Cromolente (Tinted Lens)

Tinted Lens transforms resisted attacks into neutral damage, effectively doubling the power of moves that would normally be not very effective. When a Pokemon with this ability uses a move that the target resists, the damage calculation treats it as if there were no type resistance at all. This means a move that would typically deal 0.5x damage instead deals normal 1x damage, creating unexpected offensive pressure against would-be defensive answers.

The ability's competitive value lies in its potential to break through traditional type-based defensive strategies. Pokemon like Yanmega and Sigilyph become particularly threatening because opponents can no longer rely on type matchups to safely switch in resistances. A Bug-type move from Yanmega will hit Steel-types for neutral damage instead of the expected quarter damage, while Sigilyph's Psychic attacks can catch Dark-types off guard by dealing full damage rather than being completely ineffective.

Tinted Lens works seamlessly with powerful STAB moves and coverage options, making Pokemon that possess it more unpredictable and harder to wall. The description in later generations clarified that these moves deal "regular damage," emphasizing how the ability normalizes what would otherwise be poor matchups. This offensive boost is particularly valuable on Pokemon with diverse movepools, as it eliminates many of the traditional safe switches that opponents might attempt based on type charts alone.