Retriever (ID: 515)

Summary

Retriever automatically restores a Pokemon's original held item when switching out, providing a unique form of item recovery that counters item removal and allows reuse of consumables.

Mechanics

• Trigger: When the Pokemon switches out (must be alive)
• Effect: Restores the original held item if currently not holding one
• Conditions:
  • Pokemon must be alive when switching
  • Pokemon must have no current item
  • Pokemon must have had an item at battle start
• Message: "{POKEMON} retrieved its {ITEM}!"

Code Implementation

Located in src/abilities.cc at line 5430:

• Uses onExit callback for switch-out trigger
• Retrieves original item from battle storage:
  • Player team: gBattleStruct->itemStolen[index].originalItem
  • Opponent team: gBattleStruct->opposingOriginalItems[index]
• Updates Pokemon's held item to the original

Item Tracking System

The game maintains records of all Pokemon's original items throughout the battle, enabling restoration even after consumption, Knock Off, Trick, or Thief.

Strategic Applications

• Consumable Reuse: Berries, Focus Sash, etc. can be used multiple times
• Anti-Item Removal: Counters Knock Off, Trick, and Thief strategies
• Switching Synergy: Encourages strategic switching to refresh items
• Double Battle Value: Can retrieve items for multiple team members

Limitations

• Only activates on voluntary switches (not when fainting)
• Cannot retrieve if already holding an item
• Cannot generate new items - only restores battle start items

Extended In-Game Description (280-300 chars)

"Retrieves original held item when switching out if not holding one. Counters Knock Off, Trick, and item consumption. Works with berries, Focus Sash, and all holdable items. Must switch while alive to activate. Allows strategic item reuse throughout battle."

Character count: 282