Kantonian Weezing and Neutralizing Gas

[ThePokeCorral]

Prior to Gen 8, Koffing and Weezing had only one ability, Levitate. When Galarian Weezing was introduced, they added its "signature ability," Neutralizing Gas, as a second ability. But, they also gave Neutralizing Gas to Koffing and regular Weezing, which doesn't feel right; Neutralizing Gas feels much more associated with Galarian Weezing specifically.

Now, I understand that in order for Galarian Weezing to have two abilities, Koffing also needed two abilities. But, I feel that Koffing's and Kantonian Weezing's second ability should be something different.

In the game I'm working on, it was easy to decide what to replace it with; Toxic Fumes, a new ability I had already conceived of for a different Pokemon, which does the same thing as Poison Point. But in the main series games, without the license to invent new abilities that do whatever I want them to, the choice is less obvious.

So, what I'm wondering is:

• Do you agree that Koffing and Kantonian Weezing shouldn't have Neutralizing Gas?
• What would you replace it with, if you were limited to already-existing abilities?

 

[Devalue]

1. Disagrees. Never viewed it as exclusive to the Galarian version. Dislikes abilities changing between evolutions too, particularly with two regular abilities. Always worries about getting the wrong ability with Pokemon like Wingull and Lillipup.

2. If forced? Nothing. Assigns Levitate as the entire evolutionary family's sole regular ability. Shuffles Neutralizing Gas to Kanto Weezing's hidden ability slot. Keeps Misty Surge for Galarian Weezing's hidden ability, as a rare ability and more fitting as a Fairy type. Probably makes Neutralizing Gas into Koffing's hidden ability.

Would rather not do the above, though.

 

[giradialkia]

I don't necessarily think they *shouldn't* have it, but I do think it doesn't make much sense.

Galarian Weezing comes across as a sort of Anti-Weezing. It's Fairy typing, moves like Strange Steam, Clear Smog… and the name of the ability itself - "Neutralising" Gas. It just doesn't scream "deadly toxic gas", which is everything Kantonian Weezing seems to be.

Levitate always makes sense. If I were to replace Neutralising Gas, I'd swap it out for Corrosion. Makes it a trade off; either be immune to Ground, or be able to poison EVERYONE.

 

[Corveone]

• Do you agree that Koffing and Kantonian Weezing shouldn't have Neutralizing Gas?
• What would you replace it with, if you were limited to already-existing abilities?

1. I agree from a lore standpoint. But from a lore standpoint Gyarados should have been a Dragon and Magnezone should have been given Levitate... so, you know, gameplay takes priority over logic. I don't think Neutralizing Gas fits on regular Weezing, but I wouldn't want to see an unique Ability to be exclusive of a regional form that may eventually become "extinct"

2. Alternatives could be:
Poison Point
White Smoke

But honestly, I wouldn't remove Neutralizing Gas. I'd rather remove Stench and make NG its Hidden Ability instead, then put the new Ability in slot 2. That way it could still have NG, just not as a regular Ability. This is similar to what happens with Marowak, with the Kantonian getting Rock Head as regular Ability, but the Alolan form only getting it as HA.