Overcharge (Ability #349)

Overview

Overcharge is a unique Elite Redux ability that fundamentally changes how Electric-type interactions work in battle. This ability makes Electric-type moves super effective (2x damage) against Electric-type Pokémon and allows Electric-type Pokémon to be paralyzed, completely bypassing their natural immunity.

Code Implementation

Location: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc (Lines 3696-3707)

constexpr Ability Overcharge = {
    .onTypeEffectiveness = +[](ON_TYPE_EFFECTIVENESS) -> int {
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_ELECTRIC)
        CHECK(defType == TYPE_ELECTRIC)
        *mod = UQ_4_12(2.0);
        return TRUE;
    },
    .onCanStatusType = +[](ABILITY_ON_CAN_STATUS_TYPE) -> int {
        CHECK(status & CHECK_PARALYSIS)
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Technical Mechanics

1. Type Effectiveness Modification:

   • When an Electric-type move targets an Electric-type defender
   • Sets the type effectiveness modifier to 2.0 (super effective)
   • Overrides the default 0.5x (not very effective) modifier

2. Status Immunity Bypass:

   • Allows paralysis status to affect Electric-type Pokémon
   • Bypasses the natural paralysis immunity of Electric-types
   • Works with any source of paralysis (moves, abilities, items)

Strategic Applications

Offensive Usage

• Electric vs Electric matchups: Transform defensive scenarios into offensive opportunities
• Paralysis support: Enable Thunder Wave and other paralysis moves against Electric-types
• Coverage improvement: Electric moves become viable against Electric-type walls

Defensive Considerations

• Double-edged nature: Electric-types with Overcharge are vulnerable to Electric attacks
• Speed control: Can be paralyzed by opposing Electric-types
• Risk vs reward: Increased offensive power at the cost of defensive stability

Pokémon with Overcharge

Based on trainer data analysis, Overcharge appears on various Electric-type Pokémon including:

• Porygon line variants
• Various Pikachu forms
• Several legendary/mythical Electric-types
• Custom Elite Redux Electric-type variants

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

• Meta disruption: Changes established Electric-type matchups
• Versatility: Both offensive and status support applications
• Surprise factor: Opponents may not expect Electric moves to be super effective

Weaknesses

• Self-vulnerability: Makes the user weak to Electric attacks
• Limited scope: Only affects Electric-type interactions
• Predictability: Once revealed, opponents can exploit the weakness

Tier Ranking: A-Tier

Overcharge is a high-impact ability that significantly alters battle dynamics. While situational, its effects are powerful enough to warrant A-tier placement in competitive play.

Related Abilities

Combination Abilities

• Depravity (Ability ID: Unknown): Combines Merciless + Overcharge
  • Always critical hits against paralyzed opponents
  • Can paralyze Electric-types for guaranteed crits
  • Extremely powerful offensive combination

Similar Mechanics

• Corrosion: Bypasses Poison immunity (Steel/Poison types)
• Normalize: Changes move types for effectiveness modifications
• Refrigerate/Pixilate/Aerilate: Type conversion with power boost

Battle Interactions

Move Interactions

• Thunder Wave: Can now paralyze Electric-types
• Electric-type attacks: Deal super effective damage to Electric-types
• Paralysis-inducing moves: No longer blocked by Electric typing

Ability Interactions

• Lightning Rod/Volt Absorb: Still redirect/absorb Electric moves
• Motor Drive: Still activates on Electric-type moves
• Static: Can now paralyze Electric-type attackers

Usage Notes

1. Team building: Consider both offensive and defensive implications
2. Prediction: Use the surprise factor strategically in key matchups
3. Coverage: Excellent for handling Electric-type walls and setup sweepers
4. Risk management: Be aware of the increased vulnerability to Electric attacks

Code References

• Ability Definition: src/abilities.cc:3696-3707
• Ability Constant: include/generated/constants/abilities.h - ABILITY_OVERCHARGE = 349
• Proto Description: proto/AbilityList.textproto
• Trainer Usage: Multiple references in src/data/trainer_parties.h