Dune Terror - Ability ID 431

In-Game Description

"Sand reduces damage by 35%. Boosts Ground moves by 20%."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Dune Terror reduces damage taken by 35% during sandstorm weather and boosts Ground-type moves by 20%. Works with all forms of sandstorm including regular sandstorm and enhanced variants. The damage reduction applies to all incoming attacks while Ground-type boost remains active in sandstorms.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Dune Terror is a dual-purpose ability that provides both defensive and offensive benefits during sandstorm weather. It combines damage reduction with type-specific move boosting for excellent sandstorm synergy.

Activation Conditions

• Weather requirement: Any form of sandstorm weather must be active for damage reduction
  • Regular sandstorm (from Sandstorm move)
  • Sand Stream ability sandstorm
  • Other sandstorm-generating effects
• Ground-type boost: Always active when using Ground-type moves during sandstorm
• Damage reduction: Applies to all incoming damage when sandstorm is active

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability DuneTerror = {
    .onOffensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_OFFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (moveType == TYPE_GROUND) MUL(1.2);
        },
    .onDefensiveMultiplier =
        +[](ON_DEFENSIVE_MULTIPLIER) {
            if (IsBattlerWeatherAffected(battler, WEATHER_SANDSTORM_ANY)) MUL(.65);
        },
    .breakable = TRUE,
    .sandImmune = TRUE,
};

Key Mechanics

• Damage reduction: 35% reduction (multiplier of 0.65) to all incoming damage during sandstorm
• Ground-type boost: 20% boost (multiplier of 1.2) to Ground-type moves during sandstorm
• Sand immunity: Pokémon is immune to sandstorm chip damage
• Breakable: Can be suppressed by Mold Breaker and similar abilities

Important Interactions

• Weather dependency: Damage reduction only works in active sandstorm
• Type coverage: Ground-type boost helps with coverage and STAB moves
• Sand immunity: Built-in protection from sandstorm damage
• Ability suppression: Both effects disabled if ability is suppressed
• Weather override: Effects stop working when sandstorm ends

Weather Duration

In Elite Redux, weather effects last 8 turns (not 5 like vanilla), making weather-dependent abilities more valuable and reliable.

Strategic Implications

• Sand team core: Excellent ability for sandstorm team builds
• Defensive wall: 35% damage reduction makes Pokémon very bulky in sand
• Ground-type synergy: Boosts earthquake, earth power, and other Ground moves
• Weather setter support: Pairs well with Sand Stream users
• Dual utility: Provides both offense and defense in one ability

Common Users

• Ground-type Pokémon who benefit from STAB Ground moves
• Bulky Pokémon who can tank hits with damage reduction
• Sand team supporters and walls
• Mixed attackers with Ground-type coverage

Competitive Usage Notes

• Essential for dedicated sandstorm teams
• Provides significant bulk increase in sand weather
• Ground-type moves become very threatening with the boost
• Requires sand support to maximize effectiveness
• Can be paired with Smooth Rock for extended sandstorm duration

Counters

• Weather override: Change weather to disable damage reduction
• Cloud Nine/Air Lock: Negates weather effects including damage reduction
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker, Neutralizing Gas, etc.
• Type immunities: Flying types immune to Ground moves despite boost
• Multi-hit moves: Still deal reduced damage but can overwhelm

Synergies

• Sand Stream/Sandstorm: Essential for ability activation
• Earthquake/Earth Power: Strong STAB moves get even stronger
• Rock Slide/Stone Edge: Rock types often pair well in sand teams
• Stealth Rock: Entry hazard support for sand teams
• Ground-type coverage moves: All benefit from the offensive boost

Version History

• Custom Elite Redux ability (ID 431)
• Designed for sandstorm team synergy
• Combines defensive and offensive utility
• Part of Elite Redux's expanded ability roster

Notable Features

• Dual weather benefit: Both offense and defense in same weather
• Sand immunity: Built-in protection from sandstorm damage
• Breakable design: Can be counterplayed with Mold Breaker effects
• Type-specific boost: Focused on Ground-type move enhancement