Parry (Ability #399)

Overview

Parry is an exceptional defensive ability that embodies the concept of turning defense into offense. This ability combines damage reduction with an immediate counter-attack, making it one of the most comprehensive defensive abilities in Elite Redux.

Technical Implementation

Source Code Location

• File: /Users/joel/Github/eliteredux/eliteredux-source/src/abilities.cc
• Lines: 4118-4127
• Function Reference: Line 9243

Core Mechanics

constexpr Ability Parry = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))

        UseOutOfTurnAttack(battler, attacker, ability, MOVE_MACH_PUNCH, 0);
        return FALSE;
    },
    .onDefensiveMultiplier = +[](ON_DEFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) { MUL(.8); },
};

Activation Conditions

1. Contact Check: The attacking move must make physical contact
2. Hit Confirmation: The attack must successfully hit the defender
3. Battler Status: The defending Pokemon must be able to act

Damage Calculation

• Defensive Multiplier: 0.8x (20% damage reduction)
• Applied To: All incoming damage, regardless of move type
• Stacks With: Other defensive multipliers and abilities

Strategic Analysis

Offensive Component

• Counter Move: Mach Punch (40 BP, +1 Priority Fighting-type)
• Timing: Executes immediately after taking damage
• Target: Always targets the original attacker
• Accuracy: Uses Mach Punch's base accuracy (100%)

Defensive Component

• Damage Reduction: 20% reduction on all attacks
• Universal: Works against all damage types
• Consistent: Always active, no turn limits or conditions

Competitive Applications

Tier Rating: High

Parry earns a High competitive tier rating due to its dual-purpose nature and consistent effectiveness.

Strengths

1. Dual Utility: Provides both damage reduction and counter-attack capability
2. Priority Revenge: Mach Punch's +1 priority often allows revenge KOs
3. Contact Punishment: Heavily discourages physical contact moves
4. Consistent Defense: 20% damage reduction applies to all attacks
5. No Resource Cost: Requires no PP, items, or setup

Weaknesses

1. Contact Dependency: Counter-attack only triggers on contact moves
2. Fighting-Type Limitation: Mach Punch can be resisted or ineffective
3. Low Base Power: 40 BP counter may not always be threatening
4. No Special Coverage: Only affects physical contact moves for counter

Pokemon Synergy

Ideal Candidates:

• Bulky Fighting-types (maximizes Mach Punch STAB)
• Defensive pivots (benefits from consistent damage reduction)
• Pokemon with high Attack stats (maximizes counter damage)
• Tanks requiring offensive presence

Stat Priorities:

1. HP/Defense: Maximize survivability to trigger counter-attacks
2. Attack: Increase Mach Punch damage output
3. Speed: Less critical due to Mach Punch priority

Competitive Interactions

Ability Synergies

• Iron Fist: Boosts Mach Punch damage by 20%
• Technician: Increases Mach Punch power to 60 BP
• Sheer Force: Would affect Mach Punch if it had secondary effects

Counter-Strategies

• Non-Contact Moves: Avoid triggering the counter-attack
• Special Attacks: Bypass the contact requirement entirely
• Status Moves: Can't trigger counter-attacks
• Substitute: Blocks direct contact with the Pokemon

Related Abilities Comparison

Similar Counter Abilities

1. Rough Skin: Damages on contact but no damage reduction
2. Iron Barbs: Similar to Rough Skin but Steel-type focused
3. Rocky Payload: Contact-based counter with different move

Defensive Multiplier Abilities

1. Battle Armor: Same 20% reduction but includes crit immunity
2. Filter/Solid Rock: Reduces super-effective damage specifically
3. Multiscale: Reduces damage only at full HP

Battle Scenarios

Scenario 1: Physical Sweeper Counter

Opponent uses Close Combat (contact, physical)
→ Parry reduces damage by 20%
→ Immediately counters with Mach Punch
→ Priority often secures revenge KO

Scenario 2: Mixed Attacker

Opponent uses Flamethrower (non-contact, special)
→ Parry reduces damage by 20%
→ No counter-attack triggered
→ Still provides defensive value

Scenario 3: Setup Counter

Opponent uses Swords Dance (non-contact, status)
→ No damage taken, no counter triggered
→ Must rely on other defensive options

Advanced Mechanics

Interaction with Other Effects

• Substitute: Parry's counter bypasses Substitute to hit the real target
• Wonder Guard: Mach Punch must be super-effective to damage Wonder Guard users
• Sturdy/Focus Sash: Counter-attack can potentially break these effects

Turn Order Implications

• Mach Punch's +1 priority often allows immediate revenge
• In same-priority scenarios, speed still determines order
• Can potentially KO before opponent can act again

Historical Context

Design Philosophy

Parry represents Elite Redux's approach to making defensive abilities more interactive and engaging. Rather than passive damage reduction, it creates dynamic battle scenarios where taking damage becomes an opportunity.

Competitive Evolution

This ability addresses the traditional problem of purely defensive abilities being passive. By combining defense with offense, Parry creates meaningful decisions for both players.

Conclusion

Parry stands out as one of Elite Redux's most well-designed abilities, successfully combining defensive utility with offensive pressure. Its consistent 20% damage reduction provides tangible bulk improvements, while the Mach Punch counter creates immediate threats against contact move users.

The ability's High tier rating reflects its versatility and consistent effectiveness across various battle scenarios. While it has specific weaknesses to non-contact attacks, its universal damage reduction ensures it provides value even when the counter-attack doesn't trigger.

As ability #399 - the final ability in our comprehensive analysis range - Parry serves as an excellent example of Elite Redux's innovative approach to ability design, creating dynamic, interactive gameplay mechanics that enhance competitive depth.

Key Takeaway: Parry transforms defensive positioning into offensive opportunity, making it an elite choice for Pokemon that need both survivability and revenge capabilities.