Trace (Ability)

Trace redirects here. For the anime character who sometimes goes by this nickname, see Tracey Sketchit.
Trace トレース
Trace
Flavor text
Generation III
Copies special ability.
Generation IV
The Pokémon copies the foe's ability.
Generation V
The Pokémon copies a foe's Ability.
Generation VI
The Pokémon copies an opposing Pokémon's Ability.
Generation VII
Currently unknown
Generation VIII
Currently unknown
Generation IX
Currently unknown

Trace (Japanese: トレース Trace) is an Ability introduced in Generation III. Six Pokémon can have this Ability.

Effect

In battle

Trace changes into the Ability of the opponent. Trace cannot copy Trace, Multitype, Illusion, Flower Gift, Imposter, or Stance Change; however, Trace can copy Wonder Guard. In Double and Triple Battles as well as Horde Encounters, Trace will randomly copy an adjacent opponent's Ability.

If all opponents have Abilities that cannot be traced, then Trace will activate when next exposed to an opponent that has a traceable Ability.

Outside of battle

Trace has no effect outside of battle.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Trace is only activated when the Pokémon is attacked, and one Ability chosen at random is copied.

Pokémon with Trace

# Pokémon Types First Ability Second Ability Hidden Ability
065M Alakazam Alakazam
Psychic Psychic Trace None None
0137   Porygon
Normal Normal Trace Download Analytic
0233   Porygon2
Normal Normal Trace Download Analytic
0280   Ralts
Psychic Fairy Synchronize Trace Telepathy
0281   Kirlia
Psychic Fairy Synchronize Trace Telepathy
0282   Gardevoir
Psychic Fairy Synchronize Trace Telepathy
Please note that abilities marked with a superscript are only available in the stated generation or later.
  • For Generation III and IV games, ignore Hidden Abilities.

In the manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga



The user changes the opponent's Ability.
Pokémon Method
User First Chapter Used In Notes
  Gardevoir changes the opponent's Ability.
Diantha's Gardevoir X & Y chapter Debut


In other languages

Language Title
Mandarin Chinese 追踪 Zhuīzōng
  French Calque
  German Fährte
  Italian Traccia
  Korean 트레이스 Trace
  Portuguese Traçar
  Spanish Rastro
  Turkish Kopyalama


  This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.