If you’ve started building competitive Pokémon teams in Pokémon Scarlet, chances are you’ve heard players talk about Ability Patches. These rare items are incredibly valuable because they unlock a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability, which can dramatically improve its performance in battles.
The challenge, however, is that Ability Patches are not easy to obtain. Unlike common battle items, you can’t simply buy them in a shop. Many players finish the game and still wonder how to farm them efficiently.
If you’re trying to get more Ability Patches in Pokémon Violet as well, this guide will walk you through every reliable method, how to unlock the necessary raids, and strategies to farm them faster.
What Is an Ability Patch in Pokémon Scarlet?
An Ability Patch is a rare item that allows you to change a Pokémon’s current ability to its Hidden Ability.
Hidden Abilities are special abilities that many Pokémon cannot normally obtain through standard gameplay. These abilities often provide powerful effects that make Pokémon significantly stronger or more useful in competitive battles.
For example:
- Some Hidden Abilities increase damage output.
- Others improve defensive capabilities.
- Certain abilities even change how a Pokémon interacts with weather or terrain.
Because of this, Ability Patches are highly valued among players who want to build optimal or competitive teams.
Ability Patch vs Ability Capsule
Many players confuse Ability Patches with Ability Capsules, but they work differently.
Ability Capsule
- Switches between a Pokémon’s standard abilities.
Ability Patch
- Unlocks the Pokémon’s Hidden Ability.
In simple terms, an Ability Capsule swaps abilities, while an Ability Patch unlocks a completely different one.
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All Ways to Get Ability Patches in Pokémon Scarlet
There are several ways to obtain Ability Patches, but some methods are far more reliable than others. Let’s break down every method players currently use.
1. Winning 6-Star Tera Raid Battles (Best Farming Method)
The most reliable way to get Ability Patches is by completing 6-Star Tera Raid Battles.
These raids are high-level cooperative battles where players defeat powerful Terastallized Pokémon. The reward pool for these raids includes some of the rarest items in the game, including Ability Patches.
Why players farm 6-Star raids
- Higher-quality rewards
- Repeatable battles
- Chance to obtain rare items
However, these raids are much harder than normal ones, so preparation is essential.
Tips for beating 6-Star raids
- Use high-level Pokémon (level 100 recommended).
- Bring Pokémon with strong raid builds.
- Coordinate with other players online.
- Use healing and support moves.
Many experienced players run these raids daily, since the game refreshes raid opportunities.
2. 7-Star Tera Raid Events
Occasionally, the game hosts special event raids that feature extremely powerful Pokémon.
These 7-Star raids are among the toughest challenges in the game, but they often provide excellent rewards.
During these events:
- Rare items appear more frequently.
- Special Pokémon become available.
- Players can farm valuable resources.
Although Ability Patch drops are not guaranteed, players often attempt these raids because the reward pool is very strong.
3. Limited-Time Raid Events
Game developers frequently introduce special raid events to keep gameplay fresh. These events may feature:
- boosted raid rewards
- themed Pokémon encounters
- increased chances for rare items
During these periods, farming raids becomes much more efficient.
If you’re actively trying to farm Ability Patches, it’s worth checking event announcements regularly, as these events can significantly increase your chances.
4. Trading With Other Players
Another way players obtain Ability Patches is through trading.
Since these items are tradable, some players farm large numbers of them and exchange them for:
- rare Pokémon
- shinies
- competitive builds
You can trade through:
- Link Trade in-game
- Online player communities
- Dedicated raid groups
While trading is not a farming method itself, it can be a faster way to obtain Ability Patches if you have something valuable to offer.
5. Mystery Gift Rewards
Occasionally, developers distribute Ability Patches through Mystery Gift promotions.
These rewards are usually tied to:
- game celebrations
- competitive tournaments
- promotional campaigns
Mystery Gifts don’t appear often, but when they do, they are one of the easiest ways to obtain rare items.
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How to Unlock 6-Star Raids (Required for Farming)
A common reason players struggle to find Ability Patches is that 6-Star raids are locked until late in the game.
Here’s how to unlock them.
Step 1: Finish the Main Story
Complete all three main story paths and the final storyline.
Step 2: Complete the Academy Ace Tournament
After finishing the story, you’ll unlock this tournament at the academy.
Winning it opens additional post-game content.
Step 3: Win Multiple 5-Star Raids
After clearing several 5-Star raids, the game unlocks 6-Star raids automatically.
Once unlocked, you’ll start seeing them on the map daily.
Best Pokémon for Farming Raids
High-level raids are much easier when you use Pokémon designed specifically for raid battles.
Here are some popular choices.
Iron Hands
- Extremely high damage
- Strong survivability
- Excellent raid attacker
Azumarill
- Huge Power ability
- Massive damage with Belly Drum strategies
- Common raid choice
Annihilape
- Strong scaling damage
- Great durability
These Pokémon are widely used because they balance offense and survivability, which is crucial for difficult raids.
Fastest Strategy to Farm Ability Patches
If your goal is to collect Ability Patches efficiently, follow this simple routine:
- Unlock 6-Star raids.
- Check the map daily for available raids.
- Join online raid groups to complete battles faster.
- Use optimized raid Pokémon.
- Repeat raids regularly.
Many players combine online matchmaking and friend groups to farm raids quickly.
Ability Patch Drop Rate (What Players Should Expect)
Ability Patches are rare rewards, even in high-level raids.
This means:
- You won’t get one every raid.
- Sometimes several raids may pass without one.
- Persistence is required.
Because of this, players often farm raids repeatedly over multiple sessions.
How to Use an Ability Patch
Using an Ability Patch is simple.
- Open your Bag.
- Select the Ability Patch.
- Choose the Pokémon you want to modify.
- Confirm the change.
After using it, the Pokémon gains its Hidden Ability permanently.
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Best Pokémon to Use Ability Patches On
Since Ability Patches are rare, you should use them wisely.
Some Pokémon become significantly stronger with Hidden Abilities, such as:
- Dragonite
- Garchomp
- Meowscarada
Before using a patch, it’s a good idea to check whether the Hidden Ability actually improves that Pokémon’s performance.
Common Mistakes Players Make
When farming or using Ability Patches, players often make a few mistakes.
Using the patch on the wrong Pokémon
Not every Pokémon benefits from its Hidden Ability.
Expecting patches from low-level raids
Lower-tier raids rarely drop high-value items.
Not unlocking 6-Star raids yet
Many players search for Ability Patches before reaching the required progression.
Conclusion
Ability Patches are among the most valuable items in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, especially for players building competitive teams.
While they are rare, the best way to farm them is by:
- unlocking 6-Star Tera Raids
- participating in special raid events
- teaming up with other players online
With the right strategy and a strong raid team, you can gradually build a collection of Ability Patches and unlock powerful Hidden Abilities for your Pokémon.