Thick Fat - Ability ID 47

In-Game Description

"Takes 1/2 damage from Fire-type and Ice-type attacks."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Provides resistance to Fire and Ice type attacks, taking only half damage from these types. This dual resistance makes the Pokemon exceptionally durable against temperature-based attacks, offering excellent switch-in opportunities and defensive staying power throughout long battles.

Character count: 283

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Thick Fat provides a 0.5x damage multiplier (50% damage reduction) against all Fire-type and Ice-type attacks. This is implemented as a defensive multiplier that directly modifies incoming damage.

Activation Conditions

• Triggers automatically against any Fire-type move
• Triggers automatically against any Ice-type move
• Works against both physical and special attacks
• Functions regardless of the attacking Pokemon's ability or move properties

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability ThickFat = {
    .onDefensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_DEFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (moveType == TYPE_FIRE || moveType == TYPE_ICE) RESISTANCE(.5);
        },
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

The RESISTANCE(.5) macro applies both resistance and modifier values, effectively halving damage from Fire and Ice attacks.

Affected Move Types

Fire-type moves (examples):

• Flamethrower
• Fire Blast
• Heat Wave
• Eruption
• Sacred Fire

Ice-type moves (examples):

• Ice Beam
• Blizzard
• Ice Punch
• Icicle Crash
• Freeze-Dry

Damage Calculation Examples

Without Thick Fat:

• 100 BP Fire move → 100% damage
• 120 BP Ice move → 100% damage

With Thick Fat:

• 100 BP Fire move → 50% damage
• 120 BP Ice move → 50% damage

Interactions with Other Mechanics

Can be bypassed by:

• Mold Breaker and similar abilities (marked as breakable = TRUE)
• Abilities that ignore defensive abilities

Does NOT affect:

• Status effects from Fire/Ice moves (burn, frostbite still apply)
• Indirect damage (poison, weather, etc.)
• Multi-type moves (only reduces damage if the move is Fire or Ice type)

Stacks with:

• Type resistances (0.5x Fire resistance + 0.5x Thick Fat = 0.25x total)
• Other damage reduction abilities and items
• Weather effects that reduce Fire/Ice damage

Strategic Implications

Defensive Value:

• Exceptional switch-in potential against Fire and Ice attackers
• Enables tanking powerful special attacks like Blizzard and Fire Blast
• Particularly valuable in formats with common Fire/Ice coverage moves

Team Synergy:

• Excellent partner for Pokemon weak to Fire or Ice
• Provides reliable pivot points against temperature-based attackers
• Enables aggressive positioning against common offensive types

Common Users in Elite Redux

Notable Pokemon with Thick Fat (as innate ability):

• Bulbasaur line - Defensive Grass/Poison starter with Fire resistance
• Swinub/Piloswine line - Ice/Ground types that resist their own weakness
• Azumarill line - Water types with enhanced Fire resistance
• Snorlax - Defensive Normal type with broad resistances
• Walrein line - Water/Ice types with Fire resistance
• Camerupt line - Fire/Ground types with enhanced Ice resistance

Competitive Usage Notes

Tier Impact:

• High value in tiers with prevalent Fire/Ice attackers
• Enables defensive builds against specific offensive cores
• Creates opportunities for prediction and switching

Common Strategies:

• Pivot switching against Fire/Ice special attackers
• Defensive stallbreaking against Fire/Ice-based cores
• Supporting teammates weak to these common attacking types

Counters and Limitations

Direct Counters:

• Mold Breaker abilities bypass the resistance entirely
• Pokemon with non-Fire/Ice coverage moves
• Status-based strategies (unaffected by damage reduction)

Indirect Limitations:

• No protection against other common types (Electric, Grass, etc.)
• Status effects from Fire/Ice moves still apply at full strength
• Multi-hit moves still accumulate damage despite reduction

Version History

• Classic implementation maintained in Elite Redux
• Enhanced with Elite Redux's expanded type chart and ability interactions
• Functions identically to traditional Pokemon games but with broader utility due to expanded movesets

Synergistic Abilities

Works well with:

• Water Veil - Prevents burn from Fire moves while resisting damage
• Oblivious - Status immunity pairs with damage resistance
• Regenerator - Enhanced longevity with damage reduction
• Ice Body - Ice resistance + healing from hail creates defensive synergy

Competitive Combinations:

• Thick Fat + defensive typing creates exceptional bulk
• Pairs well with recovery moves for sustained tanking
• Enhances the effectiveness of defensive stat spreads