Water Compaction Analysis

Current Implementation

Ability ID: 195
Current Description: "Takes 1/2 dmg from Water-type moves. +2 Def when hit by those."

Mechanics

Defensive Multiplier

• Effect: Takes 0.5x damage from Water-type moves
• Implementation: Uses RESISTANCE(.5) in onDefensiveMultiplier
• Timing: Applied during damage calculation

Stat Boost

• Effect: Raises Defense by 2 stages when hit by Water-type moves
• Implementation: Uses SetStatChanger(STAT_DEF, 2) in onDefender
• Timing: Triggers after damage is dealt (if any)
• Requirements:
  • Must pass ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(battler) check
  • Move must be Water-type
  • Must be able to raise Defense stat (CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_DEF))

Key Properties

Breakability

• Breakable: Yes (breakable = TRUE)
• Can be suppressed by abilities like Mold Breaker

Interaction Order

1. Damage reduction applies first (0.5x Water damage)
2. Stat boost triggers after damage calculation
3. Both effects work on the same Water-type move

Edge Cases

• Works against both damaging and non-damaging Water-type moves
• Stat boost only triggers if the Pokémon can still raise its Defense
• Does not activate if the ability is suppressed

Battle Applications

Defensive Strategy

• Excellent counter to Water-type attackers
• Becomes progressively harder to KO with repeated Water attacks
• +2 Defense boost is significant (2 stages = 2x effective Defense)

Type Synergy

• Particularly effective on Rock, Ground, or Fire-types
• Can turn a weakness into a setup opportunity
• Creates mindgames against mixed Water/other-type attackers

Code Location

• Main Implementation: /src/abilities.cc - WaterCompaction ability
• Constants: /include/generated/constants/abilities.h - ABILITY_WATER_COMPACTION = 195
• Description: /proto/AbilityList.textproto