Unveiling the Synergies: How Terastallization Amplifies STAB in Pokémon
Yes, Terastallization and STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) absolutely stack in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. When your Pokémon Terastallizes and uses a move that matches its Tera Type, or one of its original types, it receives the standard STAB boost of 1.5x. However, the real magic happens when your Tera Type is the same as one of your Pokémon’s original types. In this scenario, the STAB multiplier increases to 2x. This allows for incredibly potent offensive strategies, turning previously underpowered Pokémon into formidable attackers. Now, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of how this works and answer some common questions.
Understanding STAB and Terastallization
What is STAB?
STAB, short for Same-Type Attack Bonus, is a fundamental mechanic in Pokémon battles. It provides a 50% boost to the power of a move when the Pokémon using the move shares a type with the attack. For example, if a Fire-type Pokémon uses a Fire-type move like Flamethrower, the move’s power is multiplied by 1.5. This encourages type-based team building and rewards players for using moves that align with their Pokémon’s inherent strengths.
What is Terastallization?
Terastallization is a new battle mechanic introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It allows a Pokémon to change its type to a designated Tera Type, granting new strategic possibilities. This transformation can alter a Pokémon’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall battle strategy. It also provides the Pokémon with STAB for moves matching its Tera Type.
The Stacking Effect: A Deeper Look
The interaction between STAB and Terastallization is where things get truly interesting. As mentioned earlier, if your Tera Type matches one of your Pokémon’s original types, the STAB multiplier for moves of that type increases to 2x.
Let’s illustrate this with an example:
Imagine a Water-type Pokémon, such as Azumarill, Terastallizing into a Water Tera Type. If Azumarill uses a Water-type move like Aqua Jet, the damage output is significantly higher than without Terastallization. The calculation looks like this:
- Base Power of Aqua Jet: 40
- STAB Multiplier (with matching Tera Type): 2x
- Effective Power: 40 * 2 = 80
This makes Aqua Jet a much more viable move, especially when considering Azumarill’s Huge Power ability, which doubles its Attack stat.
Adaptability and Terastallization: A Special Case
The ability Adaptability further complicates, and enhances, the STAB equation. Adaptability normally increases STAB from 1.5x to 2x. When a Pokémon with Adaptability Terastallizes, the effect depends on the relationship between the Tera Type and the Pokémon’s original types.
- Tera Type Matches Original Type: This is where it gets a little complex. Some calculations suggest the bonus does not stack additively on the inherent STAB bonus that comes from Terastallizing into the same type. The total STAB multiplier becomes 2.25x in this case. This is because Adaptability only applies its 2x multiplier to the base STAB bonus, and then the standard STAB boost from Terastallization is layered on top.
- Tera Type Differs from Original Type: Adaptability only affects moves of the Tera Type. The movesets that match the Pokémon’s original types will not be affected by Adaptability.
This makes Pokémon with Adaptability, like Adaptability Porygon-Z, incredibly powerful when Terastallized correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About STAB and Terastallization
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how STAB and Terastallization interact in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
1. Does Terastallizing always boost STAB?
Yes, Terastallizing always provides STAB for moves matching the Tera Type. The key is how this interacts with the original STAB and whether or not the Tera Type matches one of the original types.
2. What happens if my Tera Type is different from my original types?
You gain STAB for moves matching your Tera Type, in addition to maintaining STAB for moves matching your original types. This means you essentially have STAB for a wider range of move types.
3. Can I change my Pokémon’s Tera Type?
Yes, you can change your Pokémon’s Tera Type by collecting 50 Tera Shards of the desired type and speaking to the chef at the Treasure Eatery in Medali.
4. Does Tera Blast benefit from STAB?
Yes. When the user Terastallizes, Tera Blast’s type becomes the same as their Tera Type, benefiting from STAB.
5. Does Terastallizing affect my Pokémon’s weaknesses and resistances?
Yes, Terastallizing changes your Pokémon’s type, thus altering its weaknesses and resistances to match the Tera Type.
6. Can I Terastallize more than once in a battle?
No, you can Terastallize only once per battle. This makes strategic timing crucial.
7. Are there specific Tera Types that are more advantageous than others?
Certain Tera Types are more popular due to their defensive or offensive capabilities. Steel is often considered the best Tera Type due to its numerous resistances, while others like Water, Electric, and Ground offer strong offensive coverage.
8. How does Terastallization affect Pokémon with type-changing abilities?
Abilities like Protean and Libero, which change the Pokémon’s type to match the move used, do not function the same way after Terastallization. The Pokémon’s Tera Type overrides these abilities.
9. What happens if a move has multiple types?
For moves with multiple types, like Flying Press, STAB is applied if any of the move’s types match the Pokémon’s type(s). This interaction becomes more complex with Terastallization.
10. How does Terastallization affect double battles?
In double battles, Terastallization can be a game-changer. It can protect a Pokémon from targeted attacks or allow it to deal increased damage with STAB moves, potentially turning the tide of the battle.
11. Are Tera Raid battles a guaranteed catch?
Yes. Pokémon caught from Tera Raid Battles are a guaranteed catch.
12. Does Terastallizing affect moves like Hidden Power?
Hidden Power’s type is determined before Terastallization, so the move’s type will not change even after the Pokémon Terastallizes.
13. Can the opponent tell what Tera Type I have before I Terastallize?
No, the opponent cannot know your Tera Type beforehand. This element of surprise adds a strategic layer to battles.
14. How do Tera Shards work?
Tera Shards are items used to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type. You need 50 shards of a specific type to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type at the Treasure Eatery.
15. Does Terastallizing affect the priority of moves?
No, Terastallizing does not directly affect the priority of moves. Moves with increased priority, such as Extreme Speed or Aqua Jet, will retain their priority even after Terastallization.
Conclusion: Mastering STAB and Terastallization
Understanding how Terastallization and STAB interact is crucial for mastering Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. By strategically utilizing Terastallization to amplify STAB, you can create incredibly powerful offensive Pokémon and adapt to various battle scenarios. Whether you’re a competitive player or simply enjoy exploring the game’s mechanics, mastering these concepts will undoubtedly enhance your Pokémon journey. For further exploration into the world of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.