Let's give Illuminate a Glow Up

Illuminate is extremely niche, and lost its niche in Generation 9. Today we'll shine a light on it in this discussion and hopefully it can outshine some other abilities.
Note: Despite the alleged data from the game files, I prefer to wait until it's fully in the game, before saying that a change was made. For example, they've coded unreleased event pokémon in moves into the game data without officially releasing it, Gen after Gen.
As usual, check the pinned comment for corrections and updates from me and the community!
Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:22 - New Overworld Effect
1:50 - Accuracy & Evasion (In Battle)
2:40 - Redirection? (In Battle)
4:16 - Shadow Tag Negation? (In Battle)
5:51 - Weaken / Negate "Shadow, Dark, Night"
7:04 - Review
7:39 - Version 1.3.2
8:17 - Wrap Up
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Background song: Underwater (Dive) - Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Outro Song: Driftveil City (CD Version) - Pokémon Black & White
(SiIvagunner) • Driftveil City (CD Ver...
Sources:
Bulbapedia:
bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/
Move Infographics:
Made by me, but inspired by the ones WolfeyVGC or his editor(s) use. Check out his channel here for VGC content: / @wolfeyvgc
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#glowup #gaming #pokemon #illuminate

[@CammyMeeleTea]

So bright! Read the Description and under this pinned comment for updates and corrections! Thank you! Boosting the power or effect of Light/Ray based moves - Originally left this out because Pokémon has been deleting moves like Signal Beam and Tail Glow. But since so many of you are are suggesting it, I realized that I'm an idiot. This is a rework, why not just bring the necessary light/ray/beam moves back!? Some other things multiple people are saying: +1 Priority to Light/Ray/Beam moves - That's great, I like that. Intimidate BUT for special attack - Love that as an option. Special Intimidate would be cool, wherever it comes from. Intimidate for accuracy (Zozo-vy1js ) - Love that idea too. If the Illuminate pokémon switches in or if someone switches into the Illuminate pokémon, their accuracy drops for just a turn. They're blinded, then their eyes adjust. (That's also a great light based hazard.) Toxic Debris, but Flash - If you hit it, it flashes and drops accuracy. Broken but funny. Illuminate negates hazards on both sides of the field (evolvingdragon1793) - All pokémon can see and avoid the Illuminated hazards. Illuminate makes "hidden" items sparkle. (starjake)

[@hamdepaf6686]

I know this doesn't really fit with the video, but an interesting question I would like you to cover would be: "what would happen if the multiplier for super effective damage where 1.5?" Like I think the match-up of pokemon who are super effective against others is always a bit one-sided and I always thought the multiplier was a bit ridiculous, but I could imagine it would make stats matter a bit too much as weaker pokemons loose the ability to counter stronger pokemon due to type advantage. It would also help tanky pokemon a lot more than offensive ones as it only helps them against pokemon who have resistances against them. This would however help out the "weaker" types a lot more than the stronger types and make STAB matter a lot more proportionally, like I think a lot of Ice types detriment is that water type pokemon often have ice type moves they can use for the offense, but don't need to suffer from having a bad defensive typing now having an ice type move only helps them if it is super effective and water is resisted. Now that I think about it, it would also make STAB non effective damage basically neutral damage. I am not sure if this would make defensive walls that use chip damage much better than before, or would keep them the same. Like on one hand they aren't countered so easily on some match-ups anymore, however they also don't wall other offensive pokemon quite as efficiently anymore either...

[@wienerschnitzel1739]

I’m really glad the studio behind Despicable Me and other box-office hits is making progress on bettering itself Can't wait for this to make no sense to people watching after the title change

[@AlexMartinez-fu5nb]

Illuminate should give a 30% boost to light-based attacks (things like discharge, mystical fire, flash cannon, etc.)

[@petrie911]

I think acting as thick fat for dark and ghost is reasonable. Most ghost moves involve shadows in some way, while dark type moves often involve sneakiness in some way. Both of these are counteracted by bright illumination of the surroundings. It doesn't work for all of them, but it works for enough that I think it works. It's not like thick fat makes sense against every fire and ice move either.

[@jasonkeith2832]

Also it wouldn't overly impact the meta, since it isn't a prolific ability, and doesn't show up on many (if any at all) pokemon with a ghost resistance.

[@theguy6680]

Did Lantern get the power to Nuke the universe multiple times over as it canonically does

[@Staking_]

yep

[@unkindled6410]

wait, what?

[@regretgames5580]

@@unkindled6410 Yeah, the light that Lanturn produces would create a black hole larger than the observable universe.

[@unkindled6410]

@@regretgames5580 ...how?

[@unkindled6410]

@@regretgames5580 actually just looked it up, but i also read someone say this; "Honestly that Lanturn AskScience thread is super flawed. You can't just apply a 7% decrease to the initial strength of the laser. If the laser vaporizes water, that water wouldn't be there to obscure the laser. It's a much more involved question and can't be solved by one equation." at the same time, this just goes to another dex entry where they just exagerated some number out of the blue, this time, i dont think they just threw a randon big number because 3 miles seem a bit randon, i presume this is the depth of one part of the ocean near the japanese oceanline territory or something. also another argument; maybe light behaves diferently in their universe or the water there just doesnt damp it as much.

[@evolvingdragon1793]

You could also make illuminate work like a defog that doesn't get rid of entry hazards while the pokemon with the ability is on the field (Edit) for an explanation defog clears hazards on both feels so when a pokemon with illuminate enter the field it will not be effected hazard and any pokemon after as long as it is on the field if the illuminate pokemon is taken off the field then all hazard will be in effect again

[@Lotloxa]

Considering you said that Illuminate could work like a Flash in the field, I'm surprised you didn't offer the idea of it working like a free Flash in battle. An accuracy drop on switch in would definitely be strong and novel. I think it would be funny if it affected your own ally too as a counterbalance measure for doubles.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

That's hilarious, I like that. You have to pair it with Clear Body or Keen Eye pokémon or support partners that don't need aim, like a Trick Room setter or Follow Me spammer.

[@youtubewatcher6124]

This would be broken alongside an ally with Defiant or the Special one

[@DrConrad2122]

Upon switching in, illuminate could use spotlight on an ally pokemon, guaranteeing a safe switch in doubles.

[@KrispyKrabby]

At the start of this video, I was thinking to myself: "The easiest way to update Illuminate, would be to increase your accuracy or prevent it from being lowered." Funny that's what they're actually changing it to lol I like your ideas for what changes the ability could have as well tho. It's been in need of an upgrade since...well, it was freaking introduced so it's about time it got one. I hope you do videos on more "useless" abilites in the future! 👍

[@CammyMeeleTea]

This was originally a video about 5 different useless abilities, but then I had way more to say about Illuminate than the other ones, so I removed this to stop it from being one sided.

[@polkarfield]

Watchog finally got a buff and it just makes an ability a copy of another one of his abilities

[@CammyMeeleTea]

At least it helps the team now!

[@Zozo-vy1js]

I would like to see Illuminate work like intimidate but for accuracy instead of attack, but with the following Variation. The Accuracy drop only persists for one round and normalizes at the end of the next turn after taking effect, playing with the Idea that the oppoding pokemons eyes have adapted to the stronger light. As a Bonus, the accuracy penalty would also apply to pokemon switching in on the Illuminate pokemon, contrary to the intimidate ability that only works upon the user of the ability entering the battlefield.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

That's pretty cool. Especially where it accounts for eyes adjusting to the light.

[@stardf29]

I personally like the idea of Illuminate giving an accuracy buff; both Lanturn and Starmie (two of my favorite Pokemon) can take advantage of that to hit more consistently with Hydro Pump and even potentially run Thunder and Blizzard over Thunderbolt and Ice Beam. It'd definitely make the ability a more competitive option over their otherwise "preferred" abilities. Though if we're going that route I'd probably rather just make it a Compoundeyes clone and grant a multiplicative 30% accuracy boost.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Yeah, I can see that. Definitely just from the perspective of Single battles, a Compound Eyes clone would definitely be better and more consistent. I mostly focused on the fact that the glow is experienced by the field but the compound eyes is only experienced by the user. But that's a great suggestion!

[@thequagiestsire]

I personally went with a simple but effective change of making it a Special version of Intimidate: 1- The names sound similar, so it’s cool to have them function similarly 2- We still have yet to get such an ability and it’d be easier to make it widely used if it’s a changed old ability that Pokémon already have than if it was a new signature ability for a new Pokémon 3- The Special stats can be explained as mental focus and fortitude for S. Atk and S. Def respectively, so if something switches in and blinds you with a bright light, you’re likely gonna have your focus broken a bit, thus dropping your Special Attack.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

I really like that, it adds new utility to the game because a special intimate is cool. It also works thematically. Bioluminescence can be bewildering which makes sense why it would mess with mental stats. Intimidate makes you afraid to physically approach. Illuminate interferes with concentration and ranged attacks.

[@Jw87563]

This is a great idea, and something I've wanted for a while, but I had the name Demoralize in mind. I think making Illuminate that ability sounds like the best way to go and make Illuminate mons much, much more useful since special attackers get no policing whatsoever, but you're almost punished for using physical attackers.

[@ShinxBOOM247]

As of the Teal Mask DLC's release, they reintroduced Volbeat to the game and completely reworked Illuminate's effect completely. It now makes it so you're unneffected by accuracy lowering moves and makes your attacks ignore evasion boosts, functioning basically identically to Keen Eye

[@Staking_]

Illuminate: If is on lanturn, lanturn flashbangs every pokemon and destroys them all

[@CealdorGaming]

Thanks for the thoughtful darkening at 4:00. Shoutout to Sound Lock (The one by Mireia Fernandez Cristia) and blue light filters (pick your poison). Liked your ideas, too! :)

[@starjake]

I think it should be: - Overworld: Automated "Flash" while the user is out of its poke ball - Overworld: Hidden items sparkle while the user is out of its poke ball - Battle: While calculating a move's chance to hit (used by any pokemon, not just the user), the target's Evasion stat stage is capped at 0. - I did not realize before researching this answer how much stuff affects this "chance to hit" formula... - Battle: All single-target moves are retargeted to the user during the turn it enters battle - Battle: The user is unaffected by Shadow Tag - Battle: Moves with "Shadow" in the name (シャドー "shadō" or かげ "kage") either deal less damage or fail outright The concept of having obstacles in the overworld that you need to use your pokemon to overcome is actually really cool; I just don't like that they took up a moveslot. But, I also didn't like how they "fixed" it by asking a "passing wild Bibarel" or summoning a Tauros from the aet..er, calling Tauros Uber. It seemed like a real stretch to say that you could command those pokemon to perform overworld tasks for you but not command them to battle. Having Koraidon/Miraidon fill the role in S/V was better, but I'd still prefer to use my actual team to overcome overworld obstacles. Since S/V leaned more into the idea of having pokemon out of their poke balls, I think it makes sense and is programmatically feasible to have overworld abilities only apply while using that feature. I really dislike abilities that are just another ability in a different font, so I'd want to try hard to make Illuminate more than "Keen Eye+". To me, it makes sense that a pokemon glowing doesn't really boost its own accuracy so much as it lowers everyone's ability to hide, so I think it's OK for Illuminate to be just an evasion debuff instead of an accuracy buff. I think that also helps differentiate it from Keen Eye (though Keen Eye could probably use some improvements as well).

[@CammyMeeleTea]

I agree wholeheartedly about the HM field move system. I'd like player to have a choice of calling an uber or using their team. I like when games allow you to choose to be more immersed or not. Like being able to turn EXP share on or off should be a choice. I also like those overworld options you mentioned, it just makes sense during the adventure, you know?

[@Castersvarog]

It’s worth mentioning, but according to leaks Illuminate got changed in the dlc to: be a clone of keen eye. Ngl kind of dull

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Yeah, I mentioned that late in the video since I wrote this before that patch.

[@an_apple_a_day]

I really enjoyed this video, good stuff

[@rayjoa888]

What i like the most is a no guard for all pokemon on the field while the illuminate user is there. It'll be risky, but useful Great video!

[@yukiizura]

This has been my idea for a while! Illuminate making every move on the field a guaranteed hit would be super high-risk, but equally, if not greater reward in the right hands/team.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Works out since all the Illuminate Pokémon so far aren't necessarily evasive or tanky. Though you can EV them to be bulky if you wanted.

[@Isabelle-mp8rk]

i feel this makes it broken because of one hit ko moves, no guard hasn't been available on pokemon with those moves for a reason

[@rayjoa888]

@@Isabelle-mp8rk i didn't think about that, you're right. Maybe then it's like gravity, all pokemon on the field have less evasion. As OHKO moves different, they won't hit more likely

[@yukiizura]

@@Isabelle-mp8rk i always forget OHKO moves exist because i hate them so much. If we still go with this idea, then Illuminate either would have to just have a thing where it doesn't affect these moves specifically, or maybe it could basically act as like everyone gets maxed out accuracy, because OHKO moves have a flat 30% and wouldnt be affected by this.

[@videakias3000]

it could provide immunity to dark type moves.

[@michaeleanthonyjr]

You can set google to dark mode if you want to avoid bright screenshots. At least I think so. That aside, I like these suggestions. I would honestly like to see this busted anti-follow me illuminate in action

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Yeah, but the dark mode in Chrome makes a lot of sites look really ugly, and it's a chore to switch back and forth. Luckily, it was only necessary for this video since I made the whole video darker for thematics and to make the glowing pop out more. Thanks though!

[@michaeleanthonyjr]

@@CammyMeeleTea Dang, can't win them all. But you do what works for you~

[@jaernihiltheus7817]

Maybe a damage buff from light based moves like dazzling gleam & signal beam? Or giving light based moves like tail glow & flash priority?

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon does something similar to that actually though instead of a power boost, it has a special status effect. I would have loved to do a boost to light or ray based attacks, however Tail Glow and Signal Beam have been removed. Since pokémon is trigger happy with move deletion, I didn't want to rely on that. But since these are all rework proposals, I should have just said Tail Glow and Signal Beam should come back. 😅

[@99999bomb]

Since it's shining it's surroundings, wouldn't it make sense for while an illuminate pokemon is on the field, entry hazards will not activate since you can now clearly see the hazards, having it clear hazard on enter might be a bit broken tho considering the opportunity cost of setting up hazards, but doing this means that it could be useful for safely switch in Pokémon in without HDB who are weak to hazards say a volcarona with white herb

[@CammyMeeleTea]

That's a cool option too.

[@nlb137]

My initial thoughts were to make it redirect, and give immunity to, Bug. That makes it a counter to U-turn, for one thing, and the 'light attracts bugs' makes sense thematically. However, I quite like your anti-Ghost idea, and I don't think making it a Ghost immunity has any more problem than some other immunity abilities or typings. In most cases you could special-plead that 'Certain X-types shouldn't be countered by Y immunity'; Illuminate being anti-Ghost wouldn't be exceptional in that regard. Similarly, as an anti-trapping ability I think it'd be fine to just make it counter *all* trapping, not just Shadow Tag.

[@tysondennis1016]

Here’s an idea on how I would buff Illuminate: It ignores the effects of moves, abilities, and items that protect stat stage changes, such as Clear Body/Amulet and Mist. Yes, it’s very niche, but I could see it used for stuff like making sure Mud Shot slows Tentacruel, or Intimidate weakens Metagross’ physical attacks.

[@SSJ22Terris]

I like the feature of Negating Shadow-tag, that's a fun interaction. I I'd probably go for the passive accuracy buff, cause that just sounds handy.

[@peet-janissen5838]

my idea for aluminate in battle is that it gives you and your partner pokemon 1 free stage boost of the accuracy stat

[@wheelsdex7428]

Maybe illuminate could attract bug or water types! As a reference to sky fishing, and using bright lights to attract fish and squid! Given the utility that bioluminescence usually has in nature, maybe give it a minor version of assurances effect! A damage boost if the opponent you are attacking hit you first this turn! or to focus on the communication side of things, ala lighting bugs and squid, perhaps it could give a boost to moves that help or assist your teammates! Like allowing you to share stat buffs

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Those are some interesting options too. I've even heard that some Foie Gras makers use flashlights to "hypnotize" or stun geese.

[@wheelsdex7428]

@@CammyMeeleTea Yeah! and cuttlefish do a similar thing to fish, which malamar draws a lot from

[@Jboneprez]

Anyone know what illuminate does in sword and shield

[@Aegisdex]

If its for the whole field that that could actually be balanced, redirection is very strong and theres already a similar concept with galarian weezing with neutralizing gas. Having the abilities of all pokemon, which for some are basically the only reason they are played over others, is very strong. Its just that weezing isnt the best at staying alive without a good self heal. Its also an indrect nerf to amoonguss which even tho i love the guy was always dominant for its utility to stay alive, redirect, and spore spam. Honestly if neutralizing gas negated abilities for the entire party it would be a great counter to regenerator mons getting away with free hp

[@Jw87563]

Maybe Illuminate can be Toxic Chain where all attacks have 30% chance to lower accuracy? Illuminate makes me think of a bright, blinding light, so an accuracy dropping effect of some kind feels right.

[@stonefacecollin]

it finally got a buff, is it good tho? idk

Would the anti-accuracy drop suggestion negate Hustle's accuracy drop?

[@CammyMeeleTea]

For the version of Illuminate that adds 10% accuracy, it would only cancel out 10% or the 20% that Hustle drops. For the version of Illuminate where stat accuracy drops and evasion boosts are negated, Hustle isn't negated because it's not based on stages like Sand-Attack drops.

[@Alexs23743]

Frankly, I think the ability should just be a Compound Eyes clone. Maybe with the added stipulation that anyone, even allies in doubles, hitting a Pokémon with "Illumination" [sic] has its accuracy lowered against that Pokémon. Because what happens when you illuminate things in an opponent's face? You blind them. ^^ *A M O N G S U S* used Rage Powder!

[@luis_zuniga]

I'd make it work like Compound Eyes, raising accuracy by 30%

[@calebe4266]

I'm at the beggining of the video, but i will let my idea first: shouldn't illuminate be like a sweet scent as a hability? Like, when the pokemon enters the battlefield, the evasiviness of the enemy drops one stage, just like intimidate

[@lucktheluckyone7115]

Why not gave to illuminate the light clay effect?

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Since Starmie is the only Illuminate pokémon to have Reflect and Light Screen, I'd have to make half the video about giving Reflect to all the other Illuminate pokémon. Lanturn doesn't learn either move so I'd have to give it both too. Finally, I'd need to explain why people would use these mostly slow and frail pokémon to set screens when people could use Prankster Klefki or Prankster Grimmsnarl (who is immune to Prankster Taunts.) It would take changing all of the movesets of Illuminate pokémon (except Starmie), and hoping Game Freak keeps giving new Illuminate pokemon both screens. If your ability is light clay, knowing both is mandatory to avoid wasting an ability slot. It's not a bad idea, but it takes way more effort to be useful and not outclassed by Prankster dual screeners. The competitive players, specifically the ones with 0 social skills, will crawl out from the cracks in the wall to complain about all of the above.

[@kentaroyamaguchi7519]

I would give illuminate a prio to the moves. Moolight moonblast charge chargebeam tailglow

[@aaronolson6736]

If it did increase accuracy, Lanturn and Starmie would swap to running Hydro Pump as standard. Also on that note I don't like how Pokemon have been getting "signature" abilities that are on other mons under a different name.

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Agreed, it's a fun little decision between power and consistency. Hydro Pump + Life Orb/Choice Specs + Illuminate/Analytic. I like more pokémon having more options.

[@nazeersadek6705]

I’ve always thought illuminate should prevent accuracy drops as well as boasting the user accuracy by 1 stage

[@CammyMeeleTea]

An accuracy boost on switch-in like Interpid Sword's attack boost or like the Compound Eyes boost?

[@nazeersadek6705]

@@CammyMeeleTea I think compound eyes + keen eyes would be broken 😅 so ya I was thinking similar to Zacian ability but for accuracy while also preventing accuracy drops

[@laboa6860]

Firstly, based on its new description, it's likely just a keen eye clone. Wording matches up for the most part. But, that's kind of boring. I think something more interesting would be a 1.1× multiplier to ALL pokemons accuracy; friend or foe. Would provide all the benefits of Victory star, but more risky.

[@CuddlyTheMadElite]

Off the top of my head Illuminate should lower the power of Dark type moves by 3/4ths and negate their effects.

[@Isabelle-mp8rk]

for the accuracy change i think having it closer to victory star than a flat +10% would be better, if not you could easily make one hit ko strats even stronger by buffing them from 30% accuracy to 40%

[@CammyMeeleTea]

Honestly, we should make Victory Star better since it's a signature ability for a Mythical.

[@Isabelle-mp8rk]

@@CammyMeeleTea also true, like they could probably make it equivalent to compound eyes.

[@BASEJOCK11]

Illuminate should also prevent any opposing pokemon on the field to be able to use evasion moves.

[@GodHatesKyle]

i've always thought illuminate should trap fish-like pokémon from switching out, since it's based off of an angler fish which uses that light to attract prey.

[@shisuiedits]

make it broken just do what brightpowder does