Contestation (Contrary)

Contrary inverts all stat changes applied to the Pokemon — boosts become drops and drops become boosts. A move that would normally raise Attack by one stage instead lowers it, while a move that lowers Special Attack instead raises it. This reversal applies to all sources: the Pokemon's own moves, opponent's moves, and abilities.

This creates powerful interactions with moves that normally have stat-lowering side effects. Leaf Storm, which usually drops Special Attack by two stages, instead becomes a +2 Special Attack boost with Contrary, allowing moves to become stronger with repeated use rather than weaker. Similarly, Superpower boosts Attack and Defense instead of lowering them.

Contrary is most famously associated with Serperior, whose Leaf Storm becomes one of the strongest spammable moves in the game thanks to the inverted stat drop. Other notable users include Malamar (with Superpower) and Shuckle. Opponent moves like Intimidate will boost the Contrary Pokemon's Attack rather than lowering it.