Libero - Ability ID 236

In-Game Description

"Before using a move, changes its type to the move's type."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Libero changes the user's type to match the move being used before attacking, but only once per turn. The type change grants STAB bonus to the attack and affects defensive matchups. Cannot activate on Struggle moves. Perfect for unpredictable offensive coverage.

Character count: 286

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Libero is functionally identical to Protean, providing a powerful type-changing mechanic with the following properties:

Core Mechanics

• Activation Timing: Triggers before the move is used during the onBeforeAttack phase
• Once Per Turn: Uses CheckAndSetOncePerTurnAbility() to prevent multiple activations per turn
• Type Change: Uses SET_BATTLER_TYPE() macro which sets both type1 and type2 to the move's type, and type3 to TYPE_MYSTERY
• STAB Bonus: Since the user's type matches the move type after transformation, all attacks receive Same Type Attack Bonus (1.5x damage)

Activation Conditions

1. The ability must not have already triggered this turn
2. The user must not already be of the move's type (prevents redundant activation)
3. The move cannot be Struggle (hardcoded exception)
4. Standard ability activation requirements (not suppressed, etc.)

Strategic Applications

• Offensive Coverage: Every move effectively gets STAB, significantly boosting damage output
• Defensive Adaptation: Type changes affect incoming move effectiveness immediately
• Unpredictability: Opponents cannot easily predict defensive typings
• Multi-hit Protection: Once-per-turn limitation prevents exploitation with multi-hit moves

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Libero = {
    .onBeforeAttack = Protean.onBeforeAttack,
};

Libero directly references Protean's implementation, making them mechanically identical. The Protean code checks for turn-based activation, verifies the user isn't already the move's type, excludes Struggle, then changes the battler's typing and displays the activation message.

Elite Redux Context

In Elite Redux, Libero appears as both a regular ability choice and as an innate ability on certain Pokémon (notably the Scorbunny line), making it accessible in the game's 4-ability system. This provides consistent access to the powerful type-changing effect while maintaining other ability options.

Comparison to Similar Abilities

• Protean: Mechanically identical - both share the same implementation
• Color Change: Activates when hit by a move rather than when using a move
• Multitype/RKS System: Permanent type changes based on held items rather than per-move adaptation

The once-per-turn limitation prevents potential abuse while still providing significant strategic value, making Libero a highly sought-after ability for offensive Pokémon seeking maximum type coverage and damage output.