Longtime Pokémon Fan Discovers STAB Mechanic After 18 Years of Gameplay

[terryasbro]

A Pokémon fan recently uncovered the STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) gameplay mechanic after 18 years of playing the series, highlighting how some core features have been present since the franchise's inception.

The Pokémon series, which began with the release of Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998, has enjoyed enduring success, spawning numerous games, an anime series, feature-length films, and a popular trading card game. Core elements like catching Pokémon, using TMs and HMs, and understanding elemental typing have been integral to the games from the beginning. While many fans, especially those who play competitively, are familiar with advanced strategies for optimizing their teams and movesets, one player recently discovered a fundamental mechanic that could change their approach to battles.

Reddit user Froggiegorl shared their experience of learning about the STAB mechanic from their cousin. While showcasing their team in Pokémon White 2, which included a Normal-type Cinccino being used as a Grass-type for its Bullet Seed move combined with the Skill Link ability, their cousin pointed out the benefits of the STAB system. STAB increases the power of moves that match the Pokémon's type, meaning that a Pokémon like Charmander using a Fire-type move will deal extra damage.

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Froggiegorl expressed surprise at not having noticed the STAB mechanic for 18 years. Although they had successfully completed several Pokémon games without knowing about STAB, this newfound knowledge could give them an edge in future battles. While the STAB mechanic has been a part of the series since the original Pokémon Red and Blue games, some players may not recognize it by name, even though they may have observed the increased damage from matching type moves. Additionally, players can further enhance a Pokémon’s damage output by boosting its Special Attack stat, or alternatively, improve its Special Defense to mitigate the effects of opponents' optimized STAB attacks.
Although understanding the STAB mechanic can be crucial for winning battles, it's clear that some players have successfully completed the games without it. As Game Freak continues to develop new Pokémon titles, it's likely that this long-standing mechanic will remain a key feature in future installments.