Short Circuit (Ability #322)

Basic Information

• Ability ID: 322
• Name: Short Circuit
• Type: Offensive Power Boost
• Mechanic: Swarm-type ability for Electric moves

Current Description

"Boosts Elec.-type moves by 1.2x, or 1.5x when below 1/3 HP."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces) Short Circuit functions as a type-specific swarm ability for Electric-type moves. When the Pokemon's HP is above 1/3 of its maximum HP, Electric-type moves receive a 1.2x power boost. When HP drops to 1/3 or below, the boost increases to 1.5x, providing extra power when the Pokemon is weakened.

Implementation Details

Code Location

• Primary Implementation: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc
• Ability Definition: Uses SWARM_MULTIPLIER(TYPE_ELECTRIC) macro
• Ability Constant: ABILITY_SHORT_CIRCUIT = 322

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability ShortCircuit = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier = SWARM_MULTIPLIER(TYPE_ELECTRIC),
};

The ability uses the SWARM_MULTIPLIER macro which implements:

#define SWARM_MULTIPLIER(type)                                               \
    +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {                                           \
        if (moveType == type) {                                              \
            if (gBattleMons[battler].hp <= (gBattleMons[battler].maxHP / 3)) \
                MUL(1.5);                                                    \
            else                                                             \
                MUL(1.2);                                                    \
        }                                                                    \
    }

Mechanics Analysis

Power Boost Conditions

1. Above 1/3 HP: Electric-type moves receive 1.2x power multiplier
2. At or below 1/3 HP: Electric-type moves receive 1.5x power multiplier

Key Mechanics

• Move Type Restriction: Only affects Electric-type moves
• HP Threshold: Activates stronger boost when HP ≤ maxHP/3
• Multiplicative Scaling: Applies as a damage multiplier, not base power modification
• Real-time Calculation: Boost level recalculated each turn based on current HP

Comparison to Standard Swarm Abilities

Short Circuit follows the same pattern as other swarm-type abilities in Elite Redux:

• Overgrow: 1.2x/1.5x for Grass moves
• Blaze: 1.2x/1.5x for Fire moves
• Torrent: 1.2x/1.5x for Water moves
• Swarm: 1.2x/1.5x for Bug moves

Strategic Applications

Optimal Usage

• Low HP Sweeping: Maximum effectiveness when Pokemon is weakened
• Electric-type Spam: Best on Pokemon with multiple Electric moves
• Late-game Power: Provides comeback potential when HP is low

Pokemon Synergy

• Electric-type Attackers: Maximizes STAB bonus combination
• Mixed Attackers: Benefits both physical and special Electric moves
• Frail Sweepers: Natural synergy with glass cannon builds

Battle Scenarios

• Revenge Killing: Enhanced power when switching in at low HP
• Endgame Situations: Critical power boost in desperate situations
• Choice Item Users: Locks into boosted Electric moves

Competitive Considerations

Strengths

• Consistent Base Boost: 1.2x boost even at full health
• Significant Low HP Boost: 1.5x multiplier provides substantial power
• Type-Specific: Doesn't interfere with other move types
• No Drawbacks: Pure offensive benefit with no penalties

Limitations

• Electric-type Only: Limited to one move type
• HP Dependency: Requires damage to reach maximum potential
• No Utility: Purely offensive with no defensive benefits

Interaction Notes

• Stacks with STAB: Combines multiplicatively with same-type attack bonus
• Stacks with Items: Works with Choice items, Life Orb, etc.
• Type Effectiveness: Applied before type effectiveness calculations

Related Abilities

• Swarm: Bug-type equivalent
• Overgrow: Grass-type equivalent
• Blaze: Fire-type equivalent
• Torrent: Water-type equivalent
• Technician: Different power boost mechanic
• Sheer Force: Alternative offensive boost ability

Version History

• Current: Implemented using SWARM_MULTIPLIER macro
• Design: Follows established swarm ability pattern
• Balance: Standard 1.2x/1.5x scaling consistent with other type swarm abilities