Cheek Pouch - Ability ID 167

In-Game Description

"This ability has no effect."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Cheek Pouch restores 33% of the Pokemon's maximum HP immediately after consuming any Berry through normal means. This healing occurs in addition to the Berry's primary effect, making Berry-based strategies significantly more effective in battle.

Character count: 284

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Current Implementation Status

IMPLEMENTED BUT DISABLED - Cheek Pouch exists in the game code as an empty ability placeholder with no functionality.

Code Implementation:

constexpr Ability CheekPouch = {
    .randomizerBanned = TRUE,
};

The ability is fully registered in the ability system and can be assigned to Pokemon, but it has been intentionally disabled and provides no actual effects.

Official Pokemon Mechanics (What it SHOULD do)

In the official Pokemon games, Cheek Pouch:

• Restores 33% of maximum HP when consuming a Berry
• Triggers after the Berry's primary effect
• Works with stolen Berries (Bug Bite, Pluck)
• Blocked by Heal Block status condition
• Does not activate at full HP

Technical Implementation Details

• File Location: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc
• Ability ID: 167 (ABILITY_CHEEK_POUCH)
• Current Status: Placeholder implementation only
• Randomizer: Banned from random assignment (randomizerBanned = TRUE)

Why It's Disabled

The ability appears to be intentionally disabled, possibly due to:

1. Balance concerns with Berry-based strategies
2. Implementation complexity with berry consumption timing
3. Design decisions to avoid certain playstyles

Pokemon Distribution

Currently no Pokemon in Elite Redux have this ability assigned, which aligns with its disabled status.

Activation Conditions (If Implemented)

Would trigger when:

• Pokemon consumes a held Berry (Sitrus, Oran, type-resist berries, etc.)
• Berry is consumed via Bug Bite or Pluck moves
• HP is not already at maximum
• Not blocked by Heal Block status

Would NOT trigger when:

• Using Berry via Fling move
• Using Berry via Natural Gift move
• Consuming Berry directly from Bag outside battle

Strategic Implications (If Active)

• Defensive utility: Extends survivability with Berry-based healing
• Berry synergy: Makes consumption Berries significantly more valuable
• Heal Block counter: Provides alternative healing that bypasses typical restrictions
• Setup potential: Allows for more aggressive plays knowing healing is available

Counters and Interactions

• Heal Block: Would prevent the healing portion
• Magic Guard: Would still allow healing (not damage-based)
• Ripen: Could potentially stack for enhanced Berry effects + healing
• Harvest: Natural synergy for repeated Berry consumption

Notes

This ability represents an interesting case where the developers have chosen to implement but disable an ability, rather than leaving it completely unimplemented. This suggests it may be enabled in future updates if balance concerns are addressed.