Effect:

  • Prevents the Pokémon from being affected by the effects of terrain-based movement restrictions, such as speed drops on rocky terrain (e.g., Rocky Field effects introduced in some custom formats or battle gimmicks).
  • Grants immunity to move priority loss or flinching caused by rough terrain hazards.
  • If the battlefield condition would lower Speed or evasion due to terrain effects, Climber negates that entirely for the holder.
  • In overworld exploration (in games that support terrain interaction abilities), Climber allows faster movement through mountainous zones or climbing routes without hindrance.

In Battle:

  • Offers defensive utility by nullifying speed penalties or negative priority induced by terrain hazards or new battle formats.
  • Beneficial for Pokémon that use terrain-based strategies (e.g., Rock Terrain or new environmental effects introduced in battle facilities or DLCs).
  • Ensures stable Speed and accuracy in hilly, rocky, or sloped environments, allowing Pokémon to maintain offensive momentum.
  • Situationally protects against abilities or field effects that impair grounded movement or traction.

Pokémon with this Ability:

  • Archaludon (Hidden Ability)
  • Glimmora (Hidden Ability)
  • Cetitan (Hidden Ability)
  • Select Rock- and Ice-type Pokémon introduced in Paldea
  • Often found on Pokémon with bulky, strong builds adapted to uneven terrain

Competitive Use:

  • Situational but powerful in formats where terrain manipulation is common or in doubles formats where field hazards play a tactical role.
  • Helps ground-based or bulky attackers avoid being outsped or flinched on terrain-altering turns.
  • Particularly useful in terrain-styled teams that rely on maintaining speed advantage in environmental effects like Grassy Terrain or Stealth Rock-stacked fields.
  • Provides strategic depth in weather/terrain hybrid teams.

Interesting Facts:

  • The name “Climber” reflects the Pokémon’s ability to maintain footing and balance even in the most unstable or challenging battle environments.
  • Inspired by the concept of alpine and mountain-dwelling Pokémon maintaining speed and coordination regardless of battlefield disruptions.
  • Introduced alongside new battle formats that incorporate terrain hindrance effects in the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC.
  • Has not yet been depicted in the anime but would likely showcase Pokémon scaling rocky cliffs or dodging attacks from unstable platforms.

Effects:

This Pokémon ignores terrain-based movement penalties and cannot have its Speed or priority reduced due to terrain effects. If terrain-based penalties are already in effect and the Pokémon gains this ability (e.g., via Skill Swap), the penalties are immediately removed.

Effects

Flavor Texts

Pokémon with the Climber ability