Welcome to the ultimate resource for understanding and calculating one of Pokémon's most enigmatic moves: Hidden Power. This page provides a comprehensive guide to this unique attack and offers a powerful, easy-to-use calculator to determine its type and power based on your Pokémon's Individual Values (IVs).
Calculate Your Pokémon's Hidden Power
Enter your Pokémon's IVs (Individual Values) for each stat below. IVs range from 0 to 31. Higher IVs generally mean stronger stats, but specific IV spreads are often desired to achieve a particular Hidden Power type.
Understanding Hidden Power
Hidden Power is a Normal-type move in name, but its actual type and power are determined by the Individual Values (IVs) of the Pokémon using it. This makes it a highly versatile and strategic move, allowing Pokémon to gain coverage against types they might otherwise struggle with. Unlike most moves where the type is fixed, Hidden Power adapts to the Pokémon's genetic makeup.
For competitive players, Hidden Power is a crucial tool. It can turn a Pokémon with limited offensive coverage into a formidable threat, surprising opponents with unexpected type matchups. For example, a Pokémon that is typically weak to Ground-types might carry Hidden Power Grass to hit them super effectively.
How Hidden Power Type is Determined
The type of Hidden Power is derived from the parity (whether they are odd or even) of a Pokémon's IVs across its six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. Each IV contributes a 'bit' to a binary number, which then maps to one of 16 possible types.
The IVs and Their Influence:
- HP IV: Determines the first bit.
- Attack IV: Determines the second bit.
- Defense IV: Determines the third bit.
- Speed IV: Determines the fourth bit.
- Special Attack IV: Determines the fifth bit.
- Special Defense IV: Determines the sixth bit.
A complex formula converts these bits into a numerical value (0-15), which corresponds to a specific type. Our calculator handles this intricate calculation for you, providing an instant result.
The Power of Hidden Power (Generations 6 onwards)
In earlier generations (III-V), Hidden Power's base power could vary from 30 to 70, also depending on the Pokémon's IVs. This added another layer of complexity to its utility. However, from Generation VI onwards, Hidden Power's base power was standardized to a fixed value of 60.
While the fixed power means you can no longer aim for a stronger Hidden Power, the consistency simplifies its application and makes it a reliable choice for type coverage. A base power of 60, combined with STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) if applicable (though Hidden Power itself is never STAB unless the Pokémon is Normal-type and uses it as a Normal-type move, which is not how it typically functions), is often sufficient to deal significant damage to targets weak to that specific type.
Why Use a Hidden Power Calculator?
Manually calculating Hidden Power's type and power is a tedious and error-prone process. Our calculator eliminates the guesswork, making it an indispensable tool for:
- Competitive Battlers: Quickly check if a newly bred or caught Pokémon has the desired Hidden Power type.
- Breeders: Plan specific IV spreads to achieve a particular Hidden Power type for optimal strategy.
- Curious Trainers: Simply understand the mechanics behind this fascinating move for any of your Pokémon.
How to Use This Calculator
- Identify IVs: Use an in-game "IV Judge" or a similar tool to determine your Pokémon's Individual Values for HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.
- Enter IVs: Input each IV (a number between 0 and 31) into the corresponding fields in the calculator above.
- Click "Calculate": Press the "Calculate Hidden Power" button.
- View Results: The calculator will instantly display the Hidden Power's Type and Power based on the IVs you entered.
Common Hidden Power Types and Ideal IV Spreads
While any combination of IVs can result in a Hidden Power type, competitive players often aim for specific types while maintaining high IVs in other crucial stats (e.g., 31 in offensive stats for attackers, 31 in defensive stats for walls, or 31 in Speed for fast Pokémon). Here are a few examples of IV spreads that result in popular Hidden Power types (note: these are just common examples, other spreads exist):
- Hidden Power Fire: Often achieved with an IV spread like 31/30/31/30/31/30. This maximizes Special Attack and Speed while achieving the Fire typing.
- Hidden Power Ice: A common spread is 31/31/31/31/31/30. This maintains high overall stats with a slight drop in Speed to get Ice.
- Hidden Power Grass: Can be found with spreads such as 31/30/31/30/31/31.
- Hidden Power Electric: Often seen with 31/31/31/31/30/31.
Remember that the calculator will tell you the exact type for any IV combination, allowing you to experiment and discover the Hidden Power of your unique Pokémon.
The Evolution of Hidden Power
Hidden Power has been a staple move since Generation II, adding an element of mystery and depth to Pokémon battles. Over the generations, its mechanics have been refined, most notably with the fixed power in Generation VI. Despite these changes, its core function—providing unexpected type coverage—has remained invaluable for trainers looking to optimize their teams.
From being a move whose properties were difficult to ascertain without external tools, Hidden Power has evolved into a strategic choice that can be precisely calculated and planned for, making tools like this calculator essential for modern Pokémon gameplay.
Conclusion
Hidden Power stands as a testament to the strategic depth of the Pokémon world. Its dynamic nature, tied directly to a Pokémon's individual genetic makeup, offers countless possibilities for competitive play and creative team building. With this Hidden Power calculator, you now have the power to unveil the hidden potential of your Pokémon, ensuring they are always prepared for battle.
Go forth, trainer, and master the art of Hidden Power!