Balloon Bomber - Ability ID 614

In-Game Description

"Combines Aftermath and Inflatable effects."

Extended In-Game Description

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

When hit by Fire or Flying-type moves, inflates like a balloon to boost Defense and Special Defense by one stage each. If the Pokémon faints from direct contact moves, it explodes dealing 25% max HP damage to the attacker. Defensive versatility combined with explosive revenge.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Balloon Bomber is a hybrid ability that combines two distinct effects:

1. Inflatable Component: When hit by Fire or Flying-type moves, raises Defense and Special Defense by +1 stage each
2. Aftermath Component: When fainting from contact moves, deals 25% of attacker's max HP as damage

Component Ability Analysis

Inflatable Effect

• Trigger: Hit by any Fire-type or Flying-type move
• Effect: +1 Defense and +1 Special Defense
• Timing: Activates after damage calculation
• Conditions: Must not be blocked by Substitute; at least one defensive stat must be below +6

Aftermath Effect

• Trigger: Pokémon faints from a contact move
• Effect: Deals damage equal to 25% of attacker's max HP (minimum 1 HP)
• Conditions: Attacker must not have Magic Guard; move must make contact; must actually faint

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability BalloonBomber = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int { 
        return Aftermath.onDefender(DELEGATE_DEFENDER) || Inflatable.onDefender(DELEGATE_DEFENDER); 
    },
};

The ability uses a logical OR to check both component abilities, meaning either effect can trigger independently.

Activation Scenarios

Inflatable Activation

• Fire-type moves: Flamethrower, Fire Blast, Overheat, Will-O-Wisp, etc.
• Flying-type moves: Wing Attack, Hurricane, Air Slash, Roost, etc.
• Result: Immediate +1 Defense and +1 Special Defense after taking damage

Aftermath Activation

• Contact moves: Tackle, Body Slam, Earthquake, Thunder Punch, etc.
• Must cause fainting: Only triggers when the move reduces HP to 0
• Result: Attacker takes 25% max HP damage (ignores type resistances)

Strategic Applications

Defensive Pivot Strategy

• Switch into predicted Fire/Flying attacks to gain defensive boosts
• Use boosted bulk to set up or provide team support
• Threaten revenge damage if opponent uses contact moves to finish

Explosion Deterrent

• Opponents must consider using non-contact moves to finish off the Pokémon
• Creates mind games around finishing moves
• Particularly effective against physical attackers who rely on contact moves

Mega Wigglytuff Synergy

• Fire/Fairy typing benefits from Fire-type resistance (no damage from Inflatable trigger on Fire moves)
• High HP stat (120 base) makes Aftermath damage more threatening
• Balanced defensive stats benefit significantly from Inflatable boosts

Interactions and Counters

Interactions

• Magic Guard: Prevents Aftermath damage to the attacker
• Substitute: Blocks Inflatable activation but not Aftermath
• Multi-hit moves: Inflatable activates once per turn, Aftermath only on fainting hit
• Rocky Helmet: Stacks with Aftermath for massive contact move punishment

Counters

• Non-contact moves: Avoid Aftermath trigger (Psychic, Thunderbolt, etc.)
• Non-Fire/Flying attacks: Avoid Inflatable trigger
• Status moves: Neither effect triggers from status moves like Toxic
• Magic Guard users: Immune to Aftermath damage

Competitive Usage

Best Users

• Mega Wigglytuff: Currently the only known user in Elite Redux
• Ideal for: Bulky Pokémon that can survive initial hits and capitalize on boosts

Team Synergy

• Entry hazard support: Inflatable boosts help survive longer to set hazards
• Pivot strategies: Use defensive boosts to safely switch teammates
• Revenge killing: Aftermath punishes reckless contact move usage

Damage Calculations

Example with Mega Wigglytuff (120 HP):

• Before Inflatable: 252+ Atk Talonflame Flare Blitz = ~40-50% damage
• After Inflatable (+1 Def): Same attack = ~25-35% damage (significant reduction)
• Aftermath revenge: If Talonflame's Flare Blitz faints Mega Wigglytuff, Talonflame takes 25% max HP damage

Common Matchup Scenarios

vs Fire/Flying Attackers

1. Switch in on predicted Fire/Flying move
2. Take reduced damage and gain +1/+1 defensive boosts
3. Either set up further or pivot to appropriate teammate
4. Threaten Aftermath if opponent tries contact moves

vs Physical Attackers

1. Use as a late-game revenge threat
2. Force opponent to choose between contact moves (Aftermath risk) or non-contact moves
3. Create favorable positioning through explosion threat

Version History

• Introduced in Elite Redux as a hybrid ability combining defensive utility with offensive threat
• Unique to Mega Wigglytuff as an innate ability
• Part of the expanded 4-ability system design philosophy