Tectonize - Ability ID 308

In-Game Description

"Normal-type moves become Ground and Ground gains STAB."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Tectonize converts all Normal-type moves into Ground-type moves and grants STAB for Ground-type moves. This allows Pokémon to use moves like Tackle, Hyper Beam, and Boomburst as powerful Ground-type attacks. The converted moves retain their original power and effects while gaining Ground typing benefits.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Tectonize is an ATE (Ate-type) ability that functions similar to abilities like Pixilate, Refrigerate, and Aerilate. It provides two key effects:

1. Type Conversion: All Normal-type moves used by the Pokémon become Ground-type moves
2. STAB Provision: The Pokémon gains STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) for Ground-type moves, regardless of its actual typing

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Tectonize = {
    ATE_ABILITY(TYPE_GROUND),
};

#define ATE_ABILITY(type)                    \
    .onMoveType = +[](ON_MOVE_TYPE) -> int { \
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_NORMAL)       \
        *ateBoost = TRUE;                    \
        return type + 1;                     \
    },                                       \
    .onStab = +[](ON_STAB) -> int { return moveType == type; }

Activation Conditions

• The ability only affects Normal-type moves
• The move must be used by the Pokémon with Tectonize
• Conversion happens before damage calculation and type effectiveness checks

Damage Calculation

Important Note: Unlike some other games, Tectonize in Elite Redux does NOT provide an inherent damage boost. The ability only converts type and provides STAB. Some other ATE abilities like Normalize, Crystallize, and Superconductor have explicit 1.1x multipliers, but standard ATE abilities like Tectonize do not.

Affected Moves (Common Examples)

• Tackle → Ground-type physical move
• Quick Attack → Ground-type priority move
• Hyper Beam → Ground-type special move with recharge
• Body Slam → Ground-type move with paralysis chance
• Double-Edge → Ground-type move with recoil
• Boomburst → Ground-type sound move
• Return/Frustration → Ground-type moves based on friendship
• Explosion/Self-Destruct → Ground-type suicide moves

Type Effectiveness Changes

When Normal moves become Ground-type via Tectonize:

• Super effective against: Electric, Fire, Poison, Rock, Steel (2x damage)
• Not very effective against: Bug, Grass (0.5x damage)
• No effect against: Flying (0x damage)
• Normal effectiveness: All other types (1x damage)

STAB Calculation

• If the Pokémon has Ground as a natural type: 1.5x damage multiplier
• If the Pokémon does not have Ground as a natural type: Still gets 1.5x via Tectonize's STAB provision
• This means even Normal/Flying Pokémon would get STAB on converted Ground moves

Strategic Implications

Advantages:

• Converts typically neutral Normal moves into super-effective hits against common types
• Provides STAB on Ground moves for non-Ground Pokémon
• Useful on physically oriented Pokémon with strong Normal movesets
• Can turn priority moves like Quick Attack into Ground-type priority

Disadvantages:

• Converted moves become completely ineffective against Flying types
• Loses neutral coverage that Normal typing typically provides
• No inherent damage boost like some other abilities
• Can be countered by Flying types or Levitate ability

Common Users

Based on the codebase analysis, Tectonize can be found on:

• Gliscor (Ground/Flying) - Natural STAB stacking
• Gabite (Dragon/Ground) - Natural STAB stacking
• Bunnelby (Normal/Ground) - Converts Normal STAB to Ground STAB
• Diggersby (Normal/Ground) - Converts Normal STAB to Ground STAB
• Lycanroc (Rock/Ground) - Gains Ground STAB on Normal moves

Competitive Usage Notes

• Best used on Pokémon with strong physical Attack stats and good Normal movesets
• Particularly effective against teams heavy on Electric, Fire, Rock, or Steel types
• Should be paired with coverage moves to handle Flying types
• Works well with choice items due to consistent type conversion

Counters

• Flying-type Pokémon: Completely immune to converted Ground moves
• Levitate ability: Grants immunity to the converted Ground moves
• Air Balloon: Temporarily immune until popped
• Telepathy: In doubles, prevents damage from ally's converted moves

Synergies

• Choice Band/Specs: Boosts the converted moves significantly
• Life Orb: Increases damage output of all converted moves
• Ground Gem: Would boost converted moves (if held item)
• Earthquake: Natural Ground STAB to complement converted moves
• Rock/Steel moves: Coverage for Flying types that counter Ground moves

Version History

• Introduced in Elite Redux as ability ID 308
• Functions as a standard ATE ability without damage boost
• Part of the expanded ability system in Elite Redux