Zen Mode (ID: 161)

Basic Info

• Name: Zen Mode
• ID: 161
• Enum: ABILITY_ZEN_MODE
• Description: "Transforms into Zen Mode on entry until end of battle."

Extended In-Game Description

Zen Mode triggers permanent form change upon battle entry. Unlike HP-based transformations, this activates unconditionally when entering battle. The transformation lasts the entire battle and cannot be reversed. Works with Darmanitan forms, changing stats, typing, and movepool.

Character count: 293

Implementation Analysis

Core Mechanics

constexpr Ability ZenMode = {
    .onEntry = Forecast.onEntry,
    .onEndTurn = Forecast.onEndTurn,
    .unsuppressable = TRUE,
    .randomizerBanned = TRUE,
};

Key Features

1. Uses Forecast Implementation: Shares the same transformation logic as Forecast ability
2. Unsuppressable: Cannot be disabled by abilities like Mold Breaker
3. Randomizer Banned: Excluded from randomization due to form-specific nature
4. Battle Entry Trigger: Activates immediately when entering battle

Transformation Logic

Located in src/battle_util.c in ShouldChangeFormHpBased():

// Darmanitan
if (species == SPECIES_DARMANITAN && (BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_ZEN_MODE, FALSE)) && gBattleMons[battler].hp != 0) {
    gBattleScripting.abilityPopupOverwrite = ABILITY_ZEN_MODE;
    gBattlerAttacker = battler;
    UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies(gActiveBattler, SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE);
    gBattleMons[battler].species = SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE;
    return TRUE;
}

// Darmanitan Galarian
if (species == SPECIES_DARMANITAN_GALARIAN && (BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_ZEN_MODE, FALSE)) && gBattleMons[battler].hp != 0) {
    gBattleScripting.abilityPopupOverwrite = ABILITY_ZEN_MODE;
    gBattlerAttacker = battler;
    UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies(gActiveBattler, SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE_GALARIAN);
    gBattleMons[battler].species = SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE_GALARIAN;
    return TRUE;
}

Supported Transformations

1. SPECIES_DARMANITAN → SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE

   • Type: Fire → Fire/Psychic
   • Stats: Physical attacker → Special attacker
   • Attack: 140 → 35, Special Attack: 50 → 140
   • Different ability set and movepool

2. SPECIES_DARMANITAN_GALARIAN → SPECIES_DARMANITAN_ZEN_MODE_GALARIAN

   • Type: Ice → Ice/Fire
   • Stats: Balanced → Speed-focused
   • Speed: 95 → 140, Attack: 140 → 120
   • Different ability set and movepool

Usage Patterns

Current Implementation Status

• Fully Implemented: Complete transformation logic exists
• Currently Unused: No Pokemon in the game actually has this ability assigned
• Form Species Exist: Zen Mode forms are defined but not accessible

Activation Conditions

1. Pokemon must have Zen Mode ability
2. Pokemon must be alive (HP > 0)
3. Must be specific supported species (Darmanitan/Galarian Darmanitan)
4. Triggers on battle entry only

Battle Behavior

• Permanent Duration: Lasts entire battle, no reversal possible
• Entry Activation: Happens immediately when sent into battle
• Ability Display: Shows ability popup when transforming
• Stat Changes: Complete stat redistribution based on new form
• Type Changes: Gains secondary typing (Psychic or Fire)

Technical Details

Function Calls

• Uses TryTransformAttacker() for transformation handling
• Calls UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies() for ability updates
• Updates gBattleMons[battler].species directly
• Sets gBattleScripting.abilityPopupOverwrite for display

Comparison with Similar Abilities

• vs Forecast: Same implementation, but different species and conditions
• vs Stance Change: Zen Mode is permanent, Stance Change is move-based
• vs Shields Down: Zen Mode isn't HP-based, triggers unconditionally

Form Differences

Regular Darmanitan → Zen Mode:

• HP: 105 → 105 (unchanged)
• Attack: 140 → 35 (-105)
• Defense: 65 → 95 (+30)
• Sp. Attack: 50 → 140 (+90)
• Sp. Defense: 65 → 95 (+30)
• Speed: 95 → 50 (-45)
• Typing: Fire → Fire/Psychic

Galarian Darmanitan → Zen Mode:

• HP: 105 → 105 (unchanged)
• Attack: 140 → 120 (-20)
• Defense: 65 → 60 (-5)
• Sp. Attack: 50 → 35 (-15)
• Sp. Defense: 65 → 60 (-5)
• Speed: 95 → 140 (+45)
• Typing: Ice → Ice/Fire

Integration Notes

Battle System Integration

• Fully integrated with form change system
• Works with ability suppression checks
• Handles species updates correctly
• Manages ability state transitions

Randomizer Considerations

• Marked as randomizerBanned = TRUE
• Prevents assignment to incompatible Pokemon
• Avoids breaking form change logic

Potential Use Cases

If enabled on appropriate Pokemon:

• Creates powerful late-game sweepers with form change strategy
• Provides type coverage changes mid-battle
• Offers stat redistribution for different battle roles
• Adds tactical depth to team building

The ability is complete and functional but currently serves as unused infrastructure, ready for activation on appropriate Pokemon species.