Rough Skin - Ability ID 24

In-Game Description

"Enemies lose 1/8 of max HP if they use a contact move."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Damages attackers using contact moves for 1/8 their max HP. This passive retaliation punishes physical attackers, turning defense into offense. Magic Guard blocks the damage. Works identically to Iron Barbs. Minimum 1 damage guaranteed. No miss chance. Stacks with Rocky Helmet for 1/6 total damage.

Character count: 299

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Rough Skin inflicts damage on any opponent that hits the ability holder with a contact move. The damage is calculated as 1/8 (12.5%) of the attacker's maximum HP, with a minimum of 1 HP damage.

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability RoughSkin = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK_NOT(IsMagicGuardProtected(attacker))
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))
        gBattleMoveDamage = gBattleMons[attacker].maxHP / 8;
        if (gBattleMoveDamage == 0) gBattleMoveDamage = 1;
        PREPARE_ABILITY_BUFFER(gBattleTextBuff1, ability);
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_IronBarbsActivates);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Activation Conditions

1. Contact requirement: Only triggers on moves flagged as making contact
2. On-hit effects must apply: Certain conditions can prevent activation
3. Defender must survive: No activation if knocked out by the attack

Protection and Immunities

• Magic Guard: Completely prevents Rough Skin damage
• Long Reach: Allows contact moves without triggering Rough Skin
• Protective Pads: Item that prevents contact ability effects

Related Abilities

• Iron Barbs: Identical functionality (.onDefender = RoughSkin.onDefender)
• Poison Quills: Combines Rough Skin damage with Poison Point's poison chance

Damage Calculation Examples

• 100 HP attacker: Takes 12 damage
• 300 HP attacker: Takes 37 damage
• 400 HP attacker: Takes 50 damage
• 7 HP attacker: Takes 1 damage (minimum)

Strategic Implications

• Anti-physical: Deters physical attackers and contact move users
• Chip damage: Accumulates significant damage over multiple hits
• Multi-hit punishment: Each hit of a multi-hit move triggers separately
• No accuracy check: Damage is guaranteed if conditions are met

Common Users

• Galarian Meowth (changeable ability option)
• Various shark and rough-skinned Pokémon
• Often found on defensive Pokémon as innate ability

Synergies

• Rocky Helmet: Stacks for 1/6 total damage (18.75%)
• Substitute: Sub takes hit but Rough Skin still activates
• Counter/Mirror Coat: Can use both for massive retaliation
• Defensive stats: High defense encourages more contact attempts

Counters

• Special attackers (no contact)
• Magic Guard ability
• Long Reach ability
• Protective Pads item
• Non-contact physical moves (Earthquake, Rock Slide)

Competitive Usage Notes

Rough Skin excels on bulky physical walls that can take multiple hits. The guaranteed damage adds up quickly, especially against Pokémon that rely on weaker multi-hit moves or U-turn for momentum. It's particularly effective in formats where physical attackers are common.

Version History

Rough Skin has maintained consistent mechanics since its introduction, always dealing 1/8 max HP damage to contact move users. The addition of items and abilities that interact with contact moves has created more counterplay options over time.