Dragonfly - Ability ID 312

In-Game Description

"Adds Dragon type to itself. Avoids Ground attacks."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Dragonfly grants the Dragon type to the Pokémon on switch-in, creating dual or triple typing. The ability also provides complete immunity to Ground-type moves through levitation, making the Pokémon unaffected by moves like Earthquake and Spikes.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Dragonfly is a dual-function ability that combines type addition with Ground immunity:

1. Type Addition: On entry, adds Dragon type to the Pokémon using the same mechanism as Half Drake ability
2. Levitation: Provides complete immunity to Ground-type moves and hazards

Activation Conditions

• Type Addition: Triggers automatically upon switching into battle
• Ground Immunity: Passive effect active at all times while the ability is not suppressed

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Dragonfly = {
    .onEntry = HalfDrake.onEntry,  // Adds Dragon type
    .breakable = TRUE,             // Can be suppressed
    .levitate = TRUE,              // Ground immunity
};

// Type addition implementation (from HalfDrake)
.onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { 
    return AddBattlerType(battler, TYPE_DRAGON); 
}

Ground-Type Immunity Coverage

• Moves: All Ground-type attacks (Earthquake, Earth Power, Bulldoze, etc.)
• Entry hazards: Spikes damage
• Arena effects: Arena Trap cannot trap levitating Pokémon
• Interactions: Overridden by Gravity, Iron Ball, and Ingrain effects

Type Addition Mechanics

• Adds Dragon type as an additional type (does not replace existing types)
• Creates dual typing for single-type Pokémon
• Creates triple typing for dual-type Pokémon (rare mechanic)
• Dragon typing persists until the Pokémon switches out or the ability is suppressed

Strategic Implications

Offensive Benefits:

• Gains access to Dragon-type STAB on Dragon moves
• May create powerful type combinations (e.g., Ground/Bug/Dragon for Flygon line)

Defensive Benefits:

• Complete Ground immunity removes major weakness
• Dragon typing provides useful resistances (Fire, Water, Electric, Grass)

Potential Drawbacks:

• Dragon typing adds weakness to Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves
• Ability can be suppressed by Mold Breaker effects
• Triple typing can create complex type interactions

Common Users

• Vibrava: Ground/Bug → Ground/Bug/Dragon with Ground immunity
• Flygon: Ground/Dragon → Already Dragon type, gains Ground immunity

Competitive Usage Notes

• Excellent for pivoting against Ground-type attacks
• Transforms Flygon into a unique Ground/Dragon that's immune to Ground moves
• Creates type synergy opportunities in team building
• Particularly valuable against Earthquake spam teams

Counters

• Ability Suppression: Mold Breaker, Teravolt, Turboblaze ignore the Ground immunity
• Status Effects: Gravity grounds the Pokémon, removing Ground immunity
• Items: Iron Ball grounds the holder
• Moves: Ingrain removes levitation effect
• Type Disadvantages: Ice, Dragon, and Fairy moves become super effective

Synergies

• Flying-type moves: Standard Levitate provides 1.25x boost to Flying moves
• Ground-type moves: Can use Ground moves while being immune to them
• Dragon-type moves: Gains STAB on Dragon moves
• Magnet Rise: Stacks with natural levitation for extended Ground immunity

Version History

• Added as part of Elite Redux's expanded ability system
• Combines mechanics from Half Drake (type addition) and standard Levitate
• Unique implementation using shared ability components