Inflatable - Ability ID 290

In-Game Description

"Ups Def and Sp. Def by one stage if hit by Flying or Fire moves."

Extended In-Game Description

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

When hit by Fire or Flying-type moves, this Pokémon inflates like a balloon, boosting both Defense and Special Defense by one stage each. The defensive boost applies immediately after taking damage, making the Pokémon more resilient to follow-up attacks. Perfect for bulky Pokémon that can capitalize on the stat increases.

Character count: 297

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

• Trigger: Activates when the Pokémon is hit by any Fire-type or Flying-type move
• Effect: Raises both Defense and Special Defense by +1 stage each
• Timing: Activates after damage calculation but before the move's secondary effects

Activation Conditions

• Must be hit by a Fire-type or Flying-type move
• The move must successfully hit (doesn't activate on miss)
• At least one of Defense or Special Defense must be below maximum (+6 stages)
• Uses ShouldApplyOnHitAffect() check (blocked by Substitute, etc.)

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Inflatable = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(battler))
        CHECK(CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_DEF) || CanRaiseStat(battler, STAT_SPDEF))
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_FIRE || moveType == TYPE_FLYING);
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_InflatableActivates);
        gBattleScripting.battler = battler;
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Script Behavior

• Attempts to raise Defense first, then Special Defense
• Each stat raise is independent - if Defense is at max, Special Defense can still be raised
• Uses standard stat change animations and messages
• Priority: Defense boost processed first, then Special Defense

Affected Move Types

Fire-type moves: All Fire-type attacks trigger the ability

• Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Overheat, Will-O-Wisp, etc.
• Status moves like Will-O-Wisp also trigger the ability

Flying-type moves: All Flying-type attacks trigger the ability

• Wing Attack, Hurricane, Air Slash, Roost, etc.
• Status moves like Roost also trigger the ability

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Substitute: Blocked by Substitute (uses ShouldApplyOnHitAffect)
• Magic Bounce: Cannot be triggered by bounced moves
• Stat Stage Limits: Each stat can only be raised if below +6 stages
• Mold Breaker: Not affected by Mold Breaker (defensive ability)
• Multi-hit moves: Activates only once per turn, not per hit

Strategic Implications

• Defensive Pivoting: Excellent for bulky Pokémon that can switch into Fire/Flying attacks
• Setup Opportunities: Creates immediate defensive bulk for further setup
• Counter Strategy: Works well against common offensive types
• Momentum Shifts: Can turn predicted Fire/Flying attacks into advantageous situations

Example Damage Calculations

Before Inflatable activation:

• 252+ Atk Talonflame Flare Blitz vs 252 HP / 0 Def Munchlax Redux: ~45-55%

After Inflatable activation (+1 Def):

• Same attack: ~30-40% (significant reduction)

Common Users

• Bounsweet Redux: Psychic/Fairy type with Magic Guard synergy
• Tsareena Redux: Psychic/Fairy type with balanced offensive stats
• Tsareena Redux Mega: Enhanced stats with Loud Bang combo ability
• Munchlax Redux: Water-type tank with Soundproof alternative

Competitive Usage Notes

• Best on: Bulky Pokémon that can survive the initial hit and capitalize on boosts
• Synergizes with: Recovery moves, Stored Power, other stat-boosting abilities
• Timing: Most effective when opponent is locked into Fire/Flying moves
• Prediction: Rewards good prediction and switching skills

Counters

• Non-Fire/Flying attacks: Ability doesn't activate against other types
• Status moves: Toxic, Thunder Wave, etc. don't trigger the ability
• Taunt: Prevents setup after the defensive boosts
• Haze/Clear Smog: Removes the stat boosts immediately

Synergies

• Stored Power: Benefits from the defensive stat boosts
• Body Press: Defense boosts increase offensive power
• Recovery moves: Defensive bulk helps with healing strategies
• Eviolite: Stacks with natural defensive boosts on NFE Pokémon

Version History

• Introduced in Elite Redux as a defensive reaction ability
• Designed to provide counterplay against common offensive types
• Part of the expanded ability system with unique battle interactions