Majestic Moth (Ability #330)

Overview

Majestic Moth is an entry-triggered ability that automatically boosts the Pokémon's highest calculated stat by one stage when it enters battle. This ability provides immediate value by enhancing the Pokémon's strongest attribute.

Mechanics

Core Functionality

• Trigger: Activates when the Pokémon enters battle (switching in or battle start)
• Effect: Raises the highest calculated stat by +1 stage
• Stat Analysis: Considers all five battle stats (Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed)
• Calculation: Includes current stat stage modifiers when determining the highest stat

Implementation Details

constexpr Ability MajesticMoth = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        CHECK(ChangeStatBuffs(battler, 1, GetHighestStatId(battler, TRUE), MOVE_EFFECT_AFFECTS_USER, NULL))
        BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_AttackerAbilityStatRaiseEnd3);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Stat Determination Process

1. Stat Calculation: Uses GetHighestStatId(battler, TRUE) with includeStatStages = TRUE
2. Current Values: Considers base stats + current stat stage modifiers
3. Stage Multipliers: Factors in stage boosts/drops using gStatStageRatios
4. Selection: Chooses the stat with the highest final calculated value
5. Boost Application: Applies +1 stage boost to the selected stat

Important Notes

• The ability considers current stat stages when determining the highest stat
• If a Pokémon has +2 Attack stages but higher base Special Attack, it will boost whichever has the higher calculated total
• The boost is applied immediately upon entry, before any other entry effects
• Cannot boost HP (only the five battle stats are considered)

Pokémon with Majestic Moth

Primary Users (Innate Ability)

• Venomoth line: Offensive moth Pokémon that benefit from boosting their highest attacking stat
• Volcarona variants: Powerful special attackers that typically boost Special Attack
• Dustox line: Defensive moths that may boost Defense or Special Defense
• Frosmoth line: Ice-type moths with varied stat distributions
• Paradox Moths: Future/past variants with unique stat spreads

Usage Patterns

• Most moths have high Special Attack, so they typically boost Special Attack
• Defensive variants may boost Defense or Special Defense depending on their spread
• Speed-oriented builds may boost Speed if it's their highest calculated stat

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

• Immediate Value: Provides an instant +1 boost without setup
• Adaptive: Boosts the most relevant stat for each individual Pokémon
• Stacking: Can work with existing stat boosts to determine the best stat to enhance
• Reliability: Always activates on entry, no conditions required

Strategic Applications

• Sweeper Support: Enhances offensive stats for immediate pressure
• Defensive Pivoting: Boosts defensive stats when switching into threats
• Speed Control: Can boost Speed for faster Pokémon to maintain priority
• Stat Stage Synergy: Works well with moves that provide additional stat boosts

Limitations

• One-Time Effect: Only activates on entry, not repeatedly
• Predictable: Opponents can anticipate which stat will be boosted
• Stage Dependency: Less effective if the Pokémon already has high stat stages
• No HP Boost: Cannot improve overall bulk through HP increases

Interactions and Synergies

Positive Interactions

• Baton Pass: Can pass the boosted stat to teammates
• Stat Boost Moves: Stacks with self-boosting moves for greater effect
• Choice Items: Provides initial boost before Choice item lock-in
• Weak Armor/Stamina: Can benefit from defensive stat boosts before taking damage

Potential Conflicts

• Clear Smog/Haze: Stat boosts can be reset by these moves
• Intimidate: May alter Attack calculations before Majestic Moth triggers
• Contrary: Would lower the highest stat instead of raising it

Optimal Usage

Team Building

• Stat Spreads: Design EV spreads to influence which stat gets boosted
• Move Synergy: Pair with moves that benefit from the likely boosted stat
• Entry Timing: Switch in at optimal moments to maximize the boost's impact
• Role Definition: Clear offensive or defensive role helps predict boost target

Prediction and Counterplay

• Stat Analysis: Opponents can predict which stat will be boosted by examining the Pokémon's stats
• Timing Awareness: Entry timing becomes crucial for both user and opponent
• Stat Reset Moves: Clear Smog, Haze, or Roar can remove the boost
• Phazing: Forcing switches can waste the entry boost

Technical Implementation

Function Flow

1. OnEntry trigger activates when Pokémon enters battle
2. GetHighestStatId(battler, TRUE) determines which stat to boost
3. ChangeStatBuffs applies the +1 stage increase
4. Battle script displays the stat boost message
5. Effect completes and battle continues

Error Handling

• Uses CHECK macro to ensure stat boost is possible
• Fails gracefully if stat cannot be boosted (e.g., already at +6)
• Proper battle script integration for visual feedback

Performance Considerations

• Minimal computational overhead
• Single function call for stat determination
• Standard stat boost mechanics integration