Elite Redux Ability Codex

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Violent Rush (Ability #350) ​

Overview ​

Violent Rush is a powerful first-turn ability that provides immediate offensive presence upon switch-in. The Pokémon gains a significant Speed boost of 50% and an Attack boost of 20% for their first turn on the battlefield, creating explosive opening plays that can catch opponents off-guard.

Mechanics ​

Implementation Details ​

The ability is implemented across multiple files in the Elite Redux codebase:

Switch-in Setup (src/abilities.cc:3709-3714) ​

cpp
constexpr Ability ViolentRush = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        gVolatileStructs[battler].violentRush = gVolatileStructs[battler].started.violentRush = TRUE;
        return SwitchInAnnounce(B_MSG_SWITCHIN_VIOLENT_RUSH);
    },
};

Attack Stat Boost (src/battle_util.c:7010) ​

c
// Violent Rush
if (gVolatileStructs[battler].violentRush) statBase = statBase * 6 / 5;
  • Attack multiplier: 1.2x (6/5 = 1.2)
  • Percentage increase: +20%

Speed Stat Boost (src/battle_main.c:4067) ​

c
if (gVolatileStructs[battler].violentRush) speed = (speed * 150) / 100;
  • Speed multiplier: 1.5x (150/100 = 1.5)
  • Percentage increase: +50%

Turn Duration (src/battle_util.c:2822) ​

c
CLEAR_ONE_TURN(violentRush)

The violentRush flag is cleared at the end of each turn, ensuring the boost only lasts one turn.

Switch-in Message ​

When a Pokémon with Violent Rush enters battle, it displays the message: "{Pokémon name} charges onto the battlefield!"

Strategic Applications ​

Offensive Sweeping ​

  • The 50% Speed boost allows normally slower Pokémon to outspeed threats on the first turn
  • Combined with the 20% Attack boost, enables powerful opening attacks
  • Ideal for revenge killing or breaking through defensive walls

Lead Positioning ​

  • Excellent for lead Pokémon that need immediate pressure
  • Forces opponents to respect the threat or risk taking significant damage
  • Can secure crucial KOs before opponents can react

Hit-and-Run Tactics ​

  • Switch in, deliver a powerful attack, then potentially switch out
  • Forces opponents to make difficult predictions about staying in
  • Creates momentum through immediate offensive presence

Revenge Killing ​

  • Perfect for revenge killing threats after a teammate faints
  • The Speed boost ensures outspeeding most opponents
  • Attack boost guarantees significant damage output

Competitive Analysis ​

Strengths ​

  • Immediate Impact: No setup turns required
  • Speed Control: 50% Speed boost can outpace most threats
  • Offensive Pressure: 20% Attack boost enhances damage output
  • Unpredictability: Opponents must respect the threat immediately
  • Tempo Control: Creates immediate offensive momentum

Limitations ​

  • One Turn Only: Boosts disappear after the first turn
  • Timing Dependent: Must switch in at the right moment
  • Switch-in Hazards: Vulnerable to entry hazards reducing effectiveness
  • No Defense: Provides no defensive benefits
  • Prediction Required: Requires good game sense to maximize impact

Synergies ​

  • Choice Items: Choice Band/Scarf synergize well with the stat boosts
  • Priority Moves: High Speed ensures priority moves hit hard
  • Coverage Moves: Wide movepool coverage maximizes first-turn potential
  • U-turn/Volt Switch: Can maintain momentum after the boosted turn

Direct Combinations ​

  • Showdown Mode: Combines Violent Rush with Ambush (guaranteed crits)
  • Champion's Entrance: Combines Violent Rush with Intimidate

Similar Effects ​

  • Rapid Response: Also provides 50% Speed boost on first turn
  • Readied Action: Provides Attack doubling on first turn
  • Ambush: Provides guaranteed critical hits on first turn

Competitive Comparison ​

  • More balanced than Readied Action (20% vs 100% Attack boost)
  • Less specialized than Ambush (stat boosts vs guaranteed crits)
  • Similar to Rapid Response but includes Attack boost

Notable Pokémon ​

Based on the species list, 52 Pokémon have access to Violent Rush, including:

Primary Ability Users ​

  • Nidorino (SPECIES_NIDORINO) - Line 5728
  • Various other species with different roles and stat distributions

Innate Ability Users ​

  • Multiple Pokémon have Violent Rush as an innate ability, making it always active alongside their regular abilities

Technical Notes ​

Code References ​

  • Ability Definition: src/abilities.cc:3709-3714
  • Attack Calculation: src/battle_util.c:7010
  • Speed Calculation: src/battle_main.c:4067
  • Turn Cleanup: src/battle_util.c:2822
  • Message Display: src/battle_message.c:802, 2029
  • Constant Definition: include/generated/constants/abilities.h:356

Message Strings ​

  • Switch-in Text: "{B_ATK_NAME_WITH_PREFIX} charges onto the battlefield!"
  • String ID: STRINGID_VIOLENT_RUSH
  • Battle Message: B_MSG_SWITCHIN_VIOLENT_RUSH

Stat Calculation Integration ​

The ability integrates seamlessly with the battle stat calculation system:

  • Attack boost applied in CalculateStat function before other modifiers
  • Speed boost applied in GetSpeedFromAbilities before paralysis checks
  • Properly cleared at turn end to prevent permanent boosts

Conclusion ​

Violent Rush is a high-impact ability that rewards aggressive play and smart switching. The combination of Speed and Attack boosts creates immediate offensive threats that force opponents to make difficult decisions. While limited to one turn, the ability's power lies in its unpredictability and ability to swing momentum in crucial moments. Its widespread distribution across 52 Pokémon makes it a common sight in competitive play, where timing and game sense determine its effectiveness.

Elite Redux Ability Codex

Elite Redux Development Team