Ability: Normalize

Basic Information

• Ability ID: 96 (ABILITY_NORMALIZE)
• Name: Normalize
• Description: Its moves become Normal-type, get 1.1x boost, ignore resists.

Extended In-Game Description

Normalize transforms all offensive moves into Normal-type, granting them a 10% power boost. Normal-type moves affected by this ability bypass type resistances, dealing neutral damage to Rock and Steel types that would normally resist them. The ability works on all damaging moves regardless of their original type, making diverse movepools effectively monotype.

Character count: 287

Technical Details

The ability modifies three key aspects of moves:

1. Type Change: All damaging moves become Normal-type via onMoveType
2. Power Boost: 10% damage multiplier when ateBoost is active
3. Resistance Bypass: Normal-type moves ignore resistances (mod set to 1.0)

Code Implementation

From src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability Normalize = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (moveType == TYPE_NORMAL && gBattleStruct->ateBoost[battler]) MUL(1.1);
        },
    .onMoveType = +[](ON_MOVE_TYPE) -> int { return TYPE_NORMAL + 1; },
    .onTypeEffectiveness = +[](ON_TYPE_EFFECTIVENESS) -> int {
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_NORMAL) CHECK(*mod) CHECK(*mod < UQ_4_12(1.0)) *mod = UQ_4_12(1.0);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Pokémon with Normalize

Several Pokémon have access to Normalize as a changeable ability:

• Spearow/Fearow: Combined with Hustle and Guts for high-risk, high-reward gameplay
• Arceus: Part of its versatile ability pool alongside Adaptability
• Zygarde (10%/50%): Paired with Mighty Horn for physical sweeping potential
• Flittle: As its primary ability option
• Magearna: Complements its Pretty Princess ability set

Battle Strategy

Advantages:

• Ignores Rock and Steel resistances for consistent neutral damage
• 10% power boost on all moves provides general offensive enhancement
• Simplifies damage calculations with predictable type matchups
• Works well with high base power moves of any original type

Disadvantages:

• Loses super effective coverage against all types
• Cannot exploit type weaknesses for bonus damage
• Vulnerable to Ghost-type immunity (no effect)
• Fighting-type moves lose their Rock/Steel breaking utility

Synergies:

• High Base Power Moves: Earthquake, Close Combat become boosted Normal attacks
• STAB Items: Silk Scarf provides additional 20% boost to all moves
• Scrappy: On Arceus, allows hitting Ghost-types with Normal moves
• Multi-hit Moves: Each hit gets the 10% boost

Competitive Notes

Normalize creates a unique offensive profile where consistency trumps coverage. Best suited for Pokémon with naturally high Attack stats and access to powerful moves that benefit from the guaranteed neutral damage. The ability shines against defensive cores relying on type resistances but struggles against Ghost-types and teams built around exploiting type weaknesses.