Archer - Ability ID 470

In-Game Description

"Boosts the power of arrow-based moves by 30%."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Archer boosts the power of arrow-based moves by 30%. Affects moves like Thousand Arrows, Spirit Shackle, Diamond Arrow, Blazing Arrow, and Triple Arrows. The power boost applies to both physical and special arrow moves, making precision-based attackers significantly more threatening.

Character count: 286

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Archer is an offensive ability that provides a 30% power boost to all moves flagged as "arrow-based" in the game data. This ability enhances the precision and power of ranged attacks, making it ideal for Pokémon with archer-like themes.

Activation Conditions

• Move requirement: The move must have the arrowBased flag set to true
• Boost amount: 30% power increase (1.3x multiplier)
• Move types: Works with both physical and special arrow-based moves
• Target: Affects single-target and multi-target arrow moves

Arrow-Based Moves Enhanced

• Thousand Arrows (Ground-type, 90 BP → 117 BP)
• Spirit Shackle (Ghost-type, 85 BP → 110.5 BP)
• Diamond Arrow (Rock-type, 85 BP → 110.5 BP)
• Blazing Arrow (Fire-type)
• Triple Arrows (Fighting-type)
• Many custom Elite Redux arrow moves

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Archer = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (gBattleMoves[move].arrowBased) MUL(1.3);
        },
};

Important Interactions

• Power stacking: Stacks multiplicatively with other power boosts
• STAB interaction: Works alongside Same Type Attack Bonus
• Weather/terrain: Combines with weather and terrain boosts
• Choice items: Stacks with Choice Band/Specs when applicable
• Critical hits: Enhanced moves can still critically hit for even more damage

Ability Integration

• Mythical Arrows: Another ability that references Archer's boost mechanism
• Mega Launcher: Some arrow moves also have Mega Launcher boost
• Sniper: Common pairing for critical hit arrow moves

Strategic Implications

• Archer role-play: Thematically fits Decidueye and similar Pokémon
• Precision offense: Makes arrow moves reliable damage dealers
• Coverage enhancement: Boosts unique moves not typically powered up
• Niche movepool: Limited to arrow-flagged moves only
• Type diversity: Arrow moves span multiple types

Common Users

Known Pokémon with Archer:

• Decidueye (including Hisuian forme)
• Decidueye Mega
• Ribombee Redux (as innate ability)
• Ribombee Redux Mega

Competitive Usage Notes

• Transforms niche arrow moves into viable offensive options
• Essential for Decidueye's signature Spirit Shackle viability
• Creates powerful Thousand Arrows users outside of Zygarde
• Makes Diamond Arrow a legitimate Rock-type physical option
• Pairs well with high critical hit ratio moves

Movepool Considerations

• Physical arrows: Thousand Arrows, Spirit Shackle, Diamond Arrow
• Special arrows: Various custom elemental arrow attacks
• Status arrows: Some arrow moves have secondary effects
• Multi-hit: Triple Arrows benefits significantly
• Priority: Any priority arrow moves get enhanced

Synergies

• Sniper: Enhanced critical hits on arrow moves
• Scope Lens: Increased critical hit rate
• Choice items: Raw power boost stacking
• Life Orb: Additional damage at HP cost
• Type gems: One-time type-specific boost

Counters

• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas
• Ghost immunity: Normal/Fighting arrow moves
• Type immunities: Ground immunity affects Thousand Arrows
• Protect variations: Blocking arrow moves entirely
• Intimidate: Reduces physical arrow move damage

Version History

• Custom Elite Redux ability (ID 470)
• Designed to enhance archer-themed Pokémon
• Part of the enhanced Decidueye line abilities
• Integrated with arrow move flagging system

Design Philosophy

Archer represents the precision and power of skilled marksmen in Pokémon form. The ability emphasizes accuracy-based offensive gameplay while providing meaningful boosts to otherwise niche moves, creating a distinct offensive archetype focused on ranged combat excellence.