Magnet Pull - Ability ID 42

In-Game Description

"Traps opposing Steel-types. Ghosts aren't affected."

Extended In-Game Description

For use in Elite Redux extended ability UI (280-300 chars max)

Magnet Pull prevents Steel-type Pokémon from switching out. Ghost-types are immune to this effect. Pokémon holding Shed Shell can escape. Does not block Teleport, U-turn, Volt Switch, or Baton Pass. Creates magnetic field that traps Steel Pokemon until the user switches out or faints.

Character count: 285

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

MAGNET PULL is a trapping ability that prevents Steel-type opposing Pokémon from switching out of battle.

Activation Mechanics:

• Trigger: Passive effect while the Pokémon is on the field
• Target: Steel-type opponents only
• Check Function: IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(switchingBattler, TYPE_STEEL)
• No Message: Unlike Arena Trap, Magnet Pull doesn't display a message when trapping

Trapping Rules:

1. Steel-Type Check: Only Steel-type Pokémon are trapped
2. Ghost Immunity: Ghost-type Pokémon cannot be trapped by any trapping ability
3. Shed Shell Override: Pokémon holding Shed Shell can always switch out
4. Switching Prevention: Prevents normal switching via Switch command or Run away

Interactions and Exceptions:

• Move-Based Switching: Does NOT prevent U-turn, Volt Switch, Flip Turn, Teleport, or Baton Pass
• Fainting: Does not prevent switching when the trapped Pokémon faints
• Dual Types: Affects any Pokémon with Steel as one of its types (Steel/Flying, Steel/Psychic, etc.)
• Type Changes: If a Steel-type loses its Steel typing (via Burn Up, etc.), it can switch freely

Ghost-Type Immunity:

The game's trap system has built-in Ghost-type immunity:

if (IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(battlerId, TYPE_GHOST)) return 0;

This means Ghost-types ignore ALL trapping abilities, not just specific ones.

Technical Implementation:

constexpr Ability MagnetPull = {
    .onTrap = +[](ABILITY_ON_TRAP) -> int { 
        return IS_BATTLER_OF_TYPE(switchingBattler, TYPE_STEEL); 
    },
};

The trap check occurs in IsAbilityPreventingEscape() in battle_util.c, which:

1. First checks for Shed Shell (allows escape)
2. Then checks if the switching Pokémon is Ghost-type (allows escape)
3. Finally iterates through opponents checking their trapping abilities

Competitive Applications:

• Steel Trapping: Ideal for trapping defensive Steel-types like Skarmory, Forretress, or Magnezone
• Pursuit Trapping: Historically paired with Pursuit to eliminate Steel-types that resist common attacks
• Hazard Control: Prevents Steel-type hazard removers from switching out after using Rapid Spin/Defog
• Type Coverage: Complements team members that struggle against Steel-types

Counterplay:

• Ghost Types: Completely immune to the trapping effect
• Shed Shell: Any Steel-type can hold this item to escape
• Switching Moves: U-turn, Volt Switch, and Baton Pass still work
• Knock Off: Removing Choice items from trapped Steel-types can reduce their threat

Version History:

• Gen 3: Introduced as Steel-type trapping ability
• Elite Redux: Functions identically to original implementation
• No changes from base game mechanics