Reckless
Powers up moves that have recoil damage.
Competitive value
The power of moves that have recoil damage is increased by 20%.
All Pokémon with this ability
13 Pokémon, sorted by usage
What this ability changes
Reckless is a tier C ability. Powers up moves that have recoil damage. Common users include rhyperior, mienshao, obstagoon, rhydon, emboar, bouffalant. The power of moves that have recoil damage is increased by 20%.
How it affects positioning
Positioning matters with Reckless. 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, Reckless 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 Reckless 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 Reckless in action.
Frequently asked questions
+Is Reckless good in VGC?
The power of moves that have recoil damage is increased by 20%.
+Which Pokémon use Reckless?
Common users include rhyperior, mienshao, obstagoon, rhydon, emboar, bouffalant.