Ability Detail

Zen Mode is a unique and intriguing ability exclusive to Darmanitan's Zen Mode form. This ability activates when Darmanitan's HP drops below 50%, causing it to switch from its Standard Mode to its Zen Mode. Here's a detailed explanation of its effects and some interesting facts:

Effects

Stat Changes:
When Zen Mode activates, Darmanitan undergoes a significant change in its base stats. Its Attack drops, but its Special Attack, Defense, and Special Defense stats increase considerably.
This transformation also boosts its HP and turns it into a more balanced Pokémon, capable of taking hits and dealing Special-based damage.
Type Change:
In its Standard Mode, Darmanitan is a pure Fire-type.
Upon entering Zen Mode, it becomes a Fire/Psychic-type, which grants it new STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) move options and changes its weaknesses and resistances. For instance, it gains

Effects

This Pokémon switches between Standard Mode and Zen Mode after each turn depending on its HP. Below 50% of its maximum HP, it switches to Zen Mode, and at 50% or above, it switches to Standard Mode. This Pokémon returns to Standard Mode upon leaving battle or losing this ability. This ability has no effect if this Pokémon is not a darmanitan.

Flavor Texts

black-white: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is halved.

black-2-white-2: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is halved.

x-y: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

omega-ruby-alpha-sapphire: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

sun-moon: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

ultra-sun-ultra-moon: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

lets-go-pikachu-lets-go-eevee: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

sword-shield: Changes the Pokémon’s shape when HP is half or less.

Pokémon with the Zen-Mode ability