Molten Core - Ability ID 870

In-Game Description

"Furnace + Absorbs Rock-moves/Stealth Rocks."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Molten Core combines Furnace effects with Rock-type absorption. On switch-in, gains +2 Speed from Stealth Rock and removes team's Stealth Rock. When hit by Rock moves, gains +2 Speed instead of taking damage. Perfect for handling Rock-type attacks and entry hazards.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Molten Core is a hybrid defensive ability that combines the effects of Furnace with powerful Rock-type move absorption. It provides both entry hazard control and offensive momentum through Speed boosts.

Activation Conditions

• Switch-in effects: Activates when the Pokémon enters battle
  • If Stealth Rock is on the user's side, gains +2 Speed boost
  • Completely removes Stealth Rock from the user's side of the field
• Rock-type absorption: When targeted by Rock-type moves
  • Absorbs the move (no damage taken)
  • Gains +2 Speed boost instead
• Stealth Rock immunity: Completely immune to Stealth Rock damage

Technical Implementation

// Molten Core combines Furnace effects with Rock absorption
constexpr Ability MoltenCore = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        // Delegate to Furnace for Stealth Rock speed boost
        Furnace.onEntry(DELEGATE_ENTRY);
        
        // Remove Stealth Rock from user's side
        CHECK(gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] & SIDE_STATUS_STEALTH_ROCK)
        gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] &= ~SIDE_STATUS_STEALTH_ROCK;
        return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_MOLTEN_CORE);
    },
    .onAbsorb = +[](ON_ABSORB) -> int {
        // Absorb Rock-type moves for Speed boost
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_ROCK)
        *statId = STAT_SPEED;
        return ABSORB_RESULT_STAT;
    },
    .stealthRockImmune = TRUE,
    .absorbUp2 = TRUE,  // +2 stat boost instead of +1
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Furnace Component Effects

The Furnace component provides:

• Switch-in boost: If Stealth Rock is present on switch-in, gains +2 Speed
• Rock-hit boost: When hit by Rock-type moves, gains +2 Speed after damage
• Works even if Stealth Rock was set by Rock-type moves

Rock Absorption Effects

• Complete immunity: Takes no damage from Rock-type attacks
• Speed boost: Gains +2 Speed when targeted by Rock moves
• Move negation: Rock moves have no effect whatsoever
• Secondary effects: Prevents all secondary effects of Rock moves

Important Interactions

• Entry hazard removal: Only removes Stealth Rock, not other hazards
• Team protection: Removes hazard for entire team, not just the user
• Damage immunity: Unlike Furnace, takes no damage from Rock moves
• Stat boost stacking: Multiple Rock moves can boost Speed repeatedly
• Priority moves: Works against priority Rock moves like Accelerock
• Ability suppression: Doesn't work if ability is suppressed by Mold Breaker

Switch-In Sequence

1. Pokémon enters battle with Molten Core
2. Check if Stealth Rock is present on user's side
3. If present: Gain +2 Speed boost and trigger Furnace message
4. Remove Stealth Rock from user's side completely
5. Display switch-in absorption message

Strategic Implications

• Hazard control: Excellent switch-in to clear Stealth Rock
• Rock-type counter: Complete immunity to Rock-type offense
• Speed sweeping: Can accumulate multiple Speed boosts
• Team support: Removes hazards that damage teammates
• Momentum generation: Turns defensive switches into offensive opportunities

Common Users

• Fire/Rock-type Pokémon who benefit from Rock immunity
• Fast sweepers who can utilize Speed boosts
• Pokémon weak to Stealth Rock who need hazard control
• Team cores that struggle with Rock-type coverage

Competitive Usage Notes

• Essential for teams vulnerable to Stealth Rock
• Counters Rock-type attackers completely
• Provides both defensive utility and offensive momentum
• Can single-handedly shut down Rock-type offensive cores
• Excellent on teams with multiple Stealth Rock weaknesses

Synergies

• Focus Sash/Sturdy: Protection while setting up Speed boosts
• Baton Pass: Can pass accumulated Speed boosts to teammates
• Choice items: Speed boosts enhance Choice item effectiveness
• Substitute: Can safely set up behind Substitute
• Rock-weak teammates: Provides switch-in opportunity

Counters

• Non-Rock physical attacks: Physical moves of other types
• Special attacks: Not Rock-type special moves
• Status moves: Sleep, paralysis, burn effects
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker ignores the absorption
• Taunt: Prevents setup moves after Speed boosts
• Priority moves: Non-Rock priority attacks

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability
• Combines multiple hazard control and absorption effects
• Designed to counter Rock-heavy metagames
• Enhanced version of Furnace with complete Rock immunity

Notable Differences from Similar Abilities

• vs Furnace: Provides complete Rock immunity instead of just boosts
• vs Flash Fire: Works with Rock instead of Fire, includes hazard removal
• vs Storm Drain: Boosts Speed instead of Special Attack
• vs Stealth Rock immunity: Also provides offensive momentum