Escudo Recio (Dauntless Shield)

Dauntless Shield raises the Pokemon's Defense by one stage upon entering battle for the first time. This immediate defensive boost provides the Pokemon with increased physical bulk from the moment it appears on the field, without requiring a setup turn.

Starting in Generation IX, Dauntless Shield was changed to only activate once per battle — the first time the Pokemon enters. Previously, it activated every time the Pokemon switched in. This nerf reduced the ability's effectiveness in strategies involving repeated switching.

Dauntless Shield is the signature ability of Zamazenta, the Fighting-type Legendary Pokemon introduced in Generation VIII as the version mascot of Pokemon Shield. It serves as the defensive counterpart to Zacian's Intrepid Sword ability (which boosts Attack). The +1 Defense allows Zamazenta to better fulfill its role as a defensive wall right from the start.