If you're hoping to make a competitive VGC team, you're going to need to know how to get the Ability Patch and Ability Capsules in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. They're two of the most important items used to speed up the creation of a competitive team, and they're easier than ever to get in the new games.
Though they sound like the same item, the Ability Capsule and Ability Patch are two very different beasts. The former is something that can really speed up the process of making a competitive team, and the latter can help build a meta lineup. We'll explain everything below.
For more guides on the latest generation of Pokemon, check out how to get Paldean Tauros or more Rotom phone cases in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. We've even got words on the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet day one patch notes.
How to get Ability Capsules in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
You can buy Ability Capsules in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet at 100k Poke dollars a pop. Once you have all eight badges, you can visit the Chansey Supply shops in Mesagoza, Levincia, Cascarafa, or Montenevera to grab as many Ability Capsules as you can afford. The Chansey Supply shops look like a pharmacy, and have green signs on the outside.
How to get Ability Patch in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Just like in Pokemon Sword and Shield, you'll have to grind raid battles to get Ability Patches in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. You'll have the best odds in six star black crystal raids, and seven star black crystal raids for looting an Ability Patch,
- Check out: Pokemon Scarlet and Violet post game content
Unlocking a Pokemon's Hidden Ability has gotten easier over the years, but they're powerful and important enough that they still need to be a little convoluted to get.
If you're building a few teams around a Pokemon's Hidden Ability, expect to be running a lot of raid battles to gather up Ability Patches.
What does the Ability Capsule do in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
In a nutshell, the Ability Capsule changes your Pokemon's Ability to their other. Most Pokemon have two abilities they can be caught with, so it's a way to swap to the other without having to catch and train the same species again.
What does the Ability Patch do in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
Though they sound similar, the Ability Patch has a slightly different effect to the Ability Capsule. Using an Ability Patch on your Pokemon will change its current ability to its Hidden Ability.
These were typically locked to Pokemon given away in limited-time events or as prizes for competitions, but the Ability Patch makes unlocking a Pokemon's typically powerful Hidden Ability a breeze.
For more guides, check out how to get Sobble in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, or what level Wiglett evolves as well. And, when you're ready, check out how to breed in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and then how to farm shiny Pokemon with the sandwich recipes list.