Riptide - Ability ID 418

In-Game Description

"Boosts Water-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)

Riptide boosts the power of all Water-type moves by 30% when above 1/3 HP, increasing to 80% when at or below 1/3 HP. This powerful offensive ability rewards aggressive play and creates comeback potential when health is low. Works with any Water move regardless of the user's typing for versatile damage output.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Riptide is a powerful offensive ability that provides conditional damage boosts to Water-type moves based on the user's current HP percentage. It uses the BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER system with Water-type moves.

Activation Conditions

• Move type requirement: Only affects Water-type moves
• HP-based scaling: Two different boost levels
  • Above 1/3 HP: 1.3x damage multiplier (30% increase)
  • At or below 1/3 HP: 1.8x damage multiplier (80% increase)
• User independence: Works regardless of the user's typing

Technical Implementation

// Riptide uses the BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER macro
constexpr Ability Riptide = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER(TYPE_WATER),
};

// The macro definition:
#define BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER(type)
    +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
        if (moveType == type) {
            if (gBattleMons[battler].hp <= (gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 3))
                MUL(1.8);  // 80% boost when low HP
            else
                MUL(1.3);  // 30% boost when healthy
        }
    }

HP Threshold Mechanics

• Threshold calculation: 1/3 of maximum HP (integer division)
• Inclusive threshold: Triggers at exactly 1/3 HP or below
• Dynamic scaling: Boost level changes as HP fluctuates during battle
• No minimum damage: Can work even at 1 HP for maximum effect

Move Compatibility

• All Water moves: Affects every Water-type attack
• Physical and Special: Both categories receive the boost
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit gets the multiplier
• Type-changing moves: Only boosts if they become Water-type
• Weather Ball: Boosts when Weather Ball becomes Water-type in rain

Ability Synergies

• Similar abilities: Shared pattern with Hellblaze (Fire), Forest Rage (Grass), Purgatory (Ghost), Gladiator (Fighting), and Rockhard Shaft (Rock)
• Rain teams: Excellent synergy with rain setters and Swift Swim users
• Water STAB: Stacks multiplicatively with Same Type Attack Bonus (1.5x)
• Life Orb: Can stack with item boosts for massive damage
• Aquatic ability: Pairs well with Pokemon that gain Water typing

Strategic Applications

• Early game power: 30% boost provides consistent damage throughout battle
• Comeback potential: 80% boost creates powerful late-game sweeping opportunities
• HP management: Strategic use of berries or healing can control boost timing
• Priority moves: Aqua Jet becomes extremely powerful at low HP
• Z-moves/Max moves: Massive damage potential with the 1.8x multiplier

Calculation Examples

• Base 80 Water move at full HP: 80 × 1.3 = 104 effective power
• Base 80 Water move at low HP: 80 × 1.8 = 144 effective power
• With STAB and low HP: 80 × 1.5 × 1.8 = 216 effective power
• Surf with STAB at low HP: 90 × 1.5 × 1.8 = 243 effective power

Competitive Viability

• Offensive presence: Provides significant damage output throughout the match
• Risk-reward gameplay: Encourages aggressive play while rewarding low HP situations
• Team building flexibility: Works on any Pokemon with Water move coverage
• Meta impact: Can turn normally defensive Pokemon into offensive threats
• Versatile activation: Multiple ways to reach low HP threshold safely

Common Users

• Water-type Pokemon with strong offensive stats
• Mixed attackers with Water move coverage
• Pokemon with recovery moves for HP manipulation
• Bulky Pokemon that can survive at low HP
• Priority move users (Aqua Jet abusers)

Counters and Limitations

• Non-Water moves: Only affects one move type
• HP management: Opponent can KO before low HP boost activates
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas disable the ability
• Type immunities: Water Absorb and Storm Drain can negate boosted attacks
• Weather dependence: Not weather-reliant but benefits from rain support

Comparison to Similar Abilities

• Torrent: Riptide provides consistent 30% boost vs Torrent's 50% only at low HP
• Overgrow/Blaze/Swarm: Same low HP threshold but Riptide has higher base boost
• Adaptability: Riptide can work on non-Water types, Adaptability only on same-type
• Sheer Force: Riptide stacks with items, Sheer Force removes item effects

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive: Custom ability not found in official Pokemon games
• Part of BOOSTED_SWARM family: Shares implementation with five other similar abilities
• Balanced design: Provides both consistent power and comeback potential

Advanced Interactions

• Focus Sash: Can guarantee survival to activate 1.8x multiplier
• Substitute: HP calculation uses current HP, not HP behind substitute
• Transform: Copying Riptide copies the ability's functionality
• Skill Swap: Can be transferred to other Pokemon for unexpected coverage
• Gastro Acid: Permanently disables the ability for the battle