Monster Hunter - Ability ID 526

In-Game Description

"Deals 1.5x damage to Dark. Takes 0.5x damage from Dark."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Monster Hunter grants 1.5x damage when attacking Dark-type Pokémon and takes 0.5x damage from Dark-type attacks. The damage bonus applies to all moves used against Dark types. The damage reduction works against all Dark-type moves regardless of category. Breakable by Mold Breaker.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Monster Hunter is a specialized combat ability that provides both offensive and defensive advantages specifically against Dark-type Pokémon and moves. It functions as both a damage amplifier and damage reducer.

Activation Conditions

• Offensive bonus: Activates when attacking any Dark-type Pokémon
  • Applies 1.5x damage multiplier to all moves
  • Works on both physical and special attacks
  • Affects status moves that deal damage
• Defensive bonus: Activates when taking damage from Dark-type moves
  • Applies 0.5x damage reduction (halves damage)
  • Works against all Dark-type moves regardless of category
  • Reduces damage from multi-hit Dark moves per hit

Technical Implementation

// Monster Hunter offensive multiplier
constexpr Ability MonsterHunter = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(target, TYPE_DARK)) RESISTANCE(1.5);
        },
    .onDefensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_DEFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(attacker, TYPE_DARK)) MUL(.5);
        },
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Important Interactions

• Type effectiveness: Stacks with type effectiveness multipliers
• STAB: Stacks with Same Type Attack Bonus
• Other abilities: Stacks with other damage-modifying abilities
• Breakable: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker, Teravolt, Turboblaze
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit gets the modifier applied
• Status moves: Damage-dealing status moves get offensive bonus

Damage Calculations

• Against Dark-type: Base damage × 1.5 × other modifiers
• From Dark-type: Base damage × 0.5 × other modifiers
• Combined example: If a Dark-type attacks this Pokémon with a Dark move:
  • Offensive: 1.5x (if this Pokémon attacks back)
  • Defensive: 0.5x (when taking the Dark move)

Strategic Implications

• Dark-type counter: Excellent against Dark-type heavy teams
• Pivot potential: Can switch into Dark-type attacks safely
• Offensive pressure: Threatens Dark-types with increased damage
• Type synergy: Best on Pokémon weak to Dark types normally
• Limited scope: Only useful against Dark-type presence

Meta Considerations

Elite Redux features many Dark-type Pokémon and moves, making Monster Hunter more valuable than in standard formats. The ability provides significant utility in both offensive and defensive roles.

Common Matchups

• Umbreon: Takes half damage from Dark Pulse, deals 1.5x back
• Tyranitar: Resists Crunch, threatens with super-effective hits
• Absol: Reduces Night Slash damage, hits harder with coverage
• Sableye: Counters Foul Play, deals increased damage
• Hydreigon: Resists Dark moves, threatens with coverage moves

Team Building Considerations

• Dark-heavy metagame: Most valuable in Dark-type rich environments
• Coverage moves: Pairs well with moves that hit Dark types super-effectively
• Defensive core: Can serve as a Dark-type check for teams
• Offensive threats: Gives offensive Pokémon an edge against Dark types

Counters and Limitations

• Non-Dark types: Provides no benefit against other types
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker variants ignore the ability
• Weather/terrain: Other effects may override damage calculations
• Status conditions: Doesn't affect non-damaging moves from Dark types
• Entry hazards: No protection against hazards from Dark types

Synergies

• Fighting-type moves: Super-effective against Dark, get damage boost
• Fairy-type moves: Super-effective against Dark, get damage boost
• Bug-type moves: Super-effective against Dark, get damage boost
• Recovery moves: Pairs well with defensive sets that can tank Dark hits
• Priority moves: Boosted priority against Dark types

Pokémon Usage

Monster Hunter is typically found on Pokémon that either:

• Need help against Dark-type threats
• Want to specialize in Dark-type matchups
• Serve as dedicated Dark-type counters
• Benefit from both offensive and defensive Dark-type utility

Version History

• Custom ability created for Elite Redux
• Designed to provide specialized Dark-type interaction
• Breakable status allows counterplay through ability suppression
• Part of the expanded ability roster for competitive diversity