Magma Eater - Ability ID 467

In-Game Description

"Predator + Molten Down."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Magma Eater combines predatory healing with molten type advantages. Restores 25% HP when fainting an opponent through direct attacking moves. Additionally, Fire-type moves deal 2x damage against Rock-type Pokemon instead of normal effectiveness. Excellent for aggressive Fire-type attackers.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Magma Eater is a dual-effect offensive ability that combines two powerful combat mechanics: predatory healing and molten type manipulation. This ability makes its user exceptionally dangerous in battle by rewarding successful KOs and providing type advantage coverage.

Healing Component (SoulEater Effect)

• Trigger: When the Pokémon with Magma Eater faints an opponent through a direct attacking move
• Effect: Restores 25% of the user's maximum HP
• Timing: Healing occurs immediately after the opponent faints
• Requirements:
  • Must not be at full HP already
  • Must be able to heal (not affected by Heal Block)
  • Opponent must faint from the user's direct attack

Type Effectiveness Component (MoltenDown Effect)

• Trigger: When using a Fire-type move against a Rock-type target
• Effect: Fire-type moves deal 2x damage to Rock-type Pokémon instead of normal effectiveness
• Coverage: Transforms neutral matchup into super effective damage
• Stacking: Works with other damage modifiers and STAB

Technical Implementation

// Magma Eater combines two existing ability effects
constexpr Ability MagmaEater = {
    .onBattlerFaints = SoulEater.onBattlerFaints,        // 25% HP restore on KO
    .onTypeEffectiveness = MoltenDown.onTypeEffectiveness, // Fire vs Rock = 2x
    .onBattlerFaintsFor = APPLY_ON_ATTACKER,
};

// Healing effect (25% HP recovery)
BattleScript_HandleSoulEaterEffect::
    tryhealpercenthealth BS_STACK_1, 25, BattleScript_Return

// Type effectiveness modification
.onTypeEffectiveness = +[](ON_TYPE_EFFECTIVENESS) -> int {
    CHECK(moveType == TYPE_FIRE)
    CHECK(defType == TYPE_ROCK)
    *mod = UQ_4_12(2.0);  // 2x damage multiplier
    return TRUE;
},

Important Interactions

• Multi-hit moves: Only heals once per opponent fainted, not per hit
• Indirect damage: Healing doesn't trigger from burns, poison, entry hazards, etc.
• Full HP: No healing occurs if already at maximum HP
• Heal Block: Healing component blocked by Heal Block status
• Type effectiveness: Fire vs Rock becomes 2x instead of 1x (neutral)
• STAB interaction: Stacks with Same Type Attack Bonus multiplicatively
• Weather: Fire power boost from sun stacks with type effectiveness bonus

Strategic Applications

• Sweeping potential: Healing allows extended battles and multiple KOs
• Rock-type coverage: Gives Fire-type attackers better matchup coverage
• Aggressive playstyle: Rewards offensive momentum and direct confrontation
• HP management: Can recover from chip damage through successful KOs
• Type coverage: Improves Fire-type movesets against typically resistant Rock types

Ideal Users

• Fire-type attackers with diverse movepools
• Mixed attackers who can reliably score KOs
• Pokémon with high offensive stats to secure faints
• Sweepers who benefit from mid-battle healing
• Rock-type coverage seekers in Fire-type focused teams

Competitive Advantages

• Sustained offense: Healing extends staying power in battle
• Type coverage improvement: Better matchups against Rock-type walls
• Snowball potential: Each KO makes subsequent battles easier
• Pressure creation: Forces opponents to play around healing threat
• Versatile threat: Combines offensive and defensive utility

Counters and Limitations

• Heal Block: Completely negates healing component
• Indirect damage: Burns, poison, and hazards don't trigger healing
• Rock/Water or Rock/Ground types: Still resist Fire despite type modification
• Defensive walls: Must actually faint opponents to benefit from healing
• Priority moves: Can be revenge killed before healing activates
• Status conditions: Sleep, paralysis can prevent follow-up attacks

Synergies

• Life Orb: Recoil damage offset by healing from KOs
• Choice items: Locked moves still trigger healing on KO
• Sun teams: Fire power boost stacks with type effectiveness
• Entry hazard support: Chip damage helps secure KO thresholds
• Flame Charge/Dragon Dance: Speed boost + healing creates powerful setup
• Fire Blast/Flamethrower: Reliable Fire moves to trigger Rock effectiveness

Team Composition

• Sun setters: Drought users to boost Fire move power
• Entry hazard setters: Stealth Rock, Spikes to weaken opponents
• Speed control: Thunder Wave, Trick Room to ensure attack order
• Rock-type lures: Draw in Rock types for super effective Fire attacks
• Offensive cores: Partners that can also score KOs for momentum

Usage Notes

• Primary mode: Best used as an aggressive attacker rather than defensive pivot
• Target selection: Prioritize Rock-type opponents when possible
• HP monitoring: Most effective when not at full health to maximize healing
• Move selection: Ensure access to reliable Fire-type attacking moves
• Timing: Consider healing potential when choosing between opponents to target

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive: Custom combination ability
• Component abilities: Based on existing SoulEater (Predator) and MoltenDown effects
• Balance considerations: 25% healing is standard for KO-based healing abilities
• Type effectiveness: 2x multiplier provides meaningful but not overwhelming advantage