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.