Flash Fire - Ability ID 18

In-Game Description

"When hit by a Fire move, Fire power is boosted."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Flash Fire grants complete immunity to Fire-type moves. When hit by Fire attacks, powers up the user's Fire moves by 50% until switching out. The boost doesn't stack from multiple Fire hits. Turns defensive plays into offensive opportunities against Fire attackers. Perfect counter to Fire-types.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Flash Fire provides Fire-type immunity while boosting the user's Fire-type offense. Implementation in src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability FlashFire = {
    .onAbsorb = +[](ON_ABSORB) -> int {
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_FIRE)
        return ABSORB_RESULT_FLASH_FIRE;
    },
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (moveType == TYPE_FIRE && gBattleResources->flags->flags[battler] & RESOURCE_FLAG_FLASH_FIRE) 
                MUL(1.5);
        },
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Key Features

1. Fire Absorption:

   • Completely absorbs Fire-type moves (no damage taken)
   • Returns ABSORB_RESULT_FLASH_FIRE to trigger boost
   • Works on all Fire moves including status moves like Will-O-Wisp

2. Power Boost:

   • Fire-type moves gain 1.5x power after absorbing a Fire attack
   • Uses RESOURCE_FLAG_FLASH_FIRE (0x1) to track activation
   • Boost persists until the Pokémon switches out
   • Does NOT stack - multiple Fire hits don't increase the multiplier

3. Battle Messages:

   • First activation: "Pokémon's Fire power was raised with Flash Fire!"
   • Subsequent absorptions: "Pokémon's Flash Fire made the move ineffective!"

Damage Calculations

With Flash Fire boost active:

• Base Fire move: 1.5x power
• Fire move with STAB: 1.5x × 1.5x = 2.25x power
• Fire move with STAB + Sun: 1.5x × 1.5x × 1.5x = 3.375x power
• Fire move with STAB + Choice Specs: 1.5x × 1.5x × 1.5x = 3.375x power

Strategic Implications

Defensive Value:

• Complete Fire immunity enables safe switches
• Counters Fire-type attackers effectively
• Blocks Will-O-Wisp and Fire status moves

Offensive Value:

• Turns defense into offense with 1.5x boost
• Creates mind games - opponents hesitate to use Fire moves
• Enables Fire-type sweeps after activation

Switching Dynamics:

• Boost resets on switch, encouraging staying in
• Opponents may try to force switches to reset boost
• Pivot moves maintain momentum while keeping boost

AI Behavior

The AI is programmed to avoid using Fire-type moves against Flash Fire users unless:

• The partner already has Flash Fire boost activated
• No better options are available

This is implemented in battle_ai_main.c with specific checks for Flash Fire activation state.

Pokémon with Flash Fire

Typically found on Fire-types and Pokémon associated with heat/volcanic environments. The ability provides both defensive utility and offensive potential.

Interactions

1. With Mold Breaker:

   • Flash Fire is breakable, so Mold Breaker bypasses it
   • Fire moves will hit normally and not trigger boost

2. With Weather:

   • Sun further boosts Fire moves to massive damage
   • Rain reduces Fire damage but Flash Fire still absorbs

3. With Other Abilities:

   • Elemental Vortex: Combines Flash Fire + Water Absorb
   • Standard Flash Fire mechanics apply for the Fire portion

Competitive Usage Notes

• Excellent on Fire-types for mirror matchups
• Valuable on Pokémon weak to Fire (Grass, Bug, Steel, Ice)
• Creates safe switch-ins to predicted Fire moves
• Can enable Fire-type lures with coverage moves

Counters

• Mold Breaker ignores Flash Fire entirely
• Non-Fire offensive moves unaffected
• Forced switches reset the power boost
• Stealth Rock and other hazards

Synergies

• Pokémon with Fire-type coverage moves
• Sun teams for maximum Fire damage
• Defensive cores needing Fire immunity
• U-turn/Volt Switch to maintain boost while pivoting

Version History

Flash Fire has remained consistent:

• Provides Fire immunity
• Grants 1.5x Fire-type power boost
• Boost doesn't stack with multiple activations
• Elite Redux maintains standard Flash Fire mechanics