Illusion (ability)

Effect

When a Pokémon with the Illusion ability switches into battle, it takes the form of the Pokémon in last place (6th) of the player's party. Illusion will not activate if the Pokémon in last place is the same species or is fainted.

The effect is aesthetic only; Illusion does not change the Pokémon's type or moves, so for example a Fighting-type move against a Zoroark disguised as Gengar would still be super effective. Any direct attack (i.e. not entry hazards, weather conditions etc) will break the illusion.

Game descriptions

Black​/​White
Black 2​/​White 2
Comes out disguised as the Pokémon in back.
X​/​Y
O.Ruby​/​A.Sapphire
Comes out disguised as the Pokémon in the party’s last spot.
Sun​/​Moon
Ultra Sun​/​Ultra Moon
Comes out disguised as the Pokémon in the party’s last spot.
Sword​/​Shield
B.Diamond​/​S.Pearl
Comes out disguised as the Pokémon in the party’s last spot.
Scarlet​/​Violet The Pokémon fools opponents by entering battle disguised as the last Pokémon in its Trainer’s party.

Other languages

English Illusion
Japanese イリュージョン (Illusion)
German Trugbild
French Illusion
Italian Illusione
Spanish Ilusión
Korean 일루전
Chinese (Simplified) 幻觉
Chinese (Traditional) 幻覺

Pokémon with Illusion

#
Name
2nd ability
Hidden ability
Zorua 0570 Zorua
Hisuian Zorua 0570 Zorua
Hisuian Zorua
Zoroark 0571 Zoroark
Hisuian Zoroark 0571 Zoroark
Hisuian Zoroark

Illusion as a hidden ability

No Pokémon have Illusion as a hidden ability.