When a wild Pokémon has a Hidden Ability, a message saying "Pokémon possesses a Hidden Ability!" will be shown at the start of the battle. Standard wild encounters have a 1/200 chance of having their Hidden Ability, if their species has one. This chance increases with each new badge/temple shard the player collects:
- 1 badge: 1/184
- 2 badges: 1/168
- 3 badges: 1/152
- 4 badges: 1/136
- 5 badges: 1/120
- 6 badges: 1/104
- 7 badges: 1/88
- 8 badges: 1/72
Pokémon can have their ability changed to their Hidden Ability via the Ability Changer in the postgame.
Pokémon with increased Hidden Ability odds[]
- The Egho Swablu encountered in Searidge Town has a 1/11 chance of having its Hidden Ability.
- The Pokémon that appear when money is thrown into the well at Echorock Town have a 1/31 chance of having their Hidden Ability, with the exception of Weedle and any Meowth after the first one.
Many other static Pokémon have increased hidden ability odds too (usually 1/31).
Pokémon with guaranteed Hidden Abilities[]
- An Egg received from Teal's father in Haydust Town will contain a Ponyta with the Hidden Ability Flame Body.
- An Egg received on Amber Trail will contain a Hawlucha with the Hidden Ability Mold Breaker.
- Static Quagsire found in Stone Grove Lake have the Hidden Ability Unaware.
- Static Arcanine found in the Hoopa Portals have the Hidden Ability Justified.