When comparing BBP to the core handheld series (eg. Pokemon Sun/Moon), there are major winners, or losers, out of the differences in the game mechanics. In this article we will briefly look at some winners in BBP – Rock-type Pokemon!
Covered in our previous article, the normalized stat distribution and battling calculations in BBP result in Rock-types leveraging far better off their bulk. Instead of being outsped and KO’ed before landing a hit, prominent Rock-types in the game can now take a good beating and dish back the same! Despite most Rock-types still somewhat lacking in Special Defense, Abilities like Sturdy and Solid Rock help mitigate those downfalls and often provide an advantage overlooked by an unprepared opponent.
Speaking of Abilities, have you ever run into “dang I wish I can have both Abilities on this one Pokemon” moments? You’ll have that wish coming true in BBP! Rock-types pack many useful Abilities that interact directly, providing valuable increases in bulk and power to make a difference in battle.
Take Gigalith, for example - it has above-average stat distribution in the Physical spectrum, and below-average in Special. But with Sand Stream as one of its Abilities, Gigalith uses the weather to patch up its Special Defense, a mechanic retained from the core games. Coupled with Sturdy, Gigalith suddenly stacks up an impressively effective bulk against both Physical and Special damaging attacks! Not to mention Sand Force directly benefits from Sand Stream, granting more oomph to Gigalith's own heavyweight-worthy blows. A full package of Abilities and STAB effects, perfectly interact to elevate Gigalith's status as a self-sustaining Rock-type attacker.
Finally, a mechanics interaction unique to BBP’s Rock-types lies in their STAB-unique mechanics. Rock-types using non-attacking moves that solely boosts Defense / Special Defense stats, such as Barrier, Iron Defense, and Acid Armor, can do so at higher Priority, the way Quick Attack works! Most of those moves have properties unique to BBP as well, so Rock-type users that find themselves in a specific disadvantage can overcome them and regain momentum in battle.
So, come join BBP and start raising a Roggenrola or Larvitar of your own today! Within a week of work, you will see a strong Rampardos or Tyranitar accompanying you in your BBP adventures, taking on greater challenges here!