Fungal Infection (Ability #398)

Basic Information

• ID: 398
• Name: Fungal Infection
• Type: Contact-based Status Infliction
• Category: Uncategorized

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)Official: Contact moves inflict Leech Seed on the target.

Extended (289 chars): When this Pokemon makes physical contact with an opponent, spores infect the target and begin draining health each turn. The parasitic infection saps 1/8 of the victim's max HP and transfers it to the attacker, creating a constant drain that weakens foes.

Technical Implementation

Code Location

• File: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc
• Lines: 4104-4116
• Function: FungalInfection
• Trigger: onAttacker

Implementation Details

constexpr Ability FungalInfection = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(target))
        CHECK_NOT(IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(target, TYPE_GRASS))
        CHECK_NOT(gStatuses3[target] & STATUS3_LEECHSEED)
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, battler))

        gStatuses3[target] |= battler;
        gStatuses3[target] |= STATUS3_LEECHSEED;
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AbsorbantActivated);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Activation Conditions

1. Contact Required: Only triggers when the user makes physical contact with moves
2. Target Validation: Must pass ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(target) check
3. Type Immunity: Grass-type Pokemon are immune to the effect
4. Status Check: Target must not already have Leech Seed status
5. Move Contact: Move must have the contact flag (IsMoveMakingContact)

Status Applied

• Effect: STATUS3_LEECHSEED
• Mechanics: Standard Leech Seed effect - drains 1/8 of target's max HP each turn and heals the source
• Duration: Persists until target switches out
• Battle Script: Uses BattleScript_AbsorbantActivated

Pokemon Distribution

Primary Ability Holders

1. Paras (Species: SPECIES_PARAS)

   • Type: Bug/Grass
   • Stats: 45/75/65/50/90/25
   • Other Abilities: Opportunist, Hyper Aggressive
   • Innates: Effect Spore, Overcoat, Dry Skin

2. Brute Bonnet (Species: SPECIES_BRUTE_BONNET)

   • Type: Grass/Dark (Paradox Pokemon)
   • Stats: 111/127/99/79/99/55
   • Other Abilities: Adaptability, Mycelium Might
   • Innates: Protosynthesis, Regenerator, Solar Power

Innate Ability Holders

1. Mega Breloom (Species: SPECIES_BRELOOM_MEGA)
   • Type: Grass/Fighting
   • Stats: 60/140/130/50/110/70
   • Other Abilities: Long Reach, Stamina, Avenger
   • Other Innates: Perfectionist, Technician

Strategic Analysis

Competitive Viability: Medium

Fungal Infection offers consistent passive damage and healing, making it valuable for bulky Pokemon that frequently make contact. The ability to automatically apply Leech Seed without using a move slot provides significant utility.

Strengths

1. Passive Sustain: Provides constant healing from Leech Seed effect
2. No Move Slot Cost: Applies Leech Seed without sacrificing moveset space
3. Contact Punishment: Deters physical attackers from making contact
4. Stall Potential: Excellent for defensive strategies and time-based wins
5. Wide Coverage: Works with any contact move in the user's arsenal

Weaknesses

1. Grass Immunity: Completely ineffective against Grass-type Pokemon
2. Contact Dependency: Useless with special attacks or non-contact moves
3. Status Blocking: Cannot affect targets already under Leech Seed
4. Switch Vulnerability: Effect ends when target switches out
5. Limited Distribution: Available to relatively few Pokemon

Optimal Pokemon Types

• Bulky Physical Attackers: Pokemon with high HP/Defense that use contact moves
• Tank Builds: Defensive Pokemon that can capitalize on the healing
• Stall Teams: Pokemon designed for long-term battles

Related Abilities

Similar Mechanics

1. Absorbant (Ability #425)
   • Difference: Only triggers on drain moves (Absorb, Dream Eater)
   • Similarity: Also applies STATUS3_LEECHSEED with same immunity conditions
   • Code Location: Lines 4402-4414 in abilities.cc

Contact-Based Abilities

• Poison Touch: Applies poison on contact
• Effect Spore: Random status conditions on contact
• Static: Paralysis chance on contact

Competitive Applications

Team Synergy

1. Entry Hazard Support: Combines well with Spikes/Stealth Rock for residual damage
2. Wish Support: Leech Seed healing stacks with team healing moves
3. Stall Cores: Excellent in defensive team compositions

Counter-Strategies

1. Grass-type Pokemon: Complete immunity to the effect
2. Special Attackers: Avoid contact moves entirely
3. Rapid Switching: Frequent switches remove Leech Seed status
4. Non-Contact Moves: Use moves without the contact flag

Usage Patterns

• Early Game: Apply to walls and tanks for sustained pressure
• Mid Game: Use on switch-ins to force unfavorable trades
• Late Game: Stall out weakened opponents with residual damage

Notable Interactions

Move Interactions

• Contact Moves: All contact moves can trigger (Tackle, Punch moves, etc.)
• Non-Contact: Special attacks, projectiles, and non-contact physical moves won't trigger
• Multi-Hit: Each hit can potentially trigger the ability

Status Interactions

• Leech Seed Stack: Cannot apply if target already has Leech Seed
• Substitute: May be blocked by Substitute (needs verification)
• Magic Guard: Target takes no damage but effect still applies

Development Notes

• Uses the same battle script as Absorbant ability (BattleScript_AbsorbantActivated)
• Implemented as a contact-based onAttacker trigger
• Part of the newer ability additions (ID 398 in high number range)
• Currently categorized as "Uncategorized" in ability classification system