Weak Armor - Ability ID 133

In-Game Description

"If hit by a contact attack: -1 Defense and +2 Speed."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

When hit by a physical move, this ability activates automatically, lowering Defense by 1 stage but raising Speed by 2 stages. The stat changes help the Pokémon become a faster sweeper at the cost of reduced physical bulk. Triggers even if Defense or Speed stats are already at minimum or maximum limits.

Character count: 290

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

Weak Armor is a defensive ability that transforms physical hits into speed boosts:

Trigger Conditions:

• Must be hit by a physical move (checks IS_MOVE_PHYSICAL)
• Does not require the move to make contact, despite the in-game description saying "contact attack"
• Activates after taking damage from the move
• Works even if the Pokémon faints from the attack (stat changes apply before fainting)

Effects:

• Lowers Defense by 1 stage (-1)
• Raises Speed by 2 stages (+2)
• Both stat changes happen in sequence (Defense drop first, then Speed boost)

Special Interactions:

• The ability will trigger if either stat can be changed (doesn't require both to be changeable)
• If Defense is already at -6, the Speed boost will still apply
• If Speed is already at +6, the Defense drop will still apply
• Against moves with the hit-and-run effect (like U-turn), the ability disables Eject Pack on the Weak Armor user to ensure proper stat change application

Strategic Considerations:

• Excellent for Pokémon that want to set up as fast sweepers
• The 2-stage Speed boost often outweighs the Defense drop for offensive strategies
• Pairs well with physical bulk investment to offset the Defense drops
• Can be used strategically with weak physical moves to intentionally trigger the Speed boost