Gooey (Ability ID: 183)

Short Description

Lowers Speed of enemies that make contact with this Pokémon.

Extended In-Game Description

When hit by a contact move, the attacker is ensnared by the user's sticky goo, reducing their Speed by one stage. This unique ability turns physical attacks into a strategic disadvantage for foes, allowing Gooey Pokemon to slow down threats and control the battle's pace, embodying their slimy nature.

Mechanical Analysis

Activation Conditions

• Triggered when the Pokémon with Gooey is hit by a contact move
• Only activates if the attacking Pokémon's Speed can be lowered (not at -6)
• Checks for immunity effects like Mirror Armor before applying

Effects

• Reduces the attacker's Speed stat by 1 stage (-1)
• Bypasses Safeguard protection when applying the Speed reduction
• Does not affect the damage calculation of the triggering move

Implementation Details

// From abilities.cc
constexpr Ability Gooey = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK(StatLowerableOrMirrorArmor(attacker, STAT_SPEED))
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))

        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_GooeyActivates);
        gHitMarker |= HITMARKER_IGNORE_SAFEGUARD;
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Script Mechanics

• Uses BattleScript_GooeyActivates to handle the Speed reduction
• Swaps attacker/target context for proper stat lowering application
• Sets MOVE_EFFECT_SPD_MINUS_1 as the secondary effect

Strategic Applications

Defensive Utility

• Physical Wall Support: Punishes contact-based physical attackers by reducing their Speed
• Speed Control: Gradually slows down threatening physical sweepers
• Momentum Shift: Can turn aggressive physical attacks into disadvantageous trades

Competitive Considerations

• Contact Move Deterrent: Makes opponents think twice about using physical contact moves
• Setup Disruption: Interferes with physical setup sweepers' Speed control
• Team Support: Provides passive Speed control for slower teammates

Counters and Limitations

• Non-Contact Moves: Physical moves like Earthquake, Rock Slide, etc. don't trigger Gooey
• Special Attackers: Completely bypassed by special moves
• Stat Immunity: Mirror Armor, Clear Body, and similar abilities prevent the Speed drop
• Substitute: Attacking through Substitute doesn't trigger contact abilities

Thematic Design

Pokémon Association

Gooey is commonly found on:

• Goodra Line: The classic gooey dragon Pokémon
• Sticky/Slimy Types: Various Pokémon with viscous or adhesive properties
• Defensive Builds: Often paired with other defensive abilities as innates

Flavor Connection

The ability perfectly captures the concept of sticky substances that trap and slow down anything that touches them, translating the real-world physics of viscous materials into a battle mechanic.

Synergies and Combinations

Ability Combinations

• With Regenerator: Creates a defensive wall that heals and slows attackers
• With Sticky Hold: Thematic pairing for maximum stickiness
• With Liquid Ooze: Punishes both contact and draining moves

Move Synergies

• Infestation/Wrap: Combines with trapping moves for enhanced control
• Thunder Wave: Stacks with paralysis for maximum Speed control
• Toxic Spikes: Sets up while slowing physical threats

Team Role

• Defensive Pivot: Switches into physical attackers and slows them down
• Speed Control Support: Provides passive Speed manipulation for team setup
• Physical Check: Helps check fast physical sweepers through Speed reduction