Dark Aura (Ability #186)

Basic Information

• Ability ID: 186
• Name: Dark Aura
• Category: Aura
• Generation: VI (Kalos)

Current Description

"Boosts Dark moves by 1.33x for all while this Pokémon is out."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces) Dark Aura radiates malevolent energy that empowers all Dark-type moves on the battlefield. When this Pokémon enters battle, it announces its presence with a chilling aura that boosts Dark moves by 33% for every Pokémon. Can be reversed by Aura Break, reducing power to 75% instead.

Mechanics Analysis

Core Functionality

Dark Aura is a field-affecting ability that provides a 1.33x (33%) damage multiplier to all Dark-type moves used by any Pokémon on the battlefield, similar to how weather conditions affect certain move types.

Implementation Details

• Trigger: Active while the Pokémon with Dark Aura is on the field
• Effect: 1.33x damage multiplier for Dark-type moves from all Pokémon
• Scope: Affects both the user and opponents
• Switch-in Message: "{Pokémon} is radiating a dark aura!"

Interactions

• Aura Break: When Aura Break is present on the field, Dark Aura's effect is reversed, reducing Dark-type move power to 0.75x instead of boosting it
• Stacking: Multiple Dark Aura abilities do not stack - the effect remains 1.33x regardless of how many Pokémon have the ability
• Field Coverage: The effect applies to all Pokémon on the battlefield, including opponents

Code Implementation

constexpr Ability DarkAura = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_DARKAURA); },
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (moveType != TYPE_DARK) return;
            if (IsAbilityOnField(ABILITY_AURA_BREAK))
                MUL(.75);
            else
                MUL(1.33);
        },
    .onOffensiveMultiplierFor = APPLY_ON_ANY,
};

Pokémon with Dark Aura

Primary Users

• Mega Absol: Has Dark Aura as a regular ability choice
• Mega Yveltal: Has Dark Aura as a regular ability choice

Innate Users

Several Pokémon have Dark Aura as an innate ability, meaning it's always active alongside their regular abilities:

• Various legendary and mythical Pokémon
• Certain custom/modified Pokémon in the Elite Redux hack

Strategic Applications

Offensive Strategies

• Dark Spam Teams: Build teams around powerful Dark-type moves like Knock Off, Sucker Punch, and Dark Pulse
• Mixed Coverage: Use Dark Aura to boost Dark-type coverage moves on non-Dark Pokémon
• Priority Abuse: Boost priority Dark moves like Sucker Punch for enhanced revenge killing

Defensive Considerations

• Double-Edged: Remember that Dark Aura boosts opponent Dark moves too
• Aura Break Counter: Be aware that Aura Break can completely reverse the benefit
• Team Synergy: Consider how boosted Dark moves from opponents might affect your team

Competitive Viability

• High Impact: 33% damage boost is substantial and affects all Dark moves
• Field Control: Changes the battle dynamic by making Dark moves universally stronger
• Risk/Reward: Provides benefits to both sides, requiring careful team construction

Related Abilities

• Fairy Aura: Identical mechanics but for Fairy-type moves
• Aura Break: Directly counters both Dark Aura and Fairy Aura
• Pixilate/Refrigerate/Aerilate: Similar damage boosting concepts but for specific move conversions

Notes

• Dark Aura is one of the signature abilities that defined Generation VI's introduction of "Aura" mechanics
• The ability creates a unique battlefield state where Dark-type moves become significantly more threatening
• In Elite Redux, the ability appears on various Pokémon beyond its original Yveltal exclusive status
• The 1.33x multiplier is applied after all other damage calculations, making it a pure 33% increase to final damage