Color-Change
Summary
Color Change is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.
Effect:
- Changes the user's type to that of a damaging move it is hit by
- If the Pokémon has two types, both are overridden by the new type
- Only activates when the Pokémon takes direct damage from a move
- Does not activate if the move is blocked by a Substitute or deals indirect damage
- Only the last hit of a multi-hit move changes the type
- Does not activate on Shadow-type moves in Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness
In Battle:
- Provides defensive versatility by adapting the Pokémon's type to incoming attacks
- Can make the Pokémon resistant to subsequent attacks of the same type
- Can potentially result in unfavorable type changes, depending on the opponent's moveset
- Works best with careful prediction and knowledge of the opponent's move types
- Makes the user less predictable, as opponents need to adapt their strategies
Pokémon with this Ability:
- Kecleon (standard ability)
Competitive Use:
- Offers situational utility by potentially gaining resistances or immunities
- Requires skillful play to maximize its benefits due to unpredictable type changes
- Best used in formats where opponents have limited move types
- Can be a double-edged sword, as opponents can exploit the type change
- Not commonly seen in high-level competitive play due to its unpredictable nature
Interesting Facts:
- Kecleon's design is based on a chameleon, which ties into the ability's theme of changing colors
- The ability reflects Kecleon's natural adaptability and camouflage skills
- Despite its unique effect, it remains a niche ability due to the potential drawbacks of unexpected type changes
- Color Change is often highlighted in Pokémon media for its thematic and visual appeal
Effects
- Whenever this Pokémon takes damage from a move, the Pokémon's type changes to match the move. If the Pokémon has two types, both are overridden. The Pokémon must directly take damage; for example, moves blocked by a substitute will not trigger this ability, nor will moves that deal damage indirectly, such as spikes. This ability takes effect on only the last hit of a multiple-hit attack. In Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness, this ability does not take effect on Shadow-type moves.
Flavor Texts
- ruby-sapphire: Changes type to foe’s move.
- emerald: Changes type to foe’s move.
- firered-leafgreen: Changes type to foe’s move.
- diamond-pearl: Changes the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
- platinum: Changes the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
- heartgold-soulsilver: Changes the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
- black-white: Changes the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
- black-2-white-2: Changes the Pokémon’s type to the foe’s move.
- x-y: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
- omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
- sun-moon: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
- ultra-sun-ultra-moon: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
- lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
- sword-shield: The Pokémon’s type becomes the type of the move used on it.
Pokémon with the Color-Change ability
Kecleon
Types: Normal