Drizzle

Summary

Drizzle is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

• Changes the weather to rain when the Pokémon with this ability enters battle.
• The rain remains active until replaced by another weather condition, such as Sunlight, Sandstorm, or Snow, or if the battle ends.
• If multiple Pokémon with weather-changing abilities (Drizzle, Drought, Sand Stream, or Snow Warning) are sent out at the same time, the ability of the Pokémon with the lowest Speed stat activates last, determining the active weather.
• Rain boosts the power of Water-type moves by 50%, reduces the power of Fire-type moves by 50%, and affects certain abilities and moves (e.g., Thunder and Hurricane have perfect accuracy).

In Battle:

• Provides immediate field control by changing the weather to rain, often benefiting Water-type teams.
• Enhances Water-type moves and weakens Fire-type moves, giving an advantage to Water-type Pokémon.
• Useful for activating abilities like Swift Swim, Rain Dish, and Dry Skin, which benefit from rain.
• Counteracts weather-dependent strategies of opponents, especially those reliant on Sunlight or Sandstorm.

Pokémon with this Ability:

• Pelipper (standard ability in later generations)
• Kyogre (signature ability in its standard form)
• Politoed (standard ability, popular for competitive rain teams)

Competitive Use:

• Highly valued in competitive play for creating rain teams, where rain-boosted Water-type moves become very powerful.
• Often used to support partners with Swift Swim, providing a significant Speed boost.
• Can disrupt opposing weather strategies, particularly those based on Fire-type Pokémon or Sunlight.
• Commonly paired with powerful Water-type attackers and Pokémon with rain-benefitting abilities.

Interesting Facts:

• Drizzle was one of the first abilities to automatically set weather, influencing the development of weather-based strategies in Pokémon battles.
• In Generation V, Drizzle Kyogre was a dominant force in competitive play due to its synergy with other Water-types and rain mechanics, leading to the introduction of permanent weather nerfs in later generations.
• Drizzle's introduction in Generation III helped showcase the new weather mechanics, influencing both in-game and competitive battles.
• The ability's use by Gym Leaders and Elite Four members in the games often signifies a thematic focus on water or weather-based strategies.