Phantom Thief - Ability ID 521

In-Game Description

"Attacks with 40BP Spectral Thief on switch-in."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Phantom Thief automatically uses a 40 BP Spectral Thief when switching in, targeting a random opponent. Steals all positive stat boosts from the target and applies them to the user. Ghost-type attack benefits from STAB on Ghost-types. Cannot miss and ignores Substitute.

Character count: 295

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Phantom Thief is an aggressive entry ability that automatically uses a modified version of Spectral Thief when the Pokémon switches into battle, forcing immediate offensive pressure and stat theft.

Activation Conditions

• Trigger: Activates immediately upon switching into battle
• Target selection: Targets a random opponent in battle
• Move properties: Uses Spectral Thief with 40 BP instead of normal 90 BP
• Type: Ghost-type physical attack
• Accuracy: Cannot miss (ability-triggered moves bypass accuracy)

Technical Implementation

constexpr Ability PhantomThief = {
    .onEntry = +[](ON_ENTRY) -> int { 
        return UseEntryMove(battler, ability, MOVE_SPECTRAL_THIEF, 40); 
    },
};

The ability uses the UseEntryMove function to execute Spectral Thief with reduced power on switch-in.

Spectral Thief Mechanics

Based on the move's implementation:

• Stat stealing: Takes all positive stat boosts (+1 to +6) from the target
• Stat application: Applies stolen boosts to the user, up to +6 maximum
• Stat reset: Target's boosted stats are reset to neutral (0)
• Contact move: Makes contact for abilities like Static, Flame Body
• Affected stats: Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, Speed, Accuracy, Evasion

Important Interactions

• STAB bonus: Ghost-type users get 1.5x damage (40 BP becomes 60 effective BP)
• Substitute piercing: Spectral Thief bypasses Substitute to steal stats
• Multi-target: In doubles, targets one random opponent
• Priority: No priority; uses standard switch-in timing
• Damage calculation: Uses user's Attack stat and target's Defense stat

Strategic Implications

• Setup punisher: Punishes opponents who try to set up stat boosts
• Immediate pressure: Forces damage and disruption on switch-in
• Momentum swing: Can steal crucial stat boosts and turn them against opponent
• Entry hazard synergy: Combines with hazard damage for KO potential
• Mind games: Opponents must consider stat boost timing carefully

Defensive Counterplay

• Ghost immunity: Normal and Fighting types immune to the Ghost-type attack
• Protect/Detect: Can block the entry move if predicted
• Intimidate: Can reduce the incoming damage by lowering Attack
• Rocky Helmet: Deals contact damage back to the user
• Rough Skin/Iron Barbs: Punishes the contact move

Common Users

Based on the ability ID (521), this is likely found on:

• Ghost-type Pokémon with thieving/sneaky themes
• Pokémon with high Attack stats to maximize damage
• Fast Pokémon who can capitalize on stolen Speed boosts
• Pokémon designed to disrupt setup strategies

Competitive Usage Notes

• Setup counter: Excellent against setup sweepers and calm mind users
• Pivot tool: Can steal stats then pivot out with U-turn/Volt Switch
• Early game pressure: Creates immediate threats when switching in
• Double battles: Random targeting can disrupt opponent's strategy
• Risk/reward: Exposes user to retaliation but gains stolen stats

Synergies

• Choice items: Can immediately use stolen stats with locked moves
• Life Orb: Boosts the entry move damage significantly
• Entry hazards: Combines damage for potential KOs
• Pivot moves: Steal stats then switch out to preserve them
• Priority moves: Use stolen Speed to outspeed and attack

Counters

• Ghost immunity: Normal/Fighting types completely avoid the effect
• Protective moves: Protect, Detect, Spiky Shield block the move
• Clear Body/White Smoke: Prevents stat theft (target keeps boosts)
• Hyper Cutter: Protects Attack stat from being stolen
• Contact punishment: Abilities that punish contact moves

Version History

• Elite Redux custom ability (ID 521)
• Part of the expanded ability roster beyond Generation VIII
• Uses existing Spectral Thief mechanics with entry trigger
• Reduced power balances the automatic activation

Technical Notes

• Uses MOVE_SPECTRAL_THIEF (ID 666) with modified 40 BP
• Triggers through onEntry ability hook
• Benefits from all normal move mechanics (STAB, items, etc.)
• Subject to normal battle mechanics and type effectiveness