Spinning Top - Ability ID 406

In-Game Description

"Fighting moves up speed +1 and clear hazards."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Spinning Top grants a +1 Speed boost and removes entry hazards from the user's side when using Fighting-type moves. Clears Stealth Rock, Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Sticky Web, Hot Coals, and Caltrops. The speed boost and hazard removal both activate after landing the Fighting move. Excellent for offensive sweepers.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Spinning Top is an offensive ability that provides dual benefits when using Fighting-type moves: speed boosting and hazard removal. Both effects trigger after successfully landing a Fighting-type attack.

Activation Conditions

• Move type requirement: Must use a Fighting-type move
• Hit requirement: The move must successfully connect (ShouldApplyOnHitAffect)
• Once per turn: Can only activate once per turn per Pokémon
• Timing: Activates after the Fighting move deals damage

Effects Applied

1. Speed Boost: +1 stage increase to Speed stat
2. Hazard Removal: Clears all entry hazards from user's side:
   • Stealth Rock
   • Spikes (all layers)
   • Toxic Spikes (all layers)
   • Sticky Web
   • Hot Coals
   • Caltrops

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability SpinningTop = {
    .onAttacker = +[](ON_ATTACKER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(battler))
        CHECK(moveType == TYPE_FIGHTING)
        CHECK(CheckAndSetOncePerTurnAbility(battler, ability))

        int any = FALSE;
        // Clear hazards if any exist
        if (gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] & SIDE_STATUS_HAZARDS_ANY || 
            gSideTimers[GetBattlerSide(battler)].hotCoals ||
            gSideTimers[GetBattlerSide(battler)].caltrops) {
            
            // Remove all hazard flags
            gSideStatuses[GetBattlerSide(battler)] &=
                ~(SIDE_STATUS_STEALTH_ROCK | SIDE_STATUS_TOXIC_SPIKES | 
                  SIDE_STATUS_SPIKES_DAMAGED | SIDE_STATUS_STICKY_WEB);
            gSideTimers[GetBattlerSide(battler)].hotCoals = FALSE;
            gSideTimers[GetBattlerSide(battler)].caltrops = FALSE;
            
            BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AnnounceRemovedHazards);
            gBattleScripting.battler = battler;
            any = TRUE;
        }

        // Apply speed boost
        if (ChangeStatBuffs(battler, 1, STAT_SPEED, MOVE_EFFECT_AFFECTS_USER, NULL)) {
            gBattleScripting.battler = battler;
            BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AttackBoostActivates);
            any = TRUE;
        }

        return any;
    },
};

Important Interactions

• Multi-hit moves: Each hit can potentially trigger the ability, but once-per-turn limit applies
• Status moves: Fighting-type status moves also trigger the ability
• STAB bonus: Fighting-type users get additional damage from STAB
• Contact requirement: No contact requirement - works with all Fighting moves
• Priority moves: Works with priority Fighting moves like Mach Punch
• Substitute: Works even when attacking through Substitute

Hazard Removal Details

• Complete clearing: Removes all layers of multi-layer hazards (Spikes, Toxic Spikes)
• Immediate effect: Hazards are cleared before the user can be affected by them
• Side-specific: Only clears hazards from the user's side, not the opponent's
• Visual feedback: Displays "The hazards were blown away!" message

Speed Boost Mechanics

• Stat stage: Standard +1 Speed boost (50% increase)
• Cumulative: Can stack with other speed boosts
• Battle-specific: Boost is lost when switching out
• Cap limit: Cannot boost beyond +6 Speed stages

Strategic Implications

• Hazard immunity: Essentially immune to entry hazards while using Fighting moves
• Speed control: Can outspeed threats after one Fighting move
• Setup potential: Combines well with other stat-boosting moves
• Lead breaking: Excellent for breaking through hazard-setting leads
• Late-game sweeping: Speed boosts accumulate for powerful late-game sweeps

Common Users

• Fighting-type attackers: Natural STAB users benefit most
• Physical sweepers: Often learn Fighting moves for coverage
• Anti-lead Pokémon: Excel at breaking hazard-setting leads
• Mixed attackers: Can use both physical and special Fighting moves

Competitive Usage Notes

• Hazard meta counter: Directly counters hazard-heavy teams
• Speed tier jumping: Allows outspeeding specific threats after one boost
• Multi-role ability: Provides both utility and offensive presence
• Fighting move dependency: Requires running Fighting-type moves to activate
• Once per turn limit: Cannot spam the effect with multi-hit moves

Counters

• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas prevent activation
• Non-Fighting moves: Ability doesn't activate without Fighting moves
• Speed control: Thunder Wave, Trick Room can counter speed boosts
• Phasing moves: Roar, Whirlwind remove speed boosts
• Priority moves: Can still be outsped by priority even with boosts

Synergies

• Fighting-type STAB: Natural synergy with Fighting-type Pokémon
• Close Combat: High-power move that triggers ability despite stat drops
• Mach Punch: Priority Fighting move for immediate benefit
• Rapid Spin: Similar hazard removal concept (though different type)
• Speed boosting items: Choice Scarf can stack with ability boosts

Elite Redux Specific Notes

• Extended hazard types: Includes Hot Coals and Caltrops beyond standard hazards
• Battle message: Uses pickup activation string for hazard removal announcement
• Implementation: Part of the modern ability system with lambda functions
• Balance consideration: Powerful utility ability that shapes the hazard metagame

Version History

• Elite Redux original: Custom ability created for the Elite Redux romhack
• Modern implementation: Uses constexpr lambda-based ability system
• Unique mechanics: Combines speed boosting with hazard removal in one ability
• Meta impact: Significantly affects hazard usage in Elite Redux competitive play