Oblivious - Ability ID 12

In-Game Description

"Immune to infatuation, Scare, Intimidate and Taunt."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

This Pokémon is immune to infatuation and move-restricting effects like Taunt, Disable, Encore, and Torment. Maintains focus in battle, ignoring attempts to limit its move choices. Setup sweepers can boost freely without Taunt fear, and walls can use recovery moves unimpeded by disruption.

Character count: 290

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Oblivious provides immunity to multiple mental/restriction effects:

1. Infatuation Immunity

   • Cannot be infatuated by any means
   • Includes Attract, Cute Charm, etc.
   • Removes existing infatuation when gained

2. Restriction Immunity (CHECK_RESTRICTING)

   • Taunt: Cannot be taunted
   • Disable: Cannot have moves disabled
   • Encore: Cannot be locked into moves
   • Torment: Cannot be prevented from using same move

Technical Implementation

Code Structure (src/abilities.cc):

constexpr Ability Oblivious = {
    .onStatusImmune = +[](ABILITY_ON_STATUS_IMMUNE) -> int {
        CHECK(status & CHECK_INFATUATE)
        CHECK(status & CHECK_RESTRICTING)
        return TRUE;
    },
    .tauntImmune = TRUE,
    .breakable = TRUE,
    .removesStatusOnImmunity = TRUE,
};

Important Note

Despite the description mentioning "Intimidate immunity," the actual implementation does NOT provide immunity to Intimidate's Attack reduction. This is a description error.

What CHECK_RESTRICTING Includes

From battle code analysis:

• Active Taunt timer
• Active Disable timer
• Active Encore timer
• Torment status effect

Key Properties

• Breakable: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker
• Status Removal: Clears restrictions when gained
• Ability Popup: Shows when effects are blocked

Strategic Implications

1. Setup Sweeper Protection

   • Can't be Taunted out of setup moves
   • Can't be Encored into setup moves
   • Maintains move flexibility

2. Stall Breaking

   • Ignores Taunt on recovery moves
   • Can't be Disabled out of key moves
   • Full moveset always available

3. Attract Immunity

   • Gender-based strategies fail
   • Cute Charm contact safe

Battle Scenarios

vs Taunt Lead:

• Opponent uses Taunt → Fails
• Can still use Stealth Rock, Recover, etc.

vs Encore Trap:

• Uses Protect → Opponent uses Encore → Fails
• Not locked into Protect

vs Disable:

• Uses Hydro Pump → Opponent uses Disable → Fails
• Can continue using Hydro Pump

Common Oblivious Users

• Slowbro/Slowking: Defensive walls
• Swinub line: Physical attackers
• Wailord: Special tank
• Barboach/Whiscash: Ground/Water types
• Various Pokémon as ability option

Competitive Usage Notes

• B-tier utility ability
• Excellent on defensive Pokémon
• Valuable for setup sweepers
• Counters common disruption strategies
• AI rates it relatively low (2/10)

What It Doesn't Block

• Intimidate: Attack drops still occur
• Scare moves: If they exist separately
• Imprison: Move locking via shared moves
• Heal Block: Recovery prevention
• Embargo: Item prevention

Counters

• Mold Breaker: Bypasses Oblivious
• Direct damage: No defensive benefits
• Status conditions: Burn, paralysis work normally
• Stat reduction: Intimidate, Screech work
• Gastro Acid: Removes the ability

Synergies

• Setup moves: Dragon Dance, Calm Mind safe from Taunt
• Recovery moves: Rest, Recover can't be Taunted
• Choice items: Less punishable with Encore immunity
• Substitute: Can't be Encored into it
• Baton Pass: Pass boosts without Taunt fear

Similar Abilities

• Aroma Veil: Team-wide mental immunity
• Inner Focus: Flinch immunity
• Own Tempo: Confusion immunity
• Various abilities providing specific immunities

Practical Applications

Lead Pokémon: Set hazards despite Taunt Defensive Walls: Use recovery freely Setup Sweepers: Boost without disruption Choice Users: Switch moves despite Encore

Version History

• Gen IV: Introduced with Infatuation immunity
• Gen VI+: Added Taunt immunity
• Elite Redux: Expanded to full restriction immunity