Stakeout - Ability ID 198

In-Game Description

"Deals double damage to opponents being switched in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Stakeout doubles damage dealt to Pokemon that just switched in this turn. The ability triggers when the target has isFirstTurn set to 2, indicating a fresh switch-in. Works on all offensive moves and provides significant wallbreaker potential against switching opponents in battle.

Character count: 281

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Stakeout doubles the damage of all moves used against a Pokemon that just switched into battle. The ability uses the isFirstTurn volatile battle state to determine when a Pokemon has switched in.

Activation Conditions

• Target must have gVolatileStructs[target].isFirstTurn == 2
• This value is set to 2 when a Pokemon switches in or is sent out initially
• The value decrements by 1 each turn, becoming 1 after the first turn, then 0
• Only triggers on the exact turn the Pokemon switches in (isFirstTurn == 2)

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Stakeout = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (gVolatileStructs[target].isFirstTurn == 2) MUL(2.0);
        },
};

Numerical Values

• Damage Multiplier: 2.0x (doubles damage)
• Duration: Only the turn the target switches in
• Move Coverage: All offensive moves that deal damage

Affected Moves

• All damaging moves (physical, special, and status moves that deal damage)
• Multi-hit moves (each hit gets the multiplier)
• Fixed damage moves like Seismic Toss
• Does NOT affect status moves that don't deal damage

Interactions with Other Abilities/Mechanics

• Overwatch: Hybrid ability that combines On the Prowl (entry hazard detection) with Stakeout's damage multiplier
• Payback: Has different switch-in detection logic (isFirstTurn != 2 check) - Stakeout and Payback have opposite conditions
• Speed Boost: Specifically excludes the first turn after switching (isFirstTurn != 2 check)
• Fort Knox: Cannot be bypassed - Stakeout is not listed as an exception to Fort Knox's ability blocking

Strategic Implications

• Wallbreaker Role: Exceptional at punishing defensive switches and pivoting
• Momentum Control: Discourages opponent switching, maintaining offensive pressure
• Prediction Reward: Rewards accurate prediction of opponent switches
• Late Game Power: Particularly strong in endgame scenarios with limited switch options

Example Damage Calculations

Assuming a base 100 power move with standard conditions:

• Normal damage: 100 base power
• With Stakeout: 200 base power (2.0x multiplier)
• Combined with STAB: 300 base power (2.0x Stakeout × 1.5x STAB)

Common Users in Elite Redux

• Gumshoos line: Yungoos and Gumshoos have Stakeout as a changeable ability
• Golett line: Golett and Golurk have Stakeout as an innate ability
• Sableye line: Sableye and Mega Sableye have Stakeout as a changeable ability
• Pawniard line: Pawniard and Bisharp have Stakeout as a changeable ability
• Various others: Including Lycanroc-Dusk, Crobat line, and several custom Elite Redux Pokemon

Competitive Usage Notes

• Entry Hazard Synergy: Combines well with Stealth Rock and Spikes to limit switching
• Choice Item Synergy: Choice Band/Specs users become extremely threatening to switch-ins
• U-turn/Volt Switch Counter: Punishes common pivoting moves severely
• Doubles/VGC: Less effective due to targeting restrictions and protect usage

Counters

• Protect/Detect: Opponent can use protection moves to waste the Stakeout turn
• Fast Revenge Killers: Speed control can prevent Stakeout users from capitalizing
• Substitute: Can block the doubled damage if set up beforehand
• Fort Knox: Completely negates Stakeout (and most other offensive abilities)
• Priority Moves: Can KO Stakeout users before they act

Synergies

• Choice Items: Massive damage output against switch-ins
• Life Orb: Stacks with the 2x multiplier for extreme power
• Entry Hazards: Limits switching options, forcing opponents into Stakeout range
• Slow Pivots: U-turn/Volt Switch users can bring in Stakeout users safely
• Pursuit: (If available) Traps Pokemon trying to avoid the doubled damage

Version History

• Introduced in Generation 7 (Sun/Moon) as Gumshoos's signature ability
• In Elite Redux: Expanded to multiple Pokemon as both changeable and innate abilities
• Maintained original 2x damage multiplier and switch-in detection mechanics
• Added to hybrid abilities like Overwatch for increased utility