Field Explorer (Ability #360)

Overview

Field Explorer is a custom ability in Elite Redux that provides a significant power boost to field-based moves. This ability increases the damage of moves flagged with FLAG_FIELD_BASED by 50% (1.5x multiplier), making traditionally utility-focused moves more viable in combat scenarios.

Mechanics

Core Effect

• Power Boost: Increases damage of field-based moves by 50%
• Multiplier: 1.5x
• Trigger Condition: Move must have the FLAG_FIELD_BASED flag set

Code Implementation

Location: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc (Lines 3782-3787)

constexpr Ability FieldExplorer = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_FIELD_BASED) MUL(1.5);
        },
};

The ability uses the onOffensiveMultiplier callback to check if the current move has the FLAG_FIELD_BASED flag. If present, it applies a 1.5x damage multiplier using the MUL(1.5) macro.

Field Move Identification

Flag Definition: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/include/constants/pokemon.h:334

#define FLAG_FIELD_BASED (1 << 31)

Proto Definition: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/proto/MoveList.proto:187

bool field = 51 [(field_name) = "Field Based", (is_flag) = true, (flag_code_value) = "FLAG_FIELD_BASED"];

Affected Moves

Field Explorer affects moves that historically served as HM moves or field navigation tools. Based on the codebase analysis, confirmed field-based moves include:

Primary HM Moves

• Cut: Steel-type physical move (60 power) - Always crits, has Keen Edge boost
• Surf: Water-type special move (90 power) - Hits multiple targets
• Strength: Rock-type physical move (110 power) - Lowers user's defenses
• Fly: Flying-type physical move - Two-turn move
• Flash: Normal-type status move - Lowers accuracy
• Rock Smash: Fighting-type physical move - May lower defense
• Waterfall: Water-type physical move - May cause flinching
• Dive: Water-type physical move - Two-turn underwater move
• Whirlpool: Water-type special move - Trapping move

Additional Field Moves

The codebase indicates approximately 16 moves total have the field flag, though the complete list includes various other utility and navigation-themed moves beyond the traditional HM set.

Strategic Applications

Offensive Utility

• HM Slave Viability: Makes Pokémon carrying field moves more combat-capable
• Dual Purpose: Allows team members to serve both utility and battle roles
• Coverage Options: Provides access to diverse move types (Steel, Water, Rock, Fighting, Flying)

Competitive Considerations

• Niche Role: Situational ability that requires specific move coverage
• Power Boost: 50% increase makes normally weak utility moves competitively viable
• Team Building: Encourages inclusion of field moves in competitive movesets

Move Power Calculations

With Field Explorer active:

• Cut: 60 → 90 base power
• Surf: 90 → 135 base power
• Strength: 110 → 165 base power
• Rock Smash: 40 → 60 base power
• Waterfall: 80 → 120 base power

Pokémon Distribution

Field Explorer appears on numerous Pokémon in Elite Redux, available as both a regular ability slot and as an innate ability. The ability is distributed across various species that thematically relate to exploration, navigation, or utility functions.

Availability: Found on 31+ different Pokémon entries in the species list, appearing as both regular abilities and innate abilities.

Related Abilities

Similar Damage Boosting Abilities

• Technician (#101): Boosts weak moves (≤60 power) by 50%
• Sheer Force (#125): Removes secondary effects for 30% power boost
• Iron Fist (#89): Boosts punching moves by 20%
• Strong Jaw (#173): Boosts biting moves by 50%

Distinguishing Features

Field Explorer is unique in that it specifically targets utility moves rather than offensive moves, making it a bridge between exploration functionality and battle viability.

Interactions and Mechanics

Battle Calculations

1. Priority: Applied during damage calculation phase
2. Stacking: Can stack with other multipliers (items, weather, etc.)
3. Type Matching: Works regardless of move type or user's typing
4. Critical Hits: Boost applies before critical hit calculation

Technical Details

• Callback Type: onOffensiveMultiplier
• Activation: Automatic when using field-based moves
• No PP Cost: Does not affect move PP or usage limitations
• No Turn Delay: Activates immediately with move usage

Trivia

• Field Explorer represents Elite Redux's design philosophy of making utility moves combat-viable
• The 50% boost matches other specialized boosting abilities like Strong Jaw
• Unlike some abilities, Field Explorer has no type restrictions
• The ability enables "HM slaves" to contribute meaningfully in battle scenarios
• Field moves retain their original secondary effects while gaining the damage boost

Version History

Field Explorer is a custom ability created specifically for Elite Redux, designed to address the traditional weakness of field/HM moves in competitive play while maintaining their utility functions.