Protean (Ability ID: 168)

Overview

Protean is a type-changing ability that allows the user to change their type to match the type of the move they are about to use, providing Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) for all moves.

Mechanics

Core Functionality

• Trigger: Before using any move (except Struggle)
• Effect: Changes the user's type to match the move's type
• Restriction: Only activates once per turn per ability instance
• Condition: Only activates if the user is not already the same type as the move

Implementation Details

// From abilities.cc lines 1854-1864
constexpr Ability Protean = {
    .onBeforeAttack = +[](ABILITY_ON_BEFORE_ATTACK) -> int {
        CHECK(CheckAndSetOncePerTurnAbility(battler, ability))
        CHECK_NOT(IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(battler, moveType))
        CHECK(move != MOVE_STRUGGLE)
        SET_BATTLER_TYPE(gBattlerAttacker, moveType);
        PREPARE_TYPE_BUFFER(gBattleTextBuff1, moveType);
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_ProteanActivates);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Message

When Protean activates, the message displayed is: "[Pokemon name] transformed into the [type] type!"

Pokemon with Protean

Kecleon (National Dex #352)

• Ability Type: Innate (always active)
• Base Stats: 60/90/70/60/120/40
• Types: Normal
• Tier: 4

Greninja (National Dex #658)

• Ability Type: Changeable (can be selected)
• Base Stats: 72/100/67/103/71/122
• Types: Water/Dark
• Other Changeable Abilities: Fatal Precision, Speed Boost

Strategic Applications

Offensive Benefits

• STAB Bonus: All moves receive 1.5x damage multiplier
• Type Coverage: Allows for diverse movesets with consistent power
• Unpredictability: Opponents cannot predict the user's type

Defensive Considerations

• Type Vulnerability: Changing type may introduce new weaknesses
• Timing: Type change occurs before the move, affecting incoming damage calculations
• Once Per Turn: Limited to one activation per turn, requiring strategic move selection

Limitations

Usage Restrictions

• Once Per Turn: Cannot activate multiple times in the same turn
• Struggle Exception: Does not activate when using Struggle
• Same Type Check: Will not activate if already the same type as the move

Strategic Limitations

• Defensive Exposure: May change to a type weak to opponent's moves
• Prediction: Experienced players can anticipate type changes
• Move Selection: Must consider both offensive and defensive type implications

Interactions

Related Abilities

• Color Change: Changes type when hit by a move (defensive vs. offensive)
• Libero: Functionally identical to Protean (same effect, different name)

Battle Mechanics

• Priority: Activates before the move executes
• Multi-Hit Moves: Only changes type once per turn, not per hit
• Switch Out: Type reverts to base type when switching out

Extended In-Game Description

"Changes the user's type to match the type of the move being used before attacking, granting Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) to all moves. This ability only activates once per turn and will not trigger if the user is already the same type as the move being used, except for Struggle."

Character count: 290 characters

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

• Versatility: Turns every move into a STAB move
• Power Boost: Consistent 1.5x damage multiplier
• Type Coverage: Enables diverse offensive strategies

Weaknesses

• Defensive Risk: May expose to super-effective attacks
• Predictability: Experienced players can anticipate type changes
• Limited Activation: Once per turn restriction

Optimal Usage

• Mixed Attackers: Benefits Pokemon with diverse movepools
• Hit-and-Run: Synergizes with fast Pokemon that can change types and switch out
• Coverage Moves: Makes normally weak coverage moves viable with STAB