Magical Fists - Ability ID 742

In-Game Description

"Punching moves use Special Attack and get a 1.3x boost."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Punching moves use Special Attack and get 30% boost. Affects all Iron Fist moves, turning physical punches into special attacks. Perfect for special attackers wanting additional punching coverage types. Grumpig and Darmanitan Redux Aura notably have access to this very powerful ability.

Character count: 287

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

MAGICAL FISTS is a move conversion ability that transforms physical punching moves into special attacks while maintaining a significant damage boost.

Core Mechanics:

• Damage Multiplier: 1.3x (30% boost) to all Iron Fist-boosted moves
• Stat Conversion: Forces punching moves to use Special Attack instead of Attack
• Move Category: Changes the attacking stat but keeps the move's original category for other interactions
• Defensive Calculation: Moves still target Defense or Special Defense based on their original category

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability MagicalFists = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = IronFist.onOffensiveMultiplier,  // 1.3x multiplier
    .onChooseOffensiveStat = +[](ON_CHOOSE_OFFENSIVE_STAT) -> int {
        CHECK(IsIronFistBoosted(move));
        return STAT_SPATK;
    },
};

Affected Moves:

All moves with the FLAG_IRON_FIST_BOOST flag are affected:

• Elemental Punches: Fire Punch (75 BP → 97.5 BP), Ice Punch, Thunder Punch
• Fighting Moves: Focus Punch (150 BP → 195 BP), Dynamic Punch (100 BP → 130 BP), Mach Punch
• Priority Moves: Bullet Punch, Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave (already special)
• Coverage Moves: Shadow Punch, Meteor Mash, Dizzy Punch, Drain Punch
• Heavy Hits: Hammer Arm, Sky Uppercut, Close Combat

Notable Pokémon with Access:

• Grumpig: Psychic-type with naturally high Special Attack (110 base)
  • Can utilize Focus Punch as a 195 BP special nuke
  • Access to elemental punches for coverage
• Darmanitan Redux Aura Form: Rock/Fighting with 140 Special Attack
  • Has Magical Fists as an innate ability
  • Devastating with STAB Fighting punches using Special Attack

Strategic Implications:

1. Stat Investment Freedom: No need to split EVs between Attack and Special Attack
2. Unexpected Coverage: Special attackers gain access to traditionally physical coverage
3. Wall Breaking: Physical walls expecting punching moves face special damage instead
4. Item Synergy: Works with Choice Specs, Life Orb, and other special boosting items

Damage Comparisons:

Grumpig Example (110 base Special Attack):

• Regular Ice Punch: 75 BP physical (uses 65 Attack)
• Magical Fists Ice Punch: 97.5 BP special (uses 110 Special Attack)
• Nearly triple damage output due to stat difference and multiplier

Interactions:

• With Other Abilities:
  • Brawling Wyvern: Dragon moves also use Special Attack if user has both
  • Junshi Sanda: Striker moves become special if user has both
• Move Mechanics:
  • Contact status still applies (Iron Barbs, Rough Skin damage)
  • Can still trigger King's Rock flinch
  • Affected by Psychic Terrain's priority immunity

Competitive Usage:

• Lead Sets: Grumpig with Focus Punch prediction
• Coverage: Special attackers breaking through Chansey/Blissey with physical Fighting coverage
• Mixed Attackers: Pokémon that can bluff physical or special sets
• Terrain Teams: Psychic Terrain doesn't block Mach Punch since it becomes special

Common Sets:

Grumpig @ Choice Specs

• Focus Punch (195 BP STAB after boost)
• Fire Punch (coverage)
• Thunder Punch (coverage)
• Psychic (secondary STAB)

Counters:

• High Special Defense walls that resist Fighting
• Ghost-types immune to Fighting moves
• Psychic Terrain blocking priority punches
• Fort Knox ability negating the damage boost

Version History:

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Created to give special attackers unique coverage options
• One of several "stat swap" abilities in Elite Redux