10 Worst Non-Signature Abilities In Pokémon Games

Rivalry is another example of an ability that can be useful, but is too risky to rely on.

This ability makes attacks 25% stronger against Pokémon of the same gender, but also decreases power against opposite-gender Pokémon by 25%. Obviously, an opponent Pokémon's gender is not something that a trainer can decide upon, especially the genders of wild Pokémon. A trainer would have to look up every trainer's Pokémon's gender in order to determine whether or not their Pokémon with Rivalry would be a feasible opponent for it. That kind of tiptoeing to ensure success is just no fun.

This ability is prevalent among Pokémon as well, as it is the primary ability of the Shinx line, the Axew line, and the Litleo line, while serving as a secondary ability for both Nidoran lines. Beautifly and the Pidove line all have access to Rivalry as a hidden ability, and unsurprisingly, it's a lesser choice compared to their other possible abilities (i.e. Big Pecks, Super Luck, and Swarm for Beautifly).

In short, there is no fully justifiable reason to use a Pokémon with Rivalry.