Elite Redux Ability Codex

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Artillery (Ability ID: 377) ​

In-Game Description ​

"Mega Launcher moves always hit and hit both foes."

Extended In-Game Description (280-300 chars) ​

Mega Launcher moves always hit and strike both opposing Pokemon simultaneously. Grants perfect accuracy and targeting to pulse, beam, ball, aura, projectile, and status moves. Transforms single-target shots into devastating dual strikes, maximizing battlefield impact.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation ​

Artillery combines perfect accuracy with multi-targeting functionality, making it a powerful offensive enhancement ability that revolutionizes how Mega Launcher moves operate.

Core Mechanics ​

Perfect Accuracy System ​

  • Accuracy Override: Returns ACCURACY_HITS_IF_POSSIBLE for all Mega Launcher moves
  • Implementation: Located in abilities.cc line 3925-3928
  • Logic: Uses IsMegaLauncherBoosted(battler, move) function to determine qualifying moves
cpp
constexpr Ability Artillery = {
    .onAccuracy = +[](ON_ACCURACY) -> AccuracyPriority {
        CHECK(IsMegaLauncherBoosted(battler, move))
        return ACCURACY_HITS_IF_POSSIBLE;
    },
};

Multi-Target Transformation ​

  • Target Change: Converts MOVE_TARGET_SELECTED to MOVE_TARGET_BOTH for qualifying moves
  • Implementation: Located in battle_util.c lines 124-126
  • Requirement: Move must originally target a single selected opponent
c
if ((BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(battler, ABILITY_ARTILLERY) || BATTLER_HAS_ABILITY(battler, ABILITY_SUPER_SCOPE)) && 
    IsMegaLauncherBoosted(battler, moveId) && gBattleMoves[moveId].target == MOVE_TARGET_SELECTED)
    return MOVE_TARGET_BOTH;

Move Selection Logic ​

Artillery affects moves through the IsMegaLauncherBoosted function (battle_util.c line 9177):

  1. FLAG_MEGA_LAUNCHER_BOOST moves: Any move with the specific Mega Launcher flag
  2. All Status moves: Every status move is treated as Mega Launcher boosted
  3. Gunman ability synergy: Expands the move pool when combined with Gunman
c
int IsMegaLauncherBoosted(int battler, MoveEnum move) {
    if (gBattleMoves[move].flags & FLAG_MEGA_LAUNCHER_BOOST) return TRUE;
    if (IS_MOVE_STATUS(move) || BattlerHasAbility(battler, ABILITY_GUNMAN, FALSE)) return TRUE;
    return FALSE;
}

Comprehensive Move Coverage ​

High-Power Offensive Moves ​

  • Water Gun (40 BP + priority): Perfect accuracy multi-hit
  • Hydro Pump (110 BP): Never-miss dual targeting
  • Solar Beam (120 BP): Weather-independent accuracy
  • Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, Focus Blast: All gain perfect accuracy + dual target

Status Move Enhancement ​

  • ALL status moves are affected by Artillery
  • Perfect accuracy on status infliction
  • Dual targeting for battlefield control
  • Includes moves like Thunder Wave, Toxic, Sleep Powder

Elite Redux Custom Moves ​

  • Any custom moves with FLAG_MEGA_LAUNCHER_BOOST
  • Archer Shot variants with perfect accuracy
  • Drake Missile and projectile moves

Strategic Applications ​

Offensive Dominance ​

  • Guaranteed Damage: No accuracy checks means consistent damage output
  • Dual Targeting: Hits both opponents in doubles/raids simultaneously
  • Weather Independence: Accuracy remains perfect regardless of weather conditions
  • Evasion Counter: Bypasses Double Team, Minimize, and other evasion boosts

Status Control ​

  • Perfect Status Infliction: All status moves hit both opponents with 100% accuracy
  • Battlefield Control: Spread Thunder Wave, Toxic, or Sleep Powder reliably
  • Support Utility: Enhanced reliability for team support moves

Competitive Advantages ​

  1. Consistency: Eliminates accuracy RNG from key moves
  2. Action Economy: Single move affects both opponents
  3. Pressure: Forces opponents to account for guaranteed dual hits
  4. Versatility: Works with physical, special, and status moves

Synergistic Abilities ​

Super Scope (Ability #890) ​

  • Description: "Mega Launcher + Artillery"
  • Combined Effect: Gains both the 1.3x damage boost AND Artillery's dual-targeting
  • Ultimate Launcher: The definitive projectile-based ability
  • Deadeye (#376): Similar accuracy enhancement for arrow/cannon moves + critical hit targeting
  • Sighting System (#368): Accuracy and critical hit enhancement system
  • Mega Launcher (#178): Base damage boost that Artillery builds upon

Battle Applications ​

Singles Format ​

  • Accuracy Security: Never miss crucial attacks or status moves
  • Reliable Finisher: Guaranteed hits on low-HP opponents
  • Status Spreading: Perfect accuracy status infliction

Doubles/Multi-Battle Format ​

  • Dual Pressure: Both opponents take damage/status simultaneously
  • Field Control: Status moves affect entire opposing field
  • Resource Efficiency: One move slot controls both opponents

Raid Battles ​

  • Consistent Damage: Perfect accuracy against raid bosses
  • Multi-Hit Potential: Hits multiple raid Pokemon when applicable
  • Status Reliability: Guaranteed status infliction for support roles

Competitive Tier Analysis ​

High Tier Justification ​

  • Perfect Accuracy: Eliminates one of the most frustrating RNG elements
  • Multi-Target: Effectively doubles move value in multi-battles
  • Move Pool Synergy: Works with extensive Mega Launcher move list
  • Strategic Depth: Changes opponent calculations and team building

Comparison to Other Abilities ​

  • vs No Guard: Artillery is more selective but applies multi-targeting
  • vs Compound Eyes: Artillery provides perfect accuracy rather than just improvement
  • vs Mega Launcher: Artillery trades damage boost for accuracy and targeting
  • vs Super Scope: Super Scope combines both benefits but is extremely rare

Notable Pokemon Applications ​

Potential Users ​

Given Artillery's power level, it would likely be found on:

  • Legendary/Mythical Pokemon: High-tier offensive threats
  • Elite Redux Custom Pokemon: Signature ability users
  • Evolved Forms: Final evolution exclusive ability
  • Special Forms: Regional variants or special event Pokemon

Team Building Considerations ​

  • Move Selection: Prioritize Mega Launcher flagged moves
  • Role Definition: Can function as accurate sweeper OR status support
  • Partner Synergy: Works well with setup Pokemon that benefit from guaranteed status hits
  • Coverage: Excellent for Pokemon with diverse Mega Launcher movesets

Technical Implementation Notes ​

Accuracy Priority System ​

  • ACCURACY_HITS_IF_POSSIBLE: Highest accuracy priority level
  • Bypasses: All accuracy checks, evasion boosts, weather effects
  • Interaction: Works alongside other accuracy modifiers but overrides them

Target Flag System ​

  • Original Target: Must be MOVE_TARGET_SELECTED (single opponent)
  • New Target: Becomes MOVE_TARGET_BOTH (both opponents)
  • Limitation: Does not affect moves that already hit multiple targets

Strategic Implications ​

Artillery represents a paradigm shift in battle reliability, transforming Pokemon from accuracy-dependent attackers into guaranteed-hit machines. The dual-targeting component makes it exceptionally valuable in doubles formats, while the perfect accuracy ensures consistent performance regardless of battle conditions.

The ability excels at both offensive pressure and defensive utility, making Artillery users versatile team members capable of adapting to multiple roles within a single moveset. Its broad move compatibility ensures that most Pokemon with Artillery can find effective applications regardless of their base stats or typing.

This combination of reliability and versatility places Artillery firmly in the high-tier category, where it competes with game-changing abilities like Mold Breaker, Magic Bounce, and Prankster for team consideration.

Elite Redux Ability Codex

Elite Redux Development Team