Limber

Summary

Limber is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

• Prevents the Pokémon with this ability from being paralyzed, whether from moves like Thunder Wave or secondary effects of moves like Body Slam.
• If a Pokémon is already paralyzed and gains the Limber ability (such as through Skill Swap or as a result of evolving), its paralysis is cured immediately.
• Continues to protect the Pokémon from paralysis even after regaining the ability if it had been lost temporarily.

In Battle:

• Provides defensive utility by protecting against paralysis, which can otherwise halve a Pokémon's Speed.
• Particularly useful for fast Pokémon that rely on high Speed stats to perform effectively in battle.
• Allows Pokémon to act as reliable switch-ins to moves and abilities that induce paralysis.
• Helps ensure that Pokémon can maintain their momentum and offensive pressure without speed reduction.

Pokémon with this Ability:

• Persian (standard ability)
• Hitmonlee (standard ability)
• Stunfisk (standard ability)
• Glameow (standard ability)
• Several other nimble or agile Pokémon

Competitive Use:

• Useful on Pokémon that are speed-dependent, allowing them to avoid the crippling effects of paralysis.
• Can be strategically employed to counter teams that rely on paralysis to control the opponent's speed.
• Often seen on Pokémon that need to maintain consistent performance, especially in formats where Thunder Wave and similar moves are common.
• Provides a niche advantage in matchups against teams that use paralysis as a primary status condition strategy.

Interesting Facts:

• The name "Limber" reflects the agility and flexibility of the Pokémon, emphasizing their ability to avoid being crippled by paralysis.
• Despite its defensive nature, the ability can indirectly support offensive strategies by allowing its user to maintain speed advantage.
• Limber has been a staple ability for several Pokémon since its introduction, maintaining its relevance across multiple generations.
• In the Pokémon anime, Limber is often depicted with Pokémon swiftly dodging attacks that would otherwise paralyze them, highlighting the ability's protective aspect.