Predator (Ability #363)

Basic Information

• Name: Predator
• ID: 363 (ABILITY_PREDATOR)
• Description: "Dealing a KO heals 1/4 of this Pokémon's max HP."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces) When this Pokémon delivers the final blow to knock out an opponent, it immediately recovers 25% of its maximum HP. This healing effect triggers after each knockout, allowing the Pokémon to sustain itself through consecutive battles and maintain momentum in prolonged fights.

Mechanical Analysis

Implementation Details

• Trigger: onBattlerFaints with APPLY_ON_ATTACKER
• Condition: Activates when the Pokémon with Predator knocks out an opponent
• Effect: Heals 25% of the user's maximum HP
• Battle Script: BattleScript_HandleSoulEaterEffect
• Code Location: Line 3800-3803 in /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc

Code Implementation

constexpr Ability Predator = {
    .onBattlerFaints = SoulEater.onBattlerFaints,
    .onBattlerFaintsFor = APPLY_ON_ATTACKER,
};

Battle Script

BattleScript_HandleSoulEaterEffect::
    tryhealpercenthealth BS_STACK_1, 25, BattleScript_Return
BattleScript_HandleSoulEaterEffect_AfterHeal:
    orword gHitMarker, HITMARKER_IGNORE_SUBSTITUTE
    healthbarupdate BS_STACK_1
    datahpupdate BS_STACK_1
    printstring STRINGID_STACKREGAINEDHEALTH
    waitmessage B_WAIT_TIME_LONG
    return

Strategic Analysis

Strengths

• Consistent Healing: Provides reliable HP recovery after each knockout
• Sustain Ability: Excellent for sweeping through multiple opponents
• Momentum Maintenance: Keeps the Pokémon healthy for extended battles
• No Type Restrictions: Works with any damaging move that secures a KO
• Substantial Recovery: 25% HP is a significant amount of healing

Limitations

• Requires Knockouts: No benefit if the Pokémon cannot secure eliminations
• No Effect at Full HP: Cannot heal beyond maximum HP
• Single Battle Limitation: Less effective in 1v1 scenarios
• Depends on Offensive Power: Requires the ability to actually knock out opponents

Tactical Applications

• Sweeper Role: Ideal for Pokémon designed to eliminate multiple opponents
• Late Game Sustain: Becomes increasingly valuable as battles progress
• Multi-Battle Scenarios: Excellent for Battle Tower, Elite Four, and similar formats
• Team Support: Allows the Pokémon to stay healthy for longer team contributions

Pokémon Distribution

Based on the proto data analysis, Predator is distributed across 85+ Pokémon in Elite Redux, appearing as both regular abilities and innate abilities. This wide distribution suggests it's a popular ability for creating sustainable offensive threats.

Notable Distribution Patterns

• Mixed Usage: Appears as both regular and innate abilities
• Diverse Types: Found across various Pokémon types and roles
• Widespread Availability: One of the more commonly distributed abilities in the game

Related Abilities

Direct Relatives

• Soul Eater (331): Identical effect - Predator uses Soul Eater's implementation
• Looter (365): Also uses Soul Eater's healing mechanism
• Jaws of Carnage (438): Similar concept but heals 50% instead of 25%

Combination Abilities

• Apex Predator (486): "Tough Claws + Predator" - combines contact move boost with healing
• Magma Eater (467): "Predator + Molten Down" - combines healing with entry hazard setting

Comparable Abilities

• Scavenger (345): Heals 1/3 HP on KO but has additional effects
• Hunter's Horn (464): References similar healing mechanics

Technical Notes

Healing Mechanics

• Uses tryhealpercenthealth with 25% value
• Healing is subject to standard battle conditions
• Cannot heal if already at maximum HP
• Requires the Pokémon to be able to heal (not affected by Heal Block, etc.)

Battle System Integration

• Effect bypasses Substitute due to HITMARKER_IGNORE_SUBSTITUTE
• Displays standard "regained health" message
• Triggers after the knockout is confirmed
• Works with any move that deals the final damage

Competitive Implications

• Tier Impact: Makes many Pokémon more viable as sweepers
• Meta Influence: Encourages aggressive, offensive playstyles
• Synergy Potential: Excellent with high-damage moves and setup sweepers
• Counterplay: Can be countered by preventing knockouts or using priority moves

Conclusion

Predator is a straightforward but powerful ability that transforms many Pokémon into sustainable offensive threats. Its wide distribution and reliable healing make it a cornerstone ability for sweep-oriented strategies in Elite Redux. The ability's simplicity belies its effectiveness, providing consistent value in any battle scenario where knockouts are achievable.