Defeatist

Overview

Defeatist is a detrimental ability that significantly reduces a Pokémon's offensive capabilities when its HP drops below one-third of its maximum. This ability halves both Attack and Special Attack stats, making it one of the most severe drawback abilities in the game.

Mechanics

Activation Threshold

• Activates when HP ≤ 33.33% (1/3) of maximum HP
• The exact threshold is calculated as hp <= maxHP / 3
• Deactivates immediately when healed above the threshold

Stat Reduction

• Attack stat is halved (divided by 2)
• Special Attack stat is halved (divided by 2)
• Other stats remain unaffected
• The reduction applies to the final calculated stat value

Implementation Details

From abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability Defeatist = {
    .onStat =
        +[](ON_STAT) {
            if (statId != STAT_ATK && statId != STAT_SPATK) return;
            if (gBattleMons[battler].hp <= gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 3) *stat /= 2;
        },
};

Pokémon with Defeatist

Archen (Innate)

• Stats: 55 HP / 112 Atk / 45 Def / 74 SpA / 45 SpD / 70 Spe
• Types: Rock/Flying
• Other Abilities:
  • Changeable: Opportunist, Rock Head, Unburden
  • Innate: Defeatist, Grounded, Fossilized

Archeops (Innate)

• Stats: 75 HP / 140 Atk / 65 Def / 112 SpA / 65 SpD / 110 Spe
• Types: Rock/Flying
• Other Abilities:
  • Changeable: Opportunist, Predator, Reckless
  • Innate: Defeatist, Fossilized, Rock Head

Strategic Implications

Drawbacks

1. Severe Power Loss: Both physical and special attacks become significantly weaker
2. HP Management Pressure: Must maintain HP above 33% to remain effective
3. Vulnerability: Becomes an easy target when weakened
4. Mixed Attacker Penalty: Affects both attack stats, limiting offensive options

Counterplay Strategies

1. Priority Moves: Use priority attacks before falling below threshold
2. Healing Items: Sitrus Berry, recovery moves to stay above 33%
3. Hit-and-Run: U-turn/Volt Switch to preserve HP
4. Substitute: Prevent HP from dropping below threshold
5. Focus Sash: Ensure at least one strong hit

Team Support

1. Wish Support: Pass Wishes to heal above threshold
2. Healing Wish: Full restoration when needed
3. Screens: Reduce damage to maintain HP
4. Hazard Control: Prevent chip damage
5. Speed Control: Tailwind support for Archeops

Competitive Analysis

Viability Issues

• Defeatist severely limits the viability of affected Pokémon
• Archeops has excellent 140 Attack and 110 Speed, but Defeatist makes it unreliable
• The ability essentially creates a timer on the Pokémon's effectiveness

Niche Uses

1. Lead Role: Maximum impact early before taking damage
2. Choice Scarf: Outspeed and KO before taking hits
3. Endeavor Sets: Turn low HP into an advantage
4. Acrobatics: No item for maximum Flying STAB power

Item Considerations

• Sitrus Berry: Automatic healing at 50% HP
• Focus Sash: Guarantee survival from full HP
• Choice Items: Maximize damage output while healthy
• White Herb: Restore stats if affected by drops

Ability Interactions

Ability Suppression

• Neutralizing Gas removes Defeatist's effect
• Skill Swap can transfer this burden to opponents
• Worry Seed/Simple Beam won't work (innate ability)

Stat Modifications

• Defeatist's reduction stacks with other stat changes
• Swords Dance at low HP: +2 stages but still halved
• The halving occurs after all other modifications

Historical Context

Defeatist represents Game Freak's attempt to balance potentially overpowered fossil Pokémon. Archeops's 140 Attack and 110 Speed would make it a top-tier threat without this limitation. The ability creates a high-risk, high-reward dynamic that defines these Pokémon's playstyle.

Extended In-Game Description

Character count: 299

Defeatist severely weakens offensive power when HP drops below 33%, halving both Attack and Special Attack stats. This dramatic reduction makes the Pokémon significantly less threatening at low health. The ability activates immediately when HP falls below the threshold and deactivates upon healing above it. A major drawback that requires careful HP management.