Full Metal Body - Ability ID 230

In-Game Description

"Immune to stat drops."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Full Metal Body provides complete immunity to all stat reductions from enemy moves, abilities, and effects. Unlike Clear Body, it offers unbreakable protection against stat drops including forced reductions, making it ideal for defensive strategies and maintaining stat advantages throughout battle.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Full Metal Body is a defensive ability that provides complete immunity to stat drops, functioning as an enhanced version of Clear Body with additional protective properties.

Core Mechanics

• Stat Drop Immunity: Completely prevents all stat reductions to Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, Accuracy, and Evasion
• Universal Protection: Works against all sources of stat reduction including moves, abilities, items, and field effects
• No Exceptions: Unlike Clear Body, provides protection even against "forced" stat drops that bypass other immunities

Technical Implementation

The ability works through multiple battle system checks:

// Primary stat change prevention (battle_script_commands.c:4045)
if (!BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_CLEAR_BODY) && 
    !BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_FULL_METAL_BODY)) {
    // Allow stat reduction
}

// Enhanced protection against forced reductions (battle_script_commands.c:4038)
if (flags & STAT_CHANGE_CANT_PREVENT && 
    !BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_CLEAR_BODY) &&
    !BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_FULL_METAL_BODY)) {
    // Allow "unpreventable" stat reduction
}

// Octolock immunity (battle_util.c:2563)
if (!(BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_CLEAR_BODY) || 
      BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(gActiveBattler, ABILITY_FULL_METAL_BODY) ||
      GetBattlerHoldEffect(gActiveBattler, TRUE) == HOLD_EFFECT_CLEAR_AMULET)) {
    // Apply Octolock stat drops
}

Activation Conditions

• Passive Effect: Always active when the Pokémon has this ability
• No Announcement: Does not trigger ability activation messages when preventing stat drops
• Battle Only: Only functions during battle encounters

Protected Against

• Direct Stat Moves: Growl, Screech, Leer, Intimidate, etc.
• Ability Effects: Intimidate, Download (negative), Sticky Web entry, etc.
• Item Effects: King's Rock, Starf Berry side effects, etc.
• Field Effects: Octolock, certain terrain effects
• Forced Reductions: Moves with STAT_CHANGE_CANT_PREVENT flag
• Multi-stat Moves: Charm, Eerie Impulse, Noble Roar, etc.

Differences from Clear Body

1. Enhanced Protection: Full Metal Body protects against forced stat drops that bypass Clear Body
2. Identical Basic Function: Both prevent standard stat reductions equally
3. Code Implementation: Uses the same battle system checks but with additional coverage

Strategic Implications

• Setup Sweepers: Excellent for Pokémon that rely on stat boosts, as opponents cannot reduce their enhanced stats
• Defensive Cores: Maintains defensive stats against repeated stat-dropping attacks
• Intimidate Counter: Perfect answer to Intimidate-based team strategies
• Hazard Immunity: Prevents Sticky Web stat drops on switch-in

Common Users

Full Metal Body is typically found on:

• Steel-type Pokémon: Thematically appropriate for metallic, rigid Pokémon
• Defensive Walls: Pokémon that need to maintain their defensive capabilities
• Setup Pokémon: Those that use stat-boosting moves and need protection

Competitive Usage Notes

• Priority Target: Pokémon with Full Metal Body become high-priority targets for direct damage
• Status Vulnerability: Still vulnerable to status conditions (poison, burn, paralysis, etc.)
• Taunt Weakness: Can be shut down by Taunt if relying on setup moves
• Entry Hazard Immunity: Provides indirect Sticky Web immunity

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Stacks with Mist: Works alongside team Mist support for redundant protection
• Clear Amulet: Provides same protection as held item alternative
• Hyper Cutter: Overlaps with Hyper Cutter's Attack protection
• Keen Eye: Overlaps with Keen Eye's Accuracy protection

Counters

• Direct Damage: Focus on raw damage output rather than stat manipulation
• Status Conditions: Use poison, burn, paralysis to wear down the opponent
• Taunt: Prevent setup moves if the Pokémon relies on stat boosts
• Entry Hazards: Stealth Rock, Spikes still deal damage on switch-in
• Weather: Sandstorm and Hail chip damage (unless immune)

Synergies

• Stat-Boosting Moves: Calm Mind, Swords Dance, Dragon Dance become more reliable
• Leftovers: Passive recovery helps maintain longevity
• Assault Vest: Special bulk items work well with guaranteed stat maintenance
• Choice Items: Can maintain stat integrity while locked into powerful moves

Version History

• Elite Redux: Full Metal Body provides enhanced protection compared to standard Clear Body
• Unique Implementation: Features additional safeguards against forced stat reductions
• Battle System Integration: Deeply integrated into the battle engine's stat change logic

Example Damage Calculations

Since Full Metal Body prevents stat drops rather than modifying damage, there are no direct damage calculations. However, the ability ensures that:

• Base damage calculations remain consistent throughout battle
• Defensive stats maintain their full effectiveness
• Setup sweepers can maintain their boosted offensive stats

Ability Priority

Full Metal Body takes precedence over most stat-reducing effects, functioning as a hard immunity rather than a resistive effect.