Quark Drive is the signature ability of the Paradox Pokémon family (the futuristic variants like Iron Hands, Iron Moth, Iron Valiant). When Electric TerrainTerrainmechanicField effects that last 5 turns and boost or protect grounded Pokémon — Grassy, Psychic, Electric, and Misty each do something different.Click to read more → is active or the Pokémon is holding a Booster Energy item, the Pokémon’s highest stat gets a boost — 30% for most stats, or 50% if the highest stat is Speed.
The game checks the Pokémon’s highest stat before any in-battle modifications and applies the boost to that stat automatically.
Iron Hands
Iron Hands has an enormous Attack stat as its highest stat. In a format where Electric Terrain is common (Raichu-Alolan, Pincurchin), or when holding a Booster Energy, Iron Hands gets a 30% Attack boost on top of its already massive base. Combined with its enormous HP, it becomes one of the format’s most durable physical attackers.
Booster Energy is particularly reliable: it’s a held item that activates the first time Iron Hands enters the field, giving it the Quark Drive boost without needing to rely on terrain. After the item is consumed, the boost stays active for the turn it was triggered — making it predictable and consistent.
In doubles
Quark Drive synergizes naturally with Electric Terrain support. Teams that run both Electric Terrain setters and Iron Hands effectively give Iron Hands a permanent passive boost without spending moves or turns. The opponent either has to deal with Iron Hands directly or overwrite the terrain — giving your team information about their priorities.