Intimidate is one of the most defining abilities in competitive Pokémon. When a Pokémon with Intimidate switches into battle, every opposing Pokémon has its Attack stat lowered by one stage (×0.67 to physical attacks).
In doubles, this hits both opposing Pokémon at once, which is part of why it’s so strong.
Why it matters
Lowering opposing Attack means:
- Physical attackers hit your team for less
- You can switch your Intimidator in mid-game to soften an incoming sweeper
- Opponents have to either Set Up to overcome the drop, switch out themselves, or eat the reduced damage
Counterplay
- DefiantDefiantabilityRaises Attack by 2 stages whenever any of the Pokémon's stats are lowered — including by Intimidate.Click to read more → and CompetitiveCompetitiveabilityRaises Special Attack by 2 stages whenever any of the Pokémon's stats are lowered — including by Intimidate.Click to read more → abilities turn Intimidate into a +2 boost (Defiant boosts Attack, Competitive boosts Sp. Atk).
- Clear Amulet and Clear Body prevent the stat drop entirely.
- Special attackers don’t care — Intimidate only affects physical Attack.
Common Intimidate users in M-A
IncineroarIncineroarpokemonThe most-used Pokémon in Reg M-A. Defines doubles tempo with Fake Out, Intimidate on every switch, and Parting Shot pivots.Click to read more →, Salamence, Mawile, Arcanine, Krookodile, Hitmontop, Landorus (banned), and many others.