Sand Force - Ability ID 159

In-Game Description

"Ups highest attacking stat by 1.5x in sand."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Sand Force boosts the Pokémon's highest attacking stat (Attack or Special Attack, whichever is higher) by 50% during sandstorm weather. Works with all forms of sandstorm including temporary and permanent sandstorm. Also grants immunity to sandstorm damage. Perfect for mixed attackers.

Character count: 288

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Sand Force is a weather-dependent ability that provides both offensive power and defensive protection in sandstorm conditions.

Core Mechanics

• Stat Boost: Multiplies the Pokémon's highest attacking stat by 1.5x (50% increase)
• Stat Selection: Uses GetHighestAttackingStatId() to determine whether Attack or Special Attack is higher
• Weather Dependency: Only activates during sandstorm weather conditions
• Sandstorm Immunity: The Pokémon takes no damage from sandstorm weather

Activation Conditions

if (statId != GetHighestAttackingStatId(battler, TRUE)) return;
if (IsBattlerWeatherAffected(battler, WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY)) *stat *= 1.5;

The ability triggers when:

1. The stat being calculated is the Pokémon's highest attacking stat
2. Sandstorm weather is active (WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY)
3. The Pokémon is affected by weather (not holding items like Safety Goggles)

Technical Implementation

• Function: SandForce.onStat callback
• Weather Check: WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY includes both temporary and permanent sandstorm
• Stat Calculation: Applies during stat calculation phase, before other modifiers
• Immunity Flag: sandImmune = TRUE prevents sandstorm damage

Sandstorm Weather Types

Sand Force works with all sandstorm variants:

• Temporary Sandstorm: From moves like Sandstorm (5 turns)
• Permanent Sandstorm: From abilities like Sand Stream
• All Sandstorm Effects: Any weather condition flagged as WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY

Stat Selection Logic

The ability uses GetHighestAttackingStatId() which:

• Compares Attack and Special Attack base stats
• Includes stat stage modifications if specified
• Returns STAT_ATK or STAT_SPATK depending on which is higher
• Considers current battle conditions and stat changes

Damage Calculations

Without Sand Force: Standard damage calculation With Sand Force: Attacking stat × 1.5 before damage formula

Example with 252 Attack EV Landorus-T:

• Base Attack: 145
• With EVs/Nature: ~350 Attack
• Sand Force boost: 350 × 1.5 = 525 effective Attack
• Net damage increase: ~50% more physical damage

Strategic Applications

1. Mixed Attackers: Automatically boosts the higher attacking stat
2. Weather Teams: Core member of sandstorm-based teams
3. Wallbreaking: Significant power boost for breaking defensive cores
4. Defensive Utility: Sandstorm immunity allows safe switching

Notable Users

Sand Force appears on various Pokémon in Elite Redux:

• Sandslash: Physical attacker with solid bulk
• Dugtrio: Speed and trapping with power boost
• Golem: Tank that benefits from mixed attacking potential
• Landorus: Legendary with incredible offensive presence
• Garchomp: Dragon/Ground type with versatile movepool

Interactions with Other Abilities

• Sand Stream: Perfect partner ability for automatic sandstorm
• Sand Bender: Combines Sand Stream + Sand Force effects
• Sand Rush: Speed boost companion for comprehensive sand support
• Weather Control: Allows switching between weather conditions

Competitive Usage

Strengths:

• Substantial 50% damage increase in preferred weather
• Automatically selects optimal attacking stat
• Sandstorm immunity provides longevity
• Works well with sand-setting teammates

Weaknesses:

• Completely weather-dependent
• Vulnerable to weather changing moves/abilities
• No benefit outside of sandstorm
• Competing weather conditions shut it down

Counters and Checks

1. Weather Control: Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Hail override sandstorm
2. Weather Abilities: Drizzle, Drought, Snow Warning change conditions
3. Air Lock/Cloud Nine: Suppress all weather effects
4. Safety Goggles: Prevents weather damage but doesn't affect Sand Force boost

Team Synergies

Sand Core Partners:

• Sand Stream setters (Tyranitar, Hippowdon)
• Sand Rush sweepers for speed control
• Rock/Steel/Ground types for weather immunity
• Excadrill for Rapid Spin support

Move Synergies:

• Earthquake: STAB Ground move benefits from Attack boost
• Stone Edge: Rock moves get power boost if Attack is higher
• Stealth Rock: Hazard setting while benefiting from power
• U-turn: Pivoting move that can hit hard with boosted Attack

Version History

Sand Force maintains consistent mechanics across Elite Redux versions, providing reliable sandstorm-based offense for dedicated weather teams.