Color Spectrum - Ability ID 700

In-Game Description

"Same-type attacks get a 1.2x boost. Changes type each turn."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Color Spectrum gives same-type attacks a 1.2x damage boost instead of the usual 1.5x STAB multiplier. At the end of each turn, the Pokémon randomly changes to a completely new type, avoiding Mystery and Stellar types. Both primary and secondary typing become the newly chosen type.

Character count: 281

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Color Spectrum is a unique ability that combines type-changing mechanics with modified STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus). It provides unpredictability while maintaining offensive relevance through guaranteed type matching.

Activation Conditions

• STAB modifier: Provides 1.2x damage multiplier for same-type attacks (reduced from normal 1.5x)
• Type change timing: Triggers at the end of each turn automatically
• Type selection: Randomly selects from all available types except:
  • TYPE_MYSTERY
  • TYPE_STELLAR
  • Current type (prevents staying the same type)

Technical Implementation

// Color Spectrum implementation from abilities.cc
constexpr Ability ColorSpectrum = {
    .onEndTurn = +[](ON_END_TURN) -> int {
        int newType;
        do {
            newType = Random() % NUMBER_OF_MON_TYPES;
        } while (newType == TYPE_MYSTERY || newType == TYPE_STELLAR || IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(battler, newType));

        gBattleMons[battler].type1 = newType;
        gBattleMons[battler].type2 = newType;
        gBattleMons[battler].type3 = TYPE_MYSTERY;
        PREPARE_TYPE_BUFFER(gBattleTextBuff1, newType);
        BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_AttackerBecameTheTypeFullEnd3);
        return TRUE;
    },
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (StabMultiplierInHalves(battler, moveType, move) > 2) MUL(1.2);
        },
};

Important Interactions

• Dual typing: Both type1 and type2 become the new type (pure typing)
• type3 reset: Third type slot is reset to TYPE_MYSTERY
• STAB calculation: Only applies the 1.2x multiplier when STAB would normally apply
• Type effectiveness: Resistances and weaknesses change each turn
• Move type: Doesn't affect the types of moves, only the user's typing

Strategic Implications

• Unpredictability: Opponents can't predict resistances/weaknesses
• STAB trade-off: Weaker STAB (1.2x vs 1.5x) for guaranteed type matching
• Coverage variety: Effectively has access to all type matchups over time
• Defensive uncertainty: Type changes affect incoming damage calculations
• Move selection: Benefits from diverse move pools to match changing types

Timing Considerations

• Turn order: Type change happens at end of turn, after damage calculation
• Next turn: New type is active for the following turn's calculations
• Battle messages: Displays type change message when it occurs
• Status effects: Type change doesn't affect existing status conditions

Optimal Usage

• Broad movepool: Pokémon with diverse move types benefit most
• Unpredictable attacker: Excellent for catching opponents off-guard
• Coverage moves: Can potentially get STAB on any move type
• Defensive mixup: Changing resistances/weaknesses each turn
• Late-game: More effective as battle progresses and predictions become harder

Potential Drawbacks

• Reduced STAB: 1.2x multiplier is weaker than standard 1.5x
• Random nature: Can change to disadvantageous types
• No control: Player can't influence type selection
• Prediction difficulty: Harder to plan your own strategies around
• Type-specific moves: Abilities that require specific types may be unreliable

Synergies

• Multi-type movesets: Pokémon with Normal, Fighting, Flying, Electric, etc. moves
• Adaptability: Can complement other type-changing abilities
• Coverage moves: Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, etc.
• Neutral moves: Normal-type moves gain STAB when becoming Normal-type

Counters

• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas disable the ability
• Type-locking moves: Moves that lock typing (though rare)
• Prediction-independent strategies: Status moves, entry hazards
• Priority moves: Less affected by type changes
• Multi-hit moves: Type matters less with guaranteed damage

Competitive Viability

• Surprise factor: High unpredictability value
• Coverage efficiency: Potential STAB on diverse moves
• Meta disruption: Difficult to prepare counters for
• Risk/reward: Balanced by reduced STAB multiplier
• Longevity: More valuable in longer battles

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• ID 700 in the ability list
• Combines type-changing with modified STAB mechanics
• Part of the expanded 700+ ability roster