Cheating Death - Ability ID 427

In-Game Description

"Gets no damage for the first two hits."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Negates all damage for the first 2 hits received. Works exactly like Substitute - moves still connect and secondary effects (stat boosts, status) apply normally. Damage is simply reduced to 0. Counter decrements per hit, not per turn. Does not block non-damaging moves or entry hazards.

Character count: 286

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Cheating Death is a defensive ability that provides complete damage immunity for exactly 2 hits per battle. Unlike immunity abilities, the moves still connect and can trigger secondary effects - only the damage is negated.

Activation Conditions

• Hit counter: Blocks damage for the first 2 hits received in battle
• Damage type requirement: Only blocks direct attack damage
• Persistence: Counter persists across switches (.persistent = TRUE)
• Per-Pokémon basis: Each Pokémon has its own 2-hit counter

Technical Implementation

// Cheating Death ability definition in abilities.cc
constexpr Ability CheatingDeath = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int {
        int uses = 2 - GetSingleUseAbilityCounter(battler, ability);
        CHECK(uses)

        if (uses == 1)
            BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BattlerHasASingleNoDamageHit);
        else if (uses > 1) {
            ConvertIntToDecimalStringN(gBattleTextBuff4, uses, STR_CONV_MODE_LEFT_ALIGN, 2);
            BattleScriptPushCursorAndCallback(BattleScript_BattlerHasNoDamageHits);
        }
        return TRUE;
    },
    .noDamageHits = 2,
    .persistent = TRUE,
};

Damage Blocking Logic

// In battle_script_commands.c - Cmd_datahpupdate()
else if (gBattleMoveDamage > 0 && !(gHitMarker & HITMARKER_PASSIVE_DAMAGE) && RemainingNoDamageHits(gActiveBattler) > 0) {
    IncrementSingleUseAbilityCounter(gActiveBattler, GetNoDamageAbility(gActiveBattler), 1);
    if (RemainingNoDamageHits(gActiveBattler) <= 0) {
        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_BattlerCanNoLongerEndureHits);
    }
}

Important Interactions

• Move still connects: Accuracy checks pass, contact effects trigger
• Secondary effects can still occur: Status conditions, stat changes, etc. can still happen
• No "immune" message: Shows hit animation but 0 damage
• Works against all physical damage: Not type-specific like immunities
• Cannot be suppressed: No .breakable = TRUE flag
• Counter system: Uses GetSingleUseAbilityCounter() for tracking

What Gets Blocked

• ✅ Direct attack damage: All damaging moves
• ✅ Multi-hit moves: Each hit decrements counter
• ✅ Critical hits: Damage still becomes 0
• ✅ STAB/type effectiveness: Damage modifiers irrelevant

What Doesn't Get Blocked

• ❌ Passive damage: Poison, burn, weather damage
• ❌ Entry hazards: Stealth Rock, Spikes, etc.
• ❌ Non-damaging moves: Status moves, stat changes
• ❌ Recoil damage: Self-inflicted damage
• ❌ Confusion/attraction damage: Self-harm

Entry Messages

• When entering with 2 hits remaining: "X has N no damage hits!"
• When entering with 1 hit remaining: "X has a single no damage hit!"
• When the last hit is used: "X can no longer endure hits!"

Strategic Implications

• Guaranteed protection: Provides 2 turns of damage immunity
• Secondary effects vulnerability: Still susceptible to status, stat drops
• Switch value: Counter persists, making switches tactical
• Priority moves: No special interaction - still blocked if damaging
• One-time use: Once depleted, ability provides no further benefit

Competitive Usage Notes

• Lead potential: Excellent for setting up or absorbing hits early
• Pivot protection: Safe switching with guaranteed damage absorption
• Setup enabler: Two free turns to boost stats or set up
• Endgame insurance: Can tank crucial hits in close matches
• Multi-hit vulnerability: Abilities like Skill Link can deplete quickly

Counters

• Status moves: Inflict conditions without using hit counter
• Multi-hit moves: Deplete counter faster than single hits
• Entry hazards: Bypass the ability entirely
• Passive damage: Weather, abilities don't trigger counter
• Non-damaging harassment: Taunt, disable, etc.

Synergies

• Setup moves: Calm Mind, Dragon Dance, etc.
• Recovery moves: Roost, Recover while protected
• Hazard setting: Stealth Rock, Spikes setup
• Status spreading: Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave
• Substitute: Can set up behind guaranteed protection

Version History

• Custom Elite Redux ability (ID 427)
• Uses modern single-use ability counter system
• Persistent across switches unlike traditional Endure
• No vanilla equivalent - unique defensive mechanism

Technical Notes

• Counter storage: Persistent per Pokémon in party
• Battle reset: Counters reset between battles
• Double battles: Each Pokémon has independent counters
• Forme changes: Counter persists through forme changes
• Ability changes: Losing ability doesn't reset counter