Spiteful - Ability ID 518

In-Game Description

"Reduces attacker's PP on contact."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Spiteful reduces the attacker's PP by 4 when hit by contact moves. Targets the last move used by the attacker, reducing its PP even if it wasn't the move that made contact. Cannot reduce PP below 0. Fails if the attacker has no remaining PP or hasn't used any moves yet.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Spiteful is a defensive ability that punishes physical contact moves by reducing the attacker's PP. The ability triggers when the Pokémon with Spiteful is hit by a move that makes physical contact.

Activation Conditions

• Contact requirement: Attacker must use a move that makes physical contact
• Move exclusion: Does not trigger on Struggle
• PP requirement: Attacker must have remaining PP on their last used move
• Timing: Activates immediately after taking damage from contact move

PP Reduction Mechanics

• Amount reduced: Always reduces PP by 4 (modern generation mechanics)
• PP limit: Cannot reduce PP below 0
• Move targeted: Targets the attacker's last used move, not necessarily the contact move
• Failure conditions:
  • Attacker has no PP remaining on their last move
  • Attacker hasn't used any moves yet (gLastMoves is 0 or 0xFFFF)
  • Last move was Struggle

Technical Implementation

// Spiteful ability implementation
constexpr Ability Spiteful = {
    .onDefender = +[](ON_DEFENDER) -> int {
        CHECK(ShouldApplyOnHitAffect(attacker))
        CHECK(move != MOVE_STRUGGLE)
        CHECK(IsMoveMakingContact(move, attacker))
        CHECK(gBattleMons[attacker].pp[gChosenMovePos])

        BattleScriptCall(BattleScript_AbilitySpiteful);
        return TRUE;
    },
};

Battle Script Process

The ability uses tryspiteppreduce command which:

1. Finds the attacker's last used move in their moveset
2. Checks if PP reduction is valid (move has remaining PP)
3. Reduces PP by 4 (or remaining PP if less than 4)
4. Updates the attacker's PP both in battle and permanently
5. Displays message about PP reduction
6. Cancels multi-turn moves if PP reaches 0

Important Interactions

• Last move targeting: Reduces PP of the last move used, not the contact move
• Multi-turn moves: Cancels moves like Outrage if PP reaches 0
• Transform/Mimic immunity: Doesn't affect mimicked or transformed movesets
• Ability negation: Blocked by abilities like Mold Breaker
• Protection: Doesn't trigger if the attack is blocked by Protect

Strategic Implications

• Physical wall utility: Excellent on defensive Pokémon that take many hits
• PP stalling: Can force opponents to run out of moves faster
• Contact move deterrent: Makes physical attackers think twice about repeated contact
• Longevity tool: Helps in extended battles by depleting opponent resources

Contact Move Interactions

Common contact moves affected:

• Physical attacks: Tackle, Quick Attack, Body Slam, etc.
• Priority moves: Extreme Speed, Fake Out, Sucker Punch
• Multi-hit moves: Each hit can trigger Spiteful
• Punch moves: Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, etc.

Non-Contact Moves (Unaffected)

• Projectile moves: Rock Throw, Pin Missile, Bullet Punch
• Special attacks: Most special moves don't make contact
• Status moves: Thunder Wave, Toxic, etc.
• Environmental moves: Earthquake, Surf, etc.

Competitive Usage Notes

• Defensive core: Excellent on bulky Pokémon expected to take many hits
• Innate ability: Found as innate on Galarian Slowking and Runerigus
• PP pressure: Creates additional win condition through PP depletion
• Contact punishment: Deters physical attackers from repeated contact
• Stall strategy: Effective in longer battles and PP stall teams

Known Users

• Galarian Slowking: Innate ability alongside Pressure for double PP pressure
• Runerigus: Innate ability providing defensive utility
• Both Pokémon can utilize the ability for stall and defensive strategies

Counters

• Non-contact moves: Use special attacks or non-contact physical moves
• Ability suppression: Mold Breaker ignores Spiteful
• Protection: Protect prevents contact and ability activation
• Long-range attacks: Projectile and environmental moves avoid contact
• One-shot strategies: KO before Spiteful becomes relevant

Synergies

• Pressure: Doubles PP reduction when combined as innate ability
• Defensive stats: High Defense/HP maximizes hits taken to trigger ability
• Recovery moves: Roost, Recover to stay healthy while reducing PP
• Status moves: Toxic, Thunder Wave to complement PP pressure strategy
• Protective moves: Protect to force more PP usage from opponents

Version History

• Elite Redux exclusive ability (ID 518)
• Uses modern PP reduction mechanics (4 PP consistently)
• Implemented with specialized battle script for PP management
• Found as innate ability on select defensive Pokémon