Kadabra sits in the middle of its evolution line — stronger than Abra but not yet at full power. Most trainers push through to Alakazam as fast as possible. Known as the Psi Pokemon. Its damage comes from the special side.
Sp. Atk leads and Defense gets almost nothing. That's Kadabra's stat line in a nutshell. 2 stats sit in respectable range, but the spread is brutal. Moderately hard to find and yields 2 Sp. Atk EVs.
There are rumors that a child with mystical powers became a Kadabra; however, this remains unverified. I suspect that the spoon Kadabra holds enhances its brain waves.
Kadabra Weakness
VulnerableKadabra is weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark-type moves. Kadabra's special bulk (base 70 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
Sitting between Abra and Alakazam, Kadabra is part of a chain that requires a trade. Not your typical level-up setup. HP has grown the most so far (+15), but there's still another 100 stats to gain in the final evolution.
How to Evolve
Breed with Kadabra to get Abra eggs easily using 70 partners from the Humanshape egg group.
Focus Sash guarantees Kadabra survives one hit from full HP. That's enough to deal early damage and fire off Psychic before going down. Magic Guard and max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs maximize first-turn impact.
Best Build
Best Kadabra Moveset
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Ball
- Counter
Recommended Teammates
TMs carry this one. Kadabra learns Future Sight and Dream Eater naturally for STAB, but the offensive range comes almost entirely from technical machines. Normal and Electric and beyond give it real matchup play.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
A solid spread overall. Kadabra gets Psychic and Zen Headbutt for same-type damage alongside coverage across 9 types. It won't blow anyone away, but it doesn't leave you stuck either.
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 10 types means almost nothing walls Kadabra cleanly, with Future Sight and Dream Eater anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
The TM pool is where it gets interesting. Coverage across 10 types means almost nothing walls Kadabra cleanly, with Future Sight and Psychic anchoring the STAB side. Matchup flexibility isn't a problem.
Kadabra can't be caught in Legends: Z-A. Transfer Abra from Red, Yellow, or FireRed and evolve through the 2-stage line to get it. The step cards below map the full chain.
3 encounter spots for Kadabra at decent spawn rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.
Where To Catch Kadabra in Legends: Arceus
To get Kadabra, start by catching Abra through walking encounters at walking. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.
Step 1Catch AbraEASYLake AcuityGrassUncommonWaterEASYSandgem FlatsGrassUncommonDesertEASYWindswept RunGrassUncommon
Step 2Kadabra ✓EASYLake AcuityGrassUncommonWaterEASYSandgem FlatsGrassUncommonDesertEASYSpace-Time Distortion - Cobalt CoastlandsGrassUncommonDistortionor evolve from Abra (Step 1)
Kadabra's scattered across 8 spots in mid-game routes with decent spawn rates. Check the list below for the closest location to wherever you are in the game. This one's quick.
Where To Catch Kadabra in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
Abra is your first catch on the way to Kadabra. You'll find walking encounters from Lv. 4-47 across 12 total spots in the chain.
Step 1Catch AbraEASYRoute 203Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.4-515%EarlyRouteEASYRoute 203Shining PearlGrassLv.4-515%EarlyRouteMODERATERoute 215Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.2010%MidRouteMODERATERoute 215Shining PearlGrassLv.2010%MidRoute
Step 2Kadabra ✓EASYRoute 215Brilliant DiamondGrassLv.20-2215%MidRouteEASYRoute 215Shining PearlGrassLv.20-2215%MidRouteDazzling CaveBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.25-29MidCaveRequires DefogDazzling CaveShining PearlGrassLv.25-29MidCaveRequires DefogStargleam CavernShining PearlGrassLv.25-29MidCaveRequires DefogStargleam CavernBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.25-29MidCaveRequires DefogEASYVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrassLv.45-4725%LateCaveEASYVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrassLv.45-4725%LateCaveor evolve from Abra (Step 1)
Kadabra doesn't appear wild. Catch Abra instead, it shows up at moderate rates. Evolve it at level 16 to get Kadabra. The 2-stage line is mapped in the step cards below.
How to Obtain Kadabra in Sword & Shield
The path to Kadabra starts with Abra at Lv. 10-15 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch AbraMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyOvercastMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySnowstormMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyNormal WeatherMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySnowstormMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyThunderstormMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyIntense SunMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyThunderstormMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySnowingMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyIntense SunMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySandstormMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySnowingMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyRainingMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlySandstormMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyHeavy FogMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyRainingMODERATEFields of HonorShieldOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyOvercastMODERATEFields of HonorSwordOverworldLv.10-155%EarlyHeavy Fog
Step 2Kadabra ✓
Kadabra is meant to evolve into Alakazam. At 400 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Kadabra's biggest threats include Scyther (Bug), Misdreavus (Ghost), and Tyranitar (Dark), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Kadabra's base 105 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Magic Guard is what you want on Kadabra. Every competitive set worth running is built with that ability in mind. The alternatives (Synchronize, Inner Focus) work on paper but Magic Guard is what makes Kadabra worth using. With base 105 Speed, Magic Guard gives Kadabra an edge before opponents can react.
Base 105 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Kadabra is a mixed attacker — base 35 Attack and 120 Sp. Atk. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits. Best used as a sweeper.
Kadabra appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
One of the original 151, Kadabra has appeared in 21 games — nearly every mainline game. From Red & Blue through the latest titles, it's rarely been left out of a regional Pokedex.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A