Powder Burst - Ability ID 514

In-Game Description

"Casts Powder on entry."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Powder Burst automatically uses Powder on entry, coating the target with explosive powder. If the target uses any Fire-type move while coated, they take 25% max HP damage and the powder is consumed. Provides immediate battlefield control against Fire-type attackers.

Character count: 296

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Powder Burst is an entry ability that automatically applies the Powder status condition to an opponent when the Pokémon enters the battlefield. The Powder status creates a dangerous trap that punishes Fire-type move usage.

Activation Conditions

• Entry trigger: Activates automatically when the Pokémon enters battle
• Target selection: Automatically targets an opponent (typically the active opponent)
• No accuracy check: Cannot miss since it's an ability effect
• Bypasses immunity: Applied as an ability effect, not a move

Powder Status Effects

• Status duration: Lasts until end of turn (STATUS2_POWDER)
• Fire move trigger: Activates when the affected Pokémon uses any Fire-type move
• Damage calculation: Deals 25% of the target's max HP as damage
• Magic Guard interaction: Prevents damage if the target has Magic Guard
• Move cancellation: The Fire-type move still executes after taking damage

Technical Implementation

// Ability definition
constexpr Ability PowderBurst = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { 
        return UseEntryMove(battler, ability, MOVE_POWDER, 0); 
    },
};

// Powder status check during attack
if (gBattleMons[gBattlerAttacker].status2 & STATUS2_POWDER) {
    u32 moveType;
    GET_MOVE_TYPE(gCurrentMove, moveType);
    if (moveType == TYPE_FIRE) {
        gBattleMoveDamage = BATTLER_HAS_MAGIC_GUARD(gBattlerAttacker) ? 0 : (gBattleMons[gBattlerAttacker].maxHP / 4);
        // Execute powder explosion
    }
}

Important Interactions

• Move execution: Fire moves still execute after powder explosion
• Magic Guard: Prevents the powder explosion damage
• Baton Pass: Powder status is preserved when Baton Passing
• Turn end: Powder status is automatically removed at end of turn
• Overcoat immunity: Overcoat prevents powder moves from affecting the user
• Multiple applications: Can be reapplied if the Pokémon switches out and back in

Strategic Implications

• Anti-Fire utility: Deters Fire-type attackers and sweepers
• Entry pressure: Provides immediate battlefield control upon switching in
• Suicide deterrent: Discourages Fire-type Pokémon from staying in
• Mindgames: Forces opponents to consider their Fire-type moves carefully
• Limited duration: Only lasts one turn, requiring careful timing

Common Users

Larvesta (Changeable)

• Bug/Fire type with access to Powder Burst
• Can deter opposing Fire-types despite sharing the type
• Synergizes with its defensive bulk

Ribombee (Changeable)

• Bug/Fairy type with high Speed
• Can apply Powder quickly before opponents act
• Pairs well with its supportive movepool

Butterfree (Innate)

• Multiple Butterfree evolution lines have this as an innate ability
• Provides utility alongside their other abilities
• Good synergy with Compound Eyes for accuracy

Competitive Usage Notes

• Excellent against Fire-type sweepers and wallbreakers
• Provides immediate entry pressure without setup
• Can discourage Fire-type coverage moves
• Pairs well with other entry abilities for multiple effects
• Limited to one turn duration requires strategic timing

Counters

• Non-Fire attacks: Powder only affects Fire-type moves
• Magic Guard: Completely negates the powder explosion damage
• Overcoat: Prevents powder moves from affecting the user
• Switching: Switching out removes the powder status
• Waiting: Powder expires at end of turn if not triggered

Synergies

• Compound Eyes: Improves accuracy of follow-up moves
• Levitate: Protects from Ground-type moves commonly used by Fire-types
• Shield Dust: Provides immunity to other powder moves
• Prankster: Prioritizes status moves to capitalize on powder pressure
• Tinted Lens: Enhances damage against Fire-types that resist other moves

Version History

• Elite Redux original ability
• Part of the extended ability system
• Provides unique anti-Fire utility not found in other games
• Commonly distributed among Bug-type Pokémon as thematic fit

Damage Calculation Details

• Base damage: 25% of target's maximum HP
• Rounding: Rounded down (standard HP damage rounding)
• Immunity: Magic Guard completely prevents damage
• No type effectiveness: Powder explosion is typeless damage
• Substitute: Damages the Pokémon directly, not the substitute