Suction Cups - Ability ID 21

In-Game Description

"Cannot be forced to switch out by an enemy's move."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Suction Cups anchors the Pokémon in place, preventing forced switching from enemy moves like Roar, Whirlwind, Dragon Tail, and Circle Throw. Does not prevent voluntary switching or self-switching moves. Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker. AI recognizes and avoids wasting forced switch moves.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Suction Cups is a simple but effective ability that prevents forced switching. Implementation in src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability SuctionCups = {
    .breakable = TRUE,
};

Key Features

1. Forced Switch Prevention:

   • Blocks moves that force the target to switch out
   • Prevention handled in battle system's switch checks
   • Similar mechanism to Guard Dog ability

2. Affected Moves:

   • Roar: Sound-based forced switch
   • Whirlwind: Wind-based forced switch
   • Dragon Tail: Damage + forced switch
   • Circle Throw: Damage + forced switch

3. NOT Affected:

   • Voluntary switches by the player/trainer
   • Self-switching moves (U-turn, Volt Switch, Flip Turn)
   • Parting Shot (user switches, not target)
   • Baton Pass, Teleport (self-switching)
   • Red Card item effect

AI Behavior

The AI is programmed to recognize Suction Cups and adjust strategy accordingly:

case EFFECT_ROAR:
    if (CountUsablePartyMons(battlerDef) == 0)
        score -= 10;
    else if (BattlerHasAbility(battlerDef, ABILITY_SUCTION_CUPS, TRUE))
        score -= 10;

• AI reduces score by 10 for using Roar-like moves against Suction Cups
• AI treats it similarly to having no available switch targets
• AI Rating: 2 (moderate defensive value)

Ability Properties

• breakable = TRUE: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker and similar abilities
• When suppressed, forced switches work normally
• No additional properties or effects

Strategic Implications

Defensive Value:

• Maintains field position against phazing teams
• Protects setup sweepers from being forced out
• Counters Roar/Whirlwind stall strategies
• Preserves stat boosts and field setup

Team Support:

• Enables safer setup strategies
• Protects hazard setters from phazing
• Maintains weather/terrain setters on field
• Counters defensive phazing cores

Limitations

• Only prevents forced switches, not damage
• Dragon Tail/Circle Throw still deal damage
• Mold Breaker bypasses protection
• No offensive benefits

Pokémon with Suction Cups

Typically found on Pokémon with suction cup-like appendages or those that anchor themselves in place. Often appears on defensive Water-types and setup sweepers.

Competitive Usage Notes

Setup Sweepers:

• Protects Swords Dance/Nasty Plot boosts
• Maintains Substitute against phazing
• Enables multiple setup turns

Defensive Roles:

• Hazard setters stay on field
• Walls resist phazing strategies
• Weather setters maintain presence

Counters

• Mold Breaker abilities bypass Suction Cups
• Gastro Acid and ability suppression
• Direct offensive pressure
• Status conditions and Taunt
• Perish Song (different switch mechanic)

Synergies

• Setup moves benefit from switch protection
• Substitute users maintain their sub
• Baton Pass chains stay intact
• Hazard stacking teams

Interactions

1. With Mold Breaker:

   • Teravolt, Turboblaze also bypass
   • Forced switches work normally

2. With Ingrain:

   • Stack for double switch prevention
   • Ingrain adds HP recovery

3. In Doubles:

   • Protects from both opponents' phazing
   • Maintains Trick Room/Tailwind setter

Version History

Suction Cups has maintained consistent functionality:

• Prevents forced switching from opponent's moves
• Can be bypassed by Mold Breaker
• Does not affect self-switching or voluntary switches

Elite Redux maintains the standard implementation while ensuring AI recognition for strategic play.