Multiscale - Ability ID 136

In-Game Description

"At full HP, halves damage taken from attacks"

Extended In-Game Description

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

Multiscale provides a powerful defensive barrier, reducing all incoming damage by 50% when the Pokémon is at maximum HP. This protection applies to all attack types including physical, special, and fixed damage moves. The ability deactivates after taking any damage but resets when healed to full.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

Multiscale is a defensive ability that provides substantial damage reduction under specific conditions:

Core Mechanics

• Activation Condition: Only active when the Pokémon is at exactly 100% HP
• Damage Reduction: Reduces all incoming damage by 50% (multiplier of 0.5)
• Universal Coverage: Works against all damage types:
  • Physical moves
  • Special moves
  • Fixed damage moves
  • Multi-hit moves (only the first hit gets reduced if it brings HP below max)

Technical Implementation

From the code in abilities.cc:

.onDefensiveMultiplier =
    +[](ON_DEFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
        if (BATTLER_MAX_HP(battler)) MUL(.5);
    },
.breakable = TRUE,

The BATTLER_MAX_HP check ensures the ability only triggers at full HP, and the MUL(.5) applies the 50% damage reduction.

Important Properties

• Breakable: The ability can be suppressed by moves like Gastro Acid or abilities like Mold Breaker
• Single-Use Per Full Heal: Once damaged, the ability won't reactivate until the Pokémon is healed back to 100% HP
• No Type Restrictions: Unlike type-resist berries or other defensive abilities, Multiscale works on all move types
• Stacks with Other Modifiers: The 50% reduction is applied alongside other damage modifiers like type resistances, screens, or weather effects

Strategic Considerations

• Pairs excellently with recovery moves or Leftovers/Black Sludge
• Vulnerable to chip damage from entry hazards, weather, or status conditions
• Multi-hit moves only get the reduction on the first hit
• Mold Breaker and similar abilities bypass this protection entirely

Common Pokémon with Multiscale

While the ability distribution may vary in Elite Redux, Multiscale is typically associated with bulky Pokémon that can leverage the initial damage reduction to set up or strike back.