Natural Cure - Ability ID 30

In-Game Description

"Heals status condition upon switching out."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Automatically cures all status conditions when switching out. Removes poison, burn, paralysis, sleep, and freeze instantly. Perfect for pivot Pokémon that absorb status moves. No activation on fainting. Enables risk-free status absorption and maintains team momentum. Unlimited healing uses.

Character count: 291

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Natural Cure removes all major status conditions when the Pokémon switches out through any means except fainting. The ability provides a reliable way to cure status without using items or moves.

Technical Implementation

From /src/abilities.cc:

.onExit = +[](ON_EXIT) -> int {
    CHECK(gBattleMons[battler].status1 & STATUS1_ANY)
    gBattleMons[battler].status1 &= ~STATUS1_ANY;
    // Trigger battle script to show cure message
}

The ability:

1. Triggers on exit from battle
2. Checks for any STATUS1 condition
3. Clears all status flags
4. Shows cure notification

Status Conditions Cured

• Sleep (including Rest)
• Poison (including Toxic)
• Burn
• Paralysis
• Freeze

Activation Conditions

Triggers on:

• Manual switch
• Forced switches (Roar, Whirlwind, Dragon Tail)
• U-turn, Volt Switch, Flip Turn
• Baton Pass
• Teleport
• Emergency Exit/Wimp Out activation

Does NOT trigger on:

• Fainting
• End of battle

AI Behavior

Special AI logic in battle_ai_switch_items.c:

• Function ShouldSwitchIfNaturalCure() evaluates switching
• AI more likely to switch if:
  • Pokémon is asleep
  • Has Natural Cure or related abilities
  • Random chance favors switching

Related Abilities

Natural Cure is a component of:

1. Self Repair: Self Sufficient + Natural Cure
2. Natural Recovery: Natural Cure + Regenerator

These combination abilities provide both status healing and HP recovery.

Pokémon with Natural Cure

Common users include:

• Oddish line (innate ability)
• Staryu/Starmie
• Chansey/Blissey
• Roselia/Roserade
• Swablu/Altaria
• Various other Pokémon in Elite Redux

Strategic Applications

Offensive pivot:

• Absorb status moves
• U-turn/Volt Switch out to cure
• Maintain offensive pressure

Defensive sponge:

• Switch into predicted status moves
• Cure status while bringing in counter
• Preserve defensive utility

Status absorber:

• Dedicated team member for status moves
• Prevents status from crippling key Pokémon
• Forces opponent to reconsider status moves

Synergies

• U-turn/Volt Switch: Cure status while maintaining momentum
• Regenerator: Heal HP and status in one switch
• Wish/Healing Wish: Support teammates after curing self
• Sleep Talk: Use if put to sleep, cure when switching

Advantages

• No item slot required (vs Lum Berry)
• Unlimited uses (vs one-time berries)
• Works on all status types
• Can't be Knocked Off or stolen
• Psychological deterrent to status moves

Limitations

• Requires switching (loses momentum)
• No effect while staying in
• Can't cure teammates
• Vulnerable to Pursuit/trapping
• No protection from status initially

Counters

• Trapping abilities (Arena Trap, Shadow Tag)
• Trapping moves (Mean Look, Block)
• Pursuit (punishes switches)
• Direct damage (ignore status entirely)
• Entry hazards (punish repeated switches)

Competitive Usage Notes

Natural Cure excels on Pokémon that naturally switch frequently. It's particularly valuable on defensive pivots that can absorb status for the team. The ability creates favorable risk-reward scenarios where opponents must decide whether inflicting status is worth giving a free cure. Best utilized on Pokémon with good defensive stats and access to pivoting moves.

Team Building Considerations

• Pairs well with offensive teams needing status absorption
• Enables aggressive plays knowing status can be cured
• Reduces need for cleric support
• Allows more flexible item choices

Version History

Natural Cure has remained mechanically identical since its introduction in Generation 3. The ability's simplicity and effectiveness have made it a staple defensive ability throughout all generations.