Steelworker - Ability ID 200

In-Game Description

"Normal becomes Steel + Steel gains STAB. Resists Ghost/Dark."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

Steelworker converts Normal-type moves to Steel-type and grants STAB for Steel moves regardless of typing. Additionally takes half damage from Dark and Ghost-type moves. This unique combination of offensive type conversion and defensive resistances provides exceptional versatility in battle.

Character count: 292

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Steelworker is a hybrid ability that combines the ATE (type-conversion) family mechanics with unique defensive properties. It serves dual purposes as both an offensive type converter and a defensive resistance provider.

Type Conversion Component (ATE_ABILITY)

• Normal-to-Steel conversion: All Normal-type moves used by the Pokémon become Steel-type
• STAB access: The Pokémon gains STAB (1.5x damage) for ALL Steel-type moves, regardless of original typing
• Pre-damage conversion: Type conversion occurs before damage calculation and type effectiveness
• Elite Redux difference: Unlike main series, no additional 1.2x power boost to converted moves

Defensive Resistance Component

• Dark-type resistance: Incoming Dark-type moves deal half damage (0.5x multiplier)
• Ghost-type resistance: Incoming Ghost-type moves deal half damage (0.5x multiplier)
• Unique defensive profile: No other ability provides these specific resistances

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Steelworker = {
    ATE_ABILITY(TYPE_STEEL),  // Normal→Steel conversion + Steel STAB
    .onAfterTypeEffectiveness =
        +[](ON_AFTER_TYPE_EFFECTIVENESS) {
            if (moveType == TYPE_DARK || moveType == TYPE_GHOST) *mod /= 2;
        },
    .onAfterTypeEffectivenessFor = APPLY_ON_TARGET,
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Strategic Applications

Offensive Benefits:

• Converts Normal moves like Body Slam, Return, Hyper Voice to Steel-type with STAB
• Grants Steel STAB to non-Steel types, allowing super-effective hits on Rock, Ice, Fairy
• Excellent for Pokémon with expansive Normal movepools
• Steel typing provides neutral coverage against most types

Defensive Benefits:

• Half damage from Dark moves (counters Knock Off, Crunch, Dark Pulse)
• Half damage from Ghost moves (counters Shadow Ball, Shadow Claw, Hex)
• Provides defensive utility typically unavailable to most Pokémon
• Creates favorable matchups against Dark and Ghost-type specialists

Unique Positioning:

• Only ability that combines type conversion with specific type resistances
• Allows offensive Pokémon to have defensive utility against common attacking types
• Particularly valuable in Elite Redux's multi-ability system as innate ability

Common Users and Synergies

Based on species data analysis:

• Magnezone line: Natural Steel typing benefits from enhanced STAB coverage
• Durant: Bug/Steel with access to powerful Normal moves to convert
• Dialga variants: Legendary with Steel typing gains additional defensive utility
• Custom Elite Redux Pokémon: Various fan-made species utilize this unique combination

Competitive Usage Notes

• Team role flexibility: Can function as both offensive converter and defensive pivot
• Coverage enhancement: Steel moves hit Rock, Ice, Fairy super-effectively
• Dark/Ghost counter: Hard counters common offensive types in competitive play
• Multi-ability synergy: Excellent as innate ability paired with other offensive abilities

Type Effectiveness Interactions

Steel-type moves become super-effective against:

• Rock types (2x damage)
• Ice types (2x damage)
• Fairy types (2x damage)

Steel-type moves resisted by:

• Steel types (0.5x damage)
• Fire types (0.5x damage)
• Water types (0.5x damage)
• Electric types (0.5x damage)

Defensive resistances provided:

• Dark moves → 0.5x damage taken
• Ghost moves → 0.5x damage taken

Counters and Limitations

Ability Suppression:

• Mold Breaker ignores type conversion and resistances
• Neutralizing Gas suppresses the ability entirely
• Ability-changing moves remove Steelworker benefits

Type Disadvantages:

• Steel moves don't affect non-converted moves
• Still vulnerable to Fire, Fighting, Ground moves at normal effectiveness
• Fire types resist Steel moves and can exploit typical Steel weaknesses

Strategic Counters:

• Fire-type coverage to exploit typical Steel weaknesses
• Physical Fighting moves for neutral damage
• Status moves unaffected by type conversion
• Entry hazards and indirect damage bypass resistances

Synergistic Combinations

In Elite Redux 4-ability system:

• Iron Fist: Boosts Steel-type punching moves converted from Normal
• Sheer Force: Enhances Steel moves with secondary effects
• Tough Claws: Boosts Steel-type contact moves
• Adaptability: Doubles STAB bonus for Steel moves

Team Support:

• Magnet Rise users: Cover Ground weakness common to Steel types
• Fire-type coverage: Handle Steel resistances
• Status support: Paralysis/burns help with Speed control

Version History and Elite Redux Changes

• Custom Elite Redux ability: Unique combination not found in main series
• Enhanced utility: Provides both offensive and defensive benefits
• Multi-ability compatibility: Functions as changeable or innate ability
• Balanced design: Strong but has clear counters and limitations

Notable Interactions

• Return/Frustration: High-power Normal moves become Steel with STAB
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit gets Steel typing and STAB
• Hidden Power: If Normal-type, converts to Steel (rare interaction)
• Choice items: Lock into Steel-type moves after conversion
• Normalize interaction: Steelworker overrides Normalize's type conversion