Speed-Boost

Summary

Speed Boost is a Pokémon ability introduced in Generation III.

Effect:

• Increases the Speed stat of the Pokémon with this ability by one stage at the end of each turn.
• Activates automatically and consistently at the end of every turn, as long as the Pokémon with this ability remains in battle.
• The boost persists even if the Pokémon is switched out.
• Can accumulate multiple stages over several turns, significantly enhancing the Pokémon's Speed.

In Battle:

• Provides a dynamic offensive advantage by allowing the Pokémon to outspeed opponents after a turn or two.
• Particularly effective for Pokémon aiming to sweep through teams, as they can quickly accumulate Speed boosts to outspeed even the fastest threats.
• Encourages aggressive playstyles, as the ability inherently rewards staying in battle rather than switching out.
• Can be countered by moves or abilities that reset stat changes, such as Haze or Clear Smog.

Pokémon with this Ability:

• Blaziken (standard ability, which contributed to its competitive prominence)
• Ninjask (standard ability, often used for Baton Pass strategies)
• Scolipede (hidden ability, utilizing both offensive and support roles)
• Yanmega (hidden ability, increasing its sweeping potential)

Competitive Use:

• Highly valued for its ability to transform slower Pokémon into potent sweepers over the course of a battle.
• Often paired with moves like Protect to safely accumulate Speed boosts without taking damage.
• Blaziken, with Speed Boost, was so dominant that it was banned to the Uber tier in several competitive formats.
• Scolipede uses Speed Boost to effectively pass Speed boosts to teammates via Baton Pass, enhancing team strategies.

Interesting Facts:

• Speed Boost was initially unique to Ninjask in Generation III, highlighting its thematic association with speed and agility.
• The ability's introduction to Blaziken in Generation V significantly increased its competitive viability, leading to its notable rise in usage.
• Speed Boost's mechanics are visually depicted in games with a quick animation at the end of each turn, emphasizing the Pokémon's increasing agility.
• In the Pokémon anime, Speed Boost is often shown with a visual flair, indicating the enhanced swiftness and reaction time of the Pokémon using it.