Soul Linker (Ability #332)

Basic Information

• Name: Soul Linker
• ID: 332
• Type: Defensive/Retaliation ability
• Category: Damage Reflection

In-Game Description

"Enemies take all the damage they deal, same for this Pokémon."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces) Soul Linker creates a mystical bond between battlers, causing all damage dealt to be perfectly mirrored back to the attacker. When this Pokémon takes damage, the opponent suffers identical harm. Conversely, when attacking, this Pokémon also endures the exact same damage it inflicts.

Mechanics

Core Functionality

• Bidirectional Damage Reflection: Unlike typical retaliation abilities, Soul Linker works in both directions:
  • When the Soul Linker user is attacked, the attacker takes the same damage
  • When the Soul Linker user attacks, it also takes the same damage it deals

Technical Implementation

• Trigger Condition: Uses ON_EITHER macro, activating both as attacker and defender
• Damage Type: Applies passive damage that ignores Substitute and Disguise
• HP Updates: Properly updates health bars and data for both Pokémon
• Fainting Logic: Can cause either or both Pokémon to faint simultaneously

Restrictions and Interactions

1. Soul Linker Immunity: Cannot affect other Pokémon with Soul Linker (prevents infinite loops)
2. Pain Split Exception: Does not trigger on Pain Split move
3. Alive Check: Only triggers if the Soul Linker user is still alive
4. Hit Effect Requirements: Must pass standard hit effect checks

Strategic Applications

• Mutual Assured Destruction: Forces opponents to consider the cost of attacking
• Sweeper Counter: Particularly effective against high-damage sweepers
• Focus Sash Synergy: Works well with Focus Sash to guarantee retaliation
• Defensive Wall Support: Can deter physical attackers from targeting defensive Pokémon

Pokémon With Soul Linker

• Sableye: Listed in trainer data as having Soul Linker as ability slot 2
  • Often paired with Focus Sash for defensive utility
  • Used as a defensive wall with Soul Linker

Code Implementation

Location

• Definition: src/abilities.cc (lines around SoulLinker implementation)
• Battle Script: data/battle_scripts_1.s (BattleScript_AttackerSoulLinker)
• Header: include/generated/constants/abilities.h (ABILITY_SOUL_LINKER = 332)

Implementation Details

ON_EITHER(SoulLinker) {
    CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(opponent))
    CHECK(IsBattlerAlive(battler))
    CHECK_NOT(BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(opponent, ABILITY_SOUL_LINKER))
    CHECK(move != MOVE_PAIN_SPLIT)

    BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AttackerSoulLinker);
    return TRUE;
}

Battle Script Behavior

The battle script performs:

1. Shows ability pop-up
2. Sets passive damage flags (ignores Substitute/Disguise)
3. Updates attacker's health bar and data
4. Checks for fainting
5. Returns control to battle flow

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

• Universal Deterrent: Works against all damage types and moves
• No Cost Activation: Triggers automatically without consuming turns
• Guaranteed Retaliation: Cannot be prevented by most abilities
• Symmetric Effect: Affects both offensive and defensive scenarios equally

Weaknesses

• Self-Damage: User takes damage when attacking, limiting offensive potential
• Status Vulnerability: Provides no protection against status moves
• Healing Disadvantage: Opponent can heal while user cannot without risk
• Priority Moves: Can be overwhelmed by multiple weak priority moves

Ideal Usage Scenarios

1. Defensive Cores: Paired with recovery moves and defensive stats
2. Revenge Killing: With Focus Sash to guarantee at least one retaliation
3. Anti-Sweeper: Deterring setup sweepers and glass cannons
4. Stall Teams: Discouraging direct attacks in favor of passive damage

Related Abilities

• Magic Guard: Protects from indirect damage, making Soul Linker safer
• Rough Skin/Iron Barbs: Similar retaliation concept but only when attacked
• Counter/Mirror Coat: Move-based versions with similar effects

Trivia

• One of the few abilities that affects both attacking and defending
• The name suggests a spiritual or mystical connection between battlers
• Unique among retaliation abilities for its perfect damage mirroring
• Implementation carefully prevents infinite loops between multiple Soul Linker users