Intrepid Sword

Intrepid Sword boosts the Pokemon's Attack stat by one stage the first time it enters a battle. This is essentially a free Swords Dance on switch-in, immediately increasing the Pokemon's physical damage output by 50%. The boost applies automatically and does not consume a turn, giving the Pokemon an immediate offensive advantage.

In Generation VIII, when the ability was introduced, Intrepid Sword activated every time the Pokemon entered battle — each switch-in granted a new Attack boost. Starting in Generation IX, this was nerfed so the boost only occurs on the very first time the Pokemon enters battle during the match. This nerf was significant competitively, as it removed the ability to repeatedly switch in for multiple boosts. Intrepid Sword is the signature ability of Zacian, the legendary Wolf Pokemon from Pokemon Sword. Combined with Zacian's already massive Attack stat and its Crowned form's additional power, Intrepid Sword contributed to Zacian being one of the most overpowered Pokemon in competitive history.