Elite Redux Ability Codex

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Ambush - Ability ID 435 ​

In-Game Description ​

"Guaranteed critical hit on first turn."

Extended In-Game Description ​

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

Ambush guarantees a critical hit on the Pokémon's first turn after switching in or at the start of battle. This powerful ability works with any attacking move, providing immediate offensive pressure. Perfect for hit-and-run tactics and surprise sweeps against unsuspecting opponents.

Character count: 298

Detailed Mechanical Explanation ​

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics ​

Ambush is an offensive ability that provides a guaranteed critical hit on the user's first turn after switching into battle. This creates immediate offensive pressure and allows for powerful opening moves.

Activation Conditions ​

  • Turn requirement: Only activates on the Pokémon's first turn after entering battle
  • Move requirement: Works with any attacking move that can deal damage
  • No type restriction: Functions with moves of any type
  • Switch timing: Resets whenever the Pokémon switches out and back in

Technical Implementation ​

c
// Ambush guarantees critical hit on first turn
constexpr Ability Ambush = {
    .onCrit = +[](ON_CRIT) -> int {
        CHECK(gVolatileStructs[battler].isFirstTurn)
        return ALWAYS_CRIT;
    },
};

Turn Tracking System ​

The game tracks turn states using isFirstTurn values:

  • 2: Just switched in (initial state)
  • 1: First turn after switch-in (Ambush activates)
  • 0: Subsequent turns (Ambush inactive)

Important Interactions ​

  • Status moves: Does not affect status moves as they cannot critically hit
  • Multi-hit moves: Each hit can potentially crit, but only on the first turn
  • Priority moves: Works with priority moves like Quick Attack or Bullet Punch
  • Choice items: Synergizes well with Choice Band/Specs for massive first-turn damage
  • Critical hit immunities: Bypassed by Ambush's guaranteed crit mechanism
  • Sniper: Stacks with Sniper ability for 1.5x additional damage on crits

Strategic Applications ​

Offensive Strategies ​

  • Lead sweeper: Excellent on lead Pokémon for immediate pressure
  • Switch-in revenge: Perfect for revenge killing after a teammate faints
  • U-turn/Volt Switch: Combines well with pivot moves for repeated first-turn advantage
  • Choice item abuse: Maximizes damage output with locked-in choice items
  • Setup disruption: Forces opponents to play defensively on switch-ins

Team Building Synergies ​

  • Entry hazard support: Spikes/Stealth Rock chip damage + guaranteed crit can secure KOs
  • Dual screens: Protects from retaliation after the initial crit
  • Memento/Parting Shot: Allows safe switch-ins with stat drops
  • Healing Wish/Lunar Dance: Full restoration while maintaining first-turn status

Competitive Usage ​

  • Surprise factor: Opponents may not expect guaranteed critical hits
  • Momentum control: Creates immediate offensive pressure upon entry
  • Wallbreaking: Can break through defensive Pokémon on the first turn
  • Speed tier compression: Less reliant on outspeeding when damage is guaranteed
  • Prediction rewarding: Rewards good switch-in timing

Hunter's Mark (Combined Effect) ​

  • Combination: Ambush + Deadeye
  • Effect: Guaranteed crit on first turn + perfect accuracy on projectile moves
  • Usage: Provides both offensive power and reliability

Showdown Mode (Combined Effect) ​

  • Combination: Ambush + Violent Rush
  • Effect: Guaranteed crit on first turn + speed boost mechanics
  • Usage: Immediate power with sustained momentum

Common Users ​

Typically found on:

  • Fast offensive Pokémon that benefit from immediate damage
  • Pokémon with high base Attack or Special Attack stats
  • Species designed for hit-and-run tactics
  • Pokémon with access to powerful STAB moves

Counters and Limitations ​

Direct Counters ​

  • Shell Armor/Battle Armor: Prevents critical hits entirely
  • Lucky Chant: Team-wide critical hit immunity for 5 turns
  • Focus Sash/Sturdy: Survives the guaranteed critical hit
  • Type immunities: Normal immunity rules still apply

Strategic Counters ​

  • Intimidate: Reduces physical Attack before the critical hit
  • Burn status: Halves physical damage output
  • Reflect/Light Screen: Reduces damage from special/physical attacks
  • Priority moves: Can outspeed and KO before Ambush activates

Weather and Terrain Interactions ​

  • No direct interactions: Weather doesn't affect Ambush activation
  • Indirect synergies: Weather boosts (sun/rain) can enhance crit damage
  • Terrain benefits: Grassy Terrain priority boost can enhance first-turn pressure

Version History ​

  • Custom Elite Redux ability
  • Part of the expanded ability system
  • Designed to reward aggressive switching and offensive play
  • Balanced by single-turn limitation

Usage Tips ​

  1. Switch timing: Best used when you can predict opponent's moves
  2. Move selection: Choose your strongest STAB moves for maximum impact
  3. Item synergy: Consider Choice Band/Specs for devastating first strikes
  4. Team support: Use entry hazards to guarantee KOs with the critical hit
  5. Preserve advantage: Consider switching out after the first turn to reset the ability

Elite Redux Ability Codex

Elite Redux Development Team