Same-type attack bonus
Same-type attack bonus, commonly abbreviated as STAB, is a X1.5 boost to the power of an attack when the attack is the same type as one of the types of the Pokémon using the attack. This results in a X1.5 increase in damage (X2 if the Pokémon has the Adaptability Ability.)
Same-type attack bonus does not apply to moves that do a set amount of damage nor ones that do not use the normal damage formula, such as Dragon Rage and Seismic Toss.
The same-type attack bonus was introduced in Generation I and has remained unchanged since.
Example of attack bonus
A Lilligant using Solarbeam increases the power of the move by x1.5, from 120 to 180, since both Lilligant and Solarbeam are Template:Type2. However, a Lilligant using Return does not receive an increase in attack power of the move, since Lilligant is not an Template:Type2 Pokémon.
A Sawsbuck, on the other hand, would receive the same-type attack bonus when using either Solarbeam or Return, since Sawsbuck is both Grass type and Normal-type.
Misconceptions
Due to the same-type attack bonus's relatively undocumented status, several misconceptions have arisen about its applicability.
Normal Pokémon
Contrary to some of Nintendo's official guides, Template:Type2 Pokémon do in fact receive the same-type attack bonus when using Normal-type attacks, and same-type attack bonus is not reduced for a dual type Pokémon.
Hidden Power
Hidden Power does receive same-type attack bonus, if the Pokémon's actual Hidden Power is the same type as the Pokémon. For example, a Template:Type2 Pokémon will receive same-type attack bonus when using a Fire-type Hidden Power. Although Hidden Power is displayed as Normal-type in the game's data, a Normal-type Hidden Power is not obtainable. Because of this, a Normal-type Pokémon will never receive same-type attack bonus when using Hidden Power, unless they are dual-typed, use Camouflage, or have either Normalize or Color Change as their ability.
See also
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This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games. |
