Scrapyard - Ability ID 400

In-Game Description

"Sets a layer of Spikes when hit (contact move)."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (IMPORTANT: exactly 280-300 chars counted WITH spaces)

Scrapyard sets a layer of Spikes on the opponent's side when hit by a contact move. Each layer damages switching Pokémon by 12.5%, 16.7%, or 25% of max HP for 1-3 layers respectively. Only triggers when the move connects and fewer than 3 layers exist. Effectively punishes physical attackers.

Character count: 292

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Scrapyard is a defensive ability that automatically sets up entry hazards when the Pokémon is hit by contact moves. The ability places Spikes on the opponent's side of the field, creating a hazard that damages Pokémon switching in.

Activation Conditions

• Move requirement: Must be hit by a contact move (physical moves that make contact)
• Hit confirmation: Move must successfully connect (DidMoveHit() check)
• Layer limit: Only triggers when opponent has fewer than 3 Spike layers
• Timing: Activates after taking damage from the contact move

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability Scrapyard = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(DidMoveHit())
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))
        CHECK(gSideTimers[BATTLE_OPPOSITE(battler)].spikesAmount < 3)

        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_DefenderSetsSpikeLayer_Scrapyard);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Spikes Damage Mechanics

• 1 Layer: 12.5% (1/8) of max HP damage on switch-in
• 2 Layers: 16.7% (1/6) of max HP damage on switch-in
• 3 Layers: 25% (1/4) of max HP damage on switch-in
• Flying types: Immune to Spikes damage
• Levitate ability: Immune to Spikes damage
• Air Balloon: Immune while holding item

Contact Move Examples

Contact moves that trigger Scrapyard include:

• Physical attacks like Tackle, Body Slam, Earthquake
• Most melee-range physical moves
• Some special moves that make contact (rare)

Non-Contact Moves

Moves that do NOT trigger Scrapyard:

• Projectile moves (Rock Slide, Stone Edge)
• Ranged attacks (Surf, Flamethrower)
• Most special attacks
• Moves with "no contact" flag

Shared Implementation

Loose Quills ability shares the exact same implementation as Scrapyard:

constexpr Ability LooseQuills = {
    .onDefender = Scrapyard.onDefender,
};

Strategic Implications

• Physical deterrent: Discourages contact move spam
• Entry hazard setup: Provides free hazard layers without turn investment
• Passive punishment: Punishes attackers for making contact
• Team support: Benefits teammates by setting up hazards
• Stacking damage: Multiple activations create significant switch penalty

Synergies

• Rocky Helmet: Stacks contact damage with Scrapyard hazards
• Iron Barbs/Rough Skin: Additional contact punishment
• Other entry hazards: Combines with Stealth Rock for maximum pressure
• Hazard control: Benefits from Rapid Spin/Defog blocking
• Trapping moves: Prevents switching to avoid accumulated hazards

Counters and Limitations

• Non-contact moves: Special attacks bypass the ability entirely
• Ranged physical moves: Rock Slide, Stone Edge, etc. don't trigger
• Flying types: Immune to the Spikes damage
• Levitate/Air Balloon: Hazard immunity negates benefit
• Hazard removal: Rapid Spin, Defog clear the Spikes
• Magic Guard: Takes no indirect damage from Spikes
• Maximum layers: Stops working once 3 layers are set

Common Users

Based on trainer data, Scrapyard appears on defensive Pokémon that:

• Want to punish physical attackers
• Provide team support through hazards
• Have good bulk to survive contact moves
• Benefit from discouraging physical attacks

Competitive Applications

• Physical walls: Punish common physical attackers
• Hazard setters: Passive hazard application
• Anti-meta: Counters contact-heavy physical offense
• Team support: Provides entry hazard pressure
• Momentum control: Forces switches due to hazard accumulation

Version History

• Custom ability in Elite Redux
• Shares implementation with Loose Quills
• Part of the expanded ability roster for strategic depth
• Designed to counter physical offense dominance