Prankster - Ability ID 158

In-Game Description

"Status moves have +1 priority but fail on opposing Dark-types."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

Status moves gain +1 priority, going first in their priority bracket. This includes moves like Thunder Wave, Spore, Taunt, and stat boosters. However, status moves completely fail when targeting opposing Dark-type Pokémon. Works on multi-target moves but affected opponents are protected.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Prankster grants +1 priority to all status moves (moves with SPLIT_STATUS), making them execute earlier in the turn order. The priority boost applies during move selection and affects the speed calculation bracket.

Priority System:

• Normal status moves: Priority 0
• Prankster status moves: Priority +1
• Still slower than moves with naturally higher priority (Quick Attack +1, Extreme Speed +2)

Implementation Details

Priority Boost Logic:

constexpr Ability Prankster = {
    .onPriority = +[](ON_PRIORITY) -> int {
        CHECK(IS_MOVE_STATUS(move))
        return 1;
    },
};

Dark-Type Immunity Logic:

bool32 BlocksPrankster(MoveEnum move, u8 battlerPrankster, u8 battlerDef, bool32 checkTarget) {
    // Only blocks status moves from Prankster users
    if (!IS_MOVE_STATUS(move)) return FALSE;
    if (!BattlerHasAbility(battlerPrankster, ABILITY_PRANKSTER, FALSE)) return FALSE;
    
    // Only blocks opposing team
    if (GetBattlerSide(battlerPrankster) == GetBattlerSide(battlerDef)) return FALSE;
    
    // Target must be Dark-type and not semi-invulnerable
    if (!IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(battlerDef, TYPE_DARK)) return FALSE;
    if (gStatuses3[battlerDef] & STATUS3_SEMI_INVULNERABLE) return FALSE;
    
    return TRUE;
}

Affected Moves (Status Moves Only)

Stat Boosters: Swords Dance, Nasty Plot, Calm Mind, Dragon Dance, Quiver Dance, Shell Smash Debuffs: Thunder Wave, Spore, Sleep Powder, Taunt, Toxic, Will-O-Wisp, Glare Field Effects: Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Light Screen, Reflect Utility: Substitute, Recovery moves, Roost, Recover Multi-target: Spore (hits all), Perish Song, Aromatherapy

Dark-Type Interaction

• Complete Immunity: Dark-types are completely immune to Prankster-boosted status moves
• Applies to opposing team only: Can still use status moves on Dark-type allies
• Multi-target protection: In moves like Perish Song, Dark-types are unaffected while others take effect
• Magic Coat interaction: If a Dark-type uses Magic Coat to reflect a Prankster status move, the reflected move fails against the original Dark-type user

Strategic Applications

Offensive Sets:

• Thunder Wave → setup sweeper activation
• Taunt → shuts down opposing setup/recovery
• Toxic → pressure stall tactics
• Will-O-Wisp → physical attacker neutering

Support Sets:

• Priority recovery with Roost
• Priority hazards (Stealth Rock, Spikes)
• Priority screens (Light Screen, Reflect)
• Priority Substitute for protection

Speed Control:

• Bypasses Trick Room reversal
• Outspeeds Choice Scarf users with status moves
• Guarantees first-turn setup disruption

Competitive Usage

Tier Placement: Excellent utility ability, common in OU and competitive formats Common Users: Sableye, Klefki, Thundurus, Tornadus, Whimsicott, Meowstic Team Roles: Utility support, lead disruptor, stall support, hazard setter

Synergistic Strategies:

• Focus Sash + Prankster: Guaranteed priority status move even when frail
• Prankster + Lagging Tail: Ensures status moves go first, attacking moves go last
• Prankster + Mental Herb: Protection from Taunt while setting up

Counters and Limitations

Direct Counters:

• Dark-types: Complete immunity to all Prankster status moves
• Magic Bounce: Reflects status moves back to user
• Taunt: Prevents status move usage (though Prankster Taunt can outspeed)

Ability Counters:

• Psychic Terrain: Blocks priority moves that target grounded Pokémon
• Queenly Majesty/Dazzling: Blocks all priority moves
• Magic Bounce: Redirects status moves

Item Counters:

• Mental Herb: One-time protection from status conditions
• Lum Berry: Cures status conditions immediately
• Safety Goggles: Blocks powder moves like Spore

Version History and Notable Changes

• Generation V Introduction: Original implementation with Dark-type immunity
• Generation VI: Expanded to include more status moves
• Elite Redux: Enhanced priority system integration, improved multi-target handling

Example Calculations

Priority Brackets (fastest to slowest):

1. Priority +2: Extreme Speed
2. Priority +1: Quick Attack, Prankster status moves
3. Priority 0: Normal moves, non-Prankster status moves
4. Priority -1: Vital Throw

Speed Ties:

• Two Prankster users with same speed: Determined by normal speed tie rules
• Prankster status vs naturally +1 priority: Both at +1, speed determines order
• Prankster in Trick Room: Status moves still get +1 priority despite speed reversal