Kadabra
It emits special alpha waves from its body that induce headaches just by being close by.
Base Stats
Best Moveset
Move Breakdown
Psychic is the STAB anchor of this set. The Psychic-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Kadabra's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Psychic weaknesses.
Psybeam is the STAB anchor of this set. The Psychic-type damage combined with the 50% same-type bonus makes it Kadabra's most consistent damage output, particularly when targeting opponents with Psychic weaknesses.
As Kadabra's trusted Psychic STAB option, Confusion benefits from the 1.5x damage multiplier. This move should be your go-to attack in most situations, especially against opponents vulnerable to Psychic types.
Dream Eater provides essential Normal-type coverage, neutral coverage. This move fills gaps in Kadabra's otherwise Psychic-focused moveset, allowing it to handle matchups that its STAB moves cannot.
Strengths
- ▸Thanks to its Psychic typing, Kadabra can leverage STAB-boosted Psychic and Psybeam to punch through opponents weak to Psychic attacks
- ▸Kadabra takes reduced damage from Fighting, Psychic moves, giving it valuable switch-in opportunities
- ▸The 120 spAtk stat gives Kadabra a clear advantage in offensive output
Weaknesses
- ▸Opponents with Bug, Dark, Ghost coverage moves can punish Kadabra heavily if it stays in
- ▸The low defense of 30 is a significant liability that opponents can exploit
- ▸The 400 BST means Kadabra needs significant team support to overcome its raw stat deficiency
Pro Tips
Build Kadabra with Special Attack VP investment and a Modest nature for optimal damage. Consider Life Orb or Choice Scarf to boost Kadabra's damage or speed further. Keep Kadabra away from Bug-type attackers—switch to a resist when you see them coming. Pair Kadabra with stronger teammates that can cover its weaknesses and clean up after it weakens opponents.
Competitive Role
Kadabra fills the fast offensive sweeper role within the competitive landscape. With a 400 base stat total led by its spAtk of 120, Kadabra relies on strategic play to overcome its stat limitations. Its Psychic typing creates vulnerabilities to Bug, Dark, Ghost types, requiring careful team support to cover these gaps. Conversely, resistances to Fighting, Psychic provide switch-in opportunities. Success with Kadabra depends on leveraging its strengths while minimizing exposure to its weaknesses.
Detailed Strategy Analysis
At 400 BST, Kadabra sits below the competitive average. The recommended moveset combines STAB options (Psychic, Psybeam) with coverage moves (Dream Eater), giving Kadabra answers to a wide range of opponents. Type weaknesses to Bug, Dark, Ghost mean Kadabra must be played carefully against these matchups. Resistances to Fighting, Psychic provide safe switch-in opportunities. At Tier C, Kadabra is best used in specific niche strategies or lower-tier formats. Special Attack should be the primary investment for Kadabra, with a Modest or Timid nature to maximize its special damage potential.
Key Matchup Notes
Against Bug-type opponents: Kadabra is at a severe disadvantage. Never leave Kadabra in against Bug types—switch immediately to a teammate that resists Bug. If forced to fight, use Psychic and hope for a KO before taking a hit. Against Fighting-type opponents: Kadabra has the advantage here. Its Psychic typing reduces incoming Fighting damage, allowing Kadabra to tank hits and retaliate with Psychic. Use these matchups to gain momentum. Speed matchups: With 105 Speed, Kadabra outspeeds most of the unboosted metagame. It will move first against anything slower than base 105, giving it initiative in most matchups. Watch out for Choice Scarf users and priority moves. Against Bug-type opponents: Kadabra has the offensive advantage. Its STAB Psychic moves deal super-effective damage to Bug types, making these favorable matchups. Lead with Kadabra when you expect Bug types on the opponent's team.
Battle Strategy Guide
In the opening turns, Lead with Kadabra when you anticipate the opponent leading with something Kadabra can threaten with its Psychic STAB moves.
With a spAtk stat of 120, Kadabra functions best as a offensive sweeper.
The key is to identify matchups where Kadabra can either deal damage safely or force the opponent to switch, giving you tempo advantage.
Avoid leading with it against Bug types, as they can punish Kadabra heavily.
During the mid-game, Kadabra's role shifts to maintaining pressure while conserving HP.
Switch Kadabra out when facing its weakness to Bug, and bring it back in when the opponent fields something Kadabra can handle.
Use Confusion as coverage to punish predicted switches.
The key to mid-game success with Kadabra is prediction—anticipate what the opponent will do and respond accordingly.
In the final stages of battle, Kadabra can contribute by softening up the opponent's last Pokemon.
Don't expect Kadabra to sweep—it should set up the KO for a stronger teammate.
Use resistances to Fighting, Psychic to tank a hit, then strike with Psychic before switching out.
Evolution Chain
Team Synergy
- ▸A Fire-type teammate covers Kadabra's Bug weakness, creating a solid defensive core
- ▸Add a Speed-boosting teammate (Tailwind, Trick Room) to give Kadabra the initiative in battle
- ▸Pair Kadabra with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses and benefit from its resistances
How to Counter
- ▸Any Bug-type attacker can threaten an OHKO on Kadabra due to the typing disadvantage
- ▸Paralyze Kadabra to cut its Speed and remove its initiative advantage
- ▸Strong physical attackers can exploit Kadabra's low Defense (30) for quick KOs with neutral physical moves
- ▸Kadabra's low HP (40) means even neutral hits can KO it—apply constant offensive pressure
Team Composition Ideas
Balance Core: Pair Kadabra with a Fire-type Pokemon that can switch into Bug attacks. This defensive core covers Kadabra's primary weakness while Kadabra handles the matchups its partner struggles with.
Offensive Core: Combine Kadabra with a setup sweeper that benefits from Kadabra's ability to weaken walls. Use Psychic to chip down tanks, then bring in your sweeper to clean up. Add a priority user to handle faster threats.
Trick Room Team: Kadabra's Speed of 105 makes it a candidate for Speed control support. Pair with a Trick Room setter and other slow attackers to dominate the speed tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Kadabra good in Pokemon Champions?
A:Kadabra is rated Tier C in Pokemon Champions, making it a lower-tier option. With 400 total stats, it faces stiff competition from stronger alternatives. However, Kadabra can still work in casual play or specific niche strategies with the right team support.
Q:What's the best item for Kadabra?
A:The best items for Kadabra are Life Orb (for extra damage with the cost of some HP), Choice Scarf (to outspeed even more threats), or Focus Sash (to guarantee survival against a super-effective hit). Given Kadabra's high Speed of 105, Life Orb is often the optimal choice for maximizing damage output.
Q:What nature should I use for Kadabra?
A:Modest (+Special Attack, -Attack) is recommended for Kadabra, boosting its stronger special stat. Timid (+Speed, -Attack) is an alternative if speed is critical. With Special Attack at 120 vs Attack at 35, special builds are clearly superior for Kadabra.
Q:How do I counter Kadabra?
A:Kadabra's biggest counters are Bug-type Pokemon, who exploit its typing weakness for super-effective damage. Other threats include faster Pokemon that can KO Kadabra before it acts, especially given its 105 Speed. To beat Kadabra, use Bug STAB moves or priority attacks to bypass its speed.