Gorilla Tactics - Ability ID 255

In-Game Description

"Boosts physical moves but restricts choice like Choice Band."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Gorilla Tactics boosts physical move power by 50% but locks the Pokémon into using the first move selected, preventing other moves until switching out. Similar to Choice Band but as an ability. Forces strategic commitment to one physical attack per battle appearance, rewarding decisive play.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

GORILLA TACTICS is a powerful offensive ability that provides significant physical damage output at the cost of move flexibility.

Core Mechanics:

• Power Boost: Multiplies physical move damage by 1.5x (50% increase)
• Move Lock: After using the first move, restricts the Pokémon to only that move
• Activation Timing: Applied during damage calculation via onOffensiveMultiplier hook
• Physical Moves Only: Only affects moves where IS_MOVE_PHYSICAL(move) returns true

Choice-Like Behavior:

• Move Restriction: Functions identically to Choice Band's move-locking mechanism
• Shared Code Path: Groups with Sage Power and Discipline abilities in battle logic
• Battle Script: Uses BattleScript_SelectingNotAllowedMoveGorillaTactics when attempting different moves
• Reset Condition: Choice lock resets only when the Pokémon switches out

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability GorillaTactics = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (IS_MOVE_PHYSICAL(move)) MUL(1.5);
        },
};

Calculation Order:

1. Base move power (from move data)
2. STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus, if applicable)
3. Gorilla Tactics multiplier (×1.5 for physical moves)
4. Item effects (Life Orb, Expert Belt, etc.)
5. Other ability effects (Technician, Sheer Force, etc.)
6. Critical hit multiplier (if applicable)

Key Interactions:

• vs Choice Band: Both effects stack multiplicatively (1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25x total)
• vs Life Orb: Stacks multiplicatively for 1.5 × 1.3 = 1.95x damage
• vs Technician: Stacks with Technician's 1.5x boost for weak moves
• vs Special Moves: No effect on special attacks (Thunder Punch, Focus Blast, etc.)
• vs Status Moves: No effect on non-damaging moves

Strategic Applications:

1. Physical Sweeper Setup: Ideal for Pokémon with high Attack and diverse physical movepool
2. Choice Item Synergy: Can stack with Choice Band for massive damage output
3. Priority Move Abuse: Makes priority moves hit with significant power
4. Wallbreaking: Enables moderately powerful moves to break through defensive Pokémon

Pokémon Distribution in Elite Redux:

• Primary Users: Primeape (paired with Choice Scarf in trainer teams)
• Common on: Physical attackers that benefit from immediate power over flexibility
• Team Role: Mid-game wallbreaker, late-game cleaner with proper support

Competitive Analysis:

• Power Level: Very high - substantial damage increase with significant restriction
• Risk vs Reward: High damage output balanced by loss of move flexibility
• Switching Importance: Requires good team support to manage move locks effectively
• Prediction Reliance: Success depends heavily on correct move predictions

Ability Relationships:

• Sage Power (ID 352): Shares identical choice-locking logic in battle code
• Discipline (ID 387): Also grouped in the same choice restriction system
• Choice Band: Provides same power boost and restriction but as held item

Common Misconceptions:

• NOT a stat boost: Multiplies damage, doesn't increase Attack stat itself
• Only physical moves: Special moves receive no benefit whatsoever
• Cannot be Skill Swapped: Choice-locking state tied to individual Pokémon, not ability
• Switching resets: Must switch out to use different moves, no in-battle reset

Counters and Responses:

1. Defensive Walls: High Defense Pokémon can still tank boosted hits
2. Intimidate: Reduces Attack stat, partially offsetting the damage boost
3. Burn Status: Halves Attack, significantly reducing effectiveness
4. Switching: Prediction and switching can waste the locked move
5. Ghost-types: Immune to Normal and Fighting moves commonly used

Version History:

• Generation 8: Originally introduced in Sword/Shield
• Elite Redux: Implemented with modern callback system and choice-locking integration
• Battle AI: Recognized by AI systems for proper move selection and switching logic

Usage Tips:

• Lead with Coverage: Choose moves that hit multiple common threats
• Late-Game Cleaning: Most effective when opponent's team is weakened
• Team Support: Pair with pivots and entry hazard support
• Item Synergy: Consider Choice Scarf for speed or Choice Band for raw power