Swarm - Ability ID 68

In-Game Description

"Boosts Bug-type moves by 1.2x, or 1.5x when under 1/3 HP."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Swarm increases the power of Bug-type moves by 20% normally, or 50% when the Pokémon's HP drops to 1/3 or less. The ability activates automatically when health is low, providing a significant damage boost when most needed. Perfect for Bug-type attackers who can capitalize on the enhanced power.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

SWARM is a type-boosting ability that provides variable power increases to Bug-type moves based on the user's remaining HP.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Automatically active on all Bug-type moves
• HP Threshold: 1/3 of maximum HP or less for enhanced boost
• Calculation: Checks current HP against maxHP / 3
• Type Requirement: Only affects Bug-type moves

Power Multipliers:

1. Normal State (HP > 1/3 max):

   • Bug-type moves: 1.2x power

2. Low HP State (HP ≤ 1/3 max):

   • Bug-type moves: 1.5x power

Interaction Rules:

• Multi-hit Moves: Each hit receives the multiplier
• STAB Interaction: Stacks multiplicatively with STAB (1.5x)
  • Normal: 1.2 × 1.5 = 1.8x total
  • Low HP: 1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25x total
• Other Abilities: Stacks with abilities like Technician, Tinted Lens, etc.
• Items: Stacks with type-boosting items (Silver Powder, etc.)

Technical Implementation:

#define SWARM_MULTIPLIER(type)                                               \
    +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {                                           \
        if (moveType == type) {                                              \
            if (gBattleMons[battler].hp <= (gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 3)) \
                MUL(1.5);                                                    \
            else                                                             \
                MUL(1.2);                                                    \
        }                                                                    \
    }

constexpr Ability Swarm = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = SWARM_MULTIPLIER(TYPE_BUG),
};

Strategic Applications:

• Late-Game Sweeping: Powerful comeback potential when HP is low
• Risk/Reward: Encourages aggressive play to reach low HP threshold
• Focus Sash Synergy: Guarantees survival to 1 HP for maximum boost
• Substitute Strategy: Use Substitute to reach low HP safely

Common Pokémon with Swarm:

• Various Bug-type Pokémon as innate or regular ability
• Often paired with other Bug-type enhancing abilities
• Frequently found on Pokémon with high Attack stats

Competitive Notes:

• Damage Calculations: At low HP, Bug moves become incredibly powerful
• Prediction Tool: Opponents must respect the potential damage spike
• Entry Hazard Synergy: Stealth Rock damage can help reach the threshold
• Healing Moves: Must be careful not to heal above the threshold accidentally

Related Abilities:

• Overgrow: Grass-type equivalent (ID 65)
• Blaze: Fire-type equivalent (ID 66)
• Torrent: Water-type equivalent (ID 67)
• BOOSTED_SWARM_MULTIPLIER: Enhanced version used by some custom abilities

Version History:

• Original games: 1.5x boost when HP ≤ 1/3
• Elite Redux: Added 1.2x base boost + 1.5x low HP boost for more consistent value