Adaptability - Ability ID 91

In-Game Description

"STAB damage is raised to 2x."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Adaptability enhances the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) from 1.5x to 2x damage when using moves matching the Pokémon's type. This massive 33% relative increase makes STAB moves hit significantly harder than coverage options. Works with all types including dual-types. Pure offensive power boost.

Character count: 293

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

ADAPTABILITY is a pure offensive ability that modifies the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) multiplier for increased damage output.

Core Mechanics:

• Normal STAB: 1.5x damage multiplier (3/2)
• Adaptability STAB: 2.0x damage multiplier (4/2)
• Relative Increase: 33.3% more damage on STAB moves
• Applies To: All damaging moves that match the Pokémon's type(s)

Calculation Details:

1. Type Matching:

   • Single-type Pokémon: Move must match their type
   • Dual-type Pokémon: Move must match either type
   • Changed types (via Protean, etc): Uses current type(s)

2. Damage Formula Integration:

   • Applied during damage calculation after all other modifiers
   • Stacks multiplicatively with other damage modifiers
   • Example: 100 BP STAB move → 150 BP equivalent (normal) → 200 BP equivalent (Adaptability)

Notable Interactions:

• Type-changing moves: If the Pokémon's type changes mid-battle, Adaptability uses the new type(s)
• Hidden Power: Gets Adaptability boost if it matches the user's type
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit receives the Adaptability boost
• Variable-type moves: Moves like Judgment get the boost if they match the user's type

Technical Implementation:

// In battle_util.c
if (isStab) {
    ON_ABILITY(battler, FALSE, gAbilities[ability].adaptability, return 4)
    return 3;  // Normal STAB is 3/2 (1.5x)
}

The ability uses a simple flag system where adaptability = TRUE triggers the enhanced STAB calculation.

Competitive Analysis:

Strengths:

• Makes STAB moves overwhelmingly powerful
• Reduces need for coverage moves
• Excellent on Pokémon with strong STAB options
• No setup or conditions required

Weaknesses:

• No defensive benefits
• Doesn't help coverage moves
• Less useful on Pokémon with poor STAB options
• Can be predictable (opponents know you'll use STAB)

Optimal Users:

• Pokémon with high-BP STAB moves
• Mixed attackers who can utilize both physical and special STAB
• Pokémon with good STAB move variety
• Fast sweepers who need immediate power

Mathematical Example:

Porygon-Z with Adaptability using Tri Attack (80 BP Normal move):

• Base Power: 80
• With normal STAB: 80 × 1.5 = 120 effective BP
• With Adaptability: 80 × 2.0 = 160 effective BP
• Difference: 40 BP increase (equivalent to a 50% power boost over normal STAB)

Version History:

• Introduced in Gen 4
• No mechanical changes across generations
• Consistent 2.0x STAB multiplier since inception