Pyro Shells (Ability #397)

Basic Information

• Type: Follow-up Attack Enhancement
• Target: Same as triggering move
• Activation: After using any Mega Launcher-boosted move
• Follow-up Move: Outburst (50 BP)

Detailed Mechanics

Implementation Details

File: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc (Lines 4095-4102)

constexpr Ability PyroShells = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(IsMegaLauncherBoosted(battler, move))
        CHECK(AdjustFollowupMoveTarget(battler, &target, move, FOLLOWUP_STANDARD))

        return UseAttackerFollowUpMove(battler, target, ability, MOVE_OUTBURST, 50);
    },
};

Triggering Conditions

The ability activates when:

1. The user executes any move with the mega_launcher: true flag
2. The move successfully targets an opponent
3. Standard follow-up targeting conditions are met

Mega Launcher-Boosted Moves

Pyro Shells triggers on any move that benefits from Mega Launcher (1.3x power boost), including but not limited to:

Notable Trigger Moves:

• Water Pulse - High PP, reliable trigger
• Aura Sphere - Always hits, Fighting-type coverage
• Dark Pulse - 20% flinch chance
• Dragon Pulse - Strong Dragon-type option
• Heal Pulse - Even status moves trigger the effect
• Origin Pulse - Powerful signature move
• Techno Blast - Variable typing based on Drive
• Zap Cannon - 120 BP with guaranteed paralysis
• Hyper Beam - 150 BP with recharge

Follow-up Move: Outburst

Move Data: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/proto/MoveList.textproto (Lines 12488-12502)

• Base Power: 250 (reduced to 50 by ability)
• Type: Normal
• Effect: EFFECT_EXPLOSION (user faints)
• Target: FOES_AND_ALLY
• Accuracy: 100%
• PP: 5
• Description: "The user explodes to inflict terrible damage even while fainting itself."

Critical Note: When triggered by Pyro Shells, Outburst does NOT cause the user to faint - only the follow-up damage is applied.

Strategic Applications

Offensive Utility

• Double Damage: Every Mega Launcher move becomes a two-hit combo
• Coverage Enhancement: Normal-type follow-up provides neutral coverage
• Bulky Breaker: 50 additional BP helps break through defensive walls
• Chip Damage: Consistent extra damage accumulates over time

Combo Potential

1. Water Pulse → Outburst: Reliable combo with confusion chance
2. Aura Sphere → Outburst: Never-miss Fighting + Normal coverage
3. Zap Cannon → Outburst: Paralysis setup with guaranteed follow-up
4. Dark Pulse → Outburst: Flinch chance with immediate punishment

Competitive Advantages

• Pseudo-Parental Bond: Similar to the banned ability but type-restricted
• Move Diversity: Works with both physical and special Mega Launcher moves
• Status Integration: Even status moves like Heal Pulse trigger the effect
• Type Coverage: Normal follow-up hits most types neutrally

Pokémon with Pyro Shells

Primary Users

1. Magmortar - Third ability slot

   • Stats: 75/95/67/125/95/83 (BST: 540)
   • Typing: Fire
   • Role: Special attacker with beam move focus
   • Innates: Molten Down, Dual Wield, Flash Fire

2. Mega Toucannon - Third innate ability

   • Stats: Enhanced from base Toucannon
   • Typing: Normal/Flying
   • Role: Mixed attacker with projectile moves
   • Other Innates: Steel Barrel, Iron Barrage

Optimal Movesets

Magmortar Example:

• Core Moves: Fire Blast, Aura Sphere, Thunderbolt, Focus Blast
• Mega Launcher Triggers: Aura Sphere (Fighting coverage + guaranteed hit)
• Coverage: Thunder/Thunderbolt for Water-types
• Utility: Taunt or Substitute for setup prevention

Related Abilities

Similar Follow-up Mechanics

• Volcano Rage (#382): Fire moves → 50 BP Eruption
• Thundercall (#388): Electric moves → 20% power Smite
• High Tide (#503): Water moves → 50 BP Surf
• Frost Burn (#475): Fire moves → 40 BP Ice Beam
• Aftershock (#491): Any powered move → 65 BP Magnitude

Key Differences

• Type Restriction: Only works with Mega Launcher moves
• Consistent Power: Always 50 BP regardless of trigger
• Wide Move Pool: Large variety of triggering moves
• No Type Requirement: Unlike elemental follow-ups

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

1. Damage Output: Significant DPS increase on Mega Launcher users
2. Move Flexibility: Works with diverse move types and categories
3. Reliable Activation: Many common moves trigger the effect
4. Breaking Point: Helps overcome defensive thresholds

Weaknesses

1. Move Pool Dependency: Requires access to Mega Launcher moves
2. Predictable Pattern: Opponents can anticipate the follow-up
3. Type Limitation: Only Normal-type follow-up damage
4. No Immunity Bypass: Can be blocked by Ghost-types or abilities

Tier Justification: Medium

• Pros: Consistent damage boost, works with common moves, good coverage
• Cons: Restricted move pool, predictable pattern, no special mechanics
• Verdict: Strong ability for beam/pulse-focused attackers but not game-breaking

Battle Applications

Team Synergy

• Choice Item Users: Locked moves become more threatening
• Wallbreakers: Extra damage helps overcome bulky threats
• Coverage Pokémon: Diverse Mega Launcher moves provide type flexibility
• Setup Sweepers: More immediate pressure even before boosts

Counters and Limitations

• Ghost-types: Immune to Normal-type follow-up damage
• High Defense: Bulky physical walls can tank the extra 50 BP
• Priority Moves: Can interrupt before follow-up resolves
• Ability Suppression: Neutralizing Gas disables the effect

Conclusion

Pyro Shells is a solid offensive ability that enhances Pokémon focused on beam and pulse attacks. While not as versatile as unrestricted follow-up abilities, its synergy with the diverse Mega Launcher move pool makes it a reliable damage amplifier. The ability shines on special attackers like Magmortar who naturally learn multiple triggering moves, effectively giving them a pseudo-Parental Bond effect for their signature attack style.

The 50 BP follow-up provides meaningful damage without being overpowered, making Pyro Shells a well-balanced ability that rewards strategic movepool construction and type coverage planning.