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 is weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark. Kadabra's special bulk (base 70 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Bug, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fighting, Psychic |
Volcarona can KO Kadabra with Heat Wave (90-106%). Annihilape's Drain Punch hits Kadabra for 54-63%. Kingambit's Sucker Punch also KOs at 288-339%.
 Volcarona BugFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemGrassyseed NatureModest Moves
Damage vs Kadabra View Volcarona builds →Heat Wave90-106%KO | ||
 Annihilape FightingGhost | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityDefiant ItemSitrus Berry NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Kadabra View Annihilape builds →Drain Punch54-63% | ||
 Kingambit DarkSteel | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySupremeoverlord ItemLeftovers NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Kadabra View Kingambit builds →Sucker Punch 2x288-339%KO | ||
 Chandelure GhostFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlashfire ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Kadabra View Chandelure builds →Shadow Ball 2x257-303%KO Energy Ball96-114%KO Flamethrower145-170%KO | ||
 Weavile DarkIce | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityPressure ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Kadabra View Weavile builds →Knock Off 2x224-263%KO Ice Shard69-81% | ||
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. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
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
Kadabra best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Shadow Ball
- Counter
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball
Recommended Teammates
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Wall Moveset
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Recover
- Psych Up
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Recover
- Psych Up
Recommended Teammates
Moves
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 AbraLake AcuityGrass WaterUncommonSandgem FlatsGrass DesertUncommonWindswept RunGrassUncommon
Step 2Kadabra ✓Lake AcuityGrass WaterUncommonSandgem FlatsGrass DesertUncommonSpace-Time Distortion - Cobalt CoastlandsGrass DistortionUncommonor 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 AbraRoute 203Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.4-5 Route15%EarlyRoute 203Shining PearlGrass Lv.4-5 Route15%EarlyRoute 215Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.20 Route10%MidRoute 215Shining PearlGrass Lv.20 Route10%Mid
Step 2Kadabra ✓Route 215Brilliant DiamondGrass Lv.20-22 Route15%MidRoute 215Shining PearlGrass Lv.20-22 Route15%MidDazzling CaveBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.25-29 CaveMidRequires DefogDazzling CaveShining PearlGrass Lv.25-29 CaveMidRequires DefogStargleam CavernShining PearlGrass Lv.25-29 CaveMidRequires DefogStargleam CavernBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.25-29 CaveMidRequires DefogVictory Road - 2FShining PearlGrass Lv.45-47 Cave25%LateVictory Road - 2FBrilliant DiamondGrass Lv.45-47 Cave25%Lateor 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 AbraFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyNormal WeatherFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyOvercastFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySnowstormFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyNormal WeatherFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySnowstormFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyThunderstormFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyIntense SunFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyThunderstormFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySnowingFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyIntense SunFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySandstormFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySnowingFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyRainingFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlySandstormFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyHeavy FogFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyRainingFields of HonorShieldOverworld Lv.10-155%EarlyOvercastFields of HonorSwordOverworld Lv.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.
Magic Guard is the hidden ability. It protects against damage not directly caused by a move. Worth hunting for if you want Kadabra to compete at a higher level.
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.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves