Every held item category explained, from competitive staples to niche utility options.
Last updated: 2026-06-03
Eviolite boosts the Defense and Special Defense of unevolved Pokemon by 50% each. This item makes several unevolved Pokemon viable in competitive play, including Chansey (evolves from Happiny but not yet Blissey), Porygon2, Dusclops, Rhydon, and Magneton. Chansey with Eviolite becomes one of the bulkiest special walls in the game, with effective special bulk exceeding Blissey. Porygon2 with Eviolite functions as an excellent Trick Room setter and bulky attacker. Eviolite does not boost stats that are already low, so Pokemon with naturally high base stats on both defenses benefit most.
Berries are single-use held items that activate automatically when their condition is met. Sitrus Berry restores 25% HP when the holder's HP drops to 50% or below. Lum Berry cures any status condition including sleep, freeze, and burn. Occa, Shuca, Coba, Passho, and other type-resist Berries halve the damage of a super effective hit of the corresponding type. Figy, Wiki, Mago, Aguav, and Iapapa Berries restore 33% HP at 50% HP but cause confusion if the holder dislikes the Berry's flavor. Pinch Berries (Salac, Liechi, Petaya, Apicot, Ganlon) boost a stat by one stage when HP drops to 25% or below. Berries are consumed on use and cannot be recovered without Recycle or Harvest.
Type-enhancing held items boost moves of a specific type by 20%. These include the Draco Plate (Dragon), Fist Plate (Fighting), and Silk Scarf (Normal), among others. The type gems introduced in Generation V boost one move of their type by 30% before being consumed. In competitive play, type plates are less common than Choice items or Life Orb because the 20% boost is relatively modest. However, they have no drawback and allow free move switching, making them viable on Pokemon that need flexibility. Pokemon with Adaptability or same-type attack bonus (STAB) gain additional multiplicative benefit from type plates.
Several items reduce damage from specific sources. Assault Vest boosts Special Defense by 50% but prevents status moves. Rocky Helmet deals 1/6 max HP damage to attacking Pokemon that make contact. Safety Goggles protect against powder moves, sand, and hail damage while allowing the holder to ignore accuracy drops from moves like Sand Attack. Protective Pads prevent the holder from being affected by abilities like Iron Barbs and Rough Skin when making contact. Babiri Berry halves a super effective Steel-type hit once. These items let defensive Pokemon cover specific weaknesses or punish physical attackers.
Utility held items provide situational advantages. Shed Shell allows the holder to switch out even when trapped by moves like Block, Mean Look, or abilities like Shadow Tag and Arena Trap. It is commonly used on Pokemon that would otherwise be trapped and eliminated, such as Heatran or Ferrothorn. Mental Herb cures the holder of Taunt, Encore, or the effects of Intimidate once. It is essential on support Pokemon like Clefable and Grimmsnoll that rely on status moves. Eject Button forces the holder to switch out when hit by any attack, while Eject Pack activates when the holder's stats are lowered. Red Card forces the attacking Pokemon to switch out, disrupting sweepers. Terrain Extender lengthens the duration of terrain set by the holder from 5 to 8 turns.
Several moves and abilities interact with held items. Knock Off removes the target's item for the rest of the battle and deals 50% more damage if the target holds an item. Trick and Switcheroo allow the user to exchange items with the target, which is commonly used to give an unwanted Choice item to an opponent. Thief and Covet steal the target's item if the user is not holding one. Magician and Pickpocket abilities steal the opponent's item on attack or contact. Fling throws the held item at the target for a type-dependent effect. Recycle restores a consumed Berry, useful on Pokemon with Harvest ability or in combination with pinch Berries. Incineroar's Intimidate plus Parting Shot strategy often runs a specific item like Assault Vest or Eject Button to maximize utility.