diff --git a/src/core/Game2.lua b/src/core/Game2.lua
index 22f6ea14..33dc2f40 100644
--- a/src/core/Game2.lua
+++ b/src/core/Game2.lua
@@ -550,7 +550,7 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
   end
   if ok then
     -- data/text/common_3.asm:119
-    return self:say(("%s learned\n%s!"):format(name, moveName),
+    return self:say(Strings("%s learned\n%s!", name, moveName),
       function() finish(true) end,
       TextBox.soundOpts(self, "Sfx_DexFanfare5079"))
   end
@@ -558,15 +558,14 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
   local askForget, pickMove, askStop
   -- DidNotLearnMoveText, then `ld b, 0` (learn.asm:110-113).
   local function decline()
-    self:say(("%s\ndid not learn\v%s."):format(name, moveName),
+    self:say(Strings("%s\ndid not learn\v%s.", name, moveName),
       function() finish(false) end)
   end
   -- ForgetMove's AskForgetMoveText + YesNoBox (learn.asm:123-127).
   askForget = function()
     self.stack:push(TextBox.new(self,
-      ("%s is\ntrying to learn\v%s.\fBut %s\ncan't learn more\vthan four moves."
-       .. "\fDelete an older\nmove to make room\vfor %s?")
-        :format(name, moveName, name, moveName),
+      Strings("%s is\ntrying to learn\v%s.\fBut %s\ncan't learn more\vthan four moves.\fDelete an older\nmove to make room\vfor %s?",
+        name, moveName, name, moveName),
       nil, { choice = function(yes)
         if yes then return pickMove() end
         return askStop()
@@ -575,7 +574,7 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
   -- StopLearningMoveText, whose NO is `jp c, .loop` (learn.asm:104-108).
   askStop = function()
     self.stack:push(TextBox.new(self,
-      ("Stop learning\n%s?"):format(moveName), nil,
+      Strings("Stop learning\n%s?", moveName), nil,
       { choice = function(yes)
         if yes then return decline() end
         return askForget()
@@ -598,7 +597,7 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
         -- MoveCantForgetHMText, then `jr .loop` (learn.asm:183-197): the
         -- question stays up and the list comes back over it.
         if old and HM_MOVES[old.id] then
-          return self:say("HM moves can't be\nforgotten now.", pushList)
+          return self:say(Strings("HM moves can't be\nforgotten now."), pushList)
         end
         self.stack:pop() -- the question the list stood on
         local oldDef = (self.data.moves or {})[old and old.id]
@@ -608,9 +607,8 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
         -- pokemon.move_learned is raised here too.
         ModRuntime.emit("pokemon.move_learned", { mon = mon, moveId = moveId })
         -- engine/pokemon/learn.asm:225-229, data/text/common_3.asm:165-173
-        self:say(("1, 2 and…" .. TextBox.PAUSE .. " Poof!" .. TextBox.PAUSE
-            .. "\f%s forgot\n%s.\fAnd…\f%s learned\n%s!")
-          :format(name, oldName, name, moveName),
+        self:say(Strings("1, 2 and…\1 Poof!\1\f%s forgot\n%s.\fAnd…\f%s learned\n%s!",
+            name, oldName, name, moveName),
           function() finish(true) end,
           TextBox.soundOpts(self, "Sfx_DexFanfare5079",
             { pauseSounds = { "Sfx_SwitchPokemon" } }))
@@ -620,7 +618,7 @@ function Game2:learnMoveOn(mon, moveId, onDone)
   -- MoveAskForgetText, a `done` text: the box stays while the list stands on
   -- it (learn.asm:136-137).
   pickMove = function()
-    self.stack:push(TextBox.new(self, "Which move should\nbe forgotten?", nil,
+    self.stack:push(TextBox.new(self, Strings("Which move should\nbe forgotten?"), nil,
       { stay = { onShown = pushList } }))
   end
   askForget()
@@ -655,13 +653,13 @@ function Game2:useFieldItem(itemId)
         if id == moveId then allowed = true end
       end
       if not allowed then
-        self:say(("%s can't learn %s!"):format(
+        self:say(Strings("%s can't learn %s!",
           require("src.battle.gen2.Mon").displayName(mon), moveName))
         return
       end
       for _, move in ipairs(mon.moves or {}) do
         if move.id == moveId then
-          self:say(("%s already knows %s!"):format(
+          self:say(Strings("%s already knows %s!",
             require("src.battle.gen2.Mon").displayName(mon), moveName))
           return
         end
diff --git a/src/core/gen2/ItemEffects.lua b/src/core/gen2/ItemEffects.lua
index b0b8a8a6..9ef47adc 100644
--- a/src/core/gen2/ItemEffects.lua
+++ b/src/core/gen2/ItemEffects.lua
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@
 
 local Happiness = require("src.core.gen2.Happiness")
 local Mon = require("src.battle.gen2.Mon")
+local Strings = require("src.core.Strings")
 
 local ItemEffects = {}
 
@@ -72,26 +73,33 @@ local BITTER = {
 }
 
 -- _ItemWontHaveEffectText / _ItemCantUseOnEggText (data/text/common_3.asm).
-ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT = "It won't have any\neffect."
-ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG = "That can't be used\non an EGG."
+-- Strings.source keeps these in the catalog harvest even though they are
+-- declared here and only formatted/looked up at each use site below (#186,
+-- #245): every use site was a bare table read or a direct :format() call
+-- until now, which meant a mod's translation catalog never had a chance to
+-- apply -- every language showed this same English text.
+ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT = Strings.source("It won't have any\neffect.")
+ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG = Strings.source("That can't be used\non an EGG.")
 -- _ItemCantUseOnMonText (data/text/common_3.asm:1265).
-ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_MON = "That can't be used\non this #MON."
+ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_MON = Strings.source("That can't be used\non this #MON.")
 -- _PPRestoredText (data/text/common_3.asm).
-ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_RESTORED = "PP was restored."
+ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_RESTORED = Strings.source("PP was restored.")
 -- _PPIsMaxedOutText / _PPsIncreasedText (data/text/common_3.asm).
-ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED = "%s's PP\nis maxed out."
-ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_INCREASED = "%s's PP\nincreased."
+ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED = Strings.source("%s's PP\nis maxed out.")
+ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_INCREASED = Strings.source("%s's PP\nincreased.")
 
 -- PrintPartyMenuActionText's .MenuActionTexts (engine/pokemon/party_menu.asm),
 -- keyed by the class GetItemHealingAction resolves.  Each is the two rows the
--- cart prints: the nickname line, then the fixed line.
+-- cart prints: the nickname line, then the fixed line.  Strings.source for
+-- the same reason as the constants above: healStatus() below formats these
+-- directly at each use, so without it a mod's catalog never sees them.
 local STATUS_TEXT = {
-  psn = "%s's\ncured of poison.",
-  par = "%s's\nrid of paralysis.",
-  brn = "%s's\nburn was healed.",
-  frz = "%s\nwas defrosted.",
-  slp = "%s\nwoke up.",
-  all = "%s's\nhealth returned.",
+  psn = Strings.source("%s's\ncured of poison."),
+  par = Strings.source("%s's\nrid of paralysis."),
+  brn = Strings.source("%s's\nburn was healed."),
+  frz = Strings.source("%s\nwas defrosted."),
+  slp = Strings.source("%s\nwoke up."),
+  all = Strings.source("%s's\nhealth returned."),
 }
 
 -- The port's party records spell status several ways (the battle writes the
@@ -145,7 +153,7 @@ local function restoreHp(itemId, mon)
   local amount = ItemEffects.HEAL_HP[itemId]
   local maxHp = maxHpOf(mon)
   if fainted(mon) or (mon.hp or 0) >= maxHp then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   local healed = math.min(maxHp, (mon.hp or 0) + amount)
   local gained = healed - (mon.hp or 0)
@@ -157,7 +165,7 @@ local function restoreHp(itemId, mon)
     used = true,
     -- data/text/common_1.asm:30
     -- home/text.asm:772
-    text = ("%s\nrecovered %dHP!"):format(monName(mon), gained),
+    text = Strings("%s\nrecovered %dHP!", monName(mon), gained),
   }
 end
 
@@ -181,23 +189,23 @@ end
 -- confusion arm reads wPlayerSubStatus3, which does not exist out of battle.
 local function healStatus(itemId, mon, class, data)
   if fainted(mon) then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   local have = ItemEffects.healClassOf(mon.status, data)
   if not have or (class ~= "all" and have ~= class) then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   clearStatus(mon)
   bitterHappiness(itemId, mon)
   local shape = STATUS_TEXT[class == "all" and "all" or have]
-  return { used = true, text = shape:format(monName(mon)) }
+  return { used = true, text = Strings(shape, monName(mon)) }
 end
 
 -- RevivePokemon: only a fainted mon accepts; REVIVE stands it up at half max
 -- HP (ReviveHalfHP's `srl d / rr e`), the other two at full.
 local function revive(itemId, mon)
   if not fainted(mon) then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   local maxHp = maxHpOf(mon)
   mon.hp = (ItemEffects.REVIVE[itemId] == "half")
@@ -206,7 +214,7 @@ local function revive(itemId, mon)
   bitterHappiness(itemId, mon)
   return {
     used = true,
-    text = ("%s\nis revitalized."):format(monName(mon)),
+    text = Strings("%s\nis revitalized.", monName(mon)),
   }
 end
 
@@ -218,7 +226,7 @@ end
 -- exactly the new level, for the caller to offer.
 local function rareCandy(mon, data)
   if (mon.level or 0) >= Mon.MAX_LEVEL then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   local def = data and data.pokemon and data.pokemon[mon.species]
   -- through Mon.growthFor, so a growth_rates record a mod registered is the
@@ -245,14 +253,18 @@ local function rareCandy(mon, data)
     learned = learned,
     -- data/text/common_1.asm:86
     sfx = "Sfx_DexFanfare5079",
-    text = ("%s grew to\nlevel %d!"):format(monName(mon), newLevel),
+    text = Strings("%s grew to\nlevel %d!", monName(mon), newLevel),
   }
 end
 
--- engine/items/item_effects.asm:1216 StatStrings.
+-- engine/items/item_effects.asm:1216 StatStrings. Strings.source per entry,
+-- the same pattern as the identical stat-name tables in MoveEffects.lua/
+-- TrainerAI.lua/gen2/Effects.lua/ContestMenu.lua/SummaryMenu.lua, so a mod's
+-- catalog harvest finds these independently of any other stat-name call site.
 local VITAMIN_LABEL = {
-  hp = "HEALTH", attack = "ATTACK", defense = "DEFENSE",
-  speed = "SPEED", special = "SPECIAL",
+  hp = Strings.source("HEALTH"), attack = Strings.source("ATTACK"),
+  defense = Strings.source("DEFENSE"), speed = Strings.source("SPEED"),
+  special = Strings.source("SPECIAL"),
 }
 
 -- engine/items/item_effects.asm:1149 VitaminEffect.
@@ -261,7 +273,7 @@ local function vitamin(itemId, mon, data)
   mon.statExp = mon.statExp or Mon.newStatExp()
   local cur = mon.statExp[stat] or 0
   if cur >= 25600 then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   mon.statExp[stat] = math.min(Mon.MAX_STAT_EXP, cur + 2560)
   local def = data and data.pokemon and data.pokemon[mon.species]
@@ -272,7 +284,7 @@ local function vitamin(itemId, mon, data)
   Happiness.change(mon, "USEDITEM")
   return {
     used = true,
-    text = ("%s's\n%s rose."):format(monName(mon), VITAMIN_LABEL[stat]),
+    text = Strings("%s's\n%s rose.", monName(mon), Strings(VITAMIN_LABEL[stat])),
   }
 end
 
@@ -392,15 +404,15 @@ end
 -- The one-call families (everything but PP, which needs a move pick first).
 -- Returns { used, text, learned?, level? }.
 function ItemEffects.useOnMon(itemId, mon, data)
-  if not mon then return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT } end
+  if not mon then return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) } end
   if mon.isEgg then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG) }
   end
   local record = ItemEffects.recordFor(itemId, data)
   -- The PP family has its own entry point; reaching it here is the same
   -- "nothing happens" the unported items get.
   if not record or not record.use or record.action == "pp" then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   return record.use({ item = itemId, mon = mon, data = data })
 end
@@ -423,13 +435,13 @@ end
 -- the ELIXER family (Elixer_RestorePPofAllMoves) walks every slot and counts
 -- -- one restored move is enough for the item to be spent.
 function ItemEffects.usePpItem(itemId, mon, slot, data)
-  if not mon then return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT } end
+  if not mon then return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) } end
   if mon.isEgg then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_EGG) }
   end
   local record = ItemEffects.recordFor(itemId, data)
   if not record or not record.use or record.action ~= "pp" then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   return record.use({ item = itemId, mon = mon, data = data, slot = slot })
 end
@@ -478,9 +490,9 @@ for itemId, row in pairs(ItemEffects.RESTORE_PP) do
       any = restoreMove(moves[ctx.slot], row.amount)
     end
     if not any then
-      return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+      return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
     end
-    return { used = true, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_RESTORED }
+    return { used = true, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_RESTORED) }
   end)
 end
 
@@ -488,24 +500,24 @@ end
 record("PP_UP", "pp", function(ctx)
   local move = (ctx.mon.moves or {})[ctx.slot]
   if type(move) ~= "table" or not move.id then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
   end
   local row = ((ctx.data and ctx.data.moves) or {})[move.id]
   local name = (row and row.name) or move.id
   -- constants/pokemon_data_constants.asm:216 PP_UP_MASK.
   if move.id == "SKETCH" or (move.ppUps or 0) >= 3 then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED:format(name) }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED, name) }
   end
   local base = (row and row.pp) or move.maxPp
   if not base then
-    return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED:format(name) }
+    return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_MAXED, name) }
   end
   -- engine/items/item_effects.asm:2736 ComputeMaxPP.
   local bonus = math.min(math.floor(base / 5), 7)
   move.ppUps = (move.ppUps or 0) + 1
   move.maxPp = base + move.ppUps * bonus
   move.pp = (move.pp or 0) + bonus
-  return { used = true, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_INCREASED:format(name) }
+  return { used = true, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_PP_INCREASED, name) }
 end)
 
 for itemId in pairs(ItemEffects.VITAMIN) do
@@ -522,12 +534,12 @@ for _, itemId in ipairs({ "SUN_STONE", "MOON_STONE", "FIRE_STONE",
                           "THUNDERSTONE", "WATER_STONE", "LEAF_STONE" }) do
   record(itemId, "stone", function(ctx)
     if ctx.mon.item == "EVERSTONE" then
-      return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT }
+      return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) }
     end
     local Evolution = require("src.core.gen2.Evolution")
     local entry = Evolution.checkMon(ctx.data, ctx.mon,
       { force = true, item = ctx.item })
-    if not entry then return { used = false, text = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT } end
+    if not entry then return { used = false, text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT) } end
     return { used = true, evolution = entry }
   end)
 end
diff --git a/src/ui/gen2/BattleState.lua b/src/ui/gen2/BattleState.lua
index 328abbf5..9df01039 100644
--- a/src/ui/gen2/BattleState.lua
+++ b/src/ui/gen2/BattleState.lua
@@ -3860,7 +3860,7 @@ function BattleState:useItem(itemId)
     if not ok then
       -- _ItemWontHaveEffectText's own `line` break, the same one
       -- ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT carries (data/text/common_3.asm).
-      self.message = ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT
+      self.message = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT)
       self.messageTimer = MESSAGE_FRAMES
       self.phase = "resolving"
       return
@@ -3965,7 +3965,7 @@ function BattleState:cureBattleConfusion(itemId)
   local mon = self.battle.player
   local state = mon and self.battle:volatile(mon)
   if not (state and state.confuseCount) then
-    self.message = oneLine(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT)
+    self.message = oneLine(Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_NO_EFFECT))
     self.messageTimer = MESSAGE_FRAMES
     self.phase = "resolving"
     return
diff --git a/src/ui/gen2/BattleTowerMenu.lua b/src/ui/gen2/BattleTowerMenu.lua
index b47c0178..a121c249 100644
--- a/src/ui/gen2/BattleTowerMenu.lua
+++ b/src/ui/gen2/BattleTowerMenu.lua
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ function BattleTowerMenu.new(game, opts)
   -- `ld a, $1 / ld [wcd4f], a` (../pokecrystal/mobile/mobile_46.asm:1152-1153)
   self.cursor = 1
   self.phase = "pick"
-  self.message = PICK_TEXT
+  self.message = Strings(PICK_TEXT)
   return self
 end
 
@@ -116,17 +116,17 @@ function BattleTowerMenu:confirm()
   if not row then
     -- ../pokecrystal/mobile/mobile_46.asm:1291-1303 `.asm_118a3c`
     self.phase = "quit"
-    self.message = QUIT_TEXT
+    self.message = Strings(QUIT_TEXT)
     self.yes = true
     return
   end
   if BattleTower.levelCheck(self.party, row.group) then
-    return self:refuse(TOPS_TEXT)
+    return self:refuse(Strings(TOPS_TEXT))
   end
   local uber = BattleTower.ubersCheck(self.party, row.group)
   if uber then
     local name = (self.monName and self.monName(uber)) or uber
-    return self:refuse(string.format(UBER_TEXT, name))
+    return self:refuse(Strings(UBER_TEXT, name))
   end
   self:finish(row.group)
 end
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ function BattleTowerMenu:updatePick()
   elseif input:wasPressed("b") then
     self:playSfx("Sfx_ReadText2")
     self.phase = "quit"
-    self.message = QUIT_TEXT
+    self.message = Strings(QUIT_TEXT)
     self.yes = true
   end
 end
@@ -165,12 +165,12 @@ function BattleTowerMenu:updateQuit()
     self:playSfx("Sfx_ReadText2")
     if self.yes then return self:finish(nil) end
     self.phase = "pick"
-    self.message = PICK_TEXT
+    self.message = Strings(PICK_TEXT)
     self.cursor = 1
   elseif input:wasPressed("b") then
     self:playSfx("Sfx_ReadText2")
     self.phase = "pick"
-    self.message = PICK_TEXT
+    self.message = Strings(PICK_TEXT)
     self.cursor = 1
   end
 end
@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@ function BattleTowerMenu:update(_dt)
     self.wait = (self.wait or 0) - 1
     if self.wait > 0 then return end
     self.phase = "pick"
-    self.message = PICK_TEXT
+    self.message = Strings(PICK_TEXT)
     self.cursor = 1
     return
   end
@@ -198,15 +198,15 @@ function BattleTowerMenu:drawPanel()
   end
   if self.phase == "quit" then
     Chrome.box(YN_X, YN_Y, YN_W, YN_H)
-    Chrome.print(YES_LABEL, YN_TEXT_X, YES_Y)
-    Chrome.print(NO_LABEL, YN_TEXT_X, NO_Y)
+    Chrome.print(Strings(YES_LABEL), YN_TEXT_X, YES_Y)
+    Chrome.print(Strings(NO_LABEL), YN_TEXT_X, NO_Y)
     Chrome.cursor(YN_TEXT_X - 1, self.yes and YES_Y or NO_Y)
     love.graphics.setColor(1, 1, 1, 1)
     return
   end
   Chrome.box(PICK_X, PICK_Y, PICK_W, PICK_H)
   local row = self.rows[self.cursor]
-  Chrome.print(row and BattleTowerMenu.levelLabel(row.group) or CANCEL_LABEL,
+  Chrome.print(row and BattleTowerMenu.levelLabel(row.group) or Strings(CANCEL_LABEL),
     ROW_X, ROW_Y)
   Chrome.print(UP_ARROW, ARROW_X, UP_Y)
   Chrome.print(DOWN_ARROW, ARROW_X, DOWN_Y)
diff --git a/src/ui/gen2/PartyMenu.lua b/src/ui/gen2/PartyMenu.lua
index d7180f27..025a9ff3 100644
--- a/src/ui/gen2/PartyMenu.lua
+++ b/src/ui/gen2/PartyMenu.lua
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@ function PartyMenu:finishSoftboiled()
   local before, after =
     FieldMoves.softboiledTransfer(user, target, self.softboiledCost or 0)
   if not before then
-    self:showItemResult(slot, { text = ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_MON })
+    self:showItemResult(slot, { text = Strings(ItemEffects.TEXT_CANT_USE_ON_MON) })
     return
   end
   self.softboiledFrom, self.softboiledCost = nil, nil