Intimidate - Ability ID 22

In-Game Description

"Lowers foes' Atk by one stage on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Intimidate lowers opposing Pokémon's Attack by one stage upon switch-in. Affects all foes in doubles/triples. Works every time user enters battle, making it great for pivoting. Blocked by Clear Body, Hyper Cutter, Guard Dog (which gains Attack instead), Inner Focus, Own Tempo, Scrappy, Oblivious.

Character count: 297

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

INTIMIDATE is an entry-based stat-lowering ability that reduces opponents' Attack stats upon switching in.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Immediately upon entering battle (onEntry hook)
• Effect: Lowers Attack by 1 stage (-1 stage = 2/3 original Attack)
• Targets: All opposing Pokémon in battle
• Repeated Use: Activates every time the user switches in, even multiple times per battle
• Battle Script: Uses BattleScript_IntimidateActivatedNew for animation and messaging

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability Intimidate = {
    .onEntry = UseIntimidateClone,
};

// From gIntimidateCloneData array:
{
    .ability = ABILITY_INTIMIDATE,
    .numStatsLowered = 1,
    .statsLowered = {STAT_ATK, 0, 0},
    .targetBoth = TRUE,
    .statChange = 1,  // 1 stage reduction
}

Targeting Rules:

• Singles: Affects the single opposing Pokémon
• Doubles: Affects both opposing Pokémon simultaneously
• Multiple Opponents: Each opponent is affected independently
• Ally Immunity: Never affects the user's partner in doubles

Immunity and Interactions:

Complete Immunity (No Effect):

• Clear Body: "Prevents stat reduction!"
• Full Metal Body: Mega/Primal version of Clear Body
• Hyper Cutter: Specifically protects Attack and Special Attack
• Oblivious: Immune to "infatuation, Scare, Intimidate and Taunt"
• Own Tempo: Immune to "confusion, Intimidate and Scare"
• Inner Focus: Blocks "flinch, Intimidate, Scare"
• Scrappy: Immune to "Intimidate/Scare"

Special Interactions:

• Guard Dog: Reverses effect, gains +1 Attack instead of losing it
• Contrary: Would reverse the stat change (loses Attack = gains Attack)
• Defiant: Triggers +2 Attack when Intimidated
• Competitive: No interaction (only triggered by Special Attack drops)

Entry Priority:

• Intimidate activates during switch-in processing
• Multiple Intimidate users activate in speed order
• Other entry abilities (weather, hazards) may activate before or after depending on implementation

Competitive Applications:

Offensive Support:

• Weakens physical attackers before they can attack
• Enables safe switches for frail teammates
• Pivoting strategy with U-turn/Volt Switch + Intimidate

Defensive Utility:

• Reduces damage from incoming physical attacks
• Stacks with other defensive abilities (Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin)
• Particularly effective against mono-physical threats

Team Synergy:

• Pairs well with U-turn/Volt Switch for repeated activation
• Supports setup sweepers by neutering physical threats
• Valuable on pivot Pokémon and lead Pokémon

Strategic Considerations:

• Limited to Physical: No effect on special attackers
• One-Time Per Switch: Effect doesn't stack with multiple Intimidate users
• Immunity Prevalence: Many competitive Pokémon have Intimidate immunity
• Substitutes: Intimidate cannot affect Pokémon behind substitutes

Version Notes:

• Elite Redux: Functions identically to standard Pokémon games
• Activation message: "{Pokémon}'s Intimidate cuts {target}'s attack!"
• Animation: Standard stat-down animation with intimidating visual effect