Ice Scales
Gen VIIIThe Pokémon is protected by ice scales, which halve the damage taken from special moves.
Ice Scales in Battle
Ice Scales halves the damage the Pokemon takes from all special moves. This is a straightforward but extremely powerful defensive ability — it effectively doubles the Pokemon's Special Defense in practice, making it an exceptional special wall. The damage reduction applies to all special attacks regardless of type, with no exceptions or conditions.
The ability is exclusive to Frosmoth and Snom, both Ice/Bug-type Pokemon introduced in Generation VIII. For Frosmoth in particular, Ice Scales transforms it into one of the best special tanks in the game despite its low base HP, since the halved damage means many special attacks that would otherwise deal significant damage become manageable. However, this protection does nothing against physical moves, leaving Frosmoth extremely vulnerable on the physical side — a stark contrast that opponents can easily exploit.