Grappler - Ability ID 523

In-Game Description

"Trapping moves last 6 turns. Trapping deals 1/6 HP."

Extended In-Game Description

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

Grappler extends trapping moves to last 6 turns instead of 4-5 turns and increases damage to 1/6 max HP per turn. Affects moves like Bind, Wrap, Fire Spin, and Sand Tomb. Trapping damage occurs at end of turn. Makes binding strategies more potent and reliable.

Character count: 294

Detailed Mechanical Explanation

For Discord/reference use

Core Mechanics

Grappler is an offensive ability that enhances trapping move effectiveness by extending their duration and increasing their damage output. This ability transforms traditionally weak binding moves into serious threats.

Activation Conditions

• Move requirement: Must use a trapping/binding move
• Affected moves:
  • Bind
  • Wrap
  • Fire Spin
  • Whirlpool
  • Sand Tomb
  • Clamp
  • Infestation
  • Magma Storm
  • Thunder Cage (if implemented)
• Duration extension: Trapping lasts exactly 6 turns (increased from normal 4-5 turns)
• Damage boost: Trapping damage increased to 1/6 max HP per turn (from normal 1/8)

Technical Implementation

// Grappler extends trapping duration and damage
if (ability == ABILITY_GRAPPLER && IsMoveTrapping(move)) {
    // Set trapping turns to 6
    gBattleMons[target].status2 |= STATUS2_WRAPPED;
    gBattleStruct->wrappedTurns[target] = 6;
    
    // Increase damage to 1/6 max HP
    damage = GetBattlerMaxHP(target) / 6;
}

Important Interactions

• Turn counting: Trapping duration is fixed at 6 turns, not random
• Damage timing: Trapping damage occurs at the end of each turn
• Stacking: Cannot stack multiple trapping effects
• Switching: Trapped Pokémon cannot switch out
• Ghost types: Still affected by trapping moves (unlike traditional mechanics)
• Partial trapping immunity: Flying types and Levitate still affected by most moves

Damage Calculation

• Base damage: 1/6 of target's maximum HP per turn
• Minimum damage: At least 1 HP per turn
• Not affected by: Type effectiveness, stats, or other damage modifiers
• Cumulative effect: Can deal significant damage over 6 turns (total of 100% max HP if uninterrupted)

Strategic Implications

• Pressure tool: Forces switches or significant damage accumulation
• Stall breaker: Excellent against defensive strategies
• Setup time: 6-turn duration provides ample setup opportunities
• Revenge killer: Can finish off weakened opponents over time
• Entry hazard synergy: Works well with Stealth Rock and Spikes

Enhanced Trapping Moves

When used with Grappler:

• Fire Spin: 6 turns of 1/6 HP fire damage
• Bind: 6 turns of 1/6 HP normal damage
• Sand Tomb: 6 turns of 1/6 HP ground damage + accuracy reduction
• Whirlpool: 6 turns of 1/6 HP water damage
• Infestation: 6 turns of 1/6 HP bug damage
• Magma Storm: 6 turns of 1/6 HP fire damage (if already high damage, enhanced further)

Common Users

• Dugtrio: Arena Trap + Grappler combination
• Cradily: Bulky trapper with Storm Drain synergy
• Tentacruel: Fast trapper with wide movepool
• Octillery: Diverse trapping move access
• Diglett: Early game trapping specialist

Competitive Usage Notes

• Guaranteed duration: 6-turn fixed duration removes RNG from trapping
• Significant chip damage: 100% max HP over full duration
• Forces responses: Opponents must act quickly or lose Pokémon
• Entry hazard combos: Pairs excellently with hazard setters
• Late game closer: Can secure KOs on weakened teams

Counters

• Magic Guard: Negates trapping damage entirely
• Shed Shell: Allows switching out of trapping moves
• Rapid Spin: Removes trapping effects (if the user can act)
• U-turn/Volt Switch: Pivot moves before getting trapped (timing dependent)
• Ghost types: Immunity to some trapping moves like Bind and Wrap
• Substitute: Can block initial trapping move

Synergies

• Arena Trap: Prevents escape, guaranteeing full trapping duration
• Shadow Tag: Similar escape prevention synergy
• Entry hazards: Maximize damage while opponent is trapped
• Speed control: Trick Room or Thunder Wave to ensure trapping move hits
• Recovery moves: Heal while opponent takes trapping damage
• Setup moves: Use trapping turns for stat boosts

Move Compatibility

Excellent trapping moves for Grappler users:

• Fire Spin: Widely distributed, decent power
• Infestation: Bug typing, good distribution
• Sand Tomb: Ground typing, accuracy reduction bonus
• Whirlpool: Water typing, decent availability
• Bind: Normal typing, neutral effectiveness

Version History

• Elite Redux original: New ability created for Elite Redux
• Implementation status: Defined in protobuf, implementation may be pending
• Design intent: Enhance viability of traditionally weak trapping strategies
• Balancing considerations: High damage output balanced by move accuracy and setup requirements