Does terastalization remove stab?

Does Terastalization Remove STAB?

Terastalization is a powerful mechanic introduced in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games that allows a Pokémon to temporarily change its type to a Tera Type. One of the most significant aspects of this mechanic is how it interacts with Same-type Attack Bonus (STAB). But the question on every player’s mind is: does terastalization remove STAB?

Original STAB Remains Intact

According to official resources, including Pokémon official site and fan-created FAQs, terastalization does not remove a Pokémon’s original STAB. This means that when a Pokémon Terastallizes, it will keep its original STAB as a bonus, even if the Tera Type changes.

How Terastalization Interacts with STAB

To fully understand how terastalization interacts with STAB, let’s break down the different scenarios:

1. Matching Tera Type: When a Pokémon’s Tera Type is the same as its original type, STAB doubles, resulting in a +2 bonus to move power.
2. Mismatches: If a Pokémon’s Tera Type is different from its original type, the original STAB remains in effect.

Table: Terastalization and STAB Interactions

Adaptability: A Special Case

If a Pokémon has the ability Adaptability, it may affect how terastalization interacts with STAB. When a Pokémon with Adaptability Terastallizes, Adaptability only applies to the Tera Type. In this case, if the Tera Type matches a Pokémon’s original type, STAB increases from x1.5 to x2.

Example Scenario: A Charizard with the ability Adaptability has an Ember attack that has x1.5 STAB. When Charizard uses its Tera Move on the ground (Rock/Steel-type), STAB increases to x2 only for the ground-type aspect of the attack, without affecting the other half (Rock-type).

Will STAB Be Reset with Terastallization?

No, STAB will not be reset after a Pokémon terastallizes. If a Pokémon has a previously established STAB, it will still be applied even after its type changes through terastalization.

Final Thoughts

Terastalization is an exciting mechanism that can add new dynamics to your team composition, but it’s essential to understand how it interacts with STAB to make informed decisions. Keep in mind that original STAB is preserved, even if a Pokémon’s Tera Type changes, unless the abilities of Adaptability or its own STAB changes significantly.