What Type is Hidden Power?
Hidden Power is a unique move in the Pokémon franchise that has been a topic of debate among fans and players. In this article, we will delve into the answer to the question "What type is Hidden Power?"
Direct Answer
According to the Pokémon games, Hidden Power is a Normal-type move. This is displayed in battles and on status screens. However, this answer may not be entirely accurate, as we will explore later in this article.
IV-Based Type
In Generation IV and later, Hidden Power’s type is determined by the Pokémon’s individual values (IVs). There are 6 IVs, and each of them can be either even or odd. This results in 64 possible combinations. The type of Hidden Power is determined by the following pattern:
- Even-Even-Even-Even-Even-Even = Grass-type
- Even-Even-Even-Even-Odd-Even = Ice-type
- Even-Even-Even-Odd-Even-Even = Water-type
- Even-Even-Odd-Even-Even-Even = Electric-type
- Even-Odd-Even-Even-Even-Even = Poison-type
- Odd-Even-Even-Even-Even-Even = Ground-type
- Odd-Odd-Even-Even-Even-Even = Flying-type
- Even-Even-Even-Even-Odd-Even = Bug-type
- Even-Even-Odd-Even-Odd-Even = Rock-type
- Even-Odd-Even-Odd-Even-Even = Psychic-type
- Odd-Even-Odd-Even-Even-Even = Steel-type
- Odd-Odd-Odd-Even-Even-Even = Fairy-type
This pattern is repeated for each of the 6 IVs.
Physical or Special?
In Generations II to V, Hidden Power’s base power is also determined by the Pokémon’s IVs, ranging from 31 to 70. From Generation VI onward, Hidden Power’s base power is always 60. The move’s type also determines whether it is physical or special. Here is the breakdown:
- Grass, Ice, Water, Electric, Poison, Ground, and Flying-type Hidden Power are special moves.
- Bug, Rock, Psychic, Steel, and Fairy-type Hidden Power are physical moves.
Pokémon-Specific Hidden Power
Some Pokémon have unique Hidden Power moves that are not determined by their IVs. These moves are determined by the Pokémon’s species and may have different types or effects. For example, Milotic has Hidden Power Grass, which is used to hit threats such as Feraligatr and Azumarill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hidden Power is a Normal-type move in the Pokémon games, but its type can also be determined by the Pokémon’s individual values (IVs). The type of Hidden Power is determined by a complex pattern of even and odd IVs, and its base power and type determine whether it is physical or special. Some Pokémon also have unique Hidden Power moves that are not determined by their IVs. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the world of Pokémon, understanding Hidden Power is essential for building a well-rounded team.
Table: IV-Based Hidden Power Types
| IV 1 | IV 2 | IV 3 | IV 4 | IV 5 | IV 6 | Hidden Power Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Even | Even | Even | Even | Even | Even | Grass |
| Even | Even | Even | Even | Odd | Even | Ice |
| Even | Even | Even | Odd | Even | Even | Water |
| Even | Even | Odd | Even | Even | Even | Electric |
| Even | Odd | Even | Even | Even | Even | Poison |
| Odd | Even | Even | Even | Even | Even | Ground |
| Odd | Odd | Even | Even | Even | Even | Flying |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
Note: The table is not exhaustive, as there are 64 possible combinations of IVs.