Volt Absorb - Ability ID 10

In-Game Description

"Heals 25% of max HP when hit by an Electric-type move."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

This Pokémon absorbs Electric-type moves completely, converting them into energy that restores 25% of its maximum HP. Provides complete immunity to Electric damage and effects like paralysis from Thunder Wave. Absolutely perfect for Water/Flying types to remove their 4x Electric weakness.

Character count: 289

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Volt Absorb provides Electric-type immunity with healing benefit:

1. Complete Absorption

   • Negates all damage from Electric-type moves
   • Prevents secondary effects of Electric moves
   • Absorbs Electric-type status moves (Thunder Wave)

2. Healing Effect

   • Restores exactly 25% of maximum HP
   • Minimum 1 HP if calculation rounds to 0
   • No healing if already at full HP (still absorbs)

Technical Implementation

Code Structure (src/abilities.cc):

constexpr Ability VoltAbsorb = {
    .onAbsorb = +[](ON_ABSORB) -> int {
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_ELECTRIC)
        return ABSORB_RESULT_HEAL;
    },
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Healing Calculation (src/battle_util.c):

gBattleMoveDamage = gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 4;
if (gBattleMoveDamage == 0) 
    gBattleMoveDamage = 1;
gBattleMoveDamage *= -1;  // Negative = healing

Key Properties

• Breakable: Bypassed by Mold Breaker abilities
• Priority: Triggers before damage calculation
• Multi-hit: Only heals once per move
• Status moves: Also absorbed (Thunder Wave fails)

Healing Examples

For a Pokémon with 400 HP:

• Thunder hits: Heal 100 HP
• Thunderbolt hits: Heal 100 HP
• Thunder Wave: No damage, no paralysis, heal 100 HP
• Electroweb: No damage, no speed drop, heal 100 HP

Strategic Implications

1. Switch-in: Safe Electric immunity with healing bonus
2. Doubles Support: Partner can heal with weak Electric moves
3. Momentum: Free turn + healing vs Electric attacks
4. Type Coverage: Removes Electric weakness entirely
5. Sustain: Built-in recovery mechanism

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Lightning Rod: Would redirect but Volt Absorb takes priority
• Motor Drive: Similar immunity but Speed boost instead
• Mold Breaker: Bypasses Volt Absorb entirely
• Normalize: Makes all moves Normal-type, avoiding absorption
• Ion Deluge: Can create more Electric moves to absorb

Competitive Usage Notes

• S-tier ability for Water/Flying types
• Provides crucial Electric immunity
• Healing is significant (25% is substantial)
• Excellent on defensive pivots
• Can bait predictable Electric attacks

Double Battle Strategies

Heal Support: Partner uses weak Electric move for healing Discharge Spam: Partner with Telepathy uses Discharge Redirection: Combine with Follow Me for guaranteed healing

Common Volt Absorb Users

• Jolteon: Pure Electric with healing option
• Lanturn: Water/Electric defensive pivot
• Thundurus: Flying/Electric with recovery
• Various Water-types needing Electric coverage

Mathematical Efficiency

Switching into predicted Electric moves:

• Turn 1: Take 0 damage, heal 25%
• Effective HP swing: 50%+ (damage prevented + healing)
• Can fully heal in 4 Electric hits

Counters

• Ground moves: Alternative super effective damage
• Mold Breaker: Ignores the ability
• Non-Electric coverage: Use other move types
• Status moves: Toxic, Will-O-Wisp still work
• Entry hazards: Damage on switch-in

Synergies

• Water-types: Remove Electric weakness
• Flying-types: Remove 4x Electric weakness
• Wish support: Stack healing effects
• Substitute: Protect while baiting Electric moves
• Baton Pass chains: Safe Electric immunity

Related Absorb Abilities

• Water Absorb: Identical but for Water-type
• Flash Fire: Fire immunity with power boost
• Sap Sipper: Grass immunity with Attack boost
• Earth Eater: Ground immunity with healing
• Levitate: Ground immunity without healing

AI Behavior

The AI recognizes Volt Absorb and will:

• Avoid using Electric moves
• Switch to non-Electric attackers
• May use Electric moves to heal allies in doubles
• Prioritize other super effective coverage

Version History

• All Generations: Consistent 25% healing from Electric moves
• Elite Redux: Functions identically with enhanced AI integration