Question

What is the difference between ability and hidden ability?

Answer 1

Each species of Pokemon has three ability slots. Two of these are reserved for abilities that the species could have when you encounter it under normal circumstances. These are your "regular" abilities.

The third slot is for the hidden ability (HA), which the species can only have in special circumstances.

For example, Nidoking has the following slots:

• Slot #1: Poison Point
• Slot #2: Rivalry
• Hidden Ability: Sheer Force

Sheer Force is "hidden" in the sense that Nidoking will never be spawned with Sheer Force under normal circumstances. Once you do get a Nidoking with Sheer Force (which would require some special technique or encounter method), there is nothing hidden about it. It appears in menus just like any other ability and works just like a normal ability.

In case it isn't clear, a Pokemon can only have one of its species' possible abilities at once. HAs are not additional abilities. If a Nidoking has Sheer Force (its HA), then it can't have Poison Point or Rivalry.

Comments

Who selected this answer? Who? WHO? AGHGHGGG! I will find out this is my life mission! Also good answer +1

---

@Stoutland Fan we may never know

---

Fizz and his mysterious methods. I say dark magic.

Answer 2

Hidden abilities are gained through Dream World or Hidden Grottos, and are only available in Gen V games.

Normal abilities are the ones you can get by catching a Pokemon in-game (except in Hidden Grottos).

Answer 3

A Hidden Ability can only be obtained from a Hidden Grotto or the Dream World, thus, they are also called Dream World Abilitys.