Battle Bond - Ability ID 210

In-Game Description

"Transforms into Battle Bond form after dealing a KO."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Battle Bond triggers form transformation when this Pokémon deals the finishing blow to an opponent. Greninja becomes Ash-Greninja with boosted Attack and Special Attack (+50/+50). Chesnaught becomes Clemont form with enhanced physical bulk. Delphox transforms into enhanced Serena form.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Battle Bond is an ability that triggers a permanent form change when the Pokémon with this ability deals a knockout blow to an opponent. The transformation occurs immediately after the target faints and cannot be reversed during battle.

Activation Conditions

• The Pokémon must deliver the finishing blow that causes an opponent to faint
• Works on any knockout (direct damage, status effects, etc.) as long as this Pokémon is the attacker
• Triggers once per battle - subsequent KOs do not cause additional transformations
• Cannot be suppressed or negated by abilities like Mold Breaker

Form Transformations and Stat Changes

Greninja → Ash-Greninja:

• Base: 72/100/67/103/71/122 (BST: 535)
• Transformed: 72/150/67/153/71/132 (BST: 645)
• Changes: +50 Attack, +50 Special Attack, +10 Speed

Chesnaught → Clemont Form:

• Base: 88/107/122/74/80/64 (BST: 535)
• Transformed: 88/128/152/98/92/87 (BST: 645)
• Changes: +21 Attack, +30 Defense, +24 Special Attack, +12 Special Defense, +23 Speed

Delphox → Serena Form:

• Base: 75/69/72/114/100/105 (BST: 535)
• Transformed: 75/96/95/134/120/125 (BST: 645)
• Changes: +27 Attack, +23 Defense, +20 Special Attack, +20 Special Defense, +20 Speed

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability BattleBond = {
    .onBattlerFaints = +[](ON_BATTLER_FAINTS) -> int {
        SpeciesEnum newSpecies = SPECIES_NONE;
        switch (gBattleMons[battler].species) {
            case SPECIES_GRENINJA_BATTLE_BOND:
                newSpecies = SPECIES_GRENINJA_ASH;
                break;
            case SPECIES_CHESNAUGHT_BATTLE_BOND:
                newSpecies = SPECIES_CHESNAUGHT_CLEMONT;
                break;
            case SPECIES_DELPHOX_BATTLE_BOND:
                newSpecies = SPECIES_DELPHOX_SERENA;
                break;
            case SPECIES_DARMANITAN_REDUX_BOND:
                newSpecies = SPECIES_DARMANITAN_REDUX_BLUNDER;
                break;
        }
        // Updates species and triggers transformation animation
        UpdateAbilityStateIndicesForNewSpecies(battler, newSpecies);
        gBattleMons[battler].species = newSpecies;
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_BattleBondActivatesOnMoveEndAttacker);
        return TRUE;
    },
    .onBattlerFaintsFor = APPLY_ON_ATTACKER,
    .unsuppressable = TRUE,
    .randomizerBanned = TRUE,
};

Interactions with Other Mechanics

• Transform/Imposter: Cannot be copied or transformed into
• Skill Swap/Role Play: Cannot be transferred to other Pokémon
• Gastro Acid/Neutralizing Gas: Cannot be suppressed (unsuppressable = TRUE)
• Randomizer: Excluded from random ability assignment (randomizerBanned = TRUE)
• Switching Out: Transformation persists for the remainder of the battle
• Status Conditions: Transformation is not affected by sleep, paralysis, etc.

Strategic Implications

• Sweeping Potential: The stat boosts make these Pokémon excellent late-game sweepers
• Momentum Building: Getting the first KO becomes crucial for unlocking full potential
• Team Support: Benefits from entry hazards and chip damage to secure KOs
• Risk/Reward: Must survive long enough to get a KO to activate the transformation

Example Damage Calculations

Greninja-Ash vs Toxapex (252 HP/252+ Def):

• Pre-transformation: 103 SpA Water Shuriken = 35-42% (4HKO)
• Post-transformation: 153 SpA Water Shuriken = 52-61% (2HKO)

Chesnaught-Clemont vs Landorus-T (252 HP/0 Atk):

• Pre-transformation: 107 Atk Wood Hammer = 45-53% (2HKO)
• Post-transformation: 128 Atk Wood Hammer = 54-63% (2HKO, guaranteed with Stealth Rock)

Common Users

• Greninja-Battle Bond: Most popular due to balanced offensive boosts
• Chesnaught-Battle Bond: Defensive pivot that becomes a mixed threat
• Delphox-Battle Bond: Balanced special attacker with improved bulk
• Darmanitan-Redux Bond: Elite Redux exclusive variant

Competitive Usage Notes

• Tier Placement: Often restricted to higher tiers due to transformation potential
• Set Diversity: Can run mixed offensive or setup sets pre-transformation
• Team Synergy: Pairs well with hazard setters and pivot Pokémon
• Meta Influence: Forces opponents to play around potential transformations

Counters

• Priority Moves: Can revenge kill before transformation benefits are utilized
• Bulky Walls: Can tank hits even after transformation
• Status Effects: Burn halves physical Attack boosts, paralysis reduces Speed
• Entry Hazards: Chip damage can limit switching opportunities

Synergies

• Stealth Rock: Helps secure KOs for transformation
• Healing Wish/Lunar Dance: Can reset HP while keeping transformation
• Speed Control: Tailwind/Trick Room depending on form and strategy
• Pivot Support: U-turn/Volt Switch brings in safely for KO opportunities

Version History

• Elite Redux: Expanded to include Kalos starters beyond just Greninja
• Original: Only Greninja had access in mainline games
• Balance Changes: Stat distributions carefully tuned for competitive balance