Sheer Force

Sheer Force transforms Pokemon into powerhouse attackers by trading utility for raw damage output. When a Pokemon with this ability uses moves that have secondary effects—such as status ailments, stat changes, or flinch chances—those moves receive a significant 1.3× power boost while completely losing their additional effects. This means moves like Thunder Shock become pure damage dealers without their paralysis chance, while Flamethrower loses its burn potential but hits considerably harder. The ability is selective in what it considers an "extra effect," focusing specifically on chances to inflict status conditions, alter stats, or cause flinching that occur alongside the main damage.

Importantly, Sheer Force has specific limitations that keep it balanced. Moves that guarantee effects rather than having chances (like Thunder Wave's guaranteed paralysis) are unaffected, as are utility effects like Knock Off's item removal or moves with increased critical hit rates. Additionally, moves that lower the user's own stats, such as Overheat or Close Combat, retain their drawbacks even while gaining the damage boost, creating interesting risk-reward scenarios.

Competitively, Sheer Force has found its home on several notable Pokemon, with Landorus being perhaps the most prominent user in high-level play. The ability transforms Pokemon like Feraligatr and Steelix into formidable wallbreakers, allowing them to punch through defensive teams with boosted attacks like Ice Punch and Fire Punch. The 30% damage increase often makes the difference between securing crucial knockouts and falling short, making this ability highly valued in offensive team compositions.