Hellblaze - Ability ID 417

In-Game Description

"Boosts Fire-type moves by 1.3x, or 1.8x when below 1/3 HP."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Hellblaze empowers Fire-type moves with a 1.3x damage boost normally, increasing to a powerful 1.8x boost when the Pokémon drops below 1/3 of its maximum HP. This ability excels in clutch situations, turning low HP into devastating firepower. Essential for Fire sweepers and revenge killers.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Hellblaze is an offensive ability that provides conditional damage boosts to Fire-type moves based on the user's current HP. It functions as a "boosted Swarm" ability specifically for Fire-type attacks.

Activation Conditions

• Move type requirement: Only affects Fire-type moves
• HP thresholds:
  • Above 1/3 HP: 1.3x damage multiplier (30% boost)
  • At or below 1/3 HP: 1.8x damage multiplier (80% boost)
• Timing: Activates during damage calculation phase
• Stacking: Multiplies with other damage modifiers (items, weather, etc.)

Technical Implementation

// Hellblaze uses the BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER macro with TYPE_FIRE
constexpr Ability Hellblaze = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER(TYPE_FIRE),
};

// The macro implementation:
#define BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER(type)                                       \
    +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {                                           \
        if (moveType == type) {                                              \
            if (gBattleMons[battler].hp <= (gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 3)) \
                MUL(1.8);                                                    \
            else                                                             \
                MUL(1.3);                                                    \
        }                                                                    \
    }

HP Calculation Details

• 1/3 HP threshold: Calculated as maxHP / 3 (integer division)
• Exact threshold: Ability activates when currentHP <= (maxHP / 3)
• Examples:
  • 300 HP Pokémon: Activates at 100 HP or below
  • 299 HP Pokémon: Activates at 99 HP or below
  • 301 HP Pokémon: Activates at 100 HP or below

Strategic Applications

• Late-game sweeping: Massive damage boost when in the danger zone
• Revenge killing: Turn low HP disadvantage into offensive advantage
• Berries synergy: Sitrus Berry, Figy Berry line for controlled HP management
• Recoil moves: Life Orb, Flare Blitz recoil becomes beneficial
• Substitute stalling: Drop HP intentionally for maximum power

Damage Calculations

With base power 80 Fire-type move:

• Above 1/3 HP: 80 × 1.3 = 104 effective base power
• Below 1/3 HP: 80 × 1.8 = 144 effective base power
• Comparison: 80% boost rivals Choice Band (50%) + Life Orb (30%)

Important Interactions

• Weather effects: Stacks with sun boost (1.5x) for devastating combinations
• STAB bonus: Multiplies with STAB (1.5x) for pure Fire types
• Choice items: Stacks with Choice Band/Specs for extreme damage
• Burn immunity: Fire types typically immune to burn, no HP drain concern
• Ability suppression: Doesn't work if ability is negated

Similar Abilities

Hellblaze is part of the "Boosted Swarm" family in Elite Redux:

• Riptide: Same mechanic for Water-type moves
• Forest Rage: Same mechanic for Grass-type moves
• Purgatory: Same mechanic for Ghost-type moves
• Gladiator: Same mechanic for Fighting-type moves
• Rockhard Shaft: Same mechanic for Rock-type moves

Competitive Usage Notes

• High-risk, high-reward: Requires careful HP management
• End-game closer: Most effective in late battle scenarios
• Priority moves: Pairs well with priority Fire moves for guaranteed revenge kills
• Substitute support: Use to safely reach low HP thresholds
• Healing timing: Time recovery carefully to maintain low HP when needed

Counters and Limitations

• Non-Fire moves: Provides no benefit to coverage moves
• Priority moves: Vulnerable to priority attacks when at low HP
• Status conditions: Poison/burn can push HP too low unintentionally
• Multi-hit moves: Can be KO'd before utilizing the boost
• Healing moves: Opponent can stall until HP is restored

Optimal Pokémon Traits

• High Attack/Special Attack: Maximizes damage potential
• Decent Speed: Ensure you move first when at low HP
• Bulk investment: Survive hits to reach optimal HP range
• Fire STAB: Pure or dual Fire types benefit most
• Recovery access: Roost, Slack Off for controlled HP management

Move Synergies

• Flare Blitz: High power recoil move benefits from both multipliers
• Fire Blast: High power special move for sweeping
• Flame Charge: Priority-like effect with damage boost
• Eruption: Ironically anti-synergistic due to HP-based power
• Overheat: One-shot power spike doesn't care about stat drops

Team Building Considerations

• Entry hazard support: Stealth Rock chip damage helps reach threshold
• Cleric support: Aromatherapy/Heal Bell for status protection
• Redirection: Rage Powder, Follow Me to protect setup
• Speed control: Thunder Wave, Sticky Web for speed advantage
• Weather support: Sun teams maximize Fire-type effectiveness

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability as part of expanded ability roster
• Uses proven "Boosted Swarm" formula with Fire-type specialization
• Balanced alternative to traditional Fire-type abilities like Blaze

Usage Tips

1. Monitor HP carefully: Know your exact threshold for maximum power
2. Time recovery: Use healing moves strategically to maintain optimal HP
3. Priority awareness: Watch for opponent's priority moves when low
4. Setup opportunities: Use the 1.3x boost to soften targets initially
5. End-game planning: Save your most powerful Hellblaze user for late game