Adaptability

offensive

Raises the power of same-type (STAB) moves from 1.5x to 2x.

Competitive value

Gives Mega Lucario enormous STAB damage on both sides of the spectrum with Close Combat and Aura Sphere.

All Pokémon with this ability

20 Pokémon, sorted by usage

What this ability changes

Adaptability is a tier B ability. It is classified as offensive. Raises the power of same-type (STAB) moves from 1.5x to 2x. Common users include mega-lucario. Gives Mega Lucario enormous STAB damage on both sides of the spectrum with Close Combat and Aura Sphere.

How it affects positioning

Positioning matters with Adaptability. Think about when the ability triggers — on entry, on hit, on switch out, or continuously — and build your turns around those moments. Abilities that trigger on entry pair well with pivot moves, while continuous abilities reward careful lead selection. If the ability affects the whole field, consider how long you expect that field condition to last and whether your opponent can override it.

Team-building considerations

In team building, Adaptability should justify at least one team slot and ideally shape several. Ask which Pokémon benefit directly from the ability and which opponents will try to play around it. Build redundant answers to the ability's common counters so the rest of the team still functions when the ability is negated, overridden or ignored.

Matchup notes

Matchup value depends on whether the opponent's team can ignore, copy or remove the ability's effect. Bring Adaptability when you expect the opposing strategy to rely on the mechanics it counters, and consider a backup plan for games where that interaction does not come up. Test these matchups in the team builder and analyzer before finalizing your roster.

Related Pokémon and tools

Explore related Pokémon, team examples and guides to see Adaptability in action.

Frequently asked questions

Is Adaptability good in VGC?

Gives Mega Lucario enormous STAB damage on both sides of the spectrum with Close Combat and Aura Sphere.

Which Pokémon use Adaptability?

Common users include mega-lucario.

Last updated: July 2026
All figures are estimated trends based on available data and do not guarantee competitive results. Matchups are situational. See our methodology for how these figures are calculated.