The Pickup ability in Pokémon is a surprisingly valuable asset for any trainer looking to boost their in-game resources. This ability allows a Pokémon to occasionally find items after battles, ranging from common Poké Balls to rare and valuable evolution stones. However, not all Pokémon are created equal when it comes to Pickup. This guide will explore the mechanics of Pickup, highlight the best Pokémon to use it, and answer some frequently asked questions about maximizing its effectiveness.
How Does the Pickup Ability Work?
The Pickup ability is straightforward: after a wild Pokémon battle, your Pokémon with Pickup has a chance to find an item. This chance is affected by several factors:
- Level: Higher-level Pokémon have a slightly higher chance of finding items.
- Game Version: The item pool and chances vary slightly between different Pokémon games.
- RNG (Random Number Generator): Ultimately, luck plays a significant role. Even with a high-level Pokémon, there's no guarantee of finding an item every battle.
While the exact probabilities aren't publicly disclosed by Nintendo, players have observed higher chances with higher-level Pokémon. It's a slow and steady process, but it can save you a substantial amount of money and effort in acquiring valuable items.
What Items Can a Pokémon with Pickup Find?
The range of items a Pokémon with Pickup can find is quite diverse, ranging from the mundane to the exceptionally useful. You might find:
- Common Items: Poké Balls, Potions, Revives
- Useful Items: Rare Candies, X Items (like X Attack or X Defend)
- Evolution Stones: Moon Stones, Sun Stones, Fire Stones, and others
- Rare Items: Occasionally, you may even find ultra-rare items like PP Ups or Heart Scales
The specific items available vary by the game. Certain games offer more diverse item pools than others.
Which Pokémon Have the Pickup Ability?
Many Pokémon possess the Pickup ability, making the choice somewhat dependent on your preferred playstyle. Some notable Pokémon include:
- Raticate: An early-game accessible option, making it a popular choice.
- Meowth: Another early game option with great versatility.
- Kangaskhan: A powerful Pokémon with the Pickup ability.
Ultimately, the best Pokémon for Pickup is a matter of personal preference. Choose a Pokémon that fits your team's overall strategy and that you enjoy using.
What's the Best Way to Use the Pickup Ability?
To maximize your chances of finding items with Pickup:
- Use a high-level Pokémon: The higher the level, the slightly greater the chance.
- Battle frequently: The more battles you engage in, the more opportunities your Pokémon has to find items.
- Consider using a Pokémon with other useful abilities: While Pickup is the primary focus, pairing it with useful abilities can add extra value to the Pokémon.
- Be patient: It's a long-term strategy, but the rewards can be substantial over time.
Can I Use Pickup to Farm Specific Items?
No, you cannot reliably farm for specific items using the Pickup ability. The items found are entirely random, and there's no way to manipulate the system to target specific items.
Does the Pickup Ability Work in Every Game?
Yes, the Pickup ability is a consistent feature across many generations of Pokémon games, though the item pools and specific drop rates may vary between games.
Is the Pickup Ability Worth Using?
For many players, the Pickup ability is incredibly valuable, especially in the long run. While it's not a guaranteed method to acquire any specific item, the potential to accumulate rare items and save on buying them makes it a worthwhile ability to utilize.
By selecting the right Pokémon and employing the strategies outlined above, trainers can significantly enhance their in-game resource acquisition and make the most of this often-overlooked ability. Happy hunting!
