Shadow Tag - Ability ID 23

In-Game Description

"Prevents the enemy from escaping. Ghost types are immune."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Shadow Tag traps opposing Pokémon, preventing them from switching out through normal means. Ghost-type Pokémon are completely immune to this trapping effect. Other Shadow Tag users can also switch freely. While trapped, opponents must KO the Shadow Tag user or use special switch moves to escape.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Shadow Tag is a powerful trapping ability that prevents opponents from switching. Implementation in src/abilities.cc:

constexpr Ability ShadowTag = {
    .onTrap = +[](ABILITY_ON_TRAP) -> int {
        ON_ABILITY(switchingBattler, FALSE, gAbilities[ability].shadowTag, return FALSE)
        return TRUE;
    },
    .shadowTag = TRUE,
};

Key Features

1. Trapping Mechanism:

   • Uses onTrap callback triggered when opponent attempts to switch
   • Returns TRUE to prevent the switch
   • Active as long as Shadow Tag user remains on field

2. Immunity Conditions:

   • Ghost-types: Complete immunity to Shadow Tag's trapping
   • Other Shadow Tag users: Can switch freely (checked via .shadowTag flag)
   • The ON_ABILITY macro checks for these immunities

3. AI Recognition:

   • AI Rating: 10 (maximum value, indicating extreme power)
   • AI heavily values this ability for its trapping potential

Escape Methods

Trapped Pokémon can only escape via:

• KOing the Shadow Tag user
• Switching moves: U-turn, Volt Switch, Flip Turn, Parting Shot
• Baton Pass: Passes stats and switches
• Teleport: Switches out with negative priority
• Emergency Exit/Wimp Out: Ability-triggered switches
• Eject Button/Eject Pack: Item-triggered switches

Related Abilities

1. Frenzied Phantom (ABILITY_FRENZIED_PHANTOM):

   • Combination ability with Parental Bond + Shadow Tag
   • Provides both multi-hit and trapping effects

2. Similar Trapping Abilities:

   • Arena Trap: Traps only grounded Pokémon
   • Magnet Pull: Traps only Steel-types
   • Shadow Tag is the most universal trapper

Strategic Implications

Offensive Trapping:

• Eliminates specific threats by trapping them
• Enables guaranteed KOs on trapped targets
• Pursuit becomes unnecessary with guaranteed trapping

Support Trapping:

• Perish Song + Shadow Tag combo
• Setup opportunities against trapped walls
• Encore lock into unfavorable moves

Team Preview Impact:

• Opponents must consider Shadow Tag in team selection
• Forces Ghost-type or escape move inclusion
• Creates team building restrictions

Pokémon with Shadow Tag

In Elite Redux, Shadow Tag appears on:

• Traditional users (Wobbuffet, Wynaut)
• Elite Redux custom forms and Pokémon
• Both as changeable abilities and innate abilities

Competitive Usage Notes

Advantages:

• Removes opponent's switching advantage
• Guarantees favorable matchups
• Eliminates revenge killers
• Controls battle flow

Limitations:

• Ghost-types completely immune
• No effect on other Shadow Tag users
• Requires good prediction
• Vulnerable to U-turn momentum

Counters

• Ghost-types: Complete immunity
• Shed Shell: Item that allows switching
• Switch moves: U-turn, Volt Switch, etc.
• Shadow Tag: Mirror matches allow switching
• Knock Off: Remove trapping by KOing

Synergies

• Perish Song: Guaranteed KO in 3 turns
• Pursuit: Not needed but still effective
• Setup moves: Trap walls and set up
• Encore: Lock into resisted moves
• Destiny Bond: Force lose-lose scenarios

Doubles/VGC Implications

• Can trap both opponents simultaneously
• Enables partner setup or free attacks
• Countered by Ghost-type leads
• Protect stalling becomes more viable

Technical Details

• The .shadowTag = TRUE flag identifies Shadow Tag-type abilities
• Immunity check prevents Shadow Tag users from trapping each other
• Ghost-type immunity is built into the trapping check

Version History

Shadow Tag has been consistently powerful but received nerfs over generations:

• Gen 3-5: Trapped everything including Ghost-types
• Gen 6+: Ghost-types became immune
• Elite Redux: Maintains Gen 6+ mechanics with Ghost immunity

The ability remains one of the most powerful in the game due to its ability to control switching, a fundamental battle mechanic.