How to Get the Ability Patch and Ability Capsule in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Wondering how you can get your hands on the Ability Patch or Ability Capsule in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? We’ve outlined how to obtain both of these items, as well as uses and effects.

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, every Pokémon possesses a unique ability that grants them a specific strength in battle. However, it’s much more difficult to find a Pokémon with its hidden ability. These less common abilities are typically more beneficial, sometimes prompting certain species of Pokémon to evolve under the correct circumstances. Because of this, Pokémon with hidden abilities are particularly sought after. Enter the Ability Patch and Ability Capsule, which allow you to switch your Pokémon’s ability — but how are these handy items obtained in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

You’re going to need to make some serious progress in the main story if you hope to get your hands on either the Ability Patch or Ability Capsule. Luckily, it’s smooth sailing from there on out. Here’s what you need to do to obtain both the Ability Patch and the Ability Capsule in Scarlet and Violet.

How to Obtain the Ability Patch in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

You can obtain Ability Patches as rewards for participating in both 6-Star Tera Raids and 7-Star Tera Raids in Scarlet and Violet. To up the odds of receiving one, you might find it helpful to make Raid Power sandwiches.

That said, you’ll need to finish the main story and post-game events to unlock 6-Star Tera Raids. This involves defeating the Pokémon League, winning the Academy Ace Tournament, and participating in 5-Star Tera Raids until you get a call from Professor Jacq. Afterward, you’ll get the go-ahead to take on 6-Star Tera Raids along with a handy reward.

Getting a Free Ability Patch

Once you’ve completed Mr. Jacq’s request to participate in 5-Star Tera Raid battles, he’ll reward you with a free Ability Patch. Since you can’t purchase this item in Scarlet and Violet, this is a particularly neat reward for your efforts. Not to mention, it’s totally free.

Of course, you’ll have to take part in 6-Star Tera Raids to get your hands on more of these items later on. On the bright side, this method is also free. However, mastering Tera Raid Battles can be a bit of a challenge, and you’ll likely endure a few losses before you’re able to secure a win and claim valuable rewards, like Ability Patches and Tera Shards.

Uses and Effects

The Ability Patch is a single-use item that changes your Pokémon’s ability to its hidden ability. While there is a small chance for you to catch Pokémon with hidden abilities in the overworld and in Tera Raids, the Ability Patch allows you to switch your Pokémon’s ability on a whim. You should use this item wisely, though, as it’s a pretty rare drop and obtaining another can be time-consuming.

How to Obtain the Ability Capsule in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Unlike the Ability Patch, the Ability Capsule is available for purchase at Chansey Supply shop locations across the Paldea region. However, it’ll set you back 100,000 Poké Dollars. This is nothing to scoff at, especially if you’ve developed a habit of liberal spending. Fortunately, making money is pretty easy once you unlock 6-Star Tera Raids and earn valuable rewards, like Comet Shards and Nuggets.

Uses and Effects

The Ability Capsule also allows you to change your Pokémon’s ability. However, this item differs from the Ability Patch, as you can’t use it to give your Pokémon its hidden ability. For this reason, it’s a great option if you want to switch your Pokémon’s ability to another, given its species has access to one of two abilities.

For example, the Normal-type Pokémon, Eevee, can often be found with either Run Away or Adaptability as its ability. You can use an Ability Capsule to switch between these two abilities, but the item cannot be used to give Eevee its hidden ability, Anticipation. To do this, you would instead need to use an Ability Patch.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer an extensive list of ways in which you can help every Pokémon reach its greatest potential in battle, and using items like the Ability Patch and Ability Capsule are just one method to do this. To help your Pokémon become stronger in battle, be sure to utilize more in-game features like Hyper Training and changing your Pokémon’s nature or Tera Type. For more Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides, take a look at How to Change Kimono in Teal Mask, Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC Worth It? and When is Indigo Disk Release Date.