Monkey Business - Ability ID 461

In-Game Description

"Uses Tickle on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Monkey Business automatically uses Tickle upon switching into battle, lowering the opposing Pokémon's Attack and Defense stats by one stage each. This debuffing effect bypasses Substitute and works on any opponent. Perfect for disrupting physical attackers immediately.

Character count: 287

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Monkey Business is an entry ability that automatically uses the move Tickle when the Pokémon switches into battle. This provides immediate battlefield control by weakening the opponent's physical capabilities.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Activates immediately when the Pokémon switches into battle
• Target: Automatically targets the opposing Pokémon
• Bypass: Cannot be blocked by Substitute
• Accuracy: Uses Tickle's 100% accuracy, so it cannot miss

Move Details - Tickle

• Type: Normal-type status move
• Effect: Lowers opponent's Attack and Defense by 1 stage each
• Accuracy: 100% (cannot miss)
• PP: 20 (though irrelevant for ability usage)
• Protection: Can be blocked by Protect, Detect, and similar moves
• Redirection: Affected by move redirection abilities like Lightning Rod

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability MonkeyBusiness = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { 
        return UseEntryMove(battler, ability, MOVE_TICKLE, 0); 
    },
};

The ability uses the UseEntryMove function which:

• Executes the move immediately upon entry
• Uses the standard move mechanics and interactions
• Triggers appropriate battle messages and animations
• Respects move immunities and protections

Important Interactions

• Substitute: Tickle bypasses Substitute and directly affects the opponent
• Protect/Detect: Entry move can be blocked by protection moves if opponent used them
• Magic Coat: Tickle can be reflected back to the user
• Contrary: If opponent has Contrary, the stat changes become boosts instead
• Clear Body/White Smoke: These abilities prevent the stat reductions
• Mold Breaker variants: Do not affect this ability as it's not a stat-changing ability itself

Stat Stage Changes

• Attack: Reduced by 1 stage (-33% physical damage)
• Defense: Reduced by 1 stage (-33% physical defense)
• Stacking: Can stack with other stat reductions
• Maximum: Cannot reduce stats below -6 stages

Strategic Implications

• Lead disruption: Excellent on lead Pokémon to immediately weaken physical threats
• Pivot utility: Great for defensive pivots that want to debuff while switching
• Setup disruption: Interrupts physical setup sweepers immediately
• Doubles synergy: Can debuff both opponents in doubles format
• Anti-physical: Specifically counters physical attackers and contact moves

Synergies

• Intimidate: Stacks with Intimidate for -2 Attack total
• Defensive pivots: Pairs well with U-turn, Volt Switch, or Teleport users
• Support movesets: Complements other debuffing moves like Will-O-Wisp
• Bulky attackers: Good on Pokémon that can tank hits after debuffing
• Prankster: If paired with Prankster, follow-up status moves gain priority

Counters and Limitations

• Magic Coat: Reflects Tickle back to the user
• Protect/Detect: Can block the entry move if predicted
• Taunt: Doesn't affect the entry move, but limits follow-up status moves
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Prevents stat reductions entirely
• Contrary: Turns debuffs into buffs for the opponent
• Special attackers: Less effective against special-based teams

Common Users

This ability would typically be found on:

• Primate Pokémon (thematic fit)
• Support-oriented Pokémon
• Defensive pivots
• Anti-physical specialists
• Pokémon with naturally high bulk to survive after debuffing

Competitive Usage Notes

• Entry hazard synergy: Combines well with Stealth Rock damage
• Momentum control: Provides immediate battlefield presence
• Team support: Benefits the entire team by weakening physical threats
• Prediction reward: Switching in on predicted physical moves maximizes value
• Multi-battle utility: Useful in both singles and doubles formats

Version History

• Custom ability in Elite Redux
• Uses standard Tickle move mechanics
• Part of the expanded ability roster for enhanced gameplay variety

Similar Abilities

• Intimidate: Also lowers Attack on entry, but doesn't affect Defense
• Moxie: Opposite effect (boosts stats instead of lowering)
• Download: Analyzes and potentially boosts stats instead of lowering opponent's