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.