Dust Cloud - Ability ID 479

In-Game Description

"Attacks with Sand Attack on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Dust Cloud automatically uses Sand Attack targeting the opponent upon switching into battle. The Ground-type status move reduces the target's accuracy by one stage with 100% accuracy. Works once per switch-in. Effective for disrupting opposing sweepers and accuracy-reliant strategies.

Character count: 285

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Dust Cloud is an entry hazard ability that automatically executes Sand Attack when the Pokémon switches into battle. This provides immediate accuracy disruption to the opposing Pokémon.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Activates upon switching into battle
• Target: Automatically targets the opposing Pokémon
• Move used: Sand Attack (Ground-type status move)
• Accuracy: 100% accuracy (Sand Attack base accuracy)
• Effect: Reduces target's accuracy by 1 stage

Technical Implementation

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

The UseEntryMove function handles the mechanics:

• Finds a valid opposing target
• Queues Sand Attack as an extra attack
• Uses 0 power (status move)
• Executes with 100% accuracy

Sand Attack Move Details

• Type: Ground
• Category: Status
• Power: N/A (status move)
• Accuracy: 100%
• PP: 15 (not relevant for ability use)
• Effect: Lowers target's accuracy by 1 stage
• Target: Selected opponent

Accuracy Stage Mechanics

• Stage reduction: -1 accuracy stage
• Accuracy multiplier: Each stage down reduces accuracy by ~16.67%
• Stage -1: 83.33% accuracy (5/6 multiplier)
• Cumulative: Can stack with other accuracy debuffs
• Duration: Persists until switched out or cured

Important Interactions

• Keen Eye: Immune to accuracy reduction, making this ability ineffective
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Immune to stat reductions
• Contrary: Will increase accuracy instead of decreasing it
• Defiant/Competitive: May trigger attack/special attack boosts
• Substitute: Sand Attack cannot hit through Substitute
• Ghost types: Not immune (Sand Attack is Ground-type but targets all types)

Activation Timing

• Entry order: Activates immediately upon switch-in
• Priority: Uses the extra attack system
• Interruption: Can be interrupted by faster priority moves
• Multi-target: In doubles, targets one opposing Pokémon

Strategic Applications

• Sweeper disruption: Reduces accuracy of setup sweepers
• Stall support: Helps stall teams by causing missed attacks
• Revenge killing: Makes faster threats less reliable
• Entry deterrent: Discourages certain switch-ins
• Passive utility: Provides value without turn investment

Limitations

• One-time use: Only activates once per switch-in
• Accuracy immunity: Hard countered by Keen Eye users
• Status move: Doesn't deal damage
• Predictable: Opponents know it's coming
• Substitute: Blocked by Substitute

Common Counters

• Keen Eye: Complete immunity to accuracy reduction
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Prevents stat reduction
• Substitute: Blocks the Sand Attack
• Rapid switching: Resets accuracy stages
• Haze/Clear Smog: Removes accuracy debuffs

Synergies

• Stall teams: Pairs well with defensive strategies
• Entry hazards: Combines with Stealth Rock/Spikes
• Status spreaders: Works with other disruptive abilities
• Pivot moves: U-turn/Volt Switch for repeated use
• Accuracy-reducing moves: Stacks with Muddy Water, Hurricane, etc.

Competitive Usage

• Niche utility: Situational disruption tool
• Anti-setup: Counters accuracy-dependent setup sweepers
• Prediction value: Forces opponents to consider accuracy issues
• Team support: Provides passive utility for defensive teams

Version History

• Custom ability in Elite Redux
• Based on the entry move system used by other abilities
• Uses standard Sand Attack mechanics with automatic targeting